Zipper Or Required Component Thereof Patents (Class 24/381)
  • Patent number: 6467135
    Abstract: A security for a compartmented structure including at least one zippered compartment includes a two-slide zipper. The pulls are configured to interlock one another and to expose a security slot when engaged. Affixing a security product to the security when the pulls are interlocked maintains the zippered compartment closed and secured. The security product preferentially includes a cable to secure the security product to an object other than the compartmented structure when affixed to the security slot to prevent unauthorized movement of the compartmented structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Acco Brands Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Schuster, Glenn Rodgers, David Pitcher
  • Publication number: 20020129469
    Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a first item having a connecting mechanism and a second item having a second connecting means for use when the first item connecting means is incompatibly mismatched, inoperative, non-fully functioning or otherwise unconnectable with the second item connecting mechanism. The connecting device comprises a sheet having a first edge and a second opposed edge. A first connection mechanism is secured to the first edge for connecting it to a mismatched, inoperative, non-fully functioning or otherwise unconnectable connection mechanism with the second item connection mechanism. A second connection mechanism is secured to the second edge of the first sheet member for connecting the second edge of the sheet to the second item connection mechanism, so that the first connection mechanism matches the first item connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism compatibly matches, operates, functions or is otherwise connectable with the second item connector mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Paul
  • Patent number: 6427294
    Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a waterproof slide fastener in which a synthetic resin film is fused to a fastener tape in order to prevent a perforation phenomenon that the synthetic resin film does not exist locally. A laminated synthetic resin film composed of low melting point resin layer having melting point of, for example, 100° C.-140° C. and high melting point resin layer having melting point of, for example, 150° C.-230° C. is fused to a surface or both surfaces of a pair of the fastener tapes with the low melting point resin layer being in contact with and opposing the fastener tape by heating with pressure. Fastener elements are mounted onto a side edge of the fastener tape and the laminated synthetic resin film is formed so as to protrude outward from the side edge of the fastener tape and a center point of coupling of the fastener elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Shibaike, Masahiro Kusayama, Sakae Aimono
  • Publication number: 20020092139
    Abstract: In a fastener tape having a tape main portion obtained by weaving and an element-mounting edge portion in which core strings are woven, foundation warps used for the tape main portion have a lower thermal contraction coefficient than the other warps. The core strings have a high thermal contraction coefficient. The warps adjacent to the core strings at an inner side thereof have a thermal contraction coefficient lower than that of the core strings. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a fastener stringer in which no puckering occurs in an element-mounting edge portion even after elements are attached, so that linearity can be secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: YKK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mitsuo Horikawa
  • Patent number: 6383622
    Abstract: A formed article of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin which has been adapted for use in a sliding member by restoring the wear resistance once degraded by the addition of reinforcing fibers to the normal level is disclosed. This formed article comprises a fiber-reinforced resin material of a thermoplastic resin containing reinforcing fibers and incorporating therein additionally as a sliding property-imparting agent a material having a storage elastic modulus in the range of 3.5×108 Pa to 5.0×108 Pa in a service temperature range of 30° C. to 70° C. The ratio of incorporation of the sliding property-imparting agent is properly in the range of 4 to 10% by weight when the matrix resin is a polyamide-based resin or 4 to 20% by weight when the matrix resin is a thermoplastic resin other than the polyamide-based resin, respectively based on the total weight of the resin and the reinforcing fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Ishibashi, Mamoru Tanaka, Mutsuo Hirota, Yoshifumi Miyajima
  • Patent number: 6357086
    Abstract: A first extension member has a head coupled to a first zipper head and a tail having a male connector and an elongated generally flat intermediate portion between the head and the male connector. A second extension member has a head coupled to a second zipper head and a body with a female connector that receives and locks the male connector and receives and permits free sliding movement of the elongated flat intermediate portion. The female connector prevents removal of the male connector therefrom to prevent opening the zipper beyond a predetermined position based on the length of the elongated intermediate portion. Because the male connector is positioned generally at the end of the tail and the elongated intermediate portion is generally flat, the tail may slide freely within the female connector between the head and the male connector so that the zipper is therefore not locked in any fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Changfeng Ye
  • Patent number: 6253425
