Fastening strips and methods for their manufacture

Abstract

A fastening strip (2m, 2n) comprises: a fastening band (3m, 3n); a fastening element (4m, 4n) arranged on a side edge section (33) of the fastening band (3m, 3n); and a cover element (5m, 5n) made of soft material (99) that covers the fastening band (3m, 3n), the cover element (5m, 5n) having a sealing section (56) arranged in a thickness direction of the fastening band (3m, 3n) on a side of the fastening element (4m, 4n) opposite the fastening band (3m, 3n). The cover element (5m, 5n) includes a flexible core surface element (60) extending in a longitudinal direction of the fastening strip (2m, 2n). The core surface element (60) is embedded in the soft material (99) such that at least one surface of the core surface element (60) is exposed or both surfaces of the core surface element (60) are not exposed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fastening strip and a method for producing the same. [Technical background]

[0002] Less expensive zippers with limited water repellency, as well as expensive zippers with sufficient water or air tightness, are known from the prior art. One of the former examples is a zipper having a fastening tape to which a polyurethane film is laminated. One of the latter examples is a zipper having left and right fastening tapes with opposite side edges that abut each other when injection-molded elements on the left and right sides are operatively connected.

[0003] PTL1 discloses that a fastener is sewn to a tape portion in which a cover layer made of elastic material such as synthetic resin or rubber is bonded to a base fabric, and a thinner portion is formed on the cover layer along the line where the fastener is sewn (see Fig. 1 of PTL1). In PTL2 it is disclosed that a spiral monofilament is sewn with a water- or airtight strip (see Fig. 1 of PTL2).

[0004] PTL3 discloses that films (see reference numerals 21, 22 in Fig. 1 of PTL3) on fastening straps (see symbols 11, 12 in Fig. 1 of PTL3) and the films are brought into a state of contact with each other, as in Fig. 1 of PTL3. PTL4 discloses in Fig. 15, that on waterproof sealing layers (see reference numeral 13 in Fig. 15 of PTL4) Sealing sections (see reference numeral 4 in Fig. 15 of PTL4). PTL5 reveals in Fig. 4, that a folded side edge (see reference numeral 7 in Fig. 4 of PTL5) is arranged such that it has an effective connection center line (see reference numeral 8 in Fig. 4 of PTL4).

[0005] PTL6 discloses a slide fastener in which the fastener tapes are each covered by cover layers made of synthetic rubber or the like and opposite edges of the cover layers have close contact areas as shown in Fig. 1 from PTL6 when the fastening elements are in operative connection. [List of references][Patent literature] [PTL 1] Japanese Utility Model Application, Laid-Open Publication No. 4-10711 [PTL 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-41561 [PTL 3] Examined Chinese Utility Model, Publication No. 212650520 [PTL 4] Japanese Patent Application, Laid-Open No. 60-246704 [PTL 5] Examined Japanese Patent Application, Laid-Open No. 63-14963 [PTL 6] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-354505 [PTL 7] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-45213 [PTL 8] US Patent No. 8,756,768 Specification [Representation][Technical problem]

[0006] As discussed above, less expensive zippers with limited water repellency and expensive zippers with sufficient water or air tightness are known; however, intermediate zippers that fall between the two have not yet been offered on the market. Against this backdrop, the present inventors have identified a new challenge: to provide a zipper with a new structure that allows for cost-effective mass production and provides a sufficient degree of water or air tightness. [Solution to the problem]

[0007] A fastening strip according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a fastening band; a fastening element disposed at a side edge portion of the fastening band; and a cover member made of soft material and covering the fastening band, wherein the cover member has a sealing portion disposed on an opposite side of the fastening element in a thickness direction of the fastening band with respect to the fastening band. The cover member includes a flexible core sheet extending in a longitudinal direction of the fastening strip, wherein the core sheet is embedded in the soft material such that one surface of the core sheet is at least partially exposed or both surfaces of the core sheet are not exposed.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cover member is configured as a carrier substrate that supports the fastening tape.

[0009] In some embodiments, one end of the core sheet member in a width direction of the fastening strip is embedded in the sealing portion. One end of the core sheet member in the width direction of the fastening strip may be spaced apart from a sealing surface of the sealing portion within an extent above the fastening member, and a soft portion may be formed between one end of the core sheet member and the sealing surface in the width direction of the cover member. A distance between one end of the core sheet member and the sealing surface in the width direction of the cover member may be 1 cm or less.

[0010] In some embodiments, the core sheet element is a woven sheet element, a knitted sheet element, a mixed sheet element of woven and knitted structures, a sheet element made of paper, a nonwoven fabric, or a metal foil.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sealing portion is movable away from the fastening band and closer to the fastening band.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cover element is wider than the fastener strip. The cover element may include a fastening portion, wherein the fastening portion is farther from the sealing portion than the fastening strip in a width direction of the fastening strip and has an exposed surface that is not covered by the fastening strip.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sealing portion is shaped to have an obliquely angled portion or an upright wall.

