Slide Fastener and Method for Manufacturing Slide Fastener

Abstract

A slide fastener is characterized in that left and right first and second element rows thereof are composed of synthetic resin, with each being dyed a single color having a different spectral reflectance curve from each other. The slide fastener appears colorful and attractive and has an excellent appearance quality since the colors of the first and second element rows can be made to appear more vividly.

Claims

1. A slide fastener comprising a pair of fastener stringers in which a first element row and a second element row are respectively formed at facing tape side edge portions of a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape, being characterized in that the first element row and the second element row are made of synthetic resin and are respectively dyed in single colors, and the first element row and the second element row have spectral reflectance curves which are different from each other.

2. The slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first element row and the second element row are made of synthetic resin having a same main ingredient.

3. The slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first element row has a different spectral reflectance curve from the first fastener tape, and the second element row has a spectral reflectance curve which is different from the one of the second fastener tape.

4. The slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first element row and the second element row are made of polyethylene terephthalate not containing titanium oxide.

5. The slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first element row is made of polyethylene terephthalate not containing titanium oxide, and the second element row is made of polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more.

6. The slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first element row and the second element row are made of polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more.

7. A manufacturing method of a slide fastener having a pair of fastener stringers in which a first element row and a second element row are respectively formed at facing tape side edge portions of a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape, wherein the method includes dyeing a first monofilament made of synthetic resin in a single color, dyeing a second monofilament made of synthetic resin in a single color which has a different spectral reflectance curve from the first monofilament, molding the first monofilament and the second monofilament to the first element row and the second element row respectively, and sewing the first element row and the second element row to the tape side edge portions of the first fastener tape and the second fastener tape respectively with sewing threads.

8. A manufacturing method of a slide fastener having a pair of fastener stringers in which a first element row and a second element row are respectively formed at facing tape side edge portions of a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape, wherein the method includes molding a first monofilament made of synthetic resin to the first element row and dyeing the first element row in a single color, molding a second monofilament made of synthetic resin to the second element row and dyeing the second element row in a single color which has a different spectral reflectance curve from the first element row, and sewing the dyed first element row and the dyed second element row at the tape side edge portions of the first fastener tape and the second fastener tape respectively with sewing threads.

9. The manufacturing method of the slide fastener according to claim 7, wherein the method includes using polyethylene terephthalate not containing titanium oxide as materials of the first element row and the second element row, and dyeing the first monofilament or the first element row and the second monofilament or the second element row with different dyeing liquid from each other.

10. The manufacturing method of the slide fastener according to claim 7, wherein the method includes using polyethylene terephthalate not containing titanium oxide as a material of the first element row, using polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more as a material of the second element row, and dyeing the first monofilament or the first element row and the second monofilament or the second element row with the same dyeing liquid.

11. The manufacturing method of the slide fastener according to claim 7, wherein the method includes using polyethylene terephthalate not containing titanium oxide as a material of the first element row, using polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more as a material of the second element row, and dyeing the first monofilament or the first element row and the second monofilament or the second element row with the different dyeing liquid from each other.

12. The manufacturing method of the slide fastener according to claim 7, wherein the method includes using polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more as materials of the first element row and the second element row and dyeing the first monofilament or the first element row and the second monofilament or the second element row with different dyeing liquid from each other.

13. The manufacturing method of the slide fastener according to claim 8, wherein the method includes using polyethylene terephthalate not containing titanium oxide as materials of the first element row and the second element row, and dyeing the first monofilament or the first element row and the second monofilament or the second element row with different dyeing liquid from each other.

14. The manufacturing method of the slide fastener according to claim 8, wherein the method includes using polyethylene terephthalate not containing titanium oxide as a material of the first element row, using polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more as a material of the second element row, and dyeing the first monofilament or the first element row and the second monofilament or the second element row with the same dyeing liquid.

15. The manufacturing method of the slide fastener according to claim 8, wherein the method includes using polyethylene terephthalate not containing titanium oxide as a material of the first element row, using polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more as a material of the second element row, and dyeing the first monofilament or the first element row and the second monofilament or the second element row with the different dyeing liquid from each other.

16. The manufacturing method of the slide fastener according to claim 8, wherein the method includes using polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more as materials of the first element row and the second element row and dyeing the first monofilament or the first element row and the second monofilament or the second element row with different dyeing liquid from each other.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a slide fastener according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a part of a first fastener stringer in the slide fastener.

[0067] FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a state that left and right first and second element rows are coupled in the slide fastener.

[0068] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating a part of a slide fastener according to a modification embodiment of Embodiment 1.

[0069] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view explaining a state that an element row is molded from a monofilament, and a core string is inserted into the element row.

[0070] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating a main part of the first and second fastener stringers in a slide fastener according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0071] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view illustrating a main part of the first and second fastener stringers in a slide fastener according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0072] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention will be described in detail showing embodiments with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments explained as below, and various changes can be made as long as having a substantially same structure and similar functional effects to the present invention.

