US2834084A - Separable fasteners - Google Patents

Description

May 13, 1958 H. MORlN 2,834,084

SEPARABLE FASTENERS Filed Sept. 27. 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 lIlIllll :p- Mum g mum INVENTOR LOUIS H. MORIN ATTOREEY May 13, 1958 H. MORIN SEPARABLE} FASTENERS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 27, 1951 INVENTOR LOUlS H. MORIN ATTORNE Unite Staes This invention relates to separable fasteners comprising a pair of stringer tapes having scoops arranged along beaded edges of the tapes for coupling and uncoupling the same and, including box and pin end couplings for complete separation of the stringers. More particularly, my invention deals with a scoop having coupling portions which are offset with respect to the mounting end portions, so that the coupling end portion of one scoop interlocks with a pair of scoops on the companion stringer in retaining the stringers against pull apart separation and, further, wherein each scoop has a double interlock with a scoop of a companion stringer in retaining the scoops against lateral separation. Still more particularly, the invention deals with a fastener of the character described, wherein a single chain or stringer can be utilized to form the fastener and, further, wherein the fastener is of a double-action type, in that sliders can be operated in both directions on the stringers in both the coupling and uncoupling operations thereof.

The novel features of the invention will be best understood from the following description, when taken together with the accompanying drawing, in which certain embodiments of the invention are disclosed and, in which, the separate parts are designated by suitable reference characters in each of the views and, in which:

Fig. l is a detailed view of one end portion of a separable fastener, illustrating a box and pin coupling, with part of the construction broken away and in section.

Fig. 2 is a section substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view, similar to Fig. 1, showing only a small section of stringers and a few scoops disposed therein and illustrating a modification.

Fig. 4 is a view, similar to Fig. 3, showing another form of construction.

Fig. 5 is a section substantially on the broken line 55 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the box and pin coupling shown in Fig. 1, with the parts detached and omitting the stringer tapes; and

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view, similar to Fig. 2, but showing only part of the construction.

In Figs. 1, 2, 5 and 6 of the drawing, I have illustrated one adaptation of my invention, in which 10, 10 illustrate part of stringer tapes of a separable fastener, the tapes having beaded edges 11, 11, to which scoops 12, 12' are attached.

Fixed to the bead 11, at one end of the stringer, is a pin member 13 of a box and pin coupling and fixed to the head 11' is the box part, or member 14, of such coupling.

Each scoop 12, 12 is of the same construction. A single stringer can be utilized to form the separable fastener by simply looping the central portion of the stringer and bringing the scoops 12' into meshing engagement with the scoops 12, the position of scoops 12' being then simply inverted.

The scoops have mounting end portions 15, 15' and atentO coupling end portions 16, 16'; the coupling end portions have male coupling heads l7, 17, which are offset with respect to the mounting end portions 15, 15' longitudinally with respect to the beaded edges ll, 11. The heads 17,17 are defined by upper and lower surfaces, which are contracted in the direction of the mounting end portions and are adapted to engage corresponding surfaces of scoops of a companion stringer, as seen at 13, in establishing a locking engagement between opposed scoops to retain the stringers against pull-apart separation. The head of one scoop, for example, the head 17, engages the head 17 of scoops of the companion stringer, as clearly illustrated. Heads 17, 17 extend transversely across the entire width of the scoop, and as is evident, on each head is formed a pair of upper and lower, oppositely disposed, transverse ridges or projections which extend the width of the scoop. inwardly of the heads are female coupling portions comprising recesses 18 and 18" (Fig. 1).

