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Title:
A ZIP FASTENER HAVING ELECTRONIC AND/OR MAGNETIC DEVICES ASSOCIATED TO THE ZIP
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/104830
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A zip fastener (50) comprising: a tape (52) made of two semi-parts, each of which comprises respective beaded edges (52) facing a joining sector of the zip, - a plurality of teeth (53) arranged on the tape (52) in two separate rows and also facing the joining sector of the tape (52), a reader or slider (54) operating between said teeth (53), subject to sliding along the line of the teeth (53) so as to bring them from a separated condition to a joined condition or vice versa; said teeth (53) are subdivided into pairs in which each tooth of a same pair is connected to a respective tape, the teeth of the same pair being engaged one facing another when in the joining condition, said zip comprising at least one magnetic and/or electromagnetic and/or electrical and/or electronic device associated to one or more teeth (53) and/or to the slider (54).

Inventors:
AIANI JACOPO (IT)
ALLEGRO ANDREA (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2018/059094
Publication Date:
May 28, 2020
Filing Date:
November 19, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
AIANI JACOPO (IT)
ALLEGRO ANDREA (IT)
International Classes:
A44B19/24; A44B19/26
Domestic Patent References:
WO2009152646A12009-12-23
Foreign References:
CN2912317Y2007-06-20
KR20160034704A2016-03-30
CN102697253B2015-02-25
US20060164280A12006-07-27
CN203262438U2013-11-06
US20060112523A12006-06-01
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
ANSELMI, Davide (IT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1.A zip fastener (50) comprising:

a tape (52) made of two semi-parts, each of which comprises respective beaded edges (52) facing a joining sector of the zip,

a plurality of teeth (53) arranged on the tapes

(52), in two separate rows and also facing the joining sector of the tape (52),

a reader or slider (54) operating between said teeth

(53), subject to sliding along the line of the teeth (53) so as to bring the teeth (53) from a separated condition to a joined condition or vice versa; said teeth (53) are subdivided into pairs in which each tooth of a same pair is connected to a respective tape, the teeth of the same pair being engaged one facing another when in the joining condition, characterised in that it comprises at least a magnetic and/or electromagnetic and/or electrical and/or electronic device associated to one or more teeth (53) and/or to the slider (54) .

2. The zip fastener (50) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said at least an electromagnetic and/or electrical and/or electronic device associated to one or more teeth (53) and/or to the slider (54) comprises a plurality of light elements ( 57 ) .

3. The zip fastener (50) according to claim 2, characterised in that said light elements (57) are of a punctiform type, i.e. generally of a LED type.

4. The zip fastener (50) according to claims 2 and 3, characterised in that said light elements (57) are positioned on both sides of the zip, so that the light can be diffused both internally and externally of the zip.

5. The zip fastener (50) according to claims 2, 3 and

4, characterised in that said light elements (57) are positioned only on one side of the zip, so that the light can be diffused internally or externally of the zip.

6. The zip fastener (50) according to claims from 2 to

5, characterised in that said light elements (57) are connected to a power source by means of wirings incorporated internally of the beaded edges (52) .

7. The zip fastener (50) according to claim 6, characterised in that said beaded edges (52) comprise a single or double rib insertable in a respective engaging seating of the teeth (53), and in that the wirings are located internally of one or both said ribs .

8. The zip fastener (50) according to claim 1, characterised in that said slider (54) is provided with a housing (58) in which an electronic sensor

(59) is located.

9. The zip fastener (50) according to claims 1 and 8, characterised in that said electronic sensor (59) comprises a geo-localisation device, i.e. a GPS or another data transmission apparatus.

10. The zip fastener (50) according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises magnetic elements (61) arranged in a seating internally of the teeth

(53) on both sides of the teeth and further magnetic elements (62) inserted in the relative slider/reader

(54) in which magnets are inserted, both front and rear, and in that the polarities of said magnetic elements (61) located internally of the teeth (53) and said magnetic elements (62) inserted in the slider/reader (54) are arranged so as to reciprocally repel one another.

