ITTO20090055U1 - ZIP. - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION of the Utility Model entitled:

"ZIP"

DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE TROVATO

The present invention relates to a zip fastener, in particular to a zip fastener which can be used in an innovative and special way.

BACKGROUND OF THE FOUND

Previously, zippers have been used in various applications such as clothing, sundries, industrial materials, coatings for cars, trains, airplanes and other various items, and they have been used in particular as a means of opening and closing openings made in clothing, bags, etc.

Such a zip fastener is substantially constituted by a pair of tapes comprising a pair of tapes and two rows of coupling elements applied to the respective inner peripheral edges of the opposite tapes, by a slider through which the rows of coupling elements are inserted for a reciprocating movement along the rows of mating elements, thereby bringing the rows of opposing mating elements into mating engagement and separating them from the mating engagement with each other. Furthermore, in many cases, end stops can be applied to the rows of coupling elements at the two upper and lower ends in order to prevent the cursor from exiting the rows of coupling elements.

Many children and teens play with building blocks that can be linked to each other as educational games to encourage and develop their intelligence. They assemble different constructions by connecting the building blocks together, so that they can develop the imagination and creative energy by developing the brain. At present, LEGO BRICK (Registered Trademark) and DIABLOCK (Registered Trademark) are well known as building block games of this type which are marketed on the market.

Normally, many building blocks of different shapes, colors and sizes can be assembled and connected in many ways, in order to construct objects such as buildings, animals, etc. Recently, refinements have been introduced so that they can represent a wider variety of shapes in more detail. For example, the published Japanese translation (of PCT Application) No.

2001-500.412 discloses an invention which increases the freedom or extent for connecting building blocks to each other. The published Japanese translation (of the PCT Application) No.

2003-508.138 discloses an invention for connecting two building blocks of different sizes so as to prevent relative rotation relative to each other.

In addition, the building blocks currently on the market can be attached to other components, such as wheels, gears, pulleys, ball joints, so that children can assemble sets of blocks into shapes such as vehicles, or other cars, or even play with. the sets of blocks thus assembled. Therefore, the number of objects that children can represent with building blocks has been greatly expanded, so that their imagination and creative energy can be increased and their understanding of essential mechanical elements can be fostered.

In order to further help children develop their imaginations and creative energy, it is hoped that the building blocks themselves will be perfected and that more and more components will be created that can be assembled with building blocks.

Until now, in many cases, zippers have been used as a means of opening and closing openings made on garments, bags and sundries, and therefore the market is concentrated in this area to some extent. Consequently, in order to further expand the commercial application of zippers, it is desired to start a new field in which, while it is possible to use the traditional function of a zipper including an open and close function, it is also possible to use ways innovative and original to use zippers.

AIMS

In light of the foregoing problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a zip that can create a bridgehead in a new field in which the traditional function of a zip can be used efficiently, but in which the zip fasteners have not been used so far.

SYNTHESIS

According to the present invention, a zip fastener comprises, as constitutive elements, a pair of opposite straps, two rows of coupling elements applied to the respective peripheral edges of the tapes and a slider through which the rows of coupling elements are inserted for a movement alternate cursor along the rows of mating elements, thus mating and separating the rows of mating elements. One of the constituent elements of the zipper has at least a cylindrical coupling ridge or a coupling cavity formed thereon and adapted to enter into coupling engagement and to separate from a coupling engagement with a coupling cavity or a coupling ridge formed on at least one other constituent or other object other than the zipper.

DRAWINGS

Figure 1 represents a front view of a zip fastener according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the zipper illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 represents a perspective view of a coupling element used for the zipper illustrated in Figure 1, in an oblique view from above.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the coupling element illustrated in Figure 3, in an oblique view from below.

Figure 5 represents a perspective view of a slider used for the zipper illustrated in Figure 1, in an oblique view from above.

Figure 6 represents a perspective view of the cursor illustrated in Figure 5, in an oblique view from below.

Figure 7 is an illustrative view explaining how to apply a maneuvering tab to the slider illustrated in Figure 5, by means of building blocks.

Figure 8 represents a perspective view of the cursor illustrated in Figure 5, to which the operating tab has been applied.

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing building blocks connected to the upper ends of two rows of mating elements of the zipper illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a building block connected to the upper ends of the mating element rows and a building block assembly that is about to be connected to this building block.

Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a set of building blocks which is connected to the lower ends of the rows of mating elements.

Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a set of building blocks which is connected to the top surface of the top plate of the zipper slider illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 13 is a perspective view showing that one of the opposite ribbons of the zipper illustrated in Figure 1 is folded on the coupling projections inserted in the coupling seats, with respect to the other ribbon.

Figure 14 represents a perspective view of a variant of the cursor illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 15 represents a perspective view of another variant of the cursor.

Figure 16 represents a perspective view of a further variant of the cursor.

Figure 17 represents a perspective view of a further variant of the cursor.

Figure 18 represents a perspective view of a further variant of the cursor.

Figure 19 represents a perspective view of one of the tapes of a zip fastener according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 20 represents a cross-sectional view along the line XX-XX in Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a perspective view showing building blocks connected to the webbing of the zipper shown in Figure 19.

Figure 22 is a perspective view showing a specific example of how the building blocks are connected to the zipper.

Figure 23 (a) represents a front view of a variant of the zipper illustrated in Figure 19.

Figure 23 (b) represents a perspective view of the variant illustrated in Figure 23- (a).

Figure 24 is a perspective view showing plate building blocks connected to the zipper illustrated in Figures 23 (a) and 23 (b).

Figure 25 (a) represents a front view of another variant of the zipper illustrated in Figure 19.

Figure 25 (b) represents a perspective view of the variant illustrated in Figure 25- (a).

Figure 26 represents a perspective view of a further variant of the zip fastener.

Figure 27 represents a perspective view of another variant of the zipper.

Figure 28 represents a front view of a zipper according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 29 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the zipper illustrated in Figure 28.

Figure 30 is a perspective view showing how to apply coupling elements to the zip fastener webbing.

Figure 31 is a front view similar to Figure 28, but showing some intermediate coupling elements which have been removed from the zipper webbing.

Figure 32 is a perspective view of an example using the zipper shown in Figure 31.

Figure 33 represents a front view of a zip fastener according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 34 is an enlarged perspective view showing part of the rows of mating elements of the zipper illustrated in Figure 33.

Figure 35 is a partial perspective view showing a building block connected to the rows of mating elements of the zipper illustrated in Figure 34.

Figure 36 represents a partial perspective view showing the zipper and two ornamental bodies intended to be connected to the rows of coupling elements of the zipper.

Figure 37 represents a partial cross-sectional view of the zipper having an ornamental body applied to its rows of coupling elements.

Figure 38 is a partial perspective view showing the zipper and a cover intended to be connected to the rows of coupling elements of the zipper.

Figure 39 is a partial cross-sectional view of the zipper which has the cover applied to its rows of coupling elements.

Figure 40 represents a perspective view of an example in which the zipper is used.

Figure 41 is a perspective view showing a variant of the zipper illustrated in Figure 33.

Figure 42 represents a perspective view of a zip fastener according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 43 represents a partial perspective view showing the zip fastener and two ornamental bodies intended to be connected to the upper stops of the zip fastener.

Figure 44 is a partial perspective view showing an upper end portion of a first strap of the zipper with a slider disposed in contact with the upper stop and a building block intended to be connected to the upper stop.

Figure 45 represents a partial perspective view showing the zip fastener and an ornamental body intended to be connected to the separating body of the zip fastener.

Figure 46 is a partial perspective view showing the zipper and a building block intended to be connected to the separating body of the zipper.

Figure 47 is a perspective view showing a variant of the zipper illustrated in Figure 42.

Figure 48 represents a perspective view of an example in which the zipper is used.

Figure 49 represents a perspective view of a maneuvering tab on which coupling ridges are formed.

Figure 50 is a perspective view of part of a zipper looking down at a certain angle from an upper position.