Embodiment 1

[0073] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a slide fastener according to Embodiment 1, FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a part of a first fastener stringer in the slide fastener, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a state that left and right first and second element rows are coupled in the slide fastener. In FIG. 3, a fastener tape is not shown to clearly show a coupling state of the left and right element rows.

[0074] In the following descriptions, a front and rear direction is defined as a length direction of a fastener tape and a fastener stringer, and it is the same direction in which a slider slides. Particularly, a direction in which the slider slides so as to couple element rows of the slide fastener is defined as front direction and a direction in which the slider slides so as to separate the element rows is defined as rear direction.

[0075] A left and right direction is defined as a tape width direction of the fastener tape, which is parallel to a tape surface of the fastener tape and perpendicular to the tape length direction. Further, an upper and lower direction is defined as a tape top and bottom direction perpendicular to the tape surface of the fastener tape. Particularly, in a case of a slide fastener having a coil-shaped element row, a direction on a side the element row is attached to the fastener tape is defined as upper direction and an opposite direction is referred to as lower direction.

[0076] The slide fastener 1 of Embodiment 1 in the present invention has a pair of left and right fastener stringers 10 (a first fastener stringer 10a on the left side and a second fastener stringer 10b on the right side), stops (first stops) 5 disposed adjacent to element rows 11 (a first element row 11a on the left side and a second element row 11b on the right side) at front end portions of the first and second fastener stringers 10a, 10b, a separable rear end stop 6 disposed adjacent to the element rows 11 at rear end portions of the first and second fastener stringers 10a, 10b and a slider 30 disposed slidably along the element rows 11.

[0077] It should be noted that the slide fastener 1 of Embodiment 1 has a main feature in the first and second fastener stringers 10a, 10b (particularly the first and second element rows 11a, 11b). Therefore, the stops 5, the separable rear end stop 6 and the slider 30 used therein are substantially similar to the ones in the conventional and general slide fasteners.

[0078] For example, the stops 5 of Embodiment 1 are attached to the front end portion of the first and second fastener tapes 12a, 12b over the tape top surface and the tape bottom surface so as to continue to the element rows 11, and they prevents the slider 30 from dropping from a side of the front end of the element rows 11.

[0079] The separable rear end stop 6 of Embodiment 1 has an insert pin 6a disposed at the rear end portion of the first fastener stringer 10a on the left side, a box pin 6b disposed at the rear end portion of the second fastener stringer 10b on the right side and a box 6c integrally molded at the rear end portion of the box pin 6b, and it is configured as a separable rear end stop for right-side insertion.

[0080] In the present invention, it is also possible to form a separable rear end stop for left-side insertion by reversing position relations of the insert pin 6a, the box pin 6b and the box 6c in the left and right direction compared to those of Embodiment 1, for example. Alternatively, it is also possible that instead of the separable rear end stop 6, second stops which prevent the slider 30 from dropping from a side of the rear end of the element rows 11 are attached over the left and right first and second fastener stringers 10a, 10b.

[0081] The slider 30 of Embodiment 1 has a slider body 31 and a tab 32 provided with an attaching axis portion at one end portion, and the tab 32 is rotatably held at the slider body 31 centering the attaching axis portion. The slider body 31 has an upper blade 31a, a lower blade, a guide post connecting front end portions of the upper blade 31a and the lower blade, an upper flange portion erecting on left and right side edge portions of the upper blade 31a and a tab attaching post 31b provided on an upper surface of the upper blade 31a.

[0082] Left and right shoulder openings are formed at a front end of the slider body 31 interposing the guide post, and a rear opening is formed at a rear end of the slider body 31. An approximately Y-shaped element guide passage is formed between the upper blade 31a and the lower blade so as to connect the left and right shoulder openings and the rear opening. Further, a tape penetration gap is formed between the upper flange portion disposed at left and right side portions of the slider body 31 and the lower blade through which a fastener tape 12 can penetrate.

[0083] The first fastener stringer 10a on the left side and the second fastener stringer 10b on the right side of Embodiment 1 respectively have a fastener tape 12 (a first fastener tape 12a on the left side or a second fastener tape 12b on the right side) and an element row 11 (a first element row 11a on the left side or a second element row 11b on the right side) disposed along facing tape side edge portions of the fastener tapes 12. The first element row 11a on the left side has a first color (e.g. blue) and the first element row 11a on the right side has a second color (e.g. aqua blue) different from the first color.

[0084] In the slide fastener 1 of Embodiment 1, the fastener stringer 10, the fastener tape 12, the element row 11 and a monofilament 13 forming the element row 11 disposed on the left side in a plan view are referred to as the first fastener stringer 10a, the first fastener tape 12a, the first element row 11a and the first monofilament 13a, respectively. The fastener stringer 10, the fastener tape 12, the element row 11 and a monofilament 13 forming the element row 11 disposed on the right side are referred to as the second fastener stringer 10b, the second fastener tape 12b, the second element row 11b and the second monofilament 13b, respectively.

