Slider and slide fastener including same

Abstract

First and second guide parts (6, 7) of a slider (9) respectively include first and second element guide surfaces (65, 75) facing each other in the width direction of a slider main part (4). The first and second element guide surfaces (65, 75) have shapes adapted for monofilament-based guiding fastener elements. A second wing plate (42) of the slider (9) has an offset edge (21) that is offset toward the center line (CL) in the width direction of the slider main part (4) relative to the farthest position (11f) of a first side edge (11) farthest from the center line (CL). The offset edge (21) extends between a front edge (23) of the second wing plate (42) and a rear edge (24) of the second wing plate (42). A connection point (P1) of the offset edge (21) connected to the front edge (23) of the second wing plate (42) is positioned in front of the front end of the first element guide surface (65) in the direction parallel to the center line (CL).

Description

Slider and slide fastener including same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a slider and a slide fastener including the same.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for forcibly disengaging left and right fastener elements without operating the slider (see Figures 7 to 10 of the document). For this purpose, at least one of the upper and lower wing pieces of the slider is bent. Furthermore, a flange is made low at a portion near the shoulder of the slider (see Figures 11 to 16 of the document). Note that only resin and metal block-shaped fastener elements are considered (see the final paragraph 0084 of the specification of the document).

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses forming a notch in the lower blade to facilitate the escape of the fastener element. Patent Document 3 discloses a slider structure that can eliminate the pinching of fabric inside the slider, in particular, the lower blade is shaped to be narrow.

[0004] International Publication No. 2010 / 113275 Chinese Patent No. 109198809 Chinese Utility Model No. 219742019

[0005] In the form of a resin mass in which the fastener element is fixed to the side edge portion of the fastener tape, the fastener element itself has sufficient rigidity and does not easily deform. In Patent Document 1, the rigidity of the fastener element itself is utilized to deflect the upper or lower blade provided as a cantilever beam to the connecting post. Like Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2 also relates to a form in which the fastener element is provided as a resin mass.

[0006] When a coil-shaped member in which a monofilament is wound spirally and engaging heads are formed at a predetermined pitch is used as a fastener element row, the individual fastener elements do not necessarily have sufficient rigidity, and the premise is different from that of Patent Documents 1 and 2. In short, a fastener element corresponding to one turn of a spiral coil-shaped member has lower rigidity than a resin mass and is easily deformed. Therefore, it is considered that the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 cannot be applied to fastener elements based on monofilaments, or at least are not suitable. The inventor of the present application has conceived the following invention contrary to this common technical knowledge.

[0007] A slider according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a slider main portion including a first vane, a second vane, and a connecting post connecting the first and second vanes, wherein an element passage branched by the connecting post is defined in the slider main portion, the element passage including left and right front openings located on either side of the connecting post, and a rear opening located rearward of the connecting post and spatially communicating with the left and right front openings; and first and second guide portions spaced apart in the width direction of the slider main portion so that the element passage has a portion whose width gradually decreases toward the rear, the first guide portion connecting to the first vane along a first side edge of the first vane on one of the left and right sides, and the second guide portion connecting to the first vane along a second side edge of the first vane on the other of the left and right sides. The first and second guide portions include first and second element guide surfaces facing each other in the width direction of the slider main portion, the first and second element guide surfaces having shapes suitable for guiding a monofilament-based fastener element. The second vane has an offset edge that is offset toward the centerline in the width direction of the slider main portion compared to the farthest position of the first side edge that is farthest in the width direction of the slider main portion from a centerline that extends linearly in the front-to-rear direction at the center of the width direction of the connecting post. The offset edge extends between the leading edge of the second vane and the trailing edge of the second vane, and the connection point of the offset edge to the leading edge of the second vane is located forward of the front end of the first element guide surface in the direction parallel to the centerline.

[0008] A slide fastener according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a pair of left and right coil members each formed by spirally wound monofilaments, a pair of left and right fastener tapes supporting the pair of left and right coil members, and the slider described above. The pair of left and right coil members have a plurality of engaging heads at positions protruding from the opposing edges of the pair of left and right fastener tapes. The slider is attached in an inseparable manner to one of the coil members of the pair of left and right fastener stringers, and the other coil member of the pair of left and right fastener stringers can escape from the slider via a space between the offset edge of the slider and the first guide portion.

[0009] The individual features of the claims are applicable independently or in any combination to each of the slider and slide fastener configurations described above.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in a configuration in which a monofilament-based fastener element is forcibly disengaged without operating the slider, it is possible to promote a longer life of the slider and / or fastener element.

[0011] 1 is a top view of a slide fastener according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slider according to one embodiment of the present disclosure as seen from the left front, particularly depicting the inner surfaces of the first and second guide portions connected to the first blade;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a front view of the slider;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the slider;

[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the slider;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom view of the slider;

[0028] FIG. 6 is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the slider, showing the first blade and the first and second guide portions protruding from the inner surface of the first blade;

[0029] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the slider according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the left front;

[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the slider according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the left front;

[0029] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the slider according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the left front;

[0029] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the slider according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the left front;

[0029] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the slider according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the left front;

[0029] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the slider according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the left front;

[0029] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the slider according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the left front;

[0029] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the slider according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the left front;

[0029] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the slider according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the left front;

[0029] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a slide fastener, illustrating the rear surface of the slider. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a slide fastener, taken along the dashed dotted line X11-X11 in FIG. 1. For reference, the partial contour line of the first guide portion in FIG. 12 is shown by a dotted line. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a slide fastener, taken along the dashed dotted line X12-X12 in FIG. 1, which is located forward of FIG. 11. For reference, the right-side fastener stringer is shown to be escaping from the slider. FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a mirror image imaginary guide portion of the second guide portion, shown by a dotted line. FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing the positional relationship between the rear region of the relief surface and the imaginary guide portion. FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing the positional relationship between the front region of the relief surface and the imaginary guide portion. FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing an element center plane.

[0012] Various embodiments and features will be described below with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will be able to combine the various embodiments and / or features without the need for excessive explanation, and will also be able to understand the synergistic effects of such combinations. Duplicate descriptions between embodiments will be omitted as a general rule. The reference drawings are primarily intended to describe the invention and are simplified for ease of illustration. Each feature is not only applicable to the slider and slide fastener illustrated in the present application, but is also understood as a universal feature applicable to various other sliders and slide fasteners not illustrated in the present specification.

