Watertight fastener and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The present invention has: a pair of fastener tapes 12; fastener elements 16 provided on one end edge part 12a side along the length direction of each fastener tape 12; and a slider 24 that engages and releases the fastener elements 16. On a surface 12b on the opposite side of the surface 12c on which the fastener elements 16 of the fastener tapes 12 are provided, a waterproof seal layer 20 having a prescribed width along the length direction is provided in the position at which the fastener elements 16 are provided. The width of the waterproof seal layer 20 in a direction orthogonal to the length direction is less than the width of the slider 24 in the direction orthogonal to the length direction. When the pair of fastener tapes 12 is closed by the engagement of the fastener elements 16, the ends 20a of the waterproof seal layer 20 near the end edge parts 12a of the fastener tapes 12 are shaped so as to contact each other gaplessly without overlapping in the thickness direction, and are tightly fastened so as to be watertight.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a waterproof fastener and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are waterproof fasteners that have a waterproof layer provided on one side of the slide fastener to impart waterproofing. For example, the slide fasteners disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are provided with a pair of tapes, fastener elements provided along the adjacent edge portions of the pair of tapes, and a slider that engages and disengages the pair of fastener elements. A coil-shaped fastener element is provided on one side of the pair of tapes, and a waterproof sealant layer is attached to the entire surface of the other side.

[0003] The slide fastener disclosed in Patent Document 3 also has a coil-shaped fastener element provided on one surface of a pair of tapes. A waterproof sealant is applied to this surface with the fastener element, and the waterproof sealant flows into the gaps between the fastener elements, filling the adjacent edge portions of the pair of tapes and solidifying, so that when the pair of tapes are closed, they adhere tightly to each other with no gaps. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-104371 [Patent Document 2] Publication No. 1-14168 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 8,689,408 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The waterproof fasteners of the above-mentioned background art require a complicated manufacturing process, and no consideration has been given to simply imparting waterproofing. The slide fastener disclosed in Patent Document 3 has a waterproof sealant that penetrates into the gaps between the fastener elements, which causes the waterproof sealant to resist slider movement, making it difficult to operate when engaging or disengaging, and the fastener tape lacks flexibility. Another problem is that it is difficult to evenly pour the waterproof sealant between the fastener elements.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems of the above-mentioned background art, and aims to provide a waterproof fastener that has a simple structure and can be easily manufactured by a simple method, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a pair of fastener tapes, wherein fastener elements are provided on one of the front and back surfaces of the fastener tape along one edge side along the longitudinal direction, the fastener tape is folded in half along a fold line so that the one surface on which the fastener elements are provided along the edge becomes convex, and the fastener tape is folded back, the fastener elements of the pair of fastener tapes have engaging interlocking heads that protrude outward from the fold line and are interlocked with each other with the fold lines facing each other, a waterproof seal layer is provided on one surface of the fastener tape at a position facing the fastener elements across the fold line, and the fastener elements have a front a waterproof fastener provided with a slider for engaging and disengaging the fastener elements, the waterproof sealing layer having a predetermined width along the longitudinal direction, the width of the waterproof sealing layer in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the surface of the fastener tape being narrower than the width of the slider and equal to or narrower than the distance between both ends of the pair of fastener elements in an engaged state, the waterproof sealing layer not contacting the fastener elements or the slider, and having a shape such that when the pair of fastener tapes are closed by the engagement of the fastener elements, the ends of the fastener tapes near the fold lines abut each other without overlapping each other in the thickness direction and without any gaps, thereby providing a liquid-tight waterproof fastener.