[0085] The left and right first and second fastener tapes 12a, 12b of Embodiment 1 are woven in a narrow band shape using synthetic fibers dyed in a desired third color (e.g. yellow) which is different from the above-mentioned first and second colors. The first and second fastener tapes 12a, 12b respectively have a tape main body portion as a part to be sewn to a fastener-attached product such as cloths and bags and a tape side edge portion (also referred to as an element attaching portion) disposed on a side edge side of the tape main body portion and to which the element row 11 is attached.

[0086] Although both of the first and the second fastener tapes 12a, 12b of Embodiment 1 have the third color dyed in a dyeing process, the color of the fastener tape 12 is not particularly limited in the present invention. The first fastener tape 12a on the left side and the second fastener tape 12b on the right side may have different colors from each other, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0087] In this case, the color of the first fastener tape 12a on the left side is different from the first color of the first element row 11a, and the color of the second fastener tape 12b on the right side is different from the second color of the second element row 11b. Further, it is possible to add a desired pattern randomly at the tape top surface or the tape bottom surface of the first and second fastener tapes 12a, 12b.

[0088] Although the first and second fastener tapes 12a, 12b of Embodiment 1 are formed of a woven structure, a shape of the fastener tape 12 in the present invention is not particularly limited. A material and a thickness of warps and wefts forming the fastener tape 12 can be randomly determined. The fastener tape 12 can be also formed of a knitted structure.

[0089] The left and right first and second element rows 11a, 11b are respectively formed by connecting a plurality of fastener elements 15 in a coil shape continuously and respectively sewn to the tape side edge portions of the first and second fastener tapes 12a, 12b by multi-thread chain stitches of sewing threads 14 (a first sewing thread 14a on the left side or a second sewing thread 14b on the right side) in a state that a core string 16 is penetrated between an upper leg portion 15b and a lower leg portion, as described later, of each fastener element 15. Alternatively, it is also possible that the first and second element rows 11a, 11b are respectively sewn to the first and second fastener tapes 12a, 12b without using the core strings 16.

[0090] Each fastener element 15 has a coupling head portion 15a, the upper leg portion 15b and the lower leg portion extending from the coupling head portion 15a in the tape width direction and a connecting portion 15c extending from the upper leg portion 15b or the lower leg portion and connecting to an adjacent fastener element 15 in the fastener length direction. In the present invention, among the upper and lower leg portions extending from the coupling head portion 15a of the fastener element 15, the lower leg portion is a leg portion on a side which the fastener tape 12 directly contacts, and the upper leg portion 15b is a leg portion on a side which is disposed away from the fastener tape 12.

[0091] The coupling head portion 15a of the fastener element 15 is formed in the upper and lower direction over the upper leg portion 15b and the lower leg portion, and has a part bulging in the front and rear direction at a middle part in the top and bottom direction. The upper leg portion 15b extends from the coupling head portion 15a in the fastener width direction and is disposed on an upper side of the core string 16. The lower leg portion extends from the coupling head portion 15a in the fastener width direction and substantially parallel to the upper leg portion 15b, and is disposed between the core string 16 and the fastener tape 12.

[0092] The connecting portion 15c connects the upper leg portion 15b of each fastener element 15 and the lower leg portion of a fastener element 15 adjacent to a front side of the fastener element 15 (in other words, it connects the lower leg portion of each fastener element 15 and the upper leg portion 15b of a fastener element 15 adjacent to a rear side of the fastener element 15).

[0093] In Embodiment 1, the first element row 11a on the left side is formed by dyeing the transparent first monofilament 13a made of polyethylene terephthalate not containing titanium oxide in a single first color (e.g. blue) which is different from the third color of the first fastener tape 12a on the left side, and molding the dyed first monofilament 13a in a coil shape.

[0094] The second element row 11b on the right side is formed by dyeing the transparent second monofilament 13b made of polyethylene terephthalate not containing titanium oxide in a single second color (e.g. aqua blue) which is different from the third color of the second fastener tape 12b on the right side as well as the first color of the first element row 11a on the left side, and molding the dyed second monofilament 13b in a coil shape.

[0095] In this manner, by dissimilating the first color which the first element row 11a on the left side has and the second color which the second element row 11b on the right side has, dissimilating the first color which the first element row 11a has and the third color which the first fastener tape 12a has, and dissimilating the second color which the second element row 11b has and the third color which the second fastener tape 12b has, the color of the slide fastener 1 is more vivid, and appearance quality of the slide fastener 1 and appearance quality of final products manufactured by attaching the slide fastener 1 to fastener-attached products can be enhanced effectively.

[0096] Here, dissimilating the first to third colors means that each waveform of the spectral reflectance curves obtained by measuring the first and second element rows 11a, 11b (or the first and second monofilament 13a, 13b) and the fastener tapes 12 with a spectrophotometer is different from each other.

