Separable stopper for slide fastener

Abstract

A stopper (15) includes: a first member (11) including a first base part (6a) and a first insertion part (7a) that is inserted into a slider (5); and a second member (12) including a second base part (6b) that can be magnetically attached to the first base part (6a) and a second insertion part (7b) that is inserted into the slider (5) from the side thereof in accordance with the magnetic attachment of the first and second base parts (6a, 6b). In synchronization with the establishment of a set state in which the insertion of the first and second insertion parts (7a, 7b) into the slider (5) is completed and the slider (5) can be moved forward, the first and second base parts (6a, 6b) can be brought into contact with each other at least at one location so as to prevent displacement of the second insertion part (7b) toward the side opposite from the direction in which the second insertion part (7b) is inserted into the slider (5).

Description

Separable fasteners for slide fasteners

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a separable stop for a slide fastener.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a separable fastener for a slide fastener. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8 of the document, first and second members can be magnetically attached at their first and second bases, and during this magnetic attachment process, the inserting portion of the second member is inserted into the slider from its side, as shown in Figure 12 of the document. Paragraph 0041 of the document explains that during rotation of the second base relative to the first base, the edges of the second base of the second member (see references 93 and 94 in Figures 3 and 4 of the document) interfere with the edges of the first base of the first member (see references 91 and 92 in Figure 5 of the document), which is intended to enhance rotational stability.

[0003] Patent No. 7135104

[0004] If the slide fastener (e.g., fastener tape or slider) or the object to which it is attached (e.g., clothing) is pulled in any direction, the insertion portion once inserted into the slider may be displaced, which may prevent the slider from moving smoothly away from the fastener (i.e., starting to slide).

[0005] A stopper according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a separable stopper for a slide fastener, in which the slide fastener is closed when the slider is advanced and opened when the slider is advanced backward. The stopper includes a first member including a first base and a first insertion portion inserted into the slider, a second member including a second base magnetically attachable to the first base and the second insertion portion inserted into the slider from its side in response to the magnetic attachment between the first and second bases. The first and second bases are configured to abut against each other at at least one location in synchronization with the completion of insertion of the first and second insertion portions into the slider to establish a set state in which the slider can advance.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first and second bases each have a first and second abutment portion for abutment at at least one location, and the first and second abutment portions can abut in a manner that allows the first and second abutment portions to be displaceable away from each other. The first and second abutment portions can be shaped as first and second corners or steps, respectively. In response to advancement of the slider away from the stop, one of the first and second abutment portions can be displaced away from the other to form a gap therebetween.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first abutment portion protrudes along an axis parallel to the direction of magnetic attraction between the first and second base portions, or along an axis perpendicular to the direction of magnetic attraction. Additionally or alternatively, the first abutment portion has a first contact surface that can contact the second abutment portion, and the second abutment portion has a second contact surface that can contact the first abutment portion. The first and second contact surfaces can be formed along the direction of magnetic attraction between the first and second base portions.

[0008] In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second contact surfaces, when in the set state, form an angle of 30° or less, 25° or less, or 20° or less with respect to a line parallel to the direction of magnetic attraction between the first and second base portions.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first contact surface, when the set state is established, is positioned radially outward with respect to at least one magnetic axis or central axis of at least one magnet or magnetic body at least partially embedded in the first base; and the second contact surface, when the set state is established, is positioned radially outward with respect to at least one magnetic axis or central axis of at least one magnet or magnetic body at least partially embedded in the second base.

[0010] In some embodiments, the slider has an upper wing, a lower wing, and a connecting post connecting the upper wing and the lower wing. The first and second bases are stackable in a vertical direction parallel to the extending direction of the connecting post of the slider, and have first and second hooks that abut against each other as the slider advances away from the stopper to prevent the first and second bases from separating in the vertical direction, and a hook head of the first hook includes a first abutment portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, advancement of the slider away from the stop causes one of the first and second hooks to move toward the other and one of the first and second abutments to move away from the other.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second base includes a sloped portion having one or more sloped surfaces, the first base includes a sliding portion that slides on the one or more sloped surfaces, and the abutment at at least one point includes abutment between the sloped portion and the sliding portion that occurs immediately after the sliding portion has finished sliding on the one or more sloped surfaces.

[0013] In some embodiments, the ramp has a tapered thickness according to at least one sloped surface, and the corners of the thinner end of the ramp are chamfered. The ramp can have a stop surface in addition to at least one sloped surface (referred to as a first sloped surface). The stop surface can include a sloping surface or a sloped surface (referred to as a second sloped surface). The first and second sloped surfaces can satisfy the relative relationships described herein.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second base includes a first inclined portion having a first inclined surface and a second inclined portion having a second inclined surface, and the first base includes a first sliding portion sliding on the first inclined surface and a second sliding portion sliding on the second inclined surface. The first inclined portion and the first sliding portion can abut against each other to prevent displacement of the second insert portion in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the second insert portion into the slider when insertion of the first and second insert portions into the slider is completed and a set state in which the slider can be advanced is established. Additionally or alternatively, the second inclined portion and the second sliding portion can abut against each other to prevent displacement of the second insert portion in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the second insert portion into the slider when insertion of the first and second insert portions into the slider is completed and a set state in which the slider can be advanced is established.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first and second bases are configured to cause rotation of the second base with insertion of the second insert into the slider during magnetic attraction of the first and second bases.