Figure 51 is a perspective view of part of the zipper looking up at a certain angle from a lower position.

Figure 52 is a partial front view of the zipper, showing two rows of coupling elements of the zipper in a coupling position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A description of the present invention will be provided in accordance with various preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 represents a front view of a zip fastener according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 represents a perspective view of the zipper. Figure 3 represents a perspective view of a coupling element of the zipper in an upward view at a certain angle from a lower position. Figure 4 represents a perspective view of the coupling element in an oblique view from an upper position.

Figure 5 represents a perspective view of a slider for the zipper in a downward view at a certain angle from an upper position. Figure 6 represents a perspective view of the cursor in an upward view at a certain angle from a lower position. The expression "building block" which appears in the following indicates a substantially rectangular parallelepiped block having one or more coupling projections formed on a first surface thereof and having coupling seats formed on the surface opposite the first aforesaid surface.

The zip fastener 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a pair of opposite straps 2, two rows of coupling elements 3 applied to the respective peripheral edges of the straps 2 and a slider 4 through which the rows of coupling elements are inserted 3 for an alternative movement of the slider 4 along the rows of coupling elements 3, thus coupling and separating the rows of coupling elements 3.

Each tape 2 comprises a core element 2a mounted on its peripheral edge. A plurality of coupling elements 5 are applied to a fixing portion of coupling elements comprising the core element 2a at uniform intervals, thus composing a row of coupling elements 3. The webbing 2 is not limited as to the type of material, and, in the first embodiment, it is possible to use, as a webbing, a webbing of woven or knitted fabric.

The coupling element 5 is applied to the webbing 2 by injection molding of synthetic resin onto the webbing 2. The coupling element 5 can be constituted by thermoplastic resins, such as polyacetal, polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, etc. As shown more clearly in Figures 3 and 4, the coupling element 5 comprises a pair of fixing arms 5a intended to be fixed to the webbing 2 and a coupling portion 5b which extends from the arms 5a parallel to the fixing arms 5a . The fixing arms 5a and the coupling portion 5b are formed integrally with each other, assuming overall a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

As shown in Figure 3, two coupling ridges 5c are mounted on a first surface, or upper surface, of the coupling element 5 and are placed side by side across the width of the webbing, one on the proximal part and the other on the distal part. The two coupling projections 5c are cylindrical and have the same diameter. A coupling seat 5d is formed in the lower surface on the side of the coupling portion. The coupling seat 5d is composed of a rectangular parallelepiped cavity whose length in the direction of the width of the tape is equal to the length in the direction of the thickness of the tape.

The size of the coupling boss 5c and that of the coupling seat 5d are fixed so that, when the rows of coupling elements 3 are joined to each other, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical coupling boss 5c is supported by the peripheral surface of the coupling seat 5d, with the first in linear contact with the second in four points. The term "linear contact" means that the outer periphery of the cylindrical mating ridge and the peripheral surface of the coupling seat are in straight line contact on the height of the mating ridge from its proximal end to its distal end. Preferably, the size of the coupling boss 5c and the coupling seat 5d is fixed so that they can mate with a portion of commonly used blocks, such as LEGO BRICK (Registered Trademark) or DIABLOCK (Registered Trademark).

The coupling element 5 has a hole 5e formed between the two fixing arms 5a, through which hole 5e the core element 2a of the webbing 2 is inserted. The hole 5e is arranged in the coupling ridge 5c so that the the axis of the hole 5e is aligned with the axis of the coupling boss 5c arranged on the proximal part of the coupling element 5.

In the zip fastener 1 according to the first embodiment, a coupling element 5 'from which part of the coupling heads has been removed can be arranged at the upper end and / or at the lower end of the rows of coupling elements 3 in order to stabilize the configuration of the rows of coupling elements 3.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the slider 4 comprises an upper plate 4a, a lower plate 4b, a guide post 4e which connects the upper and lower plates 4a, 4b in the front to the center in the lateral direction of the slider 4, and side flanges 4f extending from the opposite peripheral sides of the rear parts of the upper and lower plates 4a, 4b in the direction normal to the upper and lower plates 4a, 4b.

In accordance with the first embodiment, six cylindrical coupling ridges 4c are formed on the upper surface of the upper plate 4a of the slider 4 in a regular manner at predetermined intervals, as shown in Figure 5. Each cylindrical ridge has a uniform diameter throughout its height, from the proximal end to the distal end. As illustrated in Figure 6, on the lower surface of the lower plate 4b a coupling seat 4d is formed which is capable of engaging in mating relationship with coupling ridges formed on other elements, such as building blocks, etc. (not shown) . The diameter of the coupling boss 4c arranged on the upper plate 4a of the slider 4 is fixed so as to be different from the diameter of the coupling boss 5c formed on the coupling element 5. Furthermore, the coupling seat 4d is formed in the lower plate 4b of the slider 4 and consists of a seat defined between peripheral frame walls 4g and two hollow cylindrical pins 4h formed in the region surrounded by the peripheral frame walls 4g, and by the respective seats or circular holes enclosed within the hollow cylindrical pins 4h.

Building blocks having coupling projections and protruding seats of predetermined size can be connected to the upper surface of the upper plate 4a and to the lower surface of the lower plate 4b of the slider 4 according to the present invention. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, it is possible to apply an operating tongue 7 comprising a body of the operating tongue 7a and a connecting ring 7b to the slider 4 in accordance with the first embodiment and detach the operating tongue 7 from the slider 4 to replace it with other operating tabs, using two types of building blocks 6a, 6b which have different dimensions.

Furthermore, coupling projections and a coupling seat can be formed on the operating tab 7, as a constitutive element of the zip fastener. In particular, as shown in Figure 49, the operating tongue 7 can be constituted by the plate-like body 7a of the operating tongue and the connecting ring 7b arranged on one end of the body of the operating tongue 7a and adapted to be connected to the cursor (not shown). Six cylindrical coupling projections 7c are arranged on the upper surface of the body of the operating tongue 7a in a regular configuration at predetermined intervals, as shown in Figure 49. A coupling seat is formed in the lower surface of the body of the operating tongue 7a which is capable of engaging in mating relationship with mating ridges arranged on other elements, such as building blocks, etc. (not shown).

In the zip fastener 1 according to the embodiment 1, each coupling element 5 has the coupling projections 5c formed on its upper surface and also the coupling seat 5d on its lower surface. With this structure, when the slider 4 is made to move in the direction of coupling of the elements, the coupling projections 5c of each coupling element of a first belt are gradually brought into coupling engagement with the coupling seat 5d of the coupling element complementary of the opposite belt arranged in a position immediately above, so that the opposite rows of coupling elements 3, 3 can be coupled in a secure manner.

In the zip fastener 1 according to the first embodiment, the coupling projections 5c and the coupling seat 5d are formed on each coupling element 5. With this structure, as shown in Figure 9, a building block 8a, etc., which has the coupling projections and the coupling seat, can be easily connected with the coupling element 5 arranged on one end (the upper end in Figure 9) of the row of coupling elements 3. In Figure 9, a slider is omitted.

Furthermore, in the zipper according to the first embodiment, even when the two rows of coupling elements 3 are fully coupled, a building block can be freely connected to the upper or lower end of the rows of coupling elements 3. As shown in Figure 10, the opposite rows 3 of coupling elements are fully coupled and the slider 4 has been extracted from the rows of coupling elements. Since the coupling ridges are arranged on the upper end of the rows of coupling elements 3, the building block 8b can be easily connected to the upper end of the rows of coupling elements 3.

In particular, the building block 8b having a step formed on the surface in which the coupling seat is formed is connected to the upper end of the rows of coupling elements 3, so that the rows of coupling elements 3 can be kept coupled. in a more stable way. Further, another single building block 8b or a set or aggregation of blocks 9b formed by connecting together a plurality of individual building blocks 8b can be freely connected to the building block 8b.

