Upper stopper, slide fastener chain, and slide fastener

Abstract

The present invention provides an upper stopper and a slide fastener chain that are liquid-tight or airtight and can be manufactured relatively easily and at low cost. [Solution] The first compression lug 60 includes the outer surface of the first compression lug which contacts the first compression lug and the second compression lug 62 and a portion of the first lateral flange 26a of the slider when the slider 20 is in a completely closed position on the offset surface, and has a different profile on the offset surface from the portion of the first lateral flange on the offset surface when the outer surface of the first compression lug is not in contact with the first lateral flange, and the second compression lug includes the outer surface of the second compression lug which contacts a portion of the second lateral flange of the slider when the slider is in a completely closed position on the offset surface, and has a different profile on the offset surface from the portion of the second lateral flange on the offset surface when the outer surface of the second compression lug is not in contact with the second lateral flange.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an upper stopper for a slide fastener chain, a slide fastener chain including such an upper stopper, and a slide fastener including such a slide fastener chain.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional slide fasteners (or zippers) include a pair of stringers and an opening and closing means generally called a slider. Each stringer includes a tape and a plurality of coupling elements. The coupling elements extend along the first edge of each tape, and when the slider of the slide fastener moves to a closed position, the corresponding coupling elements of the stringers mesh with each other and are coupled or fitted together. When each tape of the slide fastener is attached to a separated part of an article, by moving the slider to a closed position to close the slide fastener, the separated parts of the article can be detachably connected, thereby bringing about the above-described meshing relationship between the coupling elements.

[0003] Therefore, slide fasteners are not only useful but also have a wide range of applications and are used in various applications such as clothing, furniture, and bags. Well-known slide fasteners are generally configured as follows.

[0004] Typically, a series of connecting elements (sometimes called teeth) are connected to a first edge of the tape to form a stringer. This first edge is sometimes called the stringer's connecting edge. The tape can be woven or knitted and may be made of, for example, polyester. The connecting elements may be connected to the tape, for example, by crimping or molding them to a reinforced edge of the tape. In some cases, the reinforced end may include a cord, which may be sewn or woven into the tape. Alternatively, the connecting elements may be formed as a continuous coil. In this case, the connecting elements are usually sewn to the edge of the tape on the surface of the tape, or alternatively, woven or braided into the tape.

[0005] Two stringers can be brought close together, and the connecting elements of each stringer can be linked to each other, for example, by interlocking, to form a chain. The chain is generally flat, and the chain (and the connecting elements that form part of the chain) extends along the longitudinal axis of the chain. A slider is attached to the chain on the connecting element of each stringer so that the slider can move along the chain between the two stringers.

[0006] A slider generally includes a body having an upper blade and a lower blade through which the coupling elements of each stringer pass. The body is fitted with a pull tab or pull cord that the user can grip to efficiently move the slider along the chain. Part of the body includes a guide post (sometimes called a rhombic section) that defines a Y-shaped channel configured to support the coupling elements of the first and second stringers. The slider may also include upper and lower flanges provided on the left and right side edges of the upper and lower blades, i.e., on the edges of the slider substantially parallel to the operating direction of the slider. The flange on the upper blade projects downward toward the lower blade, and the flange on the lower blade projects upward toward the upper blade. These flanges are configured to slide-engage with the coupling elements.

[0007] As the slider moves along the chain in a first sliding direction along the slider's axis of motion, the coupling elements of the first stringer are connected to the coupling elements of the second stringer. When the slider can no longer connect any more elements in the first sliding direction, i.e., substantially all of the coupling elements of the first stringer are connected to substantially all of the coupling elements of the second stringer, the slide fastener may be considered to be in a fully closed configuration. As the slider moves along the chain in a second sliding direction opposite to the first sliding direction along the slider's axis of motion, the coupling elements of the first stringer are disengaged from the coupling elements of the second stringer. When the slider can no longer disengage any more elements in the second sliding direction, i.e., substantially all of the coupling elements of the first stringer are disengaged from the coupling elements of the second stringer, the slide fastener may be considered to be in a fully open configuration.

[0008] The chain is cut to the desired length to form a slide fastener of the desired length. Stoppers (often called upper and lower stoppers) may be attached to one or both ends of the chain. The stoppers limit the range of motion the slider can travel along the chain. Typically, the upper stopper limits the movement of the slider in a first sliding direction, and the lower stopper limits the movement of the slider in a second sliding direction. Typically, stoppers can be used to limit the movement of the slider along the chain. Typically, when the slider comes into contact with one of several types of stoppers, such as a lower or upper stopper, the slider cannot connect or disconnect elements any further, or the slider cannot move any further. The upper stopper may be configured to contact the upper part of the slider, for example, the upper edge of a flange provided on the slider body, and may limit the movement of the slider in the first sliding direction. The lower stopper may be configured to abut against the lower portion of the slider, for example, the lower edge of a flange on the slider body, thereby restricting the slider's movement in the second sliding direction. The stopper may also be configured to abut against the upper or lower blade of the slider.

[0009] Some slide fasteners may have a single lower stopper attached to both the first and second stringers. Other slide fasteners, sometimes called detachable slide fasteners, may have two separate lower stoppers attached to each corresponding stringer. The two lower stoppers may take the form of a retaining box and an insertion pin, respectively. The insertion pin can be inserted into the retaining box to connect the first and second stringers to each other. Conversely, when the slider is positioned adjacent to the retaining box, the insertion pin can be removed from the retaining box and pass through the slider to separate the first and second stringers from each other.

[0010] Some slide fasteners have two separate upper stoppers, each attached to the corresponding end of the stringer. The stringers of such a slide fastener are separable at the upper end of the slide fastener when the slider is in the open position. Examples of use for such slide fasteners include trousers, skirts, and boots. Other slide fasteners may have a single upper stopper attached to both stringers. In such a slide fastener, when the slider is in the open position, an opening is formed between the stringers (particularly between i) the coupling element of the first stringer and ii) the coupling element of the second stringer). However, when the slider is in the open position, the stringers remain connected at i) one end of the slide fastener adjacent to the rhombic portion of the slider, and ii) the other end of the slide fastener on the upper stopper.

[0011] In certain applications, it is desirable that the slide fastener be fluid-resistant, for example, liquid-tight and / or airtight (i.e., substantially prevent liquids and / or gases from passing through the slide fastener when it is in a closed configuration). In further examples of some applications, it is desirable that the slide fastener be waterproof. Or, more specifically, in articles (but not limited to clothing) in which a waterproof slide fastener is part of the components, it is desirable that the slide fastener be waterproof when it is in a closed configuration.

