Of Interlocking Element Patents (Class 29/410)
  • Patent number: 10407964
    Abstract: A door striker assembly includes a base plate, a reinforcement plate and a striker wire. The base plate has a first surface and a second surface, with a first opening, and a second opening both extending from the first surface to the second surface. The first surface has an offset portion with the first opening being open to the offset portion. The reinforcement plate is dimensioned to fit within the offset portion of the first surface and has a third opening aligned with the first opening. The striker wire has a first end, a second end and a latch engaging portion located between the first end and the second end. The first end extends through the first opening and the third opening and is non-movably connected to at least one of the reinforcement plate and the base plate. The second end extends through the second opening and is non-movably connected to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer Abbott, Adam Miller
  • Patent number: 9669980
    Abstract: A tape feeder is configured such that plural tape suppliers guiding plural component supply tapes to a component pick-up position are individually and detachably mounted on plural slots of the feeder body. A read component ID from a code label of a tape reel is input into a feeder management computer. The feeder management computer performs instruction display of the slot to be mounted among the plural slots to an instruction display section based on component ID. If a mounting confirmation sensor confirms the tape supplier is mounted on one of the slots, the feeder management computer determines whether or not a component in which the component ID is read is supplied from a correct slot depending on whether or not the slot in which the mounting of the tape supplier is confirmed matches the slot in which the instruction display is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI MACHINE MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Koyanagi, Yukinori Takada
  • Publication number: 20150026932
    Abstract: A double-layer open-end zipper and double-layer 3-in-one open-end zipper and the related fabrication method is disclosed. The double-layer open-end zipper are made by performing a coil spiral and broad-width fabric tape stitching step, a dyeing and drying set, a gapping size setting step, a splitting, folding and calibration step and a glue heating and bonding or stitching step to form a single-sided double-layer zipper chain tape, and then performing a zipper slide coupling step, a ultrasonic patch sealing and T cut hole punching step, a box with small guider and pins with groove fixation step, a zipper slide functioning checking step and a top stop fixation step to obtain the desired finished double-layer open-end zipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Genmore Zipper Corporation
    Inventor: Lien-Chou Wang
  • Patent number: 8806732
    Abstract: A method for protecting a connection interface in a computer-docking assembly in which a computer-support assembly is partially rotated about an arm assembly while moving the computer-support assembly toward a connection interface of the base station. The computer-support assembly is generally aligned with the connection interface of the base station to posture the computer-support assembly in proximity to the interface connection of the base station for protecting the interface connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Hoss Ward, Nick Merz
  • Publication number: 20140068898
    Abstract: Method for manufacturing interconnecting elements for a slide fastener, comprising the steps of producing interconnecting half-elements provided with a predetermined three-dimensional shape, by means of punching of said half-elements from a sheet, and forming said interconnecting elements by joining together respective pairs of half-elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: RIRI SA
    Inventor: Vasco Zagaglia
  • Publication number: 20130291359
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and machine for automatically fabricating zippers. The method comprises steps: parallel placing two tapes on the machine, injection-molding a plurality of plastic teeth on two opposite edges of the tapes, leaving untoothed blank regions on the tapes periodically, and applying plastic films onto the tapes; transporting the filmed tapes to a punching device to punch a positioning hole on each blank region; inserting each section of the plastic teeth, which is between two adjacent blank regions, into at least one slider, and using the positioning holes as reference points to injection-mold a plurality of bayonets on the blank regions respectively, wherein each positioning hole corresponds to a set of bayonets; and cutting off the tapes at the blank regions to obtain a plurality of zippers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Able Investments Limited
    Inventors: Wan-Hoi Gilbert HUNG, Ching-Lung LEE, Wing-Fai KONG
  • Publication number: 20130180087
    Abstract: Provided is a slide fastener that has a flexible fastener tape, exhibits liquid-tightness, and can prevent a gap from being formed in a coupling portion, and a method of producing the slide fastener. An overlay material is formed on a front surface of a fastener tape so that the overlay material formed on a surface of a core member extends beyond a centerline in a front-rear thickness direction of a tape member. When a pair of fastener element rows engages with each other, a tip of an intermeshing head of a fastener element presses the overlay material formed on the opposite core members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Matsuda, Yuichi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8069546
