U.S. patent application number 17/012491 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-11 for replaceable closure system for flexible panels.
This patent application is currently assigned to Advanced Composite Structures, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Advanced Composite Structures, LLC. Invention is credited to Thomas R. Pherson.
Application Number | 20210070540 17/012491 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005103506 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210070540 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pherson; Thomas R. |
March 11, 2021 |
Replaceable Closure System for Flexible Panels
Abstract
A zipper closure for a panel includes a holder and a first
zipper. The holder includes an attachment tab, a first wing, and a
second wing. The attachment tab is configured to attach to a panel.
The first wing includes a first securement segment and the second
wing includes a second securement segment that opposes the first
securement segment. The first zipper includes a chain and a zipper
tape. The zipper tape extends in a direction away from the chain
and includes a first surface that has a third securement segment
attached thereto and includes a second surface that is opposite the
first surface and has a fourth securement segment attached thereto.
The fourth securement segment is engaged with the first securement
segment and the third securement segment is engaged with the second
securement segment to releaseably secure the first zipper to the
holder.
Inventors: |
Pherson; Thomas R.; (Daniel
Island, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Advanced Composite Structures, LLC |
Charleston |
SC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Advanced Composite Structures,
LLC
Charleston
SC
|
Family ID: |
1000005103506 |
Appl. No.: |
17/012491 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62896780 |
Sep 6, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 88/14 20130101;
A44B 19/30 20130101; A44B 18/00 20130101; B65D 90/021 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 90/02 20060101
B65D090/02; B65D 88/14 20060101 B65D088/14; A44B 19/30 20060101
A44B019/30; A44B 18/00 20060101 A44B018/00 |
Claims
1. A zipper closure for a panel, the zipper closure comprising: a
holder comprising: an attachment tab configured to attach to a
panel; a first wing extending in a direction away from the
attachment tab, the first wing including a first securement
segment; and a second wing extending in the direction away from the
attachment tab, the second wing including a second securement
segment opposing the first securement segment; and a zipper
comprising: a chain configured to selectively interlock with an
opposing chain of an opposing zipper; a zipper tape extending in a
direction away from the chain, the zipper tape having a first
surface including a third securement segment attached thereto and
having a second surface opposite the first surface including a
fourth securement segment attached thereto, wherein the fourth
securement segment is engaged with the first securement segment and
the third securement segment is engaged with the second engagement
segment to releaseably secure the zipper to the holder.
2. The zipper closure according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second securement segments include a first part of a two-part
fastening system and the third and fourth securement segments
include a second part of the two-part fastening system.
3. The zipper closure according to claim 2, wherein the first part
is a plurality of hooks and the second part is a plurality of
loops.
4. The zipper closure according to claim 2, wherein the first part
is a plurality of mushroom hooks and the second part is a plurality
of loops.
5. The zipper closure according to claim 1, wherein the holder is
formed of a continuous fabric element.
6. The zipper closure according to claim 1, wherein the holder
includes a continuous first securement strip, the first securement
strip comprising the first and second securement segments.
7. The zipper closure according to claim 6, wherein the first
securement segment is attached to the first wing and the second
securement segment is attached to the second wing, the first
securement strip including a central securement segment between the
first and second securement segments.
8. The zipper closure according to claim 6, wherein the first
securement segment folds over an end of the zipper tape.
9. The zipper closure according to claim 1, wherein the zipper
includes a continuous second securement strip, the second
securement strip comprising the third and fourth securement
segments.
10. The zipper closure according to claim 9, wherein the second
securement strip includes a central securement segment between the
third and fourth securement segments.
11. The zipper closure according to claim 9, wherein the second
securement strip folds over an end of the zipper tape.
12. A cargo container comprising: a plurality of panels defining a
cargo opening: a curtain having a closed configuration in which the
curtain closes the cargo opening and an open configuration in which
an interior of the cargo container can be accessed through the
cargo opening; and a zipper closure having a closed configuration
corresponding to the closed configuration of the curtain, the
zipper closure comprising: a holder comprising: an attachment tab
attached to a first edge of the curtain; a first wing extending in
a direction away from the first edge of the curtain, the first wing
including a first securement segment; and a second wing extending
in the direction away from the first edge of the curtain, the
second wing including a second securement segment opposing the
first securement segment; and a first zipper comprising: a first
chain configured to selectively interlock with a second chain of a
second zipper; a first zipper tape extending in a direction away
from the first chain, the first zipper tape having a first surface
including a third securement segment attached thereto and having a
second surface opposite the first surface including a fourth
securement segment attached thereto, wherein the fourth securement
segment is engaged with the first securement segment and the third
securement segment is engaged with the second engagement segment to
releaseably secure the first zipper to the first edge of the
curtain.
