Zipper chain and zipper chain tape

Abstract

The fitting space portion (44) is formed so as to accommodate the connecting portions (43) of the adjacent zipper teeth (40) installed on the opposite zipper tape of the slide fastener (10) in the closed state of the slide fastener (10), and a plurality of cord engaging protrusions (47, 48, 49) extending toward the opposite leg portions (42) are provided in each leg portion (42), and the leg portions (42) have a length direction thickness (T42) greater than a length direction thickness (T50) of the root portions (50).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a zipper in general. More specifically, the present application relates to an improved zipper element and a zipper element tape composed of a row of such zipper elements. BACKGROUND

[0002] As is well known, a zipper has a pair of tapes arranged flat. The pair of tapes has inner side opposite edges for mounting a cord, and a zipper element (or tooth) is mounted to the cord and the inner side edges of the tapes. If a puller is operated to bring the inner side edges close to each other, the zipper elements engage with each other. The tape thus mounted with the zipper elements is called a zipper element tape. A member composed of two zipper element tapes is called a chain tape. A zipper generally has a chain tape and at least one puller. In many cases, a top stop, a bottom stop, or both are mounted to the chain tape. In opening and closing the zipper, usually, a pull ring connected to the puller is held and the puller is pulled forward or backward. Thereby, the zipper is closed or opened in accordance with the direction of movement of the puller.

[0003] The present application relates to, for example, a metal or metal alloy zipper element. There are mainly known several techniques in the manufacture of metal zipper elements. According to a first technique, a zipper element is cut from a wire. As another method, the basic shape of a zipper element can also be manufactured by press working. These two techniques provide a method in which a zipper element is substantially manufactured in a U shape or a Y shape, and is clamped to the edge portions of a cord and a tape. A third manufacturing method is to directly injection-mold a metal zipper element to a tape as described in, for example, CN2527131Y. A fourth manufacturing method provides a method in which a metal or resin zipper element is initially produced by die casting or injection molding, and the zipper element is clamped to the edge portions of a cord and a tape.

[0004] The initial shape of a zipper element is obtained in the process of molding and / or cutting, and thereafter, the leg portions of the zipper element are deformed to be mounted to a tape.

[0005] In the industry of zippers, it is required to perform decoration on at least the visible surface of a metal zipper element. However, in the manufacturing processes constituting the first technique, the second technique, and the third technique, it is difficult to perform many decorative surfaces.

[0006] In addition, in the operation of clamping a zipper element to a cord and a tape, particularly, a zipper element obtained by die casting has a high possibility of generating one or more cracks on the outer surface of the zipper element, and there is a possibility that the cracks are visible on any decoration. SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] The present application provides an improved metal zipper chain that can be clamped to a tape in the case where a decoration is implemented on the surface of a chain that is visible when the zipper is normally used. The same applies even to a chain that is made by die casting using the basic shape of a zipper chain. In particular, the present application provides an improved metal zipper chain that makes it easy to implement a decoration.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] The above object of the present application is achieved by the following structure.

[0011] [1] A zipper chain (40) that is a zipper chain (40) for a zipper (10), wherein

[0012] The zipper chain (40) is made of metal,

[0013] The zipper chain (40) has:

[0014] a head portion (41) having at least two sides opposite in a length direction;

[0015] two leg portions (42) that are two leg portions (42) that branch from the head portion (41) and extend, the two leg portions (42) being provided in a state of being clamped and mounted to the edge portions of a cord (20, 21) and a zipper tape (13, 14) and adapted to cooperate to form a chain tape;

[0016] two link portions (43) that protrude in the length direction from the two sides opposite in the length direction of the head portion (41); and

[0017] two fitting space portions (44) that are adjacent to the respective sides of the head portion (41),

[0018] each of the leg portions (42) forms a root portion (50) in a manner that the respective leg portion (42) is combined with the head portion (41),

[0019] each of the root portions (50) has surfaces (61, 62) provided on the two sides opposite in the length direction of the root portion (50),

[0020] each of the fitting space portions (44) is one space that traverses the surfaces (61, 62) of the same one of the two sides of the root portion (50) and extends across a through-hole (55) provided between the root portions (50) of the two leg portions (42),

[0021] The chimeric space portion (44) is formed to accommodate the link portions (43) of the adjacent zipper teeth (40) mounted on the opposite fastener tape in the closed state of the fastener (10),

[0022] A plurality of string engaging protrusions (47, 48, 49) extending toward the opposite leg portions (42) are provided in each of the leg portions (42),

[0023] The leg portions (42) have a thickness (T42) in the length direction that is greater than a thickness (T50) of the root portions (50) in the length direction.

[0024] [2] The fastener tooth (40) according to [1], wherein

[0025] The root portions (50) of the two leg portions (42) have opposite surfaces (51) opposite each other connected by a curved surface (52) in the head portion (41),

[0026] The opposite surfaces (51) of the root portions (50) have a curvature greater than a curvature of the curved surface (52).

[0027] [3] The fastener tooth (40) according to [1] or [2], wherein

[0028] The profile of the fastener tooth (40) is manufactured by a die casting process.

[0029] [4] The fastener tooth (40) according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein

[0030] The fastener tooth (40) is made of an alloy in which zinc is a base material and aluminum, magnesium, stainless steel, and copper are alloyed.

[0031] [5] The fastener tooth (40) according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein

[0032] A string accommodation space (46) is defined between the two leg portions (42),

[0033] The leg portions (42) have free ends (56) that divide a gap (53) through which the strings (20, 21) are introduced into the string accommodation space (46),

[0034] The leg portions (42) have a first string engaging protrusion (47) disposed at a distance from the head portion (41).

[0035] [6] The fastener tooth (40) according to [5], wherein

[0036] The leg portions (42) have second cord engaging protrusions (48) adjacent to the free ends (56) of the leg portions (42).