[0016] In some embodiments, one of the first and second bases has one or more inclined surfaces, and the other of the first and second bases has one or more sliding portions that slide on the one or more inclined surfaces, and the sliding portions slide on at least one of the inclined surfaces in response to magnetic attraction between the first and second bases.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second insert has a thickness that gradually decreases toward its insertion end for insertion into the slider, and / or the second insert has a guide surface that slopes forward as it moves away laterally from the connecting post of the slider when the set state is established.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, smooth movement of the slider in a direction away from the stop (i.e., the start of sliding) is promoted.

[0019] 1 is a partial top view of a slide fastener in an open state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a partial bottom view of a first fastener stringer; FIG. 3 is a partial right side view of a first fastener stringer; FIG. 4 is a partial bottom view of a second fastener stringer; FIG. 5 is a partial left side view of a second fastener stringer; FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a slide fastener showing a state in which first and second base portions are superimposed, and shows a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction and including the magnetic axes of the magnets embedded in the first and second base portions; FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing that a second insertion portion is inserted into a slider from its side in accordance with the magnetic attraction of the first and second base portions; FIG. 8 is a rear view of a first member; FIG. 9 is a rear view of a second member; FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly of a slider, a first member, and a second member when a set state is established (fastener tape is not shown); FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the abutting state of first and second abutting portions when a set state is established; FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the abutting state of first and second hooks after the slider has moved forward and released from the stopper; FIG. 13 is a rear view of a first fastener stringer according to a first modified example (fastener tape is not shown). 17A-17C are schematic cross-sectional views of a first member according to a variation, with the fastener tape omitted. 17B are schematic cross-sectional views of a second member according to a variation, with the fastener tape omitted. 17C are schematic cross-sectional views of a second member according to a variation, with the fastener tape omitted. 17D are schematic cross-sectional views of a second member according to a variation, with the fastener tape omitted. 17E are schematic cross-sectional views of a second member according to a variation, with the fastener tape omitted. 17F are schematic cross-sectional views of a first member according to a variation, with the fastener tape omitted. 17F are schematic cross-sectional views of a second member according to a variation, with the fastener tape omitted. 17D are schematic cross-sectional views of a second member according to a variation, with the fastener tape omitted. 17E are schematic cross-sectional views of a first member according to a variation, with the fastener tape omitted. 17F are schematic cross-sectional views of a second member according to a variation, with the fastener tape omitted. 17F are schematic cross-sectional views of a first member according to a variation, with the slider further advanced from its position in the set state and positioned forward and away from the fastener. 17F are schematic cross-sectional views of a first member according to another variation, with the fastener tape omitted. 17F are schematic cross-sectional views of a second member according to a variation, with the fastener tape omitted. 17F are schematic cross-sectional views of a first member according to another variation, with the slider further advanced from its position in the set state and positioned forward and away from the fastener ... FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of a second member according to another variation.1 is a schematic diagram showing that the protrusion and the groove are fitted together during the magnetic attachment process of the first and second base portions, and accordingly the first and second abutting portions are brought into contact with each other. FIG. 2 is a schematic partial side view of a second member according to yet another variation, in which the fastener tape is not shown.

[0020] Various embodiments and features will be described below with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will be able to combine the various embodiments and / or features without the need for excessive explanation, and will also be able to understand the synergistic effects of such combinations. Duplicate descriptions between embodiments will be omitted as a general rule. The reference drawings are primarily intended to describe the invention, and are simplified for the convenience of illustration. Each feature is not only effective for the fastener disclosed in this application, but is understood as a universal feature that is also applicable to various other fasteners not disclosed in this specification.

[0021] The following explanation will be given using the following defined directions. The front-to-back direction (F-B) corresponds to the movement direction of the slider, specifically, the front corresponds to the movement direction of the slider that closes the slide fastener, and the rear corresponds to the movement direction of the slider that opens the slide fastener. The left-to-right direction (L-R) corresponds to the width direction of the slide fastener. The up-to-down direction (U-D) corresponds to the thickness direction of the slide fastener and the extension direction of the slider's connecting posts. A three-dimensional coordinate system is defined by the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions.

[0022] The slide fastener 1 has left and right fastener stringers 2a, 2b, a slider 5, and a stopper 15. The left fastener stringer 2a has a fastener tape 3a and multiple fastener elements 4a. The right fastener stringer 2b has a fastener tape 3b and multiple fastener elements 4b. The left and right fastener tapes 3a, 3b are flexible woven or knitted fabrics. The left and right fastener elements 4a, 4b are attached to the long opposing edges of the left and right fastener tapes 3a, 3b at a constant pitch. In the illustrated example, each fastener element 4a, 4b is made of resin, but it may also be made of metal or may be a unit structure of a spiral monofilament. Engaging heads are formed at a constant pitch on the spiral monofilament, and each unit structure including one engaging head forms an individual fastener element.

[0023] The fastener elements 4a, 4b in the illustrated example have a base 41, a neck 42, and a head 43, and are fixed to the fastener tapes 3a, 3b at the base 41, and are constricted at the front and rear sides at the neck 42. The neck 42 and the head 43 are located outside the fastener tape compared to the base 41 and are located outside the tape surface of the fastener tape. As an option, fins 44 are provided on the front and rear sides of the neck 42, and corresponding to this, grooves extending in the front and rear direction are formed on the top surface (left or right side) of the head 43. When the left and right fastener elements 4a, 4b are engaged, one fin 44 is inserted into the other groove, thereby providing resistance to upward and downward thrust.

