Slider and double slider zippers

Abstract

In the present invention, a lock structure installed at a fore end of one of an upper blade and a lower blade includes a protrusion and a recess. The protrusion protrudes from the fore end of the one of the upper blade and the lower blade. A hook extending toward the other of the upper blade and the lower blade is further provided at a fore end of the protrusion. In a state in which fore ends of a pair of sliders are abutted with each other, the hook on the protrusion fits into the recess of the opposite slider, whereby the sliders constitute a locked state. When an upward or downward force is applied to the fore end of at least one of the pair of sliders in a direction toward the lock structure, the pair of sliders generate rotation to unlock the locked state.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of slide fastener technology, and more particularly to slider and double slider fasteners. [Background technology]

[0002] A well-known slide fastener typically includes a pair of fastener chains, each consisting of a strip-shaped fastener tape and a plurality of fastener elements arranged on the fastener tape, and a slider attached to the fastener chain and sliding to open and close the fastener elements. A pull tab may also be attached to the slider, as needed. Furthermore, a double-slider fastener refers to a fastener structure in which a pair of sliders is attached to the fastener chain, where the pair of sliders face each other and can slide relatively on the fastener chain. For example, when the pair of sliders slide apart on the fastener chain, the fastener elements can be opened, and when the pair of sliders slide toward each other on the fastener chain, the fastener elements can be closed. Patent Document 1 proposes a security mechanism for a double-slider fastener by providing a locking structure on the pair of sliders, which locks the pair of sliders when they contact each other and the fastener elements are closed, preventing the pair of sliders from being separated by an unexpected operation. However, the locking structure of conventional double slider fasteners usually requires the provision of different structures (e.g., engaging recesses and engaging protrusions) on the pair of sliders or the use of additional components (e.g., engaging pins), which increases the manufacturing costs of the pair of sliders required for the double slider fastener and complicates the operation process for locking the pair of sliders. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-74939 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a slider and a double slider fastener that have a security mechanism, reduce manufacturing costs, and improve operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides a slider that is installed in pairs on a fastener tape to form a double slider fastener, the slider comprising an upper wing, a lower wing installed opposite the upper wing, and a slider body including a guide post connecting the front ends of the upper wing and the lower wing; and a locking structure installed at the front end of one of the upper wing or the lower wing, wherein the locking structure includes a protrusion and a recess, the protrusion protruding forward from the front end of one of the upper wing or the lower wing, and the protrusion The front ends of the sliders are further provided with hooks extending toward the other of the upper and lower blades, and when the front ends of the paired sliders are butted against each other, each slider fits into the recess of the opposing slider using the hook on the protrusion, thereby establishing a locked state, and the paired sliders can be rotated by applying a force upward or downward to the front end of at least one of the paired sliders in the direction of the locking structure, thereby releasing the locked state.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the slider body further includes an operating unit that is installed on the upper surface of the upper blade and close to the front end, and the pair of sliders rotate by applying force to the front end of at least one of the pair of sliders in the direction of the locking structure using the operating unit, thereby releasing the locked state.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operating part has a protruding surface at its front end and an inclined surface below its outer surface, and when the front ends of the paired sliders are butted together, the protruding surface of the operating part of each slider corresponds to the inclined surface of the operating part of the opposing slider, and when rotation is caused by applying force to the front end by the operating part, the protruding surface of the operating part of each slider rotates along the inclined surface of the operating part of the opposing slider.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the protruding surface and the inclined surface include corresponding arcuate curved surfaces.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the front ends of the pair of sliders are butted against each other, the operating portion of each slider overlaps with the operating portion of the opposing slider.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking structure is installed at the front end of the lower wing, wherein the protrusion protrudes forward from the front end of the lower wing, and the hook extends from the front end of the protrusion toward the upper wing, and the slider rotates by applying a downward force to the front end toward the lower wing to release the locked state.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking structure is installed at the front end of the upper wing, wherein the protrusion protrudes forward from the front end of the upper wing, and the hook extends from the front end of the protrusion toward the lower wing, and the slider rotates by applying an upward force to the front end toward the upper wing to release the locked state.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the slider body and the locking structure are a unitary structure.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion and the recess are arranged side by side in the width direction of one of the upper blades or the lower blades, and the paired sliders have the same shape and exhibit 180-degree rotational symmetry in the horizontal plane in which the fastener tape is located.

