Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED ZIPPER SLIDER GARAGE
BACKGROUND
[0001] A weak point in many zippers that are intended to be
waterproof is at the
final closure point of the zipper. In many zipper configurations, a small but
significant aperture
will exist at the zipper closure point. Depending on the performance required
by the waterproof
nature of the zipper, even such a small aperture is unacceptable.
[0002] Most, if not all, polymer zipper systems are made from
Olefin-based
polymers like polypropylene or polyethylene. Polymer zipper profiles are
manufactured using
an extrusion process. Olefin-based systems are prevalent in many polymer
zipper systems due to
the inherent low cost of the polymer resin and its low coefficient of friction
properties. A low
coefficient of friction is important so that the ball and socket of the zipper
can be pushed together
with minimal effort. However, Olefin-based zipper systems have their
limitations. Most Olefin-
based zipper systems made from polypropylene and polyethylene are not durable
when used in
exterior environments where temperature extremes affect the performance of the
material.
Polypropylene and polyethylene zipper profiles lack tensile and tear strength
and good
elongation properties. They also have excessive compression set when exposed
to stress loads at
higher temperatures. Therefore, they are not used for extreme applications
such as "drybags"
and "wet-suits" that are often used in hot environments. Rather, they are used
for sandwich bags
and other low performance applications.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one embodiment, a slider garage includes an overmolded
body, the
overmolded body oriented on a zipper, the overmolded body including an
overmolded male
portion and an overmolded female portion, the overmolded male and female
portions positioned
on an end of the zipper, such that each is on one side of the zipper, the
overmolded male portion
being shaped such that it fits in the overmolded female portion in a
watertight fashion and the
overmolded body is molded over a portion of the zipper. Alternatively, the
zipper includes a
male side and a female side, and the overmolded male portion is positioned on
the male side of
the zipper and the overmolded female portion is positioned on the female side
of the zipper. In
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one alternative, the overmolded body forms a u-shape and the overmolded male
portion and the
overmolded female portion are part of the u-shape. In another alternative, the
overmolded male
portion and the overmolded female portion are on the interior of the
overmolded body where a
first and second side of the overmolded body meet when a slider is engaged in
the slider garage.
Alternatively, the zipper interfaces with the overmolded body without
interruption. In another
alternative, the zipper includes a continuous top edge. Alternatively, a
flange of the zipper is not
exposed between the zipper and the overmolded body. In another alternative,
there is no break in
the zipper in the along a length of the zipper. Alternatively, there is no
break between the zipper
along the length of the zipper and the slider garage.
[0004] In one embodiment, a slider garage includes an overmolded
body, the
overmolded body located on an end of a zipper, the overmolded body providing a
waterproof
seal when engaged with a slider, wherein the overmolded body is molded over a
portion of the
zipper. In on alternative, the overmolded body forms a u-shape and an
overmolded male portion
and an overmolded female portion are part of the u-shape. In another
alternative, the
overmolded male portion and the overmolded female portion are on the interior
of the
overmolded body where a first and second side of the overmolded body meet when
a slider is
engaged in the slider garage. Alternatively, the zipper interfaces with the
overmolded body
without interruption. In another alternative, the zipper includes a continuous
top edge.
Alternatively, a flange of the zipper is not exposed between the zipper and
the overmolded body.
In another alternative, there is no break in the zipper in the along a length
of the zipper.
Alternatively, there is no break between the zipper along the length of the
zipper and the slider
garage.
[0005] In one embodiment, a slider garage includes an overmolded
body, the
overmolded body oriented on a zipper, the overmolded body including an
overmolded male
portion and an overmolded female portion, the overmolded male and female
portions positioned
on an end of the zipper, such that each is on one side of the zipper, the
overmolded male portion
being shaped such that it fits in the overmolded female portion in a
watertight fashion, wherein
the overmolded body is molded over a portion of the zipper. Alternatively, the
zipper includes a
male side and a female side, and the overmolded male portion is positioned on
the male side of
the zipper and the overmolded female portion is positioned on the female side
of the zipper. In
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one alternative, the overmolded body forms a u-shape and the overmolded male
portion and the
overmolded female portion are part of the u-shape. In another alternative, the
overmolded male
portion and the overmolded female portion are on the interior of the
overmolded body where a
first and second side of the overmolded body meet when a slider is engaged in
the slider garage.
