Zipper Slider with Non-destructively Removable Attachment

Abstract

An apparatus includes a mounting assembly configured and engaged with a device, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a lock system for fixedly attaching the mounting assembly to the device, wherein the lock system permits non-destructive disconnection of the mounting assembly from the device via the use of a key designed for use with the mounting assembly and lock, wherein the lock system is designed to break if the mounting assembly and the device are separated without the use of the key. The device is a zipper slider, a button, or a snap fastener, and the apparatus may attach a character to the device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of PCT/IB2024/061155, filed Nov. 10, 2024, which is related and claims priority to/benefit of (i) U.S. patent application 63/547,890, filed Nov. 9, 2023, and (ii) U.S. patent application 63/717,247, filed Nov. 6, 2024, both titled “Zipper Slider with Non-destructively Removable Attachment,” the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

A portion of this patent document's disclosure contains material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to zippers and, more particularly, to a slider to be used with a zipper chain.

BACKGROUND

Zippers have long been used to fasten or otherwise secure items such as jackets, luggage, pockets, and other types of products. A typical zipper may include a slider configured with two face-to-face rows of elements or teeth. The rows of elements are typically connected to a tape or the like, and as the slider is moved along the tape in one direction, the two rows of teeth may pass through the slider, and the teeth may be interlocked, resulting in a combined zipper chain. The rows of teeth separate as the slider is moved along the tape in the opposite direction. In this way, as is well known, an item configured with the zipper may be fastened or unfastened.

Conventional zippers include a puller or tab connected to the slider, which may be grasped to move the slider along the zipper chain or tape. Pullers may be attached to the slider using a loop that may pass through a hole in the slider.

In addition, decorative components or elements may be attached to the puller such that the elements may dangle from the slider. However, by dangling from the slider, these decorative elements may easily become oriented, so they may not be visible or easily recognized.

Also, it is not uncommon for pullers of this sort to break off or otherwise become dislodged from the slider, rendering the slider difficult or impossible to use. Any decorative element attached to the puller may also be lost when this happens.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a customizable slider that can incorporate different decorative components or elements securely.

It is further desirable to provide a customizable slider that can incorporate different decorative components or elements securely, where the decorative components can be non-destructively removed and replaced.

It is further desirable, and an object hereof, to provide a customizable pull-tab for a zipper that can incorporate different decorative components or elements securely, where the decorative components can be non-destructively removed and replaced.

It is further desirable, and an object hereof, to provide a customizable button or snap fastener that can incorporate different decorative components or elements securely, where the decorative components can be non-destructively removed and replaced.

SUMMARY

The present invention is specified in the claims and in the description below. The following summary is exemplary and not limiting. Presently preferred embodiments are particularly specified in the dependent claims and the description of various embodiments.

One general aspect includes an apparatus that also includes a mounting assembly configured and engaged with a device, where the mounting assembly may include a lock system for fixedly attaching the mounting assembly to the device, where the lock system permits non-destructive disconnection of the mounting assembly from the device via use of a key designed for use with the mounting assembly and lock. The apparatus also includes where the lock system is designed to break (or may break) if the mounting assembly and the device are separated without using the key.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):

• • The apparatus where the device is a zipper slider or a button or a snap fastener.
  • The apparatus may include an attachment body attached to the mounting assembly.
  • The attachment body may include a recess, where the mounting assembly is connected to the recess of the attachment body.
  • The mounting assembly is connected to the recess of the attachment body using one or more of gluing, clamping, and/or molding.
  • The lock system may include a locking slot structure, where the device may include a plurality of tabs, and where the mounting assembly is attached to the device using the plurality of tabs by inserting the plurality of tabs into the locking slot structure, where the locking slot structure holds the mounting assembly to the device.
  • The mounting assembly is removable from the device by the key inserted into the mounting assembly to disengage the plurality of tabs from the locking slot structure.
  • The plurality of tabs may include two tabs.
  • The plurality of tabs may include a first tab and a second tab, where the inner walls of the first tab and the second tab are about 4.4 mm apart, where a height of the tabs is about 2.5 mm, and where outer walls of the tabs are about 9.8 mm apart.
  • The mounting assembly is made of PA, PET, or ABS and may include glass fiber or other reinforcement or additive material.
  • The apparatus where the mounting assembly is rectangular and is about (i) 5.0 to 9.0 mm deep, (ii) 6.5 to 5 mm wide, and (iii) 14.5 to 18.5 mm long.
  • An attachment body is formed integrally with the mounting assembly (e.g., as a single piece or unit).
  • The apparatus where the attachment body comprises electronic circuitry (e.g., a GPS tracker, an RFID tag (passive or active), etc.) and, if needed, a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery).
  • The apparatus where the attachment body comprises scannable indicia such as a barcode.
  • The attachment body may comprise a metal or a metal outer shell.
  • The apparatus where a barcode is hidden in other imagery (e.g., decorative imagery).

In another aspect, the invention is a product comprising an apparatus as described herein. The product is selected from a garment, a shoe, an item of luggage, an item of sports equipment, bags, pencil cases, backpacks, computer/laptop cases, luggage, zip-up portfolio cases, zip-up storage bins for toys, sleeping bags, tents, children makeup/toiletry bags, lunch bags, hats with zipper pockets, toys, toy clothing.

Another general aspect includes an apparatus for a zipper (the “zipper apparatus” embodiments). The apparatus also includes a slider assembly. The apparatus also includes a mounting assembly configured and engaged with the slider assembly, where the mounting assembly is non-destructively removable from the slider assembly.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):

• • The apparatus where the mounting assembly may include a lock system for fixedly attaching the mounting assembly to the slider assembly, where the lock system permits non-destructive disconnection of the mounting assembly from the slider assembly via the use of a key designed for use with the mounting assembly and lock, where the lock system is designed to break if the mounting assembly and the slider assembly are separated without the use of the key.
  • The lock system may include a locking slider, and the apparatus may include a lock mechanism engaged with the slider assembly, where the mounting assembly is attached to the lock mechanism, and the mounting assembly is non-destructively removable from the lock mechanism.
  • The lock system may include a locking slot structure, where the lock mechanism may include a plurality of tabs, and where the mounting assembly is connected to the lock mechanism by inserting the plurality of tabs into the locking slot structure, where the locking slot structure holds the mounting assembly to the lock mechanism.
  • The mounting assembly is removable from the lock mechanism by a key inserted into the mounting assembly to disengage the plurality of tabs from the locking slot structure.
  • The plurality of tabs may include two tabs.
  • The plurality of tabs may include a first tab and a second tab, where the inner walls of the first tab and the second tab are about 4.4 mm apart, where a height of the tabs is about 2.5 mm, and where outer walls of the tabs are about 9.8 mm apart.
  • The apparatus may include an attachment body attached to the mounting assembly.
  • The attachment body may include a recess and where the mounting assembly is connected to the recess of the attachment using one or more of gluing, clamping, and/or molding.
  • The attachment body is formed integrally with the mounting assembly (e.g., as a single piece or unit).
  • The attachment body may comprise a metal or a metal outer shell.
  • The slider assembly may include a non-locking slider.
  • The mounting assembly may include a locking slot structure, where the slider assembly may include a plurality of tabs, and where the mounting assembly is attached to the non-locking slider using the plurality of tabs by inserting the plurality of tabs into the locking slot structure, where the locking slot structure holds the mounting assembly to the non-locking slider.
  • The mounting assembly is removable from the non-locking slider by a key inserted into the mounting assembly to disengage the plurality of tabs from the locking slot structure.
  • The plurality of tabs is positioned along a vertical axis of the slide assembly.
  • The plurality of tabs is positioned along a horizontal axis of the slide assembly.
  • The slider assembly may include a hook structure, where a plurality of tabs is positioned on the hook structure.
  • The apparatus may further include a pull tab connected to the slider assembly, where a plurality of tabs are positioned on the pull tab, where the mounting assembly may include a locking slot structure, and where the mounting assembly is attached to the pull tab using the plurality of tabs, by inserting the plurality of tabs into the locking slot structure, where the locking slot structure holds the mounting assembly to the pull tab.
  • The mounting assembly is made of PA, PET, or ABS and may include glass fiber or other reinforcement or additive material.
  • The apparatus where the mounting assembly is rectangular and is about (i) 5.0 to 9.0 mm deep, (ii) 6.5 to 10.5 mm wide, and (iii) 14.5 to 18.5 mm long.
  • The apparatus where the attachment body comprises electronic circuitry (e.g., a GPS tracker, an RFID tag (passive or active), etc.) and, if needed, a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery).
  • The apparatus where the attachment body comprises scannable indicia such as a barcode.
  • The apparatus where a barcode is hidden in other imagery (e.g., decorative imagery).

In another aspect, the invention is a zipper assembly comprising a slider apparatus according to any zipper apparatus embodiments.

In yet another aspect, the invention is a product comprising a zipper assembly with a slider apparatus according to any one of the slider embodiments. The product may be selected from a garment, a shoe, an item of luggage, an item of sports equipment, bags, pencil cases, backpacks, computer/laptop cases, luggage, zip-up portfolio cases, zip-up storage bins for toys, sleeping bags, tents, children makeup/toiletry bags, lunch bags, hats with zipper pockets, toys, toy clothing.

