SLIDE FASTENER

Abstract

A slide fastener of the present invention includes: a first fastener stringer; a second fastener stringer; and a slider which couples or separates the first and second fastener stringers, in which the second fastener stringer separated from the slider is inserted into the slider wherein the first fastener stringer and the second fastener stringer are coupled in a vertical direction. Accordingly, a row of fastener elements of the second fastener stringer separated from the slider is inserted into the slider by first and second fastening members when a fixing pin and an insertion pin are coupled in a vertical direction, and as a result, the coupling operation is convenient.

Claims

1. A slide fastener comprising: a first fastener stringer; a second fastener stringer; and a slider which couples or separates the first and second fastener stringers, wherein the second fastener stringer separated from the slider is inserted into the slider when the first fastener stringer and the second fastener stringer are coupled in a vertical direction.

2. The slide fastener of claim 1, wherein the first fastener stringer has a fixing pin, the second fastener stringer has an insertion pin, and a row of fastener elements formed on the second fastener stringer is inserted into the slider when the fixing pin and the insertion pin are coupled in the vertical direction.

3. The slide fastener of claim 2, further comprising: a first fastening member which is provided on the fixing pin; and a second fastening member which is provided on the insertion pin and coupled to the first fastening member with directionality.

4. The slide fastener of claim 3, wherein a guide protrusion is formed on one of the first fastening member and the second fastening member, and a guide groove, which corresponds to the guide protrusion, is formed in the other of the first fastening member and the second fastening member, which does not have the guide protrusion.

5. The slide fastener of claim 4, wherein the guide groove is divided into a first section, a second section which is wider than the first section, and an inclined surface between the first section and the second section.

6. The slide fastener of claim 5, wherein a guide surface, which guides the insertion of the guide protrusion, is formed in an inlet of the first section.

7. The slide fastener of claim 1, wherein the second fastener stringer has an insertion member, and the slider has a channel into which the insertion member is inserted and a leading portion which is cut out to guide the insertion member to the channel.

8. The slide fastener of claim 7, wherein a distance between the insertion member and the second fastening member is equal to or greater than a length of the channel.

9. The slide fastener of claim 3, further comprising: an elastic means which automatically separates the second fastening member from the first fastening member.

10. The slide fastener of claim 9, wherein the elastic means includes: an accommodating groove formed in the second fastening member; a push rod inserted into the accommodating groove; and a spring interposed between the accommodating groove and the push rod.

11. The slide fastener of claim 2, wherein the insertion pin has a fitting groove and the fixing pin has a fitting protrusion inserted into the fitting groove.

12. The slide fastener of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first and second fastening members includes a magnet.

13. The slide fastener of claim 3, wherein the second fastening member has a catching projection inserted into the first fastening member, the first fastening member has an omega shaped spring corresponding to the catching projection, and a part of the omega shaped spring protrudes toward the slider.

14. The slide fastener of claim 2, wherein the insertion pin has a fastening groove that surrounds a core yarn formed on the second fastener stringer.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0054] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a slide fastener according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 2 is an exploded bottom perspective view illustrating the slide fastener according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views illustrating a coupling state in FIG. 1.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front view illustrating first and second fastening members.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view illustrating a slide fastener according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view illustrating a slide fastener according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the first and second fastening members in FIG. 2.

[0061] FIGS. 9 and 10 are exploded perspective views illustrating a slide fastener according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

[0062] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Exemplary Embodiment

[0063] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a slide fastener according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a exploded bottom perspective view illustrating the slide fastener according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views illustrating a coupling state in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front view illustrating first and second fastening members.

[0064] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, a slide fastener A according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200, and a slider 300 for coupling or separating the first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200.

[0065] The first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200 include a fastener tape, and rows of fastener elements including a plurality of fastener elements 101 and 201.

[0066] The fastener elements 101 and 201 are formed to surround core yarns 102 and 202 formed in the fastener tape, thereby preventing the separation between the fastener tape and the fastener elements 101 and 201.

[0067] A fixing pin 110 is provided on the first fastener stringer 100, and an insertion pin 210, which is inserted into the slider 300, is provided on the second fastener stringer 200.