    Abstract: A cutter operative to pierce and cut a sheet of material includes a handle and a body portion coupled to the handle. The body portion includes two puncture fingers having tips for piercing the sheet of material and two blades for cutting two parallel cuts in the sheet of material. In a method of installing a zipper on a sheet of material, left and right portions of a zipper are applied to a sheet of material. A swath portion of the sheet of material is cut having two parallel, spaced-apart cuts between the left and right portions of the zipper. In this manner, zipper installation is established in a manner that avoids formation of flap of material that would otherwise remain between the left and right flanges of the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Zipwall, LLC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Whittemore
  • Publication number: 20110214261
    Abstract: Slider assemblies and methods of manufacturing slider assemblies comprising a slider with a locking feature that cooperates with a plurality of coils of a standard zipper component. In some embodiments, the slider is capable of moving freely along the length of the zipper component when sufficient force is applied to the slider, but is capable of being locked in position when sufficient force is no longer applied to the slider. In certain embodiments, the locking feature is generally M-shaped. In some embodiments, the sliders are formed using injection molding techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Shigeyoshi Takazawa, Albert E. Barrows, John B. Sears
  • Patent number: 7954209
    Abstract: A waterproof structure for zippers includes a waterproof layer formed on one side surface of two tapes of a half-finished zipper. The waterproof layer is formed by coating a layer of bonding glue on the one side surface of the two tapes and then the bonding glue has its upper layer stuck with an electroplating membrane. By so designing, external water can be prevented from seeping in the two tapes of the zipper, thus elevating waterproof effect of a zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Best-Win International Co.
    Inventor: Hung-Chao Chen
  • Patent number: 7934305
    Abstract: A fluidtight slide fastener comprising a pair of tapes both delimited by two opposite long edges and by two opposite short edges. Each tape comprises a textile material strip coated with a fluid barrier material layer on at least opposite faces thereof, the strip remaining uncoated on at least one of the short edges of each tape. Each tape is also equipped with a set of aligned teeth on at least a portion of one of the long sides thereof, the aligned teeth of the sets facing each other and being associated with opposite opening and closing stops. A slider is slidable between the closing stop and the opening stop for engaging in a fluidtight way or disengaging the aligned teeth respectively. The fastener further comprises a coating formed on each tape on the at least one of the uncoated short edges for covering the textile material strip in a fluidtight way at the at least one of the uncoated short edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: RIRI S.A.
    Inventor: Livio Cossutti
  • Patent number: 7849576
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a slide fastener. The apparatus may provide a chain transfer path inclined downward for transferring a fastener chain, a chain cutting portion disposed at a middle of the transfer path and a feed portion disposed on an upstream side of the chain cutting portion of the chain transfer path. A control portion may also be provided for a) stopping to transfer the fastener chain by the feed portion and b) operating the chain cutting portion. A pivoting section may also be provided, which pivots the chain cutting portion by a predetermined angle on the chain transfer path around an axis line orthogonal to the transfer path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Sawada, Makoto Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7810222
    Abstract: A method for protecting a connection interface in a computer-docking assembly in which a computer-support assembly is partially rotated about an arm assembly while moving the computer-support assembly toward a connection interface of the base station. The computer-support assembly is generally aligned with the connection interface of the base station to posture the computer-support assembly in proximity to the interface connection of the base station for protecting the interface connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Zetta Research, LLC
    Inventors: Hoss Ward, Nick Merz
  • Patent number: 7757365
    Abstract: A method for securing two frame halves of a frame assembly, including providing a pair of frame halves each having an axially extending attachment rib. The frame halves are temporarily secured for storage and transport by detachably clipping the attachment ribs together with a clip. The frame halves can be disengaged, rotated, and lockingly clipped together for final installation with the same clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Indutries Cover Inc.
