Fastener stringer and method for recovering fastener elements

Abstract

The fastener tape (3, 3 ') includes more than one water-soluble yarn (6), and can be divided into at least a first tape portion (3a) including a first side edge portion (31, 31') and a second tape portion (3b) including a second side edge portion (32, 32 ') in response to dissolution of the more than one water-soluble yarn (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to zipper teeth, zipper belts, and methods for recycling zipper teeth. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, efforts have been made to promote recycling in the zipper industry in connection with the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Patent Document 1 discloses the recycling of an article in which two parts are joined by a joint, and discloses a method of reducing mechanical properties by irradiating the joint with electromagnetic waves.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses a method of forming a weak point in the zipper tape and using this point as a base to destroy the zipper tape (see that document). Figure 1 , 2 Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a method of connecting the left and right zipper straps with a connecting yarn (soluble yarn) (see this document). Figure 2 , 4 The connecting yarn eventually dissolves, thus separating the left and right zipper tapes (column 2, lines 24-26 of this document). Therefore, the connecting yarn does not form part of the zipper tape. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 10,125,452 Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3192377 Patent Document 3: Japanese Statutory Publication No. 59-25216 Summary of the Invention

[0005] One obstacle to promoting zipper recycling is the secure attachment of the zipper to the main body of the item (e.g., clothing, bag, shoe). That is, during the recycling stage, the zipper is not a standalone unit but rather attached to the main body of the item, forming part of it. Furthermore, zippers (not limited to this) are securely attached to the main body using any attachment method, such as sewing with a sewing machine, heat pressing with a heat press machine, or bonding with adhesives. Prioritizing the strength of the zipper's attachment to the main body makes it difficult to detach the zipper from the main body at this attachment point. Originally, the zipper attachment process occurs after the zipper is sold, falling outside the jurisdiction of the zipper manufacturer.

[0006] As can be clearly seen from the above non-limiting examples, the inventors of this application have discovered a new subject of study: promoting the recycling of zippers based on their own construction.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure includes a zipper belt comprising: a zipper belt having a first side edge and a second side edge extending in the length direction of the zipper belt; and a plurality of zipper teeth mounted relative to the first side edge. The zipper belt comprises one or more water-soluble yarns. Corresponding to the dissolution of the one or more water-soluble yarns, the zipper belt can be divided into a first belt portion comprising the first side edge and a second belt portion comprising the second side edge.

[0008] Other embodiments of the zipper belt disclosed herein include: a zipper belt having a first side edge and a second side edge extending in the length direction of the zipper belt; and a plurality of zipper teeth mounted relative to the first side edge. The zipper belt comprises one or more water-soluble yarns. Corresponding to the dissolution of the one or more water-soluble yarns, the portion of the belt including the first side edge, when the plurality of zipper teeth are mounted, can be separated from the remainder of the zipper belt.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present disclosure describes a method for recycling multiple zipper teeth mounted on a zipper belt, comprising: a step of dissolving one or more water-soluble yarns contained in the zipper belt by exposing the zipper belt at least partially to hot water or high-temperature steam; and a step of separating the belt portion of the zipper belt with multiple zipper teeth mounted thereon from the remaining portion of the zipper belt in accordance with the dissolution of one or more water-soluble yarns.

[0010] The following features or any combination thereof can be applied to other schemes described above or disclosed herein.

[0011] In several embodiments, the zipper tape further comprises a plurality of non-water-soluble yarns, wherein the number of one or more water-soluble yarns is less than 1 / 2, or less than 1 / 3, or less than 1 / 4 of the number of the plurality of non-water-soluble yarns.

[0012] In several embodiments, one or more water-soluble yarns can be melted in hot water or high-temperature steam. The water-soluble yarn can comprise a material selected from the group consisting of water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based synthetic fibers, alkali-soluble copolyester yarns, and polylactic acid yarns, or any combination thereof.

[0013] In several embodiments, one or more water-soluble yarns comprise all the yarns that intersect with the dividing line, wherein the dividing line is a dividing line about the boundary between the first belt portion and the second belt portion.

[0014] In several embodiments, one or more water-soluble yarns are partially introduced into the ground fabric of the zipper tape.

[0015] In several embodiments, one or more water-soluble yarns include the ground yarn of the zipper tape.

[0016] In several embodiments, one or more water-soluble yarns comprise multiple ground yarns of the zipper tape ground structure.

[0017] In some embodiments, the zipper tape comprises a knitted fabric.

[0018] In several embodiments, one or more water-soluble yarns are introduced into the total width of a predetermined number of adjacent loop warps of the knitted fabric.

[0019] In some embodiments, the specified number of loop warps is less than 1 / 2, 1 / 3, or 1 / 4 of the total number of loop warps contained in the knitted fabric.