[0008] othersa pair of fastener tapes, a fastener element is provided on one of the front and back surfaces of the fastener tape along one edge portion along the longitudinal direction, and a waterproof sealing layer is provided on the other surface, a slider is attached to the fastener element for engaging and disengaging the fastener element, the waterproof sealing layer is provided with a predetermined width along the longitudinal direction at a position facing the fastener element across the fastener tape, the width of the waterproof sealing layer in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the surface of the fastener tape is narrower than the width of the slider and is the same width as or narrower than the distance between both ends of the pair of fastener elements in an engaged state, and the waterproof sealing layer is shaped so that when the pair of fastener tapes are closed by the engagement of the fastener elements, ends of the fastener tapes near the edge portions abut each other without overlapping each other in the thickness direction and without any gaps, thereby forming a watertight fastener that adheres liquid-tightly. But it's okay .

[0009] The fastener tape is provided with a waterproof layer, and the waterproof sealing layer is provided on the surface of the waterproof layer, and the waterproof sealing layer is narrower than the waterproof layer. Furthermore, when the fastener elements are in mesh with each other, the folding lines of the fastener tapes abut against each other. The waterproof sealing layer may be made of, for example, a silicone resin, and the waterproof layer may be made of, for example, a polyurethane resin.

[0010] The present invention also provides a method for attaching a fastener element to one edge of a pair of fastener tapes along the longitudinal direction of one of the front and back surfaces, folding the fastener tape in half along a folding line along the edge so that the one surface to which the fastener element is attached becomes convex, thereby creating a slide fastener chain in which the fastener tape is folded back, and the fastener elements have engaging heads that protrude outward from the folding line, and the folding lines are opposed to each other so that the fastener elements are engaged with each other to close the pair of slide fastener chains, and a method for manufacturing a waterproof fastener, comprising: applying synthetic resin to one surface of the fastener tape at a position facing the fastener elements across the fold line in a predetermined width from the fold line along the longitudinal direction, the width of the synthetic resin being narrower than the width of a slider that engages and disengages the fastener elements and equal to or narrower than the distance between both ends of the pair of fastener elements in the engaged state; curing the applied synthetic resin; cutting the synthetic resin along the fold line to form a pair of left and right waterproof sealing layers for the pair of fastener tapes; and then attaching the slider to the pair of fastener tapes. The waterproof sealing layers are formed by applying silicone resin, which is the synthetic resin, to a predetermined width at the position where the fold lines of the long fastener tape abut, curing it, and cutting it.

[0011] othersa method for manufacturing a waterproof fastener, comprising: attaching fastener elements to one edge along the longitudinal direction of one of the front and back surfaces of a pair of fastener tapes; engaging the fastener elements with each other to close the pair of slide fastener chains; applying synthetic resin to a predetermined width along the longitudinal direction on the edge of the other of the front and back surfaces of the pair of fastener tapes opposite the one surface on which the fastener elements are provided; the applied width of the synthetic resin is narrower than the width of a slider that engages and disengages the fastener elements and is formed to be the same width as or narrower than the distance between both ends of the pair of fastener elements in an engaged state; hardening the applied synthetic resin; and cutting the synthetic resin along the edge to form a pair of left and right waterproof sealing layers for the pair of fastener tapes; and then attaching the sliders to the pair of fastener tapes. But it's okay .