[0014] In some embodiments, the fastening element is a coiled element sewn to the fastening band with a fastening thread. The fastening band may have a main surface that is at least partially covered by the cover element, and stitches of the fastening thread may be covered by the cover element on the main surface.

[0015] A method for manufacturing a fastening strip according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include: performing extrusion molding to form a cover member in which a flexible core sheet is embedded in a soft material such that one surface of the core sheet is at least partially exposed or both surfaces of the core sheet are not exposed; and laminating the cover member to a fastening tape to support the fastening tape through the cover member, the fastening tape having a side edge portion on which a fastening element is arranged.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cover member may be laminated to the fastening tape such that a sealing portion is disposed on a side of the fastening member opposite the fastening tape.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cover member is laminated to the fastening tape so that the sealing portion can be moved away from the fastening tape and closer to the fastening tape.

[0018] In some embodiments, extrusion of the cover member by an extruder and lamination of the cover member to the fastening tape are performed sequentially without cutting the cover member at a location between the extruder and a location where the lamination is performed. [Advantageous effects of the invention]

[0019] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a slide fastener having a novel structure is provided that enables more cost-effective mass production and has a sufficient degree of water or air tightness. [Brief description of the drawings] [ Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a zipper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [ Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a partial view of the underside of the zipper. [ Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is an enlarged partial view of fasteners in operative connection. [ Fig. 4] is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the slide fastener, showing a state in which left and right sealing portions abut each other when left and right fasteners are engaged. [ Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the slide fastener, mainly showing fastening portions arranged outward in a width direction of the slide fastener. [ Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the slide fastener, showing a state in which the sealing portions of the cover members deform within the slider. [ Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a schematic flow diagram of the steps for manufacturing a fastening strip according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [ Fig. 8] Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting exemplary extruder. [ Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a view of a non-limiting example of an extrusion die. [ Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a method for manufacturing the fastening strip. [ Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of a method for manufacturing the fastening strip. [ Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of a method for manufacturing the slide fastener. [ Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a slide fastener of another example. [ Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of the variation of the cover element. [ Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a schematic representation of the variation of the cover element. [ Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a schematic representation of the variation of the cover element. [ Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a schematic representation of the variation of the cover element. [ Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a schematic representation of the variation of the cover element. [Description of the embodiments]

[0020] Various embodiments and features are described below with reference to the drawings. A person skilled in the art would be able to combine the respective embodiments and / or the respective features without the need for excessive descriptions and would appreciate the synergistic effects of such combinations. Overlapping descriptions between the embodiments are substantially omitted. The drawings referred to are primarily for describing the inventions and are simplified for convenience. The respective features are to be understood as universal features that apply not only to the zippers and methods of manufacturing them presented here, but also to other various zippers and methods of manufacturing them that are not presented in the present description.

[0021] In the present description, a direction in which a slider 8 moves to open and close a zipper 1 is defined as a front-to-back direction (see double arrow FB in Fig. 1). A direction that coincides with the width direction of the zipper 1 and is orthogonal to the front-back direction is defined as the left-right direction (see double arrow LR in Fig. 1). A direction that coincides with the thickness direction of the zipper 1 and is orthogonal to the front-back direction is defined as the up-down direction. The up-down direction is orthogonal to the front-back direction and the left-right direction. The up-down direction does not necessarily mean a vertical direction (gravity direction). For example, if a longitudinal direction of the zipper 1 is in the vertical direction, the up-down direction of the zipper 1 is in the horizontal direction (orthogonal to the vertical direction). Therefore, a direction mentioned here does not refer to the vertical direction.

[0022] The zipper 1 is a flexible, elongated member elongated in the front-to-back direction with a constant width in the left-to-right direction, and includes a pair of left and right fastening strips 2m, 2n and a slider 8 for engaging and disengaging these fastening strips 2m, 2n. When the slider 8 moves forward, the left and right fastening strips 2m and 2n are brought into engagement, forming a fluid-tight seal based on the abutting state between the sealing portions 56 described below. When the slider 8 moves rearward, the left and right fastening strips 2m and 2n are released, further releasing the abutting state between the sealing portions 56 described below (resulting in the fluid-tight seal being absent).

[0023] The fastening strip 2m, 2n is a flexible, elongated member elongated in the front-to-back direction with a constant width in the left-to-right direction, and comprises a water-permeable strip 7m, 7n and a cover member 5m, 5n laminated onto the water-permeable strip 7m, 7n. Similarly, the water-permeable strip 7m, 7n and the cover member 5m, 5n are a flexible, elongated member elongated in the front-to-back direction with a constant width in the left-to-right direction. The water-permeable strip 7m, 7n comprises a water-permeable fastening band 3m, 3n and a fastening member 4m, 4n arranged on a side edge portion 33 of the fastening band 3m, 3n. The fastening band 3m,3n is a flexible, elongated part that is elongated in the front-back direction with a constant width in the left-right direction.