11. The zip fastener (50) according to claim 1, characterised in that in the zip (50), magnetic elements (61) are used which are arranged in a special seating internally of the teeth (53) on a side of the teeth and only one magnet (62) is inserted in the relative slider/reader (54), and in that the polarities of said magnetic elements (61) located internally of the teeth (53) and said magnetic elements (62) inserted in the slider/reader (54) are arranged so as to reciprocally repel one another .

12. The zip fastener (50) according to claim 1, characterised in that in the zip fastener (50), magnetic elements (61) are used which are arranged in the space between the teeth (53) and in that the magnets (61) are arranged on both sides in a front/back arrangement and the relative slider/reader (54) comprises magnets (62) which have both a front and a rear arrangement, the polarities of said magnetic elements (61) arranged in the space between the teeth (53) and the polarities of the magnets (62) located in the slider/reader (54) being arranged so as to reciprocally repel one another.

13. The zip fastener (50) according to claim 1, characterised in that in the zip (50), magnetic elements (61) are used which are arranged in the space afforded between the teeth (53), and in that said magnets (61) are arranged on only one side in a front arrangement and the relative slider/reader (54) comprises magnets (62) which only have a front arrangement, the polarities of said magnetic elements (61) arranged in the space between the teeth (53) and the polarities of the magnets (62) located in the slider/reader (54) being arranged so as to reciprocally repel one another.

14. The zip fastener (50) according to claim 6, characterised in that said wirings of said power source incorporated internally of the beaded edges

(52) are connected to a USB type socket.

15. The zip fastener (50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said magnetic and/or electromagnetic and/or electrical and/or electronic devices associated to one or more teeth (53) and/or to the slider (54) interact with like devices located in slider of different zips and/or with respective control members thereof.

Description:
"A ZIP FASTENER HAVING ELECTRONIC AND/OR MAGNETIC DEVICES

ASSOCIATED TO THE ZIP"

'k'k'k'k'k'k'k'k'k'k

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention relates to a zip fastener having electronic and/or magnetic devices associated thereto .

More precisely the zip fastener according to the invention is realised through the association of electronic and/or magnetic devices, such as light elements, geo-localisation elements and/or magnetic attraction elements, which are placed in some suitable seatings afforded in the zip itself.

In particular, the zip fastener according to the invention has a configuration that envisages affording suitable spaces for the purpose of inserting electronic and/or magnetic devices to allow the operation thereof in combination with the zip itself.

With the following invention, the intention is to enrich traditional zips with electronic and/or magnetic elements in order to make them more convenient and versatile in use.

The present invention is advantageously applied in the field of metalworking and mechanical engineering, small parts manufacture, stamping and moulding, fashion, textiles and leather goods, footwear, clothing and furnishings, and in general in the field of systems for closure, sliding and fastening of strips made of various materials to be joined.

The zip fastener according to the invention may also be used in the fashion and textile industries and in all applications connected to fastenings or zippers. PRIOR ART

The use of the so-called zip fastener, also called zipper, normally composed of two series of teeth, each fixed to a corresponding tape or strip or other surface, which engage with each other during closing in order to join the two parts, has long been known.

In order to obtain the opening and closing of the zip, use is made of a sliding body or slider, which is made to slide along the teeth using an actuator tab or pull tab.

Inside the slider there is defined a wedge element of a shape such as to enable the engagement or disengagement of the teeth during the sliding of the slider in one direction or the other.

In particular, the slider has the function of sliding between the two parallel rows of teeth in such a way as to engage them or disengage them to obtain the closing or opening of two strips of material.

A zip fastener can further be provided, at the opposite ends of the series of teeth, with stop elements, which prevent the slider from slipping off at the beginning and end of its travel.

The actuator tab is generally permanently attached to the slider, for example by closed ring portions, provided at one end of the tab and on the back of the slider .

Over the years, the zip fastener or zipper has been proposed in many variants aimed at achieving different objectives, such as reducing the penetration of water or making the closing and opening operations more secure and fast . By way of example, the following types of zip fasteners can be grouped: ones with polymeric plastic teeth that are moulded, ones with polymeric plastic teeth that are sewn with thread, and ones with metal teeth, which provide for the anchorage of each single metal or metal alloy tooth using a die-casting technique or blanking technique.

Every technique for producing a zip fastener is associated with a strip of fabric called "tape", wherein at the end thereof there is a thicker zone, usually cylindrical, along the longer side, which contains additional yarn.