Similarly, a coupling seat 5d is formed at the lower end of the rows of coupling elements 3 of the zipper 1. Therefore, as illustrated in Figure 11, a single building block 8c or a set of building blocks 9b assembled in such a way as to take the shape of a flower, it can be freely connected to the lower end of the rows of coupling elements 3.

Figures 50 to 52 show another variant of the first embodiment with reference to the configuration of the coupling elements. Figure 50 is a perspective view of part of a zipper looking down at a certain angle from an upper position. Figure 51 is a perspective view of part of the zipper looking up at a certain angle from a lower position. Figure 52 is a partial front view of the zipper, showing two rows of coupling elements of the zipper in a coupling position.

As shown more clearly in Figures 50 and 51, according to this variant, each coupling element 5 of the zip comprises a pair of arms 5a fixed in tightening relationship on the core element 2a mounted on the inner peripheral edge of the webbing 2 and a coupling portion 5b extending parallel from the arms 5a. Two cylindrical coupling projections 5c are arranged on the front surface of the arms 5a at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the webbing 2. The coupling portion 5b comprises a coupling base 5f and a protruding portion 5g which projects from the coupling base 5f in a direction, longitudinally with respect to the webbing 2. The coupling portion 5b further comprises an abutment portion 5h which protrudes from the coupling base 5f in the other direction or opposite direction, longitudinally with respect to the webbing 2, and adapted to receive the protruding portion 5g of an adjacent or cooperating element 5 of the opposite webbing 2. The protruding portion 5g, the coupling base 5f and the abutment portion 5h of the coupling element 5 each have a cylindrical coupling projection 5c formed on the respective upper sides, so as to have a total of three cylindrical coupling projections 5c, forma ti on their upper side.

As shown in Figure 51, the protruding portion 5g has a square coupling housing or seat 5d formed on its lower surface and adapted for coupling engagement with the cylindrical coupling boss 5c formed on the upper surface of the abutment 5h of an element of adjacent or cooperating coupling 5 of the opposite webbing 2. Furthermore, the coupling base 5f and the abutment 5h have an elongated rectangular housing or seat 5i formed in their lower surface and suitable for coupling engagement with a coupling ridge of other objects, like building blocks.

As can easily be seen from this construction of the coupling elements 5, according to this variant, the coupling elements 5 fixed to a webbing 2 enter into coupling engagement with the coupling elements 5 fixed to the other webbing 2 in the direction normal to the plane of the zipper, unlike the zipper 1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, in which the coupling elements 5 fixed to the opposite straps 2 enter into coupling engagement in the plane of the zipper 1.

After the opposite rows of coupling elements 3 have been brought into a coupling position in this way, as shown in Figure 52, each coupling element 5 fixed to a webbing 2 fits between two adjacent coupling elements 5 fixed to the another webbing or opposite webbing 2 so that the coupling elements 5 fixed to a first webbing 2 are arranged in alternate positions with the coupling elements 5 fixed to the other webbing 2.

The slider 4 in which rows of coupling elements 3 are inserted has coupling projections 4c formed on the upper surface of the upper plate 4a and a coupling seat 4d formed on the lower surface of the lower plate 4b. As a result, a single building block or set of blocks 9c assembled to take the shape of an animal shown in Figure 12 can be freely connected to the upper surface of the upper plate 4a or to the lower surface of the lower plate 4b of the slider 4 .

In the zipper 1 according to the first embodiment, when the opposite rows 3 of coupling elements are in a coupling configuration, the cylindrical coupling ridge 5c formed on the side of the coupling portion of each coupling element is in coupling engagement with the corresponding coupling seat 5d of the complementary coupling element, and the coupling projections 5c of the opposite coupling elements 5 are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction of the straps.

With this structure, as shown in Figure 13, one of the opposite ribbons 10 can be freely folded on the coupling projections inserted in the coupling seats, with respect to the other ribbon 10. This means that the zipper 1 in accordance with the first form Actuation can easily move, in a way that is impossible for traditional zippers.

In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical coupling boss 5c is supported by the peripheral surface of the coupling seat 5d with the first in linear contact with the second at four points, so that adequate friction arises between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical coupling boss 5c and the peripheral surface of the coupling seat 5d. With this friction, when the zipper 1 is folded on the coupling ridges 5c, the zipper 1 can maintain the thus folded position in a stable and safe way.

The zipper 1 comprising coupling elements each of which has coupling projections 5c and the coupling seat 5d formed respectively on the upper and lower surfaces not only serves to open and close the zipper 1 by means of a to and fro movement of the slider 4, but also serves as a connecting part of a play block that can be connected to other building blocks used as toys, so that the zipper 1 can be used in new fields.

As shown in Figure 13, the zipper 1 according to the first embodiment can be freely folded on the coupling boss inserted in the coupling seat and can maintain the folded position in a stable manner. Therefore, the zipper 1 can be used with building blocks for play and can also be used as a method for joining parts by fixing parts to straps. The parts can be joined simply by closing the zipper 1 and the parts can be made to move so that the relative positions of the parts can be changed.

A slider to be used for the zipper 1 according to the first embodiment is not limited to the slider 4 illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, but it is possible to use various other sliders.

As a first variant, it is also possible to use a slider 11 illustrated in Figure 14. The slider 11 illustrated in Figure 14 has six coupling projections 11c arranged on the upper surface of the upper plate 11a, and each coupling projection 11c is made in the form of a hollow cylinder having a hollow seat formed along the height of the coupling ridge 11c. The slider 11 has an identical construction to the slider 4 in accordance with the first embodiment, except that each coupling boss 11c of the modification is a hollow cylinder.

Each coupling boss 11c having the form of a hollow cylinder disposed on the upper plate 11a of the slider 11 can enter into coupling engagement with a coupling boss 12 which is slightly smaller than the coupling boss 11c, so that the slider can find a wider application as a part intended to be connected to playing building blocks.

Like other variants, Figures 15 and 16 show respectively sliders 13 and 14, in which the coupling seats formed on the lower surface of the lower plates differ from those of the slider 4 in accordance with the first embodiment.

In the slider 13 illustrated in Figure 15, peripheral frame walls 13g are formed and two partitions 13h are formed in the region enclosed by the peripheral frame walls 13g so as to extend longitudinally with respect to the slider 13, so that seats are defined from and between the peripheral frame walls 13g and the two partitions 13h thus composing the coupling seat 13d.

Depending on the applications, the slider 13 can be devoid of the partitions 13h so that the seat defined only by the peripheral frame walls 13g composes the coupling seat 13d. In this case, a plurality of coupling projections formed on the building block intended to be connected with the slider 13 are preferably arranged so as to enter tightly and firmly into contact with all the peripheral frame walls 13g.

In the slider 14 illustrated in Figure 16, a plurality of circular housings 14i and a plurality of square housings 14j are formed in the lower surface of the lower plate 14b at a predetermined interval. Each circular housing is capable of being loosely coupled with a mating ridge disposed on a building block, and the peripheral surface of the square housing 14j supports the outer peripheral surface of the coupling ridge formed on a building block with the first in linear contact with the second in four points. Each of these housings composes a single coupling seat 14d which is capable of being coupled with the coupling boss.

The sliders 13, 14 illustrated in Figures 15, 16 have an identical construction to the slider 4 according to the first embodiment, with the exception that the coupling seats 13d, 14d formed in the lower surface of the lower plate of the former have a shape different from those of the second. In the slider 14 illustrated in Figure 16, both circular housings 14i and square housings 14j are formed in the lower surface of the lower plate. On the other hand, it is possible to form only circular housings 14i or only square housings therein. Furthermore, it is possible to use housings of different shapes from a circular housing and a square housing. For example, a polygonal housing, such as a triangular housing, a pentagonal housing that can be mated with a linear contact mating boss at more than three points, can be used as mating seats.

