Fastener stringer and slide fastener

Abstract

A fastener stringer includes: a first fastener tape having an elongated shape and having a back surface and a front surface; a first element row provided on the back surface of one width-directional end of the first fastener tape; and a bent portion formed by bending the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape into an arch shape toward the front surface, and the bent portion is configured to press at least a part of a slider bore.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastener stringer and a slide fastener.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] As the types of slide fasteners, there are generally known a normal type slide fastener in which an element row is attached to be visible on an outer side (front side) of a product, a backing type slide fastener in which an element row is attached to an inner side (back side) of a product to be not easily visible, and a concealed type slide fastener in which side edges of left and right fastener tapes are folded in a U-shape in a width direction and an element row is attached to the folded tape portion.

[0003] The backing type slide fastener or the concealed type slide fastener is suitably used for products such as various clothes, shoes, bags, and furniture by taking advantage that the design of the product is not hindered due to the concealing property thereof. In recent years, they have also been used for seat covers for various seats of automobiles, trains, airplanes, and the like. Patent Literature 1 discloses an example of a backing type slide fastener including a pair of right and left fastener stringers and a slider capable of opening and closing the pair of right and left fastener stringers.CITATION LISTPatent Literature

[0004] Patent Literature 1: JP2009-56076A.SUMMARY OF INVENTIONTechnical Problem

[0005] The slide fastener described in Patent Literature 1 is designed to maintain visibility by bringing the pair of left and right fastener tapes into close contact with each other, but in a state where the pair of right and left fastener stringers are separated from each other, the slider easily moves up and down along an element row constituting the fastener stringer.

[0006] For example, since the slider is unintentionally and repeatedly moved up and down along the element row due to shaking caused by movement or motion, washing using a washing machine, or the like, there is a problem that the fastener tape may be rubbed more than necessary in the slider, and deterioration of the fastener tape may be accelerated. There is also a problem that when the pair of left and right fastener tapes mesh with each other, the slider is likely to move from a predetermined position and workability may be deteriorated.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fastener stringer and a slide fastener capable of holding a slider sliding along a fastener tape at an intended position in a state where a pair of fastener stringers are separated from each other.Solution to Problem

[0008] The following configurations achieve the object of the present invention.

[0009] [1] A fastener stringer including:

[0010] a first fastener tape (10) having an elongated shape and having a back surface (11) and a front surface (13);

[0011] a first element row (50) provided on the back surface (11) of one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10); and

[0012] a bent portion (10c) formed by bending the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape into an arch shape toward the front surface (13), in which

[0013] the bent portion (10c) is configured to press at least a part of a slider bore (103) defined by at least an upper blade (110), a lower blade (120), a coupling column (130), and a flange portion (140a, 140b) in a slider (40) configured to slide along the first element row (50).

[0014] [2] A slide fastener including:

[0015] the fastener stringer (3) according to [1];

[0016] a fastener stringer (5) including a second fastener tape (20) having an elongated shape and having a back surface (21) and a front surface (23) and a second element row (60) provided on the back surface (21) of one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20); and

[0017] the slider (40) slidably provided on the first and second element rows (50, 60) extending in a front-rear direction, the slider (40) configured to slide forward to mesh the first and second element rows (50, 60) and rearward to separate the first and second element rows (50, 60), in which

[0018] when the first and second element rows (50, 60) mesh with each other by extending the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) toward the second fastener tape (20) with respect to a meshing center (O) of the first and second element rows (50, 60) and by extending the one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) toward the first fastener tape (10) with respect to the meshing center (O), the bent portions (10c, 20c) formed on the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) and the one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) are brought into close contact with each other.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, a slider sliding along a fastener tape can be held at an intended position in a state where a pair of fastener stringers are separated from each other.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a slider fastener using a slider according to the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the slide fastener shown in FIG. 1, showing a state where first and second element rows mesh with each other.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a slider.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the slider.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the slider.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the slider.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing the slider.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a lower blade taken along a line F-F of FIG. 5.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an upper blade taken along a line G-G of FIG. 5.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an element guide path taken along a line H-H of FIG. 7.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1, showing a state inside a slider body.

[0031] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B of FIG. 1, showing a state inside the slider body.

[0032] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C of FIG. 1, showing a state inside the slider body.

[0033] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D of FIG. 1, showing a state inside the slider body.

[0034] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line E-E of FIG. 1, showing a state inside the slider body.

[0035] FIG. 16 is a front view showing a state where the slider is supported by one of fastener stringers.

[0036] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the slide fastener, and is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C of FIG. 1, showing a state where the first and second element rows are separated from each other.

[0037] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a fastener tape and the slider in which elements are omitted, and is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I of FIG. 1, showing a state where the first and second element rows are separated from each other.

[0038] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a slide fastener according to a second embodiment, showing a state where first and second element rows mesh with each other.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Hereinafter, a slide fastener to which a fastener stringer according to each embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present description, a “front-rear direction” of a slider is a sliding direction of the slider and is referred to as a longitudinal direction of the slide fastener, and in particular, a direction in which the slider slides to cause left and right element rows to mesh with each other is defined as “forward” and a direction in which the slider slides to cause the left and right element rows to separate from each other is defined as “rearward”. Further, a “left-right direction” is a direction in which a pair of element rows are arranged and is a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the slider, and can also be referred to as a width direction of the slide fastener. Further, an “up-down direction” is a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and can also be referred to as a thickness direction of the slider or the fastener tape or a height direction of the element row. The “up-down direction” can also be referred to as a “front-back direction”.Configuration of Slide Fastener 1

[0040] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a slider fastener using a slider according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the slide fastener shown in FIG. 1, showing a state where first and second element rows mesh with each other.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a slide fastener 1 includes a pair of left and right fastener stringers 3, 5, and a slider 40 that opens and closes the pair of left and right fastener stringers 3, 5.

[0042] The pair of left and right fastener stringers 3, 5 include a pair of left and right first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 having an elongated shape and having back surfaces 11, 21 and front surfaces 13, 23, respectively, and a first element row 50 provided on the back surface 11 of one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and a second element row 60 provided on the back surface 21 of one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20, respectively.