[0037] [7] The fastener chain (40) according to [5] or [6], wherein

[0038] The roots (50) of the two leg portions (42) have opposing surfaces (51) opposite to each other connected by a curved surface (52) in the head portion (41),

[0039] The through hole (55) is divided between the curved surface (52) of the head portion (41), the opposing surfaces (51) of the roots (50) of the leg portions (42), and side surfaces (47b) of the first cord engaging protrusions (47).

[0040] [8] The fastener chain (40) according to [7], wherein

[0041] The first cord engaging protrusions (47) of the two leg portions (42) each have a surface (47c) facing the cord receiving space (46),

[0042] In the pinched state of the fastener chain (40), the two surfaces (47c) together form a blocking portion in contact with the innermost circumferential portion of the cord (20, 21), preventing the cord (20, 21) from entering the through hole (55).

[0043] [9] The fastener chain (40) according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein

[0044] The two connecting portions (43) provided to the head portion (41) define, together with the head portion (41), a thickness (T41) in the length direction corresponding to the thickness (T42) in the length direction of the leg portions (42)

[0045]

[10] The fastener chain (40) according to [9], wherein

[0046] The thickness (T41) in the length direction of the two connecting portions (43) and / or the thickness (T42) in the length direction of the leg portions (42) in combination with the thickness in the length direction of the head portion (41) is greater than the thickness (T50) in the length direction of the roots (50).

[0047]

[11] The fastener chain (40) according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein

[0048] The surfaces (61, 62) of the root (50) of the leg (42) are connected with the surfaces (59, 60) of the remaining portion of the leg (42) with a stepped surface (45).

[0049]

[12] The fastener chain (40) according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein

[0050] The two legs (42) have free ends (56) extending from one of the legs (42) toward the other of the legs (42),

[0051] When the fastener chain (40) is clamped to the cords (20, 21) and the fastener tape (13, 14), the fastener tape (13, 14) is clamped between the two free ends (56).

[0052]

[13] The fastener chain (40) according to [6], wherein

[0053] Each of the legs (42) is provided with a third cord engaging protrusion (49) midway between the first cord engaging protrusion (47) and the second cord engaging protrusion (48).

[0054]

[14] The fastener chain (40) according to

[13] , wherein

[0055] When the fastener chain (40) is clamped to the cords (20, 21) and the fastener tape (13, 14), the second cord engaging protrusion (48) and the third cord engaging protrusion (49) extend toward the center of the cord accommodating space (46).

[0056]

[15] The fastener chain (40) according to

[13] or

[14] , wherein

[0057] At least one of the second cord engaging protrusion (48) and the third cord engaging protrusion (49) has a lengthwise thickness that is smaller or narrower than the thickness of the first cord engaging protrusion (47).

[0058]

[16] The fastener chain (40) according to any one of [5] to [8],

[13] to

[15] , wherein

[0059] The cord engaging protrusions (47, 48, 49) have a lengthwise thickness that is smaller than the lengthwise thickness (T42) of the leg (42).

[0060]

[17] A fastener chain tape (11, 12) comprising:

[0061] A fastener tape (13, 14);

[0062] a cord (20, 21) mounted along one end edge of the fastener tape (13, 14); and

[0063] a row of the fastener elements (40) according to any one of [1] to

[16] which is clamped along one side edge portion of the cord (20, 21) and the fastener tape (13, 14). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0064] Figure 1 is a front view of a fastener having a fastener element and a fastener tape according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0065] Figure 2 is an enlarged elevation view of a fastener element according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0066] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the fastener element Figure 2 enlargedly shown.

[0067] Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of two fastener tapes joined together.

[0068] Figure 5 is a sectional view of the fastener element along the line V-V of Figure 2

[0069] Figure 6 is a series of steps showing the action of clamping the fastener element Figure 7 and Figure 8 together with Figure 2 to a cord and a tape.

[0070] Figure 7 is a series of steps showing the action of clamping the fastener element Figure 6 and Figure 8 together with Figure 2 to a cord and a tape.

[0071] Figure 8 is a series of steps showing the action of clamping the fastener element Figure 6 and Figure 7 together with Figure 2 to a cord and a tape.

[0072] Figure 9 is an enlarged elevation view of a fastener element according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0073] Figure 10 is an enlarged elevation view of a fastener element according to the third embodiment of the present application.

[0074] Figure 11 ​is a schematic partial elevational view of an upper die and a lower die designed for die casting the zipper element of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 12 is a side view of the zipper element viewed in the direction of arrow XII. Figure 2

[0076] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the zipper element that can be manufactured according to the present invention.

[0077] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the zipper element that can be manufactured according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] As an example, the following describes an embodiment of the zipper element of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Initially, with reference to FIG. 1, an example of a zipper 10 provided with a zipper element 40 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "zipper element" or "element") according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 1 The zipper 10 includes a pair of a first zipper element tape 11 and a second zipper element tape 12 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "zipper element tape" or "tape") each having a ribbon-like or tape-like zipper tape 13, 14 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "zipper tape" or "tape"). The zipper tapes 13, 14 each have an inner side opposite edge for mounting each cord 20, 21. A zipper element row 15, 16 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "element row") is mounted to the inner side edge of each tape 13, 14 and the cord 20, 21. Each element row 15, 16 is formed by a plurality of zipper elements 40 mounted to the inner side edge of each tape 13, 14 and the cord 20, 21.

[0080] The puller 30 is disposed so as to be slidable along the element rows 15, 16. The puller 30 can also be of a conventional design having a puller body 31 provided with a bridge 32 on which a pull tab (or pull ring) 33 is mounted, so as to enable the puller 30 to be moved in either direction.