[0012] In applications of slide fasteners that include an upper stopper to make the slide fastener waterproof when the slide fastener is in a closed configuration (i.e., when the slider of the slide fastener is closed or fully closed), the upper stopper is necessary to form a waterproof seal between the stringer (especially the part of the stringer that is not integrated by the bonded coupling element) and the slider. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] It is desirable to provide an upper stopper suitable for a liquid-tight or airtight slide fastener, and a slide fastener chain including the upper stopper that provides the desired liquid-tight or airtightness while being relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture. It is also desirable to provide alternative designs for upper stoppers suitable for liquid-tight or airtight slide fasteners, and slide fastener chains including such upper stoppers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an upper stopper for a slide fastener, the upper stopper comprises a body on which first and second legs depend, the first and second legs are spaced apart from each other in the width direction, the first and second legs are located on a central axis perpendicular to the width direction and define a central space between them configured to receive the rhombic portion of the slider when the slider engages with the upper stopper in a fully closed position, the first and second legs extend away from the body in a direction having a first directional component along the central axis, the first leg has a first outer surface inclined toward the central axis from the body, a first compression lug protruding from the lug portion of the first outer surface, the second leg has a second outer surface inclined toward the central axis from the body, a second compression lug protruding from the lug portion of the second outer surface, and the first compression lug is, during use, the first An upper stopper is provided, comprising a compression lug, a second compression lug, and an offset surface parallel to a central plane including a central axis, the upper stopper having a first compression lug outer surface that contacts a portion of the first lateral flange of the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position, and when the first compression lug outer surface is not in contact with the first lateral flange, it has a different profile on the offset surface from the profile of the portion of the first lateral flange on the offset surface; and the upper stopper has a second compression lug outer surface that, in use, contacts a portion of the second lateral flange of the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position, and when the second compression lug outer surface is not in contact with the second lateral flange, it has a different profile on the offset surface from the profile of the portion of the second lateral flange on the offset surface.

[0015] The upper stopper may be applicable to an airtight, liquid-tight, or waterproof slide fastener.

[0016] The first and second compression lugs may each have first and second ends, the first end being closer to the body axially than the second end, the maximum distance the first end of the first compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the first outer surface may be less than the maximum distance the second end of the first compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the first outer surface, and the maximum distance the first end of the second compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the second outer surface may be less than the maximum distance the second end of the second compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the second outer surface.

[0017] Alternatively, the maximum distance over which the first end of the first compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the first outer surface may be greater than the maximum distance over which the second end of the first compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the first outer surface, and the maximum distance over which the first end of the second compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the second outer surface may be greater than the maximum distance over which the second end of the second compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the second outer surface.

[0018] The first outer surface may be substantially straight along the linear axis of the first outer surface, and the first compression lug may have a first compression lug outer surface that is substantially straight along the axis of the first compression lug outer surface, and in a central plane including the axis of the first compression lug outer surface, the first outer surface axis and the central axis, the first compression lug outer surface axis and the first outer surface axis may branch by moving along the central axis in a first direction such that the intersection of the first compression lug outer surface axis and the first outer surface axis is located in a third direction from the first compression lug outer surface having a component in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the central axis.

[0019] Alternatively, in the central plane, the first compression lug outer surface axis and the first outer surface axis may branch by moving along the central axis in a second direction such that the intersection of the first compression lug outer surface axis and the first outer surface axis is located in a third direction from the first compression lug outer surface having a component in a first direction along the central axis.

[0020] The angle formed between the outer surface axis of the first compression lug and the outer surface axis of the central plane may be approximately 0.5° to approximately 10°.

[0021] The angle formed between the outer surface axis of the first compression lug and the outer surface axis of the central plane may be approximately 1° to approximately 3°. The angle may also be approximately 2°.

[0022] The second outer surface may be substantially straight along the linear axis of the second outer surface, and the second compression lug may have a second compression lug outer surface that is substantially straight along the axis of the second compression lug outer surface, and in a central plane including the axis of the second compression lug outer surface, the second outer surface axis, and the central axis, the second compression lug outer surface axis and the second outer surface axis may branch by moving along the central axis in a first direction such that the intersection of the second compression lug outer surface axis and the second outer surface axis is located in a fourth direction from the first compression lug outer surface having a component in a second direction along the central axis.

[0023] Alternatively, in the central plane, the second compression lug outer surface axis and the second outer surface axis may branch by moving along the central axis in a second direction such that the intersection of the second compression lug outer surface axis and the second outer surface axis is located along the central axis in a fourth direction from the second compression lug outer surface having a component in the first direction.

[0024] The angle formed between the second compression lug outer surface axis and the second outer surface axis on the central plane may be approximately 0.5° to approximately 10°.

[0025] The angle formed between the second compression lug outer surface axis and the second outer surface axis on the central plane may be approximately 1° to approximately 3°. The angle may also be approximately 2°.

[0026] The center point of the main body may lie on the central axis and merge into the central space. The maximum axial distance between the center point and the tip of the first leg, which is located distal to the main body, is approximately 2 to 8 times the axial length of the first compression lug, and in some cases, it may be approximately 4 to 5 times the axial length of the first compression lug.

[0027] The axial length of the first compression lug may be the axial length of the outer surface of the straight first compression lug.

[0028] The central point of the main body may be on the central axis and may merge into the central space. The maximum axial distance between the central point and the distal tip of the second leg from the main body is 2 to 8 times the axial length of the second compression lug, and in some examples, it may be about 4 to 5 times the axial length of the first compression lug.

[0029] The axial length of the second compression lug may be the axial length of the outer surface of the straight second compression lug.

[0030] The first leg may have a first inner surface, the second leg may have a second inner surface, the first and second inner surfaces define an opening to the central space therebetween, the opening is on the central axis and is located in a first direction along the central axis from the central space. A portion of the first inner surface that defines the opening and a portion of the second inner surface that defines the opening may move along the central axis in the first direction and branch with respect to the central axis.

[0031] In a central plane including the portion of the first inner surface, the portion of the second inner surface, and the central axis, the portion of the first inner surface and the portion of the second inner surface may be aligned in a straight line and located along the first inner surface axis and the second inner surface axis, respectively.

[0032] The angle formed between the first inner surface axis and the second inner surface axis of the central plane in the central plane may be about 0.5° to about 10°.

[0033] The angle formed between the first inner surface axis and the second inner surface axis in the central plane may be about 1° to about 3°. The angle may also be about 2°.

[0034] The upper stopper may include first and second outer skirts projecting from the main body in the first direction. The first outer skirt and first leg may define a first recess between them configured to receive a first flange of the slider, and the second outer skirt and second leg may define a second recess between them configured to receive a second flange of the slider.

[0035] Each of the first and second outer skirts, the first end located distal to the body, may include an inner projection that protrudes inward toward the central axis and is configured to engage with the respective flange of the slider.

[0036] A slide fastener chain comprising: a first stringer including a first tape having a first row of coupling elements attached to the first longitudinal edge of the first tape; and a second stringer including a second tape having a second row of coupling elements attached to the second longitudinal edge of the second fastener tape, wherein during use, the first row of coupling elements can interlock with the second row of coupling elements along the fastener axis to fix the first stringer and the second stringer together, and the slide fastener chain A slide fastener chain is provided, further comprising the upper stopper described in the above embodiment, wherein the body of the upper stopper is attached to both the first and second tapes, the first leg of the upper stopper is attached to the first tape such that the distal end of the first leg is adjacent to the first coupling element of the first stringer, the second leg of the upper stopper is attached to the second tape such that the distal end of the second leg is adjacent to the second coupling element of the second stringer, and the central axis of the upper stopper is coaxial with the fastener axis.

[0037] The slide fastener chain may be configured to form part of an airtight, liquid-tight, or waterproof slide fastener.

[0038] The first leg portion of the upper stopper and the first connecting element may be fused together.

