Fastener stringer and slide fastener

Abstract

The present invention is provided with a first fastener tape (10) that is long and includes a back surface (11) and a front surface (13), a first element row (50) that is provided on the back surface (11) of one end ((10a)) of the first fastener tape (10) in a width direction thereof, and a bent part (10c) that is formed by bending the one end (10a) of the first fastener tape in the width direction thereof in such a manner that the one end (10a) has a mountain shape on the front surface (13) side. The bent part (10c) presses at least a part of a slider mouth diameter (103).

Description

Zipper stringers and slide fasteners

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

[0002] Known types of slide fasteners include normal slide fasteners in which the element row is generally attached so that it is visible on the outside (front side) of the product, reverse-use slide fasteners in which the element row is attached to the inside (back side) of the product so that it is less visible, and hidden slide fasteners in which the side edges of the left and right fastener tapes are folded back in a U-shape in the width direction and the element row is attached to the folded back tape portion.

[0003] Taking advantage of the advantage that their concealment does not interfere with the design of the product, reverse-type and hidden-type slide fasteners are suitably used in various products such as clothing, shoes, bags, furniture, etc. In recent years, they have also been used in seat covers for various seats in automobiles, trains, airplanes, etc. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a reverse-type slide fastener that includes a pair of left and right fastener stringers and a slider that can open and close the pair of left and right fastener stringers.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-56076

[0005] The slide fastener described in Patent Document 1 aims to maintain visibility by tightly adhering a pair of left and right fastener tapes together, but when the pair of left and right fastener stringers are separated, the slider easily moves up and down along the row of elements that make up the fastener stringers.

[0006] For example, there is a problem that the fastener tape may be rubbed more than necessary within the slider, accelerating deterioration of the fastener tape, because the slider unintentionally moves up and down repeatedly along the element row due to shaking caused by movement or exercise, washing in a washing machine, etc. There is also a problem that when attempting to engage a pair of left and right fastener tapes, the slider may be prone to moving from a predetermined position, deteriorating workability.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a fastener stringer and a slide fastener that can hold a slider that slides along a fastener tape at an intended position when a pair of fastener stringers are separated.

[0008] The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following configuration: [1] A fastener stringer comprising: a first fastener tape (10) having an elongated shape and a back surface (11) and a front surface (13), a first element row (50) provided on the back surface (11) of one widthwise end portion (10a) of the first fastener tape (10), and a bent portion (10c) formed by bending the one widthwise end portion (10a) of the first fastener tape in an arched shape toward the front surface (13), wherein the bent portion (10c) presses against at least a part of a slider bore (103) defined by at least an upper blade (110), a lower blade (120), a connecting post (130), and flange portions (140a, 140b) of a slider (40) sliding along the first element row (50). [2] A fastener stringer (5) comprising: a second fastener tape (20) having an elongated shape and a back surface (21) and a front surface (23); and a second element row (60) provided on the back surface (21) of one widthwise end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20); and the slider (40) slidably provided on the first and second element rows (50, 60) extending in the front-to-rear direction, sliding at its front to engage the first and second element rows (50, 60) and at its rear to separate the first and second element rows (50, 60), A slide fastener in which one widthwise end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) extends closer to the second fastener tape (20) than the center of engagement (O) of the first and second element rows (50, 60), and one widthwise end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) extends closer to the first fastener tape (10) than the center of engagement (O), so that when the first and second element rows (50, 60) are engaged with each other, the bent portions (10c, 20c) formed on one widthwise end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) and one widthwise end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) come into close contact with each other.

[0009] According to the present invention, when the pair of fastener stringers are separated, the slider that slides along the fastener tape can be held at an intended position.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a surface view showing a slider fastener using a slider according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of the slide fastener shown in FIG. 1, showing the state in which the first and second element rows are engaged. 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 taken along line F-F in FIG. 5 showing the lower blade. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G in FIG. 5 showing the upper blade. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H in FIG. 7 showing the element guideway. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 showing the interior of the slider body. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1 showing the interior of the slider body. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 1 showing the interior of the slider body. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 1 showing the interior of the slider body. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in Fig. 1, showing the state inside the slider body. Fig. 16 is a surface view showing the state in which 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, taken along line C-C in Fig. 1, showing the state in which the first and second element rows are separated. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the fastener tape and slider, with elements omitted, taken along line I-I in Fig. 1, showing the state in which the first and second element rows are separated. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the slide fastener according to a second embodiment, showing the state in which the first and second element rows are engaged.

[0011] Hereinafter, slide fasteners to which fastener stringers according to each embodiment of the present invention are applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the "front-rear direction" of the slider refers to the sliding direction of the slider, i.e., the longitudinal direction of the slide fastener. In particular, the direction in which the slider slides to interlock the left and right element rows is referred to as the "forward direction," and the direction in which the slider slides to separate the left and right element rows is referred to as the "rearward direction." The "left-right direction" refers to the direction in which a pair of element rows are arranged, a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slider, and can also be referred to as the width direction of the slide fastener. Furthermore, the "up-down direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and can also be referred to as the thickness direction of the slider or fastener tape, or the height direction of the element rows. The "up-down direction" can also be referred to as the "front-rear direction."

[0012] (Configuration of slide fastener 1) Fig. 1 is a surface 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 the state in which the first and second element rows are engaged with each other.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slide fastener 1 includes a pair of left and right fastener stringers 3 and 5, and a slider 40 that opens and closes the pair of left and right fastener stringers 3 and 5.

[0014] The pair of left and right fastener stringers 3, 5 are long and comprise a pair of first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 each having a back surface 11, 21 and a front surface 13, 23, a first element row 50 provided on the back surface 11 of one widthwise end portion 10a of the first fastener tape 10, and a second element row 60 provided on the back surface 21 of one widthwise end portion 20a of the second fastener tape 20.