    Inventor: Francois Ouellette
  • Patent number: 7568270
    Abstract: A fluidtight slide fastener comprising a pair of tapes both delimited by two opposite long edges and by two opposite short edges, each tape comprising a textile material strip coated with a fluid barrier material layer at least at the opposite faces thereof, the strip remaining uncoated at least one of the short edges of each tape, each tape being equipped with a set of aligned teeth on at least a portion of one of the long sides thereof, the aligned teeth of the sets facing each other and being associated with opposite opening and closing stops, and a slider slidable between the closing stop and the opening stop for engaging in a fluidtight way or disengaging said aligned teeth respectively, wherein the fastener further comprises a coating formed on each tape at the at least one of the uncoated short edges for covering the textile material strip in a fluidtight way at the at least one of the uncoated short edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: RIRI S.A.
    Inventor: Livio Cossutti
  • Patent number: 7549218
    Abstract: The invention is a continuous finishing apparatus for a slide fastener having a slider introduction portion for successively introducing a slider by intermittently running a slide fastener chain, wherein, a slider introduction member thrusts into the space portion when the slider held by a slider holding member is brought into a space portion and set therein, moves downstream of the slide fastener chain within the space portion, holds an engaging element disposed at a downstream end portion of the space portion, and then, continues to move to the downstream for carrying the slide fastener chain, and wherein the slider is introduced and set along the same chain upon this carriage. Because the slider introduction member carries the slide fastener by holding the engaging elements on an edge of the fastener tape, which is least elongated, no disagreement occurs in position of corresponding right and left engaging elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Sawada, Makoto Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7454824
    Abstract: An installed structure of a slide unit of a clamping head on a zipper bag has a vibration device, a track and an installation device. The installation device is installed with a removing unit, an input unit and a press unit so that a clamping portion is delivered to a removing unit. A removing sheet of the removing unit serves to open the closed clamping portion. The slide unit of the clamping head is pushed to be installed in the clamping portion of the zipper bag. The open clamping portion is closed again by use of two corresponding rolling wheels of the press unit pressing. The slide unit of the clamping head is installed automatically at the clamping portion of the zipper bag. The assembly procedure is continuous, convenient and fast. The installed structure is available to be mass production, reduce manufacture costs and fit in with economic efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Chun-Shan Chen
  • Patent number: 7454823
    Abstract: Several embodiments of resilient slider members and methods of assembling such slider members onto interlocking fastening strips are disclosed herein. The slider member (200) comprises a pair of spaced-apart side walls (210, 230) and an intermediate body portion (250) therebetween. In addition, each side wall includes an interior surface (215) with an inwardly projecting shoulder (216) formed thereon, an exterior surface (217), and opposed end surfaces (218).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Savicki
  • Publication number: 20080263846
    Abstract: A fastening mechanism for use in an electronic device, including: a box with two side walls each provided with a first guiding groove formed with a through-hole and a second guiding groove; two fastening elements matching the second guiding grooves; and two resilient positioning elements disposed on the two fastening elements respectively and corresponding in position to the through-hole, wherein at least one of the two resilient positioning elements corresponds in position to the through-hole and includes a positioning portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Yung-Chung Chen
  • Patent number: 7246422
    Abstract: The invention provides a feeding unit for a metallic linear material having an irregular shaped section applicable to a continuous manufacturing apparatus for a fastener stringer, the feeding unit comprising the seventh and eighth rollers rotatably supported at their fixed positions, the ninth and tenth rollers opposing the seventh and eighth rollers and rotatably supported at both ends of a movable roller support member, wherein the roller support member is rotatably supported around its center and urged elastically in a direction perpendicular to a straight line connecting the centers of roller shafts of the seventh and eighth rollers, thereby the feeding roller protecting the metallic linear material from easily slipping out of feeding rollers, returning the linear material to its original track immediately even if the linear material slips out for a while, and feeding the metallic linear material stably and securely without damaging the linear material or ratchet wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Iai, Koitsu Morioka