[0012] The fastener tape may be provided with a waterproof layer, the synthetic resin may be applied to the surface of the waterproof layer, and the waterproof sealing layer may be provided by cutting the synthetic resin along the edge portions or the fold lines. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The waterproof fastener and its manufacturing method of the present invention are simple in structure and can easily achieve waterproofing through a simple manufacturing method. Furthermore, in the present invention, the slider slides without contacting the waterproof sealing layer, resulting in low sliding resistance and good slider operability. This is because the resin forming the waterproof sealing layer has a higher frictional resistance to the slider than the fastener tape. Therefore, when the slider slides on the surface of the waterproof sealing layer, a relatively large sliding resistance acts on the slider. Furthermore, because the waterproof sealing layer is approximately the width of the fastener element and is not applied to other parts of the fastener tape, the flexibility of the fastener tape is not impaired by the waterproof sealing layer. Furthermore, while the pair of fastener tapes is closed, the applied synthetic resin is cut along the longitudinal direction to provide a pair of waterproof sealing layers on the left and right. This allows for a neat finish at the edges where the pair of left and right waterproof sealing layers close together, preventing overlapping in the thickness direction and creating gaps between the waterproof sealing layers, ensuring reliable adhesion and achieving waterproofing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a waterproof fastener according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the waterproof fastener according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a waterproof fastener according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the position where the slider of the waterproof fastener of the first embodiment of the present invention is attached. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another waterproof fastener. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the position where the slider of another watertight fastener is attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A waterproof fastener according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a method for manufacturing the same will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 4 show the first embodiment of the present invention, with the waterproof fastener 10 of this embodiment comprising a pair of fastener tapes 12 and fastener elements 16 fixed to the edge portions 12a of each fastener tape 12 together with a core string 14. The fastener elements 16 provided on the edge portions 12a of the pair of left and right fastener tapes 12 are each formed by coiling a single resin monofilament, and are sewn together with the core string 14 by a fixing thread 18.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 3, the fastener element 16 is folded in half along the fold line 13 along the longitudinal edge 12a of the fastener tape 12 so that the front surface 12b of the fastener tape 12 is convex, and the fastener element 16 is then placed on the back surface 12c and fixed to the front surface 12b side of the overlapped portion. The fastener element 16 consists of an interlocking head 16a whose end is crushed and expanded in the radial direction, and legs 16b extending from the interlocking head 16a toward the fastener tape 12. The fastener elements 16 provided on the opposing edge portions 12a of a pair of fastener tapes 12 are formed so that the interlocking heads 16a engage with each other and do not separate from each other in the interlocked state. The interlocking heads 16a protrude slightly outward from the fold line 13.

[0017] A waterproof sealing layer 20 is provided on the front surface 12b of the fastener tape 12 at a position facing the fastener element 16 provided on the fastener tape 12 folded in half at the fold line 13, with the waterproof sealing layer 20 having a predetermined width in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 12 and approximately centered on the fold line 13. The waterproof sealing layer 20 is formed from silicone resin, which is a synthetic resin, and is provided on each of the pair of fastener tapes 12, and when the pair of fastener tapes 12 are interlocked with each other with the fold lines 13 facing each other, the end portions 20a of the pair of waterproof sealing layers 20 that are continuous and flush with the fold line 13 abut against each other liquid-tightly.

[0018] Furthermore, the waterproof sealing layer 20 is provided only on the surface 12b side of the fastener tape 12 and does not come into contact with the fastener elements 16. The waterproof sealing layer 20 is formed so that an end 20a portion coinciding with the fold line 13 is slightly thicker than the other portions. The width of the waterproof sealing layer 20 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is preferably formed narrower than the width of a slider 24, which will be described later. Alternatively, the waterproof sealing layer 20 may be approximately the same width as or narrower than the distance between both ends of a pair of fastener elements 16 in an interlocked state.

[0019] The waterproof fastener 10 has a slider 24 attached to a predetermined length of fastener tape 12 to which fastener elements 16 and a waterproof sealing layer 20 are attached, the slider 24 engaging and disengaging the fastener elements 16. As shown in Figure 4, the slider 24 engages with the edge 12a folded back at the fold line 13 of the fastener tape 12, and is located on the back surface 12c side of the fastener tape 12.

[0020] Next, a method for manufacturing the waterproof fastener 10 of this embodiment will be described. First, a long slide fastener chain is made by attaching fastener elements 16 to the end edge 12a of a long fastener tape 12. With the fastener elements 16 of a pair of long slide fastener chains interlocked, silicone resin is applied to a predetermined width along the longitudinal direction of the slide fastener chain at the position where the fold lines 13 of the long fastener tapes 12 abut, and then cured. At this time, the silicone resin is applied only to the surface 12b side of the fastener tape 12, and does not reach the fastener elements 16.

