U.S. patent application number 16/735389 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-09 for curved, bonded fastening element.
The applicant listed for this patent is The North Face Apparel Corp.. Invention is credited to John LY.
Application Number | 20200214402 16/735389 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69374430 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200214402 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LY; John |
July 9, 2020 |
CURVED, BONDED FASTENING ELEMENT
Abstract
A fastening element may comprise a first panel and the second
panel. The first panel may have a first longitudinal edge and the
second panel may have a second longitudinal edge. The second
longitudinal edge may be spaced from the first longitudinal edge to
form a curvilinear gap. The fastening element may comprise a
fastening mechanism coupled to the first longitudinal edge using an
adhesive. The fastening mechanism may comprise a zipper tape and a
plurality of teeth. The zipper tape may be configured by applying
the adhesive on at least a portion of the zipper tape and cutting
through the adhesive and zipper tape to define a plurality of
cut-outs in the zipper tape.
Inventors: |
LY; John; (Oakland,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The North Face Apparel Corp. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69374430 |
Appl. No.: |
16/735389 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62789319 |
Jan 7, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 19/34 20130101;
A44B 19/343 20130101; A44B 19/42 20130101; A44B 19/06 20130101;
A44B 19/346 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A44B 19/34 20060101
A44B019/34; A44B 19/06 20060101 A44B019/06 |
Claims
1. A fastening mechanism comprising: a first panel comprising a
first longitudinal edge; a second panel comprising a second
longitudinal edge spaced from the first longitudinal edge to form a
curvilinear gap; and a first fastening element coupled to the first
longitudinal edge using an adhesive, wherein the first fastening
element comprises a zipper tape and a plurality of teeth, and
wherein the zipper tape is configured by applying the adhesive on
at least a portion of the zipper tape and cutting through the
adhesive and zipper tape to define a plurality of cut-outs in the
zipper tape.
2. The fastening mechanism of claim 1, wherein the zipper tape
comprises at least one of a woven substrate or knit substrate.
3. The fastening mechanism of claim 1, wherein the zipper tape
defines a continuous panel segment.
4. The fastening mechanism of claim 1, wherein the zipper tape
comprises a first substrate and the second panel comprises a second
substrate positioned opposite the first substrate.
5. The fastening mechanism of claim 1, wherein the zipper tape
defines a continuous panel segment and a plurality of
longitudinally juxtaposed segments extending laterally outward from
the continuous panel segment.
6. The fastening mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a second
fastening element coupled to the second longitudinal edge.
7. The fastening mechanism of claim 6, further comprising a slider
slidably engaged with the first fastening element and the second
fastening element.
8. The fastening mechanism of claim 7, wherein the slider is
configured to urge the first fastening element into a mating
engagement with the second fastening element and to disengage the
first fastening element from a mating engagement with the second
fastening element.
9. The fastening mechanism of claim 1, wherein the zipper tape
comprises a woven construct.
10. The fastening mechanism of claim 1, wherein the zipper tape
comprises a plurality of warp yarns.
11. The fastening mechanism of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
warp yarns extends longitudinally from one finished edge of the
zipper tape to an opposed finished edge of the zipper tape.
12. The fastening mechanism of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
warp yarns have equivalent lengths.
13. The fastening mechanism of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
warp yarns have non-uniform lengths.
14. The fastening mechanism of claim 1, wherein the zipper tape
comprises a knitted construct.
15. The fastening mechanism of claim 14, wherein the knitted
construct comprises a plurality of knit rows.
16. The fastening mechanism of claim 15, wherein the plurality of
knit rows extend from a laterally innermost edge of the zipper tape
to a laterally outermost edge of the zipper tape.
17. The fastening mechanism of claim 16, wherein at least one of
the laterally innermost edge or the laterally outermost edge
comprises a tie yarn.
18. The fastening mechanism of claim 1, wherein the cut-outs
comprise at least one of dye-cut or laser-cut cut-outs.