    Abstract: The present invention provides a slide fastener having a three-dimensional reflecting function on faces of fastener tapes by simple structure and means. Each of reflective tapes is provided separately from a fastener tape and has a band-shaped attaching portion, a bulging edge portion integrally formed on a longitudinal edge portion of the attaching portion, and a reflective portion formed by providing a retroreflective film or the like on the bulging edge portion. Each the reflective tape is attached to the fastener tape beside fastener elements such that at least a distance corresponding to a thickness of a flange of a slider is maintained between the bulging edge portion and the fastener elements, the reflective portion of the bulging edge portion appears and protrudes from a surface of the fastener tape, and that the bulging edge portion can swing. Each the reflective portion is not damaged by a sliding movement of the slider and can exhibit a three-dimensional reflecting function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Matsushima, Takayuki Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20010001164
    Abstract: A slide-zipper assembly, a method of attaching the slide-zipper assembly to thermoplastic film, and a method of making slide-zippered packages are provided. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the slide-zipper assembly is comprised of a reclosable zipper and an optional slider. The reclosable zipper includes a first profile interlockable with a second profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and a flange extending from the interlocking member on one side thereof at the bottom of the zipper. The interlocking members are interlockable with one another. The zipper flanges are wrapped around the zipper and joined together at the top of the zipper. The slider straddles the zipper and is adapted to open the zipper as it is moved therealong in an opening direction and to close the zipper as it is moved therealong in a closing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 17, 2001
    Inventor: Donald L. Van Erden
  • Patent number: 6230373
    Abstract: Disclosed is a recyclable slide fastener having substantially all the component parts thereof made of the same type of synthetic resin material. In the fundamental embodiment of the slide fastener having a pair of fastener tapes and coupling elements fixed to the longitudinal edges of the fastener tapes, they are made of a synthetic resin material of the same type selected from the group consisting of a polyamide resin, a polyester resin, a polyolefin resin, and a vinyl chloride resin. When the slide fastener comprises sewing threads for the fixation of the coupling elements to the fastener tapes and/or core cords extended as inserted through the individual coupling elements, they are made of the same type of synthetic resin as the fastener tapes and the coupling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsumi Wakai, Yoshiharu Yamaguchi, Mutsuo Hirota, Toyosaku Ogura, Tsutomu Hamatani
  • Patent number: 6223349
    Abstract: A closure device for slit openings of aquatic sport suits, in particular of suits made of chloroprene rubber, with zippers which close the slit opening arranged both on the outside and on the inside of the aquatic sport suit. Both halves of the zipper are secured along the slit opening in close proximity to the sides of the opening. Two mutually overlapping tabs which also overlap the slit opening may be arranged on the inside of the aquatic sport suit along both sides of the slit opening. At least one sealing device is provided between the zippers (4, 8) which are arranged on the outside (1) and the inside (5) of the aquatic sport suit (2). If necessary, the zipper (8) disposed on the inside (5) is attached to two strips (12, 13; 12′, 13′) which are disposed on the inside (5) of the aquatic sport suit (2) and extend lengthwise along the slit opening (3), with the zipper (8) closing an opening region (3′) formed between the two strips (12, 13; 12′, 13′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Erich Roiser
  • Patent number: 6105213
    Abstract: A first extension member has a head coupled to a first zipper head and a tail having a male connector and an elongated generally flat intermediate portion between the head and the male connector. A second extension member has a head coupled to a second zipper head and a body with a female connector that receives and locks the male connector and receives and permits free sliding movement of the elongated flat intermediate portion.The female connector prevents removal of the male connector therefrom to prevent opening the zipper beyond a predetermined position based on the length of the elongated intermediate portion. Because the male connector is positioned generally at the end of the tail and the elongated intermediate portion is generally flat, the tail may slide freely within the female connector between the head and the male connector so that the zipper is therefore not locked in any fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Mark Changfeng Ye
  • Patent number: 5940941
    Abstract: A device and method which facilitates the removal of a zipper component such as a slider e.g. for maintenance, repair, security and the like, is provided. In one embodiment a plate configured so that it can define a receiving area is positioned adjacent to a pair of zipper tapes such that a slider may be moved off the zipper tapes and into the receiving area. Preferably the receiving area is configured so that once the slider is in the receiving area it may be removed therefrom and/or a new slider may be inserted therein for positioning onto the zipper tapes. In one embodiment one or more removable doors or tabs are provided to limit movement of the slider and/or prevent movement into the receiving area unless the doors or stop members are moved or removed. In one embodiment, one or more guide lugs are provided for engaging the slider to glide the slider from the receiving area onto the tape so as to readily engage the zipper teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Edgeworks, Inc.