These sliders 13, 14 have the same advantages as the slider 3 in accordance with the first embodiment, i.e. to them it is possible to fasten maneuvering tabs with considerable ease, and single building blocks or assemblies of building blocks assembled in such a way as to assuming any desired shape, they can be connected to the upper and lower plates 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b.

Figure 17 shows a slider 15 in accordance with another variant of the first embodiment. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view along the center line of the cursor.

The slider 15 comprises a pair of upper and lower plates 15a, 15b, each of which comprises opposite arms 15i and 15j so as to assume a cross shape in a top or bottom view, a guide upright 15e which connects the upper and lower plates 15a, 15b in their front part in the center, of the flanges 15f formed along the respective sides opposite the rear end so as to extend therefrom perpendicularly to the upper and lower plates 15a, 15b, and thicker portions 15j formed on both arms 15i.

In the slider 15, the upper and lower flanges 15f and the thicker portions 15j of the opposite arms 15i and 15j are formed with continuity with respect to each other. The distance between the thicker portions 15j of the opposite arms 15i of the upper plate 15a and the thicker portions 15j of the opposite arms 15i of the lower plate 15b is fixed so as to be equal to the distance between the upper and lower flanges 15f. Furthermore, eight circular coupling pins 15c are disposed on the upper surface of the upper plate 15a with the inclusion of the opposite arms 15i, at predetermined intervals. Coupling seats (not shown) are formed in the entire lower surface of the lower plate 15b with the inclusion of the opposite arms 15i.

Individual building blocks or sets of blocks assembled so as to assume any desired shape can be connected to the slider 15 illustrated in Figure 17, as can be connected to the slider 4 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, since the slider 15 illustrated in Figure 17 has the four arms 15i which extend laterally from the upper and lower plates 15a, 15b, it is advantageously possible to easily operate the slider 15 with reciprocating motion along the rows of coupling elements 3 only by grasping and pulling arms 15i. This means that it is not necessary to connect the operating tab 7 to the slider 15 using the building blocks 6a, 6b, as explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8. We now move on to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 represents a perspective view of one of the ribbons 22 of a zip fastener 21 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 represents a cross-sectional view along the line XX - XX shown in Figure 19.

The zipper 21 according to a second embodiment of the present invention has a construction substantially identical to the zipper 1 according to the first embodiment, with the exception that the tapes 2 of the ribbons 22 of the zipper 21 are constructed so that fastening blocks to the webbing 26 can be detachably fixed to the webbing 2.

Therefore, the description of the zip fastener 21 according to the second embodiment will focus on means for detachably attaching the fastening building blocks to the webbing 26 to the webbing 2. Same reference numbers have been used to indicate parts of the fastener zip 21 identical to those used in zip fastener 1 according to the first embodiment, and the description of these parts has been omitted.

In the zipper 21 according to the second embodiment, a plurality of block fixing portions 23 are integrally formed, by means of an injection molding process, on the peripheral edge (outer peripheral edge) of each webbing opposite to that on which the core element 2a is applied, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the webbing.

In accordance with the second embodiment, the interval between adjacent fixing portions of blocks 23 is fixed so as to be equal to the length of the fixing portion of a block 23 measured along the length of the webbing, in other words the length of the block fixing to the strap 26 (with the exclusion of the length of the coupling projections 26c) intended to be fixed to the fixing portion of a block 23. The fixing portion of a block 23 is made up of thermoplastic resins, such as polyacetal, polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, etc.

Each fixing portion of a block 23 consists of a first rectangular fixing portion 23a fixed on the outer peripheral edge of the webbing on the two front and rear surfaces, by a pair of second upper and lower fixing portions 23b extending from the ends upper and lower of the first fastening portion 23a towards the outer peripheral edge of the webbing and folded around the end of the outer peripheral edge and fixed to the front and rear surfaces of the webbing 2; and by a cylindrical upright 23c formed between the second upper and lower fixing portions 23b so as to enclose the outer peripheral edge of the webbing 2.

A building block for fixing to the tape 26 intended to be fixed to the fixing portion of a block 23 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has six cylindrical coupling projections 26c formed on the upper surface and has a coupling seat 26d formed on the lower surface and suitable for coupling engagement with the coupling projections of another building block. The coupling seat 26d of the building block for fastening to the webbing 26 consists of seats defined by peripheral frame walls 26g corresponding to the four sides of the building block for fastening to the webbing 26, by two pins with circular cross-section 26h arranged in the region surrounded by the peripheral frame walls 26g and by partitions 26i connecting the pins 26h and the peripheral frame walls 26g, as illustrated in Figure 20.

The webbing attachment building block 26 has a slot 26j formed to extend from one of its ends to one of the circular cross-section pins 26h which is closest to this end. The circular cross-section pin 26h with which the slot 26j is contiguous is provided with a gripping portion 26k which is capable of clamping the cylindrical post 23c of the fixing portion of a block 23. The width of the slot 26j measured in the direction of the thickness of the webbing is fixed so as to be equal to the size of the first fastening portion 23a and the second fastening portion 23b, measured in the direction of the thickness of the webbing 2, including the thickness of the webbing 2.

Further, the gripping portion 26k formed within the pin 26h of the building block 26 has a C-shaped cross section and a part of the gripping portion 26k is connected to the inner wall of the pin 26h which is closest to the center of the building block 26 .

The cylindrical post 23c of the fixing portion of a block 23 of the webbing 2 is inserted through an opening formed between the opposite tips of the C-shaped gripping portion 26k and is clamped by the C-shaped gripping portion 26k, so that the cylindrical post 23c acts as a locking portion intended to be releasably locked with the building block for fastening to the webbing 26.

Stepped portions (not shown) are arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface of the gripping portion 26k to receive the second fastening portion 23b of the fastening portion of a block 23. The building block 26 has a groove 26m formed in the direction of the height of the building block 26, at the center of the end which is opposite the end provided with the slot 26j.

In addition to the same advantages obtained by means of the zip fastener 1 according to the first embodiment, the zip 21 provided with the block fixing portions 23 according to the second embodiment has an additional advantage in that the webbing fastening building blocks 26 having the slot 26j and the gripping portion 26k can be attached to, and separated from, the zip fastener 21, so that it is possible to further increase the patterns formed according to the way the building blocks are connected to the zipper 21.

In particular, as shown in Figure 21, a webbing fastening building block 26 is connected to each fastening portion of a webbing block 23 2, and other building blocks 26 are fastened to webbing fastening building blocks 26 so connected, so that different shapes can be represented by these blocks.

For example, as shown in Figure 22, a plurality of blocks can be connected to construct a set of blocks 25 which takes the form of a mesh containing the zipper 21. Furthermore, children can play with the set of blocks. blocks 25 so as to connect and separate the two parts of the set of blocks 25 by reciprocating movement of the cursor along the coupling elements 5 of the zipper 21. Thus, children can build and move the set of blocks, and thus boost their imagination and creativity, and they can easily understand the way zipper works.

The means for separably connecting to the webbing 2 of the zip fastener 21 the building blocks for fastening to the webbing are not limited to the use of the fastening portion of a block 23 and the fastening blocks to the web 26 described above. For example, it is also possible to use the means illustrated in Figures 23, 25 and 26.

For example, in the means for attaching fastening building blocks to the webbing 27 illustrated in Figure 23, a plurality of block fastening portions 23 mentioned above are disposed on the outer peripheral edge 2b of each webbing which is opposite the edge provided with the element of core 2a, at predetermined intervals.

Each building block for fixing to the tape 27 intended to be fixed to the fixing portion of a block 23 of the zip fastener 21 has a substantially thin rectangular parallelepiped shape. The building block for fastening to the tape 27 has six cylindrical coupling projections 27c formed on the front surface and has coupling seats formed on the rear surface and suitable for coupling engagement with the coupling projections of other building blocks.

Although not illustrated in the drawings, the coupling seat of the building block for fastening to the strap 27 consists of seats defined by peripheral frame walls, by two pins with circular cross-section arranged in predetermined positions within the region surrounded by the peripheral walls a frame and partitions that connect the peripheral walls to the frame and the pins.