[0013] In this specification, the width, length, and thickness directions of a slide fastener may be described as corresponding to the left-right direction, front-rear direction, and up-down direction, respectively. The same applies to the width, length, and thickness directions of the slider (or slider main part). The up-down direction does not need to coincide with the vertical direction (direction of gravity) and is unrelated to it.

[0014] In this specification, a center line CL is defined for the slider. The center line CL extends linearly in the front-to-rear direction at the widthwise center of the connecting post of the slider. The center line CL typically coincides with or is included in the center line of the slide fastener. Note that the center line of the slide fastener extends in the front-to-rear direction at the widthwise center of the slide fastener.

[0015] The structure and function of the slide fastener 150 and the slider 9 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6B. Figure 1 is a top view of the slide fastener 150. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the slider 9 from the left front, particularly depicting the inner surfaces of the first and second guide members 6 and 7 connected to the first blade 41. Figure 3 is a front view of the slider 9. Figure 4 is a right side view of the slider 9. Figure 5A is a schematic top view of the slider 9. Figure 5B is a schematic bottom view of the slider 9. Figure 6A is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the slider 9, showing the first blade 41 and the first and second guide members 6 and 7 protruding from the inner surface of the first blade 41. Figure 6B is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the slider 9, showing the second blade 42 and the third guide member 8 protruding from the inner surface of the second blade 42. A virtual mirror image line of the opposite edge relative to the center line CL is also shown.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, the slide fastener 150 has a pair of left and right fastener stringers 11s, 12s and a slider 9. The pair of left and right fastener stringers 11s, 12s each includes a coil-shaped member 11a, 12a and fastener tapes 11b, 12b that support the coil-shaped members 11a, 12a (typically, the coil-shaped members 11a, 12a are sewn together). When the slider 9 moves forward, the pair of left and right fastener stringers 11s, 12s is closed (the fastener elements of the coil-shaped members 11a, 12a are alternately engaged). When the slider 9 moves backward, the pair of left and right fastener stringers 11s, 12s is opened (similarly, the fastener elements of the coil-shaped members 11a, 12a are disengaged).

[0017] Each coil-shaped member 11a, 12a is formed by helically winding a monofilament, with engaging heads formed at a predetermined pitch. Each coil-shaped member 11a, 12a includes an array of fastener elements, each of which corresponds to one turn of the monofilament spiral. Specifically, the fastener elements have an engaging head 2a, an inverted portion 2b, an upper leg 2c, and a lower leg 2d (see FIGS. 1 and 12). The engaging head 2a is located outside the tape surface of the fastener tape, and is positioned protruding from the opposing edges of the fastener tapes 11b, 12b. The engaging head 2a is formed by molding a predetermined portion of the monofilament to be wider in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape 11b. The inverted portion 2b is located on the tape surface of the fastener tape. The tape surface of the fastener tape is the upper or lower surface that defines its thickness. The upper leg 2c is located farther from the tape surface of the fastener tape than the lower leg 2d. The upper leg 2c and the lower leg 2d may alternatively be referred to as the first and second legs.

[0018] The slider 9 is attached in a non-detachable manner to the coil-shaped member (12a in the illustrated case) of one of the pair of left and right fastener stringers 11s, 12s (the left fastener stringer 12s in the illustrated case), and the coil-shaped member (11a in the illustrated case) of the other of the pair of left and right fastener stringers 11s, 12s (the right fastener stringer 11s in the illustrated case) can escape from the slider 9 (through the space between the offset edge 21 and the first guide portion 6, which will be described later). A monofilament-based fastener element has lower rigidity and is more easily deformed than a fastener element made of a resin mass. Accumulation of deformation in the fastener element may hinder normal opening and closing of the slide fastener. According to one or more features of the present disclosure described below, such problems are mitigated or eliminated.

[0019] In some cases, the fastener stringers 11s, 12s are provided with front stops 16, 17 adjacent to the front ends of the coiled members 11a, 12a. A separable rear stop 18 is provided adjacent to the rear ends of the coiled members 11a, 12a. The separable rear stop 18 has an insert pin 18a and a box portion 18b, and the insert pin 18a is insertable into and detachable from the receiving groove of the box portion 18b. Advantageously, the insert pin 18a is provided on the fastener stringer 12s.

[0020] The slider 9 is made of resin or metal and is manufactured by injection molding or die-casting. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the slider 9 includes a slider main portion 4, a first guide portion 6, a second guide portion 7, a third guide portion 8, and a pull tab attachment portion 19. The slider main portion 4 includes a first blade 41, a second blade 42, and a connecting post 43 connecting the first and second blades 41, 42. In some embodiments, the first and second guide portions 6, 7 are integral with the slider main portion 4. In other cases, the first and second guide portions 6, 7 are separate from the slider main portion 4 and attached thereto. The first and second blades 41, 42 may alternatively be referred to as upper and lower blades.

[0021] The first and second blades 41, 42 face each other in the vertical direction (the height direction of the slider 9 or the extension direction of the connecting post 43). The first and second blades 41, 42 are flat plates, similar to the blades of a general slider, and each has an inner surface and an outer surface in the thickness direction. The inner surfaces of the first and second blades 41, 42 are arranged opposite to each other, and the outer surfaces of the first and second blades 41, 42 face in opposite directions.

[0022] A pull tab attachment portion 19 is disposed on the outer surface of the first blade 41. A pull tab (not shown) is attached to the pull tab attachment portion 19. Operating the pull tab disengages the locking pawl (not shown) from the fastener element, allowing the slider 9 to move forward or backward. For this purpose, a slot SL1 is formed through the first blade 41 at a position rearward of the connecting post 43 (see FIG. 2).

[0023] An axis L1 (see FIG. 1) extending in the front-to-rear direction at the widthwise center of the pull tab attachment portion 19 is offset from the center line CL in the width direction of the slider 9. This promotes selective engagement of the locking claw with the fastener element of the coiled member 12a rather than the coiled member 11a. The slot SL1 can also be positioned offset from the center line CL in the same direction as the axis L1. Just to be clear, the slider 9 may be a free slider that does not have a locking claw.

[0024] Optionally, the outer surface of the first blade 41 includes a sloped surface 45 that gradually reduces the thickness of the first blade 41 as it extends in a direction away from the center line CL. This makes the first blade 41 more flexible and promotes easier escape of the coiled member 11a from within the slider 9. The sloped surface 45 approaches the inner surface of the first blade 41 as it moves away from the center line CL. Preferably, the sloped surface 45 is selectively provided only on one side of the center line CL, i.e., the same side as the first guide portion 6. This makes it difficult for the first blade 41 to flex on the same side as the second guide portion 7. Typically, the first blade 41 has a constant thickness on the same side as the second guide portion 7.