[0014] The present invention further provides a double slider fastener, comprising a fastener tape and a pair of sliders, wherein the pair of sliders are installed on the fastener tape with their front ends facing each other, and when the front ends are butted against each other, they close the fastener tape to form a locked state, and when the locked state is released, the pair of sliders move away from each other to open the fastener tape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] Based on the above, in the slider and double slider fastener of the present invention, the locking structure installed at the front end of one of the upper or lower blades includes a protrusion and a recess. The protrusion protrudes forward from one of the upper or lower blades and has a hook extending toward the other of the upper or lower blades. When the front ends of the pair of sliders are butted against each other, the hook of each slider fits into the recess of the opposing slider to establish a locked state. The pair of sliders can be unlocked by applying upward or downward force to the front end of at least one of the pair of sliders toward the locking structure, causing it to rotate. Using a pair of sliders with the same structure simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces manufacturing costs, and the pair of sliders can be easily locked and unlocked when butted against each other. This allows the slider and double slider fastener of the present invention to have a security mechanism, reduce manufacturing costs, and improve operability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a slider according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the right side of the slider shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic left side view of the slider shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the slider shown in FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the slider shown in FIG. 1 applied to a double slider fastener. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the slider shown in FIG. 1 applied to a double slider fastener. [Figure 5C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the slider shown in FIG. 1 applied to a double slider fastener. [Figure 5D]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the slider shown in FIG. 1 applied to a double slider fastener. [Figure 5E] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the slider shown in FIG. 1 applied to a double slider fastener. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a slider according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the right side of the slider shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a schematic left side view of the slider shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the slider shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10A] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the slider shown in FIG. 6 applied to a double slider fastener. [Figure 10B] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the slider shown in FIG. 6 applied to a double slider fastener. [Figure 10C] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the slider shown in FIG. 6 applied to a double slider fastener. [Figure 10D] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the slider shown in FIG. 6 applied to a double slider fastener. [Figure 10E] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the slider shown in FIG. 6 applied to a double slider fastener. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In order that the above-mentioned features and advantages of the present invention may be more clearly and easily understood, particular reference will now be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a slider based on a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a schematic right side view of the slider shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a schematic left side view of the slider shown in Figure 1, Figure 4 is a schematic bottom view of the slider shown in Figure 1, Figures 5A to 5E are schematic operation diagrams of the slider shown in Figure 1 applied to a double slider fastener, Figure 6 is a perspective view of a slider based on a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is a schematic right side view of the slider shown in Figure 6, Figure 8 is a schematic left side view of the slider shown in Figure 6, Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of the slider shown in Figure 6, and Figures 10A to 10E are schematic operation diagrams of the slider shown in Figure 6 applied to a double slider fastener. Below, the specific structure and operating means of the slider 100A and double slider fastener 50A of the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained using Figures 1 to 5E, and the specific structure and operating means of the slider 100B and double slider fastener 50B of the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained using Figures 6 to 10E, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be adjusted as needed.

[0019] 1 to 4, in the first embodiment, a slider 100A includes a slider body 110A and a locking structure 120A. The slider body 110A includes an upper wing 112A, a lower wing 114A disposed opposite the upper wing 112A, and a guide post 116A connecting the front ends E1 of the upper wing 112A and the lower wing 114A. The locking structure 120A is disposed on the front end E1 of one of the upper wing 112A or the lower wing 114A (for example, the lower wing 114A). Here, the locking structure 120A includes a protrusion 122A and a recess 124A. The protrusion 122A protrudes forward from the front end E1 of one of the upper wing 112A or the lower wing 114A (e.g., the lower wing 114A), and the front end E1 of the protrusion 122A is further provided with a hook 126A that extends to the other of the upper wing 112A or the lower wing 114A (e.g., the upper wing 112A).