[0081] ​A first stop 18, 19 (also referred to as an upper stop) can also be provided at the front end portion of each of the first and second fastener tapes 11, 12 adjacent to the fastener chains 15, 16. A second stop (lower stop) can also be provided extending across the rear end portions of the first and second fastener tapes 11, 12 adjacent to the fastener chains 15, 16. The lower stop can also be formed by a box and a rod, whereby the second fastener tape 12 has a pin-like protrusion 22 (or an insertion rod) extending along the second fastener tape 12 away from the fastener chain 16. Such a protrusion 22 is designed to pass through a Y-shaped passage provided by the puller 30 on one side. A box rod is also provided on the first fastener tape 11. The box rod has a pin portion 23 extending along the first fastener tape 11 and a socket (or "box") 24 integrally attached to the pin portion 23. The box 24 is provided to receive the pin-like protrusion 22 of the second fastener tape 12 which is inserted therein after the puller has passed thereover, thus holding the engaged fastener tapes in a predetermined position.

[0082] In the logic of the foregoing, the term "lengthwise direction" or "length" refers to the direction of movement of the puller along the fastener. In addition, the direction orthogonal to the lengthwise direction from the front surface toward the rear surface of the fastener tape is defined as the "transverse direction" or "widthwise direction". The terms "front", "head", "rear", "tail" and the like refer to the direction in which the puller is moved relative to the rows of fastener teeth 40 in order to engage and disengage the rows of fastener teeth 40. If the puller is pulled in the "front", "head" direction along the fastener teeth, the fastener teeth are forced to engage each other, and thus adhere to each other, on the other hand, if the puller is moved in the "rear", "tail" direction, the fastener teeth are opened, i.e., separated from each other. In this context, the direction orthogonal to the lengthwise and transverse directions is defined as the "vertical direction". In the logic of the foregoing, the term "thickness" generally refers to the lengthwise direction.

[0083] The fastener teeth 40 are manufactured as individual teeth formed of a metal, particularly an alloy. Many metals and metal alloys are known in the art, and preferably, the fastener teeth 40 are made of Zamak (also referred to as Zamac), which is an alloy of zinc as a base material alloyed with aluminum, magnesium, stainless steel and copper.

[0084] Preferably, the fastener teeth 40 are manufactured by a die casting process. More preferably, the die casting process includes powder injection molding with a metal, ceramic or other powder. In such a case, the powder is mixed with a polymer in order to form the shape of the teeth, and then further processed in order to remove the polymer, thereby obtaining the teeth formed of a hard material. As a metal suitable for this process, there are included difficult-to-machine materials such as stainless steel, and alloys such as zinc alloys which are commonly used in die casting processes.

[0085] Each of the fastener elements 40 has an overall V-shape before installation, as discussed in detail later in this specification, and, when installed, becomes a state of being clamped to the inner edge of one of the cords 20, 21 and the plurality of fastener tapes 13, 14 to be installed thereon, forming the fastener tapes 11, 12.

[0086] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , each of the fastener elements 40 has a head portion 41 having two side surfaces opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction, and two leg portions 42 branching from the head portion 41 to extend on the same plane with a gap formed between the leg portions 42. These leg portions 42 hold the inner edge portions of the cord 20 (or 21) and the tape 13 (or 14) inserted into the gap therebetween to be fixed. Figure 2 and Figure 3 indicate the fastener elements 40 in an initial state before deformation. The clamped state of the fastener elements 40 fixed to the tape 13 (14) and the cord 20 (21) is indicated in Figure 8 .

[0087] In the installed state ( Figure 4 ), the head portion 41 of the fastener element 40 protrudes from the cord 20 (21) toward the fastener tape on the opposite side if clamped to the tape 13 (14). The leg portions 42 each have a root portion 50 ( Figure 2 ) adjacent to the joint between the leg portion 42 and the head portion 41.

[0088] The link portions 43 protrude from either side of the head portion 41 in the longitudinal direction. The two link portions 43 of each of the fastener elements 40 protrude in opposite longitudinal directions by each of the fitting space portions 44 provided by the two successive fastener elements 40 clamped to each other adjacent to each other on the opposite side fastener tape ( Figure 4 ). Also, at the time of coupling, the link portions 43 are accommodated in the fitting space portions 44. Each of the link portions 43 has a side surface 63 facing the leg portion 42.

[0089] Each of the leg portions 42 forms the root portion 50 in such a manner that the leg portion 42 of the fastener element 40 is coupled to the head portion 41 of the fastener element 40. Each of the root portions 50 has two opposite surfaces 61, 62, i.e., a front surface 61 and an opposite rear surface 62, which are reversed in the longitudinal direction. The root portion 50 has a thickness T50 in the longitudinal direction as the distance between the front surface 61 and the rear surface 62 of each of the root portions 50.

[0090] The thickness T41 of the head portion 41 including the two link portions 43 opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction is defined as the thickness of the head portion 41 ( Figure 5 ).

[0091] Each leg portion 42 has two opposite surfaces 59, 60, i.e., a front surface 59 and an opposite rear surface 60, which are reversed in the length direction. The leg portion 42 has a thickness T42 in the length direction as a distance between the front surface 59 and the rear surface 60. Figure 5

[0092] Preferably, the thickness T42 in the length direction of the leg portion 42 is equal to the thickness T41 in the length direction of the head portion 41 including the two link portions 43.

[0093] Further, the thickness T42 in the length direction of the leg portion 42 is greater than the thickness T50 in the length direction of the root portion 50. The thickness T42 of the leg portion 42 extends over the entire part of the leg portion having the function of holding the belt 13, 14.

[0094] In the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5 , the step surface 45 extends in the length direction from the front surface 61 and the rear surface 62 of the root portion 50 having the thickness T50 to the front surface 59 and the rear surface 60 of the leg portion 42 having the thickness T42. Preferably, the step surface 45 is formed with an angle with respect to the plane in the length direction, the surface is inclined. More preferably, the step surface 45 forms an obtuse angle with the surface of the root portion 50.