13. The cargo container according to claim 12, wherein the curtain
includes a flexible panel and a side strip, the first edge
extending along the flexible panel and in opposition to a second
edge of the side strip.
14. The cargo container according to claim 13, wherein the zipper
closure comprises a second zipper including a second chain and a
second zipper tape, the second chain configured to selectively
interlock with the first chain of the first zipper, the second
zipper tape extending in a direction away from the second chain
towards the second edge of the side strip.
15. The cargo container according to claim 14, wherein the second
zipper tape is secured to the second edge of the side strip.
16. A zipper closure for a flexible panel, the zipper closure
comprising: a holder configured to attach to a flexible panel, the
holder including a first wing and a second wing, the first wing
including a first securement surface and the second wing including
a second securement surface in opposition to the first securement
surface; and a zipper comprising: a chain configured to selectively
interlock with an opposing chain of an opposing zipper; and a
zipper tape extending in a direction away from the chain, the
zipper tape having a third securement surface and a fourth
securement surface opposite the third securement surface, the
zipper tape disposed between the first wing and the second wing of
the holder such that the third securement surface is releaseably
engaged with the first engagement surface and the fourth securement
surface is releaseably engaged with the second engagement
surface.
17. The zipper closure according to claim 16, wherein the first and
second securement surfaces include a first part of a two-part
fastening system and the third and fourth securement surfaces
include a second part of the two-part fastening system.
18. The zipper closure according to claim 17, wherein the first
part is a plurality of hooks and the second part is a plurality of
loops.
19. The zipper closure according to claim 17, wherein the first
part is a plurality of mushroom hooks and the second part is a
plurality of loops.
20. The zipper closure according to claim 16, wherein the first and
second wings fold over the zipper tape such that the zipper tape is
tacoed within the holder.
21.-23. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to,
U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/896,780, filed Sep. 6, 2019,
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of
transportation, and, more particularly, to cargo containers for
aircraft. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a
replaceable closure system for flexible panels of such
containers.
2. Discussion of Related Art
[0003] Cargo is typically transported in containers such as Unit
Load Devices (ULDs), which are stowed in cargo holds either below
the deck of passenger aircraft or below and above the deck in
transport aircraft. The size and shape of ULDs vary depending upon
the type of aircraft in use. Typically, and regardless of the shape
or geometry of the container, one end or side of the cargo
container is open for loading and unloading cargo. Various door
closures have been used for opening and closing the open ends of
such containers. One type of closure has been a rigid door closure
that covers the opening to reduce tampering, to prevent the loss of
small items, and to prevent the cargo from being exposed to dirt,
moisture, and ultraviolet light. Another type of closure includes a
fabric closure or curtain. In all aircraft, the gross weight of the
airplane is a substantial factor, because of the cost of fuel. Even
a slight reduction in weight is significant, therefore fabric doors
are often preferred.
[0004] Curtain closures for air cargo containers serve several
purposes. Primarily, closures keep cargo contained inside of an air
cargo container and minimize the unwanted intrusion into the air
cargo container. Improvements have been made in curtain closures to
increase their strength using high tenacity fibers to form the
curtains. These curtains have had the effect of lowering
maintenance costs because the curtains having high tenacity fibers
may resist damage from the rough handing common to air cargo
containers. Particularly, sliding cargo within the container is
unlikely to puncture the high tenacity curtains. Further, curtains
made from high tenacity fibers can resist puncture from cargo
handling equipment such as fork lifts.
[0005] To further increase performance and reduce wear on the
curtains, curtains for air cargo containers have been coated,
laminated or impregnated with materials such as ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA) to render the fabric curtains substantially
waterproof and more highly resistant to oils, gasoline, and other
chemicals that may be present in an airport or other shipping
environment. Even still, further advances in performance can be
made.