[0068] The first fastener stringer 100 having the fixing pin 110 is a fixed fastener stringer that cannot be separated from the slider 300, and the second fastener stringer 200 having the insertion pin 210 is a separable fastener stringer that can be separated from the slider 300.

[0069] The slider 300 includes a main body 310 which may slide along the first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200, and a handle 320 which is installed on the main body 310 and held by a user.

[0070] Regarding main characteristics of the present invention, when the first fastener stringer 100 and the second fastener stringer 200 are coupled to each other in a vertical direction, the second fastener stringer 200 separated from the slider 300 is inserted into the slider 300, and specifically, the row of fastener elements 201 formed on the second fastener stringer 200 is inserted into the slider 300.

[0071] To this end, the fixing pin 110 has a first fastening member 120, and the insertion pin 210 has a second fastening member 220 which is coupled to the first fastening member 120 with directionality. The first fastening member 120 is formed in a cylinder shape, and the second fastening member 220 is accommodated in the first fastening member 120.

[0072] The first fastening member 120 may be formed in various shapes such as a circular cylinder shape, a circular cylinder shape with an opened upper side, and a hollow polygonal column shape, and the shape of the first fastening member 120 is not particularly limited as long as the first fastening member 120 may accommodate the second fastening member 220.

[0073] Furthermore, the second fastening member 220 may be formed to accommodate the first fastening member 120, and the shape of the second fastening member 220 is not particularly limited as long as the second fastening member 220 may accommodate the first fastening member 120.

[0074] In addition, an opening 129 is formed in the first fastening member 120 so that a connecting portion between the second fastening member 220 and the insertion pin 210 is inserted into the opening 129 while traversing the opening 129.

[0075] Further, a guide protrusion 121 is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the first fastening member 120, and a guide groove 221, which corresponds to the guide protrusion 121, is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the second fastening member 220. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a guide groove 121′ may be formed in the first fastening member 120, and a guide protrusion 221′ may be formed in the second fastening member 220.

[0076] That is, the second fastening member 220 is fastened to the first fastening member 120 with directionality by the guide protrusion 121 and the guide groove 221. Here, the directionality means a position where the row of fastener elements 201 of the second fastener stringer 200 separated from the slider 300 is inserted into the slider 300.

[0077] In this case, one or more pairs of guide protrusions 121 and guide grooves 221 may be formed.

[0078] Meanwhile, the guide groove 221 includes a first section 221a, and a second section 221b relatively wider than the first section 221a. An inclined surface 221c is formed between the first section 221a and the second section 221b, thereby guiding the movement of the guide protrusion 121.

[0079] That is, when the guide protrusion 121 is positioned in the first section 221a, a state in which the first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200 are spread at a predetermined angle is maintained, but the row of fastener elements 201 of the second fastener stringer 200 is inserted into the slider 300.

[0080] Furthermore, when the guide protrusion 121 is positioned in the second section 221b, an angle between the first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200 is decreased so that the fixing pin 110 and the insertion pin 210 face each other.

[0081] Moreover, when the slider 300 is moved forward, a wall of a channel 302 presses a lateral surface of an insertion member 230 to be described below, and the insertion pin 210 is rotated in a direction toward the fixing pin 110, such that the fixing pin 110 and the insertion pin 210 may face each other.

[0082] As a result, as the slider 300 is moved forward, the insertion pin 210 is automatically rotated in the direction toward the fixing pin.

[0083] Therefore, by the guide protrusion 121 moving along the guide groove 221, the row of fastener elements 201 of the second fastener stringer 200, that is, the insertion member 230 to be described below penetrates the interior of the slider 300, such that the row of fastener elements 101 of the first fastener stringer 100 and the row of fastener elements 201 of the second fastener stringer 200 are engaged with each other.

[0084] Meanwhile, a guide surface 221d for guiding the insertion of the guide protrusion 121 is formed at an inlet of the first section 221a. The guide surface 221d is formed to widen the inlet of the first section 221a, and as a result, the guide surface 221d guides the guide protrusion 121 to the first section 221a, that is, to the guide groove 221 even though the insertion direction of the guide protrusion 121 partially deviates from the first section 221a.