  • Patent number: 7204006
    Abstract: A method for providing an end-stop for a slider on a resealable thermoplastic bag is provided. The resealable thermoplastic bag includes a profile track having a first side panel and a second side panel. A clip having first and second legs is made to straddle the profile track such that the first leg of the clip being proximate to the first side panel and the second leg of the clip being proximate to the second side panel. One of the legs has an inward-facing protrusion for engaging a corresponding recess on the panel proximate thereto, such that the clip resists vertical motion on the profile track. The other of the legs of the clip is sealed to the panel proximate thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Webster Industries Division Chelsea Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: F. John Herrington, Bryon Hollenbeck
  • Patent number: 7200911
    Abstract: Methods are provided for making slider-operated fasteners for use in reclosable plastic bags using at least a double index and dual unit operations. The methods involve forming two preseals, forming two notches within the preseals, applying two sliders into the previously formed notches, and applying two end stops proximate the previously applied sliders by having the various stations perform their respective functions, either simultaneously or at generally the same time, on different parts of the fastener spaced approximately at a double index. Also provided are methods of producing finished bags by applying the slider-operated fastener to a flat web of plastic film and conveying the web to a vertical or a horizontal form-fill-seal machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Nathan A. Kolovich, Craig E. Cappel, Timothy W. Pistner, Alexander R. Provan
  • Patent number: 7100487
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for punching a guide notch in a polymeric zipper having a male and female track with respective fins. The method includes sliding the zipper into position in a punch housing and punching a guide notch into the zipper. The guide notch is defined by a plurality of edges in the zipper, which are guided out of the punch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron L. Strand
  • Patent number: 6973704
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a slider onto a flexible zipper tape, comprising: a zipper tape guide that supports a section of zipper tape in a slider insertion zone and guides advancement of the zipper tape along a line; a mechanism for displacing a slider from a pre-insertion position to an inserted position on the section of the zipper tape located in the slider insertion zone; and a slider guide for guiding the slider from a transition point to the pre-insertion position. The slider guide is configured so that the slider travels along a generally U-shaped path in its transit from the transition point to the pre-insertion position. The slider guide may be a channel configured to maintain one end of the slider constantly in the lead as it moves along the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6968604
    Abstract: A method and a system for forming slider end stops on a zipper tape that comprises first and second interlockable zipper parts. The method comprises the following steps: (a) transmitting sufficient ultrasonic wave energy into first and second areas of the zipper tape to cause the first and second interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the first and second areas, the first and second areas being separated by a gap; and (b) applying sufficient heat and pressure onto a third area of the zipper tape to cause the interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the third area, at least part of the third area being located between the first and second areas in the gap. The first and second areas do not impinge upon the zipper rails. The third area does impinge upon the zipper rails. Thus the zipper rails are deformed in the third area, but not in adjacent areas located below and contiguous with the first and second areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Crevier
  • Patent number: 6957482
    Abstract: The space forming apparatus includes at least a pair of fixed grippers disposed in a lower part thereof; a pair of movable grippers disposed with a gap in a front-to-rear direction such that the movable grippers are movable in a vertical direction toward and away from the aforementioned fixed grippers; a knock-out which is provided between the fixed grippers and moves vertically between said fixed grippers and between the movable grippers; and a punch section which is disposed so as to oppose a top end of the knock-out and which moves vertically and independently between the front and rear movable grippers and cuts coupling heads of coupling elements while pressing the coupling heads downward at the time of cutting. These members are accommodated integrally in a single housing having a chain insertion opening provided in a front face thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Shimai, Akira Sakai