[0006] In one embodiment, a slider garage includes an overmolded
body, the
overmolded body oriented on a zipper, the overmolded body including an
overmolded male
portion and an overmolded female portion, the overmolded male and female
portions positioned
on an end of the zipper, such that each is on one side of the zipper, the
overmolded male portion
being shaped such that it fits in the overmolded female portion in a
watertight fashion.
Optionally, the zipper includes a male side and a female side, and the
overmolded male portion is
positioned on the male side of the zipper and the overmolded female portion is
positioned on the
female side of the zipper. Alternatively, the slider garage further includes
an inner wall in the
overmolded body, wherein the inner wall is sized to have a height that causes
the inner wall to
seal against a slider when it is advanced to an end of the slider garage
distal from the zipper.
Optionally, the inner wall includes an incline portion, such that the incline
portion forms a ramp
for the slider to gradually seal against the inner wall. In one configuration,
the inner wall of the
slider garage includes a portion distal from the zipper, the portion distal
from the zipper having
an approximate u-shape and the inner wall of the slider garage includes a zig-
zag shaped portion,
the zig-zag shaped portion having a first portion on a male side of the zipper
which is the side
including the overmolded male portion and a second portion on a female side of
the zipper which
is the side including the overmolded female portion, an end of the zig-zag
shaped portion
proximate to the zipper having a first position and a second position, the
first position
characterized by the first portion on the male side of the zipper being
immediately adjacent to the
second portion on the female side of the zipper when the slider is engaged in
the slider garage
and the second position characterized by the first portion on the male side of
the zipper being
away from the second portion on the female side of the zipper when the slider
is not engaged in
the slider garage, and the first and second portions include the incline
portion. Optionally, the
overmolded female portion and the overmolded male portion have a first
position and a second
position, the first position characterized by the overmolded female portion
and the overmolded
male portion not being engaged, and the second position characterized by the
overmolded female
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portion and the overmolded male portion being engaged. Alternatively, the
shape and
positioning of the overmolded female portion and the overmolded male portion
cause the
overmolded female portion to be pushed vertically upward and the overmolded
male portion to
be pushed vertically downward when the overmolded female portion and the
overmolded male
portion have a first position and a second position and are in the second
position. Optionally, the
inner wall is surrounded by a side wall, and the side wall is interconnected
with the inner wall
via a plurality of supports. Alternatively, the overmolded body includes a
transition line wherein
the transition line defines the line which the slider must pass to complete a
seal of the zipper and
slider garage. In one alternative, the transition line is approximately in
line with the male and
female overmolded portions. In another alternative, a first portion of the
zipper on a first side
where the overmolded male portion is located extends further into the
overmolded body than a
second portion of the zipper on a second side where the overmolded female
portion is located.
Optionally, the overmolded body is made of thermoplastic polyurethane. In
another alternative,
the overmolded body has a durometer between 60 and 90 shore A. Alternatively,
the
overmolded body portion is textured to reduce adhesion. Optionally, the
thermoplastic
polyurethane includes a slip agent.
[0007] In another embodiment, a slider garage includes an
overmolded body, the
overmolded body located on an end of a zipper, the overmolded body providing a
waterproof
seal when engaged with a slider. Optionally, the overmolded body includes a
male overmolded
portion and a female overmolded portion, wherein the male overmolded portion
fits into the
female overmolded portion to form the waterproof seal when engaged with the
slider.
Alternatively, a height of the overmolded body is such that the overmolded
body seals against
the slider when the slider engages the overmolded body. Optionally, the
overmolded body
includes a ramp to ease the transition from a sealed to a non-sealed state.
Alternatively, the
overmolded body is made of thermoplastic polyurethane. In one alternative, the
overmolded
body has a durometer between 60 and 90 shore A.