19. A method comprising: applying an adhesive to a first tape of a
first plurality of fastener elements and a second tape of a second
plurality of fastener elements; forming cut-outs in the first tape
and the second tape; bending the first tape and the second tape;
bonding the first tape along an edge of a first panel; and bonding
the second tape along an edge of a second panel, wherein the second
panel is separated from the first panel by a curvilinear gap.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first plurality of fastener
elements and the second plurality of fastener elements are
configured to be urged into mating engagement and to be disengaged
by a slider slidably engaged with the first plurality of fastener
elements and the second plurality of fastener elements.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/789,319, filed Jan. 7, 2019, the entirety of
which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] An article of textile, such as apparel or luggage, may
comprise one or more panels configured to be adjustably joined and
un-joined. The panels may be joined by a fastening element, such as
a slide fastener. The fastening element may be coupled to the
panels by a tape. The tape may comprise warp yarns. The warp yarns
may run linearly in parallel with each other in a weaving direction
or a knitting direction. The warp yarns may be substantially
inelastic. Therefore, adjusting yarn tension in the weaving
direction or the knitting direction of the tape, such as by
attempting to bend or curve the tape horizontally with respect to a
tape surface, may cause one or more of the warp yarns to buckle.
The buckling of the warp yarns may cause a wavy surface extending
out of a plane relative of the planar surface of the un-deflected,
at-rest tape. There is a need for a fastening element with reduced
buckling and methods of efficiently producing such fastening
element.
SUMMARY
[0003] A fastening element with reduced buckling may be formed by
applying adhesive to tapes of the fastening element. Cut-outs, such
as juxtaposed notches, may be formed in the tapes, such as by
dye-cutting or laser-cutting the tapes. The tapes may be bent, such
as in a form of curved edges of a panels of an article. The bent
tapes may be bonded to the edges of the panels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The following drawings illustrate generally, by way of
example, but not by way of limitation, various examples discussed
in the present disclosure. In the drawings:
[0005] FIG. 1 shows an example fastening element.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows an example fastening element.
[0007] FIG. 3 shows an example fastening element.
[0008] FIG. 4 shows an example fastening element.
[0009] FIG. 5 shows an example fastening element.
[0010] FIG. 6 shows an example fastening element.
[0011] FIG. 7 shows an example fastening element.
[0012] FIG. 8 shows an example fastening element.
[0013] FIG. 9 shows an example fastening element.
[0014] FIG. 10 shows an example method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] An article may comprise a reversibly closeable, curved
aperture between one or more segments, such as panels. A user may
join or separate the segments by a fastening element, such as a
slide fastener. The slide fastener may comprise a zipper. The
fastening element may comprise a slider. The fastening element may
comprise two sets of teeth configured to be matingly engaged by the
slider. The fastening element may comprise two tapes coupled to the
teeth. The fastening element may be coupled to one or more of the
segments by one or more of the tapes. The tapes may comprise yarns,
such as warp yarns. The yarns may run linearly in parallel with
each other in a weaving direction or a knitting direction. The
yarns may be substantially inelastic. As a result, adjusting yarn
tension in the weaving direction or the knitting direction of the
tapes, such as by attempting to bend or curve the tapes
horizontally with respect to a tape surface, may cause one or more
of the yarns to buckle. The buckling of the warp yarns may cause a
wavy surface. The wavy surface may extend out of a plane relative
of the planar surface of the un-deflected, at-rest tape.
[0016] A fastening element with reduced buckling may be formed by
applying adhesive to the tapes. Cut-outs may be formed in the
tapes, such as by dye-cutting or laser-cutting the tapes. The tapes
may be bent, such as in a form of curved edges of panels of an
article. The bent tape may be bonded to the edges of the
panels.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows an example fastening element 100. The fastening
element 100 may comprise a slide fastener, such as a zipper. The
fastening element 100 may comprise one or more sets of teeth 101.