In one general aspect, this invention is a zipper assembly, including a zipper slider having at least one locking protrusion. The zipper assembly may also include a mount including a cavity adapted to receive the at least one locking protrusion and having at least one locking member. The zipper assembly may include where the at least one locking member releasably locks the at least one locking protrusion within the cavity.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):

• • The zipper assembly where the locking protrusion is configured to pass through the cavity from a protrusion first position to a protrusion second position, where, in the protrusion first position, a first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed, and in the protrusion second position the first movement of the locking protrusion is releasably obstructed by the at least one locking member.
  • The zipper assembly where the locking protrusion is configured to pass through the cavity along a cavity longitudinal axis, and where, in the protrusion first position, the first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed along the cavity longitudinal axis and in the protrusion second position the first movement of the locking protrusion is releasably obstructed along the cavity longitudinal axis by the at least one locking member.
  • The zipper assembly where, when the locking protrusion is in the protrusion first position the at least one locking member is adjacent to the locking protrusion on a first side of the locking protrusion, and when the locking protrusion is in the protrusion second position the at least one locking member is adjacent to the locking protrusion on a second side of the locking protrusion.
  • The zipper assembly where the first side of the locking protrusion is opposite the second side of the locking protrusion.
  • The zipper assembly where the at least one locking member is displaced when the locking protrusion moves from the protrusion first position to the protrusion second position.
  • The zipper assembly where, when the at least one locking member is displaced, the first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed along the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • The zipper assembly where the at least one locking member is displaced by the locking protrusion when the locking protrusion moves from the protrusion first position to the protrusion second position.
  • The zipper assembly where the locking protrusion displaces the at least one locking member by exerting a first force on the at least one locking member.
  • The zipper assembly where the at least one locking member includes a wedge-shaped surface and the locking protrusion exerts the first force on the wedge-shaped surface.
  • The zipper assembly where the at least one locking member is displaced by flexing.
  • The zipper assembly where the at least one locking member may include a material with memory so that when the first force is applied, the at least one locking member flexes from a locking member first position to a locking member second position, and when the first force is removed, the at least one locking member returns to the locking member first position.
  • The zipper assembly where, when the at least one locking member flexes to the locking member second position, the first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed along the cavity longitudinal axis, and when the at least one locking member returns to the locking member first position, the first movement of the locking protrusion is obstructed by the at least one locking member along the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • The zipper assembly where, when the locking protrusion is in a protrusion third position between the protrusion first position and the protrusion second position, the at least one locking member flexes from the locking member first position to the locking member second position, and when the locking protrusion is at the protrusion second position, the at least one locking member returns to the locking member first position.
  • The zipper assembly may include a first stop member within the cavity adjacent to the first side of the locking protrusion when the at least one locking member is adjacent to the second side of the locking protrusion.
  • The zipper assembly where, when the locking protrusion is in the protrusion second position, the first stop member obstructs a second movement of the locking protrusion in a first direction along the cavity longitudinal axis, and the at least one locking member obstructs the first movement of the locking protrusion in a second direction along the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • The zipper assembly where the first direction is opposite the second direction.
  • The zipper assembly where the zipper slider further may include a guiding protrusion and the cavity is adapted to receive the guiding protrusion.
  • The zipper assembly where the guiding protrusion and the locking protrusion define a slider longitudinal axis parallel to the cavity longitudinal axis when the guiding protrusion and the locking protrusion are received into the cavity.
  • The zipper assembly where, when the guiding protrusion and the locking protrusion are received into the cavity, the guiding protrusion is received into the cavity before the locking protrusion is received into the cavity.
  • The zipper assembly where the guiding protrusion is configured to pass through the cavity from a guiding protrusion first position to a guiding protrusion second position, where, in the guiding protrusion first position, a first movement of the guiding protrusion is unobstructed, and in the guiding protrusion second position the first movement of the guiding protrusion is obstructed by a second stop member within the cavity.
  • The zipper assembly where, when the first movement of the guiding protrusion is obstructed by the second stop member, the first movement of the locking protrusion is obstructed by the at least one locking member, and the second movement of the locking protrusion is obstructed by the first stop member.
  • The zipper assembly where the second stop member includes a back portion of the cavity.66 where, when the guiding protrusion is in the guiding protrusion first position, the first movement of the guiding protrusion is unobstructed by the at least one locking member.
  • The zipper assembly where the guiding protrusion includes at least one guiding side notch that receives the at least one locking member as the guiding protrusion passes through the cavity from the guiding protrusion first position to the guiding protrusion second position.
  • The zipper assembly where the receiving of the at least one locking member by the at least one guiding side notch allows the guiding protrusion to pass by the at one locking member unobstructed.
  • The zipper assembly where the at least one guiding side notch is defined by a corresponding at least one overhang configured on the guiding protrusion.
  • The zipper assembly where the at least one locking member defines a first recess within the cavity above the at least one locking member, where the first recess is adapted to receive the corresponding at least one overhang as the guiding protrusion passes through the cavity from the guiding protrusion first position to the guiding protrusion second position.
  • The zipper assembly where, when the guiding protrusion is in the guiding protrusion first position, the first movement of the guiding protrusion is unobstructed by the first stop member.
  • The zipper assembly where the guiding protrusion's at least one guiding side notch receives the first stop member as the guiding protrusion passes through the cavity from the guiding protrusion first position to the guiding protrusion second position.
  • The zipper assembly where the receiving of the first stop member by the at least one guiding side notch allows the guiding protrusion to pass by the first stop member unobstructed.
  • The zipper assembly may include at least one support member within the cavity where, when the guiding protrusion is in the guiding protrusion second position, the at least one support member is received into the guiding protrusion's at least one guiding side notch.
  • The zipper assembly where the at least one support member is adjacent the second stop member.
  • The zipper assembly where the at least one support member defines a second recess within the cavity above the at least one support member, where the second recess is adapted to receive the corresponding at least one overhang as the guiding protrusion passes through the cavity from the guiding protrusion first position to the guiding protrusion second position.
  • The zipper assembly where the at least one locking member includes a first at least one locking member configured on a first side of the cavity and a second at least one locking member configured on a second side of the cavity and where the first side of the cavity is opposing the second side of the cavity.
  • The zipper assembly where the first at least one locking member and the second at least one locking member are opposing and aligned with one another along the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • The zipper assembly where, when the at least one locking member flexes to the locking member second position, the first at least one locking member and the second at least one locking member flex in opposite directions.
  • The zipper assembly where the at least one support member includes a first at least one support member configured on the first side of the cavity and a second at least one support member configured on the second side of the cavity.
  • The zipper assembly where the first at least one support member and the second at least one support member are opposing and aligned with one another along the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • The zipper assembly where a distance between the first at least one support member and the second at least one support member is about 1.7 mm to 1.9 mm, preferably about 1.80 mm.
  • The zipper assembly where a distance between the first at least one locking member and the second at least one locking member is about 1.7 mm to 2.7 mm, preferably about 2.2 mm.
  • The zipper assembly where a height of the guiding protrusion is about 2 mm-3 mm, preferably about 2.5 mm.
  • The zipper assembly where a width of the guiding protrusion is about 3 mm-4 mm, preferably about 3.2 mm.
  • The zipper assembly where an inner separation distance between the guiding protrusion and the locking protrusion is about 4 mm-5 mm, preferably about 4.4 mm.
  • The zipper assembly where an outer separation distance between the guiding protrusion and the locking protrusion is about 9 mm to 10 mm, preferably about 9.8 mm.
  • The zipper assembly where the first stop member includes at least one tab or bar extending within the cavity perpendicular to the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • The zipper assembly where the locking protrusion includes a notch that receives at least a portion of the first stop member when the locking protrusion is in the protrusion second position.
  • The zipper assembly may include a key configured to be received into the cavity to cause the first movement of the locking protrusion to be unobstructed by the at least one locking member.
  • The zipper assembly where the key causes the at least one locking member to flex from the locking member first position to the locking member second position.
  • The zipper assembly where the key is separate from the locking protrusion.
  • The zipper assembly where the key is configured to be received into the cavity to cause the at least one locking member to flex from the locking member first position to the locking member second position when the locking protrusion is in the protrusion second position.
  • The zipper assembly where the key causes the at least one locking member to flex from the locking member first position to the locking member second position by exerting a second force to the wedge-shaped surface of the at least one locking member.
  • The zipper assembly where, when the key causes the at least one locking member to flex from the locking member first position to the locking member second position, the first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed by the at least one locking member.
  • The zipper assembly where, when the first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed by the at least one locking member, the key and the locking protrusion are removable from the cavity.
  • The zipper assembly where a height of the locking protrusion is about 2 mm-3 mm, preferably about 2.5 mm.
  • The zipper assembly where a width of the locking protrusion is about 3 mm-4 mm, preferably about 3.2 mm.
  • The zipper assembly where a width of the cavity is about W1.
  • The zipper assembly where the mount includes an upper portion adapted to be coupled to an attachment body.
  • The zipper assembly where a width of the upper portion is about 6 mm to 8 mm, preferably about 7 mm 0.05 mm, and a length of the upper portion is about 16 mm-17 mm, preferably about 16.55 mm.
  • The zipper assembly where the attachment body may include electronic circuitry (e.g., a GPS tracker, an RFID tag (passive or active), etc.), and, if needed, a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery).
  • The zipper assembly where the attachment body may include scannable indicia such as a barcode.
  • The zipper assembly where the barcode is hidden in other decorative imagery.
  • The zipper assembly where the mount is made of PA, PET, or ABS and may include glass fiber or other reinforcement or additive material.

In another general aspect, this invention is a mount for connecting to a zipper slider having a locking protrusion. The mount may include a cavity adapted to receive the locking protrusion and having at least one locking member, where the at least one locking member releasably locks the locking protrusion within the cavity.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):

• • The mount where the at least one locking member releasably obstructs a first movement of the locking protrusion when the locking protrusion is in a first position within the cavity, and the at least one locking member does not obstruct the first movement of the locking protrusion when the locking protrusion is in a second position within the cavity.
  • The mount where the at least one locking member releasably obstructs a first movement of the locking protrusion along a cavity longitudinal axis when the locking protrusion is in a first position within the cavity, and the at least one locking member does not obstruct the first movement of the locking protrusion along the cavity longitudinal axis when the locking protrusion is in a second position within the cavity.
  • The mount where the at least one locking member is adjacent to a first side of the locking protrusion when the locking protrusion is in the (protrusion) first position, and the at least one locking member is adjacent to a second side of the locking protrusion when the locking protrusion is in the (protrusion) second position.
  • The mount where the first side of the locking protrusion is opposite the second side of the locking protrusion.
  • The mount where the at least one locking member is displaced when the locking protrusion moves from the (protrusion) first position to the (protrusion) second position.
  • The mount where, when the at least one locking member is displaced, the at least one locking member obstructs the first movement of the locking protrusion along the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • The mount where the at least one locking member is displaced by the locking protrusion when the locking protrusion moves from the (protrusion) first position to the (protrusion) second position.
  • The mount where the at least one locking member receives a first force from the locking protrusion that displaces the at least one locking member.
  • The mount where the at least one locking member includes a wedge-shaped surface that receives the first force from locking protrusion.
  • The mount includes an upper portion that is adapted to be coupled to an attachment body.
  • The mount where the attachment body may include electronic circuitry (e.g., a GPS tracker, an RFID tag (passive or active), etc.), and, if needed, a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery).
  • The mount where the attachment body may include scannable indicia such as a barcode.
  • The mount where the barcode is hidden in other decorative imagery.
  • The mount is made of PA, PET, or ABS and may include glass fiber or other reinforcement or additive material.