[0025] An element passage 5 is defined in the slider main section 4 by a connecting column 43, branching off from the connecting column 43. The element passage 5 includes left and right front openings 5m, 5n located on either side of the connecting column 43, and a rear opening 5r located behind the connecting column 43 and spatially communicating with the left and right front openings 5m, 5n (see FIG. 5A). The element passage 5 has passage widths W5a, W5b limited by the first and second guide sections 6, 7 in the width direction of the slider main section 4 (see FIG. 6A), resulting in a substantially Y-shaped passage. The element passage 5 has a passage width that increases with increasing distance from the first blade 41 (W5a<W5b). This may be a result of the curvature of the first and second element guide surfaces 65, 75, described below.

[0026] 5A and 5B, the first vane 41 and the second vane 42 have different profiles (when viewed from the front). The second vane 42 is asymmetrical about the centerline CL, unlike vanes of a typical slider (see 5B). Optionally, the first vane 41 is also asymmetrical about the centerline CL, unlike vanes of a typical slider (see 5A).

[0027] The first blade 41 has first and second side edges 11, 12, a leading edge 13, and a trailing edge 14 (see FIG. 5A ). The first and second side edges 11, 12 are formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL and are respectively one and the other of the left and right edges in the width direction of the slider main portion 4. The first and second side edges 11, 12 have a rear portion extending parallel to the center line CL and a front portion that slopes away from the center line CL as it extends forward (preferably in a manner where the slope with respect to an imaginary line parallel to the center line CL gradually increases).

[0028] The leading edge 13 extends to connect the front ends of both the first and second side edges 11, 12 to the front end of the connecting post 43 and is formed asymmetrically about the centerline CL, as shown in the illustrated example, although this is not necessarily the case. That is, the leading edge 13 of the first vane 41 optionally has a rearwardly recessed notch 15 on either the left or right side of the connecting post 43, which promotes quicker or easier separation of the fastener stringer 12s from within the slider 9. Of course, it is also possible to omit the notch 15 and form the leading edge 13 symmetrically on both the left and right sides of the connecting post 43.

[0029] The second blade 42 has an offset edge 21, an opposite edge 22, a leading edge 23, and a trailing edge 24 (see FIG. 5B ). The offset edge 21 and the opposite edge 22 are, respectively, one and the other of the left and right edges in the width direction of the slider main portion 4. The offset edge 21 and the opposite edge 22 are formed asymmetrically with respect to the centerline CL. The offset edge 21 extends longer in the front-to-rear direction than the opposite edge 22. In the illustrated example, the offset edge 21 extends parallel to the centerline CL, but it may be inclined obliquely with respect to the centerline CL or may extend wavy in the front-to-rear direction. The opposite edge 22 is formed symmetrically with the second side edge 12 and has rear and front portions similar to those of the second side edge 12. The leading edge 23 is formed symmetrically with the leading edge 13 except for differences such as the fact that it is narrowed by the offset edge 21 and that there is no notch 15. The trailing edge 24 is formed symmetrically with the trailing edge 14 except for the fact that it is narrowed by the offset edge 21.

[0030] The first and second guide portions 6, 7 are spaced apart in the width direction of the slider main portion 4 so that the element passage 5 has a portion whose width gradually decreases toward the rear (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 6A). The first guide portion 6 is connected to the first blade 41 along the first side edge 11 of the first blade 41 on one of the left and right sides, and is preferably a rail portion extending along the first side edge 11 and protruding toward the second blade 42. The second guide portion 7 is connected to the first blade 41 along the second side edge 12 of the first blade 41 on the other of the left and right sides, and is preferably a rail portion extending along the second side edge 12 and protruding toward the second blade 42. Note that the first and second guide portions 6, 7 may also be divided into multiple portions in the front-rear direction as long as their guiding performance is maintained.

[0031] The first guide portion 6 has a front portion 61 extending obliquely forward away from the center line CL and a rear portion 62 located behind the front portion 61 and extending parallel to a plane (e.g., the center line CL) perpendicular to the width direction of the slider main portion 4 (see FIG. 6A ). Similarly, the second guide portion 7 has a front portion 71 extending obliquely forward away from the center line CL and a rear portion 72 located behind the front portion 71 and extending parallel to the center line CL. Similarly, the third guide portion 8 has a front portion 81 extending obliquely forward away from the center line CL and a rear portion 82 located behind the front portion 81 and extending parallel to the center line CL (see FIG. 6B ).

[0032] The first guide portion 6 has a front surface 6a, a rear surface 6e, an inner surface 6b, an outer surface 6c, and an end surface 6d facing the opposite side from the first blade 41 (see FIG. 6A ). The end surface 6d connects the inner surface 6b and the outer surface 6c at a position spaced apart from the first blade 41. The first guide portion 6 may have a width that gradually decreases as it extends forward at least in its front portion 61 (e.g., as a result of or independent of a relief surface 66 described below). At least one of the inner surface 6b and the outer surface 6c approaches the other as it extends forward, thereby reducing the width of the first guide portion 6.

[0033] The first guide portion 6 can have a thickness (height) that gradually decreases as it extends forward at least at its front portion 61 (see FIG. 4). As the end face 6d extends forward, it approaches the first blade 41, thereby reducing the thickness (height) of the first guide portion 6. As shown in FIG. 4, the end face 6d can have a flat surface 6d1 disposed on a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction and an inclined surface 6d2 located in front of it. The (acute) angle that the inclined surface 6d2 makes with respect to the plane on which the flat surface 6d1 exists is within the range of 20° to 60°, thereby achieving both the lateral pull strength of the slide fastener 150 and the ease of release of the coiled member 11a from within the slider 9.

[0034] The second guide portion 7 has a front surface 7a, a rear surface 7e, an inner surface 7b, an outer surface 7c, and an end surface 7d facing the opposite side of the first blade 41 (see FIG. 6A ). The end surface 7d connects the inner surface 7b and the outer surface 7c at a position spaced apart from the first blade 41 and extends in the front-to-rear direction at a constant height in the vertical direction. Therefore, the second guide portion 7 has a constant thickness (height) in the vertical direction. The inner surface 7b and the outer surface 7c run parallel to each other forward and define the width of the second guide portion 7. Note that the width and thickness of the second guide portion 7 can be understood without regard to the chamfer formed on the second guide portion 7. For example, although there is a R-chamfer between the front surface 7a and the end surface 7d, the second guide portion 7 is understood to have a constant thickness excluding any reduction in the thickness of the second guide portion 7 due to this chamfer.