[0021] The hardened silicone resin is then cut along fold line 13 in a direction approximately perpendicular to surface 12b, dividing it into two, left and right halves. The cut surfaces become a pair of left and right end portions 20a, and when waterproof fastener 10 is closed with slider 24, end portions 20a abut each other without overlapping each other in the thickness direction, forming a liquid-tight seal. When silicone resin is applied, its viscosity makes it thicker at the center in the width direction, and the area near end portion 20a located in the center in the width direction is thicker.

[0022] Thereafter, the long slide fastener chain provided with the waterproof sealing layer 20 is cut to a predetermined length, and a slider 24 is attached to form the waterproof fastener 10. Alternatively, the slide fastener chain may be cut to a predetermined length, and then silicone resin may be applied to a predetermined width, and the silicone resin may be cut along the longitudinal direction of the slide fastener chain, and the slider 24 may be attached to form the waterproof fastener 10.

[0023] The waterproof fastener 10 of this embodiment and its manufacturing method make it possible to easily achieve waterproofing at the engaging portion of the fastener element 16 of the slide fastener using a simple structure and a simple manufacturing method. The silicone resin forming the waterproof sealing layer 20 has a higher friction resistance with the slider 24 than the fastener tape 12, so when the slider 24 slides on the surface of the waterproof sealing layer 20, a relatively large sliding resistance acts on the slider 24. However, the slider 24 of the waterproof fastener 10 of this embodiment is designed to slide without contacting the waterproof sealing layer 20, so sliding resistance when moving the slider 24 is small and the slider 24 is easy to operate. Furthermore, because the waterproof sealing layer 20 is approximately the width of the fastener element 16 and is not applied to other portions of the fastener tape 12, the waterproof sealing layer 20 does not impair the flexibility of the fastener tape 12. Furthermore, threads are threaded through the fastener tape 12 to attach it to the sewn article to which it is to be attached, but if the waterproof sealing layer 20 is in the sewing position, sewing becomes difficult and the flexibility after sewing is also lost. For these reasons, it is preferable that the waterproof sealing layer 20 be approximately the same width as the fastener element 16.

[0024] Furthermore, with this embodiment of the waterproof fastener 10 and its manufacturing method, the silicone resin is applied longitudinally to a narrow area of ​​a predetermined width, including the fold line 13, resulting in a quick and efficient process for forming the waterproof sealing layer 20. The applied silicone resin can be cut longitudinally to create a clean finish on the edges 20a. When the pair of fastener tapes 12 is closed, the cut edges 20a are securely sealed and watertight, without overlapping or gaps. The viscosity of the applied silicone resin creates a high profile near the center of the waterproof sealing layer 20, and after solidification, the thickness is greatest near the cut edges 20a, allowing for a wide area of ​​adhesion. The manufacturing method is simple, provides waterproofing at low cost, and is widely used in sports, outdoor activities, casual wear, and other fields.

[0025] next Other waterproof fasteners This will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Note that the same components as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. The waterproof fastener 30 of this embodiment has a pair of fastener tapes 12 and a fastener element 16 fixed to the edge portion 12a of each fastener tape 12 together with a core string 14. As shown in Figure 5, the fastener element 16 is attached to the back surface 12c of the fastener tape 12 along the edge portion 12a. The interlocking head 16a of the fastener element 16 protrudes slightly outward from the edge portion 12a.

[0026] The surface 12b of the fastener tape 12 is covered with a thin waterproof layer 32. The waterproof layer 32 is, for example, a polyurethane film. An end 32a of the waterproof layer 32 on the edge 12a side of the fastener tape 12 protrudes slightly outward beyond the edge 12a. Therefore, when a pair of fastener tapes 12 are interlocked with their edge portions 12a facing each other, the ends 32a of the pair of waterproof layers 32 abut against each other in a liquid-tight manner. The waterproof layer 32 covers the stitching of the fixing thread 18 that appears on the surface 12b of the fastener tape 12.