[0024] The slider 5 has an upper blade 51, a lower blade 52, and a connecting post 53 connecting the upper blade 51 and the lower blade 52 at their front ends, with flanges 54 formed on the left and right edges of one or both of the upper blade 51 and the lower blade 52. The upper blade 51 and the lower blade 52 are arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction. The connecting post 53 has a tapered rear end that narrows toward the rear. The flange 54 is formed at a low height to form a slit for insertion of the fastener tapes 3a, 3b (and the second insertion portion 7b described below). This structure of the slider 5 forms a Y-shaped element passage with two front openings on both the left and right sides of the connecting post 53 and one rear opening located rearward of the connecting post 53.

[0025] When the slider 5 moves forward, the left and right fastener elements 4a, 4b in a non-engaged state enter the inside of the slider 5 individually through the left and right front openings, engage at a position behind the connecting pillar 53, and the engaged left and right fastener elements 4a, 4b exit from the inside of the slider 5 through the rear opening. When the slider 5 moves backward, the engaged left and right fastener elements 4a, 4b enter the inside of the slider 5 through the rear openings, are disengaged at a position behind the connecting pillar 53, and the non-engaged left and right fastener elements 4a, 4b exit from the inside of the slider 5 individually through the left and right front openings.

[0026] The fastener 15 has first and second members 11 and 12 that are magnetically attachable to each other, i.e., magnetically coupled but physically or structurally separate structures, thereby enabling the left and right fastener stringers 2a and 2b to be separated. The first member 11 includes a first base 6a and a first insertion portion 7a that is inserted into the slider 5 (e.g., from its rear), which are fixed to the left fastener tape 3a adjacent to the rear end of the left fastener element 4a (e.g., by insert molding). The second member 12 includes a second base 6b that is magnetically attachable to the first base 6a and a second insertion portion 7b that is inserted into the slider 5 from its side in response to the magnetic attachment between the first and second bases 6a and 6b, which are fixed to the right fastener tape 3b adjacent to the rear end of the right fastener element 4b. The first and second bases 6a and 6b can be stacked in the vertical direction. The first and second insertion portions 7 a and 7 b can be engaged (fitted) inside the slider 5 .

[0027] The first base 6a has a columnar portion 65 including a magnet or magnetic material and an outer peripheral portion 66 located on the outer periphery of the columnar portion 65 (see FIG. 2). Preferably, the magnet or magnetic material is partially exposed in the columnar portion 65, thereby strengthening the magnetic attraction between the first and second bases 6a and 6b. As described below, the outer peripheral portion 66 includes a sliding portion 32, a first hook 21, and a first abutment portion 61. Although this is not necessarily the case, one or more or all of these may be located rearward of the columnar portion 65. A guide bar 8 is formed at the front end of the first base 6a along the first insertion portion 7a with a gap between it and the first insertion portion 7a. A groove into which the flange 54 of the slider 5 is inserted is formed between the first insertion portion 7a and the guide bar 8, suppressing displacement of the slider 5 in the set position described below.

[0028] The first insert 7a extends forward from the first base 6a and has a thickness that allows it to be inserted into the rear opening of the slider 5 (i.e., between the upper blade 51 and the lower blade 52). Preferably, the first insert 7a is configured to at least partially receive the second insert 7b, and includes, for example, an upper plate 71 and a lower plate 72 arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction. By at least partially inserting the second insert 7b between the upper plate 71 and the lower plate 72 of the first insert 7a, the first and second members 11 and 12 are prevented from separating in the vertical direction. Both the upper plate 71 and the lower plate 72 are connected to an outer periphery 66 of the first base 6a. The outer periphery 66 has a stop wall 67 that protrudes downward at the connection point with the lower plate 72. Directly above the stop wall 67 is a groove that opens to the front, rear, and right sides. This groove spatially communicates with the receiving space between the upper plate 71 and the lower plate 72, so that the insertion of the second insertion part 7b into the receiving space of the first insertion part 7a is not hindered. The stop wall 67 has a height that gradually decreases toward the right, and guides the second insertion part 7b in a clockwise direction in accordance with the magnetic attraction between the first and second base parts 6a, 6b (which then causes the second insertion part 7b to pivot counterclockwise). The first base part 6a has a generally rectangular outer shape when viewed from above, although other shapes are also possible.

[0029] The second base portion 6b is shaped to at least partially receive the columnar portion 65 and has a bottom portion 68 having an upper surface 68a and an outer peripheral portion 69 located on the outer periphery of the upper surface 68a of the bottom portion 68. A magnet or magnetic material is exposed on the upper and / or lower surfaces of the bottom portion 68, thereby strengthening the magnetic attraction between the first and second base portions 6a, 6b. As described below, the outer peripheral portion 69 includes an inclined portion 31 having an inclined surface 31a, a second hook 22, and a second abutment portion 62, and although this is not necessarily limited to these, one or more or all of these selected components may be located rearward of the bottom portion 68.

[0030] The second insertion portion 7b extends forward from the second base portion 6b and has a thickness that allows it to be inserted into a slit in the slider 5 (typically, the gap between the flange 54 connected to the upper blade 51 and the flange 54 connected to the lower blade 52). Briefly, the second insertion portion 7b has a thin portion 75 that is inserted into the slider 5. The thin portion 75 may have a thickness that gradually decreases toward the insertion end (i.e., toward the left side), which facilitates insertion. In particular, when the first insertion portion 7a is shaped to receive the second insertion portion 7b, the thin portion 75 of the second insertion portion 7b is ultimately received in the receiving space of the first insertion portion 7a.