[0085] In addition, the second fastener stringer 200 has the insertion member 230, and the slider 300 has a leading portion 301 which is cut out to guide the insertion member 230 to the channel 302.

[0086] In this case, a distance between the insertion member 230 and the second fastening member 220 is equal to or greater than a length of the channel 302. That is, a minimum distance and a minimum space, through which the insertion member 230 may be inserted into the channel 302, are ensured.

[0087] Therefore, the insertion member 230 of the second fastener stringer 200 separated from the slider 300 is positioned to be inserted into the slider 300, that is, into the channel 302 by the first and second fastening members 120 and 220, the insertion member 230, and the leading portion 301, and as a result, the fixing pin 110 and the insertion pin 210 are easily coupled to each other when the fixing pin 110 and the insertion pin 210 are coupled to each other in the vertical direction.

[0088] That is, the pair of first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200 may be coupled to each other in the vertical direction, and then may be quickly coupled to each other by the slider 300.

[0089] As a result, the insertion pin 210 may be easily connected to the slider 300 even in a case in which the user wears gloves or the like for example.

[0090] In addition, even a child may easily fasten the slide fastener without performing a delicate operation, and a protector may easily fasten the slide fastener of the garment of the child who is moving a lot, thereby improving convenience.

[0091] In addition, an elastic means 400 is further provided to automatically separate the second fastening member 220 from the first fastening member 120 when the slider 300 is moved to a position where the first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200 are separated (i.e., a position where the insertion pin 210 is separated from the slider 300).

[0092] The elastic means 400 includes an accommodating groove 410 which is formed in the second fastening member 220, a push rod 420 which is inserted into the accommodating groove 410, a spring 430 which is interposed between the accommodating groove 410 and the push rod 420, and a pressing member 440 which is formed in the first fastening member 120 so as to correspond to the push rod 420.

[0093] That is, when the fastened state of the slide fastener is maintained by the engagement between the first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200, the pressing member 440 pushes the push rod 420, and a compressed state of the spring 430 is maintained. In this case, when the engagement between the first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200 is released, the compressed spring 430 applies elastic force to the push rod 420, and the push rod 420 pushes the pressing member 440, such that the second fastening member 220 exits the first fastening member 120.

[0094] Specifically, when the insertion member 230 is moved away from the channel 302 as the slider 300 is moved rearward, the push rod 420 pushes the pressing member 440 by elastic restoring force of the spring 430. The guide protrusion 121, which is positioned in the second section 221b of the guide groove 221, slides along the inclined surface 221c between the first section 221a and the second section 221b by the elastic restoring force, and as a result, the angle between the first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200 is increased.

[0095] Subsequently, when the guide protrusion 121 is inserted into the first section 221a, the first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200 are automatically separated in a state in which the first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200 are spread.

[0096] Therefore, the first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200 are automatically separated by the elastic means 400.

[0097] In the related art, an operation of moving the slider to a lower end of the fastener stringer and then separating the insertion pin from the slider is separately performed. However, in the present invention, only the operation of moving the slider 300 downward is performed to separate the slide fastener, and as a result, the convenience of the separating operation is greatly improved.

[0098] In this case, the leading portion 301 formed on the slider 300 prevents interference with the vertical movement of the second fastener stringer 200.

[0099] In addition, the insertion pin 210 has a fitting groove 211, and the fixing pin 110 has a fitting protrusion 111 inserted into the fitting groove 211. Edges of the fitting groove 211 and the fitting protrusion 111 are formed to have a rounded shape, such that the fitting groove 211 and the fitting protrusion 111 are smoothly coupled to each other.

[0100] Further, the insertion pin 210 has a guide plate 212 which is relatively thinner than other portions of the insertion pin 210 so as to be inserted into the channel 302 at the portion where the leading portion 301 is formed.