[0035] The third guide portion 8 forms a tape insertion groove G1 between itself and the second guide portion 7 (see FIG. 3 ) and is typically shorter than the second guide portion 7. The third guide portion 8 narrows the gap between the second blade 42 and the second guide portion 7 to prevent the coiled member 12 a from escaping from the slider 9. Unlike the second guide portion 7, the third guide portion 8 does not directly contact the coiled member 12 a but directly contacts the fastener tape 12 b. The third guide portion 8 has a configuration similar to that of the second guide portion 7, and in short, has a front surface 8 a, a rear surface 8 e, an inner surface 8 b, an outer surface 8 c, and an end surface 8 d that connects the inner surface 8 b and the outer surface 8 c at a position spaced apart from the second blade 42 (see FIG. 6B ).

[0036] The first and second guide portions 6, 7 (particularly, their inner surfaces 6b, 7b) include first and second element guide surfaces 65, 75 that face each other in the width direction of the slider main portion 4 (see FIGS. 2, 3, 5B, and 6A). The first and second element guide surfaces 65, 75 each have a shape (for example, a shape that fits the contour of the inverted portion of the fastener element) that is adapted to guide the monofilament-based fastener element (specifically, the coil-shaped member 11a, 12a). Typically, the first and second element guide surfaces 65, 75 include curved surfaces that curve so as to move away from each other as they extend toward the second blade 42. The distance between the first and second element guide surfaces 65, 75 gradually increases as they move away from the first blade 41 (see W5a, W5b in FIG. 6A).

[0037] In detail, the first and second element guide surfaces 65, 75 are curved and shaped to fit the individual contours of the inverted portions 2b of the multiple fastener elements in the slider 9 among the many fastener elements included in the coil-shaped members 11a, 12a in which the monofilament is spirally wound, and can come into contact with or press against them (see FIG. 7). Exemplarily, the first and second element guide surfaces 65, 75 are formed rearward of the connecting pillar 43. The first and second element guide surfaces 65, 75 can have a height (see FIG. 10) that is approximately half the height of the inverted portions 2b in a direction parallel to the height direction of the slider main portion 4 (for example, the up-and-down direction).

[0038] Providing the above-described first and second element guide surfaces 65, 75 on the first and second guide portions 6, 7 allows the coiled members 11a, 12a to be more accurately held within the slider 9. However, this may conversely reduce the ease with which the coiled member 11a can be released from within the slider 9. According to one or more features of the present disclosure described below, such problems are mitigated or eliminated.

[0039] In some cases, the first and second element guide surfaces 65, 75 are offset from the inner surface of the first blade 41 toward the second blade 42. This prevents the coiled members 11a, 12a from sliding on the inner surface of the first blade 41, thereby reducing wear. When the slider 9 moves forward or backward, the coiled members 11a, 12a do not need to be in constant contact with the first and second element guide surfaces 65, 75; depending on how the slider 9 is pulled, the coiled members may be partially or completely out of contact with each other. In the illustrated example, the inner surface 6b includes a first side surface 63, a first element guide surface 65, and a second side surface 67. Similarly, the inner surface 7b includes a first side surface 64, a second element guide surface 75, and a second side surface 68. The first side surface may be a downward-hanging surface extending substantially vertically (parallel to the height direction of the slider 9) between the element guide surface and the inner surface of the first blade 41. A relief surface 66 (a front region 66m and a rear region 66n) described below is formed between the second side surface 67 and the end surface 6d. An edge 7z is formed between the second side surface 68 and the end surface 7d. The term "substantially perpendicular" includes angles within a range of ±15° with respect to the up-down direction.

[0040] The first element guide surface 65 is formed on both sides of the boundary between the front portion 61 and the rear portion 62 of the first guide portion 6, straddling the boundary therebetween, and preferably extending over the entire length or substantially the entire length of the first guide portion 6 in the front-to-rear direction. Similarly, the second element guide surface 75 is formed on both sides of the boundary between the front portion 71 and the rear portion 72 of the second guide portion 7, straddling the boundary therebetween, and preferably extending over the entire length or substantially the entire length of the second guide portion 7 in the front-to-rear direction. Of course, it is also possible to selectively form the first element guide surface 65 on the rear portion 62 and not on the front portion 61. The same applies to the second element guide surface 75. The second element guide surface 75 can terminate at a position forward of the first element guide surface 65 (see distance D1 in FIG. 6A ). This facilitates the escape of the coiled member 11 a from within the slider 9 while making it more difficult for the coiled member 12 a to escape from within the slider 9.

[0041] The third guide portion 8 does not contact the coil-shaped member 12a and therefore does not have an element guide surface. The inner surface 8b of the third guide portion 8 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the second blade 42.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second vane 42 has an offset edge 21 that is offset toward the center line CL in the width direction of the slider main portion 4 compared to the farthest position 11f (see FIG. 5A ) of the first side edge 11 that is farthest in the width direction of the slider main portion 4 from the center line CL that extends linearly in the front-rear direction through the width center of the connecting column 43. The offset edge 21 extends between the leading edge 23 of the second vane 42 and the trailing edge 24 of the second vane 42, and a connection point P1 (see FIG. 5A ) of the offset edge 21 to the leading edge 23 of the second vane 42 is located forward of the front end of the first element guide surface 65 (alternatively, the front end of the first guide portion 6, the rear end of the connecting column 43, or the center position of the connecting column 43 in the front-rear direction) in the direction parallel to the center line CL. If the offset edge 21 is formed long in this way, there is a risk that the support performance of the second vane 42 for the coiled member 11a at the front opening 5m of the element passage 5 will be reduced. However, the coiled member 11a is supported between the first element guide surface 65 and the second blade 42. Furthermore, the position of the coiled member 11a is stabilized by engagement with the coiled member 12a supported between the second element guide surface 75 and the second blade 42. Therefore, even if the offset edge 21 is formed long, the basic performance of the slider 9 (and consequently the basic performance of the slide fastener 150) is not significantly impaired. Despite this, the sliding resistance and degree of deformation of the coiled member 11a required when escaping from the slider 9 are reduced, making it possible to provide a slider that is sufficiently durable for the purpose or application of forcibly disengaging the fastener elements of the coiled members 11a and 12a from each other. In short, the life of the slider (or the fastener element of the coiled member) is extended for that purpose or application.