In another aspect, the invention is a zipper assembly comprising a zipper slider having at least one locking protrusion, and a mount according to any of the mount embodiments, wherein at least one locking member of the mount releasably locks the at least one locking protrusion within a cavity of the mount.

In yet another aspect, the invention is a product comprising a zipper assembly according to any one of the zipper and/or mount embodiments. The product may be selected from a garment, a shoe, an item of luggage, an item of sports equipment, bags, pencil cases, backpacks, computer/laptop cases, luggage, zip-up portfolio cases, zip-up storage bins for toys, sleeping bags, tents, children makeup/toiletry bags, lunch bags, hats with zipper pockets, toys, toy clothing.

Below is an exemplary list of apparatus aspects. Those will be indicated with the letter “A.” Whenever such aspects are referred to, this will be done by referring to “A” aspects.

• • A1. An apparatus comprising a mounting assembly configured and engaged with a device, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a lock system for fixedly attaching the mounting assembly to the device, wherein the lock system permits non-destructive disconnection of the mounting assembly from the device via the use of a key designed for use with the mounting assembly and lock, wherein the lock system is designed to break if the mounting assembly and the device are separated without the use of the key.
  • A2. The apparatus of embodiment A1, wherein the device is a zipper slider or a button or a snap fastener.
  • A3. The apparatus of embodiments A1 to A2 further comprising an attachment body attached to the mounting assembly.
  • A4. The apparatus of embodiments A1 to A2, wherein the lock system comprises a locking slot structure, wherein the device comprises a plurality of tabs, and wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the device using the plurality of tabs by inserting the plurality of tabs into the locking slot structure, wherein the locking slot structure holds the mounting assembly to the device.
  • A5. The apparatus of embodiment(s) A4, wherein the mounting assembly is removable from the device by the key inserted into the mounting assembly to disengage the plurality of tabs from the locking slot structure.
  • A6. The apparatus of embodiments A4 to A5, wherein the plurality of tabs comprises two tabs.
  • A7. The apparatus of embodiments A3-A6, wherein the attachment body comprises a recess and wherein the mounting assembly is connected to the recess of the attachment body.
  • A8. The apparatus of embodiments A1-A7, wherein the mounting assembly is connected to the recess of the attachment body using one or more of gluing, clamping, and/or molding.
  • A9. The apparatus of embodiments A1-A8, wherein the mounting assembly comprises PA, PET, or ABS and may include glass fiber or other reinforcement or additive material.
  • A10. The apparatus of embodiments A1 to A9, where the mounting assembly is rectangular and is about (i) 5.0 to 9.0 mm deep, (ii) 6.5 to 10.5 mm wide, and (iii) 14.5 to 18.5 mm long.
  • A11. The apparatus of embodiments A4-A10, wherein the plurality of tabs comprise a first tab and a second tab, and wherein inner walls of the first tab and the second tab are about 4.4 mm apart, and wherein a height of the tabs is about 2.5 mm, and wherein outer walls of the tabs are about 9.8 mm apart.
  • A12. The apparatus of embodiments A1-A11, wherein an attachment body is formed integrally with the mounting assembly (e.g., as a single piece or unit).
  • A13. The apparatus of embodiments A1-A12, wherein the attachment body comprises electronic circuitry (e.g., a GPS tracker, an RFID tag (passive or active), etc.), and, if needed, a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery).
  • A14. The apparatus of embodiments A1-A13, wherein the attachment body comprises scannable indicia such as a barcode.
  • A15. The apparatus of embodiments A1-A14, wherein the barcode is hidden in other decorative imagery.

Below are product embodiments indicated with the letter “P.”

• • P16. A product comprising an apparatus according to any of embodiments A1 to A15.
  • P17. The product of embodiments P16, wherein the product is selected from a garment, a shoe, an item of luggage, an item of sports equipment, bags, pencil cases, backpacks, computer/laptop cases, luggage, zip-up portfolio case, zip-up storage bins for toys, sleeping bags, tents, children makeup/toiletry bags, lunch bags, hats with zipper pockets, toys, toy clothing.

Below are further apparatus embodiments indicated with the letter “A.”

• • A18. An apparatus for a zipper, the apparatus comprising a slider assembly, and a mounting assembly configured and engaged with the slider assembly, wherein the mounting assembly is non-destructively removable from the slider assembly.
  • A19. The apparatus of embodiment A18, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a lock system for fixedly attaching the mounting assembly to the slider assembly, wherein the lock system permits non-destructive disconnection of the mounting assembly from the slider assembly via the use of a key designed for use with the mounting assembly and lock, wherein the lock system is designed to break if the mounting assembly and the slider assembly are separated without the use of the key.
  • A20. The apparatus of embodiments A18 and A19 further comprising an attachment body attached to the mounting assembly.
  • A21. The apparatus of embodiments A18 to A20, wherein an attachment body is formed integrally with the mounting assembly (e.g., as a single piece or unit).
  • A22. The apparatus of embodiments A19 to A21, wherein the lock system comprises a locking slider, the apparatus further comprising a lock mechanism engaged with the slider assembly, wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the lock mechanism, and wherein the mounting assembly is non-destructively removable from the lock mechanism.
  • A23. The apparatus of embodiments A22, wherein the lock system comprises a locking slot structure, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a plurality of tabs, and wherein the mounting assembly is connected to the lock mechanism by inserting the plurality of tabs into the locking slot structure, wherein the locking slot structure holds the mounting assembly to the lock mechanism.
  • A24. The apparatus of embodiment A23, wherein the mounting assembly is removable from the lock mechanism by a key inserted into the mounting assembly to disengage the plurality of tabs from the locking slot structure.
  • A25. The apparatus of embodiments A18 to A24, wherein the slider assembly comprises a non-locking slider.
  • A26. The apparatus of embodiments A25, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a locking slot structure, wherein the slider assembly comprises a plurality of tabs, and wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the non-locking slider using the plurality of tabs by inserting the plurality of tabs into the locking slot structure, wherein the locking slot structure holds the mounting assembly to the non-locking slider.
  • A27. The apparatus of embodiment(s) A26, wherein the mounting assembly is removable from the non-locking slider by a key inserted into the mounting assembly to disengage the plurality of tabs from the locking slot structure.
  • A28. The apparatus of embodiments A26 to A27, wherein the plurality of tabs is positioned along a vertical axis of the slide assembly.
  • A29. The apparatus of embodiments A26 to A27, wherein the plurality of tabs is positioned along a horizontal axis of the slide assembly.
  • A30. The apparatus of embodiments A26 to A29, wherein the slider assembly comprises a hook structure, wherein the plurality of tabs are positioned on the hook structure.
  • A31. The apparatus of embodiments A25 to A30, wherein the apparatus further comprises a pull tab connected to the slider assembly, wherein a plurality of tabs are positioned on the pull tab, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a locking slot structure, and wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the pull tab using the plurality of tabs by inserting the plurality of tabs into the locking slot structure, wherein the locking slot structure holds the mounting assembly to the pull tab.
  • A32. The apparatus of embodiments A23 to A31, wherein the plurality of tabs comprises two tabs.
  • A33. The apparatus of embodiments A20 to A32, wherein the attachment body comprises a recess and wherein the mounting assembly is connected to the recess of the attachment using one or more of gluing, clamping, and/or molding.
  • A34. The apparatus of embodiments A18 to A33, wherein the mounting assembly is made of PA, PET, or ABS and may include glass fiber or other reinforcement or additive material.
  • A35. The apparatus embodiments A18 to A34, where the mounting assembly is rectangular and is about (i) 5.0 to 9.0 mm deep, (ii) 6.5 to 10.5 mm wide, and (iii) 14.5 to 18.5 mm long.
  • A36. The apparatus embodiments A23 to A35, wherein the plurality of tabs comprise a first tab and a second tab, wherein inner walls of the first tab and the second tab are about 4.4 mm apart, and wherein a height of the tabs is about 2.5 mm, and wherein outer walls of the tabs are about 9.8 mm apart.
  • A37. The apparatus of embodiments A18 to A36, wherein the attachment body comprises electronic circuitry (e.g., a GPS tracker, an RFID tag (passive or active), etc.), and, if needed, a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery).
  • A38. The apparatus of embodiments A18 to A37, wherein the attachment body comprises scannable indicia such as a barcode.
  • A39. The apparatus of embodiments A18 to A38, wherein the barcode is hidden in other decorative imagery.

Below are zipper assembly embodiments indicated with the letter “Z.”