[0015] The first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are woven or knitted fabrics made of polyester yarn or the like and have excellent flexibility. The first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 may also be made of nonwoven fabric.

[0016] The slider 40 engages 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 the 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 engage with each other as shown in FIG. 2 . On the other hand, when the slider 40 moves backward (downward in the drawing), the pair of left and right first and second element rows 50, 60 separate. The slide fastener 1 may also include an upper stop portion and a lower stop portion (not shown). Instead of the lower stop portion, an opening device having a box pin and a box body may be provided.

[0017] The first and second element rows 50, 60 are coil-shaped fastener element rows formed by winding a synthetic resin monofilament in a certain direction, and include a plurality of elements 31. The first and second element rows 50, 60 have a core cord 32 inserted inside the plurality of elements 31, and are sewn to the back surface 11 of one widthwise end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the back surface 21 of one widthwise end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 by a sewing thread 33 that is double chain stitched. In addition, examples of the synthetic resin material of the monofilament include polyester and nylon.

[0018] The element 31 includes a first leg 31b extending from the front end of the interlocking head 31a, which interlocks with and separates from the mating element 31, toward the other end in the width direction and in contact with the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, a second leg 31c extending from the back end of the interlocking head 31a toward the other end in the width direction and not in contact with the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and a connecting portion 31d connecting the outer end of the first leg 31b in the width direction to the other end in the width direction of the second leg 31c of the adjacent element 31. Therefore, the first leg 31b and the second leg 31c are formed to protrude from the interlocking head 31a and extend parallel to each other.

[0019] 2 shows the meshing center O of the first and second element rows 50, 60. This meshing center O is the central position when the elements 31, 31 mesh with each other, and coincides with the center of the slide fastener 1 in the width direction.

[0020] When the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated, one widthwise end face 10b of the first fastener tape 10 extends toward the second fastener tape 20 (one widthwise end side) from the position of the meshing center O of the first and second element rows 50, 60. Similarly, one widthwise end face 20b of the second fastener tape 20 extends toward the first fastener tape 10 (one widthwise end side) from the position of the meshing center O. In other words, as shown in Fig. 2 , the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are designed to overlap the meshing center O when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are meshed with each other.

[0021] As a result, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 1, when the slider 40 is moved forward (upward in the drawing) from a state in which the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 (first and second element rows 50, 60) are separated, the first and second element rows 50, 60 are interlocked as shown in Fig. 2. At this time, one widthwise end portion 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and one widthwise end portion 20a of the second fastener tape 20 are pressed against each other in the width direction, deformed, and bent so as to protrude in an arched shape on the front side, and come into close contact with each other.

[0022] 2, bent portions 10c, 20c are formed at widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 by being bent in an arch shape toward the surfaces 13, 23. Each bent portion 10c, 20c has a bent base end portion 10c1, 20c1 and a bent tip end portion 10c2, 20c2, and is formed to be elastically deformable.

[0023] According to this configuration, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are interlocked with each other, the bent tip ends 10c2, 20c2 of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are in close contact with each other. This prevents a gap (so-called partition) from forming between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, as occurs with conventional reverse-operated slide fasteners. Therefore, when a user views the slide fastener 1 from the front side, the first and second element rows 50, 60 are not visible, resulting in an excellent appearance. This slide fastener 1 is particularly suitable for articles whose aesthetic appearance is resin-made, such as car seats, bags, and furniture. Furthermore, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated, the slider 40, which slides along the first fastener tape 10 (or the second fastener tape 20), can be held in a predetermined position. This will be described in more detail below.

[0024] Furthermore, since the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are tightly adhered to each other with the arched bent portions 10c, 20c pressing against each other, even if a force (so-called lateral pulling) acts on the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 in a direction separating them from each other, the degree of bending weakens slightly within the range in which the meshing gap between the elements 31, 31 is canceled out, and the good appearance of the slide fastener 1 can be maintained.

[0025] Furthermore, because the bent portions 10c, 20c are formed at the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are interlocked with each other, the back surfaces 11, 21 of the widthwise end faces 10b, 20b of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are spaced apart from the first and second element rows 50, 60 (elements 31) in the front-to-back direction, and first and second spaces T1, T2 are defined between them, respectively. The provision of the first and second spaces T1, T2 makes it possible to easily bend the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are combined with the slider 40. Furthermore, the larger the first and second spaces T1, T2, the larger the pressure-bonding area between the surfaces 13, 23 of the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and the less likely gaps will be formed between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. This results in a better appearance and improved waterproofing.

[0026] With the above-described slide fastener 1, when the slider 40 is moved forward to engage the first and second element rows 50, 60, the widthwise ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, which are formed longer than usual, may get caught inside the slider body 100, resulting in increased sliding resistance. For this reason, the following describes the configuration of the slider 40 that can reduce sliding resistance even in a slide fastener 1 in which the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are bent to improve aesthetic appearance.

[0027] (Configuration of slider 40) 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 taken along line F-F in Fig. 5 showing the lower blade. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G in Fig. 5 showing the upper blade. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H in Fig. 7 showing the element guideway.