[0020] Specifically, in this embodiment, the upper and lower blades 112A and 114A are installed opposite each other, constituting, for example, two plate members that are vertically opposed and have substantially the same shape and size. The guide post 116A connects the front ends E1 of the upper and lower blades 112A and 114A, while the rear ends E2 of the upper and lower blades 112A and 114A, opposite to the front ends E1, are configured as open structures. The slider body 110A may further include a pull-tab connecting post 118A above the upper blade 112A. The rear end of the pull-tab connecting post 118A is open (see FIGS. 1 to 3), allowing it to be used for attaching a pull tab P in a subsequent process (see FIGS. 5A to 5E). Thus, when the slider 100A is attached to a fastener chain (including the fastener tape T and fastener elements shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E ), when the slider 100A slides (i.e., moves forward) in the front-to-back direction toward the front side S1 corresponding to the front end E1, the fastener tape T and fastener elements close (i.e., closes the fastener chain). When the slider 100A slides (i.e., moves backward) in the front-to-back direction toward the rear side S2 corresponding to the rear end E2, the fastener tape T and fastener elements open (i.e., open the fastener chain). However, depending on the type of slide fastener, the structure of the slider 100A and fastener chain can be adjusted as needed, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention does not exclude an embodiment in which the slider 100A is applied to a single-slider fastener, and the fastener elements on the fastener chain are not limited to coil elements or zigzag elements, and adjustments can be made as needed.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the locking structure 120A is installed at the front end E1 of the lower blade 114A, and the protrusion 122A and recess 124A of the locking structure 120A are arranged side by side in the width direction of either the upper blade 112A or the lower blade 114A. Preferably, they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the lower blade 114A at the front end E1 of the lower blade 114A. For example, the protrusion 122A is arranged on the right side S3 of the front end E1 of the lower blade 114A, and the recess 124A is arranged on the left side S4 of the front end E1 of the lower blade 114A, but this is not limited thereto. Here, the protrusion 122A protrudes forward from the right side S3 of the front end E1 of the lower blade 114A, and the hook 126A extends from the front end of the protrusion 122A toward the upper blade 112A. Correspondingly, the recess 124A is recessed upward on the left side S4 of the front end E1 of the lower blade 114A. The size of the recess 124A is equal to or larger than the size of the hook 126A. As an example, the recess 124A is an upward recessed portion formed by the rear end of a protrusion 128A protruding downward from the underside of the lower blade 114A (see FIGS. 3 and 4). However, the recess 124A can also be formed by omitting the protrusion 128A and providing an upward recessed portion on the underside of the lower blade 114A. Furthermore, the recess 124A may be either closed or open, as long as it can engage with the hook 126A, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0022] 5A to 5E, in this embodiment, a slider 100A is installed in pairs on a fastener tape T to form a double-slider fastener 50A. When the slider 100A is attached to the fastener tape T, the fastener tape T and a fastener element (not shown) form a fastener chain. The fastener tape T penetrates between the upper wing 112A and the lower wing 114A of the slider body 110A, so that the locking structure 120A installed at the front end E1 of the lower wing 114A is positioned below the fastener tape T (although this is not limited to this). That is, the double-slider fastener 50A includes the fastener tape T and a pair of sliders 100A, where the pair of sliders 100A have the same structure and are installed on the fastener tape T with their front ends E1 facing each other. In this way, when the front ends E1 of the pair of sliders 100A are butted against each other, they close the fastener tape T to form a locked state (see FIG. 5C), and when the locked state is released, the pair of sliders 100A move away from each other to open the fastener tape T (see FIG. 5E). In addition, the rear ends of the pull tab connecting posts 118A of each of the pair of sliders 100A are reinforced after the pull tab P is attached and extend toward the upper wing 112A, so that the pull tab P can be attached to the pull tab connecting posts 118A to prevent the pull tab P from falling off, but the present invention does not limit the structure and attachment method of the pull tab P, and adjustments can be made as needed.

[0023] Specifically, in this embodiment, a pair of sliders 100A are installed on the fastener tape T so that their front ends E1 face each other. Thus, the locking structures 120A installed on the front ends E1 of the lower wing plates 114A of the slider bodies 110A of the pair of sliders 100A also face each other. In this case, the front side S1 and rear side S2 of the slider 100A facing each other are reversed, and the right side S3 and left side S4 of each slider 100A are reversed. In this way, the paired sliders 100A have the same shape and exhibit 180-degree rotational symmetry in the horizontal plane where the fastener tape T is located, and thus the protrusion 122A and hook 126A protruding from the right side S3 of the front end E1 of the lower wing 114A in the locking structure 120A of each slider 100A correspond to the recess 124A on the left side S4 of the front end E1 of the lower wing 114A in the locking structure 120A of the opposing slider 100A, thereby enabling locking.

[0024] As can be seen from the above, in this embodiment, when the sliders 100A slide toward their respective front sides S1 (i.e., advance) and approach each other, the fastener tape T and fastener elements can be closed, and when the sliders 100A slide toward their respective rear sides S2 (i.e., retreat) and separate from each other, the fastener tape T and fastener elements can be opened. Here, when the front ends E1 of the paired sliders 100A are butted against each other (the fastener tape T and fastener elements are closed), the hooks 126A of the protrusions 122A of each slider 100A fit into the recesses 124A of the opposing slider 100A. For example, the hooks 126A move from below to above and engage with the recesses 124A, which are recessed upward, to establish a locked state. The above process changes, for example, from the state shown in FIG. 5A to the state shown in FIG. 5C.