The teeth may comprise a polymer, a metal, another material, or a
combination thereof. Each of the sets of teeth 101 may comprise a
plurality of matingly engageable fastener elements. The fastener
elements of one set of teeth may be configured to matingly engage
and disengage with the fastener elements of the other set of teeth
101.
[0018] The fastening element 100 may comprise a slider. The slider
may comprise a polymer, a metal, another material, or a combination
thereof. When the slider is moved in one direction relative to the
teeth, the slider may urge the teeth in mating engagement. When the
slider is moved in an opposite direction relative to the teeth, the
slider may urge the teeth apart.
[0019] Each of the sets of teeth 101 may be coupled to a tape 102.
The sets of teeth 101 may be bonded, sewn, or engageably coupled to
the tape 102. The tape 102 may be substantially inelastic. The tape
102 may lay substantially flat on a tape surface. The tape 102 may
lay substantially flat when a force is not acting on the tape
102.
[0020] The tape 102 may comprise a woven or knit substrate. The
tape 102 may be woven to form a plurality of longitudinally
juxtaposed segments extending laterally outward of a continuous
segment. The segments may extend in a weaving (e.g., longitudinal)
direction. The segments may be woven separately to form notches
positioned there between. The segments may be woven to have
finished perimeter edges. The finished perimeter edges may extend
around an outer periphery of each segment. The finished perimeter
edges extending around the outer periphery may lack tails and may
not fray.
[0021] The tape 102 may comprise a plurality of panel warp yarns.
The warp yarns may extend longitudinally from a finished edge of
one of the substrate to an opposed finished edge the substrate. The
warp yarns may have equivalent lengths. The warp yarns may have
non-uniform lengths. The warp yarns of each segment may be
relatively short compared to the warp yarns within the continuous
segment. The warp yarns of each segment may extend only the length
of the respective segment in the weaving (e.g., longitudinal)
direction.
[0022] The tape 102 may comprise a plurality of continuous warp
yarns positioned laterally adjacent each other to form the
continuous segment. A set of warp yarns may be positioned laterally
adjacent to each other and correspond to each segment. The set of
warp yarns positioned laterally adjacent to each other may extend
in a weaving direction parallel to the continuous warp yarns. The
set of warp yarns may be longitudinally spaced apart from one or
more adjacent sets of warp yarns.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows the fastening element 100. As shown in FIG. 2,
adhesive 103 may be applied to the tape 102. The adhesive 103 may
be applied to one side of the tape 102. The adhesive 103 may be
extruded on the tape 102. The adhesive 103 may comprise a bead, a
film, a tape, or a line of adhesive that may be extruded. The
adhesive 103 may be heated, such as to melt. The heated adhesive
103 may be applied to the tape 102. The adhesive 103 may cool and
harden on the tape 102. The adhesive 103 may comprise a liquid
form. The adhesive 103 in the liquid form may be applied to the
tape 102. The liquid adhesive 103 may dry and/or harden on the tape
102.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows the fastening element 100. As shown in FIG. 3,
cut-outs 104 may be formed in the tape 102 of the fastening element
100. The cut-outs 104 may comprise a repeating pattern. The
cut-outs 104 may comprise juxtaposed notches. The juxtaposed
notches may be arranged lengthwise (e.g., longitudinally) along an
edge of the tape 102.
[0025] The cut-outs 104 may be formed by dye-cutting or
laser-cutting the tape 102. The cut-outs 104 may be formed by
knitting the tape 102, such as by warp-knitting the tape. If the
cut-outs 104 are knit, the spaces or gaps between sets of warp
yarns may define the space and shape of the cut-outs 104. The
cut-outs 104 may reduce buckling of the tape 102 as it is bent. The
cut-outs 104 may enable the tapes 102 to be curved in-plane without
buckling or deformation of the tapes 102 out-of-plane.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows the fastening element 100. As shown in FIG. 4,
the fastening element 100 may be bent. The cut-outs 104 may
facilitate the bending of the fastening element 100. The cut-outs
104 may reduce buckling of the tapes 102 as the fastening element
is bent. The cut-outs 104 may enable the tapes 102 to be curved
in-plane without buckling of the tapes 102 out-of-plane. The
fastening element 100 may be bent in a curved shape. The curved
shape may be similar to a curved shape of an edge of a component of
an article.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows the fastening element 100 coupled to panels
105. The panels 105 may each comprise a longitudinal edge 106. The
longitudinal edges 106 may comprise peripheral edges. The
longitudinal edges 106 may be finished. For example, the
longitudinal edges 106 may lack tails. The finished edges 106 may
be configured to maintain structural integrity of the panels 105.