  • Patent number: 6938330
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automated insertion of sliders on continuous zipper material. The method involves the following steps: (a) advancing a section of zipper material past a leading edge of a splitter plate that pries the zipper strips of the zipper material apart; (b) clamping a first portion of one zipper strip against one side of the splitter plate, while clamping a first portion of the other zipper strip against an opposite side of the splitter plate, the first portions of the zipper strips being disposed on an upstream side of a slider insertion zone; (c) closing a portion of the zipper comprising respective second portions of the zipper strips disposed on a downstream side of the slider insertion zone; and (d) inserting a slider onto the zipper in the slider insertion zone. A plow of the slider is disposed between respective third portions of the zipper strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis Albert Haws, David C. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6935007
    Abstract: A zipper guide apparatus having different operational states. In the first operational state, the zipper tape is held securely, i.e., gripped, in a zone adjacent the slider insertion zone during slider insertion. In a second operational state, the zipper tape is not held securely in the zone adjacent the slider insertion zone and a slider can pass through the zipper guide during zipper tape advancement. These operational states are under the control of a programmable controller or other control device, which synchronizes zipper guide operation with operation of the slider inserter. The zipper guide comprises a saddle on which a zipper is seated and a pair of opposing grippers that extend to grip the zipper tape and that retract to release the zipper tape and allow passage of the zipper tape with sliders inserted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6931707
    Abstract: A device is designed to facilitate operation of a separable slide fastener having a pair of stringers, respectively carrying first and second rows of interlocking elements, the rows respectively terminating at a stop member and a lug, the fastener including at least one slider moveable along the first row and having an aperture therethrough alignable with an aperture in the stop member when the slider is disposed in a terminal position. The device includes a handle and retention structure receivable in an aligning position in the apertures when the slider is in or is moved to its terminal position and engageable with the slider and the stop member to hold the slider in its terminal position so that the user does not have to manually do so during insertion of the lug into the apertures to join the stringers. When the lug is inserted it displaces the retention structure from the apertures. Several embodiments of the device are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Richard A. Lathrop
  • Patent number: 6839949
    Abstract: A hand tool that has a pliers-like body and a special head. The head has a pair of parallel teeth that fit onto the grooves of a zipper guide. As the tool is squeezed, the teeth force the grooves closed uniformly and symmetrically. In this way, the tool can adjust the grooves on all types of zippers quickly and easily. Such a tool can be used on all types of zippers, such as those found on tents, clothing, tote bags, luggage and many other things.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Charles M. Miknich
  • Patent number: 6796015
    Abstract: A zipper guide for use in a slider insertion machine in which the zipper guide can be easily loaded with zipper tape without disassembly of the zipper guide. The slider insertion apparatus comprises: an assembly for inserting sliders onto a zipper tape; first and second shafts that are fixed relative to the assembly; a zipper guide for guiding the zipper tape during longitudinal movement of the zipper tape and supporting the zipper tape during slider insertion; and a retainer coupled to the first shaft and movable between first and second retainer positions. The zipper guide comprises a stationary part that is fixed relative to the assembly and comprises a first groove, and a rotatable part that is rotatable about the second shaft between first and second angular positions and comprises a second groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6783350
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing slide fastener coil-shaped continuous element row comprises a forming screw assembly, a die assembly, an abutment assembly, and a rear forming assembly having one or two shuttle assemblies or a shaft mechanism. An arcuate recessed portion is formed on a top side of either element or a flat area formed on a bottom side of either element when the arcuate piece of the top shuttle assembly or the flat piece of the bottom shuttle assembly is abutted on the element so that the invention can effect a stable operation and a precise positioning of zipper forming space by manipulating the rear forming assembly in an adjustment operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Hung An Chen
  • Patent number: 6783351
