US Patent 7073233 Slide fastener

A slide fastener is provided which has two sliders arranged to be slidable on a pair of interlocking stringers so as to open the fastener when separated and close the fastener when brought together, at least one receiving portion disposed on one of the sliders, at least one latching member disposed on one of the sliders and engageable with the receiving portion. The sliders engage and are separated by deformation of the receiving portion and/or the latching member. The slider body portion is formed separately to the latch body portion so that different materials may be used. A two part slider having a decorative surface body portion, in place of the latch body portion, is also disclosed.