The webbing attachment building block 27 comprises an extension 27a extending from one end of the building block 27 in the width direction of the webbing 2 and a gripping portion 27b integrally formed on the distal end of the extension 27a and assuming a substantially C-shaped cross section. With this structure, the webbing attachment building block 27 can be detachably attached to the attachment portion of a block 23 with ease.

Thus, as illustrated in Figure 24, a plurality of thin rectangular parallelepiped building blocks 27 are first attached to the block fixing portions 23 parallel to the webbing 2. Then, plate building blocks having a plurality of mating ridges 28c formed on a first surface can be connected to the building block 27, so that the patterns according to which the building blocks are connected to the zip 21 can be further increased.

Figure 25 shows another means for connecting to the webbing 2 the fastening building blocks to the webbing 29. A plurality of spherical fastening portions of blocks 23 'of synthetic resin are integrally formed on an outer peripheral edge of each opposite webbing 2 by means of an injection molding process and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the straps 2.

A building block for fixing to the tape 29, intended to be fixed to each spherical fixing portion of a block 23 ', has a thin shape substantially of a rectangular parallelepiped. The building block for fastening to the tape 29 has six cylindrical coupling projections 29c formed on the front surface and has coupling seats (not shown) formed on the rear surface and adapted to be connected with coupling projections of other building blocks.

The webbing attachment building block 29 includes an extension 29a extending from a first end of the building block 29 in the width direction of the webbing 2 and a cylindrical gripping portion 29b integrally formed on the distal end of the extension 29a. The cylindrical gripping portion 29b is provided with a notch to allow the webbing 2 to be inserted therein and the cylindrical gripping portion 29b has an arcuate concave shape so as to be able to clamp the spherical fixing portions of blocks 23 'in a manner stable. With this structure, the webbing fastening building blocks 29 can be detachably fastened to the spherical block fastening portions 23 'of webbing 2 with ease.

Figure 26 shows another means for fixing construction blocks 31, 32 to the webbing 2. Each webbing 2 has a series of circular holes 30 as coupling seats formed on its outer peripheral edge and arranged in correspondence with the projections 31c arranged on a building block for attachment to the plate webbing. These circular holes 30 constitute fixing portions of blocks for fastening fixing building blocks to the webbing 31 and 32.

A plurality of coupling ridges 31c formed on the building block for attachment to the plate webbing 31 are inserted into the circular holes 30 of the webbing 2. Then, another locking block to the webbing 32 is connected to coupling ridges 31c of the building block. for fastening to the plate webbing 31 inserted through the circular holes 30 of the webbing 2, so that the building blocks for fastening to the webbing 31, 32 can be fastened in a detachable manner to the webbing 2 with ease.

The surface of the building block for fastening to the tape 32 in which the coupling seats are formed is preferably provided with a step 32a to receive the thickness of the tape 2, so that the building block for fastening to the tape 31, 32 can be fixed in a detachable way to the webbing 2 in a stable way.

In this variant in which circular holes 30 constitute fixing portions of blocks for fixing to the webbing 2 of fastening blocks to the webbing 31 and 32, as shown in Figure 27, after the insertion of the coupling projections 31c of the block plate construction 31 in the circular holes 30 of the webbing 2, another narrow building block for fastening to the webbing 33 can be detachably fixed to the webbing 2 so as to cover or hide the fixing portions of blocks (i.e. the circular holes 30) formed in the webbing 2.

In this case, the surface of the narrow building block for fastening to the webbing 33 in which the coupling seats 33d are formed is preferably also provided with a step 33a to receive the thickness of the webbing 2.

We now move on to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 28 represents a front view of a zipper according to the third embodiment. Figure 29 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the zipper illustrated in Figure 28. Figure 30 is a perspective view for describing how couplings are detachably attached to a webbing. Figure 31 represents a front view of the zipper with some coupling elements detached from the straps.

The zip fastener 41 according to the third embodiment 3 comprises a pair of straps 42, two rows 43 of coupling elements 45 separably applied to the opposite peripheral edges of the respective straps 42, and a slider 44 through which they are inserted rows of coupling elements 43.

As illustrated in Figure 30, a plurality of coupling securing portions 46 are integrally formed, through an injection molding process, on an opposing or inner peripheral edge of each webbing 42, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction length of the webbing 42. The interval between each pair of adjacent fixing portions of coupling elements 46 is fixed so as to correspond to the length of the building block (excluding the length of the coupling ridge) intended to be fixed to the fixing portion of a coupling element 46. The fixing portion of a coupling element 46 is made up of thermoplastic resins, such as polyacetal, polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, etc.

Similarly to the fixing portion of a block 23 according to the second embodiment, each fixing portion of a coupling element 46 consists of a first rectangular fixing portion 46a fixed to the outer peripheral edge of the webbing on the two surfaces and back of the webbing; and by a cylindrical upright 46c formed between the second upper and lower fixing portions 46b so as to enclose the outer peripheral edge of the webbing.

Each coupling element 45 which composes a row of coupling elements 43 is constituted by a building block for attachment to the webbing intended to be detachably fixed to the fixing portion of a coupling element of the webbing 42. The building block which will become a coupling element is the same as the tape fastening building block 26 fixed to the fastening portion of a block 23 in accordance with the second embodiment.

The building block for fastening to the tape has six cylindrical coupling projections 45c arranged on the upper surface and has coupling seats formed in the lower surface and suitable for coupling engagement with other building blocks. Although it is not shown in the drawings, similarly to the building block for fastening to the webbing 26 according to the second embodiment, the coupling seat of the building block for fastening to the webbing consists of seats defined by peripheral frame walls , by two cylindrical pins disposed in predetermined positions within the region surrounded by the peripheral frame walls and by partitions which connect the peripheral frame walls and the cylindrical pins.

The coupling element (ie the building block) 45 has a slot 45j formed so as to extend from one of its ends to the pin disposed in the coupling seats. The pin with which the slot 45j of the coupling element 45 is contiguous is provided with a gripping portion (not shown) which is capable of clamping the cylindrical upright 46c of the fixing portion of an element 46. The gripping portion acts a locking portion intended to be releasably locked onto the fastening portion of an element 46.

The tape fastening building block 45 has a groove 45m formed along the height direction of the tape fastening building block 45, in the center of the end which is opposite to the end which is provided with the slot 45j. The groove 45m allows the peripheral edge of the complementary webbing 42 to be inserted so as to be retained therein when the coupling elements 45 are coupled to each other.

The slider 44 comprises an upper plate 44a, a lower plate, a guide post connecting the upper plate 44a and the lower plate in the front to the center in the lateral direction of the slider 44, and upper and lower side flanges extending from the peripheral sides of the rear portions of the upper plate 44a and of the lower plate in the direction normal to the upper and lower plates. The slider 44 allows the rows of coupling elements 43 to pass through the guide channel of the coupling elements, thus coupling and separating the rows of coupling elements 43. In the slider 44 in accordance with the third embodiment, six cylindrical projections coupling elements 44c are arranged on the upper surface of the upper plate 4a of the slider 4 at predetermined intervals. In the lower surface of the lower plate 4b there is provided a coupling seat (not shown) which is capable of engaging in coupling relationship with coupling ridges arranged on other elements, such as building blocks, etc. Therefore, similarly to the slider 4 in accordance with the first embodiment, the slider 44 in accordance with the third embodiment can also allow the operating tongue to be fixed to the upper surface of the upper plate 44a or to the lower surface of the lower plate. Furthermore, the maneuvering tab can be removed and replaced with other maneuvering tabs with the utmost ease.

In the zipper 41 according to the third embodiment, the fastening building blocks to the webbing, such as coupling elements 45, are applied to the fastening portion of an element 46 of the webbing 42. While the slider is made to move in the direction coupling of the coupling elements, four coupling projections 45c between the six coupling projections of each coupling element 45 gradually enter into coupling engagement with coupling seats of the complementary coupling element 45 immediately above each element 45, as can be seen clearly in Figure 29, so that the two opposite rows of coupling elements 43 can be coupled to each other in a stable manner, as illustrated in Figure 28.