[0028] The slider body 100 includes upper and lower blades 110 and 120 arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction, a vertical connecting column 130 connecting the upper and lower blades 110 and 120 at their front ends, flanges 140a projecting downward along both left and right widthwise edges of the upper blade 110, and flanges 140b projecting upward along both left and right widthwise edges of the lower blade 120. As a result, left and right shoulder openings 101 separated by the connecting column 130 are formed in the front of the slider body 100, and a rear opening 102 is formed in the rear of the slider body 100. Furthermore, a substantially Y-shaped element guide path 103 is formed between the upper blade 110 and the lower blade 120, connecting the left and right shoulder openings 101 and the rear opening 102, and the first and second element rows 50 and 60 are inserted through this element guide path 103. The slider body 100 is molded from metal or synthetic resin. That is, an element guide path 103, which is the slider bore through which the element is guided, is defined by at least the upper blade 110, the lower blade 120, the connecting post 130, and the flanges 140 a and 140 b.

[0029] The upper wing 110 has, on its surface (opposing surface 110a of the upper wing 110) facing the lower wing 120, a front-to-rear partition 113 inserted between the widthwise ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and a first relief portion 111 forming a space for retracting the widthwise ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. Second relief portions 131 for forming a space for retracting the widthwise ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are formed on both left and right side surfaces of the upper part of the connecting post 130. Support surfaces 135 for maintaining the orientation of the element 31 are formed on both left and right side surfaces of the lower part of the connecting post 130. The lower blade 120 has a protrusion 121 formed on a surface (opposing surface 120a of the lower blade 120) facing the upper blade 110, which supports the second leg 31c of each element 31 meshed in the element guide passage 103. The configurations of the middle partition 113, the first recess 111, the second recess 131, the support surface 135, and the protrusion 121 will be described in detail below.

[0030] The partition 113 is located at the center of the opposing surface 110a of the upper blade 110 in the left-right direction and is a protruding piece that protrudes downward from the opposing surface 110a of the upper blade 110 toward the opposing surface 120a of the lower blade 120. The partition 113 is formed as a narrow plate extending in the front-to-rear direction from the rear end of the connecting post 130 to the rear end (rear opening 102) of the upper blade 110. In the illustrated example, the partition 113 has a front partition portion 113a that extends from the front end to the midpoint in the front-to-rear direction, and a rear partition portion 113b that extends from the rear end of the front partition portion 113a to the rear end of the upper blade 110 and protrudes downward less than the front partition portion 113a. For details of this configuration, please refer to Figures 4, 9, 10, etc.

[0031] The partition front portion 113a protrudes downward slightly more than the flange portion 140a of the upper blade 110. Therefore, the lower end of the partition front portion 113a is located slightly closer to the lower blade 120 than the lower end of the flange portion 140a of the upper blade 110. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 5 . On the other hand, the partition rear portion 113b protrudes downward less than the flange portion 140a of the upper blade 110. Therefore, the lower end of the partition rear portion 113b is located closer to the upper blade 110 than the lower end of the flange portion 140a of the upper blade 110. The lower end of the partition portion 113 has a smooth R-shape. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 7 . In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the partition front portion 113a is slightly longer in the front-to-rear direction than the partition rear portion 113b. The partition 113 need only be formed so that the amount of protrusion toward the lower blade 120 gradually decreases toward the rear, and is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawing.

[0032] According to this configuration, by making the partition rear portion 113b protrude downward less than the partition front portion 113a, even if an opening device or the like (not shown) is provided on the slide fastener 1, a space can be secured to accommodate the opening device or the like at the rear of the element guide path 103. In other words, the partition portion 113 can be provided on the slider body 100 regardless of whether an opening device is provided or not.

[0033] The first recesses 111 are grooves extending in the front-rear direction formed by recessing the inner side of the opposing surface 110a of the upper blade 110 in the left-right direction. A pair of first recesses 111 are provided adjacent to the outer left and right sides of the connecting posts 130 and the partition 113, and extend in the front-rear direction from the front end (shoulder 101) to the rear end (rear opening 102) of the upper blade 110. This makes the thickness of the portion of the upper blade 110 where the first recesses 111 are formed thinner than the thickness of the remaining portion. In other words, the first recesses 111 formed on the opposing surface 110a of the upper blade 110 are located between the flanges 140a provided on the left and right edges of the upper blade 110 and the connecting posts 130 and the partition 113 provided in the center of the upper blade 110, near the connecting posts 130 or the partition 113.

[0034] The first recesses 111 are curved outward toward the left and right along the flanges 140a of the upper blades 110. In other words, the pair of left and right first recesses 111 are curved away from each other from the rear opening 102 toward the shoulder opening 101. This configuration can be seen in Figure 9. The width of the first recesses 111 is wider at the shoulder opening 101 than at the rear opening 102.

[0035] According to this configuration, the first relief portions 111 provide spaces on the left and right inner sides of the upper portion of the element guide path 103 for allowing the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to escape so as not to come into strong contact with the upper wing 110 inside the slider body 100. This configuration can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 12 to 15. The width of the first relief portions 111 is formed wider at the shoulder opening 101 than at the rear opening 102, so that the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the unengaged mountain-shaped first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are less likely to interfere with the shoulder opening 101 and the connecting post 130. Furthermore, since the first relief portions 111 are formed from the front end of the upper wing 110, the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the mountain-shaped first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can be supported (guided) so as to smoothly enter the shoulder opening 101 of the slider 40. Similarly, the first escape portion 111 extends to the rear end of the upper wing plate 110, and therefore can support (guide) the smooth exit of the widthwise one end portions 10a, 20a of the closely-attached mountain-shaped first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 from the rear opening 102.

[0036] The second recesses 131 are formed by cutting out the upper rear portion of the connecting post 130, which is formed in a rectangular (elliptical) cross section that is long in the front-to-rear direction, inwardly to the left and right as it extends rearward. By forming the pair of left and right second recesses 131 in the connecting post 130, the upper rear portion of the connecting post 130 is formed into an acute-angled mountain shape or V-shape. In addition, a step 132 is formed in the middle of the upper rear portion of the connecting post 130 in the vertical direction, extending in the front-to-rear direction along the lower ends of the pair of second recesses 131. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 8 .