[0039] A third aspect of the present invention provides a slide fastener chain according to the above-described aspect of the present invention, and a slider, which is movably mounted on the first and second stringers such that the slider is movable along the fastener axis relative to the first and second stringers, wherein the slider is movable in a first sliding direction so as to fix the first stringer and the second stringer by interlocking a first row of coupling elements of the first stringer with a second row of coupling elements of the second stringer, and in a second sliding direction opposite to the first sliding direction so as to separate the first stringer and the second stringer by separating the first row of coupling elements of the first stringer from the second row of coupling elements of the second stringer, the upper stopper is configured to provide a limit to the movement of the slider in the first sliding direction along the fastener axis when the slider engages with the upper stopper.

[0040] The slide fastener may be airtight, liquid-tight, or waterproof.

[0041] When the slider engages with the upper stopper, the upper stopper may form an airtight, liquidtight, or waterproof seal between the slider and the first and second stringers (in particular, the portions of the first and second stringers that are not fixed together by the combined coupling elements).

[0042] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an article is provided which includes a slide fastener according to a second aspect of the present invention.

[0043] Features defined in relation to one embodiment may also be applied to any other embodiment, if deemed appropriate.

[0044] These and other aspects of this application will be described below for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] A schematic plan view of the well-known slide fastener section is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic perspective view of a well-known slide fastener slider is shown. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of a slide fastener, including an upper stopper, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the slider in the fully closed position. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a slide fastener, including an upper stopper, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the slider in the fully closed position. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of the slide fastener, with the slider in the open position. [Figure 6] Figure 3 shows a simplified perspective view of a slide fastener, with the slider omitted for clarity. [Figure 7] Figures 3 to 6 show a schematic perspective view of the upper stopper, which is shown as part of the slide fastener. [Figure 8] Figures 3 to 6 show a schematic plan view of the upper stopper, which is shown as part of the slide fastener. [Figure 9] Figures 3 to 6 show a schematic side view of the upper stopper, which is shown as part of the slide fastener. [Figure 10] The upper figure shows a configuration in which the slider is not in contact with the upper stopper, and the lower figure shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a slide fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the slider in a fully closed position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] Figure 1 shows a known slide fastener 10. The slide fastener 10 has a slider 20 and a pair of stringers 12a, 12b. Each stringer includes a connecting portion in the form of a row of connecting elements 14a, 14b attached to the edge of its tape. The edge to which the connecting elements are attached is sometimes called the connecting edge 16. The tape may be woven or knitted and may be formed from synthetic fibers such as polyester, vinylon, or polyurethane, and / or natural fibers such as cotton. The connecting elements 14a, 14b may be molded as shown in Figure 1, or they may be crimped teeth (not shown), or they may be formed as a continuous coil (also not shown) having coil elements that form the connecting elements. In this embodiment, the tape of the stringers 12a, 12b may be provided with a reinforcing edge including a cord (not shown) to which the connecting elements 14a, 14b are attached. Providing a reinforcing edge on the stringers 12a, 12b is optional.

[0047] Each stringer tape includes a first flat surface and a second flat surface located opposite to the first flat surface. The first and second flat surfaces meet at a coupling edge 16 which includes coupling elements 14a, 14b and the cord to which they are attached, with the coupling elements 14a, 14b enclosing the coupling edge 16 of both the first and second flat surfaces. The coupling elements 14a, 14b include a head portion 14c having an engaging portion inside, which is capable of engaging with at least one head portion 14c of an opposing coupling element of a cooperating stringer. The tape further includes an outer edge 17 opposite to and parallel to the coupling edge 16.

[0048] The two stringers 12a and 12b are brought close to each other and interlock, so that the rows of connecting elements 14a and 14b of each stringer 12a and 12b are connected to one another. The slide fastener chain 18 includes the two stringers 12a and 12b and extends along the longitudinal axis A of the slide fastener 10. This axis is also known as the operating axis.

[0049] The slider 20 is attached to a slide fastener chain 18 so that it can move along a row of connecting elements between two stringers 12a and 12b. The slider 20 includes a slider body 21.

[0050] As most clearly shown in Figure 2, the slider 20 includes a body 21 through which the connecting elements 14a, 14b of each stringer 12a, 12b pass, and a pull tab 25 attached to the body 21 via a bridge portion 22. The pull tab 25 allows the user to move the slider 20 along the chain 18 (for example, in the first and second sliding directions E, D, as will be described in more detail below) by gripping it.

[0051] More specifically, the body 21 of the slider 20 includes an upper section 26 connected to a lower section 28 by a support (not shown) that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the slide fastener (here, the connecting support extends perpendicular to the plane of Figure 1). The upper section 26 is sometimes called the upper wing or upper blade. Similarly, the lower section 28 is sometimes called the lower wing or lower blade. The connecting support is sometimes called the rhombic section.

[0052] The upper section 26, the lower section 28, and the connecting column work together to define a Y-shaped channel within the slider. The Y-shaped channel is also defined by the upper lateral flanges 26a and lower lateral flanges 28a on both sides (sometimes called the left and right sides) of the slider 20, extending toward each other from the upper section 26 and the lower section 28, respectively. The lateral flanges extend along the left and right sides of the upper and lower sections in a direction generally parallel to the direction of the slider's sliding motion. In Figure 2, only one of the upper lateral flanges 26a and the lower lateral flange 28a is visible, but the other of each is also provided on the opposite side of the slider, which is not visible in the drawing. The Y-shaped channel has a first arm separated from the second arm by the connecting column.

[0053] When attached to the chain 18, the slider 20 extends in direction D from the front end 27 of the slider to the rear end 29 of the slider 20. The Y-shaped channel also includes a third arm that connects the first and second arms near the rear end 29 of the connecting column.

[0054] The first arm and the second arm each have first and second openings (not shown) that clamp the connecting support at the front end 27 of the slider 20. The third arm has a third opening 29a at the rear end 29 of the slider 20.

[0055] To engage or disengage the slide fastener 10, a row of coupling elements 14a of the first stringer 12a passes through the first opening of the first arm along the first arm portion of the Y-shaped channel. Similarly, a row of coupling elements 14b of the second stringer 12b passes through the second opening of the second arm along the second arm portion of the Y-shaped channel. As the rows of coupling elements 14a of the first stringer 12a and the rows of coupling elements 14b of the second stringer 12b pass through the connecting column, the rows of coupling elements 14a of the first stringer 12a become detachably coupled to the rows of coupling elements 14b of the second stringer 12b. The coupled coupling elements 14a and 14b pass through the third arm portion and the third opening 29a of the Y-shaped channel.

[0056] Insertion gaps 23 are provided between the opposing upper flanges 26a and lower flanges 26b, respectively, to allow the slider 20 to move along the first and second stringers 12a, 12b (and thus along the rows of coupling elements 14a and 14b). Each insertion gap 23 receives the tape of the respective stringers 12a, 12b.

[0057] By using the slider 20 having the above structure, the rows of connecting elements 14a and 14b of the first and second stringers 12a and 12b can be smoothly joined and separated.