In accordance with the third embodiment, each coupling element 45 consists of a building block for fastening to the webbing. Therefore, other building blocks or assemblies of building blocks can be easily connected to each coupling element 45 disposed at the ends of the rows of coupling elements 43. Furthermore, since the coupling ridges 44c and the coupling seats are formed on the plates upper and lower 44a of the slider 44, it is possible to freely connect building blocks to the upper and lower plates of the slider 44.

Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, each coupling element 45 is detachably fixed to the fixing portion of an element 46 of the webbing 42. With this structure, some coupling elements can be easily removed in any position, such as is shown in Figure 31, or they can be replaced with other building blocks for fastening to the webbing.

In this respect, some mating elements (or webbing building blocks) 45 of a row of mating elements 43 can be replaced with other webbing building blocks of different colors in order to be able to modify as much as possible ease the color of the rows of mating elements 43.

When zipper 41 is assembled, as part of building blocks such as an educational game, with other building blocks, a variety of colors or patterns can be applied to the resulting construction. In this case, the webbing attachment building blocks removed from the webbing 42 can be used again as building blocks intended to be attached to the ends of the mating element rows 43 or to other building blocks.

Furthermore, since the zipper 41 is constructed so that some of the coupling elements 45 can be removed from the rows of coupling elements 43, the zipper 41 according to the third embodiment can be used advantageously, for example, for an opening of a mattress cover 49, as shown in Figure 32.

A specific description of a mattress cover 49 which constitutes one of the typical applications of the zip fastener 41 according to the third embodiment will be provided below. The mattress cover 49 illustrated in Figure 32 is a cover intended to cover a mattress. The mattress includes an integrated heater (not shown). Hence the mattress cover 49 must have a hole for the cable formed in it so that the electric cable can be used to supply energy to the mattress heater.

If the zip fastener 41 according to the third embodiment is used in the opening of the mattress cover 49, it is naturally possible to open and close the opening of the mattress cover 49 freely by simple reciprocating movement of the slider 44 along the rows of coupling elements. Furthermore, it is possible to easily form a hole for the cable 49a for exiting an electric cable, simply by removing some of the coupling elements 45 from the rows of coupling elements. Furthermore, it is also possible to advantageously arrange the hole for the cable 49a in any appropriate position on the rows of coupling elements 43 of the zipper 41.

As previously mentioned, in the zipper 41 in accordance with the third embodiment, while the slider 44 is made to move along the rows of coupling elements 43 in the coupling direction of the coupling elements, four coupling ridges 45c between the six projections of each coupling element 45 gradually enter into coupling engagement with coupling seats of the complementary coupling element 45 disposed immediately above each element 45, so that the two opposite rows of coupling elements 43 can be coupled to each other with the other.

However, the size of the slider can be changed so that only two (not four) coupling ridges 45c (arranged on the opposite end to the slot 45j) of the six coupling ridges formed on the upper surface of each coupling member 45 enter into coupling engagement with coupling seats of the complementary coupling elements 45 when the opposite rows of coupling elements 43 are coupled to each other.

In accordance with the third embodiment, the building blocks for fastening to the webbing, each of which has six coupling projections 45c on the upper surface, are fixed, as coupling elements 45, to the webbing 42 thus forming rows of fastening elements. 43. However, alternatively, webbing fastening building blocks having two coupling ridges or more than eight coupling ridges on the upper surface can be secured to each fastening portion of an element 46 of the webbing 42 thus forming rows of coupling elements 43.

There is no limitation with reference to the shape of the coupling seats formed in the lower surface of the building block which constitutes the coupling element 45, provided that they can be coupled with a predetermined number of the coupling projections formed in the coupling element (block construction).

Further, in the zip fastening according to the third embodiment, block fixing portions can be formed along the outer edge of the webbing 42 and webbing fastening building blocks can be detachably fastened to the fastening portions of locks, exactly as in the zipper according to the second embodiment.

Furthermore, in the zip fastening according to the third embodiment, there is no limitation with reference to the shape of the slider. For example, it is also possible to use sliders of various shapes described as a second embodiment in conjunction with Figures 14, 15, 16 and 17.

Figure 33 represents a front view of a zip fastener according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 34 is an enlarged perspective view of the zipper, showing two rows of coupling elements in a coupling configuration.

The zip fastener 51 according to the fourth embodiment consists of a pair of straps 52, two rows of coupling elements 53 fixed to the opposite peripheral edges of the straps 52, and a slider 54 through which the rows are inserted of coupling elements 53.

Each webbing 52 comprises a core member 52a formed on its peripheral edge. A plurality of coupling elements 55 are applied to an element fixing portion comprising the core element 52a at uniform intervals, thereby providing a row of coupling elements 53.

The coupling element 55 is fixed to the webbing 52 by injection molding of synthetic resin onto the webbing 52. The coupling element 55 can be made of thermoplastic resins, such as polyacetal, polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, etc.

Each coupling element 55 comprises a body of the element 55a intended to be fixed to the element fixing portion of the webbing 52, a neck portion 55e extending outwards from the body of the element 55a and an elliptical head portion coupling 55b extending from the end of the neck portion, in a plan view. Each coupling member comprises a coupling ridge 55c formed on its front surface. The coupling boss 55c assumes a cylindrical shape of uniform diameter from its proximal end to its distal end. The slider 54 in accordance with the fourth embodiment is identical in basic structure to the slider 4 in accordance with the first embodiment, i.e. the slider 54 comprises an upper plate, a lower plate, a guide upright which connects the upper plates and lower in the front center in the lateral direction of the slider, and of the lateral flanges extending from the peripheral sides of the rear parts of the upper and lower plates in the direction perpendicular to the upper and lower plates.

In accordance with the fourth embodiment, six cylindrical coupling projections 54c are arranged on the upper surface of the upper plate of the slider at predetermined intervals. In the lower surface of the lower plate there is a coupling seat which is able to engage by coupling with coupling projections arranged on other elements. With this structure, it is possible to fix an operating tongue comprising a body of the operating tongue and a ring connecting the cursor or to separate the operating tongue from the cursor 54 to replace it with other operating tangs, as in the cursor 4 in accordance with the first form of implementation.

Since the zipper 51 according to the fourth embodiment is constructed in this way, even if a coupling ridge 55c is formed on each coupling element 55, the zipper 51 can maintain the opening and closing function as such. . Furthermore, another building block 56 can be readily connected to the coupling ridges 55c formed on the front surface of the body of each coupling member 55. All that the building block 56 to be connected to the coupling member 55 must have is a coupling seat which is capable of engaging by coupling with the coupling ridge 55c formed on the coupling element 55.

Not only building blocks having coupling seats, but also other elements, such as ornamental bodies, having coupling seats formed therein can be easily connected to the coupling element 55 on which the coupling projections 55c are formed.

As illustrated in Figures 36 and 37, ornamental bodies 57 with a heart symbol or letters of the alphabet having a multiplicity of circular holes 57a or ornamental bodies 58 with figures of animals, dolls, having a multiplicity of circular holes 58a formed on the bottom, can be easily connected to the rows of coupled coupling elements 53 of the zip fastener 51 in accordance with the fourth embodiment.

In this case, the circular holes 57a, 58a formed in the bottom of the ornamental body are arranged in correspondence with the arrangement of the coupling projections 55c of the coupling elements 55 in a coupling position. This will greatly enhance the decorative effect when the zipper 51 is used as part of an educational game or used on the open edges of bags, clothing, etc.

Furthermore, in the zipper 51 according to the fourth embodiment, each coupling element has a coupling projection 55c formed on the upper surface. Elements having a plurality of circular holes 59a (which act as coupling seats) regularly arranged in two rows on the bottom surface, such as a cover element 59 illustrated in Figures 38 and 39, can be connected to the zip fastener 51 with ease, in order to hide the entire rows of coupling elements 53 in a coupling position.