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing slide fastener spiral continuous element row comprises a forming screw assembly, a die assembly, an abutment assembly, and a rear forming assembly. The invention can effect a stable operation with the cooperation of a spring-biased shaft mechanism, a rear adjustment screw, and two side adjustment screws so as to manufacture quality products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Hung An Chen
  • Patent number: 6757953
    Abstract: A method for forming ends of a slide fastener chain wherein, coil-shaped fastener elements such as linear fastener elements are attached and sewed to side edge portions of a pair of fastener tapes with sewing yarns as fixing yarns while a core thread is inserted through the fastener elements. The coil-shaped fastener elements are cut off at leg portions, each of which is in contact with the fastener tape, at ends of the fastener elements, so that cut end portions are formed. These cut end portions are pushed inward of the side edge portions, and then, the leg portions and inverted portions thereof are fused to the fastener tapes by heating. As a result, each end of the fastener elements is stabilized, so that the resultant slide fastener is safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Matsumoto, Kazuki Kuse, Hideo Shimai, Mitsuru Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 6692046
    Abstract: A striker assembly for latch engagement has symmetrical sides of three intersecting plates including a mounting plate, a striker plate in which a striker throat and striker bar is formed, and a back plate which intersects the mounting plate and striker plate. The back plate adds substantial structural strength to the striker and prevents consumption of the striker by the latch under severe overload conditions such as in a collision. A cap weld over the contact surface of the striker bar further increases strength and reduces friction with the engaging latch pawl. One piece and two piece embodiments are described, and in combination with over-slam bumpers mounted on the back plates, and an insert piece in combination with the one piece embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Anchor Tool & Die Company
    Inventor: Almantas K. Paskonis
  • Publication number: 20040020025
    Abstract: A zipper guide for use in a slider insertion machine in which the zipper guide can be easily loaded with zipper tape without disassembly of the zipper guide. The slider insertion apparatus comprises: an assembly for inserting sliders onto a zipper tape; first and second shafts that are fixed relative to the assembly; a zipper guide for guiding the zipper tape during longitudinal movement of the zipper tape and supporting the zipper tape during slider insertion; and a retainer coupled to the first shaft and movable between first and second retainer positions. The zipper guide comprises a stationary part that is fixed relative to the assembly and comprises a first groove, and a rotatable part that is rotatable about the second shaft between first and second angular positions and comprises a second groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano
  • Publication number: 20040020034
    Abstract: A zipper guide apparatus having different operational states. In the first operational state, the zipper tape is held securely, i.e., gripped, in a zone adjacent the slider insertion zone during slider insertion. In a second operational state, the zipper tape is not held securely in the zone adjacent the slider insertion zone and a slider can pass through the zipper guide during zipper tape advancement. These operational states are under the control of a programmable controller or other control device, which synchronizes zipper guide operation with operation of the slider inserter. The zipper guide comprises a saddle on which a zipper is seated and a pair of opposing grippers that extend to grip the zipper tape and that retract to release the zipper tape and allow passage of the zipper tape with sliders inserted thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano
  • Patent number: 6638381
    Abstract: A method for preparing ultra-fine grain titanium or titanium-alloy articles used for adjoining or assembling of detail components. Coarse-grained titanium or titanium-alloy materials typically are heated and forced under constant pressure through a friction stir processing tooling device containing a stirring chamber and a stirring rod. As the material is passed through the stirring chamber, the stirring rod solutionizes the titanium or titanium-alloy material and stirs the material to obtain a homogeneous or uniform material condition. As the processed material exits the stirring chamber of the friction stir process tooling device, it reconsolidates as an extremely homogeneous structure possessing ultra-fine grain structure. Titanium or titanium-alloy materials having been processed to achieve such ultra-fine grain material structure may then be manufactured into aerospace structural articles or components such as fasteners or articles that do not require a subsequent thermal or heat-treatment steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven G. Keener, Edward Litwinski
  • Patent number: 6519826