[0006] One closure system for fabric doors is a zipper extending
along opposing edges of the fabric door. Typically, a tape width of
the zipper is sewn along the edge of the fabric door with a chain
of the zipper extending from the edge of the fabric door. This
configuration allows the chain of the zipper to flex with the
fabric door and secure to an opposing chain of the zipper to secure
the edge of the fabric door to an opposing edge of the fabric door.
In the event that the chain of the zipper is damaged, the tape
width of the zipper must be unsewn to be removed from the fabric
door and a new zipper installed by sewing a tape width of the new
zipper to the edge of the fabric door. The process of unsewing the
tape width and sewing a new tape width to the edge of the fabric
door is tedious and time consuming.
[0007] There is a continuing need for improved systems that allow a
zipper along an edge of a flexible door or panel to be
replaced.
SUMMARY
[0008] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a zipper closure
for a panel includes a holder and a first zipper. The holder
includes an attachment tab, a first wing, and a second wing. The
attachment tab is configured to attach to a panel. The first wing
extends in a direction away from the attachment tab and includes a
first securement segment. The second wing extends in a direction
away from the attachment tab and includes a second securement
segment that opposes the first securement segment. The first zipper
includes a chain and a zipper tape. The chain is configured to
selectively interlock with an opposing chain of an opposing zipper.
The zipper tape extends in a direction away from the chain and
includes a first surface that has a third securement segment
attached thereto and includes a second surface that is opposite the
first surface that has a fourth securement segment attached
thereto. The fourth securement segment is engaged with the first
securement segment and the third securement segment is engaged with
the second securement segment to releaseably secure the first
zipper to the holder.
[0009] In embodiment, the first and second securement segments
include a first part of a two-part fastening system and the third
and fourth securement segments include a second part of the
two-part fastening system. The first part may be a plurality of
hooks and the second part may be a plurality of loops. The first
part may be a plurality of mushroom hooks.
[0010] In some embodiments, the holder is formed of a continuous
fabric element. The holder may include a continuous first
securement strip that includes the first and second securement
segments. The first securement segment may be attached to the first
wing and the second securement may be attached to the second wing.
The first securement strip may include a central securement segment
between the first and second securement segments. The first
securement segment may fold over and end of the zipper tape.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the first zipper includes a
continuous second securement strip that includes the third and
fourth securement segments. The second securement strip may include
a central securement segment between the third and fourth
securement segments. The second securement strip may fold over and
end of the zipper tape.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a cargo
container includes a plurality of panels, a curtain, and a zipper
closure. The plurality of panels define a cargo opening and the
curtain has a closed configuration in which the curtain closes the
cargo opening and an open configuration in which an interior of the
cargo contain can be accessed through the cargo opening. The zipper
closure has a closed configuration that corresponds to the closed
configuration of the curtain and includes a holder and a first
zipper. The holder includes an attachment tab that is attached to a
first edge of the curtain. The first wing extends in a direction
away from the first edge of the curtain and includes a first
securement segment. The second wing extends in the direction away
from the first edge of the curtain and includes a second securement
segment that opposes the first securement segment. The first zipper
includes a first chain and a first zipper tape. The first chain is
configured to selectively interlock with a second chain of a second
zipper. The first zipper tape extends in a direction away from the
first chain and has a first surface that includes a third segment
attached thereto and has a second surface opposite the first
surface that includes a fourth securement segment attached thereto.
The fourth securement segment is engaged with the first securement
segment and the third securement segment is engaged with the second
engagement segment to releaseably secure the first zipper to the
first edge of the curtain.
[0013] In embodiments, the curtain includes a flexible panel and a
side strip. The first edge may extend along the flexible panel in
opposition to a second edge of the side strip. The zipper closure
may include a second zipper having a second chain and a second
zipper tape. The second chain may be configured to selective
interlock with the first chain of the first zipper. The second
zipper tape may extend in a direction away from the second chain
and toward the second edge of the side strip. The second zipper
tape may be secured to the second edge of the side strip.
[0014] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a zipper
closure for a flexible panel includes a holder and a zipper. The
holder is configured to attached to a flexible panel and includes a
first wing and a second wing. The first wing includes a first
securement surface that opposes a second securement surface of the
second wing. The zipper includes a chain and a zipper tape. The
chain is configured to selectively interlock with an opposing chain
of an opposing zipper. The zipper tape extends in a direction away
from the chain and includes a third securement surface and a fourth
securement surface opposite the third securement surface. The
zipper tap is disposed between the first wing and the second wing
of the holder such that the third securement surface is releaseably
engaged with the first engagement surface and the fourth securement
surface is releaseably engaged with the second engagement surface.