[0020] In several embodiments, one or more water-soluble yarns comprise N (N represents a natural number greater than 2) water-soluble yarns, each of the N water-soluble yarns extending in the transverse direction of the knitted fabric in order to connect the M (M represents a natural number greater than 2) loops contained in the knitted fabric in the wale direction.

[0021] In several embodiments, the N water-soluble yarns comprise at least one satin yarn or weft insert yarn.

[0022] In several embodiments, the N water-soluble yarns comprise at least one Trico warp-knitted yarn.

[0023] In several implementations, the mathematical expression MN=1 is satisfied.

[0024] In several embodiments, one or more water-soluble yarns do not intersect with the center line of the zipper tape, wherein the center line extends along the length direction at the center of the width of the zipper tape.

[0025] In some embodiments, the zipper tape comprises a woven fabric.

[0026] In several embodiments, one or more water-soluble yarns are sewing yarns used to sew the ground fabric of the first belt portion to the ground fabric of the second belt portion.

[0027] In several embodiments, each of the plurality of zipper teeth is made of metal. Invention Effects

[0028] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the recycling of zippers can be promoted based on the structure of the zipper tape itself. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of a zipper in one manner as disclosed in this disclosure. Figure 2 It is a rough 3D diagram of zipper teeth. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the engagement state of the left and right zipper teeth. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating that the zipper tape can be divided into a first tape section and a second tape section. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the construction of a knitted fabric with a zipper tape, illustrating the undissolved state of the water-soluble yarn. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the construction of a knitted fabric with a zipper tape, illustrating the state after the water-soluble yarn has dissolved. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the construction of other knitted fabrics with zipper tape. Figure 8 It means in Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the water-soluble yarn after it has dissolved in the structure of the knitted fabric. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the woven fabric of the zipper tape. Figure 10 This is a partial front view of other types of zipper teeth and straps. Figure 11 This is a partial front view of yet another type of zipper toothed chain. Figure 12 This is a general front view of other types of zippers. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of another knitted fabric with a zipper tape. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of another knitted fabric with a zipper tape. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 Various embodiments and features are described below. Those skilled in the art will be able to combine the various embodiments and / or features without excessive explanation, and will also understand the synergistic effects obtained from such combinations. Repeated descriptions between embodiments are omitted in principle. The accompanying drawings are simplified for ease of drawing purposes, primarily for the purpose of describing the invention. The features are not only effective for the zipper teeth disclosed in this application, but can be understood as general features applicable to various other zipper teeth not disclosed in this specification.

[0031] Regarding zipper 1, the movement direction of the zipper pull 5 is consistent with the front-to-back direction. One direction orthogonal to the movement direction of the zipper pull 5 is the left-to-right direction, parallel to the zipper tapes 3, 3' (or the tape surface defining their thickness). Another direction orthogonal to the movement direction of the zipper pull 5 is the up-down direction, orthogonal to the zipper tapes 3, 3' (or the tape surface defining their thickness). The front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-down directions can be alternatively referred to as the length direction, width direction, and thickness direction, respectively. Other methods can also be used to define the directions with reference to this disclosure.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 A brief description of the structure and function of zipper 1 is provided. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the zipper 1 has a pair of left and right zipper teeth 2, 2' and a zipper head 5 mounted relative to the pair of left and right zipper teeth 2, 2' in a manner that allows it to move in the front-back direction. Each zipper tooth 2, 2' includes a zipper tape 3, 3' and multiple zipper teeth 4, 4'. By advancing the zipper head 5, the left and right zipper teeth 4, 4' engage, resulting in the left and right zipper teeth 2, 2' engaging (within a range further back from the zipper head 5). By retracting the zipper head 5, the engagement of the left and right zipper teeth 4, 4' is released, resulting in the left and right zipper teeth 2, 2' being released (within a range further forward from the zipper head 5).

[0033] The zipper tapes 3 and 3' are highly flexible tapes extending in a specified direction with a specified width. Specifically, they have first side edges 31 and 31' and second side edges 32 and 32' extending in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the front-to-back direction) of the zipper tapes 3 and 3', and a main tape portion 33 and 33' extending in the same direction (i.e., the front-to-back direction) between the first side edges 31 and 31' and the second side edges 32 and 32'. In some cases, the first side edges 31 and 31' are first ears for mounting zipper teeth 4 and 4' on the zipper tapes 3 and 3', and the second side edges 32 and 32' are second ears for the zipper tapes 3 and 3' without mounting zipper teeth 4 and 4'. The ears can have a different structure than the main tape portion (e.g., a woven or knitted structure).

[0034] Zipper tapes 3 and 3' contain both water-soluble and non-water-soluble yarns. Typically, the water-soluble yarn is insoluble in room temperature water but soluble in hot water. The non-water-soluble yarn is insoluble in both room temperature and hot water. The hot water is at a temperature above the dissolution temperature of the water-soluble yarn material (e.g., above 80°C, 85°C, or 95°C). The hot water can be acidic, neutral, or alkaline, typically neutral or weakly alkaline. Additives and / or other types of additives (e.g., pH adjusters) to promote the dissolution of the water-soluble yarn can also be added to the hot water.

