Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FORMING A CLOSURE
BETWEEN FABRICS AND/OR OTHER MATERIALS
FIELD
The present inventions relates to devices and methods of forming a closure
between
fabrics and/or other materials.
BACKGROUND
Fastening devices typically include two flexible elongated components having
teeth that are forced to interlock and separate by moving a zipper pull along
the
components. Although such fastening devices have long been used to close and
open
various articles, such as clothing and bags, such devices suffer from allowing
liquids and
gases within the fastener, and are therefore, not useful for conditions in
which a fluid/wind
resistant, wind-proof, gas-tight and/or waterproof closure is desirable.
Furthermore,
existing closure systems may be perceived as being old style, and thus, there
is a need for
alternative devices that can provide a closure for various types of articles.
Accordingly,
there is further need for additional devices and/or assemblies for forming a
closure. There
is also the need for additional methods that provide a closure.
SUMMARY
Among other things, one or more novel fastening members, sliders, stop blocks
and/or top stops are provided for forming a closure and/or a component
thereof. Closures
described herein include a variety of features, and the Detailed Description
describes a
number of inventions. In addition, the present inventions include novel
methods of
manufacture and methods of using the closures and/or components thereof.
Various embodiments of the present inventions are set forth in the attached
figures
and in the detailed description of the invention as provided herein and as
embodied by the
claims. It should be understood, however, that this Summary does not contain
all of the
aspects and embodiments of the present inventions, is not meant to be limiting
or
restrictive in any manner, and that the inventions as disclosed herein is and
will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to encompass obvious
improvements and
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DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FORMING A CLOSURE
BETWEEN FABRICS AND/OR OTHER MATERIALS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application cross-references U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial
No.
60/866,427 filed on November 19, 2006, the content of which is incorporated
herein by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD
The present inventions relates to devices and methods of forming a closure
between
fabrics and/or other materials.
BACKGROUND
Fastening devices typically include two flexible elongated components having
teeth that are forced to interlock and separate by moving a zipper pull along
the
components. Although such fastening devices have long been used to close and
open
various articles, such as clothing and bags, such devices suffer from allowing
liquids and
gases within the fastener, and are therefore, not useful for conditions in
which a fluid/wind
resistant, wind-proof, gas-tight and/or waterproof closure is desirable.
Furthermore,
existing closure systems may be perceived as being old style, and thus, there
is a need for
alternative devices that can provide a closure for various types of articles.
Accordingly,
there is further need for additional devices and/or assemblies for forming a
closure. There
is also the need for additional methods that provide a closure.
SUMMARY
Among other things, one or more novel fastening members, sliders, stop blocks
and/or top stops are provided for forming a closure and/or a component
thereof. Closures
described herein include a variety of features, and the Detailed Description
describes a
number of inventions. In addition, the present inventions include novel
methods of
manufacture and methods of using the closures and/or components thereof.
Various embodiments of the present inventions are set forth in the attached
figures
and in the detailed description of the invention as provided herein and as
embodied by the
claims. It should be understood, however, that this Summary does not contain
all of the
aspects and embodiments of the present inventions, is not meant to be limiting
or
restrictive in any manner, and that the inventions as disclosed herein is and
will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to encompass obvious
improvements and
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modifications thereto.
Additional advantages of the present inventions will become readily apparent
from
the following discussion, particularly when taken together with the
accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Several figures have been developed to assist with understanding the present
inventions. Following is a brief description of the figures that illustrate
the present inventions
and their various embodiments:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fastening member in accordance with at least
one
embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of a fastening member in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is an end side elevation view of a fastening member in accordance with
at least
one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 4;
Figs. 6A-6Q are end side elevation views of mated fastening members in
accordance
with embodiments of the present inventions;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a fastening member in accordance with at least
one
embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a fastening member in accordance with at least
one
embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a fastening system in accordance with at least
one
embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 1 OA is a perspective view of a fastening member in accordance with at
least one
embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. I OB is a perspective view of a fastening member in accordance with at
least one
embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 1 IA is a lateral side elevation view of the device shown in Fig. I OA;
Fig. 1 lB is a lateral side elevation view of the device shown in Fig. 10B;
Fig. 12 is an end side elevation view of mated fastening members in accordance
with
at least one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the mated fastening members of Fig. 12;
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Fig. 14 is an end side elevation view of mated fastening members in accordance
with
at least one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the mated fastening members of Fig. 14;
Fig. 16 is an end side elevation view of a fastening member in accordance with
at least
one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 16;
Fig. 18 is an end side elevation view of mated fastening members in accordance
with
at least one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 19 is an end side elevation view of mated fastening members in accordance
with
at least one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the mated fastening members of Fig. 19;
Fig. 21 is a perspective view of one of the fastening members of Fig. 19;
Fig. 22 is a perspective view of an insert shown in Fig. 19;
Fig. 23 is a perspective view of mated fastening members in accordance with at
least
one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 24 is an end side elevation view of one of the fastening members of Fig.
23;
Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 24;
Fig. 26 is an end side elevation view of the other fastening member of Fig.
23;
Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 26;
Fig. 28 is a perspective view of mated fastening members in accordance with at
least
one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 29 is an end side elevation view of one of the fastening members of Fig.
28;
Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 29;
Fig. 31 is a perspective view of a slider for use with at least the fastening
members
shown in Fig. 23;
Fig. 32 is an end side elevation view of a multi-layer fastening system in
accordance
with at least one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the multi-layer fastening system of Fig. 32;
Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a fastening member shown in Figs. 32 and 33;
Fig. 35 is a perspective view of another fastening member shown in Figs. 32
and 33;
Fig. 36 is a perspective view of stacked mating surfaces in accordance with at
least
one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 37 an end side elevation view of one of the fastening members of Fig. 36;
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Fig. 38 is a perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 37;
Fig. 39 is a perspective view of a slider in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
the present inventions;
Fig. 40 is a perspective view of a slider and fastening members in accordance
with at
least one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 41 is an end side elevation view of the devices shown in Fig. 40;
Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a slider in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
the present inventions;
Fig. 43 is a perspective view of separated slider portions of the slider shown
in Fig.
42;
Fig. 44 is a perspective view of a slider in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
the present inventions;
Fig. 45 is a perspective view of a slider in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
the present inventions;
Fig. 46 is a perspective view of a slider in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
the present inventions;
Fig. 47 is an end side elevation view of the device shown in Fig. 46;
Fig. 48 is a perspective view of an insert member for use with the slider
shown in Figs.
46 and 47;
Fig. 49 is an end side elevation view of the device shown in Fig. 48;
Figs. 50 and 51 are perspective views of a slider and pull tab system in
accordance
with at least one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 52 is a perspective view of a pin for use with the device shown in Figs.
50 and 51;
Fig. 53 is a perspective view of another pin for use with the device shown in
Figs. 50
and 51;
Fig. 54 is a side elevation view of a slider and stop block in accordance with
at least
one embodiment of the present inventions;
Figs. 55 and 56 are perspective views of the devices shown in Fig. 54;
Figs. 57-59 are perspective views of a fastening system, including a slider,
stop block,
and fastening members in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present inventions;
Figs. 60-62 are side cross-sectional views of the slider, stop block and
portion of one
fastening member of the fastening system shown in Figs. 57-59;
Fig. 63 is a perspective view of one of the fastening members shown in Figs.
60-62;
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Figs. 64 and 65 are perspective views of a stop block and fastening member in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 66 is a perspective view of a stop block in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present inventions;
Figs. 67 and 68 are perspective views of a stop block in accordance with at
least one
embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 69A is a perspective view of a stop block in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 69B is a detailed side elevation view of a rotatable locking cam of the
stop block
shown in Fig. 69A;
Fig. 70 is a perspective view of a fastening system that includes a stop block
having
separable portions in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
inventions;
Fig. 71 is a perspective view of a fastening system that includes a top stop
having
separable portions in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
inventions;
Fig. 72 is a perspective view of a fastening system in accordance with at
least one
embodiment of the present inventions;
Figs. 73 and 74 are perspective views of a portion of the fastening system
shown in
Fig. 72;
Figs. 75 and 76 are perspective views of a fastening system in accordance with
at least
one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 77 is an end side elevation view of a fastening system in accordance with
at least
one embodiment of the present inventions;
Fig. 78 is a perspective view of the fastening system shown in Fig. 77; and
Fig. 79 is a perspective view of a motorized slider in accordance with at
least one
embodiment of the present inventions.
While the following disclosure describes the inventions in connection with
those
embodiments presented, one should understand that the inventions are not
strictly limited to
these embodiments. Furthermore, one should understand that the drawings are
not necessarily
to scale, may include exaggerated features, and that in certain instances, the
disclosure may
not include details which are not necessary for an understanding of the
present inventions,
such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
This Detailed Description, in combination with the associated drawings,
describes
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numerous inventions. It is to be understood that aspects of one or more
embodiments of
the various inventions described herein may be combined, and such combinations
are
encompassed by this description and are considered within the scope of the
present
inventions.