[0037] The step portion 132 forms a flat surface extending in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the connecting post 130 at the vertical midpoint of the rear part of the connecting post 130. The flat surface forming the step portion 132 comes into contact with one widthwise end portion 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and thereby also functions as a guide surface that guides the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to bend smoothly into a mountain shape.

[0038] The vertical position of the step 132 on the connecting pillar 130 is desirably formed within a range of 30 to 70% from the lower end of the connecting pillar 130. In other words, the vertical position of the step 132 is formed so as to be approximately half the vertical height position of the element 31 guided in the element guide path 103. With this configuration, the one widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can easily come into contact with the step 132. This makes it possible to prevent the one widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 from getting caught between the coupling head portion 31a of the element 31 and the connecting pillar 130.

[0039] In the example shown, the guide surface, which is the step portion 132, is slightly inclined toward the lower wing plate 120 toward the left and right outward, but depending on the material of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the length of the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a, etc., it may be inclined toward the upper wing plate 110 toward the left and right outward so that the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 bend smoothly, or it may be formed parallel to the upper wing plate 110 and the lower wing plate 120.

[0040] According to this configuration, the second recess 131 is formed by trimming the upper rear side of the connecting post 130, so that the processing of the second recess 131 is easy and inexpensive.

[0041] The support surfaces 135 are curved surfaces provided on the left and right outer sides of the lower part of the connecting column 130 and extending in the front-to-rear direction from the front end to the rear end of the connecting column 130. The support surfaces 135 are curved along the rear end of the engaging head 31 a of the element 31, and are formed so as to support the left and right inner sides of the element 31 guided from the shoulder 101 to the element guide path 103.

[0042] In the element guide path 103, as the element 31 moves rearward from the shoulder 101, the engagement head 31a may tilt toward the lower blade 120, and one widthwise end portion 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 may become caught between the element 31 and the connecting post 130. As a result, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 may overlap in the element guide path 103, causing a sudden increase in sliding resistance of the slider 40. To address this problem, the support surface 135 formed on the connecting post 130 supports the element 31 and maintains the position of the element 31 until the first and second element rows 50, 60 are engaged, thereby efficiently preventing an increase in sliding resistance of the slider 40. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 15 , etc., which will be described later.

[0043] The protrusion 121 is formed at the left-right center of the opposing surface 120a of the lower blade 120, extending in the front-rear direction from the rear end of the connecting post 130 to the rear opening 102, and protruding from the opposing surface 120a of the lower blade 120 toward the upper blade 110. The protrusion 121 serves as a guide surface on which the second leg 31c of each element 31 constituting the first and second element rows 50, 60 is placed after the elements 31 are engaged by the slider body 100. The left-right width of the protrusion 121 is approximately the same as that of the connecting post 130 directly behind the connecting post 130, and becomes narrower toward the rear opening 102. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 8 .

[0044] (Operations and Effects) Next, the opening and closing operations of the first and second element rows 50, 60 via the slider body portion 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Figs. 11 to 15. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 1, showing the state inside the slider body portion. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 1, showing the state inside the slider body portion. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in Fig. 1, showing the state inside the slider body portion. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Fig. 1, showing the state inside the slider body portion. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in Fig. 1, showing the state inside the slider body portion.

[0045] When the slider 40 is operated to slide forward along the slide fastener 1 to close the slider body 100, the slider body 100 can engage the first and second element rows 50, 60 spaced apart on the left and right.

[0046] Specifically, when the slider 40 is closed, the first element row 50 is first guided from one side of the shoulder 101 into the element guide path 103, and the second element row 60 is guided from the other side of the shoulder 101 into the element guide path 103. At this time, the element guide path 103 has a space for retracting the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 on the upper wing 110 side due to the first escape portion 111 formed in the upper wing 110. Therefore, even if 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 curved in a mountain shape (U-shape), the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are smoothly guided from the shoulder 101 into the element guide path 103 without getting caught. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 11 . Furthermore, since the first relief portion 111 extends 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 opposing surface 110a of the upper blade 110, which allows smooth sliding of the slider 40. This configuration can be seen in Figures 11 to 15.

[0047] Next, the first and second element rows 50, 60, guided from the shoulder 101 into the element guide path 103, are guided so as to gradually approach each other in the left-right direction as they move rearward. The first element row 50 and the second element row 60 are guided to the point where the Y-shaped element guide path 103 joins (the rear end of the connecting post 130), allowing the elements 31 to mesh with each other. At this time, the element guide path 103 has a space for retracting the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 toward the connecting post 130 in the left-right direction, due to the second relief portion 131 formed in the connecting post 130. This prevents the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 from strongly contacting the upper wing 110 or the connecting post 130, thereby preventing an increase in sliding resistance. This configuration can be seen in FIGS. 12 and 15 .

[0048] Next, behind the connecting column 130 of the element guide path 103, the first and second element rows 50, 60 are interlocked, so that the widthwise end portion 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the widthwise end portion 20a of the second fastener tape 20 are pressed against each other in the width direction, deforming and bending so as to protrude in an arched shape on the front side. At this time, the middle partition portion 113 provided on the upper blade 110 is inserted between the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, so that the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can be reliably bent. Therefore, the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 overlap each other in the vertical direction without bending, which efficiently and reliably prevents a sudden increase in sliding resistance. This configuration can be seen in Figures 13 and 14.

[0049] Additionally, behind the connecting pillar 130 of the element guideway 103, the protrusion 121 provided on the opposing surface 120a of the lower blade 120 allows the element 31 engaged by the slider body 100 to approach the opposing surface of the upper blade 110. This prevents the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 from overlapping in the gap formed between the lower end of the partition 113 and the first leg 31b of the engaged element 31. That is, the partition 113 can be more reliably inserted between the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, allowing the widthwise end portions 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to be smoothly bent. This configuration can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14 .