[0043] The first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are woven fabrics or knitted fabrics made of polyester threads or the like, and are excellent in flexibility. The first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 may be nonwoven fabrics.

[0044] The slider 40 meshes and separates the pair of left and right first and second element rows 50, 60. The slider 40 includes a slider body 100, a pull tab attachment portion 42 provided on a front surface of the slider body 100, and a pull tab 43 attached to the pull tab attachment portion 42. When the slider 40 moves forward (upward in the drawing), the pair of left and right first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other as shown in FIG. 2. On the other hand, when the slider 40 moves rearward (downward in the drawing), the pair of left and right first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other. The slide fastener 1 may include a top stop portion and a bottom stop portion (not shown). Instead of the bottom stop portion, an opening device including a retainer pin and a retaining box may be provided.

[0045] The first and second element rows 50, 60 are coiled fastener element rows formed by winding monofilaments made of synthetic resin in a certain direction, and include a plurality of elements 31. The first and second element rows 50, 60 have a core string 32 inserted inside the plurality of elements 31, and are sewn to the back surface 11 of the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the back surface 21 of the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 using sewing threads 33 to be subject to double thread chain stitch. Examples of a synthetic resin material of the monofilament include polyester and nylon.

[0046] Each element 31 includes a first leg portion 31b that extends from a front side end of a meshing head portion 31a that meshes with and separates from the mating element 31 toward another width-directional end side and comes into contact with the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, a second leg portion 31c that extends from a back side end of the meshing head portion 31a toward the other width-directional end side and is not in contact with the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and a coupling portion 31d that couples a width-directional outer end of the first leg portion 31b and another width-directional end of the second leg portion 31c of the element 31 adjacent thereto. Therefore, the first leg portion 31b and the second leg portion 31c protrude from the meshing head portion 31a and extend in parallel with each other.

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a meshing center O of the first and second element rows 50, 60. The meshing center O is a center position when the elements 31, 31 mesh with each other, and coincides with a center in the width direction of the slide fastener 1.

[0048] In a state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other, one width-directional end surface 10b of the first fastener tape 10 extends to a second fastener tape 20 side (one width-directional end side) from a position which is a meshing center O of the first and second element rows 50, 60. Similarly, one width-directional end surface 20b of the second fastener tape 20 extends to a first fastener tape 10 side (one width-directional end side) from the position which is the meshing center O. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are designed to overlap with the meshing center O.

[0049] Accordingly, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 1, when the slider 40 is moved forward (upward in the drawing) from a state where the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 (the first and second element rows 50, 60) are separated from each other, the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other as shown in FIG. 2. At this time, the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 are pressed against each other in the width direction to be deformed, and are bent to protrude in an arch shape on a front side and brought into close contact with each other.

[0050] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, bent portions 10c, 20c are formed on the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 by being bent into an arch shape toward the front surfaces 13, 23. The bent portions 10c, 20c include bent proximal end portions 10c1, 20c1 and bent distal end portions 10c2, 20c2, respectively, and are formed to be elastically deformable.

[0051] According to this configuration, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the bent distal end portions 10c2, 20c2 of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, unlike the backing type slide fastener of the related art, no gap (so-called intermediate partition portion) is formed between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. Thus, as the user views the slide fastener 1 from the front side, the first and second element rows 50, 60 are not visible, and the appearance is excellent. Such a slide fastener 1 is particularly suitable for an article in which the appearance is emphasized, such as a car seat, a bag, or furniture. Further, in a state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other, the slider 40 sliding along the first fastener tape 10 (or the second fastener tape 20) can be held at a predetermined position. Details will be described later.

[0052] Since the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are brought into close contact with each other so that the bent portions 10c, 20c bent into an arch shape press each other, even when a force (so-called horizontal pulling) in a direction away from each other acts on the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the close contact state is maintained only while slightly weakening the degree of bending in a range in which a meshing gap between the elements 31, 31 is cancelled. For this reason, even when the horizontal pulling acts on the slide fastener 1, a good appearance of the slide fastener 1 can be maintained.

[0053] Since the bent portions 10c, 20c are formed on the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other as shown in FIG. 2, the back surfaces 11, 21 of the one width-directional end surface 10b and the one width-directional end surface 20b of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second element rows 50, 60 (elements 31) are spaced apart in the front-back direction, and first and second spaces T1, T2 are defined between the back surfaces 11, 21 and the first and second element rows 50, 60, respectively. By providing the first and second spaces T1, T2, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can be easily bent when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are combined by the slider 40. In addition, as the first and second spaces T1, T2 are larger, a crimping area between the front surfaces 13, 23 of the one width-directional end 10a and the one width-directional end 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 is increased, and the occurrence of the gap between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 is prevented. Accordingly, the appearance is more excellent, and the waterproofness is also improved.

[0054] According to the above-described slide fastener 1, when the slider 40 is moved forward to mesh the first and second element rows 50, 60, the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10 formed longer than usual may be caught inside the slider body 100, and the sliding resistance may increase. Therefore, a configuration of the slider 40 capable of reducing the sliding resistance even in the slide fastener 1 in which the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are bent to improve the appearance will be described below.Configuration of Slider 40

[0055] Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the first embodiment of the slider body 100 constituting the slider 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the slider. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the slider. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the slider. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the slider. FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing the slider. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a lower blade taken along a line F-F of FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an upper blade taken along a line G-G of FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an element guide path taken along a line H-H of FIG. 7.