Considering Fig. 2 of the drawing, it will appear that the heads 17, 17 have, at one side thereof, outwardly projecting male coupling portions, or elements, 19, 15?, forming, on the opposed half of the head, recesses or female coupling portions 20, 20. Between the female coupling portions 18', 1%" and the mounting end portions 15, 15', the scoops are provided on one side with male coupling portions, or elements, 21, 21, and, at opposite sides thereof, recesses or female coupling portions 22, 2'2. it will, thus, be seen that, when the scoops are coupled together, the male coupling portions or elements 19, 19 extend into the female coupling portions 22', 22, respectively, and engage the male couplings 21' and 21, respectively, in retaining the scoops against transverse separation. The male and female coupling portions 21, 21'; 22, 22 are offset with respect to the heads 17, 17 in a direction extending longitudinally of the tape bead. Recesses 18 and 18 receive approximately half of the head of an opposed scoop; however, it is apparent that these recesses merge into the larger, adjoining recesses 22, 22, respectively, so that in each scoop the merged recesses extend transversely across the width of the scoop and serve to receive a transverse ridge or projection of a head of an opposed scoop.

With the structure as described, it will be apparent that so far as concerns an interlock against transverse separation, such interlock is formed by opposite pairs of scoops without assistance from adjoining scoops on opposite sides of such interlocked pairs; as regards interlock against pull-apart separation, complete interlocking requires the assistance of scoops adjoining such interlocked pairs; and as regards separation longitudinally of the stringers, the interlocked pairs may or may not require the assistance of adjoining scoops depending upon whether a selected stringer is moved upwardly or downwardly.

It will be apparent, from a consideration of Fig. l of the drawing, that upper and lower surfaces of the male coupling portions 19, 19 are contracted in a direction outwardly of the scoop, as illustrated, for example, at 23 and the walls of the female socket portions 22, 22 are angular, or correspondingly shaped, as seen at 24 to freely receive the portions 19, 19'. This construction facilitates bending of the fastener, rendering the same flexible and also facilitating the coupling engagement between the scoops.

It will also be noted that the wall 25 of the coupling end portion of each scoop, where it joins the mounting end portion, is angularly disposed relatively to the mounting end portion.

The box and pin construction 13 and 14, or part thereof, is shown in section in Fig. 5 .and these box and pin members are shown in perspective in Fig. 6. It will appear that the inner end of the pin 13 has an offset male ass-4,084

coupling portion 26, at one side of which is a recess, or

female coupling portion 27, the latter being adapted to receive the male coupling 19 of the uppermost scoop, as seen in Fig. l of the drawing; whereas, the male coupling portion 26 engages the recess or female coupling portion 20'.

in like manner, the reduced inner end 28 of the box part 14 has, at one side thereof, a male coupling portion 29 and, at the opposite side, a recess or female coupling portion 30, the latter receiving the male coupling portion 21 of the uppermost scoop of Fig. 1; whereas, the male coupling portion 29 enters the female coupling portion 22' of such scoop. This establishes a definite coupling engagement of the end scoop with the pin and box parts 13 and 14. It will also appear that the extension 28 of the box part 14 has a bevelled portion 31 to engage the head 17' of the uppermost scoop. The extension 28 has an elongated recess 32 on its inner surface for reception of a projecting key bar 33 on the pin 13 in retaining these parts against transverse separation. The box part 14 has a conventional socket or recess 34 for reception of the pin member 13.

in Fig. 3 of the draw, 1 have shown a slight modification of the construction shown in Fig. 1, wherein scoops 35, 35' are mounted on tapes 3:), 36. The scoops 35, 3.5 have coupling heads 37, 37', substantially the same as the heads 17, 17 and, instead of employing more or less square shouldered male coupling members, as at 21, 21, coupling members 38, 33 are employed, which have rounded outer ends 39, 39'. This construction will facilitate greater flexibility in bending of the stringer and,

further, ease coupling engagement of the scoops in operation of a slider along the stringers. As the structure of the scoops 35, 35' is otherwise substantially the same as the scoops 12, 12, no further detailed description is deemed to be necessary.

In Fig. 4 of the drawing, I have shown what I term a left and-right hand coupling engagement between scoops of opposed stringers, rather than the one-way engagement, as disclosed in the other figures. In this figure, 40, 40' represents tapes of a separable fastener, on the beaded edges 41, 41 of which are attached what I designate as right handscoops 42, 42 and left hand scoops 43, 43. In other words, in die casting the scoops on the beaded edge of a stringer tape, they are formed in such manner as to provide, first one right hand scoop, then a left hand scoop, etc. along the stringer. As in the preceding modifications, a single stringer can be utilized to form the fastener by looping it at a central portion. Aside from the left and right hand arrangement of scoops, as shown in Fig. 4, the structure of these scoops is the same as that shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the scoop 42, having a head 44, the same as the head 17, a male projecting member 45, similar to the member 19, a socket or female coupling portion 56, similar to the socket 22, and male coupling portion 47, similar to the male coupling portion 21.