[0050] When the slider 40 is opened by sliding it rearward along the slide fastener 1, the slider body 100 can switch the first and second element rows 50, 60, which are in an interlocked state, into a separated state on the left and right. In other words, the 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 can be seen in Figure 1. As described above, even with a 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.

[0051] Next, with reference to Figures 16 to 18, the operation of maintaining the sliding position of the slider 40, which is slidable along the first fastener tape 10, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated will be described. Figure 16 is a surface view showing a state in which the slider is supported by one of the fastener stringers. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the slide fastener, taken along CC in Figure 1, showing a state in which the first and second element rows are separated. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the fastener tape and slider, with elements omitted, taken along II in Figure 1, showing a state in which the first and second element rows are separated.

[0052] 17 , in the fastener stringer 3 in a state in which the first and second element rows are separated, the bent tip portion 10c2 formed at one widthwise end portion 10a of the first fastener tape 10 is pressed against the partition portion 113 in the slider 40. As a result, the sliding position of the slider 40 sliding along the first fastener tape 10 is maintained by the frictional force between the bent tip portion 10c2 and the partition portion 113, etc.

[0053] At this time, the arch-shaped bent portion 10c is pressed in a crushing direction, and when the bent tip portion 10c2 presses the middle partition portion 113 inside the slider 40, the reaction force presses the elements 31 constituting the first element row 50 toward the members constituting the element guide path 103 inside the slider 40. More specifically, the elements 31 constituting the first element row 50 are held by being sandwiched between the bent portion 10c and the lower blade 120 (or the flange portion 140b constituting the lower blade 120). This makes it possible to hold the sliding position of the slider 40 sliding along the first fastener tape 10 at a predetermined position.

[0054] 17, the bent base end 10c1 of the first fastener tape 10 is disposed in a space formed by a first relief portion 111 formed in the upper blade 110 of the slider 40. Therefore, even when the bent base end 10c1 and the upper blade 110 are in contact or not in contact with each other, the bent base end 10c1 is not pressed against the upper blade 110. In other words, at one widthwise end 10a of the first fastener tape 10, only the bent tip end 10c2 contacts and slides against the partition portion 113 of the slider 40, so the bent base end 10c1 side is less susceptible to deterioration than the bent tip end 10c2. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, when the first and second element rows 50 and 60 are engaged with each other, the bent base ends 10c1 and 20c1 are visible, while the bent tip ends 10c2 and 20c2 are in close contact with each other and pressed against each other, making them difficult to see from the outside. That is, according to this embodiment, the appearance of the slide fastener 1 can be maintained in good condition for a long period of time.

[0055] Unlike the above example, the bent base end portion 10c1 of the first fastener tape 10 may also be configured to press against the upper blade 110 of the slider 40. According to this configuration, in the fastener stringer 3 in which the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated, the frictional force between the first fastener tape 10 and the slider 40 increases and the first element row 50 is more firmly clamped within the slider 40, making it easier to hold the slider 40 at a predetermined position on the first fastener tape 10.

[0056] 18, after the first fastener tape 10 located rearward of the rear opening 102 formed at the rear of the slider body 100 exits the slider 40 from the rear opening 102, the bent portion 10c that has been pressed so as to be elastically deformed into an arch shape by the partition portion 113 and the like within the slider 40 (element guide path 103) is released, and the bent tip portion 10c2 protrudes to a position overlapping the partition portion 113. As a result, when the first and second element rows are separated, the bent tip portions 10c2 protruding inward to the left and right make it difficult for the slider 40 to move rearward. That is, the slider 40 becomes even more difficult to move rearward due to free fall caused by weight, inertial force caused by movement or movement, and the like.

[0057] Similarly, with regard to the first fastener tape 10 located forward of the shoulder 101 formed at the front part of the slider body 100, the bent tip 10c2 of the first fastener tape 10 protrudes to a position where it overlaps with the connecting post 130. As a result, when the first and second element rows are separated, the bent tip 10c2 protruding inward to the left and right make it difficult for the slider 40 to move forward.

[0058] As described above, by maintaining the sliding position of the slider 40 sliding along the first fastener tape 10 when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated, it is possible to efficiently prevent the slider 40 from repeatedly moving back and forth unnecessarily (moving up and down on the page in FIG. 1 ) and thereby premature deterioration of the bent portion 10c of the first fastener tape 10. Note that, in the above example, an example has been described in which the slider 40 slides along the first fastener tape 10 when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated, but a configuration in which the slider 40 slides along the second fastener tape 20 is also possible.

[0059] Second Embodiment Next, with reference to Fig. 19, the configuration of a slide fastener according to a second embodiment will be described, focusing on differences from the above-described examples. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a slide fastener according to a second embodiment, showing the first and second element rows in an interlocked state. The slide fastener 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that first and second waterstop films 70, 80 are provided on the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. Since the other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are used in the drawings, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0060] 19, the slide fastener 1 of the second embodiment further includes a first water-stopping film 70 (first water-stopping layer) provided on the surface 13 of the first fastener tape 10, and a second water-stopping film 80 (second water-stopping layer) provided on the surface 23 of the second fastener tape 20. Therefore, the slide fastener 1 of this embodiment is a waterproof fastener having water-stopping properties.

[0061] The pair of left and right first and second waterstop films 70 are each elongated like the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and have back surfaces 71, 81 (first main waterstop surfaces) and front surfaces 73, 83 (second main waterstop surfaces) opposite the back surfaces 71, 81. The first and second waterstop films 70 are formed so as to entirely cover the front surfaces 13, 23 of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. In this embodiment, the front-to-rear dimensions and width dimensions of the first and second waterstop films 70 and the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are approximately the same.