[0056] The slider body 100 includes an upper blade 110 and a lower blade 120 that are disposed to face each other while being separated from each other in the up-down direction, a coupling column 130 in the up-down direction that couples the upper blade 110 and the lower blade 120 at a front end, flange portions 140a that protrude downward along both left and right side edges in the width direction of the upper blade 110, and flange portions 140b that protrude upward along both left and right side edges in the width direction of the lower blade 120. Accordingly, left and right shoulder openings 101 separated by the coupling column 130 are formed in a front portion of the slider body 100, and a rearward opening 102 is formed in a rear portion of the slider body 100. A substantially Y-shaped element guide path 103 is formed between the upper blade 110 and the lower blade 120 to communicate the left and right shoulder openings 101 and the rearward opening 102, and the first and second element rows 50, 60 are inserted into the element guide path 103. The slider body 100 is formed of metal or synthetic resin. That is, the element guide path 103, which is a slider bore for guiding the element, is defined by at least the upper blade 110, the lower blade 120, the coupling column 130, and the flange portions 140a, 140b.

[0057] On a surface of the upper blade 110 facing the lower blade 120 (facing surface 110a of the upper blade 110), an intermediate partition portion 113 in the front-rear direction that is inserted between the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and first relief portions 111 that form a space for retracting the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are formed. On both left and right side surfaces of an upper portion of the coupling column 130, second relief portions 131 that form a space for retracting the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are formed. Support surfaces 135 for maintaining the postures of the elements 31 are formed on both left and right side surfaces of a lower portion of the coupling column 130. On a surface of the lower blade 120 facing the upper blade 110 (the facing surface 120a of the lower blade 120), a protruding portion 121 that supports the second leg portion 31c of each element 31 meshed in the element guide path 103 is formed. Hereinafter, the configurations of the intermediate partition portion 113, the first relief portions 111, the second relief portions 131, the support surfaces 135, and the protruding portion 121 will be specifically described.

[0058] The intermediate partition portion 113 is a protruding piece that is disposed at a center in the left-right direction of the facing surface 110a of the upper blade 110 and protrudes downward from the facing surface 110a of the upper blade 110 toward the facing surface 120a of the lower blade 120. The intermediate partition portion 113 is formed in a thin plate shape extending in the front-rear direction from a rear end of the coupling column 130 to a rear end (rearward opening 102) of the upper blade 110. In the shown example, the intermediate partition portion 113 includes an intermediate partition front portion 113a that forms a portion from a front end to an intermediate portion in the front-rear direction, and an intermediate partition rear portion 113b that extends from a rear end of the intermediate partition front portion 113a to the rear end of the upper blade 110 and has a smaller amount of protrusion downward than that of the intermediate partition front portion 113a. This configuration may be referred to FIGS. 4, 9, 10, and the like.

[0059] The amount of protrusion downward of the intermediate partition front portion 113a is slightly larger than that of the flange portion 140a of the upper blade 110. Therefore, a lower end of the intermediate partition front portion 113a is provided slightly closer to the lower blade 120 than a lower end of the flange portion 140a of the upper blade 110. This configuration may be referred to FIG. 5. On the other hand, the amount of protrusion downward of the intermediate partition rear portion 113b is smaller than that of the flange portion 140a of the upper blade 110. Therefore, a lower end of the intermediate partition rear portion 113b is provided closer to the upper blade 110 than the lower end of the flange portion 140a of the upper blade 110. A lower end of the intermediate partition portion 113 has a smooth R shape. This configuration may be referred to FIG. 7. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the intermediate partition front portion 113a is slightly longer in the front-rear direction than the intermediate partition rear portion 113b. The intermediate partition portion 113 may be formed so that the amount of protrusion toward the lower blade 120 gradually decreases rearward, and is not limited to the shown configuration.

[0060] According to this configuration, since an amount of protrusion downward of the intermediate partition rear portion 113b is smaller than that of the intermediate partition front portion 113a, a space for accommodating an opening device or the like (not shown) in a rear portion of the element guide path 103 can be secured even when the slide fastener 1 is provided with the opening device or the like. That is, the intermediate partition portion 113 can be provided in the slider body 100 regardless of the presence or absence of the opening device.

[0061] The first relief portions 111 are groove portions that extend in the front-rear direction and are formed by recessing inner sides in the left-right direction of the facing surfaces 110a of the upper blade 110. A pair of left and right first relief portions 111 are provided to be adjacent to left and right outer sides of the coupling column 130 and the intermediate partition portion 113, and extend in the front-rear direction from a front end (shoulder opening 101) to a rear end (rearward opening 102) of the upper blade 110. Accordingly, a thickness of a portion of the upper blade 110 where the first relief portions 111 are formed is smaller than the thicknesses of the other portions. In other words, the first relief portions 111 formed on the facing surface 110a of the upper blade 110 are provided between the flange portions 140a provided at left and right edges of the upper blade 110 and the coupling column 130 and the intermediate partition portion 113 provided at the center in the left-right direction of the upper blade 110 and in the vicinity of the coupling column 130 or the intermediate partition portion 113.

[0062] The first relief portions 111 are respectively formed to be curved to left and right outer sides toward the front along the flange portions 140a of the upper blade 110. In other words, the pair of left and right first relief portions 111 are curved in directions away from each other from the rearward opening 102 toward the shoulder opening 101. This configuration may be referred to FIG. 9. Each of the first relief portions 111 is formed to have a width such that the shoulder opening 101 is wider than the rearward opening 102.

[0063] According to this configuration, the first relief portion 111 is a space for allowing the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to escape so as not to strongly come into contact with the upper blade 110 in the slider body 100 on left and right inner sides of an upper portion of the element guide path 103. This configuration may be referred to FIGS. 9 and 12 to 15. Since the first relief portion 111 is formed to have the width such that the shoulder opening 101 is wider than the rearward opening 102, the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 having an arch shape that do not mesh with each other are less likely to interfere with the shoulder opening 101 and the coupling column 130. Since each of the first relief portions 111 is formed from the front end of the upper blade 110, it is possible to support (guide) the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 having an arch shape to smoothly enter the shoulder opening 101 of the slider 40. Similarly, since the first relief portions 111 extend to the rear end of the upper blade 110, it is possible to support (guide) the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, which have an arch shape and are in close contact with each other to smoothly come out from the rearward opening 102.