[0025] In this state, the hooks 126A of the locking structures 120A of each slider 100A and the recesses 124A of the locking structures 120A of the opposing slider 100A interfere with each other at least in the front-to-rear direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape T). Therefore, the pair of sliders 100A locked by the locking structures 120A cannot slide along the fastener tape T and separate from each other while locked. Thus, the sliders 100A and the double-slider fastener 50A incorporating such sliders 100A have a security mechanism. Furthermore, using a pair of sliders 100A with the same structure simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces manufacturing costs. The slider bodies 110A and locking structures 120A of a pair of sliders 100A with the same structure are preferably integral, i.e., can be manufactured using the same process without requiring additional assembly operations, further simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing manufacturing costs. However, in another embodiment not yet described, the slider 100A may be constructed by assembling a slider body 110A and a locking structure 120A that are manufactured separately. The present invention is not limited to these examples, as long as a pair of sliders 100A having the same structure are used to construct the double slider fastener 50A, which can simplify the manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0026] In this embodiment, the locking structures 120A of the pair of sliders 100A form interference in the front-to-rear direction to lock the sliders 100A, but the locking structure 120A of each slider 100A can be released from the locked state by moving the hook 126A out of the recess 124A of the locking structure 120A of the opposing slider 100A. That is, the pair of sliders 100A rotate and release the locked state by applying a downward force to the front end E1 (e.g., by pressing the front end E1 along the arrow F shown in Figures 5C and 5D) in the direction of the locking structure 120A (i.e., corresponding to the lower side of the lower blade 114A). Thus, applying a downward force to the front end E1 of the slider 100A toward the lower wing 114A (i.e., downward) causes the slider 100A to rotate, causing the hook 126A of the locking structure 120A of each slider 100A to retract downward from the recess 124A of the locking structure 120A of the opposing slider 100A, thereby releasing the locked state. The above process, for example, changes from the state shown in FIG. 5C to the state shown in FIG. 5E. The pair of sliders 100A, now unlocked, can slide along the fastener tape T and separate from each other (see FIG. 5E). Thus, the pair of sliders 100A can easily lock or unlock when butted against each other, improving the operability of the slider 100A and the double-slider fastener 50A. This allows the slider 100A and the double-slider fastener 50A to have a security mechanism, reduce manufacturing costs, and improve operability.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the slider body 110A further includes an operating unit 119A, which is located on the upper surface of the upper blade 112A and near the front end E1. As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the paired slider 100A rotates and unlocks by applying a downward force to the front end E1 (e.g., pressing the front end E1 along arrow F shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D) using the operating unit 119A toward the locking structure 120A (i.e., corresponding to the lower side of the lower blade 114A). When the front ends E1 of the paired sliders 100A are butted against each other (i.e., the states shown in FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5D), the operating unit 119A of each slider 100A preferably overlaps the operating unit 119A of the opposing slider 100A. In this way, the user can more easily apply force to the front ends E1 in a concentrated manner, which contributes to the user simultaneously applying force to the operating units 119A of the pair of sliders 100A. However, in another embodiment not described, force may be applied to each of the operating units 119A of the pair of sliders 100A, or the installation of the operating units 119A may be omitted and force may be applied directly to the front ends E1 of the pair of sliders 100A. The present invention does not limit the relative positions of the operating units 119A of the pair of sliders 100A (i.e., whether the operating units 119A overlap each other) or whether the operating units 119A are installed, and these can be adjusted as needed.

[0028] 1 to 4, the operating unit 119A has a protruding surface 119A1 at the front end thereof, and an inclined surface 119A2 below the outer surface thereof. Here, the protruding surface 119A1 is, for example, a front end surface corresponding to the front side S1 of the operating unit 119A, and the inclined surface 119A2 is, for example, a front end surface of a recessed groove formed in the outer surface of the operating unit 119A. That is, the protruding surface 119A1 and the inclined surface 119A2 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the operating unit 119A. The protruding surface 119A1 and the inclined surface 119A2 preferably include, for example, corresponding arcuate curved surfaces, although the present invention is not limited thereto. Thus, when the front ends E1 of the paired sliders 100A are butted against each other (i.e., the state shown in FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5D), the operating portion 119A of each slider 100A is positioned in a recessed groove formed on the outer surface of the operating portion 119A of the opposing slider 100A, and the protruding surface 119A1 of the operating portion 119A of each slider 100A corresponds to the inclined surface 119A2 of the operating portion 119A of the opposing slider 100A, so that the operating portion 119A of each slider 100A overlaps the operating portion 119A of the opposing slider 100A. However, the present invention does not limit the specific structure of the operating portion 119A, and adjustments can be made as necessary.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the operating portion 119A applies force to the front end E1 to cause rotation (i.e., the state of Figure 5D), the protruding surface 119A1 of the operating portion 119A of each slider 100A rotates along the inclined surface 119A2 of the operating portion 119A of the opposing slider 100A, thus causing the operating portion 119A of each slider 100A and the operating portion 119A of the opposing slider 100A to change from an overlapping state to being separated from each other, and the hook 126A of the locking structure 120A of each slider 100A is displaced from the recess 124A of the locking structure 120A of the opposing slider 100A. During this process, the user applies a downward force to operating unit 119A installed at front end E1 of slider 100A, causing operating unit 119A to rotate along a path defined by protruding surface 119A1 and opposing inclined surface 119A2, thereby enabling operating unit 119A to more smoothly apply a force to front end E1 to generate rotation. However, the present invention does not limit the specific structure of operating unit 119A, and adjustments can be made as needed.