• • Z40. A zipper assembly comprising a slider apparatus according to any of embodiments A18 to A39.
  • Z41. A zipper assembly may include a zipper slider including a locking protrusion and a mount including a cavity adapted to receive the locking protrusion and having at least one locking member, where the at least one locking member releasably locks the locking protrusion within the cavity.
  • Z42. The zipper assembly, as described in paragraph Z41, where the locking protrusion is configured to pass through the cavity from a protrusion first position to a protrusion second position, where, in the protrusion first position, a first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed, and in the protrusion second position the first movement of the locking protrusion is releasably obstructed by the at least one locking member.
  • Z43. The zipper assembly, as described in either of paragraphs Z41 or Z42, where the locking protrusion is configured to pass through the cavity along a cavity longitudinal axis, and where, in the protrusion first position, the first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed along the cavity longitudinal axis and in the protrusion second position the first movement of the locking protrusion is releasably obstructed along the cavity longitudinal axis by the at least one locking member.
  • Z44. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z43, where when the locking protrusion is in the protrusion first position the at least one locking member is adjacent to the locking protrusion on a first side of the locking protrusion, and when the locking protrusion is in the protrusion second position the at least one locking member is adjacent to the locking protrusion on a second side of the locking protrusion.
  • Z45. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z44, where the first side of the locking protrusion is opposite the second side of the locking protrusion.
  • Z46. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z45, where the at least one locking member is displaced when the locking protrusion moves from the protrusion first position to the protrusion second position.
  • Z47. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z46, where, when the at least one locking member is displaced, the first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed along the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • Z48.
  • The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z47, where the at least one locking member is displaced by the locking protrusion when the locking protrusion moves from the protrusion first position to the protrusion second position.
  • Z49. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z48, where the locking protrusion displaces the at least one locking member by exerting a first force on the at least one locking member.
  • Z50. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z49, where the at least one locking member includes a wedge-shaped surface and the locking protrusion exerts the first force to the wedge-shaped surface.
  • Z51. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z50, where the at least one locking member is displaced by flexing.
  • Z52. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z51, where the at least one locking member may include a material with memory so that when the first force is applied, the at least one locking member flexes from a locking member first position to a locking member second position, and when the first force is removed, the at least one locking member returns to the locking member first position.
  • Z53. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z52, where when the at least one locking member flexes to the locking member second position, the first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed along the cavity longitudinal axis, and when the at least one locking member returns to the locking member first position, the first movement of the locking protrusion is obstructed by the at least one locking member along the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • Z54. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z53, where when the locking protrusion is in a protrusion third position between the protrusion first position and the protrusion second position, the at least one locking member flexes from the locking member first position to the locking member second position, and when the locking protrusion is at the protrusion second position, the at least one locking member returns to the locking member first position.
  • Z55. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z54, may further include a first stop member within the cavity that is adjacent to the first side of the locking protrusion when the at least one locking member is adjacent to the second side of the locking protrusion.
  • Z56. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z55, where when the locking protrusion is in the protrusion second position, the first stop member obstructs a second movement of the locking protrusion in a first direction along the cavity longitudinal axis, and the at least one locking member obstructs the first movement of the locking protrusion in a second direction along the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • Z57. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z56, where the first direction is opposite the second direction.
  • Z58. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z57, where the zipper slider further may include a guiding protrusion, and the cavity is adapted to receive the guiding protrusion.
  • Z59. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z58, where the guiding protrusion and the locking protrusion define a slider longitudinal axis that is parallel to the cavity longitudinal axis when the guiding protrusion and the locking protrusion are received into the cavity.
  • Z60. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z59, where when the guiding protrusion and the locking protrusion are received into the cavity, the guiding protrusion is received into the cavity before the locking protrusion is received into the cavity.
  • Z61. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z60, where the guiding protrusion is configured to pass through the cavity from a guiding protrusion first position to a guiding protrusion second position, where, in the guiding protrusion first position, a first movement of the guiding protrusion is unobstructed, and in the guiding protrusion second position the first movement of the guiding protrusion is obstructed by a second stop member within the cavity.
  • Z62. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z61, where when the first movement of the guiding protrusion is obstructed by the second stop member, the first movement of the locking protrusion is obstructed by the at least one locking member, and the second movement of the locking protrusion is obstructed by the first stop member.
  • Z63. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z62, where the second stop member includes a back portion of the cavity.
  • Z64. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z63, where when the guiding protrusion is in the guiding protrusion first position, the first movement of the guiding protrusion is unobstructed by the at least one locking member.
  • Z65. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z64, where the guiding protrusion includes at least one guiding side notch that receives the at least one locking member as the guiding protrusion passes through the cavity from the guiding protrusion first position to the guiding protrusion second position.
  • Z66. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z65, where the receiving of the at least one locking member by the at least one guiding side notch allows the guiding protrusion to pass by the at one locking member unobstructed.
  • Z67. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z66, where the at least one guiding side notch is defined by a corresponding at least one overhang configured on the guiding protrusion.
  • Z68. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z67, where the at least one locking member defines a first recess within the cavity above the at least one locking member, where the first recess is adapted to receive the corresponding at least one overhang as the guiding protrusion passes through the cavity from the guiding protrusion first position to the guiding protrusion second position.
  • Z69. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z68, where when the guiding protrusion is in the guiding protrusion first position, the first movement of the guiding protrusion is unobstructed by the first stop member.
  • Z70. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z69, where the guiding protrusion's at least one guiding side notch receives the first stop member as the guiding protrusion passes through the cavity from the guiding protrusion first position to the guiding protrusion second position.
  • Z71. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z70, where the receiving of the first stop member by the at least one guiding side notch allows the guiding protrusion to pass by the first stop member unobstructed.
  • Z72. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z71, further may include at least one support member within the cavity where when the guiding protrusion is in the guiding protrusion second position the at least one support member is received into the guiding protrusion's at least one guiding side notch.
  • Z73. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z72, where the at least one support member is adjacent to the second stop member.
  • Z74. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z73, where the at least one support member defines a second recess within the cavity above the at least one support member, where the second recess is adapted to receive the corresponding at least one overhang as the guiding protrusion passes through the cavity from the guiding protrusion first position to the guiding protrusion second position.
  • Z75. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z74, where the at least one locking member includes a first at least one locking member configured on a first side of the cavity and a second at least one locking member configured on a second side of the cavity and where the first side of the cavity is opposing the second side of the cavity.
  • Z76. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z75, where the first at least one locking member and the second at least one locking member are opposing and aligned with one another along the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • Z77. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z76, where, when the at least one locking member flexes to the locking member second position, the first at least one locking member and the second at least one locking member flex in opposite directions.
  • Z78. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z77, where the at least one support member includes a first at least one support member configured on the first side of the cavity and a second at least one support member configured on the second side of the cavity.
  • Z79. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z78, where the first at least one support member and the second at least one support member oppose and align with one another along the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • Z80. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z79, where a distance between the first at least one support member and the second at least one support member is about 1.7 mm to 1.9 mm, preferably about 1.80 mm.
  • Z81. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z80, where a distance between the first at least one locking member and the second at least one locking member is about 1.7 mm to 2.7 mm, preferably about 2.2 mm.
  • Z82. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z81, where a height of the guiding protrusion is about 2 mm-3 mm, preferably about 2.5 mm.
  • Z83. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z82, where a width of the guiding protrusion is about 3 mm-5 mm, preferably about 3.2 mm.
  • Z84. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z83, where an inner separation distance between the guiding protrusion and the locking protrusion is about 4 mm-5 mm, preferably about 4.5 mm.
  • Z85. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z84, where an outer separation distance between the guiding protrusion and the locking protrusion is about 9 mm to 10 mm, preferably about 9.8 mm.
  • Z86. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z85, where the first stop member includes at least one tab or bar extending within the cavity perpendicular to the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • Z87. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z86, where the locking protrusion includes a notch that receives at least a portion of the first stop member when the locking protrusion is in the protrusion second position.
  • Z88. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z87, may further include a key configured to be received into the cavity to cause the first movement of the locking protrusion to be unobstructed by the at least one locking member.
  • Z89. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z88, where the key causes the at least one locking member to flex from the locking member first position to the locking member second position.
  • Z90. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z89, where the key is separate from the locking protrusion.
  • Z91. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z90, where the key is configured to be received into the cavity to cause the at least one locking member to flex from the locking member first position to the locking member second position when the locking protrusion is in the protrusion second position.
  • Z92. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z91, where the key causes the at least one locking member to flex from the locking member first position to the locking member second position by exerting a second force to the wedge-shaped surface of the at least one locking member.
  • Z93. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z92, where when the key causes the at least one locking member to flex from the locking member first position to the locking member second position, the first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed by the at least one locking member.
  • Z94. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z93, where when the first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed by the at least one locking member, the key and the locking protrusion are removable from the cavity.
  • Z95. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z94, where a height of the locking protrusion is about 2 mm-3 mm, preferably about 2.5 mm.
  • Z96. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z95, where a width of the locking protrusion is about 3 mm-5 mm, preferably about 3.2 mm.
  • Z97. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z96, where a width of the cavity is about W1.
  • Z98. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z97, where the mount includes an upper portion adapted to be coupled to an attachment body.
  • Z99. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z98, where a width of the upper portion is about 6 mm to 8 mm, preferably about 7 mm 0.05 mm, and a length of the upper portion is about 16 mm-17 mm, preferably about 16.55 mm.
  • Z100. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z99, where the attachment body may include electronic circuitry (e.g., a GPS tracker, an RFID tag (passive or active), etc.), and, if needed, a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery).
  • Z101. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z100, where the attachment body may include scannable indicia such as a barcode.
  • Z102. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z101, where the barcode is hidden in other decorative imagery.
  • Z103. The zipper assembly, as described in any of paragraphs Z41 to Z102, where the mount is made of PA, PET, or ABS and may include glass fiber or other reinforcement or additive material.

Below are mount embodiments indicated with the letter “M.”

• • M104. A mount for connecting to a zipper slider including a locking protrusion, the mount may include a cavity adapted to receive the locking protrusion and having at least one locking member, where the at least one locking member releasably locks the locking protrusion within the cavity.
  • M105. The mount as described in paragraph M104, where the at least one locking member releasably obstructs a first movement of the locking protrusion when the locking protrusion is in a first position within the cavity, and the at least one locking member does not obstruct the first movement of the locking protrusion when the locking protrusion is in a second position within the cavity.
  • M106. The mount as described in either of paragraphs M104 or M105 where the at least one locking member releasably obstructs a first movement of the locking protrusion along a cavity longitudinal axis when the locking protrusion is in a first position within the cavity, and the at least one locking member does not obstruct the first movement of the locking protrusion along the cavity longitudinal axis when the locking protrusion is in a second position within the cavity.
  • M107. The mount as described in any of paragraphs M104 to M106, where the at least one locking member is adjacent to a first side of the locking protrusion when the locking protrusion is in the first position, and the at least one locking member is adjacent to a second side of the locking protrusion hen the locking protrusion is in the second position.
  • M108. The mount, as described in any of paragraphs M104 to M107, where the first side of the locking protrusion is opposite the second side of the locking protrusion.
  • M109. The mount, as described in any of paragraphs M104 to M109, where the at least one locking member is displaced when the locking protrusion moves from the first position to the second position.
  • M110. The mount, as described in any of paragraphs M104 to M109, where when the at least one locking member is displaced, the at least one locking member obstructs the first movement of the locking protrusion along the cavity longitudinal axis.
  • M111. The mount, as described in any of paragraphs M104 to M110, where the at least one locking member is displaced by the locking protrusion when the locking protrusion moves from the first position to the second position.
  • M112. The mount as described in any of paragraphs M104 to M111, where the at least one locking member receives a first force from the locking protrusion that displaces the at least one locking member.
  • M113. The mount, as described in any of paragraphs M104 to M112, where the at least one locking member includes a wedge-shaped surface that receives the first force from locking protrusion.
  • M114. The mount as described in any of paragraphs M104 to M113, where the mount includes an upper portion adapted to be coupled to an attachment body.
  • M115. The mount as described in any of paragraphs M104 to M114, where the attachment body may include electronic circuitry (e.g., a GPS tracker, an RFID tag (passive or active), etc.), and, if needed, a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery).
  • M116. The mount as described in any of paragraphs M104 to M115, where the attachment body may include scannable indicia such as a barcode.
  • M117. The mount as described in any of paragraphs M104 to M116, where the barcode is hidden in other decorative imagery.
  • M118. The mount, as described in any of paragraphs M104 to M117, where the mount is made of PA, PET, or ABS and may include glass fiber or other reinforcement or additive material.