Referring now to Fig. 1, a fastening member 100 is shown, wherein the
fastening
member 100 includes a tail portion 104, a head portion 108, and a transition
portion 112
located between the tail portion 104 and the head portion 108. The head
portion 108
includes a front side 116 and a backside 120. The front side 116 includes a
mating surface
124 that typically includes one or more tongue and groove structures 128 for
releasably
interlocking with corresponding tongue and groove structures of another mating
surface
(not shown). In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
inventions, the
tail portion 104 includes an uneven edge 132. For example, the uneven edge 132
may be
crenulated, scalloped, etc. An uneven edge 132 at least provides for a more
flexible
closure once the fastening member is attached to an article, such as by
gluing, sewing,
welding, etc.
Referring now to Figs. 2 and 3, and in accordance with at least one embodiment
of
the present inventions, a fastening member 200 is shown that includes
perforations 204 in
its tail portion 104. In addition, if desired, the head portion 108 may also
include
perforations 204. The perforations 204 preferably penetrate the material
forming the
fastening member 200 in an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to
a longitudinal
axis LA-LA of the fastening member 200. Although shown as substantially
circular in
shape, the perforations 204 may be different shapes, such as oval,
rectangular, etc.
Furthermore, the perforations 204 may be slits. Fastening members 200 having
perforations 204 are suitable for use in a variety of articles, including
closures for gym
bags, closures for scuba equipment bags, closures for beach gear bags, etc.
The
perforations 204 in the tail portion 104 improve closure flexibility, and
bonding of the tail
portion 104 to the article. In addition, perforations 204 in head portion 108
can allow the
article to drain, thereby reducing the weight of the article, and/or improving
the drying
capacity of the article and/or the contents within the article.
Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, and in accordance with at least one embodiment
of
the present inventions, a fastening member 400 is shown that includes one or
more
longitudinally extending lumens or longitudinal voids 404. The longitudinal
voids 404
may be different shapes, such as oval, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal,
etc. The
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longitudinal voids 404 are preferably extruded or molded into the profile or
fastening
member 400 as the fastening member 400 is made. The longitudinal voids 404 can
improve flexibility of the closure. Alternatively, the longitudinal voids 404
can be used to
apply air or hydraulic pressure or fluids to the mating surface 124 and/or
other portions of
the fastening member. For example, a small hand pump could be used to provide
air
pressure to the mating surface 124. As another example, a warm fluid can be
pumped
through the longitudinal voids to maintain thermal properties of one or more
portions of
the fastening member 400 in cold conditions. Alternatively, one of the
longitudinal voids
404 can be used to provide fluids for hydration of a person, or to provide a
cooling liquid
to a portion of a person's body. In addition, the longitudinal voids 404 can
be used to
introduce other materials into the fastening member 400, such as fibers for
strength,
wiring, fiber optics, etc.
The longitudinal voids 404 can be formed through extrusion; however, injection
molding and other processes can also be used to form the voids 404. In
addition, to the
voids 404, pultrusion techniques may be used to introduce and/or assist in the
incorporation of a different longitudinally oriented material (e.g., fibers)
within the
fastening member 400.
Referring now to Figs. 6A-6Q, a series of interlocked fastening members are
shown that include a variety of inventive transition portion features. As
noted above, the
transition portion 112 is located between the tail portion 104 and the head
portion 108. In
as least some embodiments, the transition portion provides a spring-like
device that assists
in preventing accidental or unwanted separation of the mating surfaces of the
interlocked
fastening members. Such structure increases the crosswise pull strength of the
interlocked fastening members, thereby decreasing the likelihood that the
mating surfaces
will experience unwanted disengagement when the interlocked mating surfaces
are
twisted, pulled, and/or pushed during normal usage conditions. In addition, in
at least
some embodiments, the transition portion includes functional structure for
diverting fluid
flow from the mating surfaces. In addition, it at least some embodiments, the
fastening
members include one or more spatial features for improving the quality of the
extruded
fastening member.
Referring now to Fig. 6A, a pair of interlocked fastening members 604 is
shown.
The transition portions 112 of the fastening members 604 include a
substantially
crenellated pattern 608, including one or more substantially arced rectangular
teeth 612
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and substantially arced rectangular gaps 616. When a tensile force TF is
applied to each
fastening member 604, the transition portion 112 flexes before the
interlocking mating
surfaces 124 begin to disengage, thereby improving the performance of the
closure when
in use. Similarly, when a compression force CF is applied to each fastening
member, the
transition portion flexes inward, again improving the performance of the
interlocking
mating surfaces when in use. In addition, the substantially rectangular arced
teeth 612 and
substantially arced rectangular gaps 616 are sized to have a similar unit
thickness Dt,
wherein the incorporation of these unit thickness Dt within the transition
portion improve
the extrusion process to provide a more even manufacturing process. That is,
in general,
an extrusion process is conducted by extruding molten plastic from a die.
Because of the
lack of flow restrictions, areas within the die of larger cross-sectional
openings typically
behave such that more molten plastic is extruded from the larger cross-
sectional areas as
compared to the areas having relatively smaller cross-sectional areas. By
maintaining a
substantially similar unit thickness Dt within the transition zone, a higher
quality and/or
more cost effective extrusion process is realized. The unit thickness Dt can
also be used
for elements of the tail portion 104 and head portion 108.
Referring now to Fig. 6B, another embodiment of a pair of interlocked
fastening
members 620 is shown, wherein the fastening members include a longitudinal
transition
void 624. The longitudinal transition void 624 extends substantially the
longitudinal
length of the fastening members 620 within the transition portion 112, and
serves, at least
in part, to provide a similar unit thickness Dt to the elements forming the
transition portion
112. For the embodiment shown in Fig. 6B, the longitudinal transition void 624
comprises a substantially triangular shape in cross-section.
Referring now to Fig. 6C, another embodiment of a pair of interlocked
fastening
members 628 is shown, wherein the fastening members 628 include a longitudinal
transition void 624, and a set of gaps 616 to assist in isolating the mating
surfaces from a
tensile force TF, compression force CF, or fluid flow.
Referring now to Fig. 6D, another embodiment of a pair of interlocked
fastening
members 632 is shown, wherein the fastening members 632 include a plurality of
longitudinal transition voids 624, and a set of gaps 616 to assist in
isolating the mating
surfaces from a tensile force TF, compression force CF, or fluid flow. For the
embodiments shown in Fig. 6D, the longitudinal transition voids 624 vary in
cross-
sectional size and are substantially circular in cross-sectional shape,
although as those
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skilled in the art will appreciate, other shapes can be used and are
considered to be
encompassed within the scope of the inventions and this description.
Referring now to Fig. 6E, another embodiment of a pair of interlocked
fastening
members 636 is shown, wherein the fastening members include a longitudinal
transition
void 624, the longitudinal transition void 624 comprising a substantially
circular shape in
cross-section.
Referring now to Fig. 6F, another embodiment of a pair of interlocked
fastening
members 640 is shown, including a plurality of substantially arced rectangular
teeth 612
and substantially arced rectangular gaps 616. The plurality of substantially
arced
rectangular teeth 612 and substantially arced rectangular gaps 616 of Fig. 6F
are oriented
in a first direction, such as in a forward facing direction similar to the
tongue and groove
structures 128 of the respective head portions 108.
Referring to Fig. 6G, another embodiment of a pair of interlocked fastening
members 644 are shown, including a plurality of substantially arced
rectangular teeth 612
and substantially arced rectangular gaps 616. The sizing and number of the
plurality of
substantially arced rectangular teeth 612 and substantially arced rectangular
gaps 616 of
fastening member 644 varies from that of fastening member 640. Accordingly,
the
embodiments of the present inventions include all possible modifications
encompassed
within the scope of the disclosure and/or claims.
Referring now to Fig. 6H, another embodiment of a pair of interlocked
fastening
members 648 is shown. The fastening members 648 include a longitudinally
extending
split 652 that passes from the exterior 656 of the transition portion 112 to
an enlarged
interior area 660. As with the fastening members shown in Figs. 6A, 6C, 6D,
6F, and 6G,
the fastening members 648 accommodate the application of a tensile force T
without
necessarily causing the mating surfaces 124 to disengage.
Referring now to Fig. 61, another embodiment of a pair of interlocked
fastening
members 664 is shown. The transition portion 112 of the fastening member 664
includes
a curved portion 668 that can elongate in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis
of the fastening members 664. The amount of possible extension can be adjusted
by using
more curves or a sharper angled curved portion 668. For example, the amount of
possible
elongation available to fastening members 664 is less than the amount shown in
fastening
members 672 of Fig. 6J. Furthermore, stiffening of the curved portion 668 can
be
provided by forming the curved portion 668 of blocked portions 676, as shown
in
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fastening members 678 of Fig. 6K. It is further noted that by comparison of
Figs. 61 and
6J, the curved portion 668 of the transition portion 112 can be seen engaging
a top 680 of
foot member 684, as shown in Fig. 61, or a base 688 of foot member 684, as
shown in Fig.