[0062] The first and second waterstop films 70 are formed by joining, by adhesion, welding, etc., a waterstop layer such as a thermosetting polyurethane film to the 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 in which the waterstop layer (first and second waterstop films 70, 80) common to the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 is joined integrally.

[0063] Thereafter, a water repellent agent is applied to the slide fastener 1 by the following method. For example, the fastener stringers 3, 5 may be guided by being wound around the periphery of a guide roller (not shown) and then continuously passed through a container filled with the water repellent agent, thereby immersing the fastener stringers in the water repellent agent. In this treatment, the water repellent agent is efficiently applied to the entire surfaces of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the first and second element rows 50, 60, the core cord 32, the sewing thread 33, and the water stop layers (first and second water stop films 70, 80) that constitute the fastener stringers 3, 5. Next, the fastener stringers 3, 5 are lifted out of the container and continuously passed through a drying chamber, thereby first drying the water repellent agent applied to the entire surfaces of the fastener stringers 3, 5. Thereafter, the fastener stringers 3, 5, after the water repellent agent has dried, are continuously passed through a heat treatment chamber, thereby subjecting the dried water repellent agent to a heat treatment. This heat treatment causes fusion and adhesion between all of the base materials of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the first and second element rows 50, 60, the core cord 32, the sewing thread 33, and the water-stopping layers (the first and second water-stopping films 70, 80) and the water-repellent agent.

[0064] Next, the slide fastener 1 after the heat treatment is removed, and the single waterstop layer (first and second waterstop films 70, 80) connecting the pair of left and right fastener stringers 3, 5 is cut lengthwise along the interlocking portion where the first and second element rows 50, 60 interlock, dividing it into two, left and right pieces, using a cutting device such as a cutter. In this way, the pair of left and right first and second waterstop films 70, 80 is formed.

[0065] As shown in Figure 19, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are interlocked, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are designed to overlap the interlocking center O, and the first and second water-stopping films 70, 80 are designed to overlap the interlocking center O.

[0066] When the slider 40 is moved upward from a state in which the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated, the pair of left and right first and second element rows 50, 60 are interlocked as shown in Fig. 19. At this time, one widthwise end portion 10a, 70a of the first fastener tape 10 and the first waterstop film 70 extends toward the second fastener tape 20 side (one widthwise end side) from the interlocking center O of the first and second element rows 50, 60, and one widthwise end portion 20a, 80a of the second fastener tape 20 and the second waterstop film 80 extends toward the first fastener tape 10 side (one widthwise end side) from the interlocking center O. Therefore, the one widthwise end portions 10a, 70a and the one widthwise end portions 20a, 80a press against each other in the width direction and deform, and are bent so as to protrude in an arch shape on the front side and come into close contact with each other.

[0067] 19, the first and second waterstop films 70, 80 have film bent portions 70c, 80c formed along the bent portions 10c, 20c of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. Each of the film bent portions 70c, 80c has a film bent base end portion 70c1, 80c1 and a film bent tip end portion 70c2, 80c2.

[0068] In this way, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are interlocked with each other, the film bent portions 70c, 80c of the first and second waterstop films 70, 80 are brought into close contact with each other, so that, as in conventional reverse-use slide fasteners, no gaps (so-called partitions) are formed between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second waterstop films 70, 80. Therefore, when a user views the slide fastener 1 from the front side, the first and second element rows 50, 60 are not visible, resulting in an excellent appearance. Such a slide fastener 1 is particularly suitable for articles where aesthetic appearance is important, such as car seats, bags, and furniture.

[0069] Furthermore, since the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second water-stopping films 70, 80 are bent in an arched shape and adhere to each other, even if a force (so-called lateral pulling) acts on the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 in a direction that moves them away from each other, the degree of bending will only be slightly weakened to the extent that the interlocking gap between the elements 31, 31 is canceled out, and the adhesion state between them will be maintained, so the good appearance of the slide fastener 1 will be maintained.

[0070] When the first and second element rows 50, 60 are interlocked with each other, the first and second fastener tapes and the first and second water-stopping films 70, 80 are bent in an arched shape, and the bent tip ends 70c2, 80c2 of the films are brought into close contact with each other, so that no gaps (partitions) are formed between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second water-stopping films 70, 80, and liquid is prevented from entering through the partitions as in conventional technology.

[0071] 19 , when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are interlocked with each other, one widthwise end face 10b and one widthwise end face 20b of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and one widthwise end face 70b and one widthwise end face 80b of the first and second waterstop films 70, 80 face the elements 31 (rear side). The one widthwise end faces 70b and one widthwise end faces 80b of the first and second waterstop films 70, 80 may abut against the first and second element rows 50, 60. Furthermore, a surface 73 of one widthwise end face 70a of the first waterstop film 70 and a surface 83 of one widthwise end face 80a of the second waterstop film 80 are in close contact with each other at the interlocking center O. This improves the liquid infiltration suppression effect.

[0072] Furthermore, by providing the first waterstop film 70 on the surface 13 of the first fastener tape 10 and the second waterstop film 80 on the surface 23 of the second fastener tape 20, and by forming film bent portions 70c, 80c in the first and second waterstop films 70, 80, respectively, the thickness of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 is increased and the elasticity of the bent portions 10c, 20c is improved. As a result, when the first and second element rows are separated as shown in Figures 17 and 18, the sliding position of the slider 40 sliding along the first fastener tape 10 is more firmly maintained by the frictional force between the film bent tip portion 70c2 and the middle partition portion 113, etc.