[0064] The second relief portions 131 are formed by cutting out a rear portion upper side of the coupling column 130 in the up-down direction, which has a rectangular (elliptical) cross section elongated in the front-rear direction, toward the left and right inner sides toward the rear portion. By forming the pair of left and right second relief portions 131 in the coupling column 130, the rear portion upper side of the coupling column 130 is formed in an acute arch shape or a V shape. Step portions 132 that extend in the front-rear direction along lower end sides of the pair of second relief portions 131 are formed in an intermediate portion in the up-down direction on the rear portion upper side of the coupling column 130. This configuration may be referred to FIG. 8.

[0065] A flat surface extending in a direction intersecting an extending direction of the coupling column 130 is formed in an intermediate portion in the up-down direction of the rear portion of the coupling column 130 by the step portions 132. The flat surface forming the step portions 132 also functions as a guide surface that guides the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to smoothly bend in an arch shape by coming into contact with the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20.

[0066] A position in the up-down direction of the step portion 132 in the coupling column 130 is preferably formed within a range of 30% to 70% from the lower end of the coupling column 130. In other words, the position in the up-down direction of the step portion 132 is formed to be about half a height position in the up-down direction of the element 31 guided by the element guide path 103. According to this configuration, the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 easily come into contact with the step portions 132. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 from entering and being caught between the meshing head portion 31a of the element 31 and the coupling column 130.

[0067] In the shown example, the guide surfaces that are the step portions 132 are slightly inclined toward the lower blade 120 toward outer sides in the left-right direction, but the guide surfaces may be inclined to the upper blade 110 toward the left and right outer sides so that the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are smoothly bent according to the material of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the lengths of the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a, or the like, or may be formed parallel to the upper blade 110 and the lower blade 120.

[0068] According to this configuration, since the second relief portions 131 are formed by trimming the rear portion upper side of the coupling column 130, the second relief portion 131 is easily processed at low cost.

[0069] The support surfaces 135 are curved surfaces provided on the left and right outer sides of the lower portion of the coupling column 130 and extending along the front-rear direction from the front end to the rear end of the coupling column 130. The support surfaces 135 are formed to support the left and right inner sides of the element 31 guided from the shoulder opening 101 to the element guide path 103 by being curved along back surface side ends of the meshing head portions 31a of the elements 31.

[0070] In the element guide path 103, as the element 31 moves rearward from the shoulder opening 101, the meshing head portion 31a may be inclined toward the lower blade 120, and the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 may be caught between the element 31 and the coupling column 130. Accordingly, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 may overlap with each other in the element guide path 103, and the sliding resistance of the slider 40 may rapidly increase. To this problem, by supporting the element 31 and maintaining the posture of the element 31 until the first and second element rows 50, 60 are meshed with each other by the support surface 135 formed in the coupling column 130, it is possible to efficiently prevent the sliding resistance of the slider 40 from increasing. This configuration may be referred to FIG. 15 and the like described later.

[0071] The protruding portion 121 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction from the rear end of the coupling column 130 to the rearward opening 102 at a center in the left-right direction of the facing surface 120a of the lower blade 120, and protrude from the facing surface 120a of the lower blade 120 toward the upper blade 110. The protruding portion 121 serves as a guide surface on which the second leg portion 31c of the element 31 is placed after the elements 31 constituting the first and second element rows 50, 60 are meshed by the slider body 100. A left-right width of the protruding portion 121 is substantially the same as a left-right width of the coupling column 130 directly behind the coupling column 130, and the left-right width decreases toward the rearward opening 102 on the rear side. This configuration may be referred to FIG. 8.Operations and Effects

[0072] Next, the opening and closing operations of the first and second element rows 50, 60 via the slider body 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 11 to 15. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1, showing a state inside the slider body. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B of FIG. 1, showing a state inside the slider body. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C of FIG. 1, showing a state inside the slider body. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D of FIG. 1, showing a state inside the slider body. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line E-E of FIG. 1, showing a state inside the slider body.

[0073] When a closing operation of sliding the slider 40 forward along the slide fastener 1 is performed, the slider body 100 can mesh the first and second element rows 50, 60 separated from each other in the left-right direction.

[0074] Specifically, when the slider 40 performs the closing operation, first, the first element row 50 is guided from one shoulder opening 101 to the element guide path 103, and the second element row 60 is guided from another shoulder opening 101 to the element guide path 103. At this time, since the first relief portions 111 are formed in the upper blade 110, the element guide path 103 has a space for retracting the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 toward the upper blade 110. Therefore, even when the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to which the first and second element rows 50, 60 are sewn are formed longer than usual and are curved in an arch shape (U-shape), the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are smoothly guided from the shoulder opening 101 to the element guide path 103 without being caught. This configuration may be referred to FIG. 11. Since the first relief portions 111 extend from the front end to the rear end of the upper blade 110, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are less likely to come into contact with the facing surface 110a of the upper blade 110, and the slider 40 slides smoothly. This configuration may be referred to FIGS. 11 to 15.

[0075] Next, the first and second element rows 50, 60 guided from the shoulder openings 101 to the element guide path 103 are guided to gradually approach each other in the left-right direction as the first and second element rows 50, 60 move rearward. The first element row 50 and the second element row 60 are guided to a point at which the Y-shaped element guide paths 103 merge (rear end of the coupling column 130), so that the elements 31 can be meshed with each other. At this time, the element guide path 103 has a space for retracting the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to sides in the left-right direction (coupling column 130) facing each other by the second relief portions 131 formed in the coupling column 130. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 from coming into strong contact with the upper blade 110 and the coupling column 130 and increasing the sliding resistance. This configuration may be referred to FIGS. 12 and 15.