6J, where the foot member 684 includes an interior side 692 that contacts a
tongue of the
tongue and groove structures 128. The difference in location of the connection
between
the curved portion 668 and the foot member 684 influences the point of where
the tensile
force is applied at the mating surface 124. It is further noted that the
valleys within the
curved portions 668 provide a flow diversion for fluids around the mating
surfaces 124.
Referring now to Fig. 6L, another embodiment of a pair of interlocked
fastening
members 696 is shown. Fastening member 696 includes a more rounded
substantially
arced rectangular teeth 612 and substantially arced rectangular gaps 616 as
compared to
those shown in Fig. 6G. Similarly, for fastening members 700 shown in Fig. 6M,
the
cross members 704 are more rounded than those shown in Fig. 6H.
Referring now to Figs. 6N-6Q, additional fastening members 708, 712, 716 and
720 are shown, wherein the substantially arced rectangular gaps 616 of the
transition
portions 112 provide flow diversion from the mating surfaces 124. For
fastening member
708 and 712 shown in Fig. 6N and 60, respectively, the substantially arced
rectangular
teeth 612 on a front side 116 of the fastening member are located opposite the
substantially arced rectangular gaps 616 on the backside 120 of fastening
member 708.
For fastening members 716 shown in Fig. 6P and fastening members 720 shown in
Fig.
6Q, the substantially arced rectangular teeth 612 on a front side 116 of the
fastening
member are located opposite the substantially arced rectangular teeth 612 on
the backside
120 of fastening member 716. In addition, for fastening member 720 of Fig. 6Q,
the
transition portion 112 connects to the foot member 684 near a base 688 of the
foot
member 684, while for fastening member 716 of Fig. 6P, the transition portion
112
connects to the foot member 684 in line with the tail portion 104.
Referring now to Fig. 7, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present inventions, a fastening member 740 is shown that includes at least two
different
finishes on its exterior surface 744. More particularly, a glossy surface
texture is
preferably used within the area of the mating surface 124, while a matte
finish is used at
the tail portion 104, the transition portion 112, and/or another area of the
head portion 108.
Varying the surface texture at different portions of the fastening member 740
provides
greater performance for the overall closure. For example, a glossy surface
texture along
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the surface of the tongue and groove structures 128 of the mating surface 124
provides
added protection against water/gas leakage, while having a matte finish along
the backside
120 of the head portion 108 provides improved frictional interaction between a
slider and
the head portion 108.
Referring now to Fig. 8, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present inventions, a fastening member 800 is shown that includes tractioning
features to
provide increased engagement between opposing mating surfaces 124 of two
interlocked
fastening members 800. More particularly, and by way of example and not
limitation,
ridge and valleys 804 are provided along at least a portion of the mating
surfaces 124 for
frictional engagement between two fastening members 800. As shown in Fig. 8,
the ridge
and valleys 804 are shown along substantially the top 808 of the tongues 812
of the tongue
and groove structures 128. The ridge and valleys 804 are aligned with their
long axis
preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA-LA of the
fastening
member 800. When two mating surfaces of fastening members 800 are interlocked,
the
ridge and valleys 804 of a first fastening member 800 engage the tongue and
groove
structures 128 of the second fastening member 800, thereby preventing or
limiting
longitudinal movement or slipping of the first fastening member 800 relative
to the second
fastening member 800. The ridge and valleys 804 may extend along the entire
longitudinal length of the mating surfaces 124, or only extend along a portion
of the
longitudinal length of the mating surfaces. For example, areas having ridge
and valleys
804 may be spaced apart. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the
grooves of a
second fastening member include ridge and valleys 804 that engage the ridge
and valleys
along the top 808 of the tongues 812 of a first fastening member 800. In
accordance with
at least one embodiment, a first fastening member includes one or more tongue
and groove
structures 128 that comprise a glossy surface finish, and one or more tongue
and groove
structures 128 that comprise the ridge and valleys 804. For such a
configuration, a second
fastening member preferably includes one or more tongue and groove structures
128 that
comprise a glossy surface for contacting the tongue and groove structures 128
of the first
fastening member that have a corresponding glossy surface finish. In addition,
one or
more tongue and groove structures 128 of the second fastening member
preferably
comprise ridge and valleys 804 for contacting and frictionally engaging the
tongue and
groove structures 128 of the first fastening member that have corresponding
ridge and
valleys 804 surface texturing. Thus, a variety of configurations are possible
and are
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encompassed within the scope of the present inventions.
Referring now to Fig. 9, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present inventions, fastening members 900 are shown that include a surface
texturing 904
on the backside 120 of the head portion 108. In at least one embodiment, the
surface
texturing enhances interaction or gripping of the fastening member 900 within
a stop
block 908. Thus, a textured surface 904 applied to the backside 120 of
fastening member
900 interacts with the stop block 908 and provides gripping action that may
otherwise
only be provided by the stop block itself. In at least one embodiment, the
surface
texturing 904 comprises ridge and valleys 912 having a long axis oriented
preferably
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA-LA of the fastening
member 900.
The surface texturing 904 may extend down the entire longitudinal length of
the backside
120 of the head portion 108, or only extend down a portion of the longitudinal
length of
the backside 120 of the head portion 108. For example, the backside 120 of the
head
portion 108 having surface texturing 904 may be only located in area near the
end of one
of the fastening member 900 to engage the stop block 908, as shown in Fig. 9.
The
surface texturing 904 may be formed when the fastening member 900 is extruded,
or
alternatively, it may be formed after extrusion, such as by using a tool that
is applied to the
backside 120 of the head portion 108. In yet another alternative, the surface
texturing 904
may be added by applying (such as by gluing or welding) a separate member to
the head
portion 104, wherein the separate member comprises the surface texturing 904.
Referring now to Figs. l0A and 1 IA, and in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present inventions, fastening member 1000 includes a
plurality of
transversely oriented penetrating slits 1004; that is, at least some of the
slits 1004 fully
penetrate at least one of the tail portion 104, head portion 108 or transition
portion 112. In
at least one embodiment, the slits 1004 are oriented substantially
perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis LA-LA of the fastening member 1000. The slits 1004 increase
the
flexibility of the fastening member 1000. In addition, for the slits 1004 that
are allowed to
fully penetrate at least one of the tail portion 104, head portion 108 or
transition portion
112, then those slits also will provide a means for ventilating the article to
which the
fastening member 1004 is associated with. In at least one embodiment, the
slits 1004 in
the fastening member may be cut completely through the tail portion 104, head
portion
108 and transition portion 112, and then the fastening member is restructured
during the
installation of the fastening member 1000 in the article to which it is
associated with.
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Referring now to Figs. lOB and 11B, fastening member 1000' includes a
plurality
of transversely oriented partially penetrating slits 1004'; that is, none of
the slits 1004'
fully penetrate the tail portion 104, head portion or transition portion 112.
Furthermore,
the slits 1004' may be limited to only certain portions of the fastening
member 1000'. For
example, as shown in Fig. I OB, the slits 1004' are limited to the head
portion 108 and
transition portion 112, and are not extended into the tail portion 104. The
slits 1004'
increase the flexibility of the fastening member 1000'.
Referring now to Figs. 12 and 13, and in accordance with at least one
embodiment
of the present inventions, fastening members 1200a and 1200b are shown that
include one
or more wires or electrical contacts 1204a and 1204b, respectively, extending
at least a
portion of the longitudinal length L of the fastening members 1200a and 1200b.
As shown
in Figs 12 and 13, the contacts 1204a and 1200b are located along a surface
the tongue
and groove structures 128 of the mating surfaces 124. When the two fastening
members
1200a and 1200b are interlocked, the contacts 1204a from a first fastening
member 1200a
communicate with counterpart contacts 1204b from the second fastening member
1200b.
Thus, when the fastening members 1200a and 1200b are interlocked, the contacts
1204a
and 1204b allow for electromagnetic radiation (e.g., electrical energy, radio
waves, light,
etc.) to be transferred from one fastening member 1200a to another fastening
member
1200b.
Referring now to Figs. 14 and 15, a modified version of the previously
described
fastening members 1200a, 1200b is shown. More particularly, fastening members
1220a
and 1220b include one or more wires or electrical contacts 1224a and 1224b,
respectively,
extending within at least a portion of the longitudinal length L of the
fastening members
1220a and 1220b. As seen in Figs. 14 and 15, the electrical contacts 1224a and
1224b
reside within the head portion 104, such as within a tongue of the tongue and
groove
structures 128. For such an arrangement, a contact bar can be provided in a
stop block or
other structure for interconnecting the electrical contacts 1224a and 1224b.