[0031] A half fastener element 4c that engages with the left fastener element 4a is provided at the front end of the second insertion portion 7b. The half fastener element 4c includes a half shape obtained by dividing a fastener element in two. The half fastener element 4c optionally has a guide surface 4d that, when the set state is established, inclines forward as it moves away to the right from the connecting post 53 of the slider 5. This allows the flange 54 of the slider 5 to contact the guide surface 4d when the slider 5 advances, facilitating the pushing of the second insertion portion 7b to the left (for example, pushing it into the receiving space of the first insertion portion 7a).

[0032] The second member 12 may have a brake bar 76 adjacent to the second insertion portion 7 b. The brake bar 76 collides with the slider 5 when the second insertion portion 7 b is inserted into the slider 5 from the side thereof, thereby determining the insertion position of the second insertion portion 7 b.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6 , the first base 6a has a magnet M1 or a magnetic material, and the second base 6b has a magnet M2 or a magnetic material. The first and second bases 6a, 6b are magnetically attracted to each other by magnetic coupling between the magnet M1 and the magnet M2, or by magnetic coupling between the magnets M1, M2 and the magnetic material. Typically, the magnetic attraction directions of the first base and the second base 6a, 6b are aligned vertically, and the two are stacked vertically, but this is not limited to this. The magnets M1, M2 have magnetic axes MA1, MA2 that correspond to the flow of magnetic flux from the north pole to the south pole. A magnetic attraction force is generated between the magnets M1, M2 so that the magnetic axes MA1, MA2 are arranged coaxially. Note that with respect to magnetic materials, their central axes are referred to as an alternative to magnetic axes.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 7 , the first and second base portions 6a, 6b are shaped to rotate the second base portion 6b, which is accompanied by insertion of the second insertion portion 7b into the slider 5, during the magnetic attraction process between the first and second base portions 6a, 6b. Here, the second base portion 6b has an inclined surface 31a, and the first base portion 6a has a sliding portion 32 that slides on the inclined surface 31a. In response to the magnetic attraction between the first and second base portions 6a, 6b, the sliding portion 32 slides on the inclined surface 31a (i.e., magnetic attraction is converted into rotation). As the sliding portion 32 slides on the inclined surface 31a, the vertical distance between the first and second base portions 6a, 6b decreases, the second base portion 6b rotates relative to the first base portion 6a, and the second insertion portion 7b pivots counterclockwise (see FIG. 7 ). It is also possible to provide an additional or alternative inclined surface on the first base portion 6 a and an additional or alternative sliding portion on the second base portion 6 b. The number of pairs of an inclined surface and a sliding portion is not limited to one, but may be two, three, or more.

[0035] The first and second base portions 6a, 6b have first and second hooks 21, 22 that engage with each other as the slider 5 moves forward away from the stopper 15 to prevent the first and second base portions 6a, 6b from separating in the up-down direction (see FIGS. 8 and 9 ). Typically, the first and second hooks 21, 22 are positioned radially outward (preferably adjacent to) the inclined surface 31a and the sliding portion 32 (e.g., with respect to the magnetic axes MA1, MA2). The first hook 21 and the inclined surface 31a (the inclined portion 31 described below) may be provided at different positions (e.g., spaced apart by an angle of 40 degrees or less) in the circumferential direction with respect to the magnetic axis MA1. The second hook 22 and the sliding portion 32 may be provided at different positions (e.g., spaced apart by an angle of 40 degrees or less) in the circumferential direction with respect to the magnetic axis MA2.

[0036] More specifically, the first hook 21 has a hook base 21p and a hook head 21q, with the hook head 21q connected to the lower end of the hook base 21p and protruding to the left compared to the hook base 21p. The hook head 21q of the first hook 21 is located below the lower surface (top surface) of the columnar portion 65. The second hook 22 has a hook base 22p and a hook head 22q, with the hook head 22q connected to the upper end of the hook base 22p and protruding to the right compared to the hook base 22p. The hook head 22q of the second hook 22 is located above the upper surface of the bottom portion 68. When the first and second hooks 21, 22 are engaged, the upper surface of the hook head 21q and the lower surface of the hook head 22q face each other with a small gap between them, or they are in at least partial contact.

[0037] The following description will be made mainly with reference to Figs. 10 to 12. Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly of the slider 5, the first member 11, and the second member 12 when the set state is established. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the abutting state of the first and second abutment portions 61, 62 when the set state is established. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the abutting state of the first and second hooks 21, 22 after the slider 5 has moved forward away from the stopper 15.

[0038] The set state means a state in which the first and second insertion portions 7a, 7b have been inserted into the slider 5 and the slider 5 can move forward. In the above-described embodiment, the set state means a state in which the first insertion portion 7a is inserted into the slider 5 through its rear opening, and then the second insertion portion 7b is inserted into the slider 5 through its slit in accordance with the magnetic attraction between the first and second base portions 6a, 6b, but this is not necessarily limited to this. After the set state is established, the slider 5 can move forward and engage the left and right fastener elements 4a, 4b.