[0024] The fastening tape 3m, 3n is water-permeable, allowing liquid (e.g., water) to penetrate through it; it can, for example, be a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, or a mixed fabric of woven and knitted structures. In particular, the structure and its component threads (e.g., weft and warp threads) of the fastening tape can absorb liquid, leading to permeation and penetration of the liquid. In the form of a woven fabric, the fastening tape 3m, 3n comprises a plurality of warp threads and at least one weft thread. Patches are formed between adjacent warp threads in the weft direction, where the thread density is low, and between adjacent sections of the weft thread in the warp direction, where the thread density is low, potentially contributing to the permeation of liquid.Even in one form of knitted fabric, areas are formed between the knitting threads where the thread density is low, which may contribute to the permeation of liquid.

[0025] The fastening element 4m, 4n is a wound element that is sewn to the fastening tape 3m, 3n with a fastening thread 44, and can typically be sewn to the side edge portion of the fastening tape 3m, 3n so that it is placed on a main surface of the fastening tape 3m, 3n. For this purpose, any sewing method, such as single chain stitch sewing or double chain stitch sewing, can be used. The wound element is made of a spirally wound monofilament and has a gap between the portions of the monofilament so that it is permeable to water. Specifically, in the wound element, element units U1, each corresponding to one turn of the spirally wound monofilament, are continuously formed in the front-to-back direction (see Fig. 3). Each element unit U1 includes a head 41 extending in the up-down direction, a pair of legs 42 connected to the upper and lower ends of the head 41, respectively, and a connecting portion 43 connecting the legs 42 between adjacent element units U1. The head 41 is shaped to be wider than the leg 42 in the front-back direction by an appropriate amount, so that the heads 41 of the left and right fastening elements 4m, 4n can be engaged and disengaged. Various types of fastening elements can also be used. A core thread may be inserted into a cavity of the spiral monofilament of the wound element, but may also be omitted.

[0026] In some cases, including the illustrated examples, the cover member 5m, 5n is wider than the fastening band 3m, 3n and can be divided in the width direction into an inner portion 53, a fastening portion 54, and an intermediate portion 55. The intermediate portion 55 is continuous with the inner portion 53, and the fastening portion 54 is continuous with the intermediate portion 55. The respective inner portions 53 of the left and right cover members 5m, 5n include sealing portions 56 that are brought into an abutting state when the left and right fastening members 4m, 4n are operatively connected. The inner portion 53 can be partially laminated to one main surface of the fastening band 3m, 3n. The intermediate portion 55 can be completely laminated to the one main surface of the fastening band 3m, 3n. As in Fig. 4, a boundary between the inner portion 53 and the intermediate portion 55 of the cover element 5m, 5n may be defined in a plane P1 that is in contact with the connecting portion 43 of the fastening element 4m, 4n and orthogonal to the width direction of the zipper 1. As shown in Fig. 5, a boundary between the intermediate portion 55 and the fastening portion 54 of the cover member 5m,5n may be defined in a plane P2 which is in contact with an outer edge surface 39 of the fastening tape 3m,3n and is orthogonal to the width direction of the zipper 1.

[0027] The fastening portion 54 of the cover element 5m, 5n is not laminated to the fastening tape 3m, 3n and therefore has an exposed surface 95 that is not covered by the fastening tape 3m, 3n. The fastening portion 54 is farther from the sealing portion 56 in the width direction of the fastening strip 2m, 2n than the fastening tape 3m, 3n. One or both surfaces of the fastening portion 54 can be used to attach the fastening strip 2m, 2n to an open portion of an article such as clothing, a bag, or a tent (for example, by a method such as thermocompression bonding or the like).

[0028] The zipper 1 may have a center plane CP in a state where the fastening elements 4m, 4n are operatively connected. The center plane CP is a plane orthogonal to the width direction of the zipper 1. Furthermore, the center plane CP lies at the center of the operative connection heads 41 of the fastening elements 4m, 4n in the width direction of the zipper 1. The above-mentioned planes P1 and P2 are each a plane parallel to the center plane CP.

[0029] The cover member 5m,5n covers (directly) the fastening tape 3m,3n (ie, is directly laminated on the fastening tape 3m,3n) to prevent a liquid from entering and penetrating the fastening tape 3m,3n, and has a sealing portion 56 at an opposite position (for example, at a position above) of the fastening member 4m,4n with respect to the fastening tape 3m,3n in the thickness direction of the fastening tape 3m,3n (see Fig. 4). For example, in a case where the fastening element 4m, 4n is arranged below the fastening band 3m, 3n, the sealing portion 56 is arranged above the fastening band 3m, 3n. The sealing portion is preferably superimposed by the fastening element in a plan view. In other words, as in Fig. 4, the sealing portion is inward (on the side of the inner edge surface 38) from the plane P1 in contact with the connecting portion 43 of the fastening element 4m, 4n, and orthogonal to the width direction of the slide fastener 1.