Thus, wiring
or another electromagnetic radiation conveyance structure can be incorporated
within or
surficially exposed into one or more the interlocking fastening members. As
but one
example, the tail portion 104 of a fastening member can have a woven fiber
inlayed
invisibly under its surface to provide strength, while the mating surface has
wiring
mounted above or within the tongue and groove structures 128 to provide a
direct wiring
contact that electromagnetically communicates with corresponding wiring from
the
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interlocking fastening member. As another example of a military or law
enforcement
application, ballistic protective fabrics can be used within the article, with
fiber optics or
other communication elements residing within the mating surfaces 124 of the
closure of
the article to provide a communication link between a soldier's headset and a
communication system or other device attached or interconnected elsewhere to
the
soldier's body.
Referring now to Figs. 16 and 17, and in accordance with at least one
embodiment
of the present inventions, fastening member 1600 is shown that comprises
structure for
resisting disengagement from a corresponding fastening member 1600 when under
the
influence of tensile or compression forces in a direction transverse to the
longitudinal axis
LA-LA of the fastening members 1600. The fastening member 1600 is intended to
be
used with an identical fastening member 1600, or with a fastening member whose
mating
surface 124 is similar in geometry to fastening member 1600. In general, the
mating
surface 124 of fastening member 1600 has relatively larger tongue and groove
structures
128 that help stabilize and prevent premature disengagement of the mating
surfaces 124.
In addition, the fastening member 1600 includes a rotation preventer that
assists in
maintaining the interlocked position of the mating surfaces 124 when the
interlocked
mating surfaces experience a tensile force or compression force that is
transverse to the
longitudinal axis LA-LA of the fastening members 1600, because the geometry of
the
mating surfaces 124 tend to keep the tips of the tongues of the tongue and
groove
structures 128 interlocked.
The fastening member 1600 includes a head portion 108 including a front side
116
and a backside 120. The front side 116 includes mating surface 124 comprising
a plurality
of tongue and groove structures 128, wherein an outermost tongue 1604 includes
a
rotational preventer 1608 comprising an extension 1612 having a sloping
terminal surface
1616. In at least one embodiment, the sloping terminal surface 1616 defines a
sloping
terminal surface plane 1620 extending from the sloping terminal surface 1616,
wherein the
sloping terminal surface plane 1620 intercepts a backside plane 1624 at an
angle ~, where
the backside plane 1624 is coplanar with the exterior surface 1628 of the
backside 120. In
accordance with at least one embodiment, ~ is preferably less than 90 degrees,
and more
preferably, ~ is between about 55 to 75 degrees, and more preferably yet, ~ is
between
about 60 to 70 degrees. It is noted that a number of embodiments of the
present inventions
described herein may optionally include the rotational preventer 1608, and
this feature has
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been identified by its reference number in the various figures. Accordingly,
the rotational
preventer 1608 and the geometry described within this paragraph are applicable
as an
option and/or in combination with numerous other inventive aspects described
herein.
In at least one embodiment, the tail portion 104 comprises a planar surface
1632
that is substantially parallel to the backside plane 1624. In addition, in at
least one
embodiment, the transitional portion 112 includes an interior transitional
surface 1636
having a height H, wherein the interior transitional surface 1636 is
substantially parallel to
the sloping terminal surface 1616. The interior transitional surface 1636
corresponds to an
innermost groove surface of the plurality of tongue and groove structures 128.
In at least
one embodiment, the tail portion 104 includes a tail upper surface 1640 and a
tail lower
surface 1644. The tail upper surface 1640 is substantially parallel to the
tail lower surface
1644. In addition, the tail upper surface 1640 is spaced apart from the tail
lower surface
1644 to define a tail thickness T, where the tail thickness T is less than the
height H of the
interior transitional surface 1636.
For the embodiment shown in Figs. 16 and 17, a lower tail plane 1648 coplanar
with the tail lower surface 1644 and extending from the tail lower surface
1644 through
the head portion 108 intercepts the sloping terminal surface 1616 at the angle
~, where ~
is defined as above the lower tail plane 1648 (that is, toward the front side
116 of the head
portion 108). In at least one embodiment, the backside plane 1624 is
substantially parallel
to the lower tail plane 1648. As best seen in Fig. 16, the outermost tongue
1604 has at
least one tip 1652, and a tip plane 1656 coplanar with an underside surface
1660 of the at
least one tip 1652 intersects the sloping terminal surface 1616 at an angle 0
when the tip
plane 1656 is extended through the outermost tongue 1604, wherein 0 is
measured below
the tip plane 1656. In at least one embodiment, 0 is preferably between about
85 to 95
degrees.
Referring still to Fig. 16, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the
present inventions, the tail portion 104 of the fastening members 1600, as
well as the other
fastening members described herein, may optionally include a tapered terminal
surface
1664. The tapered terminal surface 1664 may face up or down. As shown in Fig.
16, the
tapered terminal surface 1664 allows for an even integration of the fastening
member 1600
with a panel 1668 of the article to which the fastening member 1600 is to be
attached. For
example, the tapered terminal surface 1664 may be bonded to panel 1668,
thereby
providing a smooth transition between the tail portion 104 and the panel 1668,
particularly
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if the panel includes a matching slope surface 1672 for attachment to the
tapered terminal
surface 1664 of fastening member 1600. As those skilled in the art will
appreciate, other
techniques may be used to attach fastening members to various articles,
including but not
limited to, gluing, welding, fastening, molding, etc. The tapered terminal
surface 1664
provides advantages for at least some of these techniques.
As shown in Fig. 17, the tail portion 104 of the various fastening members
described herein may alternatively comprise a tip 1676 that includes twin
sloped surfaces
1680. Again, the twin sloped surfaces 1680 of tip 1676 can aid in the
installation of the
fastening member into various articles, such as garments.
Referring now to Fig. 18, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the
present inventions, a fastening member is shown as an interlocked pair
comprising
identical fastening members 1800a and 1800b. Each fastening member includes a
plurality of tongues that further include a plurality of tips. By way of
example and not
limitation, for fastening member 1800a, first tongue 1804a includes upper tip
1812a and
lower tip 1816a. Similarly, second tongue 1808a includes upper tip 1820a and
lower tip
1824a. These structure interlock with fastening member 1800b. Fastening member
1800b
includes first tongue 1804b that includes upper tip 1812b and lower tip 1816b.
Similarly,
second tongue 1808b includes upper tip 1820b and lower tip 1824b. By providing
more
than one tip on each tongue, there is an increased travel path for fluid
leakage to occur
through the interlocked mating surfaces 124. In addition, there is an increase
in the
interlocking strength of the mating surface 124 when experiencing an unwanted
disengagement force, such as a tensile force applied in a direction transverse
to the
longitudinal axis of the fastening member 1800.
Referring now to Figs. 19-22, and in accordance with at least one embodiment
of
the present inventions, a fastening system 1900 is shown that comprises a
first fastening
member 1600 and a second fastening member 1904. The second fastening member
1904
includes a mating surface 124 that releasably interlocks with mating surface
124 of
fastening member 1600. In addition, second fastening member 1904 includes a
backside
120 that features a receptacle 1908 for receiving an insert 1912. In
accordance with at
least one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle 1908 comprises a groove
1916 that
is adapted for interlockingly receiving a tongue 1920 of the insert 1912. The
insert 1912
may be a variety of structures. By way of example and not limitation, the
insert 1912 may
comprise one or more of a reflector, a fluid conveyance conduit, a wire, a
communication
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element, a bumper, and a decorative insert. Such inserts 1912 have application
for use
with a closure that is associated with an article, such as a jacket. When used
with a jacket
or other applicable article, the closure may be opened and closed with a
slider.
Referring now to Figs. 23-27, and in accordance with at least one embodiment
of the
present inventions, a fastening system 2300 is shown that includes a plurality
of releasably
interlocking mating surfaces. More particularly, as best seen in Figs. 24 and
25, the fastening
system 2300 includes a first fastening member 2304 including a head portion
2308 having a
primary mating surface 2312 on a first or front side 2316 and a secondary
mating surface
2320 on a second or backside 2324. In addition, as best seen in Figs. 26 and
27, the first
fastening member 2304 is received within a second fastening member 2328 that
includes a
forked head portion 2332. The forked head portion 2332 includes a first
interior side 2336
having a first interior mating surface 2340 and an opposing second interior
side 2344 having a
second interior mating surface 2348. The head portion 2308 of the first
fastening member
2304 is adapted for being releasably interlocked in the forked head portion
2332 of the second
fastening member 2328. In so doing, the primary mating surface 2312 of the
head portion
2308 releasably interlocks with the first interior mating surface 2340 of the
forked head
portion 2332, and the secondary mating surface 2320 of the head portion 2308
releasably
interlocks with the second interior mating surface 2348 of the forked head
portion 2332.