[0039] Even if the second insertion portion 7b reaches the intended insertion position in response to the magnetic adhesion between the first and second base portions 6a, 6b, the right-side fastener tape 3b may be subsequently pulled to the right, causing the second insertion portion 7b to be dragged to the right as well. If the slider 5 starts to move forward in this state deviating from the set state, a greater force is required to move the slider 5, which may cause the user to feel a significant resistance when operating the slider 5. In the worst case scenario, the slider 5 may be prevented from moving forward, resulting in the burden of re-magnetically attaching the first and second members 11, 12.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first and second base portions 6a, 6b are configured to abut against each other at at least one location in synchronization with the completion of insertion of the first and second insertion portions 7a, 7b into the slider 5 and the establishment of a set state in which the slider 5 can move forward, to prevent displacement (e.g., pivoting) of the second insertion portion 7b in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the second insertion portion 7b into the slider 5. This suppresses deviation from the set state and promotes smooth operation of the slider 5. Note that even with the abutment at at least one location, displacement of the second insertion portion 7b in the same direction as the insertion direction of the second insertion portion 7b into the slider 5 and the accompanying rotation of the second base portion 6b are not prevented.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 11 , when the sliding portion 32 finishes sliding along the inclined surface 31a, the second abutment portion 62 of the second base portion 6b displaces from a position directly below the first abutment portion 61 of the first base portion 6a to a position adjacent to it on the right side and abuts against it. This contact (or interference) between the laterally adjacent first and second abutment portions 61, 62 prevents the second base portion 6b from rotating clockwise and the second insertion portion 7b from pivoting clockwise. The displacement of the second abutment portion 62 from a position directly below the first abutment portion 61 to a position to the right of it occurs naturally as a result of the magnetic attraction between the first and second base portions 6a, 6b. Furthermore, the abutment between the first and second abutment portions 61, 62 does not prevent the second base portion 6b from rotating counterclockwise and the second insertion portion 7b from pivoting counterclockwise.

[0042] The first and second abutment portions 61, 62 abut in a manner that allows them to be displaced away from each other. Furthermore, the abutment between the first and second abutment portions 61, 62 allows the second insertion portion 7b to be forcibly removed from the slider 5, and can be forcibly released by pulling the second insertion portion 7b out of the slider 5 when the set state is established. Therefore, even if the first and second abutment portions 61, 62 are provided, separation of the first and second members 11, 12 is not prevented. In light of the releasable abutment, the first and second abutment portions 61, 62 are preferably shaped as corners or steps. Corners included in the corners or steps can preferably be chamfered to have angular or rounded surfaces. The first abutment portion 61 can protrude along an axis parallel to the direction of magnetic attraction between the first and second base portions 6a, 6b (or the magnetic axis MA1), but this is not necessarily required. The second contact portion 62 may protrude along the circumferential direction relative to the direction of magnetic attraction between the first and second base portions 6a, 6b (or the magnetic axis MA2), but this is not necessarily limited to this.

[0043] The first contact portion 61 has a first contact surface 61c that can come into contact with the second contact portion 62, and / or the second contact portion 62 has a second contact surface 62c that can come into contact with the first contact portion 61. The first and second contact surfaces 61c, 62c are formed along the direction of magnetic attraction between the first and second base portions 6a, 6b when the set state is established, and typically, (i) both the first and second contact surfaces 61c, 62c are vertical surfaces, (ii) one of the first and second contact surfaces 61c, 62c is a vertical surface and the other is an inclined surface, or (iii) both the first and second contact surfaces 61c, 62c are inclined surfaces. Optionally, one or both of the first and second contact surfaces 61c, 62c may be angled at an angle of 30° or less, 25° or less, or 20° or less with respect to a line parallel to the magnetic attraction direction (e.g., the vertical direction) between the first and second base portions 6a, 6b when the first and second members 11, 12 are set together (see FIG. 27 for an example), thereby facilitating separation of the first and second members 11, 12 when the first and second members 11, 12 are released from the coupling. Furthermore, the first contact surface 61c is positioned radially outward of the magnet M1 with respect to the magnetic axis MA1 when the first and second contact surfaces 61c, 62c are positioned radially outward of the magnet M2 with respect to the magnetic axis MA2 when the first and second members 11, 12 are set together.

[0044] The first and second abutment portions 61, 62 may be provided at various locations on the first and second base portions 6a, 6b, respectively. In some cases, the hook head 21q of the first hook 21 includes the first abutment portion 61, thereby allowing the first abutment portion 61 to be smoothly accommodated in the first base portion 6a regardless of spatial limitations in the first base portion 6a. Correspondingly, the second abutment portion 62 may be accommodated in an adjacent portion (hereinafter referred to as the adjacent portion) circumferentially around the outer periphery 69 of the second base portion 6b, with a space SP1 between it and the second hook 22 (into which the hook head 21q of the first hook 21 is inserted). The adjacent portion may be located adjacent to the radially outward side of the inclined portion 31 with respect to the magnetic axis MA2. The space SP1 allows the first hook 21 (first abutment portion 61) to further displace away from the adjacent portion (second abutment portion 62) as the slider 5 advances after the set state is established.

[0045] 11 and 12 , as the slider 5 moves forward away from the stopper 15, one of the first and second hooks 21, 22 approaches the other in the circumferential direction about the magnetic axes MA1, MA2, and one of the first and second abutment portions 61, 62 moves away from the other, forming a gap between them (in other words, the first and second abutment portions 61, 62 are released from abutment). When the slider 5 moves backward and reaches the set position, the connecting post 53 of the slider 5 is inserted between the first insertion portion 7a and the second insertion portion 7b. At this time, the second insertion portion 7b pivots clockwise, and the second base portion 6b similarly rotates clockwise. Furthermore, the distance between the first abutment portion 61 and the second abutment portion 62 gradually decreases, until they finally abut. As described above, the contact between the first and second contact portions 61, 62 can be forcibly released, and therefore separation of the first and second members 11, 12 is not prevented.

[0046] The various features described above can be applied alone or in any combination to the various variants described below.