    Inventors: Teddy L. Dishner, Terry Breaux
  • Patent number: 5861579
    Abstract: A wiring harness shroud to enshroud a wiring harness. The shroud holds pigtails, takeouts, connectors, harness hold-downs and the like which otherwise extend from the harness against a trunk of the harness so that it can be inserted through an opening in a firewall or other structural member of a motor vehicle or other product for installation of the harness. Once inserted through the opening, the shroud is removed, by a zipper closure device which initially maintains the shroud as a tubular structure but can be released to open the tubular structure to facilitate shroud removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Daniel Thomas Bickersteth, Gerald R. Walters
  • Patent number: 5813094
    Abstract: A device comprising a slidable fastener or slidable fastener stringer affixed to a hollow channel member, wherein said channel member has an upper and a lower edge defining a longitudinal opening for receiving and holding the interlocking elements and/or a portion of the tape of a stringer belonging to an inoperable slidable fastener. The device of the present invention is used particularly to remedy the problem of an inoperable fastener already installed in the article, without removing the inoperable fastener from its article, by connecting the present invention to the old stringer/fastener thereby interposing a functioning fastener/stringer in said article between the stringers of the existing, inoperable fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Raul Marquez Perez, II
  • Patent number: 5749134
    Abstract: A slide fastener repair system including a method in which an opening is formed in a slide fastener to create a gap in a row of fastener elements, removing the slide fastener slider through the opening, positioning a replacement slider on the teeth of the slide fastener at the opening and attaching a slider stop at the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Martin S. Zemitis
  • Patent number: 5745960
    Abstract: A device and method which facilitates the removal of a zipper component such as a slider e.g. for maintenance, repair, security and the like, is provided. In one embodiment a plate configured so that it can define a receiving area is positioned adjacent to a pair of zipper tapes such that a slider may be moved off the zipper tapes and into the receiving area. Preferably the receiving area is configured so that once the slider is in the receiving area it may be removed therefrom and/or a new slider may be inserted therein for positioning onto the zipper tapes. In one embodiment one or more removable doors or tabs are provided to limit movement of the slider and/or prevent movement into the receiving area unless the doors or stop members are moved or removed. In one embodiment, one or more guide lugs are provided for engaging the slider to glide the slider from the receiving area onto the tape so as to readily engage the zipper teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Walrus, Inc.