For example, traditional panels that do not have finished edges
and/or have cut-outs may fray or unravel.
[0028] The panels 105 may comprise a first panel 105 positioned
opposite a second panel 105. The panels 105 may comprise respective
portions of a single construct. A first of the panels 105 may
comprise a portion of a first construct and a second of the panels
105 may comprise a portion of a second construct. The first
construct and the second construct may be joined at a seam.
[0029] The panels 105 may each define continuous panel segments.
The panels 105 may each define a plurality of longitudinally
juxtaposed panel segments extending laterally outward from the
continuous panel segment. The continuous panel segment may define a
finished perimeter edge. The continuous panel segment may be
separated from the adjacent panel segment by a gap between
respectively opposed finished perimeter edges.
[0030] The panels 105 may comprise a textile. For example, the
panels 105 may comprise a knitted textile, a woven textile, a
felted textile, or a combination thereof. The panels 105 may
comprise a synthetic material, such as polyester, acrylic, and
nylon. The panels 105 may comprise an organic material, such as
cotton or wool. The panels 105 may comprise a blend of synthetic
and organic materials.
[0031] The fastening element 100 may be bent in a curved shape
corresponding to longitudinal edges 106 of the panels 105. The
tapes 102 of the fastening element may be bonded to the
longitudinal edges 106. The tapes 102 may be bonded to the
longitudinal edges 106 by the adhesive 103. For example, the tapes
102 may be applied to the longitudinal edges 106 such that the
adhesive is in contact with the longitudinal edges 106. The tapes
102 may bond to the longitudinal edges 106 based on the adhesive
drying and/or cooling and hardening. The fastening element 100 may
define a curvilinear gap between the longitudinal edges 106. The
curvilinear gap may extend from a first terminal end of the
longitudinal edges 106 to a second terminal end of the longitudinal
edges 106. The curvilinear gap may vary between the first terminal
end and the second terminal end. The curvilinear gap may define an
inflection point between the first terminal end and the second
terminal end.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows the fastening element 100 coupled to the panels
105. FIG. 6 shows an opposite site of the fastening element 100 and
the panels 105 than the side shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6,
the cut-outs 104 may be bonded to one side of the panels 105. The
cut-outs 104 may not be visible on the other side of the panels
105, such as a side of the panels configured to be in contact with
the body of a wearer of a garment comprising the panels.
[0033] FIG. 7 shows an example fastening element 700. The fastening
element 700 may be similar to the fastening element 100 shown in
FIGS. 1-6. Adhesive may be applied to tape 702 of the fastening
element 700. The fastening element 700 may be bent in a curved
shape corresponding to a shape of edges of panels 705. For example,
as shown in FIG. 7, the curved shape may comprise a bell shape. The
bent fastening element 700 may be bonded to panels 705 with the
adhesive.
[0034] FIG. 8 shows an example fastening element 800. The fastening
element 800 may be similar to the fastening element 100 shown in
FIGS. 1-6. The fastening element may comprise teeth 801. The
fastening element 800 may comprise a slider 807. The slider 807 may
comprise a polymer, a metal, another material, or a combination
thereof. The slider 807 may slidably engage the fastening element
800, such as by slidably engaging the teeth 701 of the fastening
element 800. When the slider 807 is moved in one direction relative
to the teeth 801, the slider 807 may urge the teeth 801 in mating
engagement. When the slider 807 is moved in an opposite direction
relative to the teeth 801, the slider 807 may urge the teeth 801
apart. The fastening element 800 may comprise a stopper 808. The
stopper 808 may be configured to prevent the slider 807 from
disengaging the teeth 801 and/or from separating from the fastening
element 800.