[0097] Particularly in a case of measuring spectral reflectance curves of the first element row 11a and the second element row 11b with a spectrophotometer, identity and difference between the color of the first element row 11a and the color of the second element row 11b is judged by measuring the spectral reflectance curves at a specific part of the fastener element 15 such as an intermediate part between the coupling head portion 15a and the connecting portion 15c in the upper leg portion 15b of the fastener element 15, and comparing the spectral reflectance curves measured at the specific part.

[0098] It should be noted that, for example, in a case that the first element row 11a and the second element row 11b are formed of transparent monofilaments 13 as in Embodiment 1, when the spectral reflectance curves are measured with a spectrophotometer, waveforms of the spectral reflectance curves may be influenced by light penetrating the transparent element row 11 (or monofilament 13) and reflecting at a background behind the element row 11 (or the monofilament 13).

[0099] Therefore, when identity and difference is judged between the first element row 11a and the second element row 11b in a case that at least one of the first element row 11a or the second element row 11b is transparent, two kinds of backgrounds are prepared, for example, and spectral reflectance curves of the first and second element rows 11a, 11b (or the first and second monofilaments 13a, 13b) are measured with a spectrophotometer for each background. If the spectral reflectance curves of the first element row 11a and the second element row 11b (or the first monofilament 13a and the second monofilament 13b) are different from each other in one of the backgrounds, the color of the first element row 11a and the color of the second element row 11b are judged to be different from each other.

[0100] In Embodiment 1, in a case that identity and difference is judged among the first color of the first element row 11a, the second color of the second element row 11b and the third color of the fastener tape 12, identity and difference among the first to the third colors (particularly identity and difference between the first color and the second color) can be easily judged by deriving RGB values of each part from the measured spectral reflectance curves and comparing the obtained RGB values.

[0101] In this case, each RGB value in the first to the third colors can be analyzed by a photo of the fastener tapes 12 and the first and second element rows 11a, 11b taken by a digital camera. If the RGB values of each part analyzed from the photo are different, the spectral reflectance curves measured at each part with a spectrophotometer are naturally different.

[0102] Particularly, when comparing the RGB value of the first element row 11a and the RGB value of the second element row 11b which are analyzed from the photo, it is preferable to compare the RGB values respectively at a specific part such as an intermediate part between the coupling head portion 15a and the connecting portion 15c in the upper leg portion 15b of the fastener element 15, similar to a case measured with a spectrophotometer. Identity and difference of the colors can be judged by comparing the RGB values in each of the first to the third colors to which a color reduction process is conducted.

[0103] In the left and right first and second fastener stringers 10a, 10b in Embodiment 1, sewing threads 14 (a first sewing thread 14a on the left side and a second sewing thread 14b on the right side) with which each element row 11 is sewn to the fastener tape 12 are formed in opaque and shows a fourth color (e.g. black) which is different from the first color of the first element row 11a, the second color of the second element row 11b and the third color of the fastener tape 12. It should be noted that the sewing threads 14 sewing the element rows 11 can be formed in transparent, or can be used without being colored by a dyeing process etc.

[0104] Although left and right core strings 16 in Embodiment 1 are not dyed, the core strings 16 can be colored in an arbitrary color in the present invention. The core strings 16 can be dyed in the same color as the above-mentioned first to fourth colors, or in a different color from the first to the fourth colors.

[0105] Next, a method for manufacturing a slide fastener 1 of Embodiment 1 is explained. A first monofilament 13a and a second monofilament 13b made of polyethylene terephthalate not containing titanium oxide are manufactured by a melt spinning at a predetermined length respectively. Apart from the first and the second monofilaments 13a, 13b, left and right first and second fastener tapes 12a, 12b are woven using synthetic fibers dyed in the third color.

[0106] Then, the manufactured first monofilament 13a is wound around a beam for dyeing, and a dyeing process is conducted to the first monofilament 13a in a predetermined dyeing condition. In the dyeing process of the first monofilament 13a, the first monofilament 13a including the beam is immersed in a dye container in which predetermined dye liquid is contained, and the entire first monofilament 13a is dyed in a single first color.

[0107] Also, the manufactured second monofilament 13b is wound around a beam for dyeing, and a dyeing process is conducted separately from the dyeing process of the first monofilament 13a in a predetermined dyeing condition. In the dyeing process of the second monofilament 13b, the second monofilament 13b including the beam is immersed in a dye container in which predetermined dye liquid different from the dye liquid for the first monofilament 13a is contained, and the entire second monofilament 13b is dyed in a single second color.

[0108] Subsequently, the first monofilament 13a dyed uniformly in the first color is supplied to an element molding apparatus, and an element molding process which molds a first element row 11a is conducted under a predetermined molding condition. In the element molding process, a coupling head portion 15a is molded by a stamping molding which presses the first monofilament 13a locally at predetermined intervals, and the first element row 11a is formed by molding the first monofilament 13a in a coil shape.

[0109] The first element row 11a uniformly colored in the first color by the dyeing process can be formed stably without being erased or paled by such an element molding process. Further, regarding the second monofilament 13b, an element molding process similar to that for the first monofilament 13a is conducted under a predetermined molding condition, and the second element row 11b uniformly colored in the second color is formed.