[0076] Next, since the first and second element rows 50, 60 are meshed with each other behind the coupling column 130 of the element guide path 103, the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 are pressed against each other in the width direction to be deformed, and are bent to protrude in an arch shape on a front side. At this time, since the intermediate partition portion 113 provided on the upper blade 110 is inserted to be sandwiched between the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can be reliably bent. Therefore, the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 overlap with each other in the up-down direction without being bent, thereby it is possible to efficiently and reliably prevent a situation in which the sliding resistance rapidly increases. This configuration may be referred to FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0077] Further, behind the coupling column 130 of the element guide path 103, the element 31 meshed by the slider body 100 can be brought close to the facing surface of the upper blade 110 by the protruding portion 121 provided on the facing surface 120a of the lower blade 120. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 from overlapping with each other and entering a gap formed between the lower end of the intermediate partition portion 113 and the first leg portion 31b of the meshed element 31. That is, the intermediate partition portion 113 can be more reliably inserted between the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can be smoothly bent. This configuration may be referred to FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0078] When an opening operation of sliding the slider 40 rearward along the slide fastener 1 is performed, the slider body 100 can switch the first and second element rows 50, 60 in the meshed state to a state of being separated from each other in the left-right direction. That is, open and closed states of the pair of left and right fastener stringers 3, 5 can be switched via the slider body 100. This configuration may be referred to FIG. 1. As described above, even in the slide fastener 1 in which the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are formed long, the slider 40 can be smoothly opened and closed.

[0079] Next, an operation of holding a sliding position of the slider 40 that is slidable along the first fastener tape 10 in a state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. FIG. 16 is a front view showing a state where the slider is supported by one of the fastener stringers. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the slide fastener, and is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C of FIG. 1, showing a state where the first and second element rows are separated from each other. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the fastener tape and the slider in which elements are omitted, and is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I of FIG. 1, showing a state where the first and second element rows are separated from each other.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 17, in the fastener stringer 3 in a state where the first and second element rows are separated from each other, the bent distal end portion 10c2 formed at the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 is pressed against the intermediate partition portion 113 in the slider 40. Accordingly, the sliding position of the slider 40 sliding along the first fastener tape 10 is held by a frictional force or the like between the bent distal end portion 10c2 and the intermediate partition portion 113.

[0081] At this time, since the bent portion 10c that is bent in an arch shape is pressed in a direction in which the bent portion 10c is crushed, when the bent distal end portion 10c2 presses the intermediate partition portion 113 in the slider 40, the elements 31 constituting the first element row 50 are pressed toward members constituting the element guide path 103 in the slider 40 by a reaction force thereof. More specifically, the elements 31 constituting the first element row 50 are held to be sandwiched between the bent portion 10c and the lower blade 120 (or the flange portion 140b constituting the lower blade 120). Accordingly, the sliding position of the slider 40 sliding along the first fastener tape 10 can be held at a predetermined position.

[0082] Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the bent proximal end portion 10c1 of the first fastener tape 10 is disposed in a space formed by the first relief portion 111 formed in the upper blade 110 of the slider 40. Therefore, even when the bent proximal end portion 10c1 and the upper blade 110 are not in contact with each other or are in contact with each other, the bent proximal end portion 10c1 is not pressed toward the upper blade 110. In other words, since only the bent distal end portion 10c2 of the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 comes into contact with and slides on the intermediate partition portion 113 of the slider 40, as compared with the bent distal end portion 10c2, the bent proximal end portion 10c1 side is less likely to deteriorate. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the bent proximal end portions 10c1, 20c1 appear in the appearance, while the bent distal end portions 10c2, 20c2 are brought into close contact with each other to press against each other, and thus the bent distal end portions 10c2, 20c2 are hardly visually recognized from the appearance. That is, according to the present embodiment, the appearance of the slide fastener 1 can be favorably maintained for a long period.

[0083] Unlike the example described above, a configuration may be adopted in which the bent proximal end portion 10c1 of the first fastener tape 10 is also pressed against the upper blade 110 of the slider 40. According to this configuration, in the fastener stringer 3 in a state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other, a frictional force between the first fastener tape 10 and the slider 40 is increased, and the first element row 50 is more strongly sandwiched in the slider 40, so that the slider 40 is easily held at a predetermined position of the first fastener tape 10.

[0084] Further, as shown in FIG. 18, after the first fastener tape 10 positioned behind the rearward opening 102 formed in the rear portion of the slider body 100 comes out of the slider 40 from the rearward opening 102, the bent portion 10c pressed to be elastically deformed into an arch shape by the intermediate partition portion 113 or the like in the slider 40 (element guide path 103) is opened, and thus the bent distal end portion 10c2 protrudes to a position overlapping with the intermediate partition portion 113. Accordingly, in a state where the first and second element rows are separated from each other, the slider 40 is less likely to move rearward due to the bent distal end portion 10c2 protruding laterally inward. That is, the slider 40 is less likely to move rearward due to a free fall caused by weight or the like, an inertial force caused by motion or movement, or the like.

[0085] With respect to the first fastener tape 10 positioned in front of the shoulder opening 101 formed in a front portion of the slider body 100, the bent distal end portion 10c2 of the first fastener tape 10 similarly protrudes to a position overlapping with the coupling column 130. Accordingly, in a state where the first and second element rows are separated from each other, the slider 40 is less likely to move forward due to the bent distal end portion 10c2 protruding laterally inward.

[0086] As described above, by holding the sliding position of the slider 40 sliding along the first fastener tape 10 in a state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other, it is possible to efficiently prevent the deterioration of the bent portion 10c of the first fastener tape 10 from being accelerated by the slider 40 repeating the front-rear movement (movement in the up-down direction of the page of FIG. 1) unnecessarily. In the example described above, an example in which the slider 40 slides along the first fastener tape 10 in a state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other has been described, but the slider 40 may slide along the second fastener tape 20.Second Embodiment

[0087] Next, a configuration of a slide fastener according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 19, focusing on differences from the above-described example. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the slide fastener according to the second embodiment, showing a state where first and second element rows mesh with each other. The slide fastener 1 according to the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that the first and second water stop films 70, 80 are provided on the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. Since other configurations in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, the descriptions thereof are omitted or simplified by giving the same reference signs as those in the first embodiment in the drawings.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 19, the slide fastener 1 according to the second embodiment further includes a first water stop film 70 (first water stop layer) provided on the front surface 13 of the first fastener tape 10 and a second water stop film 80 (second water stop layer) provided on the front surface 23 of the second fastener tape 20. Accordingly, the slide fastener 1 according to the present embodiment is a water stop fastener having water stop property.