Some zip fasteners that envisage the introduction therein of electric or electromechanical elements of various kinds that perform different functions according to their nature are also known.

Zip fastener solutions are known for example in which LED type light elements have been inserted at the top of the stop, or below the tooth, possibly provided with a through channel for displaying light, or even combined with customization of the top of the output channel of the beam of light .

Further applications combined with zippers envisage the introduction therein, in the event that they are associated with luggage, of electronic devices that signal when the luggage moves away.

In other cases, solutions have been realised envisaging the combination of the zip fastener with headphones for listening to music, with contacts that are inserted in the teeth of the zip, or internal to the tooth, or coupled onto the upper surface of the tape.

Furthermore some zip fastener solutions envisage means adapted to produce a certain luminescence that make use of elements of the optic fibre type inserted in the bead associated with appropriate spaces afforded in the tooth for the output of the light .

Other solutions envisage the zip being provided with a slider that lights up during the movement thereof, and in this case it can be used for searching for and rescuing animals.

Other embodiments known in the prior art envisage the zip being used in combination with a bag that lights up inside when the (metal) zip is opened. This solution comprises a battery, an intensity variator, a light component, all inserted in the slider.

In relation to applications inherent to the use of magnets combined with zip fasteners, a solution known in the state of the art envisages a magnet being arranged at the end of the zip on the stop while the other magnet is placed on the slider pull tab. This allows the zip to be able to remain closed without the slider sliding or being released or opened, i.e. guaranteeing that the zip easily stays closed.

Furthermore, another known solution is provided that envisages the use of a magnetic zip combined with an alarm system located in an appropriate support applicable to a plurality of objects.

Further known solutions envisage the use of a slider which contains a toothed wheel combined with an electromagnetic torque able to recharge a power supply battery when the slider is moved by the user in both directions. This solution is able to prevent the movement of the slider by generating an electric torque that immobilizes the toothed wheel. Hence the listed solutions all have drawbacks that the present invention intends to solve.

In the case of using LED type light sources or the like it is envisaged that they are generally arranged at the teeth of the zip, causing difficulties in housing the connection elements or frequent damage to the light devices because of their exposed external position.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the LEDs is restricted to the shape of the teeth with a limitation of the arrangement that can only be on the front side and not on both sides of the zip.

A further drawback found with known solutions comes from the absence of a solution that uses magnetic elements to facilitate the sliding of the slider with respect to the zip.

The drawbacks encountered in the known solutions include that relating to the impossibility to insert a magnet in an appropriate seating inside each tooth on one side only or on both sides and the related slider/reader with respectively only a front and front/rear magnet, which is one of the objectives proposed by the invention.

By analysing known solutions, the impossibility of inserting an electric or electronic and/or GPS data transmission component inside the slider/reader, has also been discovered, with a consequent limitation of the functions that can be performed by this component.

A further drawback encountered in traditional and accessorised zip fasteners is that related to the impossibility of having a double coupling therefore a double bead on the side tape in which the tooth is fastened for a better location of the aforesaid elements.

All this represents a limitation of the potential that can be developed with a zip fastening.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention sets out to provide a zip fastener with a zip having electronic and/or magnetic devices associated thereto.

In particular, the zip fastener according to the invention is realised through the association of electronic and/or magnetic devices, such as light elements, geo-localisation and/or magnetic attraction elements, which are placed in some suitable seatings afforded in the zip itself so as to be perfectly integrated without interfering on the functionality.

In some cases, such as in that of the use of magnetic elements, the functionality is even improved, as the slider/reader can be moved by sliding perfectly on the elements of the zip, making the opening or closing steps of the zip itself rather more simple and practical.

Even more in particular, the zip fastener according to the invention has a configuration that envisages affording suitable spaces for the purpose of inserting electronic and/or magnetic devices so as to allow the operation thereof in combination with the zip itself.

This is obtained through a zip fastener with a zip provided with electronic and/or magnetic devices associated therewith whose characteristics are described in the main claim.

The dependent claims of the present solution outline advantageous embodiments of the invention.