Referring now to Figs. 28-30, and in accordance with at least one embodiment
of
the present inventions, a fastening system 2800 is shown that includes first
fastening
member 2304 and a second fastening member 2804 having a forked head portion
2308
that includes a void space 2812. Similar to forked head portion 2332 of second
fastening
member 2328, and as best seen in Figs. 29 and 30, the forked head portion 2808
of second
fastening member 2804 includes a first interior side 2336 having a first
interior mating
surface 2340 and an opposing second interior side 2344 having a second
interior mating
surface 2348. In addition, an interior pocket 2816 is located adjacent the
first and second
interior mating surfaces 2340, 2348. When the head portion 2308 is interlocked
within the
forked head portion 2808, the interior pocket 2816 is bound by lateral head
surface 2820
of head portion 2308 to form the void space 2812. The void space 2812 of the
fastening
system 2800 can serve several purposes, including providing increased bending
qualities
and flexibility to the interlocked first and second fastening members 2304,
2804. In
addition, the void space 2812 may be pressure tested to document an airtight
(or liquid
tight) closure, and/or monitored for liquid or gas leakage. In addition, the
void space 2812
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can serve as a conduit for a fluid.
Referring now to Fig. 31, a slider 3100 for use with the fastening system 2300
and
2800 is shown. The slider 3100 generally includes an opening end 3104 and a
closing end
3108. In use, and as described for fastening system 2300, the head portion
2308 of first
fastening member 2304 is inserted into a first side 3112 of the slider 3100,
and the forked
head portion 2332 of the second fastening member 2328 is inserted into a
second side
3116 of the slider 3100. As the head portion 2308 and forked head portion 2332
pass
through the interior 3120 of the slider 3100, the mating surfaces of the first
and second
fastening members 2304 and 2328 are brought into interlocking engagement when
the
slider 3100 is moved in a closing direction. Similarly, when the slider 3100
is moved in
an opening direction, the first fastening member 2304 is disengaged from the
second
fastening member 2328.
Referring now to Figs. 32-35, and in accordance with at least one embodiment
of the
present inventions, a multi-layer fastening system 3200 is shown that includes
a plurality of
releasably interlocking mating surfaces. More particularly, the multi-layer
fastening system
3200 includes first and second fastening members 3400a, 3400b, as well as cap
member
3500a and base member 3500b.
As best seen in Fig. 34, the first and second fastening members 3400 include a
head
portion 3404 having a primary mating surface 3408 on a front side 3412, and a
secondary
mating surface 3416 on a backside 3420. In addition, the head portion 3404
also has an
extension 3424 that includes a tertiary mating surface 3428.
As best seen in Fig. 35, the cap member and base member 3500 have a first
cap/base mating surface 3504 and a spaced apart second cap/base mating surface
3508.
With reference again to Figs. 32 and 33, the first cap mating surface 3504a is
adapted to releasably interlock with the first primary mating surface 3408a of
the first
fastening member 3400a, and the second cap mating surface 3508a adapted to
releasably
interlock with the second primary mating surface 3408b of the second fastening
member
3400b. The base member 3500b includes a first base mating surface 3504b
adapted to
releasably interlock with the first secondary mating surface 3416a of the
first fastening
member 3400a, and the second base mating surface 3508b is adapted to
releasably
interlock with the second secondary mating surface 3416b of the second
fastening member
3400b. Finally, the tertiary mating surface 3428a of the first fastening
member 3400a is
adapted to releasably interlock with the tertiary mating surface 3428b of the
second
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fastening member 3400b, thereby forming an intermediate seal 3204. Upon
assembly, the
cap member 3500a bounds the intermediate seal 3204 on a first side 3208, and
the base
member 3500b bounds the intermediate seal 3204 on a second side 3212.
Furthermore,
upon assembly, a first void space 3216 is formed between the intermediate seal
3204 and
an interior side 3220 of the cap member 3500a. In addition, a second void
space 3224 is
formed between the intermediate seal 3204 and an interior side 3228 of the
base member
3500b. The void spaces 3216 and 3224 of the fastening system 3200 can serve
several
purposes, including allowing one or both of the void spaces 3216 and 3224 to
be pressure
tested to document an airtight (or liquid tight) closure, and/or monitored for
liquid or gas
leakage. In addition, one or both the void spaces 3216 and 3224 can serve as a
conduit for
a fluid, such as water, or one or both the void spaces 3216 and 3224 can
receive another
material, such as a sealant.
Referring now to Figs. 36-38, and in accordance with at least one embodiment
of the
present inventions, another multi-layer fastening system 3600 is shown that
includes a
plurality of releasably interlocking mating surfaces. More particularly, the
multi-layer
fastening system 3600 includes a plurality of members having interlocking
mating surfaces
that can be arranged in a stacked manner.
As depicted in Fig. 36, the multi-layer fastening system 3600 includes two
fastening
members 2304 that are stacked and interconnected by fastening member 3700. As
best seen
in Figs. 37 and 38, fastening member 3700 includes a forked head portion 3704
that includes
a first fork member 3708 having a first interior side 3712 and an exterior
side 3716, wherein
the first interior side 3712 includes a first interior side mating surface
3720, and the exterior
side 3716 includes an exterior side mating surface 3724. In addition, the
forked head portion
3704 includes a second fork member 3728 having a second interior side 3732
including a
second interior side mating surface 3736. The backside 3738 of the second
forked member
3728 does not have a mating surface, although if desired, a mating surface can
be provided on
the backside 3738 for allowing an additional fastening member to be attached
to the backside
3738. For the embodiment depicted in Figs. 36-38, an interior pocket 3740 is
also present
(although such a feature is optional) that allows for formation of a void
space 3604 when
assembled as shown in Fig. 36.
For the multi-layer fastening system 3600 shown in Fig. 36, the two tail
portions 104
that are aligned on the right side of the page are associated with fastening
members 1904 and
3700, and the two tail portions 104 aligned on the left side of the page are
associated with
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fastening members 2304. Such a configuration at least has application for
jackets or bags
with various liners and/or exterior shells.
As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the fastening members and/or
their
associated features shown in Figs. 1-38 may be combined in a variety of
different manners,
and such configurations are considered within the scope of the present
inventions. That is, the
ability to stack and/or combine fastening members and/or combine inventive
aspects can be
appreciated, and thus, one or more aspects of one embodiment may be combined
with one or
more aspects of one or more other embodiments.
Referring now to Fig. 39, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the
present inventions, a slider 3900 is shown that includes a slider body 3904
having an opening
end 3908 and a closing end 3912. The slider 3900 is used to open and close two
fastening
members that each have a mating surface. In general, the slider 3900 forces
the mating
surfaces together when the slider 3900 is moved in its closing direction, and
the slider 3900
separates the mating surfaces when the slider is moved in its opening
direction.
Still referring to Fig. 39, the opening end 3908 of slider 3900 includes an
upper
portion 3916 and a lower portion 3920, and an intermediate portion 3924
located between the
upper and lower portions 3916, 3920. The intermediate portion 3924 is
positioned generally
at the opening end 3908 for locating between a first mating surface of a first
fastening
member and a second mating surface of a second fastening member when the
slider 3900 is
moved in an opening direction. The slider body 3904 comprises pathways through
which the
fastening members slide during the opening or closing movement of the slider
3900. For the
second fastening member pathway shown in Fig. 39, the slider 3900 provides a
pathway that
is substantially straight along the longitudinal axis LA-LA of the mating
surface of the second
fastening member. Slider 3900 has application for use where the second
fastening member is
relatively stiff (e.g., metal, hard plastic, etc.) while the other fastening
member is flexible. By
way of example and not limitation, such an application may include an awning
or cover for a
boat. In such an application, the interlock shape or mating surface for the
second fastening
member for the boat portion can be hard and molded directly to the boat, and
the flexible
cover or awning comprising the flexible first fastening member can be
interlocked to the boat
by translation of the slider 3900 around the applicable portion of the boat,
thereby
interlocking the first flexible fastening member to the relatively hard and
stiff second
fastening member.
Referring now to Figs. 40 and 41, and in accordance with at least one
embodiment
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of the present inventions, a fastening system 4000 is shown that includes a
slider 4004 that
uses magnetism to interact with fastening members 4008a and 4008b. The
fastening
system 4000 includes a first fastening member 4008a having a first head
portion 108a that
includes a first mating surface 124a. In addition, in at least one embodiment,
the first head
portion 108a includes a ferromagnetic material extending along a longitudinal
length of
the first mating surface 124a. The fastening system 4000 also includes a
second fastening
member 4008b having a second head portion 108b that includes a second mating
surface
124b, wherein the second mating surface 124b is adapted for releasably
interlocking with
the first mating surface 124a. To facilitate locking and unlocking the mating
surfaces
124a and 124b, the slider 4004 is moved along the longitudinal axis LA-LA of
the head
portions 108a and 108b. The slider 4004 comprises a slider body 4012 having an
opening
end 4016 and a closing end 4020. The opening end 4016 has an upper portion
4024 and a
lower portion 4028. Similarly, the closing end 4020 has an upper portion 4032
and a
lower portion 4036. In at least one embodiment, the upper portion 4024 and the
lower
portion 4028 each include a slider magnet wherein a magnetic force is applied
between the
first head portion 108a and the upper portion 4024, and between the second
head portion
108b and the lower portion 4028 at the opening end 4016 to pull the mating
surfaces 124a
and 124b apart. The slider magnets preferably extend along at least a portion
of the length
of the slider body 4012 so that when pulled in the opening direction, the
slider magnets
initiate separation of the mating surfaces 124a and 124b within the interior
region of the
slider body 4012.