The first and second wings may be folded over the zipper tape such
that the zipper tape may be tacoed within the holder.
[0015] In embodiments, the first and second securement surfaces
include a first part of a two-part fastening system and the third
and fourth securement surfaces include a second part of the
two-part fastening system. The first part may be a plurality of
hooks and the second part may be a plurality of loops.
Alternatively, the first part may be a plurality of mushroom hooks
and the second part may be a plurality of loops. The zipper may be
removable from the holder when the holder is attached to the
flexible panel.
[0016] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of
replacing a zipper of a cargo container includes removing a first
zipper from a holder and securing a second zipper within the
holder. Removing the first zipper from the holder may include
peeling a first wing of the holder from a first side of a zipper
tape of the first zipper to disengage a first part of a two-part
fastener that is attached to the first wing from a second part of
the two-part fastener that is attached to the first side of the
zipper tape. Removing the first zipper also includes peeling a
second wing of the holder from a second side of the zipper tape of
the first zipper that is opposite the first side to disengage a
first part of the two-part fastener that is attached to the second
wing from a second part of the two-part fastener attached to the
second side of the zipper tape. Securing the second zipper includes
engaging a second part of the two-part fastener that is attached to
a third side of a zipper tape of the second zipper with the first
part of the two-part fastener that is attached to the second wing
and engaging a second part of the two-part fastener that is
attached to a fourth side of the zipper tape of the second zipper
with the first part of the two-part fastener that is attached to
the first wing of the holder. The fourth side of the zipper tape of
the second zipper opposes the third side of the zipper tape of the
second zipper.
[0017] In embodiments, the method includes removing the first
zipper from the holder and securing the second zipper within the
holder includes the holder being attached to a flexible panel that
is configured to close a cargo opening of the cargo container.
Removing may further include separating a first chain of the first
zipper from an opposing chain of an opposing zipper and securing
may include interlocking a second chain of the second zipper with
the opposing chain of the opposing zipper.
[0018] Further, to the extent consistent, any of the aspects
described herein may be used in conjunction with any or all of the
other aspects described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described
hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, which are incorporated
in and constitute a part of this specification, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cargo container including
an embodiment of a zipper closure provided in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cargo
container of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the zipper closure of FIG. 1
with a zipper of the zipper closure secured within a holder of the
zipper closure;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken along the section line 4-4
of FIG. 3;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the zipper closure of FIG. 3
with a wing of the holder disengaged from the zipper;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the zipper of FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a cross-section taken along the section line 7-7
of FIG. 6;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the holder of FIG. 3;
and
[0028] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method of replacing a zipper in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The present disclosure will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to example embodiments thereof with
reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals
designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the
several views. These example embodiments are described so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Features from
one embodiment or aspect can be combined with features from any
other embodiment or aspect in any appropriate combination. For
example, any individual or collective features of method aspects or
embodiments can be applied to apparatus, product, or component
aspects or embodiments and vice versa. The disclosure may be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy
applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and the like
include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. In addition, while reference may be made herein to
quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships or the like,
unless otherwise stated, any one or more if not all of these may be
absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations that
may occur, such as those due to manufacturing or engineering
tolerances or the like.
[0030] As used in the description and the appended claims, the
phrase "unit load devices (ULDs)" also known as "air cargo
containers," is defined as containers used to load luggage,
freight, mail, and the like on wide-body aircraft and some specific
narrow-body aircraft.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, an air cargo container or ULD or
simply container 100 includes a zipper closure system 10 provided
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The
container 100 may include a frame 102 presenting a generally
rectangular shape with an offset designed to more closely follow
the outline of the lower half of an aircraft. The container 100 may
further include a cargo opening defined by a portion of the frame
102. The frame 102 may be formed from any substantially rigid
material, such as aluminum, steel, composites, temperature
resistant plastics, and other metals and non-metals.
[0032] The frame 102 may support a plurality of panels 104 forming
the walls, and optionally the roof and floor of the container 100.