[0030] The cover elements 5m, 5n are each formed from a soft material 99, and in particular are made from a soft material 99 (for example, rubber, elastomer, resin (for example, polyurethane) or a mixture thereof) that does not allow permeation and penetration of liquid. Due to the waterproof property of the cover element 5m, 5n, the waterproof property of the fastening strip 2m, 2n is ensured (i.e., the fastening strip 2m, 2n functions as a waterproof strip and the zipper 1 functions as a waterproof closure), regardless of the water permeability of the water-permeable strip 7m, 7n. The soft material 99 may contain, in addition to a main material such as rubber, elastomer, or resin, one or more additives to improve the physical or chemical properties.The soft material 99 may also include a pigment (an inorganic or an organic pigment) in addition to the main material described above, so that the cover can have a desired color in accordance with the pigment.

[0031] The watertightness (degree of watertightness) of the zipper 1 depends on various internal parameters such as the material, thickness, and density of the components of the fastening strip 2m, 2n, as well as external parameters such as the water pressure exerted on the zipper 1. The zipper 1 can be designed to have an intermediate watertightness, which lies between the less expensive zippers with limited water repellency described above and the expensive zippers with sufficient water or air tightness; however, it should not be limited to this degree of watertightness and can have a lower or higher degree of watertightness than that degree.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the cover member 5m,5n is configured as a carrier substrate carrying the fastening tape 3m,3n (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5). That is, the cover element 5m,5n is not supported by the fastening band 3m,3n, but the fastening band 3m,3n is supported by the cover element 5m,5n. For this purpose, the cover element 5m,5n has less flexibility than the fastening band 3m,3n. The cover element 5m,5n can be formed thicker than the fastening band 3m,3n. The cover element 5m,5n can be formed to have a thickness equal to or greater than a predetermined thickness to achieve the desired sealing performance.

[0033] In the present embodiment, the cover member 5m, 5n includes a flexible core sheet 60 extending in the longitudinal direction of the fastening strip 2m, 2ne. Further, the core sheet 60 is embedded in the soft material 99 such that one surface of the core sheet 60 is at least partially exposed or both surfaces of the core sheet 60 are not exposed. With such a configuration, the soft material 99 is supported by the core sheet 60, and the shape of the cover member 5m, 5n including the sealing portion 56 is stabilized. This enables the use of inexpensive fastening tapes that can be mass-produced as the fastening tape 3m, 3n, and facilitates the cost reduction of the zipper 1. It is noted that the core sheet 60 extends in the longitudinal direction of the zipper 1 (orof the fastening strip 2m, 2n) to support the fastening band 3m, 3n. The layer of soft material 99 is supported and held by one surface or both surfaces of the core surface element 60 (see . Fig. 4). When one surface of the core surface element 60 is exposed, the other surface of the core surface element 60 on the opposite side of the exposed surface is not exposed.

[0034] When the soft material 99 adheres to only one surface of the core sheet 60, the core sheet 60 is exposed on the other surface on the opposite side from the soft material 99. When the soft material 99 adheres to both surfaces of the core sheet 60, both surfaces of the core sheet 60 are covered by the soft material 99 and are not exposed. Whether a surface of the core sheet 60 is exposed or not depends on whether a single piece of the cover member 5m, 5n is visible from the outside. The soft material 99 has a two-dimensional spread and can be seen as a layer or sheet in a cross-section of the cover member 5m, 5n in both the width and length directions of the zipper 1.

[0035] The fastening tape 3m,3n may be a type of fastening tape that does not incorporate a fastening element (for example, a fastening tape with a sewn-on coil element). As described above, it is the cover element 5m,5n that serves as the carrier substrate, not the fastening tape 3m,3n. This makes it possible to use inexpensive fastening tapes (similar to the water-permeable strip 7m,7n) for the fastening tape 3m,3n that can be mass-produced, thus enabling a cost reduction of the zipper 1. It can be said that the high flexibility of the inexpensive fastening tape 3m,3n is balanced or compensated for by the low flexibility of the cover element 5m,5n.

[0036] It should be noted that in a type of fastening tape in which a fastening element (particularly a coil-like element containing a spirally wound monofilament) is woven into the fastening tape, the fastening element is incorporated into the woven structure of the tape by interlacing it with the weft thread of the fastening tape. In this case, the flexibility of the fastening tape is reduced, and the fastening tape can be used as a carrier substrate for a soft material, such as a polyurethane coating, but the cost tends to be higher.

[0037] The fastening band 3m,3n has a band top side 31 and a band bottom side 32 and has a thickness defined by these surfaces (see Fig. 4). The tape upper side 31 and the tape lower side 32 are main surfaces that define the thickness of the fastening tape 3m,3n. The thickness direction of the fastening tape 3m,3n is the direction orthogonal to the tape upper side 31 and the tape lower side 32. The fastening element 4m,4n is sewn to the tape lower side 32 of the fastening tape 3m,3n. The cover element 5m,5n has an upper surface 51 and a lower surface 52 and has a thickness defined by these surfaces. The cover element 5m,5n is laminated to the tape upper side 31 of the fastening tape 3m,3n and is typically laminated with an adhesive or adhesive layer. Pulling the cover element 5m,5n off the fastening tape 3m,3n requires a strong force and forcible pulling may result in breakage of the cover element 5m,5n or the fastening tape 3m,3n.Advantageously, the stitches of the fastening thread 44 are covered by the covering element 5m, 5n on the tape upper side 31 of the fastening tape 3m, 3n, and accordingly, the position of the fastening element 4m, 4n on the tape lower side 32 of the fastening tape 3m, 3n is stabilized. As a result, the mutual abutment of the pair of sealing portions 56 upon engagement of the fastening elements 4m, 4n is reinforced, and the waterproof property of the zipper 1 is improved.