[0110] As mentioned above, in Embodiment 1, the first and second monofilaments 13a, 13b are dyed by a dyeing process, and thereafter, the element molding process is conducted to the dyed first and second monofilaments 13a, 13b, thereby the first and second element rows 11a, 11b colored in a predetermined color respectively and having spectral reflectance curves different from each other are formed.

[0111] In the present invention, however, it is also possible that before the dyeing process is conducted to the first and second monofilaments 13a, 13b, the element molding process is conducted to the first and second monofilaments 13a, 13b to form the first and second element rows 11a, 11b, and the first and second element rows 11a, 11b are immersed in dye containers with dye liquid respectively and dyed, thereby the first and second element rows 11a, 11b colored in a predetermined color respectively are formed.

[0112] Subsequently, in Embodiment 1, after the dyed first and second element rows 11a, 11b are formed, as mentioned above, core strings 16 are penetrated between the upper leg portions 15b and the lower leg portions of the obtained first and second element rows 11a, 11b, respectively, and the first element row 11a and the second element row 11b are coupled with each other, as shown in FIG. 5, for example. Further, the first element row 11a and the second element row 11b in which the core strings are penetrated respectively and which are coupled with each other are sewn to a tape side edge portion of the first fastener tape 12a and a tape side edge portion of the second fastener tape 12b, respectively, by multi-thread chain stitches of sewing threads 14.

[0113] Thereby, a first fastener stringer 10a on the left side and a second fastener stringer 10b on the right side are manufactured (in this case, a fastener chain in a state that the first element row 11a and the second element row 11b are coupled is manufactured).

[0114] Thereafter, a slider 30 is attached to the first and second element rows 11a, 11b of the obtained first and second fastener stringers 10a, 10b, and stops 5 and a separable rear end stop 6 are formed on the first and second fastener stringers 10a, 10b, thereby a slide fastener 1 of Embodiment 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is manufactured.

[0115] In the slide fastener 1 of Embodiment 1 manufactured as above, the first element row 11a on the left side and the second element row 11b on the right side are made of the same polyethylene terephthalate, have single colors uniformly which are different from each other, and have different spectral reflectance curves.

[0116] In this case, it can be prevented that the colors colored to the first and second element rows 11a, 11b by the dyeing process are erased or paled in manufacturing the slide fastener. Further, troubles such as deterioration of coupling of the left and right first and second element rows 11a, 11b, lowered slidability of the slider 30 and easiness to bend of the fastener chain in the tape width direction.

[0117] In the slide fastener 1 of Embodiment 1, the left and right first and second element rows 11a, 11b are formed of colored transparent monofilaments 13. Therefore, the respective element rows 11a, 11b have tinges of colors different from each other and seem to shine brilliantly. Further, in addition to the colors of the left and right first and second element rows 11a, 11b being different, the color of the first element row 11a on the left side is different from the color of the first fastener tape 12a on the left side, as well as the color of the second element row 11b on the right side is different from the color of the second fastener tape 12b on the right side. Therefore, the slide fastener 1 of Embodiment 1 looks colorful and attractive, and is excellent in appearance quality.

[0118] Particularly, in Embodiment 1, the left and right first and second element rows 11a, 11b are colored not by an ink jet method but by the dyeing process by immersion to dye liquid which is relatively easy. Therefore, the slide fastener 1 excellent in appearance quality can be manufactured efficiently at a low cost.

[0119] Further, the slide fastener 1 in Embodiment 1 having the left and right first and second element rows 11a, 11b with different colors can be manufactured in a small lot, unlike from a case that a fastener element is formed by kneading pigment to a synthetic resin material of a monofilament, in a conventional manner. Therefore, manufacturing a wide variety of fastener-attached products in small quantities can be accommodated easily, and users' needs and fashion can be promptly responded to.

Embodiment 2

[0120] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the main part of the first and second fastener stringers in a slide fastener of Embodiment 2.

[0121] In the slide fastener 2 of Embodiment 2, a second element row 21b on the right side and a second sewing thread 24b with which the second element row 21b are sewn to the second fastener tape 12b on the right side are different from the case of Embodiment 1, however, other members and parts are formed to be substantially same as those of the slide fastener 1 in the above mentioned Embodiment 1. Accordingly, in Embodiment 2, the parts and members having substantially same as those of the slide fastener 1 of Embodiment 1 will not be described in detail but represented by the same reference numerals.

[0122] Similar to the first fastener stringer 10a on the left side of Embodiment 1, the first element row 11a is sewn to the tape side edge portion of the first fastener tape 12a by the multi-thread chain stitches of the first sewing threads 14a in a state that the core string 16 is penetrated between the upper and lower leg portions in the first fastener stringer 10a on the left side in Embodiment 2.

[0123] Meanwhile, in the second fastener stringer 20b on the right side in Embodiment 2, a second element row 21b showing a different appearance from the second element row 11b in Embodiment 1 is sewn to the tape side edge portion of the second fastener tape 12b by the multi-thread chain stitches of the second sewing threads 24b in a state that the core string 16 is penetrated between the upper leg portions 15b and the lower leg portions.