[0058] As the slider 20 moves along the row of coupling elements 14a, 14b in a first sliding direction E, the coupling element 14a of the first stringer 12a is coupled or joined to the coupling element 14b of the second stringer 12b. As the slider moves along the chain in a second sliding direction D opposite to the first sliding direction E, the coupling element 14a of the first stringer 12a is disengaged from the coupling element 14b of the second stringer 12b. Coupled coupling elements are also known as coupled coupling elements, engaged coupling elements, or paired coupling elements. The process of coupling elements is also known as coupling, engagement, or pairing.

[0059] The upper stoppers 30 and 40 are provided at the upper end 18a of the row of connecting elements 14a and 14b. The upper stoppers can be formed from some suitable material. For example, they may be polymer materials such as polyester, polyacetal, or polyethylene, or metals such as aluminum, nickel, or alloys of such metals.

[0060] A retainer box 11 is provided at the lower end 18b of the row of connecting elements 14a and 14b, and by inserting an insertion pin 15 into it, the first and second stringers 12a and 12b can be connected to each other. The box pin 13 provided on stringer 12a can be permanently fixed in the retainer box, so that when the slider 20 is positioned adjacent to the retainer box 11, the insertion pin 15 can be removed from the retainer box 11, allowing the slider 20 to pass through and separate the first and second stringers 12a and 12b from each other. Thus, the stringers 12a and 12b can be separated from each other. When the stringers 12a and 12b are separated, the slider 20 is held on stringer 12a to which the retainer box 11 is attached. Thus, the slide fastener 10 is an example of an open-end slide fastener.

[0061] The above example of a slide fastener is an open-end slide fastener, but the present invention relates to an upper stopper attached to both stringers 12a and 12b, which is sometimes called a closed-end slide fastener.

[0062] The upper stopper of the present invention is attached to the connecting edge of each stringer. The connecting edge may include a cord (or reinforcing edge).

[0063] The upper stopper of the present invention can be integrally injected onto the fastener tape of the stringer by injection molding.

[0064] Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 show a portion of the slide fastener including a portion of the slide fastener chain according to the present invention, and an upper stopper 50 according to the present invention.

[0065] Figures 3, 4, and 5 show the upper stopper 50 in combination with the slider 20. Figure 6 shows a portion of the slider chain and the slide fastener including the upper stopper 50, but the slider is not shown.

[0066] Figures 7, 8, and 9 show the upper stopper from Figures 3 to 6 as a standalone unit.

[0067] As most clearly shown in Figure 3, the slide fastener 110 includes stringers 112a and 112b, each having rows of coupling elements 114a and 114b, respectively. The slide fastener 110 operates similarly to a conventional slide fastener, connecting and separating the rows of coupling elements 114a and 114b by moving the slider 20 along the stringers 112a and 112b. For the sake of brevity, the details of the operation of the slide fastener 110 will not be repeated here.

[0068] Here, with reference to Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, the details of the upper stopper 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0069] The upper stopper 50 includes a main body 52 from which first and second legs 56 extend. The first and second legs 54 and 56 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction W. A central space 58 is defined between the first leg 54 and the second leg 56, and this central space 58 is located on a central axis A. The central axis A is perpendicular to the width direction W.

[0070] The central space 58 is configured to accommodate the rhombic portion (or connecting column 59) of the slider 20 when the slider 20 is engaged with the upper stopper 50 and in the fully closed position. The slider 20 is shown in the fully closed position in Figure 4.

[0071] The first and second legs 54 and 56 extend from the main body 52 in a direction that includes a component of the first direction D along the central axis A. In particular, as shown in Figure 8, the first leg 54 extends in a direction 54A that includes a component of the first direction D. In this embodiment, direction 54A is also parallel to the width direction W and includes a component that is to the left, i.e., toward the central axis A, as shown in Figure 8. The second leg 56 extends in a direction 56A that includes a component of the first direction D. In this embodiment, direction 56A is also parallel to the width direction W and includes a component that is to the right, i.e., toward the central axis A, as shown in Figure 8.

[0072] The first leg portion 54 has a first outer surface 54a that is inclined toward the central axis A from the main body 52. ​​The first compression lug 60 protrudes from the lug portion 54b of the first outer surface 54a.

[0073] The second leg portion 56 has a second outer surface 56a that is inclined toward the central axis A from the main body 52. ​​The second compression lug 62 protrudes from the lug portion 56b of the second outer surface 56a.

[0074] The first compression lug 60 has a first compression lug outer surface 60a, which, when in use, contacts a portion of the first lateral flange 26a of the slider 20 when the slider 20 is in a fully closed position (as shown in Figure 4) within the offset surface OP parallel to the central plane CP containing the central axis A, along with the first compression lug 60, the second compression lug 62, and the first compression lug 60.

[0075] As described above, the central plane CP includes the first compression lug 60, the second compression lug 62, and the central axis A. As is most clearly shown in Figure 9, the central plane CP extends through the center of the upper stopper 50 with respect to the height of the upper stopper 50 when measured in the height direction H (perpendicular to both the central axis A and the width direction W). Furthermore, as is most clearly shown in Figure 9, the offset plane OP is parallel to the central plane CP and offset from the central plane CP. In particular, both the central plane CP and the offset plane OP are perpendicular to the height direction H, and the offset plane OP is spaced away from the central plane CP in the height direction H.

[0076] When the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug is not in contact with the first lateral flange 26a, it has a different profile in the offset plane from the profile of the portion of the first lateral flange 26a in the offset plane.

[0077] The second compression lug 62 includes a second compression lug outer surface 62a. When in use, the second compression lug outer surface 62a contacts a portion of the second lateral flange 26a' of the slider 20 when the slider 20 is in a fully closed position (as shown in Figure 4). When the second compression lug outer surface 62a is not in contact with the second lateral flange 26a', the second compression lug outer surface 62a has a profile in the offset plane that is different from the profile of the portion of the second lateral flange 26a' in the offset plane.

[0078] To understand the concept of the relative profiles of the outer surfaces of the lateral flanges and compression lugs, refer to Figure 10 for further explanation.

[0079] Figure 10 shows two separate schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of the upper stopper and a portion of the slider. Both of these schematics are shown in an offset plane. The upper view of Figure 10 shows portions of the first and second legs 54, 56 of the upper stopper, in particular the outer surfaces 54a, 56a and the first and second compression lugs 60, 62.

[0080] The lower diagram shows the inner surfaces of the first and second lateral flanges 26a and 26a' when the slider is in the fully closed position. The upper diagram shows the upper stopper when the slider is not in the fully closed position, i.e., when it is away from the upper stopper along the stringer of the slide fastener. To facilitate comparison between the upper and lower diagrams, the positions of the inner surfaces of the first and second lateral flanges 26a and 26a' when the slider is in the fully closed position are indicated by dashed lines DL1 and DL2 in the upper diagram.

[0081] To illustrate the difference between the profile of the outer surface of the compression lug and the profile of the inner surface of the lateral flange, the profile of the outer surface of the compression lug is exaggerated for clarity, given that the diagram is a schematic representation.

[0082] As mentioned above, in the offset plane, the portion of the first lateral flange that contacts the outer surface of the first compression lug when the slider is in the fully closed position has a different profile from the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug when the slider is not in the fully closed position. Referring to Figure 10, the lower diagram shows the state when the slider is in the fully closed position and the first lateral flange 26a of the slider is in contact with the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug. When the slider is in the fully closed position and the first lateral flange 26a is in contact with the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug, the slider compresses the upper stopper, and it can be seen that the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug roughly matches the profile of the inner surface of the first lateral flange 26a of the slider. The portion of the first lateral flange 26a that contacts the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug when the slider is in the fully closed position (particularly the inner surface of the first lateral flange 26a) is shown in the figure enclosed by a dashed line indicated as p26a.