    Inventors: Teddy L. Dishner, Terry Breaux
  • Patent number: 5699592
    Abstract: In a concealed woven slide fastener stringer, a fastener tape is woven of foundation warp yarns and a double-pick foundation weft yarn, and a coiled fastener element is attached to folded inner margin of the tape by anchoring warp yarns and a double-pick anchoring weft yarn with coupling heads facing inwardly and connecting portions facing outwardly. The foundation weft yarn is interlaced with the outer one of two core cords inserted through the fastener element. The anchoring warp yarns cross the foundation weft yarn between the successive legs; one of the anchoring warp yarns is disposed between the coupling heads and the inner core cord, and two of the anchoring warp yarns are disposed between the core cords. The anchoring weft yarn is interlaced at one end with the outer anchoring warp yarn and at the other end with the foundation weft yarn crossing the inner anchoring warp yarn, thereby fixing the fastener element firmly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Muchiji Shimono
  • Patent number: 5697130
    Abstract: A side-entry fastener having first and second side strips with teeth, which can be connected to one another to close an opening, and each side strip defining two ends, a connecting block member at one location on one strip, the connecting block member being secured in position, and defining a recess and a connecting bar secured to said second of the side strips the connecting bar being adapted to be introduced into and removed from the recess in the connecting block and retainers for retaining the bar in the recess, and a slider being adapted to slide over the bar and abut against the block, thereby permitting the two side strips of the slide fastener to be connected together and separated from one another, by lateral movement of the block and the bar relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Imre Jack Smith
  • Patent number: 5675909
    Abstract: The generation of volatiles from liquid or solid materials is enhanced and accelerated by exposure to microwave radiation. Normally the energy transfer is effected preferentially toward the liquid or solid materials over the generated gaseous volatiles. Sufficient energy is provided at a selected rate that enhances the generation of volatiles to effect removal as vapor or to produce a pressurized vapor phase. Flow-through separations from a matrix having a microwave-absorbing liquid component are conducted by exposing to microwave radiation to vaporize this component and processing the vapor either by flowing through a selective permeable membrane, or by enclosing the vapor and matrix in a confined space and flowing matrix through a selected separation medium, and recovering residual matrix. These separations are particularly useful in analysis contexts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Environment
    Inventor: J.R. Jocelyn Pare
  • Patent number: 5628093
    Abstract: A mattress assembly includes a mattress base and a mattress top having first and second major surfaces extending to a peripheral edge. Slidable fastener means disposed between the mattress top and the mattress base removably and rotatably attaches the mattress top to the mattress base. In an associated method for moving a body depression in a mattress, the mattress top is attached to the base with at least one zipper having a first side and a second side. Opening the zipper permits removal and rotation of the mattress top relative to the mattress base to move the body depression to a different position. Closing the zipper reattaches the mattress top to the mattress base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Clarke W. Goodale
  • Patent number: 5588185
    Abstract: A zipper closure includes teeth having decorative stones. The teeth engage each other by respective support surfaces, the extension (h) of which in the direction of the zipper closure is at most as large as the largest diameter (D) of the decorative stones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: D. Swarovski & Co.
    Inventors: Christian Covi, Werner Steinlechner
  • Patent number: 5586369
    Abstract: A slide fastener tape woven or knitted so as to form a coupling element attaching edge portion, a tape body portion and a tape sewing portion arranged in order transversely of the tape, wherein the tape has a double-layer structure portion composed of a front cloth and a back cloth joined together by a connecting yarn with a predetermined gap therebetween extending transversely over a predetermined region of the tape, the connecting yarn being a synthetic resin monofilament or multifilament, the back cloth of the double-layer structure portion being a section formed of at least a mesh woven or knitted fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Matsuda, Shunji Akashi, Hiroshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5586370
    Abstract: A separable bottom stop assembly, for a slide fastener, having a four-member structure composed of a box, a box pin, an separable pin and a stopper. The box has a stopper-insertion hole having on upper and lower surfaces locking grooves engageable with locking ridges of the stopper. A central partition of the box has a locking recess engageable with a locking projection of the box pin. The box pin has a recess for receiving an end of the stopper. Since the stopper engages in the recess while the locking projection engages in the locking recess, the box and box pin can be joined firmly without accidental removal. The box can be attached to the box pin after fastener stringers are sewn to a garment, realizing easy and neat sewing without obstruction by the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Fudaki