[0095] Each fitting space portion 44 is provided on two opposite surfaces in the length direction of the fastener 40. Each fitting space portion 44 is defined between the link portion 43 (particularly, the side surface 63 of the link portion 43), the root portion 50, 50 of the leg portion 42 (particularly, the front surface 61 and the rear surface 62 of each root portion 50), and the step surfaces 45, 45 of the two leg portions 42, 42. Each fitting space portion 44 is one space extending across the front surface 61 (or the rear surface 62) of the same one side of the root portion 50 and across the through hole 55 provided between the root portions 50 of the two leg portions 42.

[0096] Each fitting space portion 44 is formed in such a manner that it accommodates the respective link portion 43 of the adjacent fastener 40 installed on the opposite side of the fastener 10 in the closed state of the fastener 10.

[0097] The front surface 61 and the rear surface 62 of the root portion 50 of the leg portion 42 meet the respective step surfaces 45 of the leg portion 42 having the thickness T42. Further, the front surface 61 and the rear surface 62 of the root portion 50 of the leg portion 42 also meet the side surface 63 of the link portion 43. Thus, as shown in Figure 2 , each root portion 50 can also substantially have a triangular shape when viewed in the length direction.

[0098] The link portion 43 has a taper toward the end surface 64 of the link portion 43 in the length direction, so as to be more easily inserted into the fitting space portion 44 of the adjacent fastener 40 along the belt 13, 14.​

[0099] Further, the width in the transverse direction of the connecting portion 43 is longer than the length in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 43. Preferably, the connecting portion 43 has an elongated shape in the transverse direction.

[0100] In the embodiment, it can also be provided that the gap G or the distance in the transverse direction between the step face 45 of one leg portion 42 and the step face 45 of the other leg portion 42, measured in the transverse direction, gradually narrows in the longitudinal direction as it moves away from the head portion. Figure 7

[0101] The end face or upper face 64 of the connecting portion 43 is provided on the side of the head portion 41 beyond the end of the respective step face 45 of the leg portion 42 closest to the head portion. The maximum distance between the step faces 45 is greater than the width in the transverse direction of the connecting portion 43.

[0102] In the embodiment, it can be provided that the minimum distance in the transverse direction between the step faces 45 is smaller than the width in the transverse direction of the connecting portion 43, so that the connecting portion 43 of the head portion of the fastener chain 40 arranged on the cooperating chain band is vertically inserted and held in the fitting space portion 44 when the fastener chain 40 is clamped to the cords 20, 21 and the bands 13, 14.

[0103] Thus, as can be seen in Figure 4 , the fitting space portion 44, which is partially enclosed by the connecting portion 43, the respective step faces 45 and the root portion 50, can hold the connecting portion 43 of the adjacent fastener chain 40 on the cooperating chain band.

[0104] The cord receiving space 46 Figure 2 is delimited between the leg portions 42. The leg portions 42 have free or distal ends 56 between which a gap 53 is provided for the introduction of a cord into the cord receiving space 46 between the leg portions 42.

[0105] The surface of each leg portion 42 facing the side of the opposite other leg portion 42 is referred to as the inner side face. The surface of the leg portion 42 on the side opposite the inner side face is referred to as the outer side face. Preferably, the distal end 56, which is the free end of the leg portion 42, extends from one leg portion 42 towards the other leg portion 42 in such a way that it can reliably grip the cord 20 or the band 13 or both when the fastener chain 40 is mounted to the cord 20. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the inner side face of the leg portion 42 at the end of the leg portion 42 distal with respect to the head portion 41 of the fastener chain 40 has a curve that causes the distal end 56 of the leg portion 42 to bend. Also, each outer side face can have a complementary curve. The distance in the transverse direction between the respective inner side face and the opposite outer side face can vary or can be particularly long at points along the curve. Also, the addition of the curve at the distal end 56 of the leg portion 42 can partially enclose the cord receiving space 46, partially closing it, and narrow the gap 53. ​

[0106] At the time of mounting the fastener 40 to the tape 13, the distal end 56 of each leg portion 42 is disposed in such a manner as to sandwich the zipper tape 13 or the cord 20 or both. The root portion 50 of the leg portion 42 has opposite faces 51 facing each other. These opposite faces 51 are connected by a curved face 52 of the head portion 41 from the face between the inner faces of the pair of leg portions 42. The opposite faces 51 of the root portion 50 can be substantially linear or slightly concave with a radius of curvature much larger than that of the curved face 52.

[0107] The leg portion 42 is tapered in the width direction until the beginning of the curve of the distal end 56 of the leg portion 42 distal of the curved face 52 or just forward of the beginning of the curve. It is preferable that the inner and outer faces of the leg portion 42 in the width direction be substantially flat or slightly concave so that the pressure applied by the sandwiched fastener 40 to the cord and tape does not change when the leg portion 42 comes into contact with the cord 20 or tape 13.

[0108] It is preferable that each leg portion 42 be provided with a plurality of cord engaging protrusions 47, 48, 49 extending from the inner face of each leg portion 42 toward the opposite leg portion 42. As explained later in this specification, the cord engaging protrusions 47-49 are used to engage and hold the cord 20 of the fastener tape. Figure 8 ).

[0109] According to a preferred embodiment, each leg portion 42 is provided with a first cord engaging protrusion 47 disposed at a distance from the curved face 52 or head portion 41 and at least a second cord engaging protrusion 48 located near the distal end 56 of the leg portion 42. It is more preferable that each leg portion 42 also be provided with a third cord engaging protrusion 49 intermediate the first and second cord engaging protrusions 47, 48.

[0110] According to a preferred embodiment, the first cord engaging protrusion 47 tapers in the width direction as it extends away from the inner face of the leg portion 42 to which it is integrally mounted. The first cord engaging protrusion 47 is formed in such a manner as to substantially produce a quadrilateral shape when viewed in the length direction. It is preferable that the quadrilateral be a trapezoid.