Below are further zipper embodiments indicated with the letter “Z.”

• • Z119. A zipper assembly may include a zipper slider, including a locking protrusion; and a mount according to any one of paragraphs M104 to M118, where at least one locking member of the mount releasably locks the locking protrusion within a cavity of the mount.

Below are product embodiments indicated with the letter “P.”

• • P120. A product comprising a zipper assembly according to any of embodiments A18 to A103 and/or a mount according to any of embodiments M104 to M118.
  • P121. The product of embodiment(s) P120, wherein the product is selected from a garment, a shoe, an item of luggage, an item of sports equipment, bags, pencil cases, backpacks, computer/laptop cases, luggage, zip-up portfolio case, zip-up storage bins for toys, sleeping bags, tents, children makeup/toiletry bags, lunch bags, hats with zipper pockets, toys, toy clothing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows aspects of a slider configured with a zipper chain;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a slider configured with a mount and an attachment according to exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIGS. 3A to 3-O depict aspects of a mount according to exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIGS. 4A to 4G show a lock mechanism according to exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIGS. 5A to 5H show aspects of an engagement between a mount and a lock mechanism according to exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict an exemplary key for use with exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIGS. 7A to 7F depict aspects of disconnecting a connector according to exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B show views of non-locking sliders according to exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIGS. 11A and 11B show front and side views, respectively, of a pull-tab for a zipper slider, according to exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIGS. 12A to 12H and 13A to 13F show various exemplary connectors and mounts according to exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIGS. 14A to 14G depict a snap fastener/button according to exemplary embodiments hereof; and

FIGS. 15A to 15I are images drawn from photographs of a zipper according to exemplary embodiments hereof

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Slider assemblies, according to exemplary embodiments hereof, are described here.

The following detailed description is not intended to limit the current invention. Alternate embodiments and variations of the subject matter described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Zippers

As shown in FIG. 1, and as is known, a zipper 10 (also referred to as a zipper assembly) includes a zipper chain 12 comprising two individual rows of teeth or elements (left row of teeth 14 attached to left tape 16 and right row of teeth 18 attached to right tape 20) that, when interlocked, may form the combined zipper chain 12. A slider 100 (sometimes referred to as a slider body or slider assembly) may be configured and positioned such that the left row of teeth 14 passes into and through a left side channel 102 in the slider's top left shoulder 104. The right row of teeth 18 passes into and through a right-side channel 106 of the slider's top right shoulder 108.

The left and right-side channels 102 and 106 may combine below piece 110 within the body cavity of slider 100 (generally hidden from view and depicted with dashed lines in FIG. 1) to form a mouth 112. The piece 110 may preferably be triangular, diamond-shaped, pentagonal-shaped, or formed in other types of shapes and may be centered along an axis of the slider 100 in the same direction as the zipper chain 12. As the left row of teeth 14 and the right row of teeth 18 pass through the mouth 112, they may interlock to form a zipper chain 12.

As is well known, the slider 100 may be moved from one end of the zipper to the other. As the slider is moved in one direction, the rows of teeth (the left row of teeth 14 and the right row of teeth 18) may continue to be interlocked as they pass through slider 100 to form the length of the combined zipper chain 12. In addition, as slider 100 is moved in the other direction, it may contact the joined zipper chain 12 at a junction between the left row of teeth 14 and right row of teeth 18 to force them apart, separate them from one another, and generally unlock the two rows of teeth 14, 18. This separation and unlocking may result in two separate and individual rows of teeth 14, 18. This allows zipper chain 12 to be combined to fasten the left and right sides together and separate to unfasten them. In this way, the zipper 10 may be used as a fastener for jackets, pockets, luggage, and other products.

In addition, some sliders 100 may include an auto-lock mechanism allowing the slider to lock its position anywhere along the zipper chain. In this way, once positioned by the user, the autolocking slider may lock itself in a position such that the zipper may not open unintentionally. This may be very useful for jackets, coats, and such when it is desirable for the slider to remain in position even under duress.

An autolocking slider may include a spring-loaded locking prong that, when activated, may protrude from an opening into the inner body cavity of the slider. The locking prong may be positioned within the slide so that it may physically engage the zipper chain when it is deployed (e.g., the prong may extend 1-3 mm when deployed). The locking prong may also be retracted back into the opening when it is desired that the slider move freely along the zipper chain to be repositioned.

The extending and/or retracting of the locking prong may be activated by a mount (also referred to herein as a rail) that may be configured with the slider body. During assembly of the components, the locking prong and the spring may be loaded into the slider body 100, and the mount may then be configured with the slider 100 to secure the components together.

The mount (or mounting assembly) may include a puller, tab, or attachment that may be grasped to move the slider and mount combination along the zipper chain. Alternatively, the mount itself may be grasped directly and moved such that the slider and mount may be positioned on the zipper. Accordingly, it is understood that the mount may preferably act as the element that may be engaged with and generally manipulated by the user and that the mount, in turn, may manipulate the slider body along the zipper chain.

The mount may be configured with the slider body such that while generally attached to the slider body, the mount may move slightly upward and downward relative to the slider, and this motion may engage and disengage the locking pin. Note, however, that this motion is controlled within a fixed distance and that the slider body and the mount may not disengage or otherwise come apart when configured.

As described here, an attachment (sometimes referred to herein as an attachment body) may be configured with a slider (e.g., via a mount or rail mechanism) such that when the mount is engaged with the slider, the combination slider, mount, and attachment may be used, effectively as a unit, to move the slider along the zipper chain.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary slider apparatus or slider assembly 500 formed with attachment (or attachment body) 400 secured (e.g., as described below) to mount 300, with the mount 300 engaged with a lock mechanism 200 that is engaged with a slider 100, according to embodiments hereof (the slider 100 may be referred to herein as a slider body or slider assembly). Some embodiments do not use or require the lock mechanism 200, in which cases, as described below, the mount 300 may be connected directly to the slider. In some embodiments, as described below, the mount may connect to a pull tab or similar mechanism that may be grasped to move the slider and mount combination along the zipper chain.

As described below, an attachment may be connected to a mount that then engages with the slider. Preferably, an attachment (according to exemplary embodiments hereof) includes an attachment body and an attachment base (described below). The attachment base may connect the body to the mount and, thereby, to the slider. The mount (or mounting assembly) may also be referred to as a connector or mounting connector.

As described herein, the attachment base (with the attachment) may be non-destructively disconnected from the mount (or slider or tab) using key 600.

The Attachment 400

An attachment (or attachment body) 400 may be formed to represent any type of shape or combination of shapes, including but not limited to shapes that may be considered fun and entertaining such as movie/TV and comic book characters, shapes, or emblems that may represent different types of sports such as footballs, baseballs, basketballs, soccer balls, baseball bats, hockey sticks, mascots, symbols and other types of sports-related shapes or emblems, shapes of animals like lions, tigers, or bears, or any other type of animal or nature shapes. Without limiting the scope hereof, the attachment body may be referred to herein as a character or character attachment. In some non-limiting cases, the attachment body may be formed to represent one or more of a logo (such as a company or team logo), a character (such as a cartoon character or a movie or television character), an emblem (such as a sports emblem), a name, an accessories, an emoji, a toy, or a generic item (such as a car, a heart, a shoe, an animal, etc.). As should be appreciated, the examples of attachment bodies listed here are only for demonstration purposes and do not limit the types of shapes or forms an attachment body may take.

In some cases, the attachment body 400 may be selected to match the item with which the zipper will be used. For example, a company or team logo may be used as an attachment body with a garment or item that may also include the company or team logo.

The attachment 400 may include electronic circuitry or other mechanisms, e.g., a GPS or Bluetooth location or item tracker, an RFID tag (passive or active), etc. If needed, the attachment 400 may include a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery).

The attachment may include a visible barcode or other scannable indicia. The barcode may be hidden in other decorative imagery.

The Mount 300

FIGS. 3A-3G are views of an exemplary mount 300 according to exemplary embodiments hereof.

As shown in FIG. 3A, while preferably formed as a single piece, the mount 300 may be considered to have a top portion 302 and a bottom portion 304. The top portion 302 connects to an attachment 400, while the bottom portion is used to connect the mount 300 (e.g., in combination with an attached attachment 400) to a zipper (as described herein). When the mount 300 is connected to an attachment 400, the bottom portion 304 should be accessible, as will be explained, to allow for non-destructive removal of the mount 300 from a zipper (e.g., using a key, as described herein).

The mount 300 may be clamped, glued, and/or molded into a recess of the attachment 400 or attached in another manner that does not permit removal.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D, bottom views of the mount 300, the bottom portion 304 of the mount includes side portions 306-A and 306-B (collectively, sides 306), a front portion or front opening 328, and a back portion 308 generally opposite the front opening 328. The inner walls of the side portions define a cavity 310 with an inner surface 311 (FIG. 3C) and a width of W1. The back portion 308 may define a far inner end or end wall of the cavity 310.

Tabs 312-A and 312-B (collectively, tabs 312) are on opposite sides of the cavity 310 at or near the back portion 308 and form a recess 314 in the cavity 310. As shown in FIG. 3C (side view of the mount 300 with the front side wall 306-A made transparent in the drawing for clarity), the recess 314 may be a gap between an upper surface of the tabs 312 and the cavity's inner surface 311. The tabs 312 may have a tab height of T1, and the recess 314 may include a recess height of G1. The tabs 312A and 312B are preferably opposing, and the distance between the tabs 312-A and 312-B is W2 (<W1).