When the zipper 51 in accordance with the fourth embodiment is used as a means for connecting opposing sheet elements 60, such as carpets, the paired rows of coupling elements 53 will be exposed between the sheet elements 60 thus connected and will thus be subjected to compromise the aesthetics of the sheet elements. If the preceding covering element 59 is connected in this case to the rows of coupling elements 53, the covering element 59 can advantageously hide the rows of coupling elements 53, thus preventing the appearance of the sheet elements 60 from being compromised.

Figure 40 shows another useful use of the zipper 51 in accordance with the fourth embodiment. The zip fastener 51 is used on the opening 61a of a pocket 61a of a garment 61, so that the opening of the pocket 61a can be easily opened and closed with considerable ease.

Furthermore, a pen and a nameplate may be provided with coupling seats (i.e., circular holes) 62a capable of engaging for coupling with the coupling ridges 54c, 55c formed on the zip 51. With this structure, the pen 62 is the nameplate 63 can be connected in a simple way to the coupling elements 55 or to the slider 54, so as to further expand the function of the zip fastener 51.

In the zip fastener 51 according to the fourth embodiment, each element 55 is shown in the drawings having a single coupling ridge 55c formed on the front surface. However, instead of the coupling projection 55c, each element 55 can have a coupling seat 55d, for example in the form of a circular hole formed on the front surface and able to be coupled in an inaccurate manner with the coupling projections of a complementary element , such as an ornamental body, etc.

Such a zipper

have an opening and closing function as such. Furthermore, other building blocks and other elements having coupling projections can be connected to the coupling elements 55 having the coupling seat 55d.

In the zipper 51 in accordance with the fourth embodiment illustrated in Figure 34, each element 55 is shown having a coupling ridge 55c formed on the front surface. However, a coupling ridge 55c or a coupling seat 55d can be formed on the rear surface of each element 55, rather than on the front surface. Furthermore, a coupling ridge 55c or a coupling seat 55d can be formed on both the front surface and the rear surface of each element 55.

Figure 42 represents a view of a zip fastener 71 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figures 43 and 44 represent illustrative views explaining elements that can be connected to an upper stop of zip 71. Figures 45 and 46 represent illustrative views explaining elements that can be connected to a separable lower stop of zip 71.

The zip fastener 71 according to the fifth embodiment consists of a pair of straps 52, two rows of coupling elements 53 mounted on the opposite peripheral edges of the straps 52 and a slider 54 arranged so as to move along the rows of coupling elements 53, by upper stops 76 mounted on the upper end of the rows of coupling elements 53, and by a separable lower stop 77 mounted as a lower stop on the lower end of the rows of coupling elements 53 and adapted to separate the lower ends of the rows of coupling elements 53.

The zip fastener 71 according to the fifth embodiment has a substantially identical structure to the zip fastener 51 according to the fourth embodiment, except that the first has the upper stops 76 on the upper end of the rows of elements 53 and the separable lower stop 77 on the lower end of the rows of coupling elements 53. In other words, they have identical structures of webbing, coupling elements 55 that make up the rows of coupling elements 53, and slider 54 .

The upper stops 76 are mounted on the respective upper ends of the two rows of coupling elements 53 to prevent the slider 54 from exiting the rows of coupling elements 53. Two cylindrical coupling ridges 76c are formed on the front surface of each upper stop 76 in a side-by-side relationship with respect to each other. The coupling projections 76c have the same size as the coupling projections 55c formed on the coupling elements 55 and are arranged with the same pitch or distance as the coupling elements 55c.

The separable lower stop 77 consists of a separable pin 77a, a retaining sleeve 77e and a retaining pin 77b, with the separable pin 77a constructed to be inserted into, and separable from, the retaining sleeve 77e. Four cylindrical coupling ridges 77c are evenly formed on the front surface of the retaining sleeve 77e at predetermined intervals, and these interlocking ridges 77c are the same size as the coupling ridges 55c formed on the coupling members 55.

In addition to the effects which are achieved by means of the zipper 51 according to the fourth embodiment, the zipper 71 according to the fifth embodiment has an additional advantageous effect in that building blocks, bodies Ornaments or other elements can be separably connected to the upper stops 76 and to the retaining sleeve 77e. For example, as illustrated in Figure 43, ornamental bodies 78, 79 bearing a flower pattern on the front surface and having coupling seats 78d, 79d formed on the rear surface can be easily connected to each upper stop 76. Also, as 44, a rectangular building block 80 which is substantially the same size as the top stop 76 can be attached to the top stop 76 thus being incorporated into the top stop 76, so that the top stop 76 can avoid more reliably that the slider 54 comes out of the rows of coupling elements 53.

As illustrated in Figure 45, since four coupling ridges 77c are formed on the retaining sleeve 77e of the separable lower stop 77, an ornamental body 81 bearing a star pattern on the front surface and having a coupling seat 81d formed in the lower surface it can be easily connected to the lower detachable stop 77.

Since the coupling ridges 77c are formed on the retaining sleeve 77, after the slider 54 has been pulled along the rows of coupling elements 53 against the lower separable stop 77, as illustrated in Figure 46, another element, such as a building block 82 having a coupling seat 82d formed in the rear surface, can be connected on and astride the slider 54 and the separable lower stop 77.

This building block 82 can hold the slider 54 in this position so as to prevent the slider 54 from accidentally moving along the rows of coupling elements 53. In particular, assume that this zipper 71 in accordance with the fifth form of actuation is fixed to a garment and the two opposite rows of coupling elements 53 are in a position of separation. However, thanks to the building block 82, it is possible to safely prevent the slider 54 from moving along one of the rows of coupling elements 53 and thereby tapping against an unwanted position on the row of coupling elements 53. Since the slider 54 can be retained in contact with the retaining sleeve 77e, the detachable pin 77a can be inserted into, and separated from, the retaining sleeve 77e in a stable and reliable manner.

As previously mentioned, a variety of ornamental bodies 78, 79, 81 or other building blocks 80, 82 can be connected not only to the coupling elements 55 and the slider 54, but also to the upper stops and the lower detachable stop in the closure. zip 71 in accordance with the fifth embodiment, thus improving the aesthetic appearance of the zip 71 as a whole. Zipper 71 can be used as a part intended to be connected to play building blocks, and it is possible to expand the set of elements that the building blocks can represent.

In the zipper 71 according to the fifth embodiment, cylindrical coupling projections 55c are formed on each coupling element 55 of the rows of coupling elements 53. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. Ordinary discrete coupling elements 55 'of synthetic resin without coupling ridges can be fixed to the webbing 52. Alternatively, it is also possible to use continuous coupling elements made of a synthetic resin in a helical or sinuous configuration. Furthermore, discrete single coupling elements made of a metal, in which each of the coupling heads has a ridge and a housing, can also be attached to the webbing 52.

In a zip fastener 71 'illustrated in Figure 47, coupling projections or coupling seats are formed on no coupling element. However, since the slider 54, the upper stop 76 and the separable lower stop 77 in the zipper 71 'have cylindrical coupling ridges 54c, 76c, 77c formed on the respective front surfaces, a variety of ornamental bodies and other blocks to be construction can be easily attached to these parts, thus enhancing the aesthetic and functional effects of the 71 'zipper.

As shown in Figure 48, the zipper 71 according to the embodiment 5 or the zipper 71 'illustrated in Figure 47 can be fixed to the opposite peripheral edges of the opening 84a of a bag, and a stop element 83 on which coupling seats 83d are formed and can be fixed in a position adjacent to the upper end of the rows of coupling elements of the zipper 71 '.