As seen in Figs. 40 and 41, the slider 4004 may include an intermediate
portion
4040, and in at least one embodiment, the intermediate portion 4040 is
discontinuous
across the width of the slider body 4012, such that a first intermediate
portion 4044 is
situated opposite a second intermediate portion 4048. As the slider 4004 is
moved, the
head portion 108a of the first fastening member 4008a resides between the
intermediate
portion 4040 and the upper portion 4024 at the opening end 4016, and the head
portion
108b of the second fastening member 4008b resides between the intermediate
portion
4040 and the lower portion 4028. The intermediate portion 4040 may also
optionally
include at least one magnet or ferromagnetic material.
As those skilled in the art will appreciate, different types of magnets and
ferromagnetic materials are available for use, and they may be used at various
locations
within the head portions 108a and 108b, as well as at various locations within
the slider
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body 4012. For example, the orientation of magnets within the slider body 4012
may
include magnets to induce separation of the head portions 108a and 108b within
the
middle interior of the slider body 4012 and toward the opening end 4016 of the
slider
body, while magnets may be used to push together the mating surfaces 124a and
124b
within the middle interior of the slider body 4012 and toward the closing end
4020.
Alternatively, in at least one embodiment the closing end 4020 of the slider
body 4012
may not comprise a magnet and/or a ferromagnetic material. As another example,
the
head portions 108a and 108b may use magnets and/or ferromagnetic materials to
improve
the interaction with not only the slider 4004, but also with each other, such
that the first
head portion 108a and the second head portion 108b are magnetically
attractive. Without
being limited by examples, magnets and/or ferromagnetic materials can be
extruded
directly into the head portions 108a and 108b, and/or they may be attached as
an insert
1912, or they may be attached by an adhesive. At least part of one of the head
portions
108a and 108b can be removed at a longitudinal end of the fastening member to
provide
an airtight and/or water tight closure.
Referring now to Figs. 42 and 43, and in accordance with at least one
embodiment
of the present inventions, a multi-piece slider 4200 is shown that at least
has application
for repair situations where a slider has broken and a replacement one-piece
slider cannot
be inserted into the fastening members. The slider 4200 is generally
anticipated for use
with a first fastening member and a second fastening member that each include
a mating
surface. In at least one embodiment, the slider 4200 includes a slider body
4204 having a
plurality of portions adapted for interconnection using a fastening mechanism
4210. By
way of example and not limitation, the slider body 4204 may include an
intermediate
portion 4208 that is separable and interconnectable, such as by a rod, latch,
screw, bolt,
etc. As best seen in Fig. 43, a first portion 4212 of the slider body 4204 is
interconnected
to a second portion 4216 of the slider body 4204. A fastening mechanism 4210
serves to
join the first intermediate portion 4208a of the first portion 4212 to the
second
intermediate portion 4208b of the second portion 4216. Similar to sliders
described
above, when assembled, the intermediate portion 4208 serves to separate the
mating
surfaces upon translation of the slider in an opening direction. When
assembling the
slider 4200 to repair a broken slider, the broken slider is first removed from
the first and
second fastening members. The slider 4200 is then attached to the first and
second
fastening members by inserting the head portion of the first fastening member
above the
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first intermediate portion 4208a, then inserting the head portion of the
second fasten
member below the intermediate portion 4208b, and then securing the first
portion 4212 of
the slider body 4204 to the second portion 4216 of the slider body 4204 by
engaging the
fastening mechanism 4210 to interconnect the first intermediate portion 4208a
to the
second intermediate portion4208b.
Referring now to Fig. 44, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the
present inventions, a slider 4400 is shown that includes a slider body 4404
having at least
one roller that eases friction between at least one fastening member and the
slider 4400.
More particularly, one or more rollers 4408 are operatively associated with
the slider body
4404 and serve to assist in reducing friction as the slider 4400 is moved to
close or open
the mating surfaces of the fastening members. With reference to Fig. 44, a
roller 4408 is
located on an inside surface 4412 of an intermediate portion 4416 of the
slider body 4404.
Among it possible shapes, the roller 4408 may comprise a cylindrical shaped
device, a
more narrow wheel-shaped device, or a spherical shaped device, such as a ball
bearing. In
at least one embodiment, the rollers 4408 are located to contact both the
first and second
fastening members. In at least one embodiment, the roller 4408 has a
rotational axis RA-
RA oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA-LA.
Referring now to Fig. 45, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the
present inventions, a slider 4500 is shown that comprises exterior rollers
4504 for
engaging the tail portions 104 of the fastening members. The exterior rollers
4504 assist
with limiting frictional interaction of the fastening members as the slider
4500 is moved
longitudinally. The slider 4500 may also optionally include one or more
rollers 4408,
such as the roller 4408 shown at the top of the intermediate portion 4416.
Referring now to Figs. 46-49, and in accordance with at least one embodiment
of
the present inventions, a slider 4600 is shown that is configured for
receiving inserts to
provide additional functionality. More particularly, the slider 4600 includes
a section
slider insert system that allows for different materials to be incorporated
into the slider for
various reasons. One such reason is to add self-lubricating plastic inserts,
such as Teflon
inserts to provide a combination of strength and ease of slider interaction
with the head
portions of the fastening members as the head portions pass through the
slider.
Alternatively, the insert or inserts may comprise a magnet for interaction
with appropriate
fastening members. Additionally, the interconnectivity of the various
components allows
for a complex multi-piece slider to be more easily manufactured. The sections
of the
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slider 4600 can be snapped together, glued together, or interconnected using
fasteners,
such as screws. Inserts can also be added to other devices described herein,
such as stop
blocks. For example, a new or alternative gripping element can be added to a
stop block.
Referring again to Figs. 46-49, the slider 4600 includes a slider body 4604
having
an upper portion 4608, a lower portion 4612, and an intermediate portion 4616
between
the upper portion 4608 and lower portion 4612. The intermediate portion 4616
at the
opening end 4620 of the slider body 4604 is located between the pathways which
the
fastening members slide during the opening or closing movement of the slider
4600.
In at least one embodiment, the intermediate portion has a first side 4624
that is releasably
interconnectable to the upper portion 4608, and a second side 4628 that is
releasably
interconnectable to the lower portion 4612. Accordingly, the intermediate
portion 4616
can be separated from the upper portion 4608 and lower portion 4612. Thus, in
at least in
one embodiment, the intermediate portion 4616 is replaceable with removal from
the
upper and lower portions 4608, 4612, and insertion of a replacement
intermediate portion.
For such a configuration, the new intermediate portion 4616 may include a self-
lubricating element for contacting at least one of the fastening members.
Referring now to
Figs. 48 and 49, an insert member 4800 is shown that can be inserted into
slider 4600 to
form a portion of the slider body 4604.
Referring now to Figs. 50 and 51, and in accordance with at least one
embodiment
of the present inventions, a slider 5000 is shown that includes pull tab
system 5004. The
Pull tab system 5004 comprises a rotatably mounted pull tab 5008 that is
interconnected to
the slider body 5012 at the intermediate portion 5016. The location of the
interconnection
at the intermediate portion 5016 allows the pull tab 5008 to be drawn in both
the opening
direction and closing direction such that the forces applied are more in-line
with the
longitudinal axis of the fastening members, thereby more effectively moving
the slider
5000 and also lessening unnecessary forces from acting on the mating surfaces
of the
fastening members.
In at least one embodiment, the rotatably mounted pull tab 5008 is
interconnected
to the intermediate portion 5016 by a pin 5020 located at the opening end 5024
of the
slider body. Fig. 52 illustrates an example embodiment of pin 5020, which
generally
comprises a cylindrical shaped rod. However, and in accordance with at least
one
embodiment of the present inventions, the pin 5020 of the pull tab system 5004
may
optionally include a wedge 5300 as shown in Fig. 53, wherein the wedge 5300 is
fixedly
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attached to the pin 5020. In one embodiment, the wedge 5300 is preferably
located within
the interior of the slider 5000, wherein the wedge 5300 is able to contact and
frictionally
engage at least a portion of least one of the fastening members, such as a
head portion of
one of the fastening members. In use, rotation of the pull tab 5008 down also
rotates the
wedge 5300 against a fastening member to force the fastening member against an
interior
surface of the slider body 5012, thereby releasably locking the longitudinal
position of the
slider 5000 against at least one of the fastening members. To release the
wedge 5300, the
pull tab 5008 is lifted up and then pulled in the desired direction. In
another alternative
embodiment, an upper wedge may be situated in the upper portion of the slider
body,
wherein rotation of a connected tab rotates the upper wedge downward against
the
fastening member to releasably lock the fastening member, such as by forcing
the
fastening member in contact with an interior upper surface of the intermediate
portion.