[0030] 6 to 9, in the second embodiment, a slider 100B includes a slider body 110B and a locking structure 120B. The slider body 110B includes an upper wing 112B, a lower wing 114B disposed opposite the upper wing 112B, and a guide post 116B connecting the front ends E1 of the upper wing 112B and the lower wing 114B. The locking structure 120B is disposed on the front end E1 of one of the upper wing 112B or the lower wing 114B (e.g., the upper wing 112B). Here, the locking structure 120B includes a protrusion 122B and a recess 124B. The protrusion 122B protrudes forward from the front end E1 of one of the upper wing 112B or the lower wing 114B (e.g., the upper wing 112B), and the front end E1 of the protrusion 122B further has a hook 126B extending toward the other of the upper wing 112B or the lower wing 114B (e.g., the lower wing 114B).

[0031] In this embodiment, the slider 100B and the slider 100A of the first embodiment have similar structures and operating means. Here, for the specific structures of the upper wing 112B, lower wing 114B, guide post 116B, and pull-tab connecting post 118B of the slider body 110B, reference can be made to the descriptions of the upper wing 112A, lower wing 114A, guide post 116A, and pull-tab connecting post 118A of the slider body 110A of the first embodiment. For the specific structures of the protrusion 122B, recess 124B, and hook 126B of the locking structure 120B, reference can be made to the descriptions of the protrusion 122A, recess 124A, and hook 126A of the locking structure 120A of the first embodiment, and the descriptions thereof will be omitted. The main difference between the slider 100B and the slider 100A of the first embodiment is that the lock structure 120B provided on the slider 100B and the lock structure 120A provided on the slider 100A of the first embodiment are in different positions.

[0032] Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, the locking structure 120B is located at the front end E1 of the upper wing 112B, and the protrusion 122B and recess 124B of the locking structure 120B are arranged side by side in the width direction of either the upper wing 112B or the lower wing 114B. Preferably, they are arranged side by side in the width direction of the upper wing 112B at the front end E1 of the upper wing 112B. For example, the protrusion 122B is arranged on the right side S3 of the front end E1 of the upper wing 112B, and the recess 124B is arranged on the left side S4 of the front end E1 of the upper wing 112B, but this is not limited thereto. Here, the protrusion 122B protrudes forward from the right side S3 of the front end E1 of the upper wing 112B, and the hook 126B extends from the front end of the protrusion 122B toward the lower wing 114B. Correspondingly, the recess 124B is recessed downward on the left side S4 of the front end E1 of the upper blade 112B. The size of the recess 124B is equal to or larger than the size of the hook 126B. As an example, the recess 124B is provided on the upper surface of the upper blade 112B by providing a portion recessed downward (see FIGS. 8 and 9). However, the recess 124B can also be provided by providing a protrusion protruding upward on the upper surface of the upper blade 112B, the rear of which is formed as a portion recessed downward. In addition, the recess 124B may be either closed or open, as long as it can engage with the hook 126B, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0033] 10A to 10E, in this embodiment, sliders 100B are installed in pairs on a fastener tape T to form a double-slider fastener 50B. When the slider 100B is attached to the fastener tape T, the fastener tape T and a fastener element (not shown) form a fastener chain. The fastener tape T penetrates between the upper wing 112B and the lower wing 114B of the slider body 110B, so that the locking structure 120B installed on the front end E1 of the upper wing 112B is positioned above the fastener tape T (although this is not limited to this). That is, the double-slider fastener 50B includes the fastener tape T and a pair of sliders 100B, where the pair of sliders 100B have the same structure and are installed on the fastener tape T with their front ends E1 facing each other. In this way, when the front ends E1 of the pair of sliders 100B are butted against each other, they close the fastener tape T to form a locked state (see FIG. 10C), and when the pair of sliders 100B are released from the locked state, they move away from each other to open the fastener tape T (see FIG. 10E). In addition, the rear ends of the pull tab connecting posts 118B of each of the pair of sliders 100B are reinforced after the pull tab P is attached and extend toward the upper wing 112B, so that the pull tab P can be attached to the pull tab connecting posts 118B to prevent the pull tab P from falling off, but the present invention does not limit the structure and attachment method of the pull tab P, and adjustments can be made as needed.