[0111] It is further preferable that, as shown in Figure 2 , the head of each first cord engaging protrusion 47 has two side faces 47b, 47c meeting the end face 47a of the first cord engaging protrusion 47. It is preferable that the side faces 47b, 47c be inclined faces converging toward the end face 47a of the first cord engaging protrusion 47. It is also preferable that the two inclined side faces 47c, 47b make obtuse angles with the inner face of the leg portion 42 to which the first cord engaging protrusion 47 extends.

[0112] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8As can be seen, when the zipper teeth 40 grip the cord 20 of the zipper 10's strap 13, a pair of first engaging protrusions 47 protrude in such a way that their end faces 47a approach each other as the head moves away from the curved surface 52. That is, the gap 70 between the opposing first cord engaging protrusions 47 becomes narrower as it moves laterally.

[0113] Furthermore, the inclined surface 47c of the head 41 of each first rope engaging protrusion 47, which is away from the chain tooth 40, faces the rope receiving space 46. Figure 8 If the zipper teeth 40 grip the cord 20, then the inclined surface 47c contacts the periphery of the cord 20. Figure 4 As shown, the lateral width of the pair of first cord engaging protrusions 47 extending from the inner side of the leg 42 is selected so that, when the zipper teeth 40 are clamped, the inclined surfaces 47c approach each other to form a blocking portion that contacts or engages with the innermost circumference of the cord 20. This blocking portion effectively prevents the cord 20 from entering the hollow space or through-hole 55 defined between the curved surface 52, the opposing surface 51 of the root 50 of the leg 42, and the inclined surface 47b of the first cord engaging protrusions 47. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, a very small portion of the rope 13 can also be held using a pair of first rope engaging protrusions 47.

[0114] A through hole 55 is provided between the root 50 and the first rope engaging protrusion 47 positioned closest to the head 41.

[0115] Specifically, the through hole 55 is defined by the curved surface 52 of the head 41, the opposing surface 51 of the root 50 of the leg 42, and the inclined surface 47b of the first rope engaging protrusion 47.

[0116] When the zipper tooth 40 is not installed on the cord 20, the through hole 55 is continuous and connected with the cord receiving space 46. Each fitting space 44 of the zipper tooth 40 is continuous with the through hole 55.

[0117] If a through hole 55 is provided, the deformation of the leg 42 caused by clamping and the formation of cracks on the outer surface of the zipper teeth 40 can be suppressed, thus increasing the lateral length of the leg 42.

[0118] The through hole 55 is substantially surrounded by the curved surface 52 of the head 41, the opposite surface 51 of the root 50 of the leg 42, the inclined surface 47b of the first rope engaging protrusion 47, and the rope 20 after clamping the zipper teeth 40.

[0119] like Figure 2As shown, when the fastener elements 40 are engaged, the connecting portions 43 of the fastener elements 40 remain in the fitting space portions 44 of the adjacent fastener elements 40 of the opposite fastener tape without entering the through holes 55. That is, the size of the circumferential surface of the through holes 55 formed after the clamping is smaller than the connecting portions 43 so as to prevent the entire connecting portions 43 from entering therein.

[0120] It is preferable that at least one of the cord engaging protrusions 47, 48, 49, in this case the first cord engaging protrusion 47, has a thickness or size in the length direction that is smaller or narrower than the thickness T42 of the leg portion 42 or the thickness T41 of the head portion 41, and has a thickness or size in the length direction that is larger or thicker than the thickness T50 of the root portion 50. The first cord engaging protrusion 47 is able to support the position of the cord 20 within the fastener element 40 using this configuration.

[0121] Furthermore, using this configuration, the thickness of the first cord engaging protrusion 47 is ensured not to be affected by the pressure required to clamp the leg portion 42 of the fastener element 40 to the fastener tape 13.

[0122] It should be understood that the size of the first cord engaging protrusion 47 is not limited by the above description. For example, the same result can be obtained regardless of whether the thickness is larger or smaller than the thickness of the leg portion 42 or the root portion 50. In addition, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art for other sizes. However, in such a case, there is a possibility that the above-described effects are reduced.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, there is a gap 70 between the end surfaces 47a of the first cord engaging protrusion 47 after being clamped to the fastener tape 13 in order to facilitate the formation of the fastener tape.

[0124] In the embodiment, it can also be that the gap 70 between the first cord engaging protrusions 47 gradually narrows in the direction of the cord 20 after the fastener elements 40 are installed to the cord 20 and the tape 13, preventing interference between adjacent fastener elements 40 during engagement or disengagement.

[0125] According to the above-described configuration, the cords 20, 21( Figure 11 ) are distanced from the fitting space portions 44 engaged by the connecting portions 43 of the adjacent fastener elements 40 of the opposite fastener tape in the closed state of the fastener 10.

[0126] According to the preferred embodiment, the clamped second cord engaging protrusion 48 and the third cord engaging protrusion 49 extend toward the center of the cord receiving space 46 in such a manner as to protrude into the cord 20.

[0127] The second cord engaging protrusion 48 protrudes from the inner side surface of the leg portion 42 between the first cord engaging protrusion 47 and the distal end 56 of the leg portion 42, adjacent to the distal end 56 of the leg portion 42, and away from the first cord engaging protrusion 47.

[0128] In several embodiments, as in the example illustrated, a further third cord engaging protrusion 49 can also be designed between the second cord engaging protrusion 48 and the first cord engaging protrusion 47. In this way, the third cord engaging protrusion 49 is provided to the fastener 40, so as to increase the installation strength of the leg portion 42 of the fastener 40.