  • Patent number: 5414882
    Abstract: A mattress assembly includes a mattress base and a mattress top having first and second major surfaces extending to a peripheral edge. Slidable fastener means disposed between the mattress top and the mattress base removably and rotatably attaches the mattress top to the mattress base. In an associated method for moving a body depression in a mattress, the mattress top is attached to the base with at least one zipper having a first side and a second side. Opening the zipper permits removal and rotation of the mattress top relative to the mattress base to move the body depression to a different position. Closing the zipper reattaches the mattress top to the mattress base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Clarke W. Goodale
  • Patent number: 5401555
    Abstract: A cloth composed of first and second threads, the first threads being dyeable by a first dye and being much more exposed on a front surface of the cloth than a back surface thereof, the second threads being not dyeable by said first dye and dyeable by a second dye and being much more exposed on the back surface than the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Yoshimichi Yamakita
  • Patent number: 5376130
    Abstract: An improved support garment for therapeutic compression of a swollen limb. An elastic sock includes a lengthwise slit intermediate the top and bottom, an inelastic pouch bridging the slit for slidably receiving a flat compliant plastic insert, and a slide fastener for opening and closing the slit. Sufficient slack in the pouch allows the fastener to close with the insert in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Charles Courtney
  • Patent number: 5311648
    Abstract: A closure assembly can be mounted on a cover, such as tarpaulin, or the like, and an opening through the cover defined beneath the closure assembly to permit movement through the opening while also permitting the opening to be sealed as necessary. The opening can be large enough to permit a motor vehicle to be driven through the cover, as in a situation where a cover is used to close a building access door, or the opening can be sized to permit a person to move through the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: William Semons
  • Patent number: 5181299
    Abstract: A zipper including a pair of rows of teeth, a catch for joining/unjoining the two rows of teeth as the catch is moved relative to the two rows of teeth; a pair of flaps disposed underneath the two rows of teeth, respectively, such that as the catch moves relative to the two rows of teeth to join the two rows of teeth together, the pair of flaps overlap each other, thereby preventing extraneous material from being entangled in the catch and the two rows of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Hung C. Huang
  • Patent number: 5118553
    Abstract: A bed covering has connectable panels which are connected at overlapping borders by complementary fasteners. When used to make up a bed, one panel can be hidden by the bed's blanket while the other is folded over the upper portion of the blanket, or the foregoing appearance can be simulated, to provide an aesthetically pleasing visible effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Judi Boisson
  • Patent number: 5067207
    Abstract: A zipper assembly can be mounted on a cover, such as tarpaulin, or the like, and an opening through the cover defined beneath the zipper assembly to permit movement through the opening while also permitting the opening to be sealed as necessary. The opening can be large enough to permit a motor vehicle to be driven through the cover, as in a situation where a cover is used to close a building access door, or the opening can be sized to permit a person to move through the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: William Semons
  • Patent number: 5042117
    Abstract: An ornamental slide fastener comprises a pair of stringer tapes each having an upper strip and a lower strip interconnected by a rib about which the tape is folded, a row of coupling elements secured to the lower strip, the two strips defining therebetween a guide channel for receiving a slider and a series of ornaments applied to the upper strip end extending into the region of the rib so that continuity of the ornaments is maintained against the influence of lateral pull tending to spread the two tapes apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Noritaka Tsubata
  • Patent number: 5040274
    Abstract: A removable lace-in fastener for an item of footwear comprises fastener means such as a sliding clasp fastener, openable and closeable along a longitudinally extending line and a pair of bendable, longitudinally extending strips of plastics material. Each strip has a plurality of integrally moulded eyelets provided along a first outer longitudinal edge thereof. Each strip is attached along a second longitudinal edge thereof to a free outer edge of the fastener means. The fastener may be attached into a boot or other item of footwear by lacing connecting some of the eyelets with conventional eyelets in the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Haynes & Cann Limited
    Inventor: Brian Keech
  • Patent number: 4922584