[0035] In some cases, the number of water-soluble yarns is less than 1 / 2, 1 / 3, or 1 / 4 of the number of non-water-soluble yarns. Alternatively, the mass or total mass of the water-soluble yarns in zipper tapes 3 and 3' is less than the total mass of the non-water-soluble yarns in zipper tapes 3 and 3'. In some cases, the mass or total mass of the water-soluble yarns in zipper tapes 3 and 3' is less than 1 / 5 or 1 / 10 of the total mass of the non-water-soluble yarns in zipper tapes 3 and 3'. By adjusting the amount of non-water-soluble yarns in zipper tapes 3 and 3' in this way, the high price of zipper 1 can be suppressed, and the recycling of zipper 1 can be promoted.

[0036] During the recycling process, the water-soluble yarn dissolves in hot water and disappears from the zipper tapes 3 and 3'. By avoiding excessive or unnecessary introduction of water-soluble yarn into the zipper tapes 3 and 3', it is possible to balance increasing recycling efficiency with avoiding the high cost of zipper 1. Preferably, the number of water-soluble yarns contained in the zipper tapes 3 and 3' is only two, three, four, or five. Furthermore, water-soluble yarn is generally more expensive than non-water-soluble yarn.

[0037] Zipper tapes 3 and 3' comprise knitted fabric (knitted structure) and / or woven fabric (woven structure). The knitted fabric of zipper tapes 3 and 3' is woven from both water-soluble and non-water-soluble yarns (i.e., the constituent yarns of the knitted fabric are not entirely water-soluble yarns). The woven fabric of zipper tapes 3 and 3' is woven from both water-soluble and non-water-soluble yarns (i.e., the constituent yarns of the woven fabric are not entirely water-soluble yarns). Specific examples of the knitted and woven fabrics of zipper tapes 3 and 3' will be described later.

[0038] Water-soluble yarn does not dissolve in room temperature water but dissolves in hot water. Specifically, it dissolves by immersing the yarn in hot water at a temperature above its dissolution temperature (e.g., 95°C). Even when immersed in water below the dissolution temperature of the yarn material (e.g., room temperature water), the water-soluble yarn will not dissolve immediately or will not dissolve substantially. Therefore, even though the zipper tapes 3 and 3' contain water-soluble yarn, their mechanical strength will not be compromised for normal use. Specifically, even when washing clothes with zipper 1 in a washing machine, the mechanical strength of zipper 1 can be maintained as long as hot water exceeding a specified temperature (e.g., 95°C) is not used.

[0039] Non-water-soluble yarns naturally will not dissolve in either room temperature or hot water. Specifically, they will not dissolve even in hot water at a temperature above the melting temperature (e.g., 95°C) of the material used to impregnate water-soluble yarns. In the case of non-water-soluble yarns made of thermoplastic resins, the yarn will melt if heated to the melting temperature of the resin (e.g., above 200°C in the case of polyester). However, as described above, it will not dissolve or melt even in hot water at a temperature above the melting temperature (e.g., 95°C) of the material used to impregnate water-soluble yarns. Therefore, "non-water-soluble yarn" can be defined as yarn that will not dissolve or melt under the conditions of "water-soluble yarn". Furthermore, when impregnated in hot water at a temperature above the melting temperature (e.g., 95°C) of the material used to impregnate water-soluble yarns, physical, chemical, or structural changes (e.g., thermal shrinkage) may occur in the non-water-soluble yarn, but this is not a problem since it is in the recycling stage. The material of non-water-soluble yarns is not limited to thermoplastic resins; it can also be a thermosetting resin. In this specification, the maximum temperature of the hot water is assumed to be 100°C, but the use of high-temperature steam exceeding 100°C is not excluded. High-temperature steam is set to a temperature lower than the melting temperature of non-water-soluble yarn. In general, water-soluble yarn dissolves upon exposure to hot water or high-temperature steam.

[0040] There are no particular limitations on the materials used for water-soluble and non-water-soluble yarns. In some cases, water-soluble yarn is a thermoplastic fiber yarn with water-soluble properties. Specifically, it includes a material selected from water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) synthetic fibers, alkali-soluble copolyester yarns, and polylactic acid yarns, or any combination thereof. In some cases, non-water-soluble yarn includes a material selected from polyester, nylon, cotton, and rayon, or any combination thereof. Naturally, the water-soluble yarn described in this specification can also include blended yarns of water-soluble and non-water-soluble fibers. Blended yarns of water-soluble and non-water-soluble fibers may partially dissolve upon immersion in hot water, thus potentially losing their yarn shape. In some cases, water-soluble fibers are included in a higher proportion than in non-water-soluble yarns.