Referring now to Figs. 54-56, and in accordance with at least one embodiment
of
the present inventions, a slider and stop block combination 5400 is shown that
includes a
slider 5404 and a stop block 5408. This combination of devices is particularly
useful for
articles such as jackets; however, it may also be used in other articles,
including but not
limited to, sleeping bags, removable pant legs, removable hoods, etc.
The slider 5404 comprises a slider body 5412 including an opening end 5416 and
a
closing end 5420. The closing end 5420 includes a confining portion 5424 that
functions
to confine the first mating surface 124 of a first fastening member into
interlocking
engagement with a second mating surface 124 of a second fastening member. In
at least
one embodiment, the closing end 5420 of the slider body 5412 includes an upper
sloping
surface 5428 and a lower sloping surface 5432 that resemble a truncated wedge
when
viewed from the side, as seen in Fig. 54.
The stop block 5408 includes structural features to hold and release a
fastening
member, and to interact with the slider 5404. In at least one embodiment, the
stop block
5408 includes a first housing portion or upper housing portion 5436 and a
second housing
portion or lower housing portion 5440. In at least one embodiment, the lower
housing
portion 5440 is permanently secured to one of the first and second fastening
members,
such as at a longitudinal end of a fastening member. The upper housing portion
5436 is
preferably movably connected to the lower housing portion 5440, and more
preferably, the
upper housing portion 5436 is hingedly interconnected to the lower housing
portion 5440
by hinge 5444. For interaction with the slider 5404, the upper housing portion
5436
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includes an upper sloping receiving surface 5448, and the lower housing
portion 5440
includes a lower sloping receiving surface 5452.
The stop block 5408 has a first closed position (as shown in Fig. 54) and a
second
open position. When the upper and lower sloping surfaces 5428 and 5432 of the
slider
5404 contact the upper and lower sloping receiving surfaces 5448 and 5452 of
the stop
block 5408, the slider 5404 urges the stop block 5408 from the first closed
position to the
second open position. That is, the upper housing portion 5436 moves along
arrow A to
rotate its front end 5450 upward to the second open position. In so doing, the
stop block
5408 allows at least a grasp portion of the unsecured fastening member to be
fed into the
stop block 5408 while the stop block is in the second open position. After
doing so, the
slider 5404 is then advanced in the closing direction away from the stop block
5408
placing the stop block 5408 back in the first closed position. The stop block
5408
automatically closes because the upper portion 5436 is normally biased in its
closed
position, such as by a spring. As best seen in Fig. 56, when the slider 5404
moves away
from the stop block 5408, the grasp portion of the inserted fastening members
is held in
place by the stop block 5408, such as by use of gripping elements 5456 located
within the
interior 5460 of the stop block 5408. An optional latch 5464 (shown with
dashed lines in
Fig. 54) may be provided to selectively lock the upper housing portion 5436 to
the lower
housing portion 5440 when the stop block 5408 is closed, thereby locking the
stop block
in its closed position. Thus, in use, when the user slides the slider 5404 to
the bottom of
the fastening members, the closing end 5412 of the slider 5404 contacts the
forward end
5416 of the stop block 5408, thereby allowing the user to insert the fastening
member that
is not permanently attached to the stop block 5408 into the stop block
interior 5420. The
user then moves the slider 5404 away from the stop block 5408 in the closing
direction to
releasably interlock the mating surfaces 124 of the first and second fastening
members.
Referring now to Figs. 57-63, and in accordance with at least one embodiment
of
the present inventions, another slider and stop block combination is shown as
fastening
system 5700 that includes a slider 5704 and a stop block 5708, as well as
fastening
members 5702a and 5702b. Slider 5704 comprises a slider body 5712 including an
opening end 5716 and a closing end 5720. The closing end 5720 includes a
confining
portion 5724 that functions to confine the first mating surface 124 of a first
fastening
member 5702a into interlocking engagement with a second mating surface 124 of
a second
fastening member 5702b.
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As best seen in Fig. 58, in at least one embodiment the stop block 5708 is
permanently attached to one of the fastening members 5702a, 5702b, such as by
one or
more screws 5710 that engage fastening member 5702a and fasten it to the stop
block
5708. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, other methods of fixedly
securing a
fastening member to the stop block 5708 are possible, such as by gluing,
welding,
molding, and/or using other fasteners.
As best seen in Fig. 60, the stop block 5708 also includes a button 5728
having a
sloped front portion 5732, a rear portion 5736, a sloped bottom 5740 and an
underside
projection 5744. In one embodiment, the button 5728 is held within the stop
block 5708
by a button pin 5746. When the closing end 5720 of the slider 5704 abuts the
sloped front
portion 5732 of the button 5728, the button tips, wherein the rear portion
5736 depresses a
return biasing member 5748, such as a spring, while the underside projection
5744 lifts up.
Assuming that the fastening system 5700 is associated with a jacket, and that
the jacket is
open, while the underside projection 5744 is in an upward position, unsecured
fastening
member 5702b can be inserted into the stop block 5708, to be releasably
secured therein.
More particularly, and with reference now to Fig. 63, in at least one
embodiment, the
unsecured fastening member 5702b includes a hole 6300 within its head portion
108 for
receiving the underside projection 5744 of the button 5728. With reference
again to Figs.
60 and 61, while the underside projection 5744 has been lifted up, the
unsecured fastening
member 5702b can be inserted into the top slot 5750 of the slider 5704 and
into the stop
block 5708. After the unsecured fastening member 5702b has been inserted into
the stop
block 5708, the slider 5704 is moved away from the stop block 5708 and then
button 5728
is released to its resting position because return biasing member 5748 pushes
up on the
rear portion 5736 of the button 5728. With the button 5728 in its resting
position, the
underside projection 5744 engages the hole 6300 in the fastening member 5702b,
thereby
holding the fastening member 5702b within the stop block 5708. The slider 5704
can then
be moved up the longitudinal axis of the mating surfaces 124 of the fastening
members
5702a and 5702b to releasably interlock the mating surfaces 124. In at least
one
embodiment, slider 5704 is moved by pulling the rotatable pull tab 5752 that
is
interconnected to the intermediate portion 5756 of the slider 5704. Referring
to Fig. 62, to
open the fastening system 5700, the slider 5704 is moved back down to contact
the stop
block 5708, wherein the slider 5704 once again presses against front portion
5732 of the
button 5728. The button 5728 then once again tips up, releasing the underside
projection
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WO 2008/064170 PCT/US2007/085127
5744 from the hole 6300 of fastening member 5702b. The fastening member 5702b
can
then be pulled freely from the stop block 5708 and the top slot 5750 of the
slider 5704 to
allow the jacket closure to be fully opened. Thus, whenever the slider 5704 is
located at
the bottom of the jacket and contacting the stop block 5708, the button 5728
is situated in
its open position, and ready to either insert or remove the fastening member
5702b from
the stop block 5708.
Referring now to Figs. 64 and 65, and in accordance with at least one
embodiment
of the present inventions, another fastening system 6400 is shown that
includes a stop
block 6404 that is injection molded directly to one of the fastening members
6408. For
stop block 6404, the user slides the slider down the fastening member 6408
until the slider
meets the stop block 6404, at which time the user can insert the other
fastening member
through the front of the slider and into the stop block 6404. The inserted
fastening
member is held within the stop block 6404 by frictional engagement with the
interior of
the stop block, or the inserted fastening member is simply held in place by
the user when
the slider is moved upward. Thus, after the fastening member is inserted into
the stop
block 6404, the slider can be moved up the head portion 108 of the fastening
members to
releasably interlock their mating surfaces. To open the closure, the slider is
moved back
to the stop block 6404, and the releasable fastening member is pulled out of
the stop block
6404 and the slider.
Referring now to Fig. 66, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the
present inventions, another stop block 6600 is shown that crimps or clamps
into place on
at least one fastening member. Stop block 6600 includes an interior 6604 that
features a
plurality of gripping surfaces 6608 to frictionally engage at least one
fastening member.
In addition, stop block 6600 may be opened using hinge 6612 to allow the upper
housing
portion 6616 to rotate relative to the lower housing portion 6620. Stop block
6600 also
optionally includes a snap 6624 that secures the upper housing portion 6616 to
the lower
housing portion 6620. The snap 6624 features a frictionally engaging head 6628
that
engages a receptacle 6632 within the opposing housing portion. The
frictionally engaging
head 6628 is preferably biased in a locking position, but can be moved to
release the upper
housing portion 6616 from the lower housing portion 6620, thereby allowing
adjustment
of the stop block 6600 if desired. Accordingly, stop block 6600 serves to
provide easy
attachment to at least one fastening member because the stop block 6600 can be
installed
after production of a fastening member. In addition, stop block 6600 also
allows for
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adjustment, and further allows for adjustment when inserting a fastening
member within
the stop block 6600. After the stop block 6600 is attached and engaged with
the fastening
members, a slider can be used to close the fastening members.