[0083] The upper diagram of Figure 10 shows the slider in a position other than the fully closed position. To facilitate comparison between the profile of the portion of the inner surface of the first lateral flange 26a that contacts the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug when the slider is in the fully closed position and the profile of the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug when the slider is not in the fully closed position, the dashed line DL1 indicates the position of the inner surface of the first lateral flange when the slider is in the fully closed position, and the portion of the inner surface of the first lateral flange that contacts the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug when the slider is in the fully closed position is enclosed by the dashed line p26a.

[0084] Looking at the upper view of Figure 10, it is easy to see that the profile of the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug when the slider is not in the fully closed position (i.e., when the slider is not in contact with the upper stopper) is different from the profile of the portion of the inner surface of the first lateral flange 26a that the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug contacts when the slider is in the fully closed position. In particular, in this example, the acute angle formed between the profile of the outer surface of the first compression lug when it is not in contact with the slider and the longitudinal axis of the slide fastener is smaller than the acute angle formed between the profile of the portion of the inner surface of the first lateral flange 26a of the slider that the outer surface 60a of the slider contacts and the longitudinal axis of the slide fastener when the slider is in the fully closed position.

[0085] We have described the relationship in the offset plane between the profile of the outer surface of the first compression lug when the slider is not in the fully closed position and the profile of the surface portion of the first lateral flange of the slider that the outer surface of the first compression lug contacts when the slider is in the fully closed position. The same applies to the profile of the outer surface 62a of the second compression lug when the slider is not in the fully closed position and the profile of the portion of the inner surface of the second lateral flange of the slider that the outer surface of the second compression lug contacts when the slider is in the fully closed position.

[0086] In particular, as mentioned above, in the offset plane, the profile of the portion of the second lateral flange 26a' that contacts the outer surface 62a of the second compression lug 62 (indicated by the dashed line p26a') (especially the portion of the inner surface of the second lateral flange 26a') has a different profile from the profile of the outer surface 62a of the second compression lug when the slider is not in the fully closed position (i.e., when the slider is not in contact with the upper stopper). Furthermore, in this example, in the offset plane, the acute angle formed between the profile of the outer surface 62a of the second compression lug and the longitudinal axis of the slide fastener is smaller than the acute angle formed between the profile of the portion of the inner surface of the second lateral flange 26a' that contacts the outer surface 62a of the second compression lug when the slider is in the fully closed position and the longitudinal axis of the slide fastener.

[0087] Continuing to refer to the upper diagram of Figure 10, each of the first and second compression lugs 60, 62 includes a first end 60b, 62b and a second end 60c, 62c, respectively. The first ends 60b, 62b of the compression lugs 60, 62 are located closer axially to the body 52 of the upper stopper 50 than the second ends 60c, 62c of the compression lugs 60, 62 (i.e., in distance measured along the central axis A). The maximum distance that the first end 60b of the first compression lug 60 extends perpendicularly to the lug portion 54b of the first outer surface 54a is less than the maximum distance that the second end 60c of the first compression lug 60 extends perpendicularly to the lug portion 54b of the first outer surface 54a.

[0088] Similarly, the maximum distance that the first end 62b of the second compression lug 62 extends perpendicularly to the lug portion 56b of the second outer surface 56a is smaller than the maximum distance that the second end 62c of the second compression lug 62 extends perpendicularly to the lug portion 56b of the second outer surface 56a.

[0089] The first and second outer surface lug portions refer to the corresponding surface portions adjacent to the corresponding compression lugs, and therefore to the respective outer surface portions that do not include the corresponding compression lugs. In this embodiment, the corresponding outer surface lug portions can be considered as the outer surface portions located directly above or directly below the corresponding compression lugs in the height direction H.

[0090] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the maximum distance that the first end of the first compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the first outer surface is greater than the maximum distance that the second end of the first compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the first outer surface. Similarly, the maximum distance that the first end of the second compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the second outer surface is greater than the maximum distance that the second end of the second compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the second outer surface.

[0091] As shown in Figure 8, the first outer surface 54a is generally straight along the first outer surface linear axis 54B, and the first compression lug 60 has a straight first compression lug outer surface 60a that extends generally along the first compression lug outer surface axis 60A.

[0092] In the central plane CP (including the first compression lug outer surface axis 60A, the first outer surface axis 54B, and the central axis A), the first compression lug outer surface axis 60A and the first outer surface axis 54B branch off from each other as they proceed along the central axis A in the first direction D, and the intersection I1 of the first compression lug outer surface axis 60A and the first outer surface axis 54B is located in a third direction (in this case extending along the first compression lug outer surface axis 60A) and away from the first compression lug outer surface 60a. The third direction (i.e., the direction extending along the first compression lug outer surface axis 60A) has a component of the second direction E, which is opposite to the first direction D along the central axis A. As a side note, in this example, the third direction also has a component extending perpendicularly outward from the central axis A (to the right in Figure 8).

[0093] In this example, the angle formed between the first compression lug outer surface axis 60A and the first outer surface axis 54B in the central plane CP is approximately 2°. In other embodiments, the angle formed between the first compression lug outer surface axis and the first outer surface axis may be any suitable angle, for example, in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 3°, or in the range of approximately 0.5° to 10°.

[0094] The second outer surface is generally straight along the second outer surface axis 56B. The second compression lug 62 has a straight second compression lug outer surface 62a that extends generally along the second compression lug outer surface axis 62A. In the central plane CP, which includes the second compression lug outer surface axis 62A, the second outer surface axis 56B, and the central axis A, the second compression lug outer surface axis 62A and the second outer surface axis 56B branch as they proceed along the central axis A in the first direction D. Due to this branching, the intersection I2 of the second compression lug outer surface axis 62A and the second outer surface axis 56B is located in the fourth direction (in this case, the direction along the second compression lug outer surface axis 62A), away from the second compression lug outer surface 62a, and has a component in the second direction E along the central axis A. As a side note, the fourth direction also has a component that is perpendicular to the central axis A and extends outward (to the left in Figure 8).

[0095] In this example, the angle formed between the second compression lug outer surface axis 62A and the second outer surface axis 56B in the central plane CP is approximately 2°. This angle may be any suitable angle, for example, in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 3°, or in the range of approximately 0.5° to approximately 10°.

[0096] In this example, since the angles formed between the first compression lug outer surface axis and the first outer surface axis, and between the second compression lug outer surface axis and the second outer surface axis are only about 2°, it should be noted that the difference in profile between the outer surface of the first compression lug and the corresponding portion of the first lateral flange, and between the outer surface of the second compression lug and the corresponding portion of the second lateral flange, are relatively small. This is intentional, and such small differences in profile are within the scope of the present invention. What is important is not the magnitude of the difference in corresponding profiles, but the fact that the upper stopper, and in particular the compression lugs of the upper stopper, are specifically designed such that the profile of the outer surface of the compression lug differs from the profile of the portion of the slider's lateral flange that the corresponding outer surface of the compression lug contacts.