[0041] There are no particular limitations on the yarn properties and / or yarn structure of water-soluble and non-water-soluble yarns. Water-soluble and / or non-water-soluble yarns are, in some cases, multifilament yarns formed by twisting monofilament yarns together, but this is not a limitation. Water-soluble yarn can be a yarn with a weight loss rate of 50% or more when placed in water at 95°C with a liquor ratio (yarn weight: liquid weight) of 1:50 and allowed to stand for 10 minutes. Preferably, the weight loss rate of water-soluble yarn is 50% or more when placed in water at 95°C with a liquor ratio (yarn weight: liquid weight) of 1:50 and allowed to stand for 10 minutes. More preferably, the weight loss rate of water-soluble yarn is 80% or more when placed in water at 95°C with a liquor ratio (yarn weight: liquid weight) of 1:50 and allowed to stand for 10 minutes.

[0042] The tensile strength of water-soluble yarn can be 3 cN / dtx or higher, for example, 3 to 5 cN / dtx. Preferably, when used as seam yarn, water-soluble yarn has a high tensile strength of 350 N or higher, for example, 350 to 500 N. The tensile strength of yarn refers to the single yarn tensile strength (at standard time) measured using the JIS method specified in JIS L1095:2010. The seam tensile strength refers to the graphic method (seam horizontal method, standard time seam tensile strength) specified in JIS L1093:2011.

[0043] Multiple zipper teeth 4, 4' are mounted relative to the first side edges 31, 31' of the zipper tape 3, 3'. The zipper teeth 4, 4' are typically metal teeth, but are not limited to this; they can also be resin teeth, or teeth that contain at least a portion of ceramic material. When the zipper teeth 4, 4' are metal, the metal material can be recycled by separating the zipper teeth 4, 4' from the zipper tape 3, 3'. Furthermore, regarding the zipper tape 3, 3' after the zipper teeth 4, 4' are removed, the constituent material of the zipper tape 3, 3' (typically, the resin material constituting the yarn) can be recycled. From the viewpoint of recycling the metal material, the constituent material of the zipper tape 3, 3' (e.g., resin) may not be recyclable (but is not limited to this). From the viewpoint of recycling the constituent material of the zipper tape 3, 3' (e.g., resin), the metal material of the zipper teeth 4, 4' may not be recyclable (but is not limited to this).

[0044] Figure 2 This shows the shape of zipper teeth 4 and 4' as metal teeth. Figure 2As shown, the zipper teeth 4, 4' have a head 41 and a pair of legs 42, 43 connected to the head 41. The first side edge 31, 31' of the zipper tape 3, 3' is inserted between the pair of legs 42, 43, and the pair of legs 42, 43 are pressed together by clamping the first side edge 31, 31'. As a result, the zipper teeth 4, 4' are installed onto the first side edge 31, 31'. A core thread (not shown) can be provided on the first side edge 31, 31'. In any case, the first side edge 31, 31' is firmly clamped by the pair of legs 42, 43, therefore, the zipper teeth 4, 4' will not easily fall off the first side edge 31, 31'. Furthermore, the head 41 has an engaging protrusion 41a (see reference). Figure 1 The head 41 may have a pair of engaging protrusions protruding in opposite directions, and a locking recess 41b, but is not limited to this form.

[0045] Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates the engagement state of the left and right zipper teeth 4, 4'. As shown in a partial cross-section, the engagement protrusion 41a of the left zipper tooth 4 gently engages with the engagement recess 41b of the right zipper tooth 4'. This engagement of the left and right zipper teeth 4, 4' occurs continuously in the front-back direction, thereby achieving the engagement of the left and right zipper teeth 2, 2'. It is also conceivable that the left and right zipper teeth 4, 4' may have other engagement structures and engage in a different manner than shown in the diagram.

[0046] In this embodiment, such as Figure 4 The zipper tape 3 shown can be divided into a first tape portion 3a and a second tape portion 3b at the dividing line SL. Specifically, the zipper tape 3 is divided into the first tape portion 3a and the second tape portion 3b in response to the dissolution of the water-soluble yarn contained in the zipper tape 3. In other words, in response to the dissolution of the water-soluble yarn, the first tape portion 3a, including the first side edge portions 31 and 31', can be separated from the remaining portion of the zipper tape 3 and 3' when multiple zipper teeth 4 and 4' are installed. In this way, the recycling of the zipper 1 can be promoted based on the structure of the zipper tape 3 itself. The same applies to the zipper tape 3'. Furthermore, note that depending on the way the water-soluble yarn is introduced into the zipper tape 3 and 3', the dividing line SL may be formed as a wide line like the dividing tape. It is also conceivable that the dividing line SL may be in a non-linear form.