[0124] The second element row 21b of Embodiment 2 is formed by dyeing a white second monofilament 23b made of polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more in a single second color (e.g. aqua blue) which is different from the first color of the first element row 11a on the left side as well as different from the third color of the second fastener tape 12b, and molding the dyed second monofilament 23b in a coil shape.

[0125] Since the content of titanium oxide contained in the second monofilament 23b in Embodiment 2 is 0.3 wt % or more, the second monofilament 23b can be opaque, and the color of the second monofilament 23b itself can be clear white.

[0126] Thus spun second monofilament 23b is formed in white, thereby when the second monofilament 23b is dyed in the second color by a dyeing process, the colored second color can be shown more vividly on the white color, compared with the case the transparent second monofilament 13b is dyed, as in the above mentioned Embodiment 1. In this case, the content of titanium oxide contained in the second monofilament 23b is preferably set at 1.0 wt % or less in order to secure a strength of the second element row 21b properly.

[0127] In conventional methods, when a dyeing process is conducted to fastener tapes and element rows in a state of a fastener chain by winding the fastener chain to a beam for dyeing, titanium oxide is contained in polyester which forms the element rows at an extremely small amount of less than 0.1 wt % in some cases.

[0128] Containing the extremely small amount of titanium oxide in polyester enables to form monofilaments themselves in pale white (in other words, in a white and opaque state), and expression of colors of the dyed element rows can be improved a little. However, in the conventional dyeing process, the fastener tapes and the element rows are dyed in a state of a fastener chain (in other words, in a state of bent element rows due to the monofilament being molded in a coil shape), the dyed element rows have color irregularity in some cases.

[0129] Therefore, in the conventional method, if the content of titanium oxide in a monofilament is 0.1 wt % or more, the monofilament is formed in white more clearly, and expression of colors can be more vividly. However, when the color irregularity occurs, the white color of the monofilament itself can be easily acknowledged from an outside, and as a result, the color irregularity caused by dyeing can be easily distinguished, which rather lowers appearance quality of the slide fastener in some cases. Therefore, in the conventional dyeing process of dyeing the fastener chain, the content of titanium oxide in the monofilament is not set at 0.1 wt % or more for the purpose of expression of vivid colors.

[0130] In contrast, in Embodiment 2, the second monofilament 23b is wound around the beam for dyeing in a linear state which is not bent before being molded to the second element row 21b in a coil shape, and the dyeing process of the second monofilament 23b is conducted. Therefore, color irregularity is less likely to occur to the dyed second monofilament 23b.

[0131] Accordingly, even if the content of titanium oxide in the second monofilament 23b is 0.3 wt % or more, and the dyeing process is conducted to the second monofilament 23b formed in clear white, the white color of the second monofilament 23b itself caused by the color irregularity can be prevented from being acknowledged from an outside, and the color of the dyed second monofilament 23b can be expressed more vividly.

[0132] Further, in Embodiment 2, the first sewing thread 14a with which the first element row 11a on the left side is sewn to the first fastener tape 12a shows a fourth color which is different from the first color of the first element row 11a, the second color of the second element row 21b and the third color of the fastener tape 12. Further, the second sewing thread 24b with which the second element row 21b on the right side is sewn to the second fastener tape 12b shows a fifth color which is different from the above mentioned first to fourth colors. Thereby, the slide fastener 2 of Embodiment 2 can be shown more vividly.

[0133] When the slide fastener 2 in Embodiment 2 is manufactured, first, a first monofilament 13a made of polyethylene terephthalate not containing titanium oxide and a white second monofilament 23b made of polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more are manufactured by melt spinning at a predetermined length, respectively.

[0134] Next, the first monofilament 13a is dyed in a single first color, similar to the case of Embodiment 1. Further, the second monofilament 23b is dyed in a single second color by winding the second monofilament 23b to a beam for dyeing and immersing the second monofilament 23b including the beam in a dye container in which predetermined dye liquid which is different from the dye liquid of the first monofilament 13a is contained.

[0135] Subsequently, an element molding process is conducted to the dyed first and second monofilaments 13a, 23b, and the first and second element rows 11a, 21b which are colored in the first and second colors respectively and have spectral reflectance curves different from each other are formed. Thereafter, the obtained first and second element rows 11a, 21b in a state of coupling are respectively sewn to tape side edge portions of the first and second fastener tapes 12a, 12b by multi-thread chain stitches of the sewing threads 14.

[0136] Thereby, the first fastener stringer 10a on the left side and the second fastener stringer 20b on the right side are manufactured. After that, a slider is attached to, and stops and a separable rear end stop are formed on the obtained first and second fastener stringers 10a, 20b, thereby the slide fastener 2 of Embodiment 2 is manufactured.

[0137] In the slide fastener 2 according to Embodiment 2, the first element row 11a on the left side and the second element row 21b on the right side are made of the same polyethylene terephthalate, as the main ingredient, and have single colors uniformly which are colored by the dyeing process of the monofilament 13 and are different from each other.