With the above construction, after the upward movement of the slider 54 to the upper end of the rows of coupling elements 53 in order to close the opening 84a of the bag, the slider 54 can be connected to the stop element 83 bringing the coupling projections 54c of the slider 54 into coupling engagement with the coupling seat 83d of the stop element 83, so that the slider 54 can be retained at the upper end of the rows of coupling elements 53 and consequently appropriately prevents the pouch opening 84a from accidentally opening. Zippers in accordance with the first to fifth embodiments can be used not only as parts of building blocks of an educational game, but also as a means of opening and closing the openings formed on clothing, bags, shoes and various others items, such as a traditional zipper.

With the construction described in detail above, the zip fastener according to the present invention can be used as part of play building blocks which were not previously associated with a zip fastener. The zipper can serve to be easily connected to ornamental bodies or other elements, in addition to maintaining the intrinsic function of opening the opening formed in various objects.

Thus, the application of the zipper can be expanded into several new fields where zippers were not used, whereby it is possible to expand the size of the zipper market. In particular, the zipper can be used as a part intended to be connected to building blocks, and therefore greatly increases children's use of building blocks, whereby their imagination and creative energy will increase and it will improve their understanding of essential mechanical elements.

Although the foregoing description contains many specific details, these are not to be understood in the sense of limiting the scope of the invention, but simply in the sense of providing illustrations of some of the currently preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Thus, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples provided.

Parts list

1 Zipper (first embodiment) 2 Ribbon

2nd Soul element

2b Outer peripheral edge

3 Row of coupling elements

4 Cursor

4th Upper plate

4b Lower plate

4c Coupling boss

4d Coupling seat

4e Guide post

4f Side flange

4g Peripheral walls with frame

4h Cylindrical pin

5 Coupling element

5 'Coupling element

5a Fixing arm

5b Mating portion

5c Coupling boss, cylindrical coupling boss

5d Coupling seat

5e Forum

6th Building block

6b Building block

Maneuvering tab

a Body of the operating lever b Connecting ring

a Building block

b Building block

c Building block

a Building block set b Building block set c Building block set 0 Ribbon

1 Cursor

1st Upper plate

1c Coupling boss

2 Coupling boss

3 Cursor

3b Lower plate

3d Mating seat

3g Peripheral frame wall

3h Partition

4 Cursor

4i Circular housing

4b Lower surface

4d Coupling seat

4j Square housing

5 Cursor

a Upper plate

i Arm

b Lower plate

f Flange

j Thicker portion

ZIP

Ribbon

Fixing portion of a block

a First rectangular fixing portion b Second fixing portion

c Cylindrical post

'Spherical portion of a block fastening building block

Set of building blocks

Building block for fastening to the webbing i Partition

c Coupling boss

d Coupling seat

g Peripheral frame walls

h Pins with circular cross section

j Slit

k Portion of grip

Building block for attachment to the extension sling

Coupling prominence

c Coupling boss

Building block for attachment to the extension sling

b Portion of cylindrical grip

c Cylindrical mating boss

Circular hole

Building block for fastening to the webbing c Coupling boss

Building block for attachment to the step sling

Tight building block for fastening to the webbing

a Step

Zipper (third form of implementation) Webbing

Row of mating elements

Cursor

a Upper plate

c Coupling boss

Coupling element, building block for attachment to the webbing

c Coupling boss

j Slit

m Groove

Locking portion

Fixing portion of one element a First rectangular fixing portion b Second fixing portions

c Cylindrical portion

Mattress cover

a Hole for cable

ZIP

Tape

Row of mating elements

Cursor

c Coupling boss

Tape

a Coupling element body c Coupling boss

d Coupling seat

and Portion of neck

'' Discrete mating element Building block

Ornamental body

a Circular hole

a Circular hole

Coverage

a Circular hole

Sheet element

Garment

Pen

Name plate

' ZIP

Upper stop

c Cylindrical coupling bosses Separable lower stop

a Separable pin

b Retaining pin

c Cylindrical coupling bosses e Retaining sleeve

Ornamental body

d Coupling seat

Ornamental body

d Coupling seat

Rectangular building block Stop element

d Coupling seat

Bag

Claims (11)

CLAIMS 1. Zip fastener (1, 21, 41, 51, 71) comprising, as constituent elements, a pair of opposite straps (2, 42, 52), two rows of coupling elements (3, 43, 53) fixed to the respective peripheral edges of the straps (2, 42, 52) and a slider (4, 11, 13, 14, 15, 44, 54) through which the rows of coupling elements (3, 43, 53) are inserted for a movement alternative of the slider (4, 11, 13, 14, 15, 44, 54) along the rows of coupling elements (3, 43, 53), thus coupling and separating the rows of coupling elements (3, 43, 53) ; in which at least one element selected from a cylindrical coupling boss (4c, 5c, 11c, 15c, 44c, 45c, 54c, 55c, 76c, 77c) and a coupling seat (4d, 5d, 13d, 14d, 55d), adapted to enter into coupling engagement and separate from a coupling engagement with a coupling seat (5d, 26d, 57a, 58a, 59a , 62a, 78d, 79d, 81d, 82d) or with a coupling ridge (5c) formed on at least one other constituent element of the zipper (1, 21, 41, 51, 71) or on another object other than the zipper (1, 21, 41, 51, 71). A zipper according to claim 1, wherein the coupling seat (5d, 14d, 55d) comprises a circular hole having the same diameter as the cylindrical coupling boss formed on another constituent element or on another object, or a hole polygonal formed on another constituent element or on another object, which polygonal hole contacts, and supports, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical coupling boss at three or more points. Zipper according to claim 1, wherein the coupling seat (4d, 13d) comprises a seat bounded by peripheral frame walls or a seat bounded between the peripheral frame walls and a cylindrical pin formed in the region enclosed by the peripheral walls frame, or a seat bounded by the framed peripheral walls and a partition formed in the region enclosed by the framed peripheral walls. Zipper according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the coupling boss (4c, 5c, 11c, 15c, 44c, 45c, 54c, 55c, 76c, 77c) comprises a hollow cylinder (11c) having a hollow seat formed along the height of the coupling projection, in which the hollow seat constitutes the coupling seat. Zipper according to claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one element selected from the projection is formed on a coupling element (5, 45, 55) which makes up the rows of coupling elements (3, 43, 53) coupling (5c, 45c, 55c) and the coupling seat (4d, 55d). 6. Zipper according to claim 5, wherein the coupling element (5, 45) comprises a pair of arms (5a) fixed to the strap (2, 42) and a rectangular parallelepiped coupling portion (5b) which extends from, and which is integrally formed with, the arm (5a); wherein the coupling boss (5c, 45c) is formed on one surface of the coupling portion (5b) and the coupling seat (5d) is formed on the opposite surface of the coupling portion (5b). A zipper according to claim 5, wherein the coupling member (55) comprises a member body (55a) attached to the webbing (52), a neck portion (55e) extending outwardly from body of the element (55a) and an elliptical coupling head portion (55b) arranged at the end of the neck portion (55c); in which the coupling boss (55c) or the coupling seat (55d) is formed on at least one surface of the body of the element (55a). Zip fastener according to claims 1 to 7, wherein the slider (4, 11, 13, 14, 15, 44, 54) has at least one element selected from the coupling boss (4c, 11c, 15c, 44c, 54c) and the coupling seat (4d, 13d, 14d). Zipper according to claims 1 to 8, wherein an end stop (76, 77) is arranged on one or both ends of the rows of coupling elements (53) in order to prevent the slider (54) comes out of the rows of coupling elements (53); wherein at least one selected element between the coupling boss (76c, 77c) and the coupling seat is formed on the end stop (76, 77). Zipper according to claims 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of fastening portions of coupling elements (46) are integrally formed on an opposite inner peripheral edge of one of the webbing (42), in which the fastening element coupling (45) comprises a locking portion adapted to be releasably locked with the fixing portion of a coupling element (46). Zipper according to claims 1 to 10, wherein a plurality of block fixing portions (23) are formed on the straps (2), adapted to be detachably fastened to a building block (26).