[0008] In another embodiment, a slider garage includes an
overmolded body, the
overmolded body oriented on a zipper, the overmolded body including an
overmolded male
portion and an overmolded female portion, the overmolded male and female
portions positioned
on an end of the zipper, such that each is on one side of the zipper, the
overmolded male portion
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being shaped such that it fits in the overmolded female portion in a
watertight fashion. The
overmolded female portion and the overmolded male portion have a first
position and a second
position, the first position characterized by the overmolded female portion
and the overmolded
male portion not being engaged, and the second position characterized by the
overmolded female
portion and the overmolded male portion being engaged. Optionally, the shape
and positioning
of the overmolded female portion and the overmolded male portion cause the
overmolded female
portion to be pushed vertically upward, the overmolded male portion to be
pushed vertically
downward when the overmolded female portion and the overmolded male portion
have a first
position and a second position and are in the second position. Alternatively,
the slider garage
further includes an inner wall in the overmolded body, wherein the inner wall
is sized to have a
height that causes the inner wall to seal against a slider when it is advanced
to an end of the
slider garage distal from the zipper. Alternatively, the inner wall includes
an incline portion,
such that the incline portion forms a ramp for the slider to gradually seal
against the inner wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Fig. 1 shows a top view of one embodiment of a slider garage
and zipper;
[00010] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the slider garage of Fig.
1;
[00011] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the slider garage of Fig.
1 in a fully
engaged position;
[00012] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the slider garage of Fig. 1 with
a slider
engaged;
[00013] Fig. 5 shows a top view of the slider garage of Fig. 1;
[00014] Fig. 6 show various pressures exerted during the engagement
of the slider
with the slider garage of Fig. 1;
[00015] Fig. 7 shows an engaged view of the slider garage of Fig. 1;
[00016] Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of a slider garage;
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[00017] Figs. 9A and 9B show a side view of the slider garage of
Fig. 1 with a
slider prior to engagement;
[00018] Figs. 10A and 10B show profile views of a cross-section of
two
embodiments of the zipper;
[00019] Fig. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a zipper garage;
[00020] Figs. 12A and 12B show the end of the zipper opposite the
zipper garage;
[00021] Figs. 13, 14A, and 14B show embodiments of the slider; and
[00022] Figs. 15-18 show two embodiments of waterproof bags
utilizing
embodiments of zippers including waterproof slider garages.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00023] Described herein are embodiments of an improved zipper
slider garage
(referred to as "slider garage" at times) and methods of using it and making
it. Of the many
advantageous aspects of the improved zipper slider garage, the slider garage
includes a shape
that provides for an interference fit between the slider of the zipper and the
slider garage. This
interference fit provides for a seal at the end of the zipper making the
zipper waterproof
Although this is a feature that makes the slider garage waterproof, there are
many additional
features that serve to make the slider garage function in a user friendly and
optimal fashion.
These features include the male side of the zipper extends further into the
slider garage than the
female side, the sliding lock mechanism of the zipper, the material of the
zipper and the slider
garage, and the flexible design of the slider garage.
[00024] Fig. 1 shows one embodiment of a slider garage 100. In some
configurations, the slider garage 100 is an overmolded extrusion. Slider
garage 100 is
overmolded onto a waterproof zipper 101 that includes male side 120 and female
side 115. Male
side 120 and female side 115 of zipper 101 each include flanges 110, 105 that
are used to attach
the zipper 101 to a bag or other object. In operation, the sides of zipper 101
come together and
close the bag or other object. In practice, the very end of zipper 101 where
the slider would rest
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may not be completely waterproof and may be prone to opening if the slider
garage 100 was not
utilized.
[00025] Many aspects of the slider garage 100 are visible in Fig. 1.
Slider garage
100 includes an overmolded male portion 130 and an overmolded female portion
135. The
overmolded male portion 130 and overmolded female portion 135 cooperate to
ensure a
waterproof seal is formed (in the transition) between the slider garage 100,
the male side 120,
and the female side 115 of zipper 101 when fully engaged by the slider (the
slider is not shown
here). As the slider engages the slider garage 100, it applies sideways inward
pressure that
pushes overmolded male portion 130 and overmolded female portion 135 together
horizontally.