ILLUSTRATION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be evident, at reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention, provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the appended tables of drawings, in which:

figures 1 to 4 illustrate various schematic views relative to a first embodiment which refers to the introduction of light elements present in both the fronts of the zip or only frontally;

figures 5 to 9 represent various views of the slider provided with an additional element which in this case refers to an electric/data element such as a geostationary or GPS detector;

figures 10 to 17 show various views of a preferred solution to the combination of the zip with a plurality of magnets arranged within the teeth;

figures 18 to 25 regard views relative to a further embodiment inherent to the application of internal magnets arranged only on the front internal side of the zip;

figures 26 to 32 show further schematic views relative to an embodiment of a zip provided with magnets applied on both sides of the tooth, with a front-rear arrangement;

figures 33 to 39 show schematic views representing a further embodiment in which the zip is provided with magnets arranged inside a single tooth only on the front side;

figures 40 to 45 show schematic views regarding the same number of block diagrams of possible use configurations . DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Making reference to the appended figures, and initially in particular to figures 1 to 4, the reference number 50 generally indicates a zip according to the invention in its entirety, which is arranged between two strips of fabric to be joined, called tapes 51, associated with one or more beads 52, applied on the tapes there is a sequence of teeth 53 arranged in succession on both of the tapes themselves.

The zip further comprises at least one reader or slider 54 or a multiple reader according to use, which slides along the line of teeth 53 and is used to close and open the interlock between the teeth themselves, according to the type of zip fastener.

The slider 54 can be activated to be moved along the two rows of teeth in order to allow the opening or closing of the zip, through a tongue 55 which is engaged on the slider itself being provided at an end thereof with a hole in which a ring 56 is inserted solidly constrained to the slider itself.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in figures 1 to 4, it is envisaged that the zip fastener 50 is provided with a plurality of light elements 57, preferably of a punctiform type, i.e. generally of a LED type, whose characteristic is that they are arranged between the teeth.

As represented in figure 3 and in particular in detail E, the LEDs 57, which reside only in a minimum part inside the tooth, in a first type of application, are positioned on both sides of the zip, so that the light can be diffused both inside and outside the zip.

According to the version illustrated in detail G of figure 3, the LEDs 57 in a second type of application are only positioned on one side of the zip, in particular on the front side, so that the light can be diffused towards one direction, that is towards the internal side or the external side of the zip.

The fixing of the light elements 57 onto the tape 51 between the teeth 53 is obtained using different systems, e.g. through adhesive means, or through stapling systems or the like, which determine the retaining and locking on the respective support.

According to one embodiment the light elements 57 are connected to a power supply source through cables that are incorporated inside the beads 52, starting from a power supply series placed on the stop such as, for example, on the initial stop, with single or double USB housing .

In particular the beads 52 are realised with a single or double rib according to the conformation of the connection seating of the teeth 53, and the wirings are placed inside one or both of the ribs according to the type of connection to be obtained based on the type of support used.

According to the embodiment represented in figures 5 to 9, the slider 54 is provided with a housing 58 in which an electronic sensor 59 is placed.

In particular said electronic sensor comprises some sensors which include at least one geo-localisation device, that is a GPS, which allows positioning data to be sent to any receiving equipment suitable for the purpose, previously and appropriately combined with GPS, so as to receive the relevant data, including the possibility to interconnect, and in that case to connect the single or multiple sensors to a control member.

According to the embodiment represented in figure 5, the housing 58 in which the sensor 59 is located is closed by a cover 60 which in this case may represent the seating on which the connection ring 56 is positioned at the tongue 55 for pulling the slider 54.

In figures 10 to 39 embodiments are represented that envisage the possibility of inserting magnetic elements

61 and 62 with repelling polarities, which determine the formation of an air cushion which allows the internal contact elements of the slider with the teeth of the zip to remain as far as possible from the teeth of the zip, so as to limit the contact zones with a consequent reduction of the friction forces between the two components .

In fact, the polarities of said magnetic elements 61 placed inside the teeth 53 and of the magnetic elements

62 inserted in the slider/reader 54 are arranged so as to reciprocally repel one other.

This leads to the formation of an air cushion that causes the perfect sliding of the slider with respect to the zip, as it operates in the absence of friction, with a net benefit for the user who can in this way open and close the zip with minimal effort.