[0101] Furthermore, to ensure durability and strength with respect to bending of the insertion pin 210, a reinforcing member 213, which is relatively thicker than other portions of the insertion pin 210, is formed.

[0102] In addition, the insertion pin 210 has a fastening groove 214 formed to surround the core yarn 202 formed on the second fastener stringer 200.

[0103] Therefore, since the fastening groove 214 surrounds the core yarn 202 formed on the second fastener stringer 200, the insertion pin 210 is prevented from being separated from the second fastener stringer 200.

[0104] That is, coupling force of the fastened portion between the insertion pin 210 and the second fastener stringer 200, which receives a relatively large amount of stress when the first and second fastener stringers 100 and 200 are fastened or separated, is improved.

[0105] Meanwhile, the fastening groove 214 may be formed on the core yarn 202 by injection molding, and in this case, the fastening groove 214 may not be exposed to the outside.

[0106] Hereinafter, in the description of another exemplary embodiment of the slide fastener according to the present invention, only a difference from the first exemplary embodiment will be described, like reference numerals refer to constituent elements identical to those of the first exemplary embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

[0107] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view illustrating a slide fastener according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the slide fastener according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixing pin 110 has the first fastening member 120, and the insertion pin 210 has the second fastening member 220 which is coupled to the first fastening member 120 with directionality. The first fastening member 120 is formed in a cylinder shape, and the second fastening member 220 is accommodated in the first fastening member 120.

[0109] In this case, magnets 400′ are provided on the first fastening member 120 and the second fastening member 220, respectively.

[0110] Therefore, an exact coupling position between the first fastening member 120 and the second fastening member 220 is guided by the magnets 400′.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

[0111] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view illustrating a slide fastener according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the slide fastener according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixing pin 110 has the first fastening member 120, and the insertion pin 210 has the second fastening member 220 which is coupled to the first fastening member 120 with directionality. The first fastening member 120 is formed in a cylinder shape, and the second fastening member 220 is accommodated in the first fastening member 120.

[0113] In this case, a catching projection 221″ is formed on the second fastening member 220 and inserted into the first fastening member 120, the first fastening member 120 has an omega shaped spring 400″ corresponding to the catching projection 221″, and a part of the omega shaped spring 400″ is configured to protrude in a direction toward the slider 300.

[0114] In this case, when the spring, which protrudes to the outside of the first fastening member 120, is pushed by the slider 300, the engagement of the catching projection 121″ by the spring 400″ is released, such that the first and second fastening members 120 and 220 are separated from each other.

[0115] The first fastening member 120 and the spring 400″ are configured such that a portion of the spring 400″, which corresponds to the catching projection 221″, is spread when a protruding portion of the spring 400″ is pushed.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

[0116] FIGS. 9 and 10 are exploded perspective views of a slide fastener according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, in the slide fastener according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first support protrusion 215 is formed on one of the fixing pin 110 and the insertion pin 210, and a first support groove 115, which is coupled to the first support protrusion 215, is formed in the other of the fixing pin 110 and the insertion pin 210, which does not has the first support protrusion 215.

[0118] That is, horizontal coupling force between the fixing pin 110 and the insertion pin 210 is improved by coupling the first support groove 115 and the first support protrusion 215.

[0119] In addition, a second support protrusion 116 is formed on one of the fixing pin 110 and the insertion pin 210, and a second support groove 216, which is coupled to the second support protrusion 116, is formed in the other of the fixing pin 110 and the insertion pin 210, which does not have the second support protrusion 116.

[0120] That is, horizontal coupling force between the fixing pin 110 and the insertion pin 210 is improved by coupling the second support groove 116 and the second support protrusion 216.

[0121] Meanwhile, vertical coupling force between the fixing pin 110 and the insertion pin 210 is also improved since the second support groove 216 is formed to vertically surround the second support protrusion 116.

[0122] Lastly, the fixing pin 110 has a stopper insertion groove 117 into which a stopper of the slider 300 is inserted, and as a result, the slider 300 is fixed to the fixing pin 110 without being moved.

[0123] While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments, and the technical scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims. In this case, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may variously modify and change the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.