[0089] The pair of left and right first and second water stop films 70 have an elongated shape similar to the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and have back surfaces 71, 81 (first water stop main surfaces) and front surfaces 73, 83 (second water stop main surfaces) opposite to the back surfaces 71, 81, respectively. The first and second water stop films 70 are formed to cover the entire front surfaces 13, 23 of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. In the present embodiment, front-rear dimensions and width dimensions of the first and second water stop films 70 and the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are substantially the same.

[0090] The first and second water stop films 70 are formed by integrally joining a water stop layer such as a thermosetting polyurethane film by adhesion, welding, or the like to the front surfaces 13, 23 of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to which the first and second element rows 50, 60 are sewn. Here, the slide fastener 1 is in a state where a common water stop layer (first and second water stop films 70, 80) is integrally joined to the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20.

[0091] Thereafter, a water-repellent agent is attached to the slide fastener 1 by the following method. For example, it is possible to immerse the water-repellent agent by winding along a circumferential surface of a guide roller (not shown) to guide the fastener stringers 3, 5 and continuously passing the fastener stringers 3, 5 through a container filled with the water-repellent agent. In this treatment, the entire surface of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the first and second element rows 50, 60, the core string 32, the sewing threads 33, and water stop layers (first and second water stop films 70, 80) forming the fastener stringers 3, 5 are efficiently provided with the water-repellent agent. Next, by pulling up the fastener stringers 3, 5 from the container and continuously passing the fastener stringers 3, 5 through a drying chamber, the water-repellent agent applied to the entire surface of the fastener stringers 3, 5 is first dried. Thereafter, by further continuously passing the fastener stringers 3, 5 on which the drying of the water-repellent agent has been completed into a heat treatment chamber, the dried water-repellent agent is subjected to heat treatment. In this heat treatment, the fusion and adhesion treatment is performed between all the base materials of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the first and second element rows 50, 60, the core string 32, the sewing threads 33, and the water stop layer (first and second water stop films 70, 80), and the water-repellent agent.

[0092] Next, the slide fastener 1 on which the heat treatment has been completed is taken out, and a single water stop layer (first and second water stop films 70, 80) coupling the pair of left and right fastener stringers 3, 5 is cut using a cutting device such as a cutter in a length direction along a meshing portion where the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other to divide the single water stop layer into right and left portions. In this way, the pair of left and right first and second water stop films 70, 80 are formed.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 19, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are designed to overlap with the meshing center O, and the first and second water stop films 70, 80 are designed to overlap with the meshing center O.

[0094] By moving the slider 40 upward from the state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other, the pair of left and right first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other as shown in FIG. 19. At this time, the one width-directional ends 10a, 70a of the first fastener tape 10 and the first water stop film 70 extend toward the second fastener tape 20 (one width-directional end side) with respect to the meshing center O of the first and second element rows 50, 60, and the one width-directional ends 20a, 80a of the second fastener tape 20 and the second water stop film 80 extend toward the first fastener tape 10 (one width-directional end side) with respect to the meshing center O. Therefore, the one width-directional ends 10a, 70a and the one width-directional end 20a, 80a are deformed by being pressed against each other in the width direction, and are bent into an arch shape on the front side and brought into close contact with each other.

[0095] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 19, in the first and second water stop films 70, 80, film bent portions 70c, 80c are formed along the bent portions 10c, 20c of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. The film bent portions 70c, 80c include film bent proximal end portion 70c1, 80c1 and film bent distal end portions 70c2, 80c2, respectively.

[0096] In this way, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the film bent portions 70c, 80c of the first and second water stop films 70, 80 are brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, unlike backing slide fastener of the related art, no gaps (so-called intermediate partition portions) are formed between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second water stop films 70, 80. Thus, as the user views the slide fastener 1 from the front side, the first and second element rows 50, 60 are not visible, and the appearance is excellent. Such a slide fastener 1 is particularly suitable for an article in which the appearance is emphasized, such as a car seat, a bag, or furniture.

[0097] In addition, since the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second water stop films 70, 80 are bent into an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other, even when a force (so-called horizontal pulling) in a direction away from each other acts on the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the close contact state is maintained only by slightly weakening the degree of bending in a range in which the meshing gap between the elements 31, 31 is cancelled, and a good appearance of the slide fastener 1 is maintained.

[0098] When the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the first and second fastener tapes and the first and second water stop films 70, 80 are bent in an arch shape and the film bent distal end portions 70c2, 80c2 are brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, no gaps (intermediate partition portions) are formed between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second water stop films 70, 80, and liquid is prevented from entering through the intermediate partition portion unlike the related art.

[0099] Further, as shown in FIG. 19, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the one width-directional end surface 10b and the one width-directional end surface 20b of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the one width-directional end surface 70b and the one width-directional end surface 80b of the first and second water stop films 70, 80 face the element 31 side (back side). The one width-directional end surface 70b and the one width-directional end surface 80b of the first and second water stop films 70, 80 may be in contact with the first and second element rows 50, 60. Further, the front surface 73 of the one width-directional end 70a of the first water stop film 70 and the front surface 83 of the one width-directional end 80a of the second water stop film 80 are brought into close contact with each other on the meshing center O. Therefore, an effect of preventing liquid penetration can be improved.

[0100] Further, by providing the first water stop film 70 on the front surface 13 of the first fastener tape 10, providing the second water stop film 80 on the front surface 23 of the second fastener tape 20, and forming the film bent portions 70c, 80c on the first and second water stop films 70, 80, respectively, the thickness of the portions of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 is increased, and an elastic force of the bent portions 10c, 20c is improved. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, when the first and second element rows are separated from each other, the sliding position of the slider 40 sliding along the first fastener tape 10 is more firmly held by the frictional force or the like between the film bent distal end portion 70c2 and the intermediate partition portion 113.

[0101] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in the present specification.