[0038] In the width direction of the zipper 1 (or the fastening strip 2m, 2n), the fastening tape 3m, 3n has the inner edge surface 38 (see Fig. 4) and the outer edge surface 39 (see Fig. 5). When the left and right fastening elements 4m, 4n are operatively connected, the inner edge surfaces 38 of the left and right fastening bands 3m, 3n are arranged to face each other, and a gap 9 is formed between the inner edge surfaces 38. The sealing portions 56 are brought into an abutting state at a position above the gap 9 in plan view (ie, at an upper position above the gap 9) to form a liquid-tight seal that prevents the permeation and penetration of liquid through the gap 9, which would otherwise be caused if the liquid-tight seal is not formed.

[0039] In the width direction of the zipper 1 (or the fastening strip 2m, 2n), the cover element 5m, 5n has a sealing surface 58 as an inner edge surface (see Fig. 4) and an outer edge surface 59 (see Fig. 5). Similarly, the core surface element 60 has an inner edge 68 (see Fig. 4) and an outer edge 69 (see Fig. 5). The sealing surface 58 of the cover 5m lies further outside the fastening tape 3m than the inner edge surface 38 of the fastening tape 3m. Similarly, the sealing surface 58 of the cover 5n is offset outward from the inner edge surface 38 of the fastening tape 3n. The outer edge surface 59 of the cover 5m lies further outside the fastening tape 3m than the outer edge surface 39 of the fastening tape 3m. Similarly, the outer edge surface 59 of the cover 5n lies further outside the fastening tape 3n than the outer edge surface 39 of the fastening tape 3n. This enables easier welding / bonding of the zipper 1 to a target fabric.The term "outside the fastening tape" refers to a direction leading from a location on a major surface of the fastening tape to a location outside the major surface and crossing a side edge of the fastening tape extending in the longitudinal direction. The inner edge may be referred to as one edge, and the outer edge may be referred to as the other edge. The inner edge surface may be referred to as one edge surface, and the outer edge surface may be referred to as the other edge surface.

[0040] In some cases, the inner edge 68 of the core surface element 60 is embedded in the sealing portion 56, whereby the sealing portion 56 has increased hardness and improved sealing performance. Preferably, the inner edge 68 of the core surface element 60 is positioned away from the sealing surface 58 of the sealing portion 56 within an extension above the fastening element 4m, 4n (within a width W4 of the fastening element 4m, 4n), whereby a soft portion 57 is formed between the inner edge 68 of the core surface element 60 and the sealing surface 58, and the sealing portion 56 has a moderate softness. This can enable a reduction in the force required to move the slider 8 so that it engages the fastening elements 4m, 4n and brings the sealing portions 56 into an abutting state.If the core surface element 60 is a woven surface element, a knitted surface element or a paper, fibers can be mixed into the soft material 99 (for example in its layer section, sealing section 56 and / or the soft section 57).

[0041] A distance S57 (see Fig. 4) between the inner edge 68 of the core surface element 60 and the sealing surface 58 in the width direction of the zipper 1 (similar to cover element 5m, 5n) may be 1 / 2 or less or 1 / 3 or less of the lateral width W4 (see Fig. 4) of the fastening element 4m, 4n in the same direction. This can facilitate the above-described effect. In a typical example, the distance between the inner edge 68 of the core surface element 60 and the sealing surface 58 in the width direction of the zipper 1 (or the cover element 5m, 5n) is 1 cm or less, 5 mm or less, 3 mm or less, or 2 mm or less.

[0042] For the core surface element 60, a woven surface element, a knitted surface element, a mixed surface element of woven and knitted structures, a paper surface element, a nonwoven fabric, or a metal foil can be used. The woven surface element, the knitted surface element, the woven and knitted surface element, the paper surface element, the nonwoven fabric, and the metal foil are each flexible. The woven surface element, the knitted surface element, the mixed surface element of woven and knitted structures, the paper surface element, the nonwoven fabric, or the metal foil can advantageously be wider than the fastening tape 3m, 3n of the water-permeable strip 7m, 7n. This allows the soft material 99 to be supported to an appropriate extent.

[0043] In a situation where the woven fabric, the knitted fabric, or the mixed fabric of woven and knitted structures is used as the core fabric 60, the cover fabric 5m, 5n would have a pattern corresponding to the woven structure and / or the knitted structure of the core fabric 60, giving the zipper 1 an appearance similar to that of conventional zippers. In a case where the fabric has a twill weave, the cover fabric 5m, 5n would, for example, have a pattern in which diagonal lines (diagonal bars) are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction. A fastening tape with the same structure as the fastening tape 3m, 3n of the water-permeable strip 7m, 7n can be used as the fabric of the core fabric 60, thereby reducing material costs.