[0129] The second cord engaging protrusion 48 preferably has a tapered shape that becomes slender in the protruding direction. The second cord engaging protrusion 48 is large at a base portion near the inner side surface of the leg portion 42 of the fastener 40, and is thin in the length direction at a free distal end away from the inner side surface of the leg portion 42. The second cord engaging protrusion 48 can be easily pressed into and through the cord 20 using its slender shape. Preferably, the second cord engaging protrusion 48 has a smaller volume than the first cord engaging protrusion 47, and protrudes from the inner side surface of the leg portion 42 in a range smaller than that of the first cord engaging protrusion 47.

[0130] In the embodiment with the third cord engaging protrusion 49, the third cord engaging protrusion 49 preferably has a smaller volume than the first cord engaging protrusion 47, and preferably protrudes from the inner side surface of the leg portion 42 in a range smaller than that of the first cord engaging protrusion 47.

[0131] In further embodiments, not illustrated, a fourth cord engaging protrusion, a fifth cord engaging protrusion, or the like, three or more cord engaging protrusions can also be included. These further cord engaging protrusions can also be formed in substantially the same size as the third cord engaging protrusion 49 located between the first cord engaging protrusion 47 and the second cord engaging protrusion 48. The gripping force of the cord 20 is increased using such a configuration of cord engaging protrusions.

[0132] Preferably, the length direction thickness or size of at least one of the cord engaging protrusions 47, 48, 49, in this example the second cord engaging protrusion 48, is smaller or narrower than the length direction thickness T42 of the leg portion 42 or the length direction thickness T41 of the head portion 41, and is larger or thicker than the length direction thickness T50 of the root portion 50. The second cord engaging protrusion 48 can maintain the position of the cord 20 within the fastener 40 using this configuration, and also prevent the cord 20 from moving relatively in the length direction with respect to the fastener 40 after the fastener 40 is clamped to the slide fastener tape 13 and the cord 20.

[0133] However, the above-described thickness is a description of an embodiment, and it should be recognized that it should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. There are also cases where the second cord engaging protrusions 48 have a thickness greater than the thickness of the first cord engaging protrusions 47.

[0134] Also, as with the first cord engaging protrusions 47, each of the second cord engaging protrusions 48 can be provided with two side surfaces 48b, 48c extending from the inner side surface of the leg portion 42. Preferably, the side surfaces 48b, 48c are inclined surfaces converging toward the end surface 48a that is the distal end of each of the second cord engaging protrusions 48, whereby the size of the gap between the two second cord engaging protrusions 48 can be slightly reduced. Preferably, the two inclined side surfaces 48b, 48c form an obtuse angle with the inner side surface of the leg portion 42 in which the second cord engaging protrusions 48 extend.

[0135] As with the first cord engaging protrusions 47, as shown in Figure 11 , the third cord engaging protrusions 49 can also have a substantially quadrangular profile, preferably a trapezoidal profile, when viewed in the lengthwise direction. Each of the third cord engaging protrusions 49 can also have two inclined surfaces 49b, 49c extending from the inner side surface of the leg portion 42 and converging toward the distal end 49a of each of the third cord engaging protrusions 49. That is, the width of the third cord engaging protrusions 49 becomes more tapered in the widthwise direction the farther it is from the inner side surface of the leg portion 42 in which they are integrally installed.

[0136] Also, the two inclined side surfaces 49b, 49c preferably form an obtuse angle with the inner side surface of the leg portion 42 in which the third cord engaging protrusions 49 extend.

[0137] Also, as with the first cord engaging protrusions 47, each of the third cord engaging protrusions 49 can include two inclined surfaces (or side surfaces) 49b, 49c converging into a flat distal end surface (or end surface) 49a at the distal end of the third cord engaging protrusions 49, whereby the size of the gap between the two opposing third cord engaging protrusions 49 can be slightly reduced.

[0138] The inclined surfaces of the first cord engaging protrusions 47, the second cord engaging protrusions 48, and the third cord engaging protrusions 49 also contribute to the extraction of the fastener from the mold when the fastener is manufactured by die casting. Thus, as shown in Figure 8 , the mold can be formed by an upper mold 65 and a lower mold 66, and the inclined surfaces can be formed so as to come to a vertex along the parting line of the upper mold 65 and the lower mold 66. In this manufacturing form, the cord engaging protrusions 47, 48, 49 extend from the inner side surface of the leg portion 42 of the fastener 40, which is also preferably manufactured in such a way that the two inclined surfaces come to a vertex at the parting line of the upper mold and the lower mold. Such inclined surfaces also function to contribute to the cord gripping of the fastener 40.

[0139] That is, at least the end faces 47a, 48a, and 49a of each cord engagement protrusion 47, 48, and 49 taper from both their front and rear sides toward the transverse plane 67 passing through the center of the zipper tooth 40. The tapered shape of each cord engagement protrusion 47, 48, and 49 facilitates the removal of the die-cast zipper tooth from the upper and lower molds.

[0140] Furthermore, the inclined surfaces 47b, 48b, 49b, 47c, 48c, and 49c of the two sides of each cord engaging protrusion 47, 48, and 49 may also face each other and taper towards the center of the zipper tooth 40. The tapering shape may also be formed partially or entirely on any one or all of the inner surface of the leg 42 and on any one or all of the end faces or sides of the cord engaging protrusions 47, 48, and 49.

[0141] Preferably, at least one of the rope engaging protrusions 47, 48, and 49, in this example, the thickness or size of the third rope engaging protrusion 49 in the longitudinal direction is smaller or narrower than the thickness of the first rope engaging protrusion 47 or the second rope engaging protrusion 48. Additionally, the third rope engaging protrusion 49 has a thickness or size in the longitudinal direction that is smaller or narrower than the thickness T42 of the leg and / or the thickness T41 of the head.

[0142] With this configuration, the third rope engaging protrusion 49 can more easily pass through the rope when the zipper teeth 40 are locked, preventing the rope from moving relative to the zipper teeth 40 in the length direction.