    Abstract: A slide fastener comprising a pair of stringer tapes which are separable into identical halves by means of a pin-and-box separator, a reinforcing strip attached to an end of each of the stringer tapes and an adhesive film fusible to bond the strip to the tape. Both of the stringer tape and the reinforcing strip are made of the same type of fibrous materials, while the adhesive film is a modified polyester or a copolymeric polyamide depending upon the type of materials chosen for the stringer tape and the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventors: Shigeru Funakawa, Mitsuo Horikawa
  • Patent number: 4922585
    Abstract: A light-reflective or luminous slide fastener is disclosed which is provided with a light-reflective strip including a multiplicity of glass beads and bonded to a row of coupling elements on each of a pair of fastener tapes. The strip extends longitudinally at least partially over the upper surfaces of the row of elements, or extends more extensively over the element surfaces so as to mask substantially the entire elements from view when the fastener is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Isamu Kumano
  • Patent number: 4881546
    Abstract: A gaping surgical incision can be closed by drawing the edges of the incision toward one another by the application of traction to the wound. Adhesive strips which project beyond support tapes of a conventional garment-type slide fastener stringer are then applied to the skin along the incision and the slider is closed to provide a healing closure for the wound. Spacer strips between the skin and the support tapes are spaced outwardly from the respective coupling elements to define a free space and prevent the wound from contacting the coupling elements or the support tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Opti-Patents-, Forschungs-und Fabrikations-AG
    Inventor: Hans-Jurgen Kaessmann
  • Patent number: 4829603
    Abstract: A protective suit has a zipper defining a pass-through opening with one end of the zipper being led over an indirect path about a region of the body which is not easily accessible by the wearer of the suit. The protective suit is improved so that for the purpose of easier opening, especially in emergency situations, the pass-through opening in the region of the indirect path can be opened by the suit wearer by a one-handed pull movement performed from a location within convenient reach and in any desirable direction suitable to the body. For this purpose, the zipper is provided with a slide on which a flexible pulling means acts which is guided along the indirect path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Schnoor, Dieter Gronwoldt
  • Patent number: 4817252
    Abstract: A fluid-tight slide fastener comprising a pair of stringers each having a support tape and a row of coupling elements mounted on and along a folded inner longitudinal tape edge, a slider slidably mounted on the opposed rows of coupling elements, and an end stop mounted on the tapes and having embedded therein a length of the folded edge. Each folded edge includes a sealing abutment extending over a specified length of permenently interengaged coupling element rows adjacent the end stop. The opposed sealing abutments define a substantially inverted "V" cross-sectional profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventor: Masahiro Kusayama
  • Patent number: 4780937
    Abstract: A fluid-tight slide fastener comprises a pair of stringers each having a water-proof support tape and a row of coupling elements mounted on and along a bent inner longitudinal edge of the support tape, a slider slidably mounted on the two rows of coupling elements to take the latter into and out of coupling engagement with each other to close and open the slide fastener, and a top end stop mounted on upper ends of the support tapes and having embedded therein a length of the folded edges. The bent inner longitudinal edge has throughout the length thereof a pair of upper and lower sealing abutments disposed on opposite sides of an intermediate portion folded around the row of coupling elements. The upper sealing abutments are spaced from one another by a first distance substantially equal to the width of a diamond of the slider while the lower sealing abutments are spaced from one another by a second distance smaller than the width of the slider diamond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Masahiro Kusayama
  • Patent number: 4619141
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting slide fasteners is disclosed. The apparatus includes a slide fastener suspension device having a horizontal rotary member provided with a plurality of equally-spaced clips for supporting each of the slide fasteners in a suspended condition, and a drive means adapted to intermittently rotate the horizontal rotary member. A first gripper is provided at a first position along a movement path of the horizontal rotary member so as to feed in succession the slide fasteners to the clips of the suspension device in a suspended condition. The apparatus also includes a second gripper provided at a second position along the path of the horizontally rotating member so as to remove the slide fasteners from the clips transferred by the horizontal rotary member in succession. The path of the horizontal rotary member between the first position and the second position provides a visual inspection region for the slide fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Keiichi Yoshieda, Yuusei Sassa
  • Patent number: 4619023