Referring now to Figs. 67 and 68, and in accordance with at least one
embodiment
of the present inventions, another stop block 6700 is shown for allowing
insertion of a
fastening member. The stop block 6700 is preferably fixedly attached to a
first fastening
member, and further includes an interior 6704 for frictionally engaging a
second fastening
member. More particularly, the interior 6704 includes a receiving channel 6708
having a
rotatable brake 6712. The rotatable brake 6712 serves to releasably secure at
least a grasp
portion of a second fastening member when the grasp portion is fed into the
stop block
6700 and the rotatable brake 6712 engages the grasp portion. In use, the
second fastening
member is slid into the receiving channel 6708 of the stop block 6700, and the
rotatable
brake 6712 is self-actuating to contact a surface of the second fastening
member and allow
rotation in a first direction corresponding to the insertion direction, but
resist counter-
rotation, thereby holding the second fastening member in place within the stop
block
6700. When the user desires to open the closure, a release mechanism is
activated, such as
a push button release 6716 that allows counter-rotation of the brake 6712 and
removal of
the second fastening member. As an alternative to a push button release, an
automatic
release trigger may be incorporated into the stop block 6700 for interaction
with a slider,
such as the button 5728 shown in fastening system 5700. For stop block 6700,
the slider
would engage a trigger that releases the brake 6712 and allows the second
fastening
member to be released. For such a configuration, the second fastening member
need not
include the hole 6300.
Referring now to Figs. 69A and 69B, and in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present inventions, another stop block 6900 is shown for
allowing
insertion of a fastening member. The stop block 6900 is similar to stop block
6700
discussed above, but stop block 6900 includes a rotatable locking cam 6904.
Fig. 69B
shows a detail view of the rotatable locking cam 6904 and its push button
release 6908.
As with rotatable brake 6712, the rotatable locking cam 6904 allows the
fastening member
to be inserted and resists counter-rotation unless the user activates a
release mechanism.
From the foregoing, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a number of
different
ways are available for providing a rotatable element for securing a second
fastening
member within a stop block, and such variations and other modifications are
encompassed
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WO 2008/064170 PCT/US2007/085127
by embodiments of the present inventions. It is further noted that different
material types
and textures can be used for the rotatable brake 6712 and rotatable locking
cam 6904, or
other gripping elements 6608 and 5456, including soft plastics or rubber for
enhanced
gripping, as well as textured or angled elements for grabbing the inserted
fastening
member.
Referring now to Fig. 70, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the
present inventions, fastening system 7000 and stop block 7002 are shown for
allowing
insertion of a fastening member. Stop block 7002 includes two separable
portions, a right
portion 7004a and a left portion 7004b, wherein the right portion 7004a is
fixedly attached
to a first fastening member 7008a and the left portion 7004b is fixedly
attached to a
second fastening member 7008b. In use, the user aligns the right portion 7004a
for
releasable engagement with the left portion 7004b, such as by aligning the
respective
coupling members 7012a and 7012b of the respective right and left portions
7004a and
7004b. The coupling members 7012a and 7012b are then engaged, which joins the
first
longitudinal ends 7016a and 7016b of the respective fastening members 7008a
and 7008b
together. A slider 7020 can then be moved up the longitudinal axis LA-LA of
the
fastening members 7008a and 7008b to releasably interlock the mating surfaces
124 of
each fastening member 7008a and 7008b. This process is then reversed to open
the
closure.
Referring now to Fig. 71, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the
present inventions, fastening system 7100 is shown that includes top stop
7104. In
general, to stops are used to prevent the slider from leaving the end (or top)
of the closure.
Fastening system 7100 includes first fastening member 7108a and second
fastening
member 7108b. For the embodiment shown in Fig. 71, top stop 7104 includes two
separable portions, a right top stop portion 7112a and a left top stop portion
7112b,
wherein the right top stop portion 7112a is fixedly attached to the first
fastening member
7108a, and the left top stop portion 7112b is fixedly attached to the second
fastening
member 7108b. When the slider 7116 is advanced to the upper end or top of the
fastening
members 7108a and 7108b, the right top stop portion 7112a is brought together
with the
left top stop portion 7112b. Such a configuration not only serves to keep the
slider 7116
from leaving the fastening members7l08a and 7108b, but also serves to provide
a
structurally smooth and visually appealing end to the closure. The
structurally smooth
finish improves user satisfaction, because for a jacket the top stop 7104
prevents possible
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irritation or chaffing of the user's chin or neck from the end of the closure.
The top stop
7104 may optionally include a frictionally engaging clasp for releasably
securing the
slider 7116 to the top stop 7104.
Referring now to Figs. 72-74, and in accordance with at least one embodiment
of
the present inventions, fastening system 7200 is shown that includes a top
stop 7204,
slider 7208 and first and second fastening members 7212a and 7212b. As seen in
Fig. 72,
the slider 7208 can be advanced to the top stop 7204 for releasably
interlocking with the
with top stop 7104. With reference now to Fig. 73 and 74, the top stop 7204 is
shown
without the slider 7208 and without the first fastening member 7212a. The top
stop 7204
includes a top stop mating surface 7216 that mates with the mating surface
7220 of the
first fastening member 7212a when the slider 7208 is advanced to the top stop
7204. As
the slider 7208 reaches the top stop 7204, the slider 7208 brings the mating
surface 7220
of the first fastening member 7212a into contact with the top stop mating
surface 7216 by
overlying the top stop 7204. In at least one embodiment, the top stop mating
surface 7216
includes tongue and groove structures 7224 for releasably engaging the mating
surface
7220 of the first fastening member 7212a.
The slider 7208 of fastening system 7200 may optionally include tongue and
groove structures for mating with the tongue and groove structures 7224 of the
top stop
7204. Such configuration can prevent air, water, or gas penetration though the
closing
mating surfaces that are formed around the slider 7208, as well as prevent
leakage around
the first and second fastening members 7212a and 7212b, and top stop 7204.
Referring now to Figs. 75 and 76, and in accordance with at least one
embodiment
of the present inventions, fastening system 7500 is shown that includes a top
stop 7504,
slider 7508, first and second fastening members 7512a and 7512b, and stop
block 7516.
The top stop 7504 is located on only one fastening member, that is, fastening
member
7512b. Such a top stop 7504 can be a piece of material, such a plastic, that
is molded and
permanently attached to the longitudinal end 7520 of the second fastening
member 7512b.
Referring now to Figs. 77-78, and in accordance with at least one embodiment
of
the present inventions, fastening system 7700 is shown that includes a slider
garage 7704
for receiving the slider 7708 when the slider is located at a longitudinal end
7712 of the
fastening members 7716a and 7716b. The slider garage 7704 can be a variety of
materials, included a molded plastic or metal hood, or a portion of the
article to which the
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closure is attached, such as a flap of material.
Referring now to Fig. 79, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the
present inventions, a motorized slider 7900 is shown. The motorized slider
7900
preferably includes a motor 7904 operatively associated with a slider body
7908. The
motor can be used to power the slider body 7908 and/or rotate drums 7912 for
advancing
the fastening members within the slider body 7908. The motorized slider 7900
can be
used to automatically close fastening members, including fastening members
that are
associated with waterproof field covers for stadiums. In use, the user would
line up the
large rolls of material for covering the field and activate the motorized
sliders 7900 to
traverse the field to automatically join the large panels with watertight
closures while
simultaneously unrolling the covers into position. Other applications or
possibilities
include joining lagoon/pond/lake liner panels and joining panels used for
protecting
concrete, such as in pavement and building construction. Sidewalk seams can
also benefit
from having a watertight joint between sidewalk sections, and the motorized
slider 7900
can assist construction workers in joining such seal systems.
Any of the stop blocks and/or top stops described herein may include magnets
or
ferromagnetic materials for interaction with the head portions 108 of the
fastening
members. Furthermore, the stop blocks and top stops described herein may
further
include electronic elements, such as wiring, fiber optics, and/or a battery
for forming part
of the operable elements associated with appropriate fastening members and/or
certain of
their components, such as fastening members 1200a, 1200b, 1220a, and 1220b
shown in
Figs. 12-15. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the materials
forming the stop
blocks and top stops can comprise plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, combinations
thereof, etc.
Such structures may also include inserts, such as reflective features.
Reference may be made to the following documents:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,980, U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,999, and U.S. Pat. App. Pub.
No. 2006/0107500.
The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components, methods,
processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described
herein,
including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of
skill in
the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after
understanding the
present disclosure.
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It is to be noted that the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of
that entity.
As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" can be used
interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms "comprising",
"including",
and "having" can be used interchangeably.
The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the
invention to the
form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for
example,
various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more
embodiments for the
purpose of streamlining the disclosure.
One of skill in the art will appreciate the various different applications of
the
present invention with respect to the variety of articles, all of which are
intended to be
included herein.
Moreover, though the description of the invention has included description of
one
or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations
and
modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g., as may be within
the skill and
knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure.
33