[0047] If the zipper tapes 3 and 3' are immersed in hot water while the zipper 1 is attached to the main body of the article, the water-soluble yarn will dissolve, and the first tape portion 3a with the zipper teeth 4 will separate from the second tape portion 3b and the main body of the article. As a result, the recycling of the material (e.g., metal) of the zipper teeth 4 and 4' is facilitated. Since each zipper tooth 4 and 4' is attached to the first tape portion 3a, collecting the zipper teeth 4 and 4' is effortless. The second tape portion 3b can remain attached to the main body of the article. In this respect, since the zipper teeth 4 and 4' are not attached to the second tape portion 3b, affinity with the overall or partial recycling of the main body of the article can be ensured. For example, if both the main body of the article and the second tape portion 3b are made of the same or the same resin material, the second tape portion 3b can also be considered part of the main body and recycled while still attached to the main body of the article.

[0048] Furthermore, with the zipper tapes 3 and 3' divided into the first tape portion 3a and the second tape portion 3b, the water-soluble yarn contained in the zipper tapes 3 and 3' has already dissolved. Therefore, the zipper tape 3 cannot be reconstructed from the first tape portion 3a and the second tape portion 3b alone. For the reconstruction of the zipper tape 3, in addition to the first tape portion 3a and the second tape portion 3b, water-soluble yarn (which has disappeared from the zipper tapes 3 and 3' due to dissolution) is also required.

[0049] The first tape portion 3a includes the first side edge portions 31, 31' and a portion 33a of the tape body portion 33. The second tape portion 3b includes the second side edge portions 32, 32' and the remaining portion 33b of the tape body portion 33. In some cases, the width of the first tape portion 3a is narrower than that of the second tape portion 3b. Therefore, regarding the recycling of the zipper teeth 4, 4', the amount of materials other than those to be recycled (e.g., resin) can be reduced. At the same time, regarding the recycling of the zipper tapes 3, 3', the amount of materials to be recycled (e.g., resin) can be increased. In this regard, it is desirable to introduce the water-soluble yarn 6 in a manner that does not intersect with the center line of the zipper tapes 3, 3' extending in a predetermined direction at the center of the width of the zipper tapes 3, 3'.

[0050] In some cases, the dividing line SL is located closer to the first side edge 31, 31' than the center line TC of the zipper tapes 3, 3' extending in a predetermined direction at the center of the width of the zipper tapes 3, 3'. That is, the dividing line SL can be set at any position between the center line TC and the first side edge 31, 31' in the width direction of the zipper tapes 3, 3'. Similarly, the dividing line SL can be set at any position between the center line TC and the zipper teeth 4, 4' in the width direction of the zipper tapes 3, 3'. Note that the number of dividing lines is not limited to one. Two dividing lines can also be set relative to one zipper tape 3, 3'.

[0051] Zipper straps 3 and 3' are sewn onto the main body of the item along seam line L9. Seam line L9 is positioned further away from the second side edge 32 and 32' than the dividing line SL. Figure 4 In the case shown, the seam line L9 is located between the dividing line SL and the center line TC, which reduces the exposed area of ​​the zipper tapes 3 and 3' when the zipper 1 is installed on the main body of the item, but it is not limited to this. It is also conceivable that the seam line L9 is located further away from the second side edge 32 and 32' than the center line TC.

[0052] While it is possible to divide the zipper tapes 3 and 3' into the first tape portion 3a and the second tape portion 3b using a single water-soluble yarn, it is preferable that the zipper tapes 3 and 3' contain multiple (e.g., two, three, four, or five) water-soluble yarns from the perspective of ensuring the strength of the zipper tapes 3 and 3' or other considerations. By introducing multiple water-soluble yarns, the connection between the first tape portion 3a and the second tape portion 3b (separated by the dissolution of the water-soluble yarn) can be strengthened. It also helps to prevent unforeseen situations such as the water-soluble yarns of the zipper tapes 3 and 3' being physically cut due to contact with a sharp blade while the zipper 1 is in use.

[0053] Water-soluble yarns can be introduced into the zipper tapes 3 and 3' as the ground yarn of the fabric (e.g., knitted or woven fabric). Thus, the water-soluble yarn is embedded in other ground yarns of the non-water-soluble yarns in the ground fabric, allowing the zipper tapes 3 and 3' to have the same appearance and texture as ordinary zipper tapes 3 and 3'. When the ground fabric of the zipper tapes 3 and 3' contains multiple ground yarns, the ground yarns are not limited to those selected from a single type; they can also be selected from multiple types of ground yarns and be water-soluble yarns. Preferably, water-soluble yarns are partially introduced into the ground fabric of the zipper tapes 3 and 3'. These features will be understood in detail from the following description.