[0035] Adhesive may be applied to tape 802 of the fastening element
800. The fastening element 800 may be bent in a curved shape
corresponding to a shape of edges of panels 805. For example, as
shown in FIG. 8, the curved shape may comprise a circular shape.
The bent fastening element 800 may be bonded to panels 805 with the
adhesive.
[0036] FIG. 9 shows an example fastening element 900. The fastening
element 900 may be similar to the fastening element 100 shown in
FIGS. 1-6. The fastening element 900 may be comprise teeth 901. The
teeth 901 may be coupled to tape 902. The tape 902 may comprise
cut-outs 904. The tape 902 may be bonded to panels 905 of an
article. The tape 902 may be bonded to the panels 905 along
longitudinal edges of the panels 905. For example, FIG. 9 shows the
tape 902 bonded to an underside of the panels 905. As shown in FIG.
9, the fastening element 900 may extend past the panels 905.
[0037] FIG. 10 shows an example method. At step 1010, an adhesive
may be applied to a tape of a fastening element. The fastening
element may be similar to any of the fastening element 100 in FIGS.
1-6, the fastening element 700 in FIG. 7, the fastening element 800
in FIG. 8, or the fastening element 900 in FIG. 9. The fastening
element may comprise teeth. The fastening element may comprise a
slider coupled to the teeth. The fastening element may comprise
tape coupled to the teeth.
[0038] The tape may comprise two sides. The adhesive may be applied
to one side of the tape. The adhesive may be extruded on the tape.
The adhesive may comprise a bead, a film, a tape, or a line of
adhesive that may be extruded. The adhesive may be heated, such as
to melt. The heated adhesive may be applied to the tape. The
adhesive may cool and harden on the tape. The adhesive may comprise
a liquid form. The adhesive in the liquid form may be applied to
the tape. The liquid adhesive may dry and/or harden on the
tape.
[0039] At step 1020, cut-outs may be formed in the tape. The
cut-outs may be formed by dye-cutting or laser-cutting the tape.
The cut-outs may comprise a repeating pattern. The cut-outs may
comprise juxtaposed notches. The juxtaposed notches may be arranged
lengthwise (e.g., longitudinally) along an edge of the tape. The
cut-outs may reduce buckling of the tape as it is bent. The
cut-outs may enable the tape to be curved in-plane without buckling
of the tape out-of-plane.
[0040] At step 1030, the tape may be bent. The tape may be bent in
a curved shape. The curved shape may be similar to a curved shape
of an edge of a component of an article. For example, the tape may
be bent in a shape corresponding to a shape of an edge of a panel
of the article.
[0041] At step 1040, the bent tape may be bonded along an edge of a
panel. The bent tape may be bonded using the adhesive. For example,
the adhesive on the tape may be heated and/or melted. The heated
and/or melted adhesive may be put in contact with the edge of the
panel. The adhesive may cool and/or harden on the edge of the
panel. The panel may comprise a portion of an article. The article
may comprise a garment, such as a jacket, a sweater, a dress,
pants, shorts, a shirt, or a jumpsuit. The article may comprise a
sporting good, such as a tent, a canopy, or a backpack. The article
may comprise a luggage item, such as a suitcase, a purse, a garment
bag, a toiletry bag, or a duffel bag. The article may comprise a
furniture item, such as a chair, a couch, a mattress, or other
furniture having a permanent or removable cover. The article may
comprise footwear, such as boots, sneakers, or sandals. The article
may comprise any article of manufacture that desirably incorporates
a reversibly closeable, curved aperture.
* * * * *