[0034] Specifically, in this embodiment, a pair of sliders 100B are installed on the fastener tape T so that their front ends E1 face each other. Thus, the locking structures 120B installed on the front ends E1 of the upper wing plates 112B of the slider bodies 110B of the pair of sliders 100B also face each other. In this case, the front side S1 and rear side S2 of the slider 100B facing each other are reversed, and the right side S3 and left side S4 of each slider 100B are reversed. In this way, the paired sliders 100B have the same shape and exhibit 180-degree rotational symmetry in the horizontal plane where the fastener tape T is located, and thus the protrusion 122B and hook 126B protruding from the right side S3 of the front end E1 of the upper wing 112B in the locking structure 120B of each slider 100B correspond to the recess 124B on the left side S4 of the front end E1 of the upper wing 112B in the locking structure 120B of the opposing slider 100B, thereby enabling locking.

[0035] As can be seen from the above, in this embodiment, when the sliders 100B slide toward their respective front sides S1 (i.e., advance) and approach each other, the fastener tape T and fastener elements can be closed, and when the sliders 100B slide toward their respective rear sides S2 (i.e., retreat) and separate from each other, the fastener tape T and fastener elements can be opened. Here, when the front ends E1 of the paired sliders 100B are butted against each other (the fastener tape T and fastener elements are closed), the hooks 126B of the protrusions 122B of each slider 100B engage with the recesses 124B of the opposing slider 100B. For example, the hooks 126B move from top to bottom and engage with the recesses 124B recessed downward, thereby establishing a locked state. The above process changes, for example, from the state shown in FIG. 10A to the state shown in FIG. 10C.

[0036] In this state, the hooks 126B of the locking structures 120B of each slider 100B and the recesses 124B of the locking structures 120B of the opposing slider 100B interfere with each other at least in the front-to-rear direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape T). Therefore, the pair of sliders 100B locked by the locking structures 120B cannot slide along the fastener tape T and separate from each other while locked. Thus, the sliders 100B and the double-slider fastener 50B incorporating such sliders 100B have a security mechanism. Furthermore, using a pair of sliders 100B with the same structure simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces manufacturing costs. The slider bodies 110B and locking structures 120B of a pair of sliders 100B with the same structure are preferably integral, i.e., can be manufactured using the same process without requiring additional assembly operations, further simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing manufacturing costs. However, in another embodiment not yet described, the slider 100B may be constructed by assembling a slider body 110B and a locking structure 120B that are manufactured separately. Any method of constructing a double slider fastener 50B using a pair of sliders 100B having the same structure can simplify the manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing costs, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0037] In this embodiment, the locking structures 120B of the pair of sliders 100B form interference in the front-to-rear direction to lock the sliders 100B, but the locking structure 120B of each slider 100B can be released from the locked state by moving the hook 126B out of the recess 124B of the locking structure 120B of the opposing slider 100B. That is, the pair of sliders 100B rotate and release the locked state by applying an upward force to the front end E1 (e.g., pulling the front end E1 along the arrow F shown in Figures 10C and 10D) toward the locking structure 120B (i.e., toward the upper side of the upper wing 112B). Thus, applying an upward force to the front end E1 of the slider 100B toward the upper wing 112B (i.e., upward) rotates the slider 100B, causing the hook 126B of the locking structure 120B of each slider 100B to retract upward from the recess 124B of the locking structure 120B of the opposing slider 100B, thereby releasing the locked state. The above process, for example, changes from the state shown in FIG. 10C to the state shown in FIG. 10E. The unlocked pair of sliders 100B can slide along the fastener tape T to separate from each other (see FIG. 10E). Thus, the pair of sliders 100B can easily lock or unlock when butted against each other, improving the operability of the slider 100B and the double-slider fastener 50B. This allows the slider 100B and the double-slider fastener 50B to have a security mechanism, reduce manufacturing costs, and improve operability.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the slider body 110B further includes an operating portion 119B, which is located on the upper surface of the upper blade 112B and near the front end E1. As shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the paired slider 100B rotates and unlocks by applying upward force to the front end E1 (e.g., pulling the front end E1 along arrow F shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D) using the operating portion 119B toward the locking structure 120B (i.e., toward the upper side of the upper blade 112B). When the front ends E1 of the paired sliders 100B are butted against each other (i.e., the state shown in FIGS. 10B, 10C, and 10D), the operating portion 119B of each slider 100B preferably overlaps the operating portion 119B of the opposing slider 100B. In this way, the user can more easily apply force to the front ends E1 in a concentrated manner, which contributes to the user simultaneously applying force to the operating portions 119B of the pair of sliders 100B. However, in another embodiment not described, force may be applied to each of the operating portions 119B of the pair of sliders 100B, or the installation of the operating portions 119B may be omitted and force may be applied directly to the front ends E1 of the pair of sliders 100B. The present invention does not limit the relative positions of the operating portions 119B of the pair of sliders 100B (i.e., whether the operating portions 119B overlap each other) or whether the operating portions 119B are installed, and these can be adjusted as needed.