In some embodiments, the panels 104 may be constructed together
such that a separate frame may be eliminated. The panels 104 may be
a composite panel for at least their lightweight, thermal
insulating, and high strength characteristics. Alternatively, the
panels 104 may also include aluminum, aluminum/Lexan composite,
webs, fabrics, or some other lightweight material. The cargo
opening may be substantially sealed, and selectively closed, by a
door, referred to herein as a curtain 106, to reflect the flexible
nature of doors according to the present disclosure. The curtain
106 includes a center panel 107 and a side strip 108 with the
zipper closure system 10 in between. The zipper closure system 10
is configured to selectively secure the center panel 107 and the
side strip 108 together to secure the curtain 106 in a closed
configuration as shown in FIG. 1. For additional detail of
exemplary cargo containers and curtains that do not include the
zipper closure system 10 that is the subject of this disclosure,
reference may be made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,755,232; 7,311,216;
7,828,029; 9,174,796; and 9,834,374 and U.S. Patent Publication No.
2017/0096295, with the entire contents of each of these disclosures
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 2, the zipper closure system 10
includes a first zipper 20, a second zipper 30, and a slider 40.
The first zipper 20 is secured to an edge of the center panel 107
of the curtain 106 and the second zipper 30 is secured to the side
strip 108 of the curtain 106. The slider 40 is configured to
translate between the first and second zippers 20, 30 to interlock
or separate a first chain 24 of the first zipper 20 with a second
chain 34 of the second zipper 30. When the first chain 24 is
interlocked with the second chain 34, the zipper closure system 10
is in a closed configuration in which the edge of the center panel
107 is secured to the side strip 108 along substantially the entire
length thereof. When the first chain 24 is separated from the
second chain 34, the zipper closure system 10 is in an open
configuration in which the edge of the center panel 107 is free
from the side strip 108 allowing access to an interior of the cargo
container 100 through the cargo opening thereof.
[0034] While the zipper closure system 10 is shown between the
center panel 107 and the side strip 108, the zipper closure system
10 may be positioned anywhere along a flexible panel. For example,
the zipper closure system 10 may extend from a top center to a
bottom center of a flexible panel with open edges of the flexible
panel forming a T-shape. Such a T-shaped opening is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,479,801 and 9,174,797, with the entire contents of
each of these disclosures hereby incorporated by reference.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the zipper closure system 10
includes a holder 50 that is secured to the center panel 107 and
that is configured to releaseably secure the first zipper 20
therein. The holder 50 includes the attachment tab 52, a first or
outside wing 54, a second or inside wing 56, and a first securement
strip 58. The terms "inside" and "outside" as used herein are
relative terms referring to an inside or outside of the cargo
container 100 (FIG. 1) when the curtain 106 (FIG. 1) is in the
closed configuration.
[0036] The attachment tab 52 extends away from the first zipper 20
in a direction towards the edge of the center panel 107 and is
attached to the edge of the center panel 107 that is adjacent the
side strip 108 (FIG. 2). The attachment tab 52 maybe sewn to the
edge of the center panel 107 to attach the holder 50 to the center
panel 107. In some embodiments, the holder 50 can be replaced by
unsewing the attachment tab 52 and sewing a new holder to the edge
of the center panel 107. In certain embodiments, the attachment tab
52 may be welded to the edge of the center panel 107. In particular
embodiments, the holder 50 may be integrally formed with the center
panel 107.
[0037] The attachment tab 52, outside wing 54, and inside wing 56
may be formed from a single piece of material that is folded over
and sewn along the attachment tab 52 to form the holder 50. In some
embodiments, the holder 50 is formed from two pieces of material
that are sewn together along the attachment tab 52 to attach the
two pieces together to form the holder 50. In particular
embodiments when the holder 50 is formed from two pieces, the two
pieces are sewn together with an edge of the center panel 107
disposed between the two pieces such that the center panel 107 is
sandwiched between the two pieces of fabric forming the attachment
tab 52. In some embodiments, the attachment tab 52 may be formed of
one or two pieces of fabric and the each of the wings 54, 56 may be
formed of a single piece of fabric or each be formed of a piece of
fabric with the attachment tab 52 sewn to the wings 54, 56 to
attach the attachment tab 52 to the wings 54, 56 to form the holder
50.