    Abstract: A slide fastener includes a row of coupling elements secured by sewing stitches to one longitudinal edge of a support tape made of a fabric material free of threads woven or knitted together. The sewing stitches are formed of at least one thread having loops passing through the support tape. The thread is made of a monofilamentary material which is free from thermal deformation. The slide fastener can retain, after heat-set treatment, sufficient mechanical strength at the connection between the sewing stitches and the row of coupling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventor: Yoshitoki Tsubokawa
  • Patent number: 4603327
    Abstract: A warning device particularly for use in a coverall worn by a person in a controlled environment warns if the person has unfastened the garment. The garment has fasteners such as a zipper for opening and closing the garment. A pair of electrical contacts are mounted in the zipper track for contact by the zipper head as the zipper head moves along the zipper track. The zipper head establishes continuity through the contacts as it is drawn past. This provides a signal to a transmitter mounted to the coveralls. The transmitter provides a radio frequency signal to a receiver located in a monitoring area. The receiver provides a warning upon reception of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Inventors: Obie P. Leonard, George C. Witte
  • Patent number: 4490890
    Abstract: A separable slide fastener has a pair of warp-knit stringer tapes each with a series of longitudinal openings for easy attachment to a knit fabric. Each of the stringer tapes includes a reinforcing body mounted on a lower end portion thereof and including a thin member and an endmost thick member both extending transversely across some of the tape opening, the thin member covering at least the endmost opening and the endmost thick body having a transverse portion contiguous to the thin member in the longitudinal direction of the stringer tape and extending about a portion of the thin member and the lower end portion of the stringer tape. A separable bottom end stop is injection-molded on the thin reinforcement member bonded to the stringer tape so as to form integrally therewith the thick reinforcement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshida, Shunji Akashi, Yoshio Matsuda
  • Patent number: 4488337
    Abstract: A separable slide fastener has a pair of warp-knit stringer tapes each with a series of openings for easy attachment to a knit fabric. Each of the stringer tapes includes a reinforcement film bonded to a lower end portion thereof and having a recess which allows some of the tape openings to be exposed for use in attachment to the knit fabric. The recess may be covered with a thin layer penetratable by knitting needles. A separable bottom end stop is injection-molded on the reinforcement films bonded to the stringer tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshida, Yoshio Matsuda, Shunji Akashi
  • Patent number: 4485532
    Abstract: A separable slide fastener comprises a pair of warp-knit stringer tapes each having a pair of webs with a wale-free region therebetween, which are interconnected by a connector thread extending across the wale-free region at longitudinal intervals, the wale-free region being receptive of a chain of thread loops for attaching the stringer tape to a fabric. A pair of rows of coupling elements is mounted on opposite longitudinal edges of the stringer tapes, respectively and taken into and out of interdigitating engagement by a slider movable along the rows of coupling elements. The stringer tapes have at one end thereof a separable bottom end stop. A reinforcement member is mounted on each of the stringer tapes at the one end thereof and connected to the separable bottom end stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshida, Shunji Akashi, Yoshio Matsuda
  • Patent number: 4425683
    Abstract: A separable slide fastener comprises a pair of warp-knit stringer tapes each having a pair of webs with a wale-free region therebetween, which are interconnected by a connector thread extending across the wale-free region at longitudinal intervals, the wale-free region being receptive of a chain of thread loops for attaching the stringer tape to a fabric. A pair of rows of coupling elements is mounted on opposite longitudinal edges of the stringer tapes and taken into and out of interdigitating engagement by a slider movable along the rows of coupling elements. The stringer tapes have at one end thereof a separable bottom end stop. A reinforcement member is mounted on each of the stringer tapes at the one end thereof and connected to the separable bottom end stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventor: Masahiko Hata
  • Patent number: 4422221
    Abstract: A separable slide fastener comprises a pair of warp-knit stringer tapes each having a pair of webs which are interconnected by connector threads extending across the tape to provide a series of spaced openings receptive of stitching threads for attaching the fastener to a fabric article. A pair of rows of coupling elements is mounted on opposite longitudinal edges of the stringer tapes and taken into and out of inter-digitating engagement by a slider movable along the rows of coupling elements. The stringer tapes have at one end thereof a separable bottom end stop. A reinforcement strip preferably made of a textile material is mounted on each of the stringer tapes adjacent to the separable bottom end stop. The reinforcement strip has a series of pre-formed apertures spaced at such intervals and of such a size which are suitable for receiving threads from a knitting machine and a linking machine as well to secure the fastener to the fabric article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventor: Shunji Akashi