[0039] 6 to 9, the operating unit 119B has a protruding surface 119B1 at the front end thereof and an inclined surface 119B2 below the outer surface thereof. Here, the protruding surface 119B1 is, for example, a front end surface corresponding to the front side S1 of the operating unit 119B, and the inclined surface 119B2 is, for example, a front end surface of a recessed groove formed in the outer surface of the operating unit 119B. That is, the protruding surface 119B1 and the inclined surface 119B2 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the operating unit 119B. The protruding surface 119B1 and the inclined surface 119B2 preferably include, for example, corresponding arcuate curved surfaces, although the present invention is not limited thereto. Thus, when the front ends E1 of the paired sliders 100B are butted against each other (i.e., the state shown in FIGS. 10B, 10C, and 10D), the operating portion 119B of each slider 100B is positioned in a recessed groove formed on the outer surface of the operating portion 119B of the opposing slider 100B, and the protruding surface 119B1 of the operating portion 119B of each slider 100B corresponds to the inclined surface 119B2 of the operating portion 119B of the opposing slider 100B, so that the operating portion 119B of each slider 100B overlaps the operating portion 119B of the opposing slider 100B. However, the present invention does not limit the specific structure of the operating portion 119B, and adjustments can be made as necessary.

[0040] In general, in the slider and double slider fastener of the present invention, the locking structure includes a protrusion and a recess arranged side by side in the width direction of one of the upper or lower blades. The protrusion protrudes forward from one of the upper or lower blades and is provided with a hook extending to the other of the upper or lower blades. When the front ends of the paired sliders are butted against each other, the hook of each slider fits into the recess of the opposing slider to form a locked state. The paired sliders are then rotated by applying force to their front ends toward the locking structure to release the locked state. Using a pair of sliders with the same structure simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces manufacturing costs, and the paired sliders can be easily locked or unlocked when butted against each other. The slider body and the locking structure are preferably integral in structure. Furthermore, the paired sliders have the same shape and exhibit 180-degree rotational symmetry in the horizontal plane where the fastener tape is located. As a result, the slider and double slider fastener of the present invention have a security mechanism, and can reduce manufacturing costs and improve operability.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions described in the above embodiments can still be modified, or some or all of the technical features can be replaced with equivalents, and such modifications or replacements will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to depart from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] This application is based on a Chinese patent application (application number 202211660411.4) filed on December 23, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0043] The present specification discloses the following: (1) A slider that is installed in pairs on a fastener tape to form a double slider fastener, a slider body including an upper blade, a lower blade installed opposite the upper blade, and a guide post connecting the front ends of the upper blade and the lower blade; a locking structure installed at a front end of one of the upper blade or the lower blade; Equipped with the locking structure includes a protrusion and a recess; The protrusion protrudes forward from the front end of one of the upper blade or the lower blade, and the front end of the protrusion is further provided with a hook extending toward the other of the upper blade or the lower blade; When the front ends of the pair of sliders are butted against each other, the hooks of the protrusions of the sliders are fitted into the recesses of the opposing sliders to form a locked state, The pair of sliders is characterized in that the pair of sliders rotate by applying a force upward or downward to the front end of at least one of the pair of sliders toward the direction of the locking structure, thereby releasing the locked state. (2) The slider body further includes an operating unit, and the operating unit is installed on the upper surface of the upper blade at a position close to the front end thereof, The slider described in (1) is characterized in that the pair of sliders rotate by applying force to the front end of at least one of the pair of sliders in the direction of the locking structure using the operating part, thereby releasing the locked state. (3) The operation portion has a protruding surface at the front end thereof, a sloped surface below the outer surface of the operating portion; When the front ends of the pair of sliders are butted against each other, the protruding surface of the operating portion of each slider corresponds to the inclined surface of the operating portion of the opposing slider, and The slider described in (2) is characterized in that when rotation is generated by applying force to the front end using the operating part, the protruding surface of the operating part of each slider rotates along the inclined surface of the operating part of the opposing slider. (4) The slider according to (3), wherein the protruding surface and the inclined surface include corresponding arcuate curved surfaces. (5) The slider according to (3), characterized in that when the front ends of the pair of sliders are butted against each other, the operating portion of each slider overlaps with the operating portion of the opposing slider. (6) The locking structure is installed at the front end of the lower wing, The protrusion protrudes forward from a front end of the lower blade, and the hook extends from the front end of the protrusion toward the upper blade; and The slider described in any one of (1) to (5) is characterized in that the slider rotates by applying a downward force to the front end toward the lower blade, thereby releasing the locked state. (7) The locking structure is installed at the front end of the upper blade, The protrusion protrudes forward from a front end of the upper blade, and the hook extends from the front end of the protrusion toward the lower blade; and The slider described in any one of (1) to (5) is characterized in that the slider rotates by applying an upward force to the front end toward the upper blade, thereby releasing the locked state. (8) The slider according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the slider body and the locking structure are an integrated structure. (9) The protrusion and the recess are arranged side by side in the width direction of one of the upper blade or the lower blade, The slider according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the pair of sliders have the same shape and exhibit 180-degree rotational symmetry on the horizontal plane on which the fastener tape is located. (10) a fastener tape; A pair of sliders according to any one of (1) to (9), Equipped with The pair of sliders are installed on the fastener tape with their front ends facing each other, and when their front ends are butted against each other, they close the fastener tape to form a locked state; and A double slider fastener characterized in that the pair of sliders that have been released from the locked state move away from each other to open the fastener tapes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 50A, 50B double slider zipper 100A, 100B slider 110A, 110B slider body 112A,112B Upper wing plate 114A,114B Lower wing plate 116A, 116B Guide pillar 118A, 118B Pull connecting pillar 119A,119B Operation section 119A1,119B1 Projecting surface 119A2,119B2 Slope 120A, 120B lock structure 122A,122B Protrusion 124A, 124B recess 126A, 126B Hook 128A Protrusion E1 front end E2 rear end F arrow P Pull Handle S1 front side S2 rear side S3 right side S4 left side T-zipper tape