Simultaneously, this inward pressure pushes the overmolded female portion 135
vertically
upward, and because of the overmolded male portion's 130 shape and the
overmolded female
portion's 135 reciprocal overmolded shape, this inward pressure pushes the
overmolded male
portion 130 vertically downward where the two parts meet and engage in a
locked sealing
position. Fig. 6 depicts this sealing position. The locked sealing position
compresses the
overmolded male portion 130, forming a tight seal.
[00026] Fig. 1 also shows the side wall 140, supports 150, 151, 152,
153, 154,
voids 160 ¨ 165, and inner wall 170 of the slider garage 100. Inner wall 170
also includes
incline portions 171, 172. Finally, slider garage 100 also includes flange 180
that provides for
flexibility and sealing to the bag or other item. Various embodiments of the
slider garage 100
may not include some of these aspects and may still function; although, in
many embodiments,
the incline portions 171, 172 are used for sealing. In order for optimal
functioning, it is
important to maintain a slider garage that has a balance of stiffness and
flexibility. This balance
enables smooth operation of the slider on zipper 101 and slider garage 100.
[00027] When broken down to the simple components that seal the zipper 101,
transition point 185 is important to recognize. As a slider moves down zipper
101 and begins to
engage slider garage 100, the inner portion of the slider begins to engage the
incline portions
171, 172. After the down facing inner portion of the slider passes transition
point 185, the
waterproof seal is formed. The seal may form for a number of reasons
including, but not limited
to, the engagement of the male and female overmolded portions and the
engagement of the slider
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with the slider garage. This might be accomplished without incline portions
171, 172; and slider
garage 100 might have a hard transition, in some alternatives, at point 185,
from providing no
contact and/or interference with the down facing inner portion of the slider
to an amount of
interference that seals the zipper 101 and slider garage 100. As can be
discerned, the slider
would be difficult to operate in such a scenario, since the slider and the
slider garage 100 would
have to flex significantly over a short distance. This would require a lot of
force from the user.
Therefore, a first aspect of the innovation in the slider garage 100 is that
the slider seals against
inner wall 170, making the closure waterproof Another innovation is that
incline portions 171,
172 make the transition of the slider into a sealed position gradual,
utilizing the wedge that
incline portions 171, 172 provide. Pulling the slider towards the wedge
provides an upward
force approximately perpendicular to the movement of the slider. The aspect of
incline
portions 171, 172 make the zipper 101 easier to operate.
[00028] In some configurations, even with the inclusion of incline
portions 171,
172, the zipper may still be difficult to operate. In order to have a strong
seal, inner wall 170
must be rigid enough to avoid flexing in such a way to break the seal between
the slider and the
inner wall 170. In order to accomplish this, inner wall 170 may be thickened
or made of stiffer
material. Although this ensures a seal, engaging and disengaging a slider from
slider garage 100
may be more difficult due to the lack of give and flex. In order to enable a
thinner and more
flexible inner wall 170, side wall 140, supports 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, and
voids 160 ¨ 165
have been included in many embodiments. These side walls 140, supports 150,
151, 152, 153,
154, and voids 160 ¨ 165 provide for both flexibility of slider garage 100 and
stiffness to resist
unwanted release of the seal between the slider and slider garage 100.
[00029] Note that supports 150, 154 approximately coincide with
transition point
185. This is an important location on slider garage 100. Since transition
point 185 is the primary
point where seal is achieved, this point in many configurations is optimized
by including
supports 150, 154 at the same point. Therefore, slider garage 100 is prevented
from flexing
greatly at this point, while at the same time more flex is enabled before and
after the transition
point 185 by voids 160, 161, 164, 165. The other supports and voids function
in a similar
fashion to enable flexion and support. Similarly, flange 180 may assist in
providing give and
flexion to the entire device.