[0038] The outside wing 54 and the inside wing 56 each extend away
from the attachment tab 52 in a direction away from the center
panel 107 and towards the side strip 108 with an inside surface 54a
of the outside wing 54 opposing an outside surface 56b of the
inside wing 56. The inside surface 54a of the outside wing 54
includes a first segment 58a of the first securement strip 58 and
the outside surface 56b of the inside wing 56 includes a second
segment 58b of the securement strip 58. The first and second
segments 58a, 58b may be attached to the respective surface, e.g.,
inside surface 54a or outside surface 56b, by mechanical means such
as sewing or using fasteners or by adhesion such as chemical
adhesives or welding, e.g., ultrasonic welding. The first and
second segments 58a, 58b may each be one part of a hook and loop
fastening system with each of the first and second segments 58a,
58b being the same part, e.g., hooks or loops, such that the first
and second segments 58a, 58b do not securely engage one another. As
shown, the first and second segments 58a, 58b are both part of the
continuous first securement strip 58 that is folded adjacent the
attachment tab 52 and attached to the inside surface 54a and the
outside surface 56b. A central segment of the first securement
strip 58 between the first and second segments 58a, 58b may not be
attached to either of the first or second wings 54, 56. In some
embodiments, the first and second segments 58a, 58b may be separate
securement strips that are each attached to a respective surface,
e.g., inside surface 54a or outside surface 56b.
[0039] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first zipper 20
includes a first zipper tape 22, a first zipper chain 24, and a
second securement strip 28. The first zipper tape 22 is a flexible
fabric that extends from the first zipper chain 24 in a direction
towards the center panel 107 (FIG. 2). The first zipper chain 28
opposes the second zipper 30 (FIG. 2) and is configured to
selectively interlock with a second zipper chain 38 of the second
zipper 30 to selectively close the zipper closure system 10. The
second securement strip 28 has a third or inside segment 28a and a
fourth or outside segment 28b. The second securement strip 28 is
folded over or tacos an end of the first zipper tape 22 opposite
the zipper chain 24 with the third segment 28a attached to an
inside surface 22a of the first zipper tape 22 and the fourth
segment 28b attached to an outside surface 22b of the first zipper
tape 22. The third and fourth segments 28a, 28b may be attached to
the respective surface, e.g., inside surface 22a or outside surface
22b, by mechanical means such as sewing or using fasteners or by
adhesion such as chemical adhesives or welding, e.g., ultrasonic
welding. The third and fourth segments 28a, 28b may each be one
part of a hook and loop fastening system with each of the third and
fourth segments 28a, 28b being the same part, e.g., hooks or loops,
and opposite the part of the first and second segments 58a, 58b
such that the third and fourth segments 28a, 28b each securely
engage one of the first or second segments 58a, 58b. As shown, the
third and fourth segments 28a, 28b are both part of the continuous
second securement strip 28 that is folded over the first zipper
tape 22 and is attached to the inside surface 22a and the outside
surface 22b thereof. A central segment of the second securement
strip 28 between the third and fourth segments 28a, 28b may not be
attached to the first zipper tab 22. In some embodiments, the third
and fourth segments 28a, 28b may be separate securement strips that
are each attached to a respective surface of the first zipper tape
22, e.g., inside surface 22a or outside surface 22b.
[0040] The first and second securement strips 58, 28 form a
two-part fastening system. For example, the first securement strip
58 may include a plurality of hooks and the second securement strip
28 may include a plurality of loops such that when a segment of the
first securement strip 58, e.g., first or second segment 58a, 58b,
engages a segment of the second securement strip 28, e.g., third or
fourth segment 28a, 28b, the segments of the first and second
securement strips 58, 28 are secured to one another. The two-part
fastening system formed by the first and second securement strips
58, 28 may an industrial strength fastening system that is
configured to provide significant resistance to separating segments
once the segments are engaged with one another. The plurality of
hooks may be a high-shear, semi-permanent hook configuration. The
plurality of hooks may be required to carry high loads put on the
curtain 106 as a result of shifting loads within the container 100.
The semi-permanent hook configuration may minimize separation
during use and may discourage unauthorized removal, e.g., in
response to theft or vandalism. For example, the plurality of hooks
may be a plurality of mushroom hooks that provide a high peel
strength and a high sheer strength. In embodiments, the plurality
of hooks may be Velcro.RTM. 87S supplied by Velcro.RTM. or Mushroom
Hook supplied by Paiho North America and the plurality of loops may
be Velcro.RTM. 1000.