[0073] As described above, the present specification discloses the following: (1) A fastener stringer comprising: a first fastener tape (10) having an elongated shape and a back surface (11) and a front surface (13), a first element row (50) provided on the back surface (11) of one widthwise end portion (10a) of the first fastener tape (10), and a bent portion (10c) formed by bending the one widthwise end portion (10a) of the first fastener tape in an arched shape toward the front surface (13), wherein the bent portion (10c) presses against at least a part of a slider aperture (103) defined by at least an upper blade (110), a lower blade (120), a connecting post (130), and flange portions (140a, 140b) of a slider (40) sliding along the first element row (50). According to this configuration, when the pair of fastener stringers 3, 5 are separated, the bent portion 10c of the first fastener tape 10 is pressed into the slider 40, so that the slider 40 sliding along the fastener stringer 3 can be held in the intended predetermined position.

[0074] (2) The fastener stringer according to (1), wherein the bent portion (10c) is elastically deformable and presses at least a part of the interior of the slider bore (103) within the slider bore (103), so that the slider (40) can be fixed at any position in the longitudinal direction of the first element row (50). According to this configuration, the slider 40 sliding along the fastener stringer 3 can be more reliably held at an intended predetermined position.

[0075] (3) The fastener stringer according to (1) or (2), wherein the upper blade (110) is formed with a partition (113) protruding toward the opposing surface of the lower blade (120), and the bent portion (10c) presses against at least one of the upper blade (110) or the partition (113). With this configuration, the bent portion 10c is easily pressed within the slider bore 103.

[0076] (4) The fastener stringer according to (3), wherein the bending portion (10c) has a pressing force against the middle partition portion (113) that is greater than the pressing force against the upper blade (110). According to this configuration, the slider can be held at a predetermined position on the first fastener tape with an appropriate holding force that does not interfere with the sliding operation of the slider.

[0077] (5) The fastener stringer according to (3) or (4), wherein the bent portion (10c) does not contact the upper blade (110) or does not press the upper blade (110) even if it does contact the upper blade (110), while pressing the middle partition portion (113). With this configuration, the slider can be held at a predetermined position on the first fastener tape with an appropriate holding force that does not interfere with the sliding operation of the slider.

[0078] (6) The fastener stringer according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein a reaction force of the bent portion (10c) pressing against the upper blade (110) or the middle partition portion (113) presses a part of the first element row (50) against the slider bore (103). According to this configuration, the slider can be stably held on the first fastener tape 10 side.

[0079] (7) A fastener stringer (5) comprising: the fastener stringer (3) according to any one of (1) to (6); a second fastener tape (20) having an elongated shape and a back surface (21) and a front surface (23); a second element row (60) provided on the back surface (21) of one widthwise end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20); and the slider (40) slidably provided on the first and second element rows (50, 60) extending in the front-rear direction, sliding in a front direction to engage the first and second element rows (50, 60) and in a rear direction to separate the first and second element rows (50, 60). A slide fastener, wherein one widthwise end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) extends closer to the second fastener tape (20) than the center of engagement (O) of the first and second element rows (50, 60), and one widthwise end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) extends closer to the first fastener tape (10) than the center of engagement (O), so that when the first and second element rows (50, 60) are engaged with each other, the bent portions (10c, 20c) formed on the one widthwise end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) and the one widthwise end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) come into close contact with each other. According to this configuration, when the first and second element rows (50, 60) are engaged with each other, the bent portions 10c, 20c of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 that are in close contact with each other can cover the first and second element rows (50, 60), thereby maintaining a good appearance.

[0080] (8) The slide fastener according to (7), comprising: a first water stop layer (70) provided on the surface (13) of the first fastener tape (10); and a second water stop layer (80) provided on the surface (23) of the second fastener tape (20). According to this configuration, no gaps are formed between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second water stop films 70, 80, and it is possible to prevent liquid from entering between the first and second fastener tapes.

[0081] (9) The slide fastener according to (8), wherein when the first and second element rows (50, 60) are interlocked with each other, film bent portions (70c, 80c) formed at one widthwise end portion (70a) of the first waterstop layer (70) and one widthwise end portion (80a) of the second waterstop layer (80) come into close contact with each other. This configuration makes it possible to more reliably bring the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second waterstop films 70, 80 into close contact with each other in a state where they are bent in an arched shape.

[0082] (10) The slide fastener according to any one of (7) to (9), wherein the slider (40) has the upper blade (110), the lower blade (120), and a connecting post (130) connecting the upper blade (110) and the lower blade (120) at their front ends, and the upper blade (110) has a partition (113) formed on the rear of the connecting post (130), protruding from the upper blade (110) toward the lower blade (120), and extending in the front-rear direction. According to this configuration, the bent portion (10c) of the first fastener tape (10) can be pressed against the upper blade 110 or the partition (113), so that the slider (40) sliding along the fastener stringer 3 can be held at a predetermined intended position.

[0083] (11) The slide fastener according to (10), wherein the upper blade (110) has first relief portions (111) provided between the connecting posts (130) and the partition portions (113) and between the left and right edge portions of the upper blade (110) and formed by recessing an opposing surface (110a) facing the lower blade (120), and the first relief portions (111) are provided near the center in the left-right direction of the opposing surface (110a). According to this configuration, the space formed by the first relief portions 111 can prevent the portion of the bent portion 10c of the first fastener tape 10 that is visible when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are engaged from sliding toward the slider 40, thereby maintaining a good appearance for a longer period of time.