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[00030] In addition to the structure of slider garage 100, the
material that is used is
optimized as well. Typically, zipper 101, the slider, and slider garage 100
are composed of TPU
(Thermoplastic polyurethane). Unlike Olefin-based plastics, TPUs are
crosslinked polymer
elastomers that exhibit rubber-like properties at high and low durometers. TPU
polymers exhibit
extremely high tensile and tear strengths and high elongation properties at
high and low
temperature extremes. TPU polymers also exhibit superior compression set
resistance. TPU
polymers are designed for use in extreme outdoor applications. In sealing
applications, such as
slider garage parts, relatively low durometer material is used because of its
excellent sealing
properties that include being soft/malleable and tacky/being able to stick to
itself The side effect
of these excellent sealing properties is that they also tend to be tacky and
"stick" to other
materials on contact. In a slider garage application, because of the
interference fit between the
slider and slider garage 100, this effect is amplified, making the slider
somewhat problematic to
fully engage and disengage slider garage 100. As a solution in some
alternatives, slider
garage 100 is made of a compounded material. The compound consists of a 75A
durometer TPU
material and a slip agent. This specific combination of materials produces a
part that retains
excellent sealing properties and at the same time allows the slider to easily
engage and disengage
slider garage 100. Additionally, in alternatives, the TPU material may be
textured. Light regular
and irregular textures may be applied to the TPU material. These textures are
typically
between 0.01 millimeters and 1 millimeter in depth, size, and spacing, where
the arrangement
may be a combination of different depths, sizes, and spacing as well.
Typically, these textures
are less than 0.1 millimeters in depth. The textured nature of the TPU may
prevent the TPU
from sticking or adhering to itself and may increase ease of use in sliding
parts past each other.
[00031] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the slider garage. In
this view, many
aspects of zipper 101 and slider garage 100 are visible. The sloped nature of
incline
portions 171, 172 is visible in this view, as is the raised nature of inner
wall 170. Also, the
overmolded male portion 130 and overmolded female portion 135 are more clearly
visible. Here
it can be seen how the overmolded male portion 130 fits into the overmolded
female portion 135
and effectively caps zipper 101 over the protruding ball portion 210 of male
side 120 that fits
into the socket 115 of female side 220. This helps to create a more effective
seal. Slide garage
100, in many embodiments, is designed to work with a ball-in-socket type of
zipper as shown in
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Fig. 2. In this type of zipper, ball portion 210 of male side 120 is pressed
into socket 220 of
female side 115. The male and female 120, 115 flex and slide in relation to
each other to create
this engagement, and certain pieces of zipper 101 may be made more or less
flexible to provide
for stiffness where needed and flexibility to provide for engagement. Slip
coatings or materials
embedded with slip coatings also may be utilized. Also in this view, a portion
240 of flange 180
has been segmented such that it may more easily flex between flex lines 245,
250. These flex
lines 245, 250 provide for flexion of flange 180 in a more complementary place
for the function
of the zipper and tend to provide for flexion away from sides 260, 261 of
slider garage 100 and
provide flexion, instead, at end 262. This helps support the continued
integrity of slider
garage 100 and inner wall 170 of slider garage 100, which is important for
waterproof sealing.
[00032] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of slider garage 100 in a
fully engaged
position. In this position, incline portions 171, 172 have been pressed
together tightly and the
adhesive quality of slider garage 100 material will further provide for a
tight fit and resistance to
the penetration of water. Here it is clear how ball portion 210 engages socket
220 to close the
main portion of zipper 101.
[00033] Fig. 4 shows a side view of slider garage 100 with a slider
410 engaged.
The inner wall 170 engages with the bottom inner surface 420 which is
partially visible in the
view provided. Slider side walls 430 and open area 440 of slider 410 function
to gradually apply
pressure to the side walls of slider garage 100 and assist in keeping a firm
seal. Here it also is
noted that the opposing side of slider garage 100 that is not shown in many of
the figures also
may be a raised inner wall that engages the upward facing inner surface of
slider 410. This may
be omitted in some embodiments, since the bottom of slider garage 100 is
generally interior to
the bag or other object that is intended to be waterproof
[00034] Fig. 5 shows how the male side 120 of zipper 101 extends
further to line
510 into slider garage 100 as opposed to the female side 115 which extends to
line 520. This is
optimal because, in order for overmolded female portion 135 to receive
overmolded male portion
130, female side 115 must terminate sooner than male side 120, since the void
needed for
overmolded female portion 135 is deeper than that of female side 115 of zipper
101. Also, as is
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visible in this figure, slider garage 100 may extend farther down female side
115 without
interfering with the operation of zipper 101.