Tabs 316-A and 316-B (collectively, tabs 316) are on opposite sides of the cavity 310 (preferably between the tabs 312 and the front opening 328) and form a recess 318 in the cavity 310. The recess 318 may be a gap (see FIG. 3C) between an upper surface of the tabs 316 and the inner surface 311 of the cavity 310. Tabs 316 may include a tab height T2, and the recess 318 may include a recess height G2. The tab height T2 may equal tab height T1, and the recess height G2 may be the same as the recess height G1. The tabs 316A and 316B are preferably opposing, and, as seen in FIG. 3B, the distance between the tabs 316-A and 316-B is W3 (<W1). The distance W3 may be the same as W2. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3H-3L, instead of tabs 316-A and 316-B, a bar 316-C connects on opposite sides within the cavity 310 of the mount 300′ and forms a recess 318 above the bar (e.g., between an upper surface of the bar 316-C and the cavity's inner surface 311).

Tabs 320-A and 320-B (collectively, tabs 320) are on opposite sides of the cavity 310 (preferably between tabs 316 and the front opening 328) and form a recess 322 in the cavity 310. The recess 322 may be a gap (see FIG. 3C) between an upper surface of the tabs 320 and the inner surface 311 of the cavity 310. Tabs 320 also may be referred to as locking members. The tabs 320 may include a tab height T3 equal to or slightly greater than the tab heights T1, T2, and the recess 322 may include a recess height G3 that may preferably be slightly less than the recess heights G1 and G2. The tabs 320-A and 320-B are preferably opposing, and the distance between the tabs 320-A and 320-B is W4, with W4 preferably being less than W1 and greater than both W2 and W3. Tabs 320-A and 320-B are connected to (or part of) side arms 324-A and 324-B (collectively, side arms 324), respectively, with side arms 324-A and 324-B enabling tabs 320-A and 320-B, respectively, to bend outwards. This aspect will be described elsewhere herein.

Ends 326-A and 326-B (collectively, ends 326) of the side arms 324-A and 324-B, respectively, form a side gap or opening 328 (also referred to as a front portion or front opening 328) in the cavity 310 having a width W5 (≥W1).

The exemplary dimensions shown in FIG. 3B are summarized below in the following table (Table I):

TABLE I
Dimension Value in mm (±0.05 mm)
W1        3.50
W2        1.80
W3        1.80
W4        2.20
W5        3.60

The exemplary dimensions shown in FIG. 3C are summarized below in the following table (Table II):

TABLE II
Dimension Value in mm (±0.05 mm)
T1        1.35
T2        1.35
T3        1.45
G1        1.30
G2        1.30
G3        1.20

FIGS. 3E, 3F, and 3G are front, rear, and top views of the mount 300, respectively.

The tabs and/or bar and recesses shown, e.g., in FIGS. 3B and 3K, may comprise a locking slot structure that may engage with the lock mechanism 200 as described herein.

The mount 300 is preferably a single piece formed from a hard plastic material such as PA, PET, or ABS. The mount may include glass fiber or other reinforcement or additive material.

FIGS. 3M to 30 show exemplary dimensions of mount 300, as summarized in the following table (Table III):

TABLE III
Dimension Value in mm (±0.05 mm)
M1        7.00
M2        16.55
M3        1.50
M4        5.50
M5        0.85

The dimensions given here and elsewhere in this description are exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope hereof. Those of skill in the art will understand, upon reading this description, that different dimensions may be used for the various components.

The Slider 100

The slider 100 may be a locking or non-locking slider.

As described here, the mount 300 may connect to the slider 100 directly or via an intermediate mechanism (e.g., a lock 200, as shown in FIG. 2).

The Lock Mechanism 200

FIGS. 4A-4G show a lock mechanism 200 according to exemplary embodiments hereof.

The lock mechanism 200 connects to a slider in a known manner.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the lock mechanism 200, FIGS. 4C and 4D are side and top views, respectively, and FIGS. 4E-4G are front, rear, and bottom views, respectively, of the lock mechanism 200.

The lock mechanism 200 includes a body with a portion designed to be attached to a zipper slider and a portion designed to be attached to the mount 300. In some embodiments, the body includes an upper surface with upper tabs 402 and 404 for connecting the lock mechanism 200 to the mount 300. In some embodiments, the tabs 402 and 404 may slidably engage with the mount 300. For example, the tabs 402 and 404 on the lock mechanism 200 may be slid into the mount 300 and be held fixedly in place by the mount's tabs 312 and 320 and the tab 316 or bar 316-C.

The lock mechanism's first tab 402 may include a “T” shape with first and second top overhangs 403 defining first and second side slots 405 there beneath. The first tab 402 also may be referred to as a guiding protrusion. The lock mechanism's second tab 404 may include a front overhang 407, defining a front slot 409 on the tab 404. The second tab 404 may also be referred to as a locking protrusion.

FIGS. 5A, 5C, 5E, and 5G show side views of the lock mechanism 200 and the mount 300 (with its front side wall 306-A made transparent in the drawing for clarity) at different stages during the engagement process, and FIGS. 5B, 5D, 5F, and 5H show corresponding top views of the same, respectively (with the mount's top portion 302 made transparent in the drawing for clarity).

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, to begin the engagement process, the mount 300 may be aligned with the lock mechanism 200, with the mount's opening 328 generally aligned with the lock mechanism's tabs 402 and 404.

As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, as the mount 300 is moved in the direction of the arrow E, the lock mechanism's first tab 402 may pass through the mount's opening 328 and into the mount's cavity 310. The tab 402 may move past the mount's tabs 320 (320-A and 320-B) and 316, with the mount's tabs 320 and 316 passing through the side slots 405 of the lock mechanism's tab 402. The top overhangs 403 of the tab 402 may pass through the recess 318 above the mount's tabs 316. Given this, it is preferable that the height T2 of the mount's tabs 316 (see FIG. 3C) be chosen to correspond to the height of the side slots 405 on the lock mechanism's tab 402 and the height G2 of the recess 318 above the mount's tabs 316 be chosen to correspond to the height of the top overhangs 403 of the lock mechanism's tab 402.

Additionally, the lock mechanism's second tab 404 may enter the mount's opening 328.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5E and 5F, as the mount 300 is moved further in the direction of the arrow E, the lock mechanism's first tab 402 may engage with the mount's tabs 312, with the tabs 312 passing through the side slots 405 of the lock mechanism's tab 402. The top overhangs 403 of the tab 402 may move into the recess 314 above the mount's tabs 316. Given this, it is preferable that the height T1 of the mount's tabs 312 (see FIG. 3C) be chosen to correspond to the height of the side slots 405 on the lock mechanism's tab 402. The height G1 of the recess 314 above the mount's tab 312 may be chosen to correspond to the height of the top overhangs 403 of the lock mechanism's tab 402.

Additionally, the lock mechanism's second tab 404 may engage with the mount's tab(s) 320. Because the width of the tab 404 may be greater than the distance W4 between the mount's tabs 320 (see FIG. 3B), the lock mechanism's tab 404 may apply forces to the wedge-shaped engagement surfaces of the mount's tabs 320 that may translate outward to cause the tabs 320 to spread apart. The forward orientation of the mount's tabs 320 (320-A and 320-B) may enable the tabs' side arms 324 to flex. This is best shown in FIG. 5F. By spreading the mount's tabs 320 (320-A and 320-B) apart, the lock mechanism's tab 404 may move past the tabs 320-A and 320-B. It is preferable that the side arms 324 comprise a material with memory such that when the forces are removed, the side arms 324 may return to their original and unflexed positions. In some embodiments, the side arms 324 comprise a spring metal or a spring plastic.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5G and 5H, as the mount 300 is moved further in the direction of the arrow E (FIGS. 5A to 5F), the lock mechanism's first tab 402 may abut the inner side of the far end wall/back portion 308 of the mount's cavity 310 such that further movement of the mount 300 may be stopped. As such, the inner side of the far end wall/back portion 308 may be referred to as a stop member. Additionally, the lock mechanism's second tab 404 may move past the mount's tabs 320 (320-A and 320-B), thereby releasing the tabs 320 and allowing them to return to their original inward positions. As shown in FIG. 5H, the tabs 320 (320-A and 320-B) may close directly behind the lock mechanism's tab 404, thereby providing a reverse stop to the tab 404 and locking it in place. In addition, the front overhang 407 of the lock mechanism's tab 404 may be received into the mount's recess 318 above the mount's tabs 316, and the mount's tabs 316 may be received into the front slot 409 of the lock mechanism's tab 404. This may provide a forward stop to the tab 404. Given this, it is preferable that the height T2 of the mount's tabs 316 (see FIG. 3C) be chosen to correspond to the height of the inner wall of front slot 409 on the lock mechanism's tab 404 and the height G2 of the recess 318 above the mount's tabs 316 be chosen to correspond to the height of the front overhang 407 of the lock mechanism's tab 404.

Because the front ends of the mount's tabs 320 closed behind the lock mechanism's second tab 404 may be generally flat, and the tabs 320 may be oriented forward, non-destructive reverse movement of the lock mechanism's tab 404 may be prevented. That is, if the tab 404 were to be forcibly moved in the direction opposite the arrow E in an attempt to remove the mount 300, the lock mechanism's tab 404, the mount's tabs 320, or both, would break. As described herein, a key 600 may be used to spread apart the locking tabs 320 for non-destructive removal of the mount 300.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3E, the upper surfaces of the mount's tabs 312 and 316 may be inclined from their distal edge to their proximal edge. This incline may correspond to the angle of the underneath surfaces of the side overhangs 403 of the lock mechanism's first tab 402 (see FIG. 4E).

As mentioned above, and as shown, e.g., in FIGS. 3H-3J and 3L, the mount's tabs 316-A and 316-B may be replaced by a bar 316-C that extends across the mount's cavity 310, thereby forming the recess 318 above the bar 316-C. However, because the bar 316-C will eliminate the gap with width W3 within the cavity 310 (see FIG. 3B), the engagement process between the mount 300 and the lock mechanism 200 may include a first step of placing the lock mechanism's first tab 402 into the mount's cavity 310 between the bar 316-C and the tabs 312 from below. That is, because the bar 316-C may obstruct the lock mechanism's first tab 402 from sliding past the bar 316-C within the cavity 310, the first tab 402 may be placed in a position past the bar 316-C from below and then slid into engagement with the mount's tabs 312 as described above. In addition, when the lock mechanism's first tab 402 is placed into the cavity 310, past the bar 316-C, the lock mechanism's second tab 404 may enter into the mount's cavity 310 in the area between the mount's entrance/opening 328 and the mount's tabs 320. The second tab 404 may then be slid to engage the mount's tabs 320, as the first tab 402 is slid to engage the mount's tabs 312.