[0102] (1) A fastener stringer including:

[0103] a first fastener tape (10) having an elongated shape and having a back surface (11) and a front surface (13);

[0104] a first element row (50) provided on the back surface (11) of one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10); and

[0105] a bent portion (10c) formed by bending the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape into an arch shape toward the front surface (13), in which

[0106] the bent portion (10c) is configured to press at least a part of a slider bore (103) defined by at least an upper blade (110), a lower blade (120), a coupling column (130), and a flange portion (140a, 140b) in a slider (40) configured to slide along the first element row (50).

[0107] According to this configuration, since the bent portion 10c of the first fastener tape 10 is pressed into the slider 40 in a state where the pair of fastener stringers 3, 5 are separated from each other, the slider 40 sliding along the fastener stringer 3 can be held at an intended predetermined position.

[0108] (2) The fastener stringer according to (1), in which

[0109] the bent portion (10c) is elastically deformable, is configured to press at least a part of an inside of the slider bore (103) in the slider bore (103), and the slider (40) is capable of being fixed at any position in a longitudinal direction of the first element row (50).

[0110] According to this configuration, the slider 40 sliding along the fastener stringer 3 can be more reliably held at an intended predetermined position.

[0111] (3) The fastener stringer according to (1) or (2), in which

[0112] the upper blade (110) is formed with an intermediate partition portion (113) protruding toward a facing surface of the lower blade (120), and

[0113] the bent portion (10c) is configured to be pressed against at least one of the upper blade (110) or the intermediate partition portion (113).

[0114] According to this configuration, the bent portion 10c is easily pressed in the slider bore 103.

[0115] (4) The fastener stringer according to (3), in which

[0116] the bent portion (10c) has a pressing force for pressing the intermediate partition portion (113) larger than a pressing force for pressing the upper blade (110).

[0117] According to this configuration, the slider can be held at a predetermined position of the first fastener tape with an appropriate holding force that does not hinder a sliding operation of the slider.

[0118] (5) The fastener stringer according to (3) or (4), in which

[0119] the bent portion (10c) is not in contact with the upper blade (110) or is not pressed even when in contact with the upper blade (110), while being configured to press the intermediate partition portion (113).

[0120] According to this configuration, the slider can be held at a predetermined position of the first fastener tape with an appropriate holding force that does not hinder a sliding operation of the slider.

[0121] (6) The fastener stringer according to any one of (3) to (5), in which

[0122] by a reaction force when the bent portion (10c) presses the upper blade (110) or the intermediate partition portion (113),

[0123] a part of the first element row (50) is configured to be pressed against the slider bore (103).

[0124] According to this configuration, the slider can be stably held on the first fastener tape 10 side.

[0125] (7) A slide fastener including:

[0126] the fastener stringer (3) according to any one of (1) to (6);

[0127] a fastener stringer (5) including a second fastener tape (20) having an elongated shape and having a back surface (21) and a front surface (23) and a second element row (60) provided on the back surface (21) of one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20); and

[0128] the slider (40) slidably provided on the first and second element rows (50, 60) extending in a front-rear direction, the slider (40) configured to slide forward to mesh the first and second element rows (50, 60) and rearward to separate the first and second element rows (50, 60), in which

[0129] when the first and second element rows (50, 60) mesh with each other by extending the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) toward the second fastener tape (20) with respect to a meshing center (O) of the first and second element rows (50, 60) and by extending the one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) toward the first fastener tape (10) with respect to the meshing center (O), the bent portions (10c, 20c) formed on the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) and the one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) are brought into close contact with each other.

[0130] According to this configuration, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the first and second element rows 50, 60 can be covered by the bent portions 10c, 20c of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 which are brought into close contact with each other, so that a good appearance can be maintained.

[0131] (8) The slide fastener according to (7), further including:

[0132] a first water stop layer (70) provided on the front surface (13) of the first fastener tape (10); and

[0133] a second water stop layer (80) provided on the front surface (23) of the second fastener tape (20).

[0134] According to this configuration, no gap is formed between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second water stop films 70, 80, and liquid can be prevented from entering from a portion between the first and second fastener tapes.

[0135] (9) The slide fastener according to (8), in which

[0136] when the first and second element rows (50, 60) mesh with each other, film bent portions (70c, 80c) formed on one width-directional end (70a) of the first water stop layer (70) and one width-directional end (80a) of the second water stop layer (80) are brought into close contact with each other.

[0137] According to this configuration, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second water stop films 70, 80 can be more reliably brought into close contact with each other in a state of being bent into an arch shape.

[0138] (10) The slide fastener according to any one of (7) to (9), in which

[0139] the slider (40) includes the upper blade (110), the lower blade (120), and the coupling column (130) coupling the upper blade (110) and the lower blade (120) at a front end, and

[0140] the upper blade (110) is provided with an intermediate partition portion (113) that is provided behind the coupling column (130), that protrudes from the upper blade (110) toward the lower blade (120), and that extends in the front-rear direction.

[0141] According to this configuration, since the bent portion 10c of the first fastener tape 10 can be pressed against the upper blade 110 or the intermediate partition portion 113, the slider 40 sliding along the fastener stringer 3 can be held at an intended predetermined position.

[0142] (11) The slide fastener according to (10), in which

[0143] the upper blade (110) includes first relief portions (111) provided between the coupling column (130), the intermediate partition portion (113), and left and right edges of the upper blade (110) respectively, and formed by recessing a facing surface (110a) facing the lower blade (120), and

[0144] the first relief portions (111) are provided in a vicinity of a center in a left-right direction of the facing surface (110a).

[0145] According to this configuration, due to the space formed by the first relief portion 111, it is possible to prevent a portion of the bent portion 10c of the first fastener tape 10 that appears in the appearance when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other from sliding toward the slider 40, and thus it is possible to favorably maintain the appearance for a longer period.

[0146] (12) The slide fastener according to (10) or (11), in which the intermediate partition portion (113) extends from a rear end of the coupling column (130) to a rear end of the upper blade (110).