[0041] As shown, the first securement strip 58 is folded or tacos
the second securement strip 28 such that the first securement strip
58 engages both the inside, third segment 28a and the outside,
fourth segment 28b of the second securement strip 28. By engaging
both the third and fourth segments 28a, 28b, a strength of the
engagement between the first and second securement strips 58, 28 is
greater than a strength of engagement between a single segment of
each of the first and second securement strips 58, 28 for the same
length. For example, a peel strength of the first and second
securement strips 58, 28 may be greater than 2 lb./linear inch or
greater than 3 lb./linear inch and a shear strength of the first
and second securement strips 58, 28 may be greater than 20 or
greater than 40 lb./in'. In addition, by engaging both inside, the
third segment 28a and the outside, fourth segment 28b of the second
securement strip 28 reduces the likelihood of unintended separation
between the first and second securement strips 58, 28, e.g., by
pulling the center panel 107 outward when the zipper closure system
10 is in a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 2.
[0042] In use of cargo containers, e.g., cargo container 100,
zipper closure systems, e.g., zipper closure system 10, can be used
to close and/or seal the open end of the cargo containers by
securing panels, e.g., center panel 100, in a closed configuration.
However, during loading and unloading of the cargo container into a
vehicle and during loading and unloading of the cargo container
itself, the cargo container or components thereof may become
damaged. For example, a forklift may hit a cargo container or a
cargo container may be dropped. When a cargo container is damaged,
parts of the cargo container may require replacement before the
cargo container is returned to service. Previously, when a zipper
of a zipper closure system was damaged, the zipper would need to be
unsewn and resewn to replace the zipper. The process of un-sewing
and sewing a zipper to a panel is time consuming and costly.
Further, the downtime of the cargo container can also be costly,
cause a delay to flight if a replacement cargo container is not
readily available, or cause a shipment to miss a flight.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 9, a method of replacing a zipper of a
cargo container 700 is disclosed in accordance with the present
disclosure with reference to the cargo container 100 and the zipper
closure system 10 of FIGS. 1-8. The method 700 allows for quick
replacement of a zipper of a cargo container without requiring
unsewing and resewing of a new zipper. The zipper closure system 10
may allow for at least five replacements of a zipper over the life
of a container or curtain without replacing the first securement
strip 58. In addition, the method 700 can be accomplished without
additional equipment, e.g., a sewing machine. For these reasons,
the method 700 may reduce costs associated with replacing a zipper
of a cargo container and/or reduce repair time required to replace
a zipper of a cargo container.
[0044] Initially, a center panel 107 of the cargo container 100
with a damage zipper, e.g., first zipper 20, is in the closed
configuration with slide 40 of the zipper closure system 10
adjacent a bottom edge of the cargo container 100. The slide 40 may
be slid along the first zipper 20 to an upper edge of the cargo
container 100 to separate the first zipper 20 from the second
zipper 30 or the slide 40 may remain in adjacent the bottom edge of
the cargo container 100 while the first zipper 20 is released from
the center panel 107.
[0045] The first zipper 20 is released from the center panel 107 by
removing the first zipper 20 from the holder 50. To remove the
first zipper 20 from the holder 50, the first wing 54 is separated
from the zipper tape 22 by peeling the first segment 58a of the
first securement strip 58 from the fourth segment 28b of the second
securement strip 28 as shown in FIG. 5 (Step 710). To remove the
first zipper 20 from the holder 50, the second wing 56 must also be
separated from the zipper tape 22 by peeling the second segment 58b
of the first securement strip 58 from the third segment 28a of the
second securement strip 28 to separate the second wing 56 from the
zipper tape 22 (Step 720). Peeling the first segment 58a from the
fourth segment 28b (Step 710) and peeling the second segment 58b
from the third segment 28a (Step 720) can occur in any order or
simultaneously. However, the engagement strength between the first
and second securement strips 58, 28 and/or the tacoed geometry of
the first and second securement strips 58, 28 may make sequentially
peeling the segments more practical than simultaneously peeling the
segments. In addition, a tool (not shown) can be used to assist in
peeling the segments from one another. For example, the tool may be
a thin, flat piece of rigid plastic that is slid between the engage
segments, e.g., between the first segment 58a and the fourth
segment 28b, to separate the segments from one another and prevent
the segments from re-engaging one another.