[0044] The sealing portion 56 can be arranged along the up-down direction (see Fig. 4) can be displaced away from and closer to the band top surface 31 of the fastening band 3m, 3n. In particular, the inner portion 53 is partially unbonded to the side edge portion 33 of the fastening band 3m, 3n on the side opposite the fastening element 4m, 4n, thereby forming the sealing portion 56, which, as mentioned above, is displaceable along the up-down direction, which facilitates the reduction of the force required for the movement of the slider 8. It should be noted that when the left and right fastening elements 4m, 4n are operatively connected, the sealing portions 56 of the left and right cover elements 5m, 5n abut each other to form a watertight seal.When the fastening elements 4m, 4n are operatively connected, the sealing sections 56 abut one another so that each sealing section 56 is displaced upwards by the fastening element 4m, 4n from the position indicated by the dashed line to the position indicated by the solid line in . Fig. 4 specified position can be moved.

[0045] The sealing section 56 can be cast or molded into various shapes. As shown in Fig. 4, the sealing portion 56 may be formed as an oblique portion that is angled obliquely, or it may be formed to have such an oblique portion. The sealing portion 56 extends outward from the fastening band so that it is gradually spaced upward from the band top surface 31 of the fastening band 3m, 3n. Similarly, a part of the core sheet member 60 included in the sealing portion 56 extends outward from the fastening band so that it is gradually spaced upward from the band top surface 31 of the fastening band 3m, 3n. It is noted that since the interior space of the slider 8 is limited, the left and right sealing portions 56 can be at least partially brought into contact with the fastener bands 3m, 3n (see Fig. 6).

[0046] The slider 8 is designed in such a way that it can bring the fastening strips 2m, 2n into and out of operative connection. Typically, the slider 8, as shown in Fig. 6, an upper surface member 81, a lower leg 82, and a connecting column (not shown) extending in the up-down direction to connect the upper surface member 81 and the lower leg 82, thereby defining a Y-shaped member passage. It would be possible to provide flange walls 83 projecting upwardly on the left and right side edge portions of the lower leg 82 so that the displacement of the left and right fastening members 4m, 4n in the width direction of the slider 8 is limited.

[0047] The fastening strip 2m, 2n can be used according to the Fig. 7. The fastening strips 2m, 2n are connected to each other to form a waterproof chain. A slider is brought into engagement with the interlocking fastening elements of the waterproof chain to form a zipper. Known techniques and devices in the field of zippers can be used to cut the waterproof chain and attach a slider, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the method for manufacturing the fastening strip 2m, 2n may include: a process (S1) for forming a cover member 5m, 5n by extrusion molding; and a process (S2) for laminating the cover member 5m, 5n onto the fastening tape 3m, 3n to support the fastening tape 3m, 3n through the cover member 5m, 5n, wherein the fastening tape 3m, 3n has the side edge portion where the fastening element is arranged. The method for manufacturing the fastening strip 2m, 2n may further include a method for manufacturing a water-permeable strip 7m, 7n in which the fastening element 4m, 4n is arranged on the side edge portion 33 of the fastening tape 3m, 3n. The fastening element 4m,4n may be a wound element sewn to the fastening tape 3m,3n by a fastening thread 44.

[0049] In extrusion molding, an exemplary extruder 200, which is in Fig. 8, and the operation of the extruder 200 enables continuous production of the cover element 5m, 5n at a lower cost. The extruder 200 includes a rotating machine 210, a screw 220 rotated by the rotating machine 210, a barrel 230 receiving the screw 220, a nozzle 240, an inlet 250 for soft material, and a spool 260 around which a core sheet 60 is wound. As the screw 220 rotates, the soft material is fed to the nozzle 240, passes through an opening of the nozzle 240, and is discharged as a shaped part whose cross-section corresponds to the contour of the opening. The core sheet 60 is also fed to the nozzle 240 in synchronization with the soft material. The core surface element 60 serves as a carrier substrate which carries the soft material and prevents the flow of the soft material at the time of passing through the opening of the nozzle 240.As a result, the molded part (attachment strips 2m, 2n) extruded from the extruder 200 would have a stabilized shape. The extruder 200 can assume various configurations not shown in the drawings.

[0050] Stable manufacturing of the extruded part (i.e., the cover member 5m, 5n including the sealing portion 56) may not be easier when using a soft material (e.g., polyurethane) without the core sheet member, which is suitable for ensuring adequate softness of the sealing portion 56. In the present disclosure, the core sheet member 60 is inserted into the soft material during extrusion molding, and the soft material adheres to and is supported by one or both surfaces of the core sheet member 60, resulting in a stabilized shape of the extruded part (i.e., the cover member 5m, 5n including the sealing portion 56).It is noted that the core surface element 60 may be embedded in the soft material such that one surface of the core surface element 60 is at least partially exposed or both surfaces of the core surface element 60 are not exposed.