[0147] According to this configuration, since the bent portion 10c of the first fastener tape 10 can be pressed to the rearward opening 102 in the slider 40, a holding force for holding, at an intended predetermined position, the slider 40 sliding along the fastener stringer 3 is improved.

[0148] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that various changes and modifications naturally belong to the technical scope of the invention. In addition, components in the above-described embodiments may be freely combined without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0149] The present application is based on a PCT application (PCT / JP2023 / 046036) filed on Dec. 21, 2023 and a Japanese patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-089142) filed on May 31, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.Reference Signs List1: slide fastener

[0151] 3: fastener stringer

[0152] 5: fastener stringer

[0153] 10: first fastener tape

[0154] 10a: one width-directional end

[0155] 10b: one width-directional end surface

[0156] 10c: bent portion

[0157] 10c1: bent proximal end portion

[0158] 10c2: bent distal end portion

[0159] 11: back surface

[0160] 13: front surface

[0161] 20: second fastener tape

[0162] 20a: one width-directional end

[0163] 20b: one width-directional end surface

[0164] 20c: bent portion

[0165] 20c1: bent proximal end portion

[0166] 20c2: bent distal end portion

[0167] 21: back surface

[0168] 13: front surface

[0169] 31: element

[0170] 31a: meshing head portion

[0171] 31b: first leg portion

[0172] 31c: second leg portion

[0173] 31d: coupling portion

[0174] 32: core string

[0175] 33: sewing thread

[0176] 40: slider

[0177] 42: pull tab attachment portion

[0178] 43: pull tab

[0179] 50: first element row

[0180] 60: second element row

[0181] 70: first water stop film (first water stop layer)

[0182] 70a: one width-directional end

[0183] 70b: one width-directional end surface

[0184] 70c: film bent portion

[0185] 70c1: film bent proximal end portion

[0186] 70c2: film bent distal end portion

[0187] 71: back surface

[0188] 73: front surface

[0189] 80: second water stop film (second water stop layer)

[0190] 80a: one width-directional end

[0191] 80b: one width-directional end surface

[0192] 80c: film bent portion

[0193] 80c1: film bent proximal end portion

[0194] 80c2: film bent distal end portion

[0195] 81: back surface

[0196] 83: front surface

[0197] 100: slider body

[0198] 101: shoulder opening

[0199] 102: rearward opening

[0200] 103: element guide path (slider bore)

[0201] 110: upper blade

[0202] 110a: facing surface

[0203] 111: first relief portion

[0204] 113: intermediate partition portion

[0205] 113a: intermediate partition front portion

[0206] 113b: intermediate partition rear portion

[0207] 120: lower blade

[0208] 120a: facing surface

[0209] 121: protruding portion

[0210] 130: coupling column

[0211] 131: second relief portion

[0212] 132: step portion

[0213] 135: support surface

[0214] 140a: flange portion

[0215] 140b: flange portion

Claims

1. A fastener stringer comprising:a first fastener tape having an elongated shape and having a back surface and a front surface;a first element row provided on the back surface of one width-directional end of the first fastener tape; anda bent portion formed by bending the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape into an arch shape toward the front surface, whereinthe bent portion is configured to press at least a part of a slider bore defined by at least an upper blade, a lower blade, a coupling column, and a flange portion in a slider configured to slide along the first element row.

2. The fastener stringer according to claim 1, whereinthe bent portion is elastically deformable, is configured to press at least a part of an inside of the slider bore in the slider bore, and the slider is capable of being fixed at any position in a longitudinal direction of the first element row.

3. The fastener stringer according to claim 1, whereinthe upper blade is formed with an intermediate partition portion protruding toward a facing surface of the lower blade, andthe bent portion is configured to be pressed against at least one of the upper blade or the intermediate partition portion.

4. The fastener stringer according to claim 3, whereinthe bent portion has a pressing force for pressing the intermediate partition portion larger than a pressing force for pressing the upper blade.

5. The fastener stringer according to claim 3, whereinthe bent portion is not in contact with the upper blade or is not pressed even when in contact with the upper blade, while being configured to press the intermediate partition portion.

6. The fastener stringer according to claim 3, whereinby a reaction force when the bent portion presses the upper blade or the intermediate partition portion,a part of the first element row is configured to be pressed against the slider bore.

7. A slide fastener comprising:the fastener stringer according to claim 1;another fastener stringer including a second fastener tape having an elongated shape and having a back surface and a front surface and a second element row provided on the back surface of one width-directional end of the second fastener tape; andthe slider slidably provided on the first and second element rows extending in a front-rear direction, the slider configured to slide forward to mesh the first and second element rows and rearward to separate the first and second element rows, whereinwhen the first and second element rows mesh with each other by extending the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape toward the second fastener tape with respect to a meshing center of the first and second element rows and by extending the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape toward the first fastener tape with respect to the meshing center, the bent portions formed on the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape and the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape are brought into close contact with each other.

8. The slide fastener according to claim 7, further comprising:a first water stop layer provided on the front surface of the first fastener tape; anda second water stop layer provided on the front surface of the second fastener tape.

9. The slide fastener according to claim 8, whereinwhen the first and second element rows mesh with each other, film bent portions formed on one width-directional end of the first water stop layer and one width-directional end of the second water stop layer are brought into close contact with each other.

10. The slide fastener according to claim 7, whereinthe slider includes the upper blade, the lower blade, and the coupling column coupling the upper blade and the lower blade at a front end, andthe upper blade is provided with an intermediate partition portion that is provided behind the coupling column, that protrudes from the upper blade toward the lower blade, and that extends in the front-rear direction.

11. The slide fastener according to claim 10, whereinthe upper blade includes first relief portions provided between the coupling column, the intermediate partition portion, and left and right edges of the upper blade respectively, and formed by recessing a facing surface facing the lower blade, andthe first relief portions are provided in a vicinity of a center in a left-right direction of the facing surface.

12. The slide fastener according to claim 10, whereinthe intermediate partition portion extends from a rear end of the coupling column to a rear end of the upper blade.

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