A ZIP FASTENER

摘要

A zip fastener (10) comprises two opposed sets of teeth (14) which are shaped such that those on one set (12a) can fit between those on the other set (12b). At least some adjacent teeth of opposed sets (12a, 12b) have facing surfaces (17a, 17b) shaped so as engage and to inhibit lateral separation of the sets, and such that each tooth can undergo at least limited angular movement relative to the adjacent tooth. The teeth (14) within a set (12) are held at a predetermined spacing along the set by linking strips (16) aligned generally along the centre line of the set (12). Each tooth (14) defines a strip location (20) facing the opposed set of teeth, such that the linking strip (16) on one set (12a) fits in the strip location (20) on the other set (12b). Since the tooth spacing is set by the linking strips (16), the sets (12) of teeth (14) can lie on a curved path.

主权项

1. A zip fastener comprising two opposed sets of teeth; the teeth being shaped such that the teeth on one set can fit between the teeth on the other set, at least some adjacent teeth of opposed sets having facing surfaces shaped so as engage and to inhibit separation of the sets, such that when the teeth fit together the shaped facing surface on one tooth is adjacent to the shaped facing surface of an adjacent tooth that engages with it to inhibit separation, and such that each tooth can undergo at least limited angular movement relative to the adjacent tooth when the zip fastener is closed; wherein the teeth within a set are held at a predetermined spacing along the set by linking strips aligned generally along the centre line of the set of teeth; and wherein each tooth defines a strip location facing the opposed set of teeth, such that the linking strip on one set of teeth can locate in the strip location on the other set of teeth;
wherein either: the linking strips extend along the centre line, the linking strips on the opposed sets of teeth being directly underneath each other when the zip fastener is closed, both lying on the centre line; or the linking strips on the sets of teeth extend along lines that are adjacent to the centre line, and the linking strips of at least one set of teeth abut a surface within each strip location on the opposite set of teeth, when the zip fastener is closed.