FIGS. 4C and 4D show exemplary dimensions of aspects of the tabs 402 and 404. As shown in the drawings, the outer distance between tabs 402 and 404 is denoted D1. The height of tab 402 is denoted D2. Preferably, tab 404 is the same height as tab 402. The distance between the inner walls 409 and 408 of tabs 404 and 402, respectively, is denoted D3. The width of the tab 404 is denoted D4. Preferably, tab 402 is the same width as tab 404.

In a presently preferred implementation, the dimensions D1 to D4 are as shown in the following table (Table IV):

TABLE IV
Dimension Value in mm (±0.05 mm)
D1        9.80
D2        2.50
D3        4.40
D4        3.20

The dimensions given here and elsewhere in this description are exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope hereof. Those of skill in the art will understand, upon reading this description, that different dimensions may be used for the various components.

It should be understood that the dimensions of the mount 300 should correspond to those of the tabs so that a device (e.g., a lock) with the tabs can be connected to the mount.

Disconnecting

As mentioned, with the mount 300 assembled with the lock mechanism 200, the mount 300 may not be non-destructively removed without using a key 600.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict an exemplary key 600.

FIGS. 7A-7F show a top view of the sequential steps of a key 600 being used to unlock the mount 300 from the lock mechanism 200 so that the mount 300 may be removed. The top of the mount 300 has been made transparent in the drawings for clarity.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a key 600, including a flat body 662 with wedge-shaped forward shoulders 664 and a front tip 660, may be aligned with the entrance of the mount 300, the mount's opening 328. The key's flat body 662 may preferably be placed on or near the lock mechanism's upper surface at the mount's opening 328 so that it may be slid thereupon.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the key 600 may be slid into the mount's cavity 310 in the direction of the arrow R, and as shown in FIG. 7C, the key's forward shoulders 664 may engage with the mount's tabs 320. As the key 600 is slid further into the cavity 310, the wedge-shaped shoulders 664 may apply forces to the mount's tabs 320-A and 320-B that may translate outward and force the tabs 320-A and 320-B apart. As this happens, the key's front tip 660 may preferably enter into the slot or notch 406 in the lock mechanism's tab 404 to keep the key 600 centered and aligned laterally (e.g., against any counter forces that the mount's tabs 320 may impose on the key 600).

As shown in FIG. 7C, once the mount's tabs 320-A and 320-B are adequately spread to enable the lock mechanism's tab 404 to pass between them (e.g., to a distance greater than the width D4 of the tab 404 (see, e.g., FIG. 4F)), the lock mechanism 200 (and the key 600 together) may be removed from the mount 300 together. As the lock mechanism 200 and the key 600 are slid in the direction opposite the direction of the arrow R, the opened tabs 320 may ride upon the key's shoulders 664 and onto the sides of the locking tab 404, as shown in FIG. 7D. This way, the tab 404 itself may hold the tabs 320-A and 320-B (320) apart as the tab 404 is further removed. Then, as shown in FIG. E, the guiding tab 402 may be removed from the mount 300 (as the mount's locking tabs 320-A and 320-B pass through the guiding tab's side slots 405), and the lock member 200 may be fully removed from the mount 300 as shown in FIG. 7F.

In some embodiments, the key 600 may not have to be fully inserted to separate the tabs 320-A and 320-B sufficiently to allow the mount 300 to be disconnected from a lock mechanism 200, as long as the gap between the mount's tabs 420-A, 420-B is sufficient to allow disconnection. Also, once the lock mechanism's locking tab 404 is removed from the mount's locking tabs 320, the key 600 may no longer be needed.

As should be appreciated, when a mount 300 is connected to a lock, slider, or tab, an attempt to disconnect the mount without the key 600 may cause damage to the mount 300 and/or to the lock mechanism 200. In particular, an attempt to separate or disconnect the mount 300 without the key 600 may cause one or both tabs 320-A and 320-B to break, thereby preventing the mount's future use. In this sense, removal using the key 600 is non-destructive of the mount 300.

Non-Locking Sliders

FIGS. 8A-8C show views of a non-locking slider 500 according to exemplary embodiments hereof, having tabs 502 and 504 corresponding in size, configuration, and relative positioning to tabs 402 and 404 described above with respect to the lock mechanism 200. The tab 504 includes a notch 506 (as with the notch 406 in the tab 404).

FIGS. 9A and 9B show views of a non-locking slider 608 according to exemplary embodiments hereof, having tabs 602 and 604 corresponding in size, configuration, and relative positioning to tabs 402 and 404 described above with respect to the lock mechanism 200. Tab 604 includes a notch 606 (as with the notch 406 in the tab 404). Note that the tabs 602 and 604 are configured to allow horizontal connection to a mount 300 (compared to the vertical configuration of the tabs 502 and 504 and slider 500).

FIGS. 10A and 10B show views of a non-locking slider 700 having a hook structure 708 to which tabs 702 and 704 are connected. Tab 704 includes a notch 706 (as with the notch 406 in the tab 404). Tabs 702 and 704 correspond in size, configuration, and relative positioning to tabs 502 and 504 described above with respect to the lock mechanism 200. The hook structure 708 allows a lanyard, tab, or other device (not shown) to be attached to the slider 700.

Pull-Tabs

FIGS. 11A and 11B show front and side views of a pull-tab 800 for a zipper slider, respectively, according to exemplary embodiments. The pull-tab 900 has tabs 802 and 804, corresponding in size, configuration, and relative positioning to tabs 402 and 404 described above with respect to the lock mechanism 200. Tab 804 includes a notch 806 (as with the notch 406 in the tab 404).

Additional Details of the Components Together

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary slider apparatus or slider assembly 500 formed with attachment (or attachment body) 400 secured (e.g., as described herein) to mount 300. The mount 300 is removably engaged with the tabs on a device (e.g., a lock mechanism 200) that is engaged with a slider 100. Some embodiments (e.g., as described above with reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, 9A-9B, 10A-10B, and 11A-11B) do not use or require the lock mechanism 200, in which cases, as described, the mount 300 may be connected directly to the slider (FIGS. 8A-8C, 9A-9B, 10A-10B) or to a pull-tab (FIGS. 11A-11B).

It is preferable that the configuration of mount 300 and attachment 400 are positioned and configured so that they do not interfere with the normal operation of slider assembly 100 with zipper chain 12. That is, it may be preferable that mount 300 and attachment 400 not interfere with the left row of teeth 14 or the right row of teeth 18 as they pass through the slider 100 to be interlocked to form zipper chain 12 or to be separated to individual left and right rows of teeth 14, 18.

Preferably, the height of the bottom of an attachment from the top of the slider (H1 in FIG. 2) is such that the attachment 400 will not interfere with the zipper's operation but still maintain a low profile.

In general, slider 100 may be configured with a traditional zipper chain (not shown).

As described, the attachment 400, when attached to the mount 300, may take the place of or otherwise represent or function as a zipper puller. As such, the attachment 400 may be grasped by a user to move the slider 100 along the zipper chain to open and/or close the zipper. Attachment 400 may replace a traditional puller or may be used in conjunction with a traditional puller. In some embodiments, a traditional puller (e.g., a tab or loop) may connect to the attachment 400.

The attachment 400 may be silicone/TPU molded, plastic injection molded, or glued/bonded to the mount 300. Alternatively, the top part of the mount (302 in FIG. 3A) may be designed so it may be gripped by one or more metal plates, crimped/compressed metal, or other strong formable material.

FIGS. 12A to 12H and 13A to 13F show various exemplary connectors and mounts according to exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 12A to 12H show various views of an exemplary connector and mount formed as a single unit.

FIGS. 12A to 12C show exemplary dimensions of the unit, as summarized in the following table (Table V):

TABLE V
Dimension Value in mm (±0.05 mm)
P1        18.10
P2        15.50
P3        7.00
P4        2.60
P5        6.45

FIGS. 13A to 13F show various views of another exemplary connector and mount formed as a single unit.

FIGS. 13A to 13F show exemplary dimensions of the unit, as summarized in the following table (Table VI):

TABLE VI
Dimension Value in mm (±0.05 mm)
Q1        17.55
Q2        2.65
Q3        3.50
Q4        6.45
Q5        15.90

The dimensions given here and elsewhere in this description are exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope hereof. Those of skill in the art will understand, upon reading this description, that different dimensions may be used for the various components.

The connectors and mounts may be formed from separate components or pieces that are combined (e.g., using a mount 300 as shown in FIGS. 3A-3L combined with an attachment 400). For example, as described above, the attachment body may include a recess where the mounting assembly is connected to the recess of the attachment body. Alternatively, as shown, e.g., in FIGS. 12A to 12H and 13A to 13F, the mount and attachment may be formed as a single, unitary piece (e.g., a molded or 3D printed piece). As should be appreciated, when formed as a single piece, the material used should satisfy the strength and flexibility requirements of the connector (that the pins can be inserted and held in place unless or until a key is inserted to remove them). For example, the combined single piece may be made of PA, PET, or ABS and may include glass fiber or other reinforcement or additive material. On the other hand, when the connector and attachment are formed separately, the attachment may be of a different material (e.g., a metal). In either case, the parts may be formed by molding, 3D printing, or other manufacturing process.

Drawings from Photographs

FIGS. 15A-15I are drawings from photographs of a zipper according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 15A is a drawing from a photograph of the slider of FIGS. 8A-8C.

FIG. 15B is a drawing from a photograph of the slider of FIGS. 9A-9B.

FIG. 15C is a drawing from a photograph of the slider of FIGS. 10A-10B.

FIGS. 15D-15G are drawings from photographs of a zipper incorporating the slider of FIGS. 8A-8C, with a Spiderman character attached (on the right-side image).