In figures 10 to 17 an embodiment is shown in which magnetic elements 61 are used, arranged in an appropriate seating inside the teeth 53 in this case on both sides of the teeth themselves and the related slider/reader 54 in which magnetic elements are inserted both at the front and the rear.

In this case, the polarities of said magnetic elements 61 placed inside the teeth 53 and of said magnetic elements 62 inserted in the slider/reader 54 are arranged so as to reciprocally repel one other, in order to create an air cushion between the slider/reader 54 and the teeth 53.

According to the embodiment illustrated in figures 18 to 24 in the zip 50 magnetic elements 61 are used, arranged in an appropriate seating inside the teeth 53 in this case on only one side of the teeth themselves and the related slider/reader 54 in which only one front magnet is inserted.

Also in this case, the polarities of said magnetic elements 61 placed inside the teeth 53 and of said magnetic elements 62 inserted in the slider/reader 54 are arranged so as to reciprocally repel one other.

In figures 26 to 32 an embodiment is shown in which magnetic elements 61 are used which in this case are arranged in the space between the teeth 53. In this version the magnets 61 are arranged on both sides according to a front/rear arrangement and the related slider/reader 54 comprises magnets 62 that have both a front and a rear arrangement.

Like in the previous cases, also in this case the polarities of said magnetic elements 61 placed in the space between the teeth 53 and of said magnetic elements 62 inserted in the slider/reader 54 are arranged so as to reciprocally repel one other.

In figures 33 to 39 an embodiment is illustrated in which in the zip 50 magnetic elements 61 are used, arranged in the space afforded between the teeth 53. In this version the magnets 61 are arranged on only one side according to a front arrangement and the related slider/reader 54 comprises magnets 62 that have only a front arrangement .

Like in the previous cases, the polarities of said magnetic elements 61 placed in the space between the teeth 53 and of said magnetic elements 62 inserted in the slider/reader 54 are arranged so as to reciprocally repel one other.

In figures 40 to 45 the same number of block diagrams of possible use configurations of the electronic and/or magnetic devices associated with a zip fastener are represented.

In such diagrams, the circled elements containing an X inside represent an electric or electronic element, indicated with 64 in figure 40, contained inside the slider/reader of a zipper.

In figure 41 a single connection between a user (meaning an electric electronic element of a slider) and another user is represented, both either belonging or not to the same (continuous) zip fastener.

In figure 42 a diagram is represented relative to a multiple user connection (still meaning an electric electronic element of a slider) , in which these users create a "community" of users in connection with each other .

In figures 43 to 45 the same number of block diagrams are represented in which a single user or multiple users called a "community" respectively in the first image and in the second, have a connection with an interface, defined as I.C. placed in a hexagon, i.e. connection interface, which can control or exchange data or simply receive them from the element 64, defined as a user, which represents the electric electronic element contained inside the slider. The connection interface or I.C. can be identified as one or more elements connected to each other, and in figure 44 the diagram of a multi-user system connected with the control interface is represented.

In the diagram of fig. 45 the control interface or I.C. is represented, which can be identified as one or more electric IT elements simultaneously connected to the single/multiple user, for example reference 65 indicates a Wi-Fi connection for connecting various user elements or to a cloud device to save data, or 66 indicates the control of the user element through a mobile device, e.g. a smartphone .

The reference number 67 is used to indicate the connection with a database for storing data e.g. if the element inside the slider were a temperature detector, the same connection interface I.C. could be a bridge to other communities of single or multiple users 68.

The reference number 69 indicates the connection to a control device, such as a general device like a personal computer or a physical hardware type connection 70, e.g. a USB interface, or IT ports or a more complex data transmission 71 such as, for example, sending global positioning data (coordinates) or telephone data by SIM.

As can be noted in the block diagrams as per figures 40 to 45, the double arrow between different interfaces indicates that every connection is biunivocal, i.e. not in a single direction only.

For example the connection interface I.C. as per figures 43 to 45 allows a connection to be governed that allows the exchange of data/information so that, if envisaged, the user element can be controlled or commanded remotely and vice versa. The invention has been described in the foregoing with reference to a preferential embodiment thereof. However it is clear that the invention is susceptible to numerous variants which fall within the scope thereof, and which are technically equivalent .