Reversed with respect to the scoop =52, the scoop 43 has a head 48, a male coupling portion 49, similar to the coupling portion 45, a socket or female coupling portion 50, similar to the socket 46, and a male coupling '51, similar to the coupling 47. The coupling engagement between the scoops, as shown in Fig. 4, is substantially the same as that shown in Fig. l, greater flexibility being provided by virtue of the alternate left and right arrangement of the scoops on the stringers.

In Fig. 7 of 'the drawing, 1 have shown an enlarged detail coupling engagement between a. pair of opposed scoops, primarily to illustrate an arrangement of the walls orsurfaces 52, 52' of the male coupling elements 19,19 and the walls or surfaces 53, 53' ofthe male coupling portions 21, 21'. It will clearly appear from the showing of Fig. 7 that, when the scoops 15, 15' are coupled together and, in 'the operation of engaging the scoops, th'e' s'u rfac e 52'is spaced or diverges from the surface 53,

and the surface 52 is spaced, or diverges, from the surface 53. These angularly disposed surfaces insure positive meshing or coupling engagement of the scoops. This results is accomplished by moulding the scoops on center lines 54, 54', indicated in dot and dash lines in Fig. 7, so that the respective surfaces 52, 53, 52, 53 will be disposed on the parting line of the dies, or, in other words, in the central, longitudinal planes passing through each scoop at lines 54 and 54. As is apparent, these lines or planes divide the scoops into two dissimilar, longitudinal side portions or halves. The illustration in Fig. 7 is somewhat exaggerated for sake of clarity.

By virtue of the construction of the scoop, in other words, a scoop which is coreless and without undercuts, it is possible to effect a greater saving in its production costs from the standpoint of production of dies. By reason of the shape and contour of the scoops employed, it is practical to cast them by means of dies produced by the technique of powdered metallurgy because the high pressures required to form such dies can be employed to form cavities for the scoops of the kind under consideration. Dies produced from powdered metal and then sintered and then finished are extremely economical, as compared with other methods of die production. Where numerous dies are employed, die cost is a very important factor.

For purposes of description, the mounting portion of the scoop may be said to have a forward end, which projects beyond the tape edge and said forward end consists of a male section 21 on one side and a female section 22 at the opposite side. Further, the coupling portion of the scoop, beyond the said forward end, has at one side a projection 19 and, at the opposite side, a recess 20. The said'coupling portion may also be said to incorporate upper and lower projecting portions, which constitute the head 17; and inwardly thereof are upper and lower surfaces which converge toward the tape edge.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A separable fastener consisting of a pair of stringer tapes carrying scoops, each scoop having a mounting portion with a forward end projecting beyond the tape edge, a coupling portion projecting beyond said forward end of the mounting portion, said forward end consisting of a male section on one side of the scoop and a female section on the opposite side of the scoop, the coupling portion consisting at its forward-end of a recess on said one side of the scoop and, on the said opposite side of the scoop, of a projection, the said male section and projection adapted, respectively, to enter the recess and female section of a. single scoop on the opposite tape and to overlap, respectively, the projection and male section of such single scoop, thereby interlocking each scoop with a single opposite scoop against transverse separation; the scoops of each pair-of said opposed interlocked scoops being in suflicient transverse alinement as to provide 'alined, opposed portions of stringer tape between next adjacent pairs of opposed interlocked scoops, thereby providing increased flexibility to said fastener; each coupling portion also incorporating upper and lower projecting portions, and, inwardly thereof, upper and lower surfaces converging toward the tape edge, the said upper and lower projecting portions and surfaces adapted to overlie, respectively, the corresponding surfaces and upper and lower projecting portions of two scoops on the opposite tape, thereby interlocking the scoops of one tape with two scoops of the opposite tape against longitudinal and pull-apart separation.