[0138] In this case, the colors colored by the dyeing process to the first and second element rows 11a, 21b can be prevented from being erased or paled when a slide fastener is manufactured. Further, troubles such as deterioration of coupling of the left and right first and second element rows 11a, 21b, lowered slidability of the slider 30 and easiness to bend of the fastener chain in the tape width direction do not occur.

[0139] Further, in the slide fastener 2 of Embodiment 2, the first element row 11a on the left side is colored to shine brilliantly by dyeing the transparent monofilament 13, while the second element row 21b on the right side is colored so that the color shows up by dyeing the white second monofilament 23b. Therefore, due to the synergy of the left and right first and second element rows 11a, 21b, a difference in appearance between the first and second element rows 11a, 21b can be clearly shown, and new appearance quality which cannot be seen in a conventional method can be obtained.

[0140] The slide fastener 2 of Embodiment 2 is colored by the dyeing process by immersion to the dye liquid, similar to the slide fastener 1 of the above mentioned Embodiment 1. Therefore, the slide fastener 2 excellent in appearance quality can be manufactured efficiently at a low cost. Further, a small lot manufacturing is possible, and manufacturing a wide variety of fastener-attached products in small quantities can be accommodated easily, and users' needs and fashion can be promptly responded to.

[0141] In Embodiment 2, in manufacturing the first and second fastener stringers 10a, 20b, the first and second element rows 11a, 21b having spectral reflectance curves different from each other are formed by using different dye liquid when the first and second monofilaments 13a, 23b are dyed.

[0142] However, the first monofilament 13a of Embodiment 2 is made of polyethylene terephthalate not containing titanium oxide and is transparent, while the second monofilament 23b is made of polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more and in white.

[0143] Accordingly, when the dyeing process is conducted to the first and second monofilaments 13a, 23b, it is also possible to form the first and second element rows 11a, 21b having spectral reflectance curves different from each other by using the same dye liquid instead of different dye liquid to the first and second monofilaments 13a, 23b, as mentioned above.

[0144] In this case, in the dyeing process of the first and second monofilaments 13a, 23b, the first monofilament 13a and the second monofilament 23b can be dyed with the same dye liquid by winding the first monofilament 13a and the second monofilament 23b to the same or different beams for dyeing and immersing the first monofilament 13a and the second monofilament 23b simultaneously including the beams in dye containers in which single dye liquid is contained. Thereby, the first and second element rows 11a, 21b having different appearance can be obtained.

[0145] Further, in a case that the first monofilament 13a and the second monofilament 23b are wound around different beams for dyeing respectively, it is also possible that the first monofilament 13a and the second monofilament 23b are dyed by immersing them serially in a dye container in which single dye liquid is contained.

[0146] Further, in a case that the first and second monofilaments 13a, 23b are dyed using the same dye liquid, it is also possible to conduct the dyeing process by winding the first monofilament 13a and the second monofilament 23b to respective beams for dyeing, preparing different dye containers in which the same dye liquid is contained, and immersing the first monofilament 13a and the second monofilament 23b in the different dye containers respectively.

Embodiment 3

[0147] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the main part of the first and second fastener stringers in a slide fastener of Embodiment 3.

[0148] In the slide fastener 3 of Embodiment 3, a first element row 21a on the left side and a first sewing thread 24a with which the first element row 21a are sewn to the fastener tape 12b on the left side are different from the case of Embodiment 2, however, other members and parts are formed to be substantially same as those of the slide fastener 2 in the above mentioned Embodiment 2. Accordingly, in Embodiment 3, parts and members having substantially same as those of the slide fasteners 1,2 of Embodiments 1,2 will not be described but represented by the same reference numerals.

[0149] In the second fastener stringer 20b on the right side in Embodiment 3, similar to the second fastener stringer 20b on the right side in the above mentioned Embodiment 2, a second element row 21b formed of a white second monofilament 23b made of polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more is sewn to a side edge portion of the second fastener tape 12b by multi-thread chain stitches of the second sewing threads 24b in a state that a core string 16 is penetrated between upper leg portions 15b and lower leg portions.

[0150] Unlike the first fastener stringers 10a in Embodiments 1 and 2, in the first fastener stringer 20a on the left side in Embodiment 3, the first element row 21a formed of white first monofilament 23a made of polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more is sewn to the tape side edge portion of the first fastener tape 12a by the multi-thread chain stitches of the first sewing threads 24a in a state that the core string 16 is penetrated between upper leg portions 15b and lower leg portions.

[0151] The first element row 21a in Embodiment 3 is formed by dyeing the white first monofilament 23a made of polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more in a single first color (e.g. blue) which is different from the second color of the second element row 21b on the right side and the third color of the first fastener tape 12a, and by molding the dyed first monofilament 23a in a coil shape. In this case, it is preferable that a content of titanium oxide contained in the first monofilament 23a is set at 1.0 wt % or less in order to secure a strength of the first element row 21a appropriately, similar to a case of the second monofilament 23b.