Claims

1. A slider that is installed in pairs on a fastener tape to form a double slider fastener, a slider body including an upper blade, a lower blade installed opposite the upper blade, and a guide post connecting the front ends of the upper blade and the lower blade; a locking structure installed at a front end of one of the upper blade or the lower blade; Equipped with the locking structure includes a protrusion and a recess; The protrusion protrudes forward from the front end of one of the upper blade or the lower blade, and the front end of the protrusion is further provided with a hook extending toward the other of the upper blade or the lower blade; When the front ends of the pair of sliders are butted against each other, the hooks of the protrusions of the sliders are fitted into the recesses of the opposing sliders to form a locked state, The pair of sliders is characterized in that the pair of sliders rotate by applying a force upward or downward to the front end of at least one of the pair of sliders toward the direction of the locking structure, thereby releasing the locked state.

2. The slider body further includes an operating unit, the operating unit being disposed on the upper surface of the upper blade at a position close to the front end thereof, The slider according to claim 1, characterized in that the pair of sliders rotate by applying a force to the front end of at least one of the pair of sliders in the direction of the locking structure using the operating part, thereby releasing the locked state.

3. The operation portion has a protruding surface at a front end thereof, a sloped surface below the outer surface of the operating portion; When the front ends of the pair of sliders are butted against each other, the protruding surface of the operating portion of each slider corresponds to the inclined surface of the operating portion of the opposing slider, and The slider according to claim 2, characterized in that, when rotation is generated by applying force to the front end by the operating portion, the protruding surface of the operating portion of each of the sliders rotates along the inclined surface of the operating portion of the opposing slider.

4. The slider according to claim 3 , wherein the protruding surface and the inclined surface include corresponding arcuate curved surfaces.

5. 4. The slider according to claim 3, wherein, when the front ends of the pair of sliders are butted against each other, the operating portion of each slider overlaps with the operating portion of the opposing slider.

6. The locking structure is located at the leading end of the lower wing, The protrusion protrudes forward from a front end of the lower blade, and the hook extends from the front end of the protrusion toward the upper blade; and 2. The slider of claim 1, wherein the slider rotates and releases the locked state by applying a downward force to the front end toward the lower blade.

7. The locking structure is installed at the front end of the upper blade, The protrusion protrudes forward from a front end of the upper blade, and the hook extends from the front end of the protrusion toward the lower blade; and The slider of claim 1 , wherein the slider rotates and releases the locked state by applying an upward force to the front end toward the upper blade.

8. The slider of claim 1 , wherein the slider body and the locking structure are a unitary structure.

9. The protrusion and the recess are arranged side by side in the width direction of one of the upper blade or the lower blade, 2. The slider according to claim 1, wherein the pair of sliders have the same shape and exhibit 180-degree rotational symmetry in a horizontal plane on which the fastener tape lies.

10. A fastener tape, A pair of sliders according to any one of claims 1 to 9; Equipped with The pair of sliders are installed on the fastener tape with their front ends facing each other, and when their front ends are butted against each other, they close the fastener tape to form a locked state; and A double slider fastener characterized in that the pair of sliders that have been released from the locked state move away from each other to open the fastener tapes.

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