[0027] A waterproof sealing layer 34 is provided on the surface 32b of the waterproof layer 32 opposite the fastener tape 12, over a predetermined width along the end 32a and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 12. The waterproof sealing layer 34 is formed by applying a silicone resin and is provided on each of the pair of fastener tapes 12. When the pair of fastener tapes 12 are engaged with their end edges 12a facing each other, the end portions 34a of the pair of waterproof sealing layers 34, which are flush with the end portions 32a of the waterproof layers 32, press against each other and abut liquid-tightly. Furthermore, the waterproof sealing layer 34 is provided only on the surface 12b side of the fastener tape 12 and does not contact the fastener element 16. The waterproof sealing layer 34 has an end portion 34a that coincides with the end portion 32a formed slightly thicker than the remaining portions. The width of the waterproof sealing layer 34 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is preferably narrower than the width of the slider 24, and may be approximately the same as or narrower than the distance between both ends of a pair of fastener elements 16 in the interlocked state.

[0028] Next, a method for manufacturing the waterproof fastener 30 of this embodiment will be described. First, fastener elements 16 are attached to the back surface 12c of the end edge portion 12a of the long fastener tape 12 to form a slide fastener chain, and with the fastener elements 16 of the pair of long slide fastener chains interlocked, a waterproof layer 32 is formed on the front surface 12b of the long fastener tape 12. The waterproof layer 32 may be formed by attaching a polyurethane film or applying polyurethane resin.

[0029] Next, a predetermined width of silicone resin is applied to the surface of the waterproof layer 32 opposite the position where the fastener elements 16 are engaged, and then cured. The cured silicone resin is cut approximately perpendicular to the cured silicone resin and the surface of the waterproof layer 32 along the center where the end edges 12a of the pair of fastener tapes 12 face each other, forming end portions 34a of the waterproof sealing layer 34 and end portions 32a of the waterproof layer 32, and then divided into two, left and right. The cut surfaces become a pair of left and right end portions 32a, 34a. When the waterproof fastener 30 is closed, the end portions 32a, 34a abut each other without overlapping or gaps in the thickness direction, forming a liquid-tight seal. As a result, the waterproof layer 32 and the waterproof sealing layer 34 are overlapped, and the opposing end portions 32a, 34a are in liquid-tight seal with each other, providing high waterproof performance.

[0030] Thereafter, the long slide fastener chain provided with the waterproof layer 32 and waterproof seal layer 34 is cut, and the slider 24 is attached to form the waterproof fastener 30. Note that the slide fastener chain may be cut to a predetermined length, and then the waterproof layer 32 and waterproof seal layer 34 may be provided, and the slider 24 may be attached to form the waterproof fastener 30. When silicone resin is applied, its viscosity causes the thickness at the center in the width direction to increase, and the end portion 34a located at the center in the width direction to become thicker.

[0031] The waterproof fastener 30 has a slider 24 attached to a predetermined length of fastener tape 12 to which fastener element 16, waterproof layer 32, and waterproof sealing layer 34 are attached. As shown in Figure 6, the slider 24 is attached with the fastener tape 12 sandwiched between them.

[0032] The waterproof fastener 30 of this embodiment has the same effect as the waterproof fastener 10 of the above embodiment. A waterproof layer 32 is provided on the surface 12b of the fastener tape 12, and a waterproof sealing layer 34 is provided on the surface 32b of the waterproof layer 32, so the waterproof function of the fastener tape 12 is high. The provision of the waterproof layer 32 also makes it possible to narrow the width of the waterproof sealing layer 34. When applied, the waterproof sealing layer 34 has viscosity such that it is higher near the center in the width direction, and is thickest near the ends 34a, allowing it to adhere over a wide area.