FIGS. 15H-15I are drawings from photographs of a zipper incorporating the slider of FIGS. 9A-9B, with a Spiderman character attached. Note the orientation of the tags on the slider (vertical versus horizontal) affects the orientation of the attachment (the Spiderman character).

Snap Fastener/Button

The mount structure (connector or mount 300) described herein may also be used to attach or connect an attachment 400 to a snap fastener or button with a corresponding tab configuration.

FIGS. 14A-14G depict a snap fastener/button 1300 according to exemplary embodiments hereof.

FIG. 14A shows a snap fastener 1300 having tabs 1302 and 1304 (corresponding in structure, e.g., to the tabs 402 and 404 of the lock 200). A connector or mount 300 may attach to the snap fastener 1300 in the same manner as a connector or mount 300 may attach to a slider (as described above). Similarly, as described above, the connector or mount 300 (with an attachment 400) may be non-destructively removed from the snap fastener using a key.

As shown in FIGS. 14B-14C, the snap fastener 1300 includes a plurality of parts 1308 protruding from a lower surface thereof.

FIGS. 14A-14C provide exemplary dimensions (N1-N11) of the snap fastener 1300. As should be appreciated, different dimensions may be used. However, the dimensions and relative positions of tabs 1302 and 1304 should match a corresponding connector or mount 300 to allow for proper connection.

Example values for the dimensions N1 to N11 are given in the following table (Table VII):

TABLE VII
Dimension Value (in mm ± 0.05 mm)
N1        1.50
N2        17.00
N3        3.20
N4        2.50
N5        1.50
N6        3.00
N7        1.50
N8        2.50
N9        1.50
N10       0.50
N11       6.50

It should also be appreciated that the connector and tab dimensions for a snap fastener may differ from those of a zipper slider. For example, the connector for a snap fastener or button may be smaller than a connector for a zipper, allowing smaller attachments.

It is understood that any aspects or elements of any embodiments of the slider apparatus or slider assembly 500 may be combined in any way with any aspects or elements of any other embodiments of the slider apparatus or slider assembly 500 to form additional embodiments of the slider apparatus or slider assembly 500 all of which are within the scope of the slider apparatus or slider assembly 500.

CONCLUSION

The dimensions given in the description above, including those in the tables (Tables I to VII), are examples of particular implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Those skilled in the art will realize, upon reading this description, that different and/or other dimensions may be used and are contemplated.

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “at least some” means “one or more” and includes the case of only one. Thus, e.g., the phrase “at least some ABCs” means “one or more ABCs” and includes the case of only one ABC.

As used herein, including in the claims, the term “at least one” should be understood as meaning “one or more” and therefore includes both embodiments that include one or multiple components. Furthermore, dependent claims that refer to independent claims that describe features with “at least one” have the same meaning, both when the feature is referred to as “the” and “the at least one.”

As used in this description, the term “portion” means some or all. So, for example, “A portion of X” may include some of “X” or all of “X.”

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “using” means “using at least” and is not exclusive. Thus, e.g., the phrase “using X” means “using at least X.” Unless specifically stated by the use of the word “only,” the phrase “using X” does not mean “using only X.”

In general, as used herein, including in the claims, unless the word “only” is specifically used in a phrase, it should not be read into that phrase.

As used herein, including in the claims, the word “distinct” means “at least partially distinct.” Unless specifically stated, distinct does not mean fully distinct. Thus, e.g., the phrase, “X is distinct from Y” means that “X is at least partially distinct from Y,” and does not mean that “X is fully distinct from Y.” Thus, as used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “X is distinct from Y” means that X differs from Y in at least some way.

It should be appreciated that the words “first” and “second” in the description and claims are used to distinguish or identify and not to show a serial or numerical limitation. Similarly, letter or numerical labels (such as “(a),” “(b),” and the like) are used to help distinguish and/or identify and not to show any serial or numerical limitation or ordering.

As used herein, including in the claims, the terms “multiple” and “plurality” mean “two or more” and include the case of “two.” Thus, e.g., the phrase “multiple ABCs” means “two or more ABCs” and includes “two ABCs.” Similarly, e.g., the phrase “multiple PQRs” means “two or more PQRs” and includes “two PQRs.”

The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values, and ranges, etc., in case these terms, features, values, and ranges, etc. are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least, etc. (i.e., “about 3” shall also cover exactly 3 or “substantially constant” shall also cover exactly constant).

As used herein, including in the claims, singular forms of terms are to be construed as also including the plural form and vice versa unless the context indicates otherwise. Thus, it should be noted that as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Throughout the description and claims, the terms “comprise,” “including,” “having,” and “contain” and their variations should be understood as meaning “including but not limited to” and are not intended to exclude other components unless expressly so stated.

It will be appreciated that variations to the embodiments of the invention can be made while still falling within the scope of the invention. Alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose can replace features disclosed in the specification unless stated otherwise. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed represents one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Use of exemplary language, such as “for instance,” “such as,” “for example” (“e.g.,”), and the like, is merely intended to illustrate the invention better and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the invention unless specifically so claimed.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a mounting assembly configured and engaged with a device, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a lock system for attaching the mounting assembly to the device, wherein the lock system permits non-destructive disconnection of the mounting assembly from the device via use of a key designed for use with the mounting assembly and lock system,

wherein the lock system comprises at least one locking member configured to releasably retain the device in engagement with the mounting assembly, and

wherein separation of the mounting assembly from the device without use of the key causes at least one of said at least one locking member to become unable to releasably retain the device in engagement with the mounting assembly.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member that becomes unable to releasably retain the device is configured to releasably retain the device by obstructing movement of the device relative to the mounting assembly when the device is in a retained position within the mounting assembly.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one locking member is configured to be displaced from a locking position to a released position to permit non-destructive removal of the device from the mounting assembly, and wherein being unable to releasably retain the device comprises the at least one locking member being unable to return to the locking position.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one locking member comprises a material with memory configured to return the at least one locking member to the locking position upon removal of a displacing force, and wherein being unable to return to the locking position comprises loss of said memory to return to the locking position.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one locking member includes a wedge-shaped surface configured to be engaged by the device to displace the at least one locking member from the locking position to the released position as the device is inserted into the mounting assembly.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member comprises a first locking member on a first side of the mounting assembly and a second locking member on a second side of the mounting assembly opposing the first side, and wherein separation of the mounting assembly from the device without use of the key causes at least one of said first locking member and said second locking member to become unable to releasably retain the device in engagement with the mounting assembly.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first locking member and the second locking member are configured to flex in opposite directions away from a longitudinal axis of the mounting assembly when displaced from their respective locking positions.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises a cavity adapted to receive the device, and wherein the at least one locking member is disposed within the cavity and configured to obstruct movement of the device along a longitudinal axis of the cavity when in a locking position.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises a stop member within the cavity, wherein when the device is retained within the cavity the stop member obstructs movement of the device in a first direction along the longitudinal axis and said at least one locking member obstructs movement of the device in a second direction along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an attachment body attached to the mounting assembly.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lock system comprises a locking slot structure, and wherein the device comprises a plurality of tabs, and wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the device using the plurality of tabs by inserting the plurality of tabs into the locking slot structure, wherein the locking slot structure holds the mounting assembly to the device.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the mounting assembly is removable from the device by the key inserted into the mounting assembly to disengage the plurality of tabs from the locking slot structure.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an attachment body is formed integrally with the mounting assembly.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the attachment body comprises electronic circuitry comprising one or more of a GPS tracker, an RFID tag, and a power supply.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device is a zipper slider or slider assembly, a button, or a snap fastener, and wherein the mounting assembly is non-destructively removable from the device via use of the key.

16. A product comprising an apparatus according to claim 1.

17. The product of claim 16, wherein the product is selected from a garment, a shoe, an item of luggage, an item of sports equipment, a bag, a pencil case, a backpack, a computer/laptop case, a zip-up portfolio case, a zip-up storage bin, a sleeping bag, a tent, a makeup/toiletry bag, a lunch bag, a hat with zipper pockets, a toy, and toy clothing.

18. A zipper assembly comprising:

a zipper slider including a locking protrusion; and

a mounting assembly according to claim 1,

wherein the mounting assembly comprises a cavity adapted to receive the locking protrusion, and wherein the at least one locking member releasably locks the locking protrusion within the cavity.

19. The zipper assembly of claim 18, wherein the locking protrusion is configured to pass through the cavity from a protrusion first position to a protrusion second position, wherein, (i) in the protrusion first position, a first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed, and (ii) in the protrusion second position, the first movement of the locking protrusion is releasably obstructed by the at least one locking member.

20. The zipper assembly of claim 19 wherein the locking protrusion is configured to pass through the cavity along a cavity longitudinal axis, and wherein, (x) in the protrusion first position, the first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed along the cavity longitudinal axis, and (y) in the protrusion second position, the first movement of the locking protrusion is releasably obstructed along the cavity longitudinal axis by the at least one locking member.

21. The zipper assembly of claim 20, wherein, when the locking protrusion is in the protrusion first position, the at least one locking member is adjacent to the locking protrusion on a first side of the locking protrusion, and when the locking protrusion is in the protrusion second position, the at least one locking member is adjacent to the locking protrusion on a second side of the locking protrusion.

22. The zipper assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one locking member is displaced by the locking protrusion when the locking protrusion moves from the protrusion first position to the protrusion second position, and wherein, when the at least one locking member is displaced, the first movement of the locking protrusion is unobstructed along the cavity longitudinal axis.

23. The zipper assembly of claim 22, wherein the locking protrusion displaces the at least one locking member by exerting a first force on the at least one locking member.

24. The zipper assembly of claim 23, wherein the at least one locking member includes a wedge-shaped surface and the locking protrusion exerts the first force on the wedge-shaped surface.

25. The zipper assembly of claim 24, wherein the at least one locking member is displaced by flexing.

26. A kit comprising: a zipper assembly according to claim 18; and a key configured to non-destructively disconnect the mounting assembly from the zipper slider.

27. The kit of claim 26, further comprising an attachment body attached to the mounting assembly.

28. The kit of claim 27, wherein the attachment body comprises a recess and wherein the mounting assembly is connected to the recess of the attachment body.

29. The kit of claim 27, wherein an attachment body is formed integrally with the mounting assembly.

30. The kit of claim 27, wherein the attachment body comprises electronic circuitry.