[0043] The second blade 42 has an opposite edge 22 located on the opposite side of the offset edge 21 in the width direction of the slider main portion 4. The opposite edge 22 can be formed symmetrically to the second side edge 12 of the first blade 41 (with respect to a plane perpendicular to the connecting post 43). This more firmly attaches the slider 9 to the coil-shaped member 12a, effectively preventing the slider 9 from falling off the coil-shaped member 12a (and vice versa). At the same time, this also facilitates or promotes the escape of the coil-shaped member 11a from the element passage 5 via the space between the first guide portion 6 and the offset edge 21. This is because the slider 9 is prevented from being entrained and moving in the same direction by the coil-shaped member 11a.

[0044] The offset edge 21 preferably extends linearly between the leading edge 23 of the second blade 42 and the trailing edge 24 of the second blade 42. This uniformizes the force applied to the coiled member 11a when it escapes from the slider 9. The extending direction of the offset edge 21 may be parallel to the extending direction of the rear portion 82 of the third guide portion 8. Of course, this is not limiting, and the offset edge 21 may be formed diagonally or in a wavy shape as described above. Typically, the offset edge 21 has a predetermined width in the up-down direction.

[0045] The closer the offset edge 21 is to the center line CL, the easier it is for the coiled member 11a to escape from within the slider 9. However, at the same time, the ability of the second blade 42 to support the coiled member 11a decreases. In some cases, one or more of the following conditions (a) to (d) are satisfied, and a balance between the two is ensured.

[0046] (a) When the outer surface of the second blade 42 is viewed from the front, the offset edge 21 at least partially overlaps the first guide portion 6, and is located directly above or below it (see FIG. 5B).

[0047] (b) When a mirror image line 22m of the opposite edge 22 with respect to the center line CL is virtually set, and the portion of the mirror image line 22m extending in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the slider main part 4 is set as a predetermined portion 22n, the offset edge 21 is positioned closer to the predetermined portion 22n than the center line CL in the width direction of the slider main part 4 (see Figure 6B).

[0048] (c) The offset edge 21 is located on a virtual axis L9 parallel to the front-to-rear direction and including a virtual line that is mirror-symmetrical to the inner surface of the rear portion 82 of the third guide portion 8 with respect to the center line CL, or is located closer to the virtual axis L9 than the center line CL in the width direction of the slider main portion 4 (see Figure 6B).

[0049] (d) The distance W2 between the center line CL and the offset edge 21 is less than the distance W1 between the center line CL and the portion of the opposite edge 22 extending parallel to the center line CL, and is at least 3 / 5 of that distance. That is, (W1 * 3 / 5) ≦ W2 < W1 is satisfied (see FIG. 6B). For reference, FIG. 6B also shows W1', a distance equal to W1, and W2', a distance equal to W2.

[0050] In some cases, the inner surface of the second blade 42 may have an inclined surface 29 that slopes away from the first blade 41 as it moves away from the connecting post 43 in the width direction of the slider main portion 4 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ). This facilitates the escape of the coiled member 11a from within the slider 9. Preferably, the inclined surface 29 is a flat surface inclined at a certain angle. Advantageously, the inclined surface 29 slopes until it reaches the offset edge 21, but this is not limited thereto. A flat surface may also be formed between the inclined surface 29 and the offset edge 21. A chamfer may also be formed between the inclined surface 29 and the offset edge 21. In the illustrated example, the inclined surface 29 is formed between the offset edge 21 and the flat surface of the inner surface of the second blade 42.

[0051] The inclined surface 29 can be formed (preferably with a predetermined width) across the entire length between the leading edge 23 and the trailing edge 24 of the second blade 42. The second blade 42 has a side edge portion that is thinned by the inclined surface 29, and this side edge portion is gradually thinned toward the offset edge 21. The inclined surface 29 preferably forms an acute angle of 45° or less with respect to a plane perpendicular to the height direction of the slider main portion 4, and preferably forms an angle within the range of 10° to 45° (or 15° to 40°).

[0052] The positioning of the offset edge 21 in the width direction of the slider main portion 4 is subject to the above-mentioned constraints (i.e., ensuring a balance between the support performance of the coiled member 11a by the second blade 42 and the ease of escape of the coiled member 11a from within the slider 9). When one or more of the above conditions (a) to (d) are satisfied, the offset distance of the offset edge 21 can be said to be relatively small. This ensures the support performance of the coiled member 11a by the second blade 42, and maintains the closing performance of the slide fastener 150 within an acceptable range. On the other hand, there is a risk that the ease of escape of the coiled member 11a from within the slider 9 will not be fully satisfactory. In view of this, it is advantageous to shape the first guide portion 6 (particularly its front portion 61) so as to promote the escape of the fastener elements of the coiled member 11a from within the slider 9.

[0053] In some cases, the first element guide surface 65 has a height range (simply, a vertical range or vertical width) in the height direction of the slider main part 4 that gradually decreases as it extends forward. In other words, the first element guide surface 65 is shaped so that the contact area of ​​the coiled member 11a with the fastener element decreases or gradually decreases as it approaches the front opening 5m. This promotes the ease of escape of the coiled member 11a from within the slider 9.

[0054] Furthermore, the first element guide surface 65 may include (i) an area oriented obliquely so as to face the connecting end of the connecting pillar 43 with the second blade 42; (ii) an area extending along the resultant vector of a first vector extending from the second blade 42 to the first blade 41 in the height direction of the slider main part 4, a second vector extending in a direction away from the connecting pillar 43 in the width direction of the slider main part 4, and a third vector parallel to the front-to-rear direction; and / or (iii) an area oriented obliquely so as to approach the first blade 41 and move away from the connecting pillar 43 as it extends forward.

[0055] In some cases, an end edge 65j (e.g., a lower edge) of the first element guide surface 65 that is farthest from the first blade 41 in the height direction of the slider main portion 4 is inclined toward the first blade 41 as it extends forward (see FIGS. 2 and 3). This facilitates the escape of the coiled member 11a from within the slider 9. Typically, as in the illustrated example, the end edge 65j of the first element guide surface 65 is formed on the front portion 61, i.e., is inclined toward the first blade 41 as it extends forward at the front portion 61.

[0056] In some cases, the first guide part 6 has at least one relief surface 66 formed between its inner surface 6b (in some cases, a first element guide surface 65 included in the inner surface 6b) and the end face 6d, and extending to reach its front surface 6a. By forming the relief surface 66 in this manner, the contact area between the coiled member 11a and the first guide part 6 is reduced, and the ease of removal of the coiled member 11a from within the slider 9 is promoted.