[0097] In this example, i) the first compression lug outer surface axis and the first outer surface axis, and ii) the second compression lug outer surface axis and the second outer surface axis, each branch, and their respective intersections are located in a direction having a component of a second direction E along the central axis A with respect to the corresponding compression lug outer surface. In other embodiments, the branching of the corresponding axes may be such that the corresponding intersections have a third direction from the first compression lug outer surface having a component of a first direction D along the central axis A, and a fourth direction from the second compression lug outer surface having a component of a first direction D along the central axis A.

[0098] Referring to Figure 8, the center point 70 of the main body 52 is shown, located on the central axis A and in contact with the central space 58. In this example, the maximum axial distance (i.e., the distance measured along the central axis A) between the center point 70 and the tip 54c of the first leg 54 located distal to the main body 52 is approximately 4.5 times the axial length (i.e., the length measured along axis A) of the first compression lug 60. In other embodiments, the maximum axial distance between the center point 70 and the tip 54c of the first leg 54 may be in the range of approximately 2 to 8 times the axial length of the first compression lug 60. The maximum axial distance between the center point 70 and the tip 54c of the first leg 54 is shown as 54L in Figure 8. Similarly, the axial length of the first compression lug 60 is shown as 60L in Figure 9. Referring to Figure 9, the axial length 60L is shown as the axial length of the entire first compression lug 60. Alternatively, the axial length of the first compression lug may be measured as the axial length of the straight portion of the outer surface of the compression lug.

[0099] In this example, the maximum axial distance between the center point 70 and the tip 56c of the second leg 56 located distal to the main body 52 is approximately 4.5 times the axial length of the second compression lug 62. In other embodiments, the maximum axial distance between the center point 70 and the tip 56c of the second leg 56 may be in the range of 2 to 8 times the axial length of the second compression lug 62. The maximum axial distance between the center point and the tip of the second leg 56 is shown as 56L in Figure 8. In this example, it is understood that the axial length of the second compression lug 62 is equivalent to the axial length 60L of the first compression lug 60. In practice, the first and second compression lugs are mirror images of each other.

[0100] As described with respect to the first compression lug, the axial length of the second compression lug may be the axial length of the entire second compression lug protruding from the second leg portion 56, or it may be the axial length of the straight portion of the outer surface of the second compression lug.

[0101] Referring to Figure 5, the first leg 54 of the upper stopper 50 has a first inner surface 54d. The second leg 56 has a second inner surface 56d. The first and second inner surfaces 54d and 56d are generally opposite the central axis A and define an opening 58a to the central space 58 between them. The opening 58a is located on the central axis A and is located in a first direction D along the central axis A from the central space 58. The opening 58a is a means for the connecting portion 59 to enter the central space 58 when the slider moves to the fully closed position.

[0102] The portion of the first inner surface 54d defining the opening 58a and the portion of the second inner surface 56d defining the opening 58a branch out as they proceed along the central axis A in the first direction D with respect to the central axis A.

[0103] More specifically, in the central plane CP containing the first inner surface 54d, the second inner surface 56d, and the central axis A, the branching portions of the first and second inner surfaces are straight lines, aligned with the first inner surface axis 54C and the second inner surface axis 56C, respectively. In this example, the angle formed between the first inner surface axis 54C and the second inner surface axis 56C in the central plane is approximately 2°. In other embodiments, this angle may be any suitable angle. For example, this angle may be in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 3°, or in the range of approximately 0.5° to approximately 10°.

[0104] Continuing to refer to Figure 5, the upper stopper 50 includes first and second skirts 80, 82 projecting from the body 52 in a first direction D. A first recess 80a is defined between the first outer skirt 80 and the first leg 54, which is configured to receive the first flange 26a of the slider 20 when the slider is in the fully closed position. A second recess 82a is defined between the second outer skirt 82 and the second leg 56, which is configured to receive the second flange 26a' of the slider 20 when the slider is in the fully closed position.

[0105] The first ends of the first and second outer skirts 80 and 82, located distal to the main body 52, are provided with inwardly projecting inner projections 80b and 82b, which project toward the central axis A (and toward the first and second legs 54 and 56). The inner projections 80b and 82b are configured to engage with the respective flanges 26a and 26a' of the slider 20 when the slider is in the fully closed position.

[0106] As described above, the upper stopper according to the present invention may be attached to the first and second stringers to form a slide fastener chain according to the present invention. In particular, the upper stopper 50 may be attached to the first and second stringers, and the body 52 of the upper stopper may be attached to both the first tape of the first stringer and the second tape of the second stringer. This can be clearly understood by referring to Figure 3.

[0107] Referring to Figure 6, the first leg 54 of the upper stopper is attached to the first tape of the first stringer 112a, and the distal end of the first leg 54 from the main body 52 is adjacent to the first coupling element 114a' of the first stringer 112a. The second leg 56 of the upper stopper 50 is attached to the second tape of the second stringer 112b, and the distal end of the second leg 56 from the main body 52 is adjacent to the second coupling element 114b' of the second stringer 112b.

[0108] For clarification, when the upper stopper 50 constitutes part of a slide fastener or slide fastener chain, the central axis A of the upper stopper is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the slide fastener. In this example, the second leg 56 of the upper stopper 50 and the second coupling element 114b' are fused together. In other embodiments, the first coupling element may be fused to the first leg of the upper stopper, in addition to, or as an alternative to, the case where the second leg of the upper stopper and the second coupling element are fused together.

[0109] Referring to Figure 4, the functions of various embodiments of the upper stopper according to the present invention will be described below. When the upper stopper according to the present invention constitutes part of a fluid-tight (e.g., liquid-tight or waterproof) slide fastener, the upper stopper functions to improve the sealing performance of the slide fastener. It is important that the sealing performance of the fluid-tight slide fastener functions reliably when the slider 20 is in a completely closed position, that is, when the slider is in complete contact with the upper stopper 50 and cannot move any further in the closing direction of the slide fastener.

[0110] Fluid-tight slide fasteners have some form of sealing to seal the coupling elements to their respective tapes and to seal the spaces between rows of coupling elements when they are coupled to each other. The sealing between coupled coupling elements may be achieved by the interaction of the coupling elements themselves or by a separate sealing portion. However, a weakness in sealing may arise at the upper stopper end of the slide fastener. To ensure fluid-tight sealing at the upper stopper end of the slide fastener when the slider is in the fully closed position, it is necessary to ensure fluid-tight sealing between the upper stopper and the stringer tape, and between the upper stopper and the slider. Various embodiments of the present invention described above enhance such sealing. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0111] Referring to Figure 4, in order to ensure the fluid-tight sealing performance of the slide fastener, which is partly composed of the upper stopper, there are several locations where effective sealing performance with the upper stopper is crucial.