[0054] Figure 5 The diagram shows a knitted structure in which zipper tapes 3 and 3' are knitted fabrics, and several ground yarns of the knitted fabrics of zipper tapes 3 and 3' are water-soluble yarns 6 (shown in dashed lines). Figure 6 The knitted structure after the water-soluble yarn 6 has dissolved is shown. Figure 5 In the middle, water-soluble yarn 6 is used to connect the first belt portion 3a and the second belt portion 3b, but... Figure 6 In this process, the water-soluble yarn 6 dissolves and disappears in hot water, so the first belt portion 3a and the second belt portion 3b are not connected and can be separated.

[0055] Zipper tapes 3 and 3' comprise multiple wale rows W1 to W16 and multiple connecting yarns connecting the multiple wale rows W1 to W16. The wale rows W1 to W16 are formed by chain yarn 71. The connecting yarns comprise satin yarn 72 and weft insert yarn 73. The chain yarn 71 forming the wale rows W1 to W16 is connected in the wale direction by the satin yarn 72 and the weft insert yarn 73. As a result, a warp-knitted fabric with two-dimensional extension is constructed. Other knitted fabrics can also be used. Furthermore, the satin yarn 72 extends along the wale direction while oscillating at a predetermined amplitude, and forms loops at the turning points with respect to the wale direction, intersecting with the wale rows (e.g., chain yarn). The weft insert yarn 73 does not form loops and extends along the wale direction while oscillating at a predetermined amplitude. All yarns except the water-soluble yarn 6 are non-water-soluble yarns 7.

[0056] exist Figure 5 In the non-limiting example shown, three of the twelve satin yarns 72 are water-soluble yarns 61, 62, and 63, which dissolve in hot water. These twelve satin yarns are configured to meet the strength requirements for the zipper tapes 3 and 3' as the ground yarns of the weft weave. It is not necessary to selectively make only the satin yarns 6 among the various ground yarns constituting the weft weave, such as the braided yarn 71, satin yarn 72, and weft insert yarn 73. For example, it is also possible to additionally make several braided yarns 6 (and also to make the braided yarns 71 of the loop warps W5 and W6 water-soluble yarns). In weaves that do not contain satin yarns, several weft insert yarns can be made water-soluble yarns as a substitute for satin yarns.

[0057] In particular, all yarns intersecting the dividing line SL can be water-soluble yarns 6. Regarding Figure 5 A dividing line SL is set between loop wale W5 and loop wale W6. Therefore, all connecting yarns (satin yarn in the example) extending along the loop direction within the range of loop wale W5 and loop wale W6 are water-soluble yarns. When the dividing line SL is set on the loop wale, it is possible to make the constituent yarns of that loop wale water-soluble yarns as well, but it is not a limitation.

[0058] As from Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be clearly stated, the water-soluble yarn 6 is partially introduced into the knitted fabric, specifically, into the total width of adjacent specified number of loop warps. As a result, the water-soluble yarn 6 is embedded within a group of non-water-soluble yarns 7, allowing the characteristics of the zipper tapes 3 and 3' to be determined primarily based on the characteristics of the non-water-soluble yarns 7. The specified number of loops can be less than 1 / 2, 1 / 3, or 1 / 4 of the total number of loop warps contained in the knitted fabric.

[0059] exist Figure 5In the case shown, water-soluble yarn 6 is introduced within the range of a total of 6 loops W3 to W8 between the imaginary line L1 and the center line TC. Specifically, the water-soluble yarn 6 includes a water-soluble satin yarn 61 that oscillates within the total width of loops W3 to W6 and extends along the loop direction; a water-soluble satin yarn 62 that oscillates within the total width of loops W4 to W7 and extends along the loop direction; and a water-soluble satin yarn 63 that oscillates within the total width of loops W5 to W8 and extends along the loop direction. The total number of these water-soluble yarns 6 (=3) is 1 less than the number of loops (=4) corresponding to the oscillation amplitude of each water-soluble yarn 6. If described in a general sense, when yarns extending along the wale direction while oscillating within a specified width are adjacent in adjacent wale directions, MN=1 is satisfied, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 representing the number of wale directions, and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 representing the total number of water-soluble yarns 6. Furthermore, in Figure 5 In the case shown, there are 18 yarns extending along the longitudinal direction of the loop, of which 3 are water-soluble yarns 6. The number of water-soluble yarns 6 is less than 1 / 4 of the number of yarns extending along the longitudinal direction of the loop.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the construction of other knitted fabrics with zipper tape. Figure 8 Shown in Figure 7 The state of the water-soluble yarn after it has dissolved in the structure of the knitted fabric shown. Figure 7 The knitted structure is woven from chain yarn 71, weft insert yarn 73, and tricot warp yarn 74. One of the 16 tricot warp yarns crossing the dividing line SL is a water-soluble yarn 64. Similarly, one of the 9 weft insert yarns crossing the dividing line SL is a water-soluble yarn 65. The 16 tricot warp yarns and 9 weft insert yarns constitute the ground yarn of the ground structure, satisfying the strength requirements for zipper tapes 3 and 3'. All the ground yarns crossing the dividing line SL are water-soluble yarns, while all other yarns are non-water-soluble yarns. Therefore, through the dissolution of the water-soluble yarns 64 and 65, the zipper tapes 3 and 3' are divided into the first tape section 3a and the second tape section 3b (see reference). Figure 8 In addition, in Figure 7 In the case shown, there are 24 yarns extending along the longitudinal direction of the loop, of which there are two water-soluble yarns 6. The number of water-soluble yarns 6 is less than 1 / 12 of the number of yarns extending along the longitudinal direction of the loop.