[0057] The relief surface 66 is formed at least on the front portion 61 of the first guide part 6. Preferably, the relief surface 66 is formed across the front portion 61 and the rear portion 62, i.e., includes a front region 66m formed on the front portion 61 and a rear region 66n formed on the rear portion 62, or can be divided into such a front region 66m and a rear region 66n. Preferably, the relief surface 66 is formed over a larger area and / or a larger height range in the height direction of the slider 9 on the front portion 61 than on the rear portion 62 of the first guide part 6. This facilitates the escape of the coiled member 11a from within the slider 9.

[0058] The relief surface 66 may be formed so as not to be visible when the slider 9 is viewed from the side with the first guide portion 6 viewed from the front. The relief surface 66 may be oriented obliquely so as to face the connecting end of the connecting post 43 connected to the second blade 42. The relief surface 66 may extend along a composite vector of a first vector extending from the second blade 42 to the first blade 41 in the height direction of the slider main portion 4, a second vector extending in a direction away from the connecting post 43 in the width direction of the slider main portion 4, and a third vector parallel to the front-to-rear direction. The relief surface 66 may be oriented obliquely so as to approach the first blade 41 and move away from the connecting post 43 as it extends forward. This facilitates the escape of the coiled member 11a from within the slider 9.

[0059] The relief surface 66 has a first edge 66a between the relief surface 66 and the end face 6d, a second edge 66b between the relief surface 66 and the inner side surface 6b (or the first element guide surface 65 in some cases), and a third edge 66c between the relief surface 66 and the front surface 6a (see FIGS. 2 and 3). As the first edge 66a and the second edge 66b extend forward, they both approach the first blade 41 and extend away from the connecting post 43.

[0060] The relief surface 66 may be a flat surface rather than a curved surface like the element guide surface, and may be a chamfered C-surface (cut surface). The relief surface 66 preferably forms an angle within a range of 45° to 80° with respect to a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the slider main portion 4 (see θ in FIG. 12). This prevents the coiled member 11a from coming into strong contact with the first guide portion 6 when it escapes from the slider 9.

[0061] The relief surface 66 may be formed to have a larger area in the front portion 61 of the first guide portion 6 than in the rear portion 62 thereof, or may be selectively formed in the front portion 61 of the first guide portion 6. In such a case, the ease of release of the coiled member 11a from within the slider 9 is also enhanced.

[0062] Advantageously, the front region 66m and the rear region 66n satisfy the following relationship: First, a virtual guide portion 7' ​​is imaginarily set on the second guide portion 7, mirror-symmetrically with respect to the center line CL of the slider (see FIG. 13). In FIG. 13, the virtual guide portion 7' ​​is illustrated by a dotted line so as to overlap the first guide portion 6, allowing the difference in shape between the two to be observed. The virtual guide portion 7' ​​has a virtual inner side surface 7b' and a virtual end surface 7d' corresponding to those of the second guide portion 7. A virtual edge 7z' is formed between the virtual inner side surface 7b' and the virtual end surface 7d'. As shown in FIG. 14, the distance Q1 between the rear region 66n and the virtual edge 7z' in a plane perpendicular to the center line CL is relatively small. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 15, the distance Q2 between the front region 66m and the virtual edge 7z' in a plane perpendicular to the center line CL is relatively large. In short, the distance Q2 is larger than the distance Q1, which satisfies both the lateral pull strength of the slide fastener 150 and the ease of escape of the coil-shaped member 11a from within the slider 9. The distances Q1 and Q2 may be set between the first edge 66a and the imaginary edge 7z', and the same applies to the second edge 66b described below.

[0063] Typically, the first distance Q1 is constant in the front-to-rear direction, and the second distance Q2 gradually decreases toward the front. In the rear portion 62, the first element guide surface 65 may at least partially or entirely coincide with a virtual element guide surface (not shown) included in the imaginary inner surface 7b'. In contrast, in the front portion 61, the first element guide surface 65 does not at least partially or entirely coincide with a virtual element guide surface 75' included in the imaginary inner surface 7b', but is offset, for example, toward the first blade 41. This facilitates the escape of the coiled member 11a from within the slider 9. Note that the angle formed by the front region 66m and the vertical direction is equal to the angle formed by the rear region 66n and the vertical direction, but this is not necessarily the case.

[0064] Advantageously, as shown in Fig. 16 , when the fastener chain with which the fastener stringers 11s, 12s are engaged is passed through the slider 9 and the coil-shaped members 11a, 12a of the fastener stringers 11s, 12s abut against the first and second element guide surfaces 65, 75, respectively, and assume the uppermost position, the front region 66m of the relief surface 66 is located above the center plane PL1 set at the center of the thickness of the coil-shaped member 12a, at least at its front end or in its entirety. Also, as shown in Fig. 16 , when the fastener chain with which the fastener stringers 11s, 12s are engaged is passed through the slider 9 and the coil-shaped members 11a, 12a of the fastener stringers 11s, 12s abut against the first and second element guide surfaces 65, 75, respectively, and assume the uppermost position, the rear region 66n of the relief surface 66 is located below the center plane PL1, at least at its rear end or in its entirety. This promotes quicker or easier separation of the fastener stringer 12s from within the slider 9. The center plane PL1 may be set at the midpoint in the vertical direction of the space between the upper leg 2c and the lower leg 2d. The center plane PL1 may intersect at the midpoint between the upper and lower end points of the engagement head 2a extending along the vertical direction.