[0033] The waterproof fastener and its manufacturing method of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and the synthetic resin such as silicone resin may be any chemically synthesized material including synthetic rubber, as long as it can be applied and can form a watertight seal after hardening. The structures of the fastener element and slider can be freely changed, and the width and length of the fastener tape can also be freely set according to the application. Materials other than those mentioned above may also be used for the waterproof sealing layer and waterproof layer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 10,30 Waterproof fastener 12 Fastener tape 12a Edge 12b surface 12c back side 16 Fastener element 20,34 Waterproof sealing layer 20a, 34a End 24 Slider 32 Waterproof layer 32b surface

Claims

1. The fastener tape (12) has a pair of fastener tapes (12), and a fastener element (16) is provided on one surface (12b) of the front and back surfaces (12b, 12c) of the fastener tape (12) on one end edge (12a) side along the longitudinal direction, The fastener tape (12) is folded in half along the fold line (13) so that the one surface (12b) on which the fastener elements (16) are provided along the end edge portion (12a) is convex, and the fastener tape (12) is folded back, and the fastener elements (16) of the pair of fastener tapes (12) are engaged with each other with their engaging interlocking heads (16a) protruding outward from the fold line (13) and the fold lines (13) facing each other, A waterproof sealing layer (20) is provided on the one surface (12b) of the fastener tape (12) at a position facing the fastener element (16) across the folding line (13), A slider (24) is attached to the fastener element (16) to engage and disengage the fastener element (16), The waterproof sealing layer (20) is formed by applying a synthetic resin with a predetermined width along the longitudinal direction at positions where the folding lines (13) of the long fastener tape (12) abut against each other, and the width of the waterproof sealing layer (20) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the surface of the fastener tape (12) is narrower than the width of the slider (24) and is equal to or narrower than the distance between both ends of a pair of the fastener elements (16) in an engaged state, The waterproof seal layer (20) does not come into contact with the fastener element (16) or the slider (24), and when the pair of fastener tapes (12) are closed by the meshing of the fastener element (16), end portions (20a) of the fastener tapes (12) that are flush with and continuous with the fold line (13) abut each other without overlapping or gaps in the thickness direction of the waterproof seal layer (20), and the waterproof seal layer (20) is formed thick near the end portion (20a) located in the center in the width direction, resulting in a liquid-tight adhesion.

2. 2. A waterproof fastener according to claim 1, wherein the folding lines (13) of the fastener tapes (12) abut against each other when the fastener elements (16) are in an engaged state.

3. 3. A waterproof fastener according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof sealing layer (20) is made of silicone resin.

4. A fastener element (16) is attached to one end edge (12a) side along the longitudinal direction of one surface (12b) of the front and back surfaces (12b, 12c) of the pair of fastener tapes (12); The fastener tape (12) is folded in half along a folding line (13) along the edge portion (12a) so that the one surface (12b) to which the fastener element (16) is attached becomes convex, thereby forming a slide fastener chain in which the fastener tape (12) is folded back; The fastener elements (16) have meshing heads (16a) that engage with each other and protrude outward from the folding lines (13), and the folding lines (13) are opposed to each other to mesh the fastener elements (16) with each other, thereby closing the pair of slide fastener chains; a synthetic resin is applied to one surface (12b) of the pair of fastener tapes (12) at a position facing the fastener elements (16) across the fold line (13) in the longitudinal direction from the fold line (13), the applied width of the synthetic resin being narrower than the width of a slider (24) that engages and disengages the fastener elements (16) and being equal to or narrower than the distance between both ends of the pair of fastener elements (16) in the engaged state; The applied synthetic resin is hardened, and the synthetic resin is cut along the fold line (13) to divide it into two, left and right halves, and the cut surfaces become a pair of left and right end portions (20a). The end portions (20a) are made flush with the fold line (13). The waterproof seal layer (20) is made thicker at the center in the width direction due to the viscosity of the synthetic resin, and is formed thicker near the end portion (20a) located at the center in the width direction, thereby forming the pair of left and right waterproof seal layers (20) of the pair of fastener tapes (12). Thereafter, the slider (24) is attached to the pair of fastener tapes (12).

5. 5. A method for manufacturing a waterproof fastener according to claim 4, wherein the waterproof sealing layer (20) is formed by applying a silicone resin, which is the synthetic resin, to a predetermined width at a position where the fold lines (13) of the long fastener tape (12) abut each other, curing the applied silicone resin, and then cutting the applied silicone resin.

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