    Abstract: A water-tight and gas-tight zip fastener with a sealing port and a method for forming the same provides a zip fastener made of plastic in which preferably spirals in a spiral zip fastener are injection molded with a thermoplastic elastomer which forms a continuously contoured coating, bearing directly on the contiguous edges of the zip fastener strips, and when the zip fastener is closed, the coatings are under compression and form a contiguous seal with each other and to the zip fastener slide to prevent undesirable gas and water penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Hartmut Ortlieb
  • Publication number: 20030024080
    Abstract: A slider-operated fastener comprises first and second opposing tracks including respective first and second interlocking profiles and respective first and second fins extending downward from the respective first and second profiles. The first and second fins are sealed to each other by a plurality of spaced preseals. After generating each preseal, a notch is formed in the profiles and upper portions of the fins at the generated preseal. To install a slider onto the fastener, the slider is initially positioned within the respective notch and then threaded onto the fastener in response to relative movement of the slider and the fastener. Either before or after the steps of forming each preseal and respective notch and installing the respective slider, the fastener is attached to a moving web of plastic film. The fastener-carrying web is later folded and sealed to form individual plastic bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Alexander R. Provan, Thomas L. Coomber, Toby R. Thomas, Nathan A. Kolovich
  • Patent number: 6422851
    Abstract: The method includes the steps of a tape arranging step for arranging a support tape of a slide fastener on a mold having a capacity having a plurality of unit fastening element molding material grooves for molding a plurality of unit fastening elements, a molding material heating and discharge step for separating a molding material of more than two colors from a source material supply unit by the colors by a molding material injection means and then heating and discharging the same, a moving step for grouping external molding material flow paths from the molding material supply unit to an injection port of the mold into more than two groups and then moving different colors molding material by the colors, and an injection step for injecting the molding material into the unit fastening element molding material groove through a plurality of inject-on ports formed in the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Young-Chul Kang
  • Patent number: 5985438
    Abstract: A reinforcing tape for a slide fastener and a slide fastener having a pair of fastener tapes whose end portions are reinforced with the reinforcing tapes are disclosed. On the end portion of a fastener tape to which a pin-and-box separator of a slide fastener is fitted, a transparent film layer formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoplastic resin and a fiber reinforcement layer formed of either a reticular sheet of monofilaments or a thin-layer non-woven fabric of fibers manufactured from a thermoplastic resin of the same type as the transparent film layer are superposed through the medium of an adhesive layer, with the transparent film layer constituting itself a surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kozo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5778519
    Abstract: In manufacturing slide fasteners, especially fastener elements, an elongated wire of a generally Y-shape cross section with attaching legs shaped into a generally C form by rolling, is supplied intermittently at a predetermined pitch and is then cut into slices of element blanks having a predetermined thickness, and a protuberance is formed on the coupling head of each of the successive element blanks. Then, the generally C-shape attaching legs are calked from opposite sides to mount the fastener elements on a fastener tape and, at the same time, the generally right-angled cut edges of the attaching legs are shaped into a smooth arcuate profile as pressed by a calking surface of a calking punch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Maeda, Toshio Aoki, Masafumi Mikkaichi, Kenichiro Iai
  • Patent number: 5671510
    Abstract: In manufacturing slide fasteners, especially fastener elements, an elongated wire of a generally Y-shape cross section with attaching legs shaped into a generally C form by rolling, is supplied intermittently at a predetermined pitch and is then cut into slices of element blanks having a predetermined thickness, and a protuberance is formed on the coupling head of each of the successive element blanks. Then, the generally C-shape attaching legs are calked from opposite sides to mount the fastener elements on a fastener tape and, at the same time, the generally right-angled cut edges of the attaching legs are shaped into a smooth arcuate profile as pressed by a calking surface of a calking punch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Maeda, Toshio Aoki, Masafumi Mikkaichi, Kenichiro Iai
  • Patent number: 5617770