[0051] The cover element 5m, 5n can be formed from the soft material and the core surface element such that it has a desired intended cross-sectional shape based on the design of the opening shape of the nozzle 240. The opening shape of the nozzle 240 is designed such that the outline of the cross-sectional shape of the cover element 5m, 5n, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction thereof, is defined. Fig. The nozzle 240 shown in Figure 9 is used to produce the Fig. 4 is used. A nozzle with a different opening shape can also be used.

[0052] The adjustment may be made such that the core sheet 60 moves at a predetermined position within the opening of the nozzle 240. In some cases, the travel path of the core sheet 60 may be adjusted such that one end of the core sheet 60 (the above-described inner edge 68) is embedded in the sealing portion 56 in the lateral direction orthogonal to the extrusion direction of the extruded part (fixing strips 2m, 2n). It is also possible to adjust the travel path of the core sheet 60 such that one end of the core sheet 60 (the above-described inner edge 68) is positioned away from the sealing surface 58 of the sealing portion 56 to form the soft portion 57 between one end of the core sheet 60 (the above-described inner edge 68) and the sealing surface 58, thereby achieving an effect similar to that described above.

[0053] During lamination, the cover element 5m, 5n can be laminated to the fastening tape 3m, 3n such that the sealing portion 56 is located at the opposite position to the fastening element 4m, 4n. Furthermore, the cover element 5m, 5n can be laminated to the fastening tape 3m, 3n such that the sealing portion 56 is displaceable toward and away from the fastening tape 3m, 3n. The adhesive or adhesive layer used to laminate the cover element 5m, 5n to the fastening tape 3m, 3n can preferably contain a waterproof adhesive material. A thermocompression bond can also be established between the cover element 5m, 5n and the fastening tape 3m, 3n without using an adhesive.

[0054] The extrusion of the cover member 5m,5n from the extruder 200 and the lamination of the cover member 5m,5n onto the fastening tape 3m,3n can be performed sequentially without cutting the cover member 5m,5n at a location between the extruder 200 and a location where the lamination is performed. The soft material 99 is sufficiently soft because it is not fully cured in the cover member 5m,5n continuously extruded from the extruder 200, and therefore the soft material 99 itself can be used for the purpose of lamination onto the fastening tape 3m,3n (i.e., as an adhesive). In this case, step S1 and step S2 are performed continuously during the same period. Of course, step S1 and step S2 can also be performed discontinuously at different periods.For example, the cover element 5m, 5n continuously extruded from the extruder 200 can be cut, wound onto a spool or the like, and stored. On another day and / or at another location, the cover element 5m, 5n, manufactured and stored in advance as described above, can be laminated to the fastening tape 3m, 3n.

[0055] In Fig. 10, an adhesive is applied to the underside of the 5m cover and / or the top of the 3m fastening tape or an adhesive layer is formed thereon. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the cover 5m and the fastening tape 3m are stacked over the adhesive or the intermediate adhesive layer so that they are laminated in close contact with each other. The sealing portion of the cover can be appropriately positioned relative to the fastening element by laminating the cover and the fastening tape for each individual fastening strip as shown in Figures Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, it is also possible to laminate the cover elements 5m, 5n to the fastening straps 3m, 3n of the fastening chain, in which the left and right water-permeable strips are operatively connected to each other. Laminating the covers to the fastening straps of the fastening chain naturally requires and necessarily includes laminating the covers to the fastening straps of the water-permeable strips.

[0056] Various modifications can be made to the water-permeable strip 7m, 7n, to which the cover element 5m, 5n is laminated. Fig. 13, the fastening tape 3m, 3n has a folded portion 302 folded relative to the tape main portion 301, and the fastening element 4m, 4n is sewn to the folded portion 302. A similar effect to that described above can be achieved as long as the above-described properties are satisfied, even if such water-permeable strips 7m, 7n with different configurations are used.

[0057] The shape of the cover element 5m, 5n can be changed in various ways. With respect to the shape of the sealing portion 56 in the inclined portion, the sealing portion 56 can be formed along the longitudinal direction of the fastening strip 2m, 2n such that it tapers in cross section, as shown in Fig. 14. Accordingly, the sealing surface 58 of the sealing portion 56 would have a smaller width in the up-down direction, thereby reducing the force required to move the slider 8 to engage the fastening elements 4m, 4n and cause the sealing portions 56 to abut against each other. Although in Fig. 14 not clearly shown, the inner edge 68 of the core surface element 60 is embedded in the sealing section 56.

[0058] The sealing portion 56 may also be shaped as a wall or shaped to include a wall which, in cross section, as shown in Fig. 15, is upright in the longitudinal direction of the fastening strip 2m, 2n. The wall has a pair of wall surfaces that extend in the longitudinal direction of the fastening strip 2m, 2n and define the width of the wall, one of the wall surfaces serving as a sealing surface 58. As can be seen from the Fig. 16 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 17, the height of the wall is adjustable. Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the cover element 5m, 5n can be formed as a flat surface element or sheet. Even in such a case, it would be possible to provide the cover element 5m, 5n with the sealing portion 56 by laminating the cover element 5m, 5n in a suitable relative position to the water-permeable strip 7m, 7n.