[0143] like Figure 8 As shown, instead of directly injection molding the zipper teeth 40 onto the belt, the method of manufacturing them through a die-casting process can produce more complex shapes and can form parts with different thicknesses in multiple directions. Therefore, it is advantageous in that it makes it easier to remove from the mold.

[0144] The basic shape (outline) of the zipper teeth 40, especially the head 41, legs 42, and various cord engagement protrusions 47, 48, and 49, is formed by a die-casting process. When the zipper teeth 40 are installed on the zipper belt, the angle of the legs 42 extending from the head 41 becomes sharper.

[0145] The second rope engagement protrusion 48 has the following function: to resist traction, that is, to prevent the rope 20 from being pulled out of the rope receiving space 46 through the gap 53 once the zipper teeth 40 are clamped to the rope. Figure 12 ).

[0146] In the closed state ( Figure 13 In the case of the lower leg 42, the distal end 56 preferably has the strap 13 clamped therebetween.

[0147] Further, it is preferable that all of the cord engaging protrusions 47, 48, 49 have a lengthwise thickness smaller than the lengthwise thickness T42 of the leg portion 42. With this configuration, a more secure installation is possible, the position of the fastener 40 with respect to the tape 13 can be more easily set, and a lighter fastener 40 can be formed.

[0148] In the illustrated embodiment depicted in the drawings, three cord engaging protrusions 47, 48, 49 are provided in each leg portion 42, but the number of cord engaging protrusions 47, 48, 49 in each leg portion 42 can also be different from three.

[0149] Further, as long as the fastener 40 cannot be accidentally detached from the tape 13, it is also possible that only the first cord engaging protrusion 47 is sufficient, and it is also possible that the first cord engaging protrusion 47 and the second cord engaging protrusion 48 are sufficient. However, depending on the circumstances, there are also cases in which further cord engaging protrusions are required, such as the fourth cord engaging protrusion and the fifth cord engaging protrusion (not shown). There are cases in which these modifications are required to cope with a particularly complex design of the outer surface of the leg portion 42 of the fastener 40, a change in the length of the fastener 40 in the transverse direction.

[0150] The cord engaging protrusions 47, 48, 49 are thicker than the leg portion 42, and thus the cord engaging protrusions 47, 48, 49 have the dual task of reinforcing the leg portion 42 while effectively holding and gripping the cord 20.

[0151] The fitting space portion 44 is thinner than the leg portion 42, and thus constitutes a weaker, more flexible portion of the fastener 40.

[0152] After the cord 20 is introduced into the cord receiving space 46, the two leg portions 42 of the fastener 40 are deformed to approach each other, and thus the fastener 40 is clamped to the cord 20. The gap 53 narrows, and the closure on the tape 13 is closed. The first cord engaging protrusion 47 having the surface 47c prevents the cord 20 from substantially entering the through hole 55. The second cord engaging protrusion 48 and the third cord engaging protrusion 49 can pass through the cord 20. The leg portion 42 is thick and hard with respect to the fitting space portion 44, and thus the leg portion 42 does not significantly bend during the clamping process. The bending stress and deformation are substantially concentrated on the area of the thinner fitting space portion 44 and the curved surface 52 at the joint of the leg portion 42 and the head portion 41. Thus, due to the shape of the fastener 40, stress is not concentrated on a particular portion or area of the fastener 40. As a result, cracks caused by the clamping action do not occur in the leg portion 42. More specifically, no cracks occur on the outer surface 57 of the leg portion 42. Thus, the outer surface 57 is not damaged, and the decoration applied to the outer surface 57 is not damaged.

[0153] In Figure 14 , Figure 12 and Figure 13An example is shown where decoration is applied to the outer surface of the zipper teeth 40. Figure 13 In the middle, the outer surface 71 of the leg 42 has a curve, in Figure 14 and 14 In the middle, there are raised and recessed designs that can be used to present decorative images such as paintings and logos. Figures 2 to 8 The zipper teeth 40 have legs 42 with decorative embossing 68 on the other hand. Figure 9 The zipper teeth 40 have legs 42 with decorative recesses 69. These decorative features can be achieved through the use of die forming.

[0154] The design of head 41 can also be varied according to requirements. Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the head 41 of the zipper tooth 40 provides a connecting portion 43 adjacent to the curved surface 52 and the through hole 55. The edge 58 of the head 41 partially surrounds the connecting portion 43 along the curved surface 52 and the through hole 55. The edge 58 of the head 41 has a flat surface orthogonal to the length direction around each connecting portion 43.

[0155] according to Figure 10 In the illustrative embodiment, the connecting portion 43 is adjacent to the curved surface 52 and the through hole 55. No edge portion 58 is provided. In particular, the curved surface 52 furthest from the leg 42 is formed in a portion of the connecting portion 43 that protrudes from the head 41 and is closest to the leg 42, which is farther from the leg 42. That is, as... ​ As shown, the connecting portion 43 is formed by cutting off a portion of it. The connecting portion 43 extends from the end of the head 41.

[0156] exist ​ In an alternative embodiment, the connecting portion 43 extends from the plate portion forming the edge portion 58 so that the edge portion 58 completely surrounds the connecting portion 43. The connecting portion 43 is arranged in a manner that is spaced apart from the curved surface 52 and the through hole 55.

[0157] Preferably, in order to prevent breakage and to facilitate the removal of the chain teeth 40 from the mold, the cord engaging protrusions 47, 48, and 49 have rounded corners and edges rather than sharp ones.

[0158] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the thickness of the distal end 56 of the leg 42 in the longitudinal direction may also be smaller than the thickness of the portion of the leg 42 near the fitting space 44 in the longitudinal direction.

[0159] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the rope engaging protrusions 47, 48, and 49 may also be configured in a serrated shape along the inner side of the leg 42.