[0047] A modified example will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15 . In this modified example, as an alternative to the above-described embodiment, the inclined portion 31 (where the inclined surface 31a is formed) and the sliding portion 32 abut immediately after the sliding portion 32 finishes sliding along the inclined surface 31a, thereby preventing the second member 12 from moving out of the slider 5. Even in this case, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be achieved. In short, in this modified example, the first abutment portion 61 is included in the sliding portion 32, and the second abutment portion 62 is included in the inclined portion 31. In other words, while the first and second abutment portions 61 and 62 are assigned to the first hook 21 and the adjacent portion in the above-described embodiment, they can alternatively be assigned to the inclined portion 31 and the sliding portion 32. This modified example makes it easier to reduce the force required to separate the first and second members 11 and 12. Of course, a combination of the above-described embodiment and this modified example is also possible.

[0048] The second base portion 6b has a recess 33 that is adjacent to the inclined portion 31 in the circumferential direction and that receives the sliding portion 32 that has finished descending the inclined surface 31a, and typically the bottom surface of the recess 33 is at the same height as the upper surface 65a of the bottom portion 68 (of course, it is also possible to form a step between the two). The recess 33 establishes a space SP1, and like the space SP1, allows the sliding portion 32 to be further displaced in a direction away from the inclined portion 31 as the slider 5 advances after the set state is established.

[0049] If the first hook 21 does not have the first abutment portion 61, the first hook 21 can be formed lower, as shown in FIG. 13 . In the illustrated example, the lower end surface of the first hook 21 is flush with the lower surface of the columnar portion 65. As shown in FIG. 14 , the inclined portion 31 has a thickness that gradually decreases according to at least one inclined surface 31 a, and a stop surface 31 b is formed at the thinner end of the inclined portion 31. For example, the stop surface 31 b hangs down from one end of the at least one inclined surface 31 a or is inclined at an angle different from that of the inclined surface 31 a. As is clear from FIG. 15 , after the sliding portion 32 has finished sliding along the inclined surface 31 a, it is positioned adjacent to the stop surface 31 b, and movement of the sliding portion 32 in the opposite direction is (typically simply) prevented by the abutment of the first and second base portions 6 a, 6 b, i.e., by the stop surface 31 b. The corners of the end of the inclined portion 31 may be chamfered so that a C-surface, an R-surface, or the like is formed between the inclined surface 31 a and the stop surface 31 b. The stop surface 31 b is an element included in the second contact surface 62 c described above.

[0050] Figure 16 shows a schematic end view of the first member 11 taken along the dashed line X16-X16 in Figure 1. The second insertion portion 7b has a thickness that gradually decreases toward its insertion end, facilitating its insertion into the receiving space of the first insertion portion 7a.

[0051] A further modification will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. Figure 17 shows the state in which the first abutment portion 61 of the first base portion 6a and the second abutment portion 62 of the second base portion 6b abut against each other when the set state is established, thereby bringing the first and second base portions 6a and 6b into contact with each other. In this modification, the first and second base portions 6a and 6b are configured to abut against each other at at least one location in synchronization with the completion of insertion of the first and second insertion portions 7a and 7b into the slider 5 and the establishment of a set state in which the slider 5 can advance. This prevents displacement (e.g., lateral movement) of the second insertion portion 7b in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the second insertion portion 7b into the slider 5. Thus, the same effect as described above can be achieved as long as the same features as described above are included. Again, the abutment at at least one location described above does not prevent displacement of the second insertion portion 7b in the same direction as the insertion direction of the second insertion portion 7b into the slider 5 and the resulting rotation of the second base portion 6b.

[0052] The magnetic axis MA1 of the magnet (not shown) embedded in the first base portion 6a extends in the left-right direction rather than the up-down direction, and similarly, the magnetic axis MA2 of the magnet (not shown) embedded in the second base portion 6b extends in the left-right direction. That is, the first base portion 6a and the second base portion 6b are not magnetically attracted to each other in the up-down direction and overlapped, but are magnetically attracted to each other in the left-right direction and arranged adjacent to each other. In addition, in relation to this, the first insertion portion 7a is inserted from the side of the slider 5 rather than from the rear.

[0053] The first base portion 6a is a substantially cylindrical member, and a pair of grooves 81, 82 are recessed into its peripheral side surface. The second base portion 6b has a disk portion and a pair of arms 83, 84 standing up from the outer periphery of the disk portion. In response to the magnetic attraction of the first and second base portions 6a, 6b, the arm 83 is inserted into the groove 81 and engages with it through the aforementioned abutting state. Similarly, the arm 84 is inserted into the groove 82 and engages with it through the aforementioned abutting state. The first base portion 6a is sandwiched and held between the arms 83, 84.

[0054] 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along dashed line X18-X18 in FIG. 17. The first contact portion 61 protrudes radially outward relative to the magnetic axis MA1. The second contact portion 62 protrudes radially inward relative to the magnetic axis MA2. The first and second contact portions 61, 62 protrude along an axis perpendicular to the direction of magnetic attraction of the first and second base portions 6a, 6b. The first contact portion 61 may have a contact surface extending along the magnetic axis MA1 and a contact surface disposed in a plane perpendicular to or intersecting with the magnetic axis MA1. Similarly, the second contact portion 62 may have a contact surface extending along the magnetic axis MA2 and a contact surface disposed in a plane perpendicular to or intersecting with the magnetic axis MA2.

[0055] A further variation will be described with reference to Figures 19 to 22. In this variation, similar to the modified example shown in Figures 13 to 15, the first and second abutment portions 61, 62 are assigned to the inclined portion and the sliding portion, but are provided in different positions. In this case, the same effect can be obtained within the scope not contradicting the above description. Note that the configurations or features of this variation can be adopted in addition to or instead of the configurations or features shown in Figures 13 to 15. If both of these configurations or features are adopted, the rotational stability of the second base portion 6b can also be improved. Note that, where necessary, the inclined portion 31 and the inclined portion 31' will be named separately from the first and second inclined portions. The same applies to the sliding portion.