[0061] Figure 9The diagram shows zipper tapes 3 and 3' as woven fabrics. For example, one warp yarn with a dividing line SL is a water-soluble yarn 66, and all other warp yarns are non-water-soluble yarns 7. One weft yarn is a water-soluble yarn 67. Through the partial dissolution of the water-soluble yarn 66 and the water-soluble yarn 67 that intersects with it, zipper tapes 3 and 3' are divided into a first tape portion 3a and a second tape portion 3a. Since the water-soluble yarn 67 is not dissolved entirely but only at the portion that intersects with the water-soluble yarn 6, only a portion of zipper tapes 3 and 3' can be immersed in hot water. Even assuming the water-soluble yarn 6 dissolves entirely, the zipper teeth 4 and 4' remain connected to the warp yarns of the multiple non-water-soluble yarns 7, preventing the zipper teeth 4 and 4' from becoming tangled and requiring considerable effort to collect. Generally, woven fabrics contain a single weft yarn that repeatedly extends to one side and to the other in the weft direction. When the weft yarn is set to water-soluble yarn, it should be noted that the mass of water-soluble yarn contained in zipper tapes 3 and 3' will increase.

[0062] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the arrangement where the first tape portion 3a and the second tape portion 3b of the zipper tapes 3 and 3' are sewn together using water-soluble yarn 68. The first tape portion 3a and the second tape portion 3b can be woven or knitted from non-water-soluble yarn, respectively. The water-soluble yarn 68 is the sewing yarn used to sew the first tape portion 3a and the second tape portion 3b (e.g., their loops). The same effect as described above can be achieved in this configuration. The water-soluble yarn 68 is typically sewing thread. Furthermore, in... Figure 10 In the case shown, the water-soluble yarn 68 does not cross the center line TC, but... Figure 11 In the case shown, the water-soluble yarn 68 intersects with the center line TC. Figure 10 The first strip 3a shown is narrower, which is preferred.

[0063] like Figure 12 As shown, zipper teeth 4 and 4' can also be made of resin. Even if recycling the main body of the item is difficult, it can promote the recycling of zipper teeth 4 and 4'.

[0064] It can also be adopted Figure 13 and Figure 14 The knitted fabric shown. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The state of zipper tapes 3 and 3' before the water-soluble yarn dissolves is shown. Figure 13The knitted structure is made of chain yarn 71, weft insert yarn 73, tricot warp yarn 74, warp insert yarn 75, and reverse insert yarn 76. One of the 12 tricot warp yarns crossing the dividing line SL is a water-soluble yarn. Similarly, three of the 10 weft insert yarns 73 crossing the dividing line SL are water-soluble yarns. All the ground yarns crossing the dividing line SL are water-soluble yarns, while all other yarns are non-water-soluble yarns. Therefore, similarly, through the dissolution of the water-soluble yarns, the zipper tapes 3 and 3' are divided into a first tape section 3a and a second tape section 3b. There are 14 yarns extending along the warp direction of the loops, of which 4 are water-soluble yarns. The number of water-soluble yarns is less than one-third of the number of yarns extending along the warp direction of the loops.

[0065] Figure 14 The knitted structure is woven from chain yarn 71, satin yarn 72, tricot warp yarn 74, and warp insert yarn 75. One of the 11 tricot warp yarns crossing the dividing line SL is a water-soluble yarn. Similarly, three of the nine satin yarns 72 crossing the dividing line SL are water-soluble yarns. All the ground yarns crossing the dividing line SL are water-soluble yarns, while all other yarns are non-water-soluble yarns. Therefore, similarly, through the dissolution of the water-soluble yarns, the zipper tapes 3 and 3' are divided into a first tape section 3a and a second tape section 3b. There are 20 yarns extending along the warp direction of the loops, of which 4 are water-soluble yarns. The number of water-soluble yarns is less than 1 / 4 of the number of yarns extending along the warp direction of the loops.

[0066] Based on the above teachings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the various embodiments and features. The reference numerals added to the claims are for reference only and should not be referenced for the purpose of limiting the interpretation of the claims. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0067] 1: Zipper 2: Zipper teeth and chain strap 2': Zipper teeth and chain strap 3: Zipper strap 3': Zipper strap 3a: Section 1 3b: Part 2 4: Zipper teeth 4': Zipper teeth 6: Water-soluble yarn 31: First lateral edge 31': First lateral edge 32: Second lateral edge 32': Second lateral edge SL: Divider line.

