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TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a reflective zip. A zip generally comprises two tapes joined together by a chain along which a slider is movable. Zips are traditionally subdivided into three categories depending on the mode of producing the chain. Metal zips are formed by a plurality of metallic teeth grafted onto the tapes. Die-cast zips have the chain made of teeth of printed plastic material die-cast onto the tapes. Zips with spiral chains have the chain formed of two spirals of plastic material fixed to respective tapes by means of respective threads that form seams between each spiral and the respective tape. The threads for fastening the spirals to the tapes are usually made of polyester.

In some applications it is desirable to produce zips with reflective characteristics. Reflective zips are used, for example, in sports clothing for the practice of outdoor sports, such as skiing, running, cycling, etc. The reflective characteristics of the zips allow the visibility to be increased in situations of poor visibility and when the zip is hit by a light beam, such as the headlights of a vehicle.

The traditional solution used to confer a reflective character to the zips is that of applying reflective adhesive films to the outer surfaces of the tapes. This solution involves the drawback of the addition of adhesive films to be applied on the tapes of the zip, which entails an elevated cost and a more complicated production process.

The present invention aims to provide a cheaper and simpler alternative system to render reflective zips of the type with spiral chains. The present invention envisages the use of a thread with reflective characteristics for sewing the spirals to the respective tapes.

In this way, the seam of the spirals, in addition to providing the technical function of fixing the spirals to the tapes, also provides the additional function of making the zips reflective.

It will be appreciated that the solution according to the present invention does not involve the use of additional components to make the zips reflective. The same component already present in the zips for sewing the spirals to the tapes gives the zips the reflective function. The solution according to the present invention therefore reduces the cost of the zip and simplifies the production process since it does not require a station for applying reflective films to the tapes .

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows, given purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

- Figure 1 is a front view of a zip according to the present invention,

- Figure 2 is an enlarged detail of the part indicated by the arrow II in Figure 1,

- Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-section along the line III-III of Figure 1, and

- Figures 4 and 5 are greatly enlarged schematic views showing, in longitudinal cross-section and in transversal cross-section, a reflective thread used in a zip according to the present invention.

With reference to Figures 1-3, numeral 10 indicates a reflective zip according to the present invention. The zip 10 comprises two fabric tapes 12 joined together by a chain 14, along which a slider 16 is movable. The chain 14 is formed by two spirals 18 of plastic material, typically nylon, sewn to the respective tapes 12 by means of reflecting threads 20. The seams that join the spirals 18 to the tapes 12 are formed in a conventional manner in the sector of zips. As shown in Figure 3, in a known manner, respective strings 22 are inserted within the spirals 20. The seams that hold the spirals 18 to the tapes 12 are also used to attach the strings 22 to the spirals 18.

The seams formed by the threads 20 are visible on the front surface of the zip 10 and give a reflective function to the zip. The seams formed by the reflective threads 20 reflect light when they are hit by a light beam and form two bright lines when the zip is hit by a light beam.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the reflective threads 20 are preferably formed by a core 24, for example of polyester, covered with reflective particles 26 partially embedded in a coating of glue 28 applied on the outer surface 24 of the core. Reflective threads 20 of this type are commercially available with the brand CRY. The properties of the threads 20 and the method for their manufacture are described in the document PCT/IB2015/001049.

From the above description, it is clear that the use of reflective threads 20 allows the production of zips with reflective characteristics without the need to use adhesive films to be applied on the reflective tapes 12.

Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the details of construction and the embodiments can be widely varied with respect to those described and illustrated, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims that follow.