[0056] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the first base portion 6a has a sliding portion 32', and the second base portion 6b has an inclined portion 31'. As in the various embodiments described above, the sliding portion 32' slides on the inclined surface 31a' of the inclined portion 31' in response to the magnetic attraction of the magnets M1 and M2. Immediately after the sliding portion 32' finishes sliding on the inclined surface 31a', the inclined portion 31' and the sliding portion 32' come into contact (see Figure 21), thereby preventing displacement of the second member 12 in the direction of retraction from the slider 5. Note that the inclined portion 31' (second inclined portion) is located at a different position in the circumferential direction from the inclined portion 31 (first inclined portion) and preferably has an inclination angle equal to or smaller than that of the inclined portion 31 (first inclined portion). Note that the inclination angle refers to the angle of the inclined surface with respect to a plane perpendicular to the magnetic axis (or the vertical direction). Similarly, the sliding portion 32' (second sliding portion) is located at a different position in the circumferential direction from the sliding portion 32 (first sliding portion).

[0057] Preferably, an intermediate surface 31c having a greater slope than the slope 31a' is formed between the slope 31a' and the stop surface 31b'. The intermediate surface 31c may be a flat surface or a curved surface. By providing the sloped portion 31' with an inclined surface whose slope gradually increases in the circumferential direction, like the slope 31a' and the intermediate surface 31c, the displacement of the sliding portion 32' in the opposite direction to that shown in FIG. 21 is smoothed, making it easier to separate the first and second members 11 and 12. Frankly, this effectively prevents unintended relative displacement between the first and second members 11 and 12 when they are connected (typically immediately before the operation to advance the slider) and facilitates intended separation between the first and second members 11 and 12 when they are released from each other.

[0058] A further variation will be described with reference to Figures 23 to 26. In this variation, the first and second abutment portions 61, 62 are assigned to the outer peripheries (or peripheral walls) of the protrusions 85 and the grooves 86 that receive the protrusions 85. In this case, the same effect can be obtained within the scope of the above description. This variation can be adopted as an addition or replacement for the various forms described above. Needless to say, it should be understood that there are no particular limitations on the locations where the protrusions 85 and the grooves 86 are provided, and they can also be provided separately on the outer peripheries 66, 69 of the first and second base portions 6a, 6b.

[0059] 23 to 25, a protrusion 85 is formed on the lower surface (top surface) of the columnar portion 65 of the first base portion 6a, and a corresponding groove 86 is formed on the upper surface 68a of the bottom portion 68 of the second base portion 6b. The groove 86 has a depth sufficient to receive the protrusion 85 and extends circumferentially to allow for its displacement. As shown in Fig. 26, when the set state is established, the protrusion 85 abuts on the peripheral wall of the groove 86, that is, the first abutment portion 61 included in the protrusion 85 and the second abutment portion 62 included on the outer periphery of the groove 86 are in abutting contact, thereby achieving the same effect as described above.

[0060] Variations of the inclined portion will be further described with reference to FIG. 27 . As shown in FIG. 27 , the stop surface 31b″ can form a first angle θ1 with respect to a line L1 parallel to the vertical direction or the magnetic axis. The inclined surface 31a′ can form a second angle θ2 with respect to an axis L2 parallel to the vertical direction or the magnetic axis. Preferably, the first angle θ1 is less than the second angle θ2. More preferably, the first angle θ1 is 30° or less, 25° or less, or 20° or less. As described above, this facilitates the displacement of the sliding portion 32′ in the direction opposite to that shown in FIG. 21 , making it easier to separate the first and second members 11 and 12. As described above, it is possible to effectively prevent unintended relative displacement between the first and second members 11 and 12 when they are connected (typically, immediately before the operation to advance the slider) and facilitate the intended separation of the first and second members 11 and 12 when they are released from each other. The features relating to the angle range of the first angle θ1 being 30° or less, 25° or less, or 20° or less can be understood as universal features applicable to all other embodiments (regardless of whether they are the first or second abutment portion) disclosed in this specification.

[0061] For clarity, the first contact surface 61c may have a downwardly extending or inclined surface in addition to or instead of the second contact surface 62c (e.g., the stop surface 31b). For example, as shown in Figure 21, the sliding portion 32' has a downwardly extending surface facing and contacting the inclined portion 31', but this surface could also be an inclined surface (e.g., angled similarly to the stop surface 31b'' described above).

[0062] In light of the above disclosure, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to each embodiment and each feature. The reference numerals included in the claims are for reference purposes only and should not be used to limit the interpretation of the claims.

[0063] 1: Slide fastener 5: Slider 6a: First base portion 6b: Second base portion 7a: First insertion portion 7b: Second insertion portion 11: First member 12: Second member 15: Stopper 21: First hook 22: Second hook

Claims

1. A detachable fastener (15) for a slide fastener (1), wherein the slide fastener (1) is closed when the slider (5) moves forward and opens when the slider (5) moves backward, A first member (11) includes a first base (6a) and a first insertion portion (7a) that is inserted into the slider (5), The second member (12) includes a second base (6b) that can be magnetically attached to the first base (6a), and a second insertion portion (7b) that is inserted into the slider (5) from the side in accordance with the magnetic attachment of the first and second bases (6a, 6b) to each other. A stopper configured such that the first and second base portions (6a, 6b) can come into contact with each other at least at one point, in synchronization with the completion of the insertion of the first and second insertion portions (7a, 7b) into the slider (5) and the establishment of a set state in which the slider (5) can move forward, thereby preventing the displacement of the second insertion portion (7b) in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the second insertion portion (7b) into the slider (5).

2. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the contact between the first and second base portions (6a, 6b) at at least one location is released in accordance with the forward movement of the slider (5) away from the fastener (15).

3. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first and second base portions (6a, 6b) each have first and second contact portions (61, 62) for contact at least one location, and the first and second contact portions (61, 62) are capable of contacting each other in a manner that allows them to be displaced away from each other, and as the slider (5) moves forward away from the fastener (15), one of the first and second contact portions (61, 62) is displaced away from the other, forming a gap between them.

4. The fastener according to claim 3, wherein the first and second contact portions (61, 62) are each shaped as a corner or a stepped portion.

5. The fastener according to claim 3, wherein the first contact portion (61) protrudes along an axis parallel to the direction of magnetic attachment between the first and second base portions (6a, 6b), or protrudes along an axis perpendicular to the direction of magnetic attachment.

6. The fastener according to claim 3, wherein the first contact portion (61) has a first contact surface (61c) that can contact the second contact portion (62), and the second contact portion (62) has a second contact surface (62c) that can contact the first contact portion (61).

7. The fastener according to claim 6, wherein the first and second contact surfaces (61c, 62c) are formed along the direction of magnetic attachment between the first and second base portions (6a, 6b).

8. The fastener according to claim 6, wherein one or both of the first and second contact surfaces (61c, 62c) form an angle of 30° or less, 25° or less, or 20° or less with respect to a line (L1) parallel to the direction of magnetic attachment between the first and second base portions (6a, 6b) when the set state is established.

9. The first contact surface (61c) is positioned radially outward with respect to at least one magnetic axis (MA1) or central axis of at least one magnet or magnetic material (M1) that is at least partially embedded in the first base (6a) when the set state is established; and The fastener according to claim 6, wherein, when the set state is established, the second contact surface (62c) is positioned radially outward with respect to at least one magnetic axis (MA2) or central axis of at least one magnet or magnetic material (M2) at least partially embedded in the second base (6b).

10. The slider (5) is a fastener (15) according to claim 3, having an upper wing plate (51), a lower wing plate (52), and a connecting column (53) connecting the upper wing plate (51) and the lower wing plate (52), The first and second base portions (6a, 6b) are superimposed in a vertical direction parallel to the extending direction of the connecting column (53) of the slider (5), and have first and second hooks (21, 22) that abut against each other as the slider (5) moves forward away from the fastener (15) to prevent separation of the first and second base portions (6a, 6b) in the vertical direction, wherein the hook head (21q) of the first hook (21) includes the first abutment portion (61).

11. The fastener according to claim 10, wherein, as the slider (5) moves forward away from the fastener (15), one of the first and second hooks (21, 22) moves closer to the other, and one of the first and second contact portions (61, 62) moves away from the other.

12. The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second base portion (6b) includes an inclined portion (31) having one or more inclined surfaces (31a), and the first base portion (6a) includes a sliding portion (32) that slides on the one or more inclined surfaces (31a), and the contact at at least one location includes contact between the inclined portion (31) and the sliding portion (32) that occurs immediately after the sliding portion (32) has finished sliding on the one or more inclined surfaces (31a).

13. The fastener according to claim 12, wherein the inclined portion (31) has a thickness that gradually decreases in accordance with at least one of the inclined surfaces (31a), and the corners of the thinner ends of the inclined portion (31) are chamfered.

14. The second base portion (6b) includes a first inclined portion (31) having a first inclined surface (31a) and a second inclined portion (31') having a second inclined surface (31a'), The first base portion (6a) includes a first sliding portion (32) that slides on the first inclined surface (31a) and a second sliding portion (32') that slides on the second inclined surface (31a'). At least one of the following conditions (i) and (ii) is satisfied: (i) The first inclined portion (31) and the first sliding portion (32) are made capable of contacting each other in order to prevent the displacement of the second insertion portion (7b) toward the opposite direction of insertion of the second insertion portion (7b) into the slider (5) in a manner opposite to the insertion direction of the second insertion portion (7b) into the slider (5), in synchronization with the completion of insertion of the first and second insertion portions (7a, 7b) into the slider (5) and the establishment of a set state in which the slider (5) can move forward; and (ii) The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second inclined portion (31') and the second sliding portion (32') are able to abut each other in a manner that prevents displacement of the second insertion portion (7b) toward the opposite direction of insertion of the second insertion portion (7b) into the slider (5), in synchronization with the completion of insertion of the first and second insertion portions (7a, 7b) into the slider (5) and the establishment of a set state in which the slider (5) can move forward.

15. The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first and second base portions (6a, 6b) are shaped to cause rotation of the second base portion (6b) during the magnetic bonding process between the first and second base portions (6a, 6b), accompanied by the insertion of the second insertion portion (7b) into the slider (5).

16. The fastener according to claim 15, wherein one of the first and second base portions (6a, 6b) has one or more inclined surfaces (31a), the other of the first and second base portions (6a, 6b) has one or more sliding portions (32) that slide on the one or more inclined surfaces (31a), and the sliding portion (32) slides on at least one of the inclined surfaces (31a) in accordance with the magnetic attraction between the first and second base portions (6a, 6b).

17. The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second insertion portion (7b) has a thickness that gradually decreases toward its insertion end for insertion into the slider (5), and / or the second insertion portion (7b) has a guide surface (4d) that inclins forward as it moves laterally away from the connecting column (53) of the slider (5) when the set state is established.