    Abstract: A zipper for a reclosable bag includes an elongated male and female profile. The female profile has first and second legs parallel to each other to form a channel there between. The first leg has a plurality of portions removed to form a series of breaks in the first leg along the length, and the second leg is substantially continuous in dimension along the length. The male profile is constructed for engaging the channel and interlocking with the first and second legs. The zipper is made by a rotary punching mechanism having L-shaped punches insertable in between the first and second legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. May
  • Patent number: 5584111
    Abstract: Provided is an improvement to the slide fastener constructing machine. The improvement provides a tooth-notching unit for forming a notch on each tooth on the stringer produced by a stringer producing unit which is a conventional unit and subsequently collected by a stringer collecting unit which is also a conventional unit. The tooth-notching unit includes a base having a passage allowing the stringer of teeth to pass therethrough and a grinding wheel or a circular disk cutter as cutting means provided on top of the passage for cutting a notch on top of each tooth on the stringer. To clear away rubbish produced by the notching process, various devices are provided including brushes and vacuum cleaners. The tooth-notching unit allows the slide fastener constructing machine to produce stringers of teeth that can be stitched securely to clothing. Its construction also allows easy maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Shih C. Chen
  • Patent number: 5495655
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a slide-fastener coupling element from a metal wire having a substantially Y-shaped cross section wherein a blank piece is cut or sliced off from the metal wire by a co-action between a cutoff die and a cutoff punch, and substantially at the same time, the metal wire is chamfered along a next cutting line by a chamfering edge so as to form a substantially V-shaped groove extending in and along the peripheral surface of a head portion of the metal wire and the outside surface of each of two opposed leg portion of the metal wire. The next slicing operation produces a blank piece which is already chamfered at its upper and lower peripheral edges extending along the peripheral surface of the head portion and the outside surfaces of respective leg portions of the blank piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Koitsu Morioka
  • Patent number: 5367758
    Abstract: A blank wire of a generally Y-shape cross section is supplied intermittently at a predetermined pitch, during which the blank wire is successively cut transversely into slices of a predetermined thickness. A bulge is formed at a time for a head portion of each of the successive coupling elements and the resulting individual coupling element is collected. Subsequently to the forming of the individual bulge, opposite leg portions of the individual coupling element are pre-clenched to such an extent as to prevent any crack from occurring in a possible surface-treated section of the coupling element when the opposite leg portions are clenched for attaching the coupling element to a slide fastener tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Koitsu Morioka, Yasuhiko Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5361471
    Abstract: As it is intermittently supplied, a blank wire having a generally Y-shape cross section is cut into slices of a predetermined thickness by a cutting punch, which is fixed to the frame, and a coacting cutting die, which is reciprocatingly movable in the cutting direction. Then a bulge is formed on the head portion of the cut coupling element by a bulge forming die, which is connected with the forward end in stroke direction of the cutting die, and a coacting bulge forming punch, which is movable upwardly and downwardly. The cutting punch is equipped with preventing means on the upper side of the end of a blade for preventing the cut coupling element from jumping up from the blade, so that a bulge can be formed on the head portion reliably, without giving any damage to peripheral equipments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Koitsu Morioka, Yasuhiko Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5357663
    Abstract: In a slide fastener coupling element forming apparatus, a blank wire of a generally Y-shape cross section intermittently supplied at a predetermined pitch is cut off into pieces of a predetermined thickness by a fixed cutting punch and a reciprocating cutting die, and then a bulge for the head portion of a coupling element is formed by a forming die and a forming punch movable upwardly and downwardly to coact with the forming die. The forming die is located to be connected with the forward end in the stroke direction of the cutting die, and the forming punch is located upwardly of the bulge forming station. Then the opposite leg portions of a coupling element are pushed out of the mold of the forming die by a vertically movable ejector pin located under the leg portions on the forming die to discharge the formed coupling element from the forming die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Koitsu Morioka, Tsunetaka Aoki