[0065] 7 to 12, a description will be given of a manner in which the fastener stringer 12s (particularly the coiled member 11a) is released from within the slider 9. As in the above description, it is assumed that the first blade 41 is disposed on the upper side and the second blade 42 is disposed on the lower side. First, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 10, and 11, the coiled members 11a and 12a are sandwiched on both the left and right sides by the first and second element guide surfaces 65 and 75, and their positions are restricted from above. Although the coiled members 11a and 12a are shown not in contact with the inner surface of the first blade 41, they may also be in partial or complete contact with the inner surface of the first blade 41. However, in this case, the sliding resistance of the slider 9 may increase.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8, the offset edge 21 extends so as to intersect with a plurality of elements (five in the case of Figure 8) included in the coil-shaped member 11a, which extends diagonally forward from the junction behind the connecting post 43. That is, these plurality of elements are insufficiently supported by the second vane 42. As described above, the coil-shaped member 11a is supported between the first element guide surface 65 and the second vane 42. The posture of the coil-shaped member 11a is stabilized by engagement with the coil-shaped member 12a, which is stably supported between the second element guide surface 75 and the second vane 42. Therefore, even if the offset edge 21 is formed to extend forward beyond the front end of the first element guide surface 65, the basic performance of the slider 9 (and consequently the basic performance of the slide fastener 150) is not significantly impaired.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9, the coiled member 11a can be forcibly released from within the slider 9. The fastener elements of the coiled member 11a are disengaged from the fastener elements of the coiled member 12a, and this occurs continuously toward the rear. As a result, the fastener elements between the coiled members 11a and 12a are disengaged from each other over the entire length. During this forcible disengagement operation, it is preferable that the slider 9 is positioned on the coiled member 12a. Therefore, it is optimal that the slider 9 has a locking function (the locking claw described above) that can lock its own position.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 11, the inverted portion 2b of the fastener element of the coil-shaped member 11a is contacted or pressed to the right and above by the first element guide surface 65. As described above, the vertical height of the first element guide surface 65 gradually decreases toward the front, thereby facilitating the ease of escape of the coil-shaped member 11a from within the slider 9. The relief surface 66 is formed as described above, facilitating the ease of escape of the coil-shaped member 11a from within the slider 9. Note that in Fig. 11, the positions of the first element guide surface, inner surface, relief surface, and end surface in the cross section of Fig. 12 are shown by dotted lines. These surfaces shift in a direction away from the connecting post 43 at a more forward position.

[0069] As shown in Figure 12, when the fastener stringer 11s is pulled to the right, the coiled member 11a changes from contact with the first element guide surface 65 to contact with the relief surface 66. The orientation of the relief surface 66 causes the coiled member 11a to displace obliquely downward. The second blade 42 is formed with an inclined surface 29, which allows the coiled member 11a to be smoothly displaced in the same direction.

[0070] In some cases, the coiled member 11a is press-fit between the first guide portion 6 and the side edge of the second blade 42 (where the offset edge 21 is formed), pushing the first guide portion 6 upward and causing the right half of the first blade 41 to bend upward. Not only the first blade 41 but also the coiled member 11a may be elastically deformed. In other cases, the coiled member 11a is press-fit between the first guide portion 6 and the side edge of the second blade 42 (where the offset edge 21 is formed), but the right half of the first blade 41 does not bend upward; only the coiled member 11a is elastically deformed. In still other cases, the coiled member 11a is inserted between the first guide portion 6 and the side edge of the second blade 42 (where the offset edge 21 is formed) and passes between them without difficulty. That is, the first blade 41 and the coiled member 11a do not elastically deform during the passage. This is a result of the sufficient spacing between the first guide portion 6 and the side edge of the second blade 42 .

[0071] In light of the above teachings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to each embodiment and each feature. The reference numerals included in the claims are for reference purposes only and should not be used to limit the interpretation of the claims.

[0072] The present specification also discloses the following invention: [Supplementary Note 1] A slider main portion (4) including a first blade (41), a second blade (42), and a connecting column (43) connecting the first and second blades (41, 42), wherein an element passage (5) branched by the connecting column (43) is defined in the slider main portion (4), and the element passage (5) includes left and right front openings (5m, 5n) located on both sides of the connecting column (43), and a rear opening (5r) located behind the connecting column (43) and spatially communicating with the left and right front openings (5m, 5n); a slider (9) for a slide fastener comprising first and second guide portions (6, 7) spaced apart in the width direction of the slider main portion (4) so ​​that the element passage (5) has a portion whose width gradually decreases toward the rear, the first guide portion (6) being connected to the first blade (41) along a first side edge (11) of the first blade (41) on one of the left and right sides, and the second guide portion (7) being connected to the first blade (41) along a second side edge (12) of the first blade (41) on the other of the left and right sides; the first and second guide portions (6, 7) including first and second element guide surfaces (65, 75) facing each other in the width direction of the slider main portion (4), the first and second element guide surfaces (65, 75) having shapes suitable for guiding a monofilament-based fastener element; The second vane (42) has an offset edge (21) offset toward the center line (CL) in the width direction of the slider main portion (4) compared to the farthest position (11f) of the first side edge (11) that is farthest in the width direction of the slider main portion (4) from the center line (CL) that extends linearly in the front-to-rear direction at the width center of the connecting post (43), and the first guide portion (6) is shaped to promote escape of the fastener element from within the slider (9). [Supplementary Note 2] The slider according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first element guide surface (65) has a height range in the height direction of the slider main portion (4) that gradually decreases as it extends forward.[Appendix 3] The slider according to Appendix 2, wherein an end edge (65j) of the first element guide surface (65) that is farthest from the first blade (41) in the height direction of the slider main portion (4) is inclined toward the first blade (41) as it extends forward. [Supplementary Note 4] The slider according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the first guide portion (6) has at least one relief surface (66), and the at least one relief surface (66) is: (i) obliquely oriented so as to face the connecting end of the connecting post (43) with the second blade (42); (ii) extends along a resultant vector of a first vector extending from the second blade (42) to the first blade (41) in the height direction of the slider main portion (4), a second vector extending in a direction away from the connecting post (43) in the width direction of the slider main portion (4), and a third vector parallel to the front-to-rear direction; and / or (iii) obliquely oriented so as to approach the first blade (41) and move away from the connecting post (43) as it extends forward.

[0073] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4: Slider main portion 5: Element passage 6: First guide portion 7: Second guide portion 8: Third guide portion 9: Slider 11a, 12a: Coil-shaped member 11b, 12b: Fastener tape 11f: Farthest position 11s, 12s: Fastener stringer 22: Opposite edge 22m: Mirror image line 22n: Predetermined portion 41: First blade 42: Second blade 43: Connecting pillar 65: First element guide surface 65j: End edge 66: Relief surface 75: Second element guide surface 150: Slide fastener CL: Center line P1: Connection point