. 2. Aseparable fastener of the kind set forth in claim 1 in which-the said female section comprises a recess opening away from the tape and downwardly on'all of the scoops on one of the tapes and opening away from the tape and upwardly on all of the scoops of the other tape. 3. Ion separable fastenercomprisingapair-of stringers assaosa each scoop of whichhas a coupling end portion extending outwardly of the stringer edge, a pin end coupling on one stringer and a box end coupling on the other stringer for detachably receiving said pin to couple said stringers, an extension on said box extending toward the end scoop on the same stringer therewith, and interengaging means on said extension and pin for preventing relative transverse movement therebetween, the improvement wherein said end scoop has a transverse recess in the coupling end portion, an alternately arranged inner projection and inner recess both disposed inwardly of said transverse recess, an alternately arranged outer projection and outer recess both disposed outwardly of said transverse recess, said extension having a projecting portion extending into the transverse recess of said end scoop, said projecting portion having an alternately arranged projection and recess engageable, respectively, With the inner recess and inner projection of said scoop to prevent relative transverse movement in one direction between said scoop and said box, and said pin having an alternately arranged projection and recess engageable, respectively, with the outer recess and outer projection of said end scoop to prevent relative transverse movement between said scoop and said pin in a direction opposite said one direction.

4. In a separable fastener comprising a pair of stringers, a pin end coupling on one stringer and a box end coupling on the other stringer for detachably receiving said pin, an extension on said oox extending toward an end scoop on the same stringer therewith, the improvement wherein said end scoop has a transverse recess, an inner projection and inner recess both disposed inwardly of said transverse recess, an outer projection and outer recess both disposed outwardly of said transverse recess, said extension having a projecting portion extending into the transverse recess of said end scoop, said projecting portion having a projection and recess engageable, respectively, with the inner recess and inner projection of said scoop to prevent relative transverse movement in one direction between said scoop and said box, and said pin having a projection and recess engageable, respectively, with the outer recess and outer projection of said end scoop to prevent relative transverse movement between said scoop and said pin in a direction opposite said one direction.

5. In a separable fastener comprising a pair of stringers each scoop of which is bounded by opposed lateral surfaces extending substantially parallel to the stringer on which said scoop is mounted, each scoop having a mounting end portion on the stringer and a coupling end portion extending from the stringer edge, the coupling end portion of one scoop being engageable by the coupling end portion of a pair of adjacent opposed scoops to provide an interlock against pull-apart separation of the stringers, the improvement wherein the coupling end portion of each scoop has top and bottom surfaces which are spaced in a direction extending longitudinally of the stringer from top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of the mounting end portion, said coupling end portion being joined to the mounting end portion through a wall extending angularly of the mounting end portion, said coupling end portion thus being offset relatively to the mounting end portion in a direction extending longitudinally of the stringer, the coupling end portions of one stringer being offset in a direction opposite that of the coupling end portions of the other stringer; each scoop being divided into two longitudinal side portions by a plane passing centrally and longitudinally through the scoop and extending longitudinally of the stringer, each side portion having a projection and recess spaced longitudinaily of the scoop, each said projection and recess being defined in part by a wall lying in said plane, and said projections and recesses of each scoop of one stringer being engageable with the recesses and projections of a single opposed scoop of the other stringer to provide an interlock against transverse separation of the stringers.

6. The separable fastener of claim 5 in which said plane extends angularly relatively to said opposed lateral surfaces of each scoop and also extendsangularly relatively to the plane of an opposed scoop.