[0160] Many shapes and embodiments of the zipper teeth 40 and the zipper tape are described. It is to be understood that each shape and embodiment can be combined with any other shape or embodiment. Moreover, the present application is not limited to the described embodiments, but can vary within the scope of the appended claims and legal equivalents.

[0161] This application is based on Italian patent application No. 102020000019138, filed on August 4, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A fastener element (40) which is a fastener element (40) for a fastener (10), wherein the fastener element (40) is made of metal, the fastener element (40) has: a head portion (41) having at least two sides opposite in a length direction; two leg portions (42) which are two leg portions (42) branching from the head portion (41) and extending, the two leg portions (42) being provided in a state of being clamped and fitted to a cord (20, 21) and a rim portion of a fastener tape (13, 14) and adapted to cooperate to form an element tape; two link portions (43) which protrude in the length direction from the two sides opposite in the length direction of the head portion (41); and two fitting space portions (44) which are adjacent to the respective side of the head portion (41), each of the leg portions (42) forms a root portion (50) in a manner that the respective leg portion (42) is combined with the head portion (41), each of the root portions (50) has surfaces (61, 62) provided on the two sides opposite in the length direction of the root portion (50), each of the fitting space portions (44) is one space which traverses the surfaces (61, 62) of the same one of the two sides of the root portion (50) and extends across a through-hole (55) provided between the root portions (50) of the two leg portions (42), the fitting space portion (44) is formed to accommodate the link portion (43) of the fastener element (40) adjacent to the fastener element (40) installed with the element tape of the fastener (10) in a closed state of the fastener (10), a plurality of cord engaging protrusions (47, 48, 49) extending toward the opposite leg portion (42) is provided in each of the leg portions (42), the leg portion (42) has a thickness (T42) in the length direction which is greater than a thickness (T50) in the length direction of the root portion (50), the fitting space portion (44) is defined between a side surface (63) of the link portion (43), the surfaces (61, 62) of the root portion (50), and a step surface (45) of the leg portion (42), a cord accommodating space (46) is defined between the two leg portions (42), the leg portion (42) has a free end (56) which divides to form a gap (53) through which the cord (20, 21) is introduced to the cord accommodating space (46), the leg portion (42) has a first cord engaging protrusion (47) which is disposed at a distance from the head portion (41), the two link portions (43) provided to the head portion (41) define, together with the head portion (41), a thickness (T41) in the length direction which corresponds to the thickness (T42) in the length direction of the leg portion (42), The first cord engaging protrusion (47) has a thickness in the length direction that is smaller than the thickness (T42) of the length direction of the leg portion (42) or the thickness (T41) of the length direction of the two connecting portions (43) combined with the thickness of the length direction of the head portion (41), and has a thickness in the length direction that is larger than the thickness (T50) of the length direction of the root portion (50).

2. The fastener chain (40) according to claim 1, wherein The root portion (50) of the two leg portions (42) has opposing surfaces (51) opposite to each other connected by a curved surface (52) in the head portion (41), The opposing surfaces (51) of the root portion (50) have a curvature larger than the curvature of the curved surface (52).

3. The fastener chain (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The profile of the fastener chain (40) is manufactured by a die casting process.

4. The fastener chain (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The fastener chain (40) is made of an alloy of zinc as a base material and alloyed with aluminum, magnesium, stainless steel, and copper.

5. The fastener chain (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The leg portion (42) has a second cord engaging protrusion (48) adjacent to the free end (56) of the leg portion (42).

6. The fastener chain (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The root portion (50) of the two leg portions (42) has opposing surfaces (51) opposite to each other connected by a curved surface (52) in the head portion (41), The through hole (55) is divided between the curved surface (52) of the head portion (41), the opposing surfaces (51) of the root portion (50) of the leg portion (42), and a side surface (47b) of the first cord engaging protrusion (47).

7. The fastener chain (40) according to claim 6, wherein The first cord engaging protrusion (47) of the two leg portions (42) respectively has a surface (47c) facing the cord receiving space (46), In the clamped state of the fastener chain (40), the two surfaces (47c) together form a barrier portion in contact with the innermost circumferential portion of the cord (20, 21), preventing the cord (20, 21) from entering the through hole (55).

8. The fastener chain (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The surfaces (61, 62) of the root portion (50) of the leg portion (42) are connected to the surfaces (59, 60) of the remaining portions of the leg portion (42) with a stepped surface (45).

9. The fastener chain (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The two leg portions (42) have free ends (56) extending from one leg portion (42) toward the other leg portion (42), When the fastener chain (40) is clamped to the cord (20, 21) and the fastener tape (13, 14), the fastener tape (13, 14) is clamped between the two free ends (56).

10. The fastener chain (40) according to claim 5, wherein Each of the leg portions (42) has a third cord engaging protrusion (49) midway between the first cord engaging protrusion (47) and the second cord engaging protrusion (48).

11. The fastener chain (40) according to claim 10, wherein The second cord engaging protrusion (48) and the third cord engaging protrusion (49) extend toward the center of the cord accommodating space (46) when the fastener chain (40) is clamped to the cords (20, 21) and the fastener tape (13, 14).

12. The fastener chain (40) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein At least one of the second cord engaging protrusion (48) and the third cord engaging protrusion (49) has a lengthwise thickness that is smaller or narrower than the thickness of the first cord engaging protrusion (47).

13. The fastener chain (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The cord engaging protrusions (47, 48, 49) have a lengthwise thickness that is smaller than the lengthwise thickness (T42) of the leg portions (42).

14. A fastener chain tape (11, 12) comprising: a fastener tape (13, 14); a cord (20, 21) attached along one end edge of the fastener tape (13, 14); and a row of the fastener chain (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 clamped along one side edge of the cord (20, 21) and the fastener tape (13, 14).

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