[0112] The first important sealing point is the opening 58a to the central space 58 that receives the rhombic portion 59 of the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position. Figure 5 shows the opening 58a when the slider 20 is away from the upper stopper 50, and Figure 4 shows the state of the opening when the slider is in the fully closed position. As shown in Figure 4, when the slider is in the fully closed position, the rhombic portion 59 is housed within the central space 58, and the opening 58a between the legs 54 and 56 is closed. In particular, it can be seen that the opening 58a shown in Figure 5 is closed, and the first and second inner surfaces 54d and 56d are in contact with each other, and their contact surfaces are generally straight and extend along the central axis A. In particular, when the slider is in the fully closed position, it can be seen that the first and second inner surfaces 54d and 56d are in contact with each other along their entire length (i.e., without any bending of their contact surfaces). The effectiveness of the sealing between the first and second inner surfaces 54d, 56d (and consequently the legs 54, 56) is enhanced by the contact between the first and second inner surfaces 54d, 56d along their entire length.

[0113] As the slider 20 moves to the fully closed position, the lateral flanges 26a and 26a' apply force to each leg 54 and 56 via their respective compression lugs 60 and 62, biasing the legs 54 and 56 in the direction of the central axis A, i.e., toward each other, in order to seal the opening 58a by bringing the first and second inner surfaces 54d and 56d into contact. By using the compression lugs 60 and 62 to transmit the compressive force from the slider lateral flanges 26a and 26a', the legs 54 and 56 are biased inward in the appropriate direction, ensuring that the inner surfaces 54d and 56d form a generally straight contact surface along the aforementioned length. Furthermore, by using the compression lugs, once the inner surfaces 54d and 56d engage with each other, the compressive force they exert on each other becomes sufficient, ensuring an effective fluid-tight seal between the first and second legs 54 and 56 of the upper stopper 50.

[0114] Furthermore, when the slider is not in contact with the upper stopper (as shown in Figure 5), the branching of the first and second inner surfaces 54d and 56d means that once the inner surfaces 54d and 56d come into contact, both surfaces 54d and 56d extend almost in a straight line along the central axis A over their entire length, making contact with each other without bending, thus forming the aforementioned effective sealing property.

[0115] Compression lugs 60 and 62 are used to transmit the compressive force applied from the lateral flanges 26a and 26a' to the legs 54 and 56. Furthermore, the branched shape of the inner surfaces 54d and 56d ensures sufficient sealing force between the inner surfaces 54d and 56d, not only forming an effective seal between the legs 54 and 56, but also preventing the sealing force between the first and second inner surfaces 54d and 56d of the legs 54 and 56 from becoming excessive. This allows the rhombic portion 59 to move relatively easily between the first and second inner surfaces 54d and 56d when the user attempts to open the slide fastener by moving the slider 20 away from the upper stopper 50 (i.e., away from the fully closed position). Furthermore, because the contacting inner surfaces 54d and 56d extend in a roughly straight line along the central axis A, when the slider is in the fully closed position, it becomes easier for the slider to move linearly away from that fully closed position (and consequently, the rhombus-shaped portion 59 moves more easily between the inner surfaces 54d and 56d). This reduces the force required by the user when opening the slide fastener by moving the slider away from the fully closed position.

[0116] As mentioned above, an additional advantage of the branched shape of the first and second inner surfaces 54d and 56d is that, as shown in Figure 5, when the slider moves in the second sliding direction E (i.e., towards the upper stopper 50), the branched shape of the inner surfaces 54d and 56d helps guide the rhombic portion 59 of the slider 20 into the central space 58 through the opening 58a between the inner surfaces 54d and 56d. This reduces the force required by the user to move the slider to the fully closed position.

[0117] The use of compression lugs 60 and 62 to transmit compressive force from the lateral flanges 26a and 26a' to the legs 54 and 56 means that the area in contact between the legs and the lateral flanges 26a and 26a' of the slider is reduced (i.e., only the outer surfaces 60a and 62a of the compression lugs, rather than the entire sides of the legs 54 and 56). By minimizing the area in contact between the legs and the lateral flanges of the slider, frictional engagement between the legs of the upper stopper and the lateral flanges of the slider is minimized, thereby reducing the force required to move the slider away from the fully closed position and improving the operability when the user attempts to open the slide fastener by moving the slider away from the fully closed position.

[0118] Furthermore, the shape of the compression lugs 60 and 62 is such that their outer surfaces branch off from the outer surfaces of the legs 54 and 56 themselves. This makes it easier for the lateral flanges 26a and 26a' to separate from the compression lugs 60 and 62 when the slider moves away from the fully closed position, thereby improving the operability for the user to move the slider away from the fully closed position.

[0119] As shown in Figure 4, when the slider is in the fully closed position, the first and second outer skirts 80, 82 (particularly the inner projections 80b and 82b) are in contact with the outside of the lateral flanges 26a, 26a' when the slider is in the fully closed position. It is believed that by providing the skirts and engaging them with the outside of the lateral flanges of the slider, the sealing performance between the upper stopper and the slider is improved when the slider is in the fully closed position. Furthermore, by providing the inner projections 80b and 82b at the ends of the outer skirts 80, 82, the sealing performance between the upper stopper and the lateral flanges of the slider is further enhanced.

[0120] An additional benefit of the skirts 80, 82 is that, depending on the application, the outer skirts 80, 82 interact with the slider as it moves to the fully closed position to engage with the upper stopper 50, allowing the slider to click into place when it is fully closed. This clicking sensation may be auditory and / or tactile. Providing feedback to the user that the slider has entered the fully closed position is particularly useful when the upper stopper constitutes part of a fluid-tight slide fastener. It is important that the user is able to reliably recognize that the slide fastener is fully closed and fluid-tight. Thus, the skirts minimize the occurrence of situations where the user does not reliably move the slider to the fully closed position, resulting in the slide fastener not being fully fluid-tight, which could lead to fluid passing through the slide fastener.

[0121] As described above, in some embodiments, the coupling element 114b' and the leg portion 56 of the upper stopper are fused together. Such fusion may be performed by any suitable method, such as molding one component to the other, using an adhesive or sealant, or forming both components together as a single unit. By fusing the coupling element to the leg portion of the upper stopper, it is ensured that there is no possibility of a leak path forming between the upper stopper and the row of coupled coupling elements. In particular, by fusing the coupling element 114b' to the leg portion 56 of the upper stopper, the possibility of a leak path forming between the coupling element and the leg portion is prevented. This contributes to ensuring a fluid-tight seal when the slider is in the fully closed position. Furthermore, the forces exerted by the coupled coupling elements on each other in the engaged state may cause the coupling element fused to the leg portion of the upper stopper to exert force on the corresponding leg portion of the upper stopper, which in turn helps to guide the inner surfaces 54d and 56d into a sealed engaged state as described above.