7. In a separable fastener comprising a pair of stringer tapes having scoops mounted thereon to form stringers, each scoop of which is bounded by opposed lateral surfaces extending substantially parallel to the stringer on which said scoop is mounted, each scoop having a mounting end portion on the stringer and a coupling end portion extending from the stringer edge, the coupling end portion of one scoop being engageable by the coupling end portion of a pair of adjacent opposed scoops to provide an interlock against pull-apart separation of the stringers, the improvement wherein the coupling end portion of each scoop has top and bottom surfaces which are spaced in a direction extending longitudinally of the stringer from top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of the mounting end portion, said coupling end portion being joined to the mounting end portion through a wall extending angularly of the mounting end portion, said coupling end'portion thus being offset relatively to the mounting end portion in a direction extending longitudinaily of the stringer, the coupling end portions of one stringer being ofi'set in a direction opposite that of the coupling end portions of the other stringer; each scoop comprising two longitudinal side portions, each side portion having a projection and recess spaced longitudinally of the scoop, and said projections and recesses of each scoop of one stringer being engageable with the recesses and projections of a single opposed scoop of the other stringer to provide an interlock against transverse separation of the stringers.

8. The separable fastener of claim 7 in which the scoops of each pair of opposed coupled scoops are in sufficient transverse alinement as to provide alined, opposed portions of stringer tape between next adjacent pairs of coupled scoops, thereby providing said fastener with increased flexibility.

9. The separable fastener of claim 7 in which said projections and recesses of a scoop of one stringer are oppositely disposed relatively to those of a next adjacent scoop on the same stringer.

10. The separable fastener of claim 7 in which said projections and recesses of a scoop of one stringer have the same disposition relatively to those of a next adjacent scoop on the same stringer.

11. The separable fastener of claim 7 in which one of said recesses of each scoop extends through the entire depth of the coupling end portion of the scoop.

12. The separable fastener of claim 7 in which said recesses of each scoop are longitudinally spaced relatively to the scoop.

13. The separable fastener of claim 12 in which said recesses of each scoop have lateral openings that are oppositely disposed.

14. In a separable fastener comprising a pair of stringers each scoop of which is bounded in part by opposed lateral surfaces extending substantially parallel to the stringer on which said scoop is mounted, said scoops having means thereon for providing an interlock against pull-apart separation of the stringers, the improvement wherein each scoop is divided into two longitudinal side portions by a plane passing centrally and longitudinally through the scoop and extending longitudinally of the stringer, said plane being angularly disposed with respect to said opposed lateral surfaces of the scoop and also with respect to said plane of an opposed scoop, each side portion having a lateral engaging surface which lies in said plane, said engaging surfaces of each scoop of one stringer being engageable with those of an opposed scoop of the other stringer to provide an interlock against transverse separation of the stringers, said engaging surfaces of each scoop of one stringer extending angularly relatively to those of an opposed scoop, thereby to pro- 7 wide a more positive joining engagement between the scoops of said stringers.

1'5. The separable fastener of claim 14 in which said lateral engaging surfaces on each scoop are spaced longitudinally of the scoop.

16. The separable fastener of claim, 14 in which said lateral engaging surfaces of each scoop are 'engageable \with those of a single opposed scoop.

17. A scoop construction for separable fasteners employing stringers, each stringer having a plurality of scoops spaced longitudinally of one edge thereof, each scoop comprising a mounting end portion and a coupling end portion, the coupling end portion having a male coupling head joined to the mounting end portion through a wall extending angularly of the mounting end portion sothat said head is offset with respect to the mounting "end portion, each scoop having inwardly of the head a female coupling portion for reception of the coupling head of a scoop of a companion stringer, thereby to provide an interlock against pull-apart separation of the stringers, the scoop inwardly of said female coupling portion having a male coupling element at one side and a recess at the opposite side, the head of the scoop having "8 at one side thereof an outwardly projecting male coupling element and at theother side thereof arecess, said male coupling element and said recess of said head extending along the entire depth of the coupling end portion, and said 'inale coupling element of the head of onescoop being adapted to engage the first named male coupling element of a single scoop of a companion stringer to provide an interlock against transverse separation of the stringers.

References Cited in'the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,803,106 Freysinger Apr. 28, 1931 2,361,782 -Low Oct. 31, 1944 2,394,211 Silt Feb. 5, 1946 2,460,525 Morin Feb. 1, 1949 2,502,885 Poux Apr. 4, 1950 2,526,600 :Bolten Oct. 17, 1950 2,563,767 Winterhalter Aug. 7, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 41,016 France 1932 583,780 Germany 1933

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