[0084] (12) The slide fastener according to (10) or (11), wherein the partition (113) extends from the rear end of the connecting post (130) to the rear end of the upper blade (110). According to this configuration, the bent portion 10c of the first fastener tape 10 can be pressed up to the rear opening 102 in the slider 40, thereby improving the holding force for holding the slider 40, which slides along the fastener stringer 3, at an intended predetermined position.

[0085] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0086] This application is based on a PCT application (PCT / JP2023 / 046036) filed on December 21, 2023 and a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2024-089142) filed on May 31, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0087] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slide fastener 3 Fastener stringer 5 Fastener stringer 10 First fastener tape 10a One widthwise end 10b One widthwise end face 10c Bent portion 10c1 Bent base end 10c2 Bent tip end 11 Back surface 13 Surface 20 Second fastener tape 20a One widthwise end 20b One widthwise end face 20c Bent portion 20c1 Bent base end 20c2 Bent tip end 21 Back surface 13 Surface 31 Element 31a Interlocking head 31b First leg portion 31c Second leg portion 31d Connecting portion 32 Core cord 33 Sewing thread 40 Slider 42 Pull tab attachment portion 43 Pull tab 50 First element row 60 Second element row 70 First waterstop film (first waterstop layer) 70a One end in the width direction 70b One end face in the width direction 70c Bent portion of film 70c1 Bent base end of film 70c2 Bent tip end of film 71 Back surface 73 Front surface 80 Second water-stopping film (second water-stopping layer) 80a One end in the width direction 80b One end face in the width direction 80c Bent portion of film 80c1 Bent base end of film 80c2 Bent tip end of film 81 Back surface 83 Front surface 100 Slider body 101 Shoulder 102 Rear opening 103 Element guide path (slider bore) 110 Upper blade 110a Opposing surface 111 First relief portion 113 Middle partition 113a Middle partition front portion 113b Middle partition rear portion 120 Lower blade 120a Opposing surface 121 Protruding portion 130 Connecting column 131 Second relief portion 132 Step portion 135 Support surface 140a Flange portion 140b Flange portion

Claims

1. A fastener stringer comprising: a first fastener tape (10) having an elongated shape and a back surface (11) and a front surface (13); a first element row (50) provided on the back surface (11) of one widthwise end portion (10a) of the first fastener tape (10); and a bent portion (10c) formed by bending the one widthwise end portion (10a) of the first fastener tape in an arch shape toward the front surface (13), wherein the bent portion (10c) presses against at least a part of a slider aperture (103) defined by at least an upper wing plate (110), a lower wing plate (120), a connecting post (130), and flange portions (140a, 140b) of a slider (40) sliding along the first element row (50).

2. The fastener stringer according to claim 1, characterized in that the bent portion (10c) is elastically deformable and presses at least a portion of the interior of the slider bore (103) within the slider bore (103), allowing the slider (40) to be fixed at any position in the longitudinal direction of the first element row (50).

3. A fastener stringer as described in claim 1, wherein the upper blade (110) is formed with a partition portion (113) protruding toward the opposing surface of the lower blade (120), and the bent portion (10c) presses against at least one of the upper blade (110) or the partition portion (113).

4. A fastener stringer according to claim 3, wherein the bending portion (10c) has a pressing force against the middle partition portion (113) that is greater than the pressing force against the upper blade (110).

5. A fastener stringer according to claim 3, wherein the bent portion (10c) does not contact the upper blade (110) or, if it does contact, does not press against the upper blade (110), while the partition portion (113) presses against the upper blade (110).

6. The fastener stringer according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the first element row (50) is pressed against the slider aperture (103) by a reaction force of the bent portion (10c) pressing against the upper blade (110) or the middle partition portion (113).

7. A fastener stringer (5) comprising: a second fastener tape (20) having an elongated back surface (21) and a front surface (23); and a second element row (60) provided on the back surface (21) of one widthwise end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20); and the slider (40) provided slidably on the first and second element rows (50, 60) extending in the front-rear direction, the slider sliding at a front side for engaging the first and second element rows (50, 60) and at a rear side for separating the first and second element rows (50, 60), a slide fastener in which one widthwise end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) extends toward the second fastener tape (20) from a center of engagement (O) of the first and second element rows (50, 60), and one widthwise end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) extends toward the first fastener tape (10) from the center of engagement (O), so that when the first and second element rows (50, 60) are engaged with each other, the bent portions (10c, 20c) formed at one widthwise end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) and one widthwise end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) are in close contact with each other.

8. A slide fastener as described in claim 7, comprising: a first water-stopping layer (70) provided on the surface (13) of the first fastener tape (10); and a second water-stopping layer (80) provided on the surface (23) of the second fastener tape (20).

9. A slide fastener as described in claim 8, wherein, when the first and second element rows (50, 60) are interlocked with each other, film bend portions (70c, 80c) formed at one widthwise end portion (70a) of the first water-stopping layer (70) and one widthwise end portion (80a) of the second water-stopping layer (80) are brought into close contact with each other.

10. The slide fastener according to claim 7, wherein the slider (40) has the upper wing (110), the lower wing (120), and a connecting pillar (130) connecting the upper wing (110) and the lower wing (120) at their front ends, and the upper wing (110) is provided with a middle partition portion (113) that is provided rearward of the connecting pillar (130), protrudes from the upper wing (110) toward the lower wing (120), and extends in the fore-and-aft direction.

11. A slide fastener as described in claim 10, wherein the upper wing (110) has first recesses (111) provided between the connecting posts (130) and the partition portion (113) and between the left and right edges of the upper wing (110) and formed by recessing an opposing surface (110a) facing the lower wing (120), and the first recesses (111) are provided toward the center in the left-right direction of the opposing surface (110a).

12. A slide fastener according to claim 10, wherein the partition portion (113) extends from the rear end of the connecting post (130) to the rear end of the upper wing (110).

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