[0059] Based on the above, a person skilled in the art may make various modifications to each embodiment and feature. The cover elements 5m, 5n may be manufactured using various methods. The reference numerals included in the claims are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the claims. [List of reference symbols] 1 zipper 2m fastening strip 2n fastening strips 3m fastening tape 3n fastening tape 4m fastening element 4n fastening element 5m cover element 5n cover element 7m water-permeable strip 7n water-permeable strip 56 Sealing section 57 soft section 58 Sealing surface 60 core surface element 99 soft material QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 4-10711

[0005] JP 63-41561

[0005] CN 212650520

[0005] JP 60-246704

[0005] JP 63-14963

[0005] JP 2000-354505

[0005] JP 2002-45213

[0005]

Claims

[1] Fastening strips (2m, 2n), comprising: a fastening strap (3m,3n); a fastening element (4m, 4n) arranged on a side edge portion (33) of the fastening band (3m, 3n); and a cover member (5m, 5n) made of soft material (99) and covering the fastening band (3m, 3n), wherein the cover member (5m, 5n) has a sealing portion (56) arranged on an opposite side of the fastening member (4m, 4n) with respect to the fastening band (3m, 3n) in a thickness direction of the fastening band (3m, 3n), wherein the cover element (5m, 5n) has a flexible core surface element (60) which extends in a longitudinal direction of the fastening strip (2m, 2n), and the core surface element (60) is embedded in the soft material (99) in such a way that one surface of the core surface element (60) is at least partially exposed or both surfaces of the core surface element (60) are not exposed. [2] Fastening strip according to claim 1, wherein the cover element (5m, 5n) is designed as a carrier substrate which carries the fastening band (3m, 3n). [3] The fastening strip according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one end (68) of the core surface element (60) in a width direction of the fastening strip (2m, 2n) is embedded in the sealing portion (56). [4] The fastening strip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one end (68) of the core surface member (60) in a width direction of the fastening strip (2m, 2n) is positioned away from a sealing surface (58) of the sealing portion (56) within an extent above the fastening member (4m, 4n), and a soft portion (57) is formed between the one end (68) of the core surface member (60) and the sealing surface (58) in the width direction of the cover member (5m, 5n). [5] The fastening strip according to claim 4, wherein the distance between the one end (68) of the core surface member (60) and the sealing surface (58) in the width direction of the cover member (5m, 5n) is 1 cm or less. [6] Fastening strip according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the core surface element (60) is a woven surface element, a knitted surface element, a mixed surface element of woven and knitted structures, a surface element made of paper, a nonwoven fabric, or a metal foil. [7] Fastening strip according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sealing portion (56) is displaceable away from the fastening band (3m, 3n) and closer to the fastening band. [8] Fastening strip according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover element (5m, 5n) is wider than the fastening band (3m, 3n). [9] The fastening strip according to claim 8, wherein the cover member (5m, 5n) has a fastening portion (54), the fastening portion (54) being farther from the sealing portion (56) in a width direction of the fastening strip (2m, 2n) than the fastening tape (3m, 3n) and having an exposed surface (95) which is exposed because it is not covered by the fastening tape (3m, 3n). [10] Fastening strip according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sealing portion (56) is shaped to have an obliquely angled portion or an upright wall. [11] Fastening strip according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fastening element (4m, 4n) is a wound element sewn to the fastening tape (3m, 3n) by a fastening thread (44). [12] Fastening strip according to claim 11, wherein the fastening band (3m, 3n) has a main surface (31) which is at least partially covered by the covering element (5m, 5n), and the stitches of the fastening thread (44) are covered by the covering element (5m, 5n) on the main surface (31). [13] A method of manufacturing a fastening strip, the method comprising: Carrying out extrusion molding to form a cover element (5m, 5n) in which a flexible core surface element (60) is embedded in soft material (99) such that one surface of the core surface element (60) is at least partially exposed or both surfaces of the core surface element (60) are not exposed; and Laminating the cover element (5m, 5n) onto a fastening tape (3m, 3n) to support the fastening tape (3m, 3n) through the cover element (5m, 5n), wherein the fastening tape (3m, 3n) has a side edge portion (33) on which a fastening element (4m, 4n) is arranged. [14] A method for producing a fastening strip according to claim 13, wherein the cover member (5m, 5n) is laminated to the fastening tape (3m, 3n) such that a sealing portion (56) is arranged on a side of the fastening member (4m, 4n) opposite to the fastening tape (3m, 3n). [15] A method for producing a fastening strip according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the cover member (5m, 5n) is laminated to the fastening tape (3m, 3n) in such a way that the sealing portion (56) can be moved away from and closer to the fastening tape (3m, 3n). [16] A method for producing a fastening strip according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the extrusion of the cover member (5m, 5n) by an extruder (200) and the lamination of the cover member (5m, 5n) onto the fastening tape (3m, 3n) are carried out sequentially without cutting the cover member (5m, 5n) at a position between the extruder (200) and a place where the lamination is carried out.

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