[00035] Fig. 6 show various pressures exerted during the engagement
of the slider
with slider garage 100. As the slider advances toward the end of slider garage
100, the slider
exerts an inward horizontal pressure 610 on the sides of slider garage 100.
The horizontal
pressure 620 of the slider pushes the overmolded male portion 130 in a
vertically downward
direction 630 as it interacts with the overmolded female portion 135. At line
640, the
overmolded male portion 130 and the overmolded female portion 135 meet, with
overmolded
male portion 130 extending to line 650, and engage to create a locked sealing
position that
prevents water from passing the seal.
[00036] Fig. 7 shows an engaged view of side wall 140, supports 150,
151, 152,
153, 154, voids 160 ¨ 165, and inner wall 170 of slider garage 100.
[00037] Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of how the male side 120 of zipper 101
extends to line 510A into slider garage 100 a similar or same distance to the
female side 115
which extends to line 520A. Additionally, the female side includes diagonal
cut 511 which
provides for the insertion of the overmolded male portion 130. Without this
diagonal cut, the
male side 120 would interfere with the insertion of the overmolded male
portion 130.
[00038] Fig. 9A shows side view of the slider 410. In this figure,
the inclined
nature of the interior portion of the slider 410 is visible. Bottom inner
surface 420 is sloped from
point 421 to point 422 and similarly sloped on inner surface 425 from point
423 to point 424.
This results in the mouth of slider 410 being wider than the back end near
points 421, 423. Fig.
9B additionally shows the slope of slider garage 100. Slider garage 100
includes a ramped
portion from point 901 to point 902 where the slider 410 initially engages
slider garage 100.
Additionally, from point 902 to point 903, the thickness of the slider garage
100 gradually
increases, providing for a water tight seal between inner wall 170 while
engaged with the bottom
inner surface 420 and inner surface 425. In principal, the slider garage and
slider combination
provides for an interference type seal as the slider is pressed against the
slider garage. The
resulting height of the slider garage is slightly less than the height of the
slider when the two are
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fully engaged. The material of the slider and slider garage are flexible and
deformable such that,
as they move in respect to each other along their respective inclines, they
may fully engage and
form a seal.
[00039] In many embodiments, the interior of the zipper garage
itself includes a
male and female portion. This can be seen in Fig. 2 which shows how overmolded
male portion
130 fits into the overmolded female portion 135. Additionally, it is apparent
from the figures
that there is no break in the continuity of the zipper slide from zipper
portion itself to the garage.
This is unlike other zipper systems with teeth that include a garage, the
transition to the garage
from the main zipper portion is seamless and smooth, increasing zipper
usability. Additionally,
as is visible in Fig. 6, the primarily motion of the zipper, is merely that
the male and female
portions move towards and away from each other in a single plane. Many other
toothless zippers
that rely on hooks require movement in two planes of motion to engage and
disengage. This is
not so with the zipper shown. Similarly, the garage itself merely moves in a
single plane to seal
and unseal. In many embodiments, the slider garage includes a u-shaped portion
having a male
and female portion as part of the u-shaped portion. In many embodiments, the
male and female
portion that are part of the u-shaped portion are on the interior of the
slider garage where the
sides of the slider garage meet when the slider is engaged in the garage. In
many embodiments,
the zipper interfaces without interruption with the slider garage. In many
embodiments, the
zipper portion is continuous on a top edge of the device. In many embodiments,
the flange is not
exposed between the zipper and the slider garage. In many embodiments, there
is no break in the
zipper in the along the length of the zipper. In many embodiments, there is no
break between the
zipper along the length of the zipper and the slider garage. In many
embodiments the zipper and
the slider garage are immediately adjacent, such that they touch. In many
embodiments, the
slider garage is molded over a portion of the zipper.