[0046] With the first and second securement strips 58, 28 are
separated from one another, the zipper tape 22 is separated from
the holder 50 and the center panel 107 of the curtain 106. With the
zipper tape 22 separated from the holder 50, the first zipper 20
can be removed from the curtain 106 (Step 730). If the zipper tape
22 is separated from the holder 50 and the first chain 24 of the
first zipper 20 is interlocked with the second chain 34 of the
second zipper 30, the slider 40 is slid to the top edge of the
cargo container 100 until the first chain 24 is separated from the
second chain 34.
[0047] With the first zipper 20 removed from the curtain 106, a new
zipper can be secured to the holder 50 to replace the first zipper
20. The new zipper (referred to for the remainder of the
description of the method 700 as the first zipper 20 for
consistency with the figures) is secured to the holder 50 by
engaging the first and second securement strips 58, 28 with one
another. Specifically, the zipper tape 22 of the first zipper 20 is
positioned adjacent the holder 50. The zipper tape 22 may be
trimmed to shorten the first zipper 20 to a length of the holder
50. By having replacement zippers that are trimmable, may allow for
a reduced number of inventory parts at a repair facility to
accommodate a wide range of cargo containers. The reduced inventory
parts may reduce an overall number of parts in inventory and repair
costs.
[0048] With the zipper tape 22 trimmed to a desired length and the
zipper tape 22 positioned adjacent the holder 50, the third segment
28a of the zipper tape 22 is engaged with the second segment 58b of
the second wing 56 (Step 740). With the third segment 28a engaged
with the second segment 58b, the first wing 54 is folded over the
zipper tape 22 to engage the first segment 58a of the first wing 54
with the fourth segment 28b of the zipper tape 22 (Step 750). The
outer surface 54b of the first wing 54 and the inner surface 56a of
the second wing 56 may be pushed together to with the zipper tape
22 therebetween to ensure the first securement strip 58 is engaged
with the second securement strip 28. When the first and second
securement strips 58, 28 are engaged with one another, the first
zipper 20 is secured to the edge of the center panel 107.
[0049] With the first zipper 20 secured to the edge of the center
panel 107, the first chain 24 of the first zipper 20 is interlocked
with the second chain 34 of the second zipper 30 (Step 760). The
slide 40 may be used to interlock the first and second chains 24,
34 with one another. In some embodiments, the first zipper 20
includes an insertion pin (not shown) and the second zipper 30
includes a pin box (not shown) adjacent the top edge of the
container 100 to align the first and second sippers 20, 30 with one
another. In some embodiments, the first and second zippers 20, 30
are interlocked with one another (Step 760) before the zipper tape
22 is secured within the holder 50 (Steps 740 & 750).
Interlocking the first and second zippers 20, 30 with one another
before securing the zipper tape 22 within the holder 50 may assist
in alignment of the zipper tape 22 with the holder 50.
[0050] In the event the second zipper 30 is damaged, the second
zipper 30 may be replaced as detailed below. While not discussed in
detail herein, the second zipper 30 may be secured to an edge of
the side strip 108 of the curtain 106 in a similar manner to the
securement of the first zipper 20 to the edge of the center panel
107. This may be preferred when the side strip 108 has a width and
is substantially flexible. In such embodiments, the method 700
detailed above may be used to replace the second zipper 30.
[0051] In certain embodiments similar to the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the side strip 108 is narrow and does not require
substantial flexibility, e.g., the side strip 108 is not required
to fold or roll to provide access to the interior of the cargo
container 100. In such embodiments, the second zipper 30 may be
releaseably secured to the side strip 108 by a substantially rigid
rod sewn into or received within a second zipper tape 32 of the
second zipper 30. The rigid rod is received within a channel of the
side strip 108 to secure the second zipper tape 32 to the edge of
the side strip 108. The channel 108 may be a substantially rigid
channel that is secured to the edge of the side strip 108 with a
slot to allow the second zipper tape 32 to extend from within the
channel. The substantially rigid rod and the substantially rigid
channel may be formed of plastic or metal. In some embodiments, the
rigid channel may be part of the frame 102 of the cargo container
100. This arrangement may allow for a damaged second zipper 30 to
slide out of the channel and a new zipper to slide into the channel
to replace the damaged second zipper 30.
[0052] While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown
in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited
thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope
as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.
Any combination of the above embodiments is also envisioned and is
within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the above
description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as
exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the
art will envision other modifications within the scope of the
claims appended hereto.
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