[0122] It should be understood that the examples described herein are merely examples of this application, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope defined by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 10, 110 Slide fastener 11 Retainer Box 12a, 112a First stringer 12b, 112b Second Stringer 13 Box Pins 14a, 14b, 114a, 114b bonding elements 14c Head section 15 Insertion pins 16 Joining edge 17 Outer edge 18 Slide fastener chain 18a Top end of the row of joining elements 18b Lower end of the row of joining elements 20 Sliders 21 Main unit 22 Bridge section 23 Insertion gap 26 Upper part 26a First side flange 26a' Second side flange 27 Front end of slider 28 Lower part 28a Lower side flange 29 Rear end of slider 29a Third opening 50 Upper stopper 54 First leg 54A, 56B direction 54B First outer surface axis 54C First inner surface axis 54a First outer surface 54b, 56b lug section 54c, 56c tip 54d First inner surface 56 Second leg 56B Second outer surface axis 56C Second inner surface axis 56a Second outer surface 56d Second inner surface 58 Central space 58a aperture 60 First Compression Lag 60A First Compression Lug Outer Surface Axis 60a First compression lug outer surface 60b First end of the first compression lug 60c Second end of the first compression lug 62 Second Compression Lag 62A Second compression lug outer surface axis 62a Second compression lug outer surface 62b First end of the second compression lug 62c Second end of the second compression lug 70 center point 80 First outer skirt 80a First recess 80b, 82b medial protrusion 82 Second outer skirt 82a Second recess A center axis CP center plane OP Offset Surface

Claims

1. An upper stopper for a slide fastener, the upper stopper comprising a body on which first and second legs depend, the first and second legs being spaced apart from each other in the width direction, the first and second legs being located on a central axis perpendicular to the width direction and configured to receive the rhombic portion of the slider when the slider engages with the upper stopper in a fully closed position, defining a central space between them, the first and second legs extending away from the body in a direction having a component that is a first direction along the central axis, The first leg portion has a first outer surface that is inclined toward the central axis from the main body, and the first compression lug protrudes from the lug portion of the first outer surface. The second leg portion has a second outer surface that is inclined toward the central axis from the main body, and a second compression lug protrudes from the lug portion of the second outer surface. The first compression lug includes, during use, the first compression lug outer surface which contacts a portion of the first lateral flange of the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position, on an offset plane parallel to the central plane including the first compression lug, the second compression lug, and the central axis, and when the first compression lug outer surface is not in contact with the first lateral flange, on the offset plane, it has a different profile from the profile of the portion of the first lateral flange on the offset plane. The second compression lug includes, during use, a second compression lug outer surface that contacts a portion of the second lateral flange of the slider on the offset surface when the slider is in the fully closed position, and when the second compression lug outer surface is not in contact with the second lateral flange, it has a profile on the offset surface that is different from the profile of the portion of the second lateral flange on the offset surface. Upper stopper.

2. The first and second compression lugs each have first and second ends, the first end being closer to the body in the axial direction than the second end, The maximum distance over which the first end of the first compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the first outer surface is smaller than the maximum distance over which the second end of the first compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the first outer surface. The maximum distance over which the first end of the second compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the second outer surface is less than the maximum distance over which the second end of the second compression lug extends perpendicularly to the lug portion of the second outer surface. The upper stopper according to claim 1.

3. The upper stopper according to claim 1, wherein the first outer surface is substantially straight along the first outer surface axis, the first compression lug has a first compression lug outer surface which is substantially straight along the first compression lug outer surface axis, and in the central plane including the first compression lug outer surface axis, the first outer surface axis, the first compression lug outer surface axis and the first outer surface axis move and branch along the central axis in the first direction such that the intersection of the first compression lug outer surface axis and the first outer surface axis is located in a third direction from the first compression lug outer surface which has a component in the second direction opposite to the first direction along the central axis.

4. The upper stopper according to claim 3, wherein the angle formed between the first compression lug outer surface axis and the first outer surface axis of the central surface is about 0.5° to about 10°.

5. The upper stopper according to claim 1, wherein the second outer surface is substantially straight along the second outer surface axis, the second compression lug has a second compression lug outer surface which is substantially straight along the second compression lug outer surface axis, and in the central plane including the second compression lug outer surface axis, the second outer surface axis, and the central axis, the second compression lug outer surface axis and the second outer surface axis move and branch along the central axis in the first direction such that the intersection of the second compression lug outer surface axis and the second outer surface axis is located in a fourth direction from the second compression lug outer surface which has a component in the second direction opposite to the first direction along the central axis.

6. The upper stopper according to claim 5, wherein the angle formed between the second compression lug outer surface axis and the second outer surface axis of the central surface is about 0.5° to about 10°.

7. The upper stopper according to claim 1, wherein the center point of the main body lies on the central axis and merges with the central space, and the maximum axial distance between the center point and the tip of the first leg on the side furthest from the main body is 2 to 8 times the axial length of the first compression lug.

8. The upper stopper according to claim 1, wherein the center point of the main body lies on the central axis and merges with the central space, and the maximum axial distance between the center point and the tip of the second leg on the side furthest from the main body is 2 to 8 times the axial length of the second compression lug.

9. The upper stopper according to claim 1, wherein the first leg portion has a first inner surface, the second leg portion has a second inner surface, the first and second inner surfaces define an opening between them to the central space, the opening is on the central axis and located in the first direction along the central axis from the central space, and a portion of the first inner surface defining the opening and a portion of the second inner surface defining the opening move along the central axis in the first direction and branch with respect to the central axis.

10. The upper stopper according to claim 9, wherein in a central plane including the portion of the first inner surface, the portion of the second inner surface, and the central axis, the portion of the first inner surface and the portion of the second inner surface are aligned in a straight line and are located along the first inner surface axis and the second inner surface axis, respectively.

11. The upper stopper according to claim 10, wherein the angle formed between the first inner surface axis and the second inner surface axis in the central surface is approximately 0.5° to approximately 10°.

12. The upper stopper according to claim 1, wherein the upper stopper includes first and second outer skirts projecting from the main body in the first direction, the first outer skirt and first leg defining a first recess configured to receive a first flange of a slider, and the second outer skirt and second leg defining a second recess configured to receive a second flange of a slider.

13. The upper stopper according to claim 12, wherein each of the first and second outer skirts, the first end distal to the body, includes an inner projection that protrudes inward toward the central axis and is configured to engage with the respective flanges of the slider.

14. A first stringer comprising the first tape having a first row of coupling elements attached to the first longitudinal edge of the first tape, A second stringer comprising the second tape having a second row of coupling elements attached to the second longitudinal edge of the second tape, A slide fastener chain comprising, During use, the first row of the coupling elements interlocks with the second row of the coupling elements along the fastener axis, thereby fixing the first stringer and the second stringer together. The slide fastener chain further comprises the upper stopper described in claim 1, wherein the body of the upper stopper is attached to both the first and second tapes. The first leg of the upper stopper is attached to the first tape such that the end of the first leg, which is located distal to the main body, is adjacent to the first coupling element of the first stringer. The second leg of the upper stopper is attached to the second tape such that the end of the second leg located distal to the main body is adjacent to the second coupling element of the second stringer. The central axis of the upper stopper is coaxial with the fastener axis. Slide fastener chain.

15. The slide fastener chain according to claim 14, wherein the first leg of the upper stopper is fused to the first connecting element.

16. A slide fastener comprising a slide fastener chain according to claim 14 or claim 15, and a slider, The aforementioned slider is The first row of the coupling elements of the first stringer interlocks with the second row of the coupling elements of the second stringer, and the first stringer and the second stringer are fixed in a first sliding direction, The first row of the bonding elements of the first stringer is separated from the second row of the bonding elements of the second stringer, and the first stringer and the second stringer are separated in a second sliding direction opposite to the first sliding direction. The slider is movably mounted on the first and second stringers such that it is movable along the fastener axis relative to the first and second stringers. The upper stopper provides a limit to the movement of the slider in the first sliding direction along the fastener axis when the slider engages with the upper stopper. Slide fastener.

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