[0152] Further, in Embodiment 3, the first sewing threads 24a with which the first element row 21a is sewn to the first fastener tape 12a on the left side shows a sixth color which is different from the first color of the first element row 21a, the second color of the second element row 21b, the third color of the fastener tape 12 and the fifth color of the second sewing threads 24b.

[0153] When such a slide fastener 3 in Embodiment 3 is manufactured, white first and second monofilaments 23a, 23b made of polyethylene terephthalate containing titanium oxide at 0.3 wt % or more are manufactured by melt spinning.

[0154] Subsequently, a dyeing process is conducted to the first and second monofilaments 23a, 23b by winding the first and second monofilaments 23a, 23b around a beam for dyeing respectively, preparing separate dye containers in which predetermined dye liquid different from each other is contained, and immersing the first monofilament 23a and the second monofilament 23b in the dye containers respectively.

[0155] Next, an element molding process is conducted to the dyed first and second monofilaments 23a, 23b to form the first and second element rows 21a, 21b. Thereafter, the obtained first and second element rows 21a, 21b are sewn to tape side edge portions of the first and second fastener tapes 12a, 12b, thereby the first and second fastener stringers 20a, 20b are manufactured. Further, a slider is attached to, and stops and a separable rear end stop are formed on the obtained first and second fastener stringers 20a, 20b, thereby the slide fastener 3 of Embodiment 3 is manufactured.

[0156] In the slide fastener 3 of Embodiment 3, as mentioned above, the first element row 21a on the left side and the second element row 21b on the right side are made of the same polyethylene terephthalate and have single colors which are different from each other colored by a dyeing process of white first and second monofilaments 23a, 23b. Accordingly, the slide fastener 3 of Embodiment 3 is colorful, attractive and excellent in appearance quality because each color of the first and second element rows 21a, 21b can be shown vividly.

[0157] The slide fastener 3 of Embodiment 3 is colored by the dyeing process by immersion to the dye liquid, similar to the cases of the above mentioned Embodiments 1 and 2. Therefore, the slide fastener 3 excellent in appearance quality can be manufactured efficiently at a low cost. Further, a small lot manufacturing is possible, and manufacturing a wide variety of fastener-attached products in small quantities can be accommodated, and users' needs and fashion can be promptly responded to.

[0158] In the above mentioned Embodiments 1 to 3, the left and right element rows of the slide fastener are formed by molding the monofilaments in a coil shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the element rows can be formed by molding the monofilaments in a zig-zag shape.

[0159] Alternatively, the element rows of the present invention may be formed integrally with the fastener tape by being attached to the tape side edge portions of the fastener tape by injection molding in a predetermined shape. In this case, each fastener element which is injection-molded becomes an independent fastener element separately formed from the fastener elements adjacent in the length direction in the element row.

[0160] Further, the element row of the present invention may be formed by fastener elements being attached to a string-shaped connecting member, for example, in a predetermined shape by injection molding. In this case, the element rows having the plurality of fastener elements and the string-shaped connecting member which connects them are sewn to the tape side edge portions of the fastener tape with sewing threads after the dyeing process is conducted, thereby a fastener stringer is formed.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0161] 1, 2, 3: SLIDE FASTENER [0162] 5: STOP (FIRST STOP) [0163] 6: SEPARABLE REAR END STOP [0164] 6a: INSERT PIN [0165] 6b: BOX PIN [0166] 6c: BOX [0167] 10: FASTENER STRINGER [0168] 10a: FIRST FASTENER STRINGER [0169] 10b: SECOND FASTENER STRINGER [0170] 11: ELEMENT ROW [0171] 11a: FIRST ELEMENT ROW [0172] 11b: SECOND ELEMENT ROW [0173] 12: FASTENER TAPE [0174] 12a: FIRST FASTENER TAPE [0175] 12b: SECOND FASTENER TAPE [0176] 13: MONOFILAMENT [0177] 13a: FIRST MONOFILAMENT [0178] 13b: SECOND MONOFILAMENT [0179] 14: SEWING THREAD [0180] 14a: FIRST SEWING THREAD [0181] 14b: SECOND SEWING THREAD [0182] 15: FASTENER ELEMENT [0183] 15a: COUPLING HEAD PORTION [0184] 15b: UPPER LEG PORTION [0185] 15c: CONNECTING PORTION [0186] 16: CORE STRING [0187] 20a: FIRST FASTENER STRINGER [0188] 20b: SECOND FASTENER STRINGER [0189] 21a: FIRST ELEMENT ROW [0190] 21b: SECOND ELEMENT ROW [0191] 23a: FIRST MONOFILAMENT [0192] 23b: SECOND MONOFILAMENT [0193] 24a: FIRST SEWING THREAD [0194] 24b: SECOND SEWING THREAD [0195] 30: SLIDER [0196] 31: SLIDER BODY [0197] 31a: UPPER BLADE [0198] 31b: TAB ATTACHING POST [0199] 32: TAB