Claims

1. A slider main part (4) including a first blade (41), a second blade (42), and a connecting column (43) connecting the first and second blades (41, 42), wherein an element passage (5) branched by the connecting column (43) is defined in the slider main part (4), and the element passage (5) includes left and right front openings (5m, 5n) located on both sides of the connecting column (43), and a rear opening (5r) located behind the connecting column (43) and spatially communicating with the left and right front openings (5m, 5n); a slider (9) for a slide fastener comprising first and second guide portions (6, 7) spaced apart in the width direction of the slider main portion (4) so ​​that the element passage (5) has a portion whose width gradually decreases toward the rear, the first guide portion (6) being connected to the first blade (41) along a first side edge (11) of the first blade (41) on one of the left and right sides, and the second guide portion (7) being connected to the first blade (41) along a second side edge (12) of the first blade (41) on the other of the left and right sides; the first and second guide portions (6, 7) including first and second element guide surfaces (65, 75) facing each other in the width direction of the slider main portion (4), the first and second element guide surfaces (65, 75) having shapes suitable for guiding a monofilament-based fastener element; The second vane (42) has an offset edge (21) that is offset toward the center line (CL) in the width direction of the slider main portion (4) compared to the farthest position (11f) of the first side edge (11) that is farthest in the width direction of the slider main portion (4) from a center line (CL) that extends linearly in the front-to-rear direction at the center of the width direction of the connecting column (43), the offset edge (21) extending between a leading edge (23) of the second vane (42) and a trailing edge (24) of the second vane (42), and a connection point (P1) of the offset edge (21) to the leading edge (23) of the second vane (42) is located forward of a front end of the first element guide surface (65) in a direction parallel to the center line (CL).

2. A slider according to claim 1, wherein the offset edge (21) extends linearly between the leading edge (23) of the second vane (42) and the trailing edge (24) of the second vane (42).

3. A slider according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the offset edge (21) at least partially overlaps the first guide portion (6) when the outer surface of the second blade (42) is viewed from the front.

4. A slider as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second blade (42) has an opposite edge (22) located on the opposite side of the offset edge (21) in the width direction of the slider main portion (4), and the opposite edge (22) is formed symmetrically to the second side edge (12) of the first blade (41) with respect to a plane perpendicular to the connecting post (43).

5. A slider according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first guide portion (6) is shaped to facilitate escape of fastener elements from within the slider (9).

6. A slider according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first element guide surface (65) has a height range in the height direction of the slider main portion (4) that gradually decreases as it extends forward.

7. A slider as described in claim 6, wherein the end edge (65j) of the first element guide surface (65) that is furthest from the first blade (41) in the height direction of the slider main portion (4) is inclined toward the first blade (41) as it extends forward.

8. A slider according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first guide portion (6) has at least one relief surface (66), which (i) is oriented obliquely so as to face the connecting end of the connecting post (43) with the second blade (42); (ii) extends along a resultant vector of a first vector extending from the second blade (42) to the first blade (41) in the height direction of the slider main portion (4), a second vector extending in a direction away from the connecting post (43) in the width direction of the slider main portion (4), and a third vector parallel to the front-to-rear direction; and / or (iii) is oriented obliquely so as to approach the first blade (41) and move away from the connecting post (43) as it extends forward.

9. A slider as described in claim 8, wherein the first guide portion (6) has a front surface (6a), an inner surface (6b), an outer surface (6c), and an end surface (6d) facing the opposite side of the first blade (41), and the at least one relief surface (66) is formed between the inner surface (6b) and the end surface (6d) and extends to reach the front surface (6a).

10. A slider as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the first guide portion (6) has a front portion (61) extending diagonally forward away from the center line (CL), and the at least one relief surface (66) is formed at least on the front portion (61) of the first guide portion (6).

11. A slider according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the at least one relief surface (66) is formed so as not to be visible when the slider is viewed from the side with the first guide portion (6) seen from the front.

12. A slider as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the first guide portion (6) has a front portion (61) extending diagonally forward away from the center line (CL), and a rear portion (62) located rearward of the front portion (61) and extending parallel to a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the slider main portion (4), and the relief surface (66) includes a front region (66m) formed in the front portion (61) and a rear region (66n) formed in the rear portion (62).

13. A slider as set forth in claim 12, wherein a virtual guide portion (7') is imaginarily set in the second guide portion (7) that is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the center line (CL) of the slider, the virtual guide portion (7') includes a virtual inner surface (7b') and a virtual end surface (7d') facing the opposite side of the first blade (41), a virtual edge (7z') is formed between the virtual inner surface (7b') and the virtual end surface (7d'), and a distance (Q2) between the front region (66m) and the virtual edge (7z') in a plane perpendicular to the center line (CL) is greater than a distance (Q1) between the rear region (66n) and the virtual edge (7z') in a plane perpendicular to the center line (CL).

14. A slider as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the first guide portion (6) has a front portion (61) extending diagonally forward away from the centre line (CL) and a rear portion (62) located rearward of the front portion (61) and extending parallel to a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the slider main portion (4), and the relief surface (66) is formed to have a larger area in the front portion (61) than in the rear portion (62) of the first guide portion (6), or is selectively formed in the front portion (61) of the first guide portion (6).

15. A slider as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first guide portion (6) has a front portion (61) that extends diagonally forward away from the center line (CL), and the first guide portion (6) has a width that gradually decreases as it extends forward at least in its front portion (61).

16. A slider as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the outer surface of the first vane (41) includes an inclined surface (45) that gradually reduces the thickness of the first vane (41) as it extends in a direction away from the centre line (CL) of the slider main portion (4).

17. A slider as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the inner surface of the second blade (42) has an inclined surface (29) that slopes away from the first blade (41) as it moves away from the connecting post (43) in the width direction of the slider main portion (4).

18. A slider according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first and second element guide surfaces (65, 75) are curved and shaped to fit the individual contours of the inversion portions (2b) of multiple fastener elements in the slider (9) among the many fastener elements contained in the coil-shaped member formed by spirally winding the monofilament, and optionally have a height of approximately half the height of the inversion portions (2b) in a direction parallel to the height direction of the slider main portion (4).

19. A slide fastener (150) comprising a pair of left and right coil-shaped members (11a, 12a) formed by spirally winding monofilaments, a pair of left and right fastener tapes (11b, 12b) supporting the pair of left and right coil-shaped members (11a, 12a), the pair of left and right coil-shaped members (11a, 12a) comprising a pair of left and right fastener stringers (11s, 12s) having a plurality of engaging heads (2a) at positions protruding from the opposing edges of the pair of left and right fastener tapes (11b, 12b), and the slider (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, The slider (9) is attached to one of the coil-shaped members (11a, 12a) of the pair of left and right fastener stringers (11s, 12s) in a manner that the slider (9) cannot be detached from the other of the coil-shaped members (11a, 12a) of the pair of left and right fastener stringers (11s, 12s) can escape from the slider (9) through a space between the offset edge (21) of the slider (9) and the first guide portion (6).

Images