Claims

1. A zipper tooth tape, comprising: A zipper tape (3, 3') having a first side edge (31, 31') and a second side edge (32, 32') extending in the length direction of the zipper tape (3, 3'); and Multiple zipper teeth (4, 4') are mounted relative to the first side edge (31, 31'); In the zipper teeth (2, 2'), The zipper tape (3, 3') contains one or more water-soluble yarns (6). In response to the dissolution of one or more water-soluble yarns (6), the zipper tape (3, 3') can be divided into a first tape portion (3a) containing the first side edge portion (31, 31') and a second tape portion (3b) containing the second side edge portion (32, 32').

2. The zipper tooth tape according to claim 1, wherein, The zipper tape (3, 3') also includes multiple non-water-soluble yarns (7), wherein the number of the one or more water-soluble yarns (6) is less than 1 / 2, or less than 1 / 3, or less than 1 / 4 of the number of the multiple non-water-soluble yarns (7).

3. The zipper tooth tape according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The one or more water-soluble yarns (6) can be melted in hot water or high-temperature steam.

4. The zipper tooth tape according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The one or more water-soluble yarns (6) comprise all the yarns that intersect with the dividing line (SL), wherein the dividing line (SL) is the dividing line about the boundary between the first belt portion (3a) and the second belt portion (3b).

5. The zipper tooth tape according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, One or more water-soluble yarns (6) are partially introduced into the ground structure of the zipper tape (3, 3').

6. The zipper tooth tape according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The one or more water-soluble yarns (6) include the ground yarn of the zipper tape (3, 3').

7. The zipper tooth tape according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The one or more water-soluble yarns (6) include multiple ground yarns of the ground structure of the zipper tape (3, 3').

8. The zipper tooth tape according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The zipper tape (3, 3') comprises a knitted fabric.

9. The zipper tooth tape according to claim 8, wherein, One or more water-soluble yarns (6) are introduced into the total width of the adjacent specified number of loop warps of the knitted fabric.

10. The zipper tooth tape according to claim 9, wherein, The specified number of loops in the coil is less than 1 / 2, 1 / 3, or 1 / 4 of the total number of coils in the knitted fabric.

11. The zipper tooth tape according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The one or more water-soluble yarns (6) comprise N water-soluble yarns, where N represents a natural number greater than 2. Each of the N water-soluble yarns extends in the transverse direction of the knitted fabric to connect the M loops contained in the knitted fabric in the longitudinal direction, where M represents a natural number greater than 2.

12. The zipper tooth tape according to claim 11, wherein, The N water-soluble yarns include at least one satin yarn or a weft insert yarn.

13. The zipper tooth tape according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The N water-soluble yarns include at least one Trico warp-knitted yarn.

14. The zipper tooth tape according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, It satisfies the mathematical formula: MN=1.

15. The zipper tooth tape according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The one or more water-soluble yarns (6) do not intersect with the center line (TC) of the zipper tape (3, 3'), wherein the center line (TC) extends along the length direction at the center of the width of the zipper tape (3, 3').

16. The zipper tooth tape according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The zipper tape (3, 3') contains woven fabric.

17. The zipper tooth tape according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The one or more water-soluble yarns (6) are sewing yarns that sew the ground fabric of the first belt portion (3a) to the ground fabric of the second belt portion (3b).

18. The zipper tooth tape according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, Each of the plurality of zipper teeth (4, 4') is made of metal.

19. A zipper tooth tape, comprising: A zipper tape (3, 3') having a first side edge (31, 31') and a second side edge (32, 32') extending in the length direction of the zipper tape (3, 3'); and Multiple zipper teeth (4, 4') are mounted relative to the first side edge (31, 31'). In the zipper teeth (2, 2'), The zipper tape (3, 3') contains one or more water-soluble yarns (6). In response to the dissolution of one or more water-soluble yarns (6), the tape portion (3a) including the first side edge portion (31, 31') can be separated from the remaining portion (3b) of the zipper tape (3, 3') when the plurality of zipper teeth (4, 4') are installed.

20. A method for recycling zipper teeth, comprising recycling multiple zipper teeth (4, 4') on zipper tapes (3, 3') installed on zipper tooth tapes (2, 2'), including: The process of dissolving one or more water-soluble yarns (6) contained in the zipper tape (3, 3') by exposing at least partially to hot water or high-temperature steam; and The process of separating the tape portion (3a) of the zipper tape (3, 3') on which the plurality of zipper teeth (4, 4') are installed from the remaining portion (3b) of the zipper tape (3, 3') in response to the dissolution of one or more water-soluble yarns (6).

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