[00040] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B show profile views of a cross-section
of two
embodiments of the zipper. In Fig. 10A a first zipper design is show having
male side 120 and
female side 115. Flange 1010 and flange 1020 may be used to attach the zipper
to a bag or other
item. Fig. 10B shows another embodiment. In this embodiment, female portion
1025 receives
male portion 1030. A vacuum air pocket 1032 is created between the two.
Additionally, a
second intermediate space 1033 may be formed between female portion 1025
receives male
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portion 1030 that provides for more ready detachment of the sides, as the
intermediate
space/void provides for an area that provides for additional give in the
system. Additional, cross
portion 1031 has been made smoother and more regular as compared to previous
embodiments.
This improved cross section provides for easier movement of the slider
portion, providing less
friction.
[00041] Fig. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a zipper garage
1110. In this
embodiment, male portion 1115 fits into female portion 1120. Male portion 1115
extends
beyond the male protrusion on the side that it sits, and the angled edge on
the interior of the
zipper provides for a gradual transition from the male portion 1115 to the
interion of the zipper.
This also provides for smooth insertion and removal from the corresponding
female portion,
since as compared to a more perpendicular protrusion, this portion is angled
according to the
angle of separation of the sides. Additionally, the zipper garage 1110
includes a raised flange
1120 (this exists on both sides of the zipper). This raised flange seals
against the interior of the
zipper and prevents water from traveling in to the aperture in the middle of
the garage.
Additionally, the zipper garage includes a raised portion 1130. This portion
assists in the
molding of the device and helps assure sufficient material is extruded to fill
the garage.
Additionally, this may assist in holding the slider in place when it engages
the zipper garage.
[00042] Figs. 12A and 12B show the end of the zipper opposite the
zipper garage.
Here, the flange of the zipper 1240 may be heat welded to the flange 1230 of
the bottom garage.
The bottom connection portion is positioned to completely surround the zipper
in a watertight
fashion. Cut 1220 may be included to help with flexibility and heat dispersion
during the
connection or overmolding process. The cross-section of 12B shows how the male
portion 1025
and female portion 1030 sit in the bottom connection portion in an engaged
fashion, such that
they are water tight.
[00043] Figs. 13, 14A, and 14B show embodiments of the slider, which
essentially
has a center post that fits into the void portion of the slider garage, an
open end complementary
with the shape of the wide end of the slider garage and a parallel guide that
runs along the zipper
in operation.
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[00044] Figs. 15-18 show two embodiments of waterproof bags
utilizing
embodiments of zippers including waterproof slider garages. Figs. 15 and 16
show perspective
views of one embodiment of a waterproof bag utilizing an embodiment of zipper
including a
waterproof slider garage. Bag 1510 includes waterproof zipper 1520 including
slider garage.
Additionally, bag 1510 includes pulls 1530. Pulls 1530 provide for leverage
points to be used in
the opening and closing of the zipper and they may accommodate straps or other
attachment
systems. In many embodiments, bag 1510 is composed of various types of a
waterproof material
and zipper 1520 is welded (heat welded) in place in bag 1510. Figs. 17 and 18
show perspective
views of one embodiment of a waterproof bag utilizing an embodiment of zipper
including a
waterproof slider garage. Bag 1710 includes waterproof zipper 1720 including
slider garage.
Additionally, bag 1710 includes pulls 1730, 1740. Pulls 1730, 1740 provide for
leverage points
to be used in the opening and closing of the zipper and they may accommodate
straps or other
attachment systems. In many embodiments, bag 1710 is composed of various types
of a
waterproof material and zipper 1720 is welded (heat welded) in place in bag
1710. As shown,
bag 1710 includes an opaque portion 1760 and a clear portion 1750. This allows
the user to see
into the bag without releasing it. Additionally, in the rear view of the
device, loop 1810 is shown
for use in attaching the bag to a belt or other item.
[00045] The previous detailed description is of a small number of
embodiments for
implementing the systems and methods for creating a slider garage and the
systems of slider
garages and zippers and is not intended to be limiting in scope. The following
claims set forth a
number of the embodiments of the systems and methods for creating slider
garages and the
systems of slider garages disclosed with greater particularity.
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