SLIDE FASTENER AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SLIDE FASTENER

Abstract

A slide fastener has a first region in which one width-directional end of a first fastener tape and one width-directional end of a second fastener tape are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other when first and second element rows mesh with each other, and second regions in which the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape and the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape are configured to be separated from each other.

Claims

1. A slide fastener comprising: a pair of first and second fastener tapes each having an elongated shape and having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface; a first element row provided on the first main surface of one width-directional end of the first fastener tape; and a second element row provided on the first main surface of one width-directional end of the second fastener tape, wherein the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape and the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape each have a first region in which the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape and the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other when the first and second element rows mesh with each other, and a second region in which the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape and the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape are configured to be separated from each other.

2. The slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein a stopper is attached to the second region.

3. The slide fastener according to claim 2, wherein the stopper is also attached to a longitudinal end of the first region.

4. The slide fastener according to claim 2, wherein the second region includes a region on one side in a longitudinal direction to which the stopper is attached and a region on the other side in the longitudinal direction opposite to the region on the one side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first region, and a separating insert is attached to the region on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the second region.

5. A method for manufacturing a slide fastener, the slide fastener including a pair of first and second fastener tapes each having an elongated shape and having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, a first element row provided on the first main surface of one width-directional end of the first fastener tape, and a second element row provided on the first main surface of one width-directional end of the second fastener tape, the method comprising: a spacer portion forming step of cutting a part of the first and second element rows to form a spacer portion on the fastener chain, the fastener chain including the pair of first and second fastener tapes and the first and second element rows and in which the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape and the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other when the first and second element rows mesh with each other; a tape cutting step of cutting the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape in the spacer portion and the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape to be separated from each other; and a fastener stringer forming step of cutting the fastener chain along a width direction on the spacer portion to form, in the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape and the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape, fastener stringers each having a first region in which the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape and the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other when the first and second element rows mesh with each other, and a second region in which the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape and the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape are configured to be separated from each other.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a front view of a slide fastener according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the slide fastener shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 3 is an essential part sectional view of the slide fastener shown in FIG. 1, showing a state where first and second element rows mesh with each other.

[0035] FIG. 4 is an essential part sectional view of the slide fastener shown in FIG. 1, showing a state where the first and second element rows are separated from each other.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a pair of left and right fastener stringers before a top stop and a separating insert are attached.

[0037] (a) and (b) of FIG. 6 are views illustrating a manufacturing process of the slide fastener.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a top view showing a state where a fastener tape is placed on a mold for molding the top stop.

[0039] FIG. 8 is an essential part sectional view of a slide fastener according to a modification of the above embodiment, showing a state where first and second element rows mesh with each other.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Hereinafter, a slide fastener and a method for manufacturing a slide fastener according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0041] In the present description, an up-down direction of the slide fastener is a sliding direction of the slider and is referred to as a longitudinal direction of the slide fastener, and in particular, a direction in which the slider slides to cause left and right element rows to mesh with each other is defined as upward and a direction in which the slider slides to cause the left and right element rows to separate from each other is defined as downward.

[0042] In addition, a left-right direction of the slide fastener is a direction in which a pair of element rows are arranged and is a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the slider, and can also be referred to as a width direction of the slide fastener.

[0043] Further, a front-back direction of the slide fastener and a top stop is a direction orthogonal to the up-down direction and the left-right direction, and can also be referred to as a thickness direction of a fastener tape or a height direction of the element row.

First Embodiment

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a slide fastener 1 according to the present embodiment includes a pair of right and left fastener stringers 3, 5, a slider 40 capable of opening and closing the pair of right and left fastener stringers 3, 5, top stops 90 attached to upper end sides of the pair of right and left fastener stringers 3, 5, a separating insert 91 attached to lower end sides of the pair of right and left fastener stringers 3, 5 and including a separable pin, a retainer pin, and a retaining box. Instead of the separating insert 91, a bottom stop may be attached.

[0045] The pair of left and right fastener stringers 3, 5 include a pair of left and right first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 having an elongated shape and having back surfaces 11, 21 (first main surfaces) and front surfaces 13, 23 (second main surfaces) on the opposite sides of the back surfaces 11, 21, respectively, and a first element row 50 provided on the back surface 11 of one width-directional end 10a (right end in FIG. 3) of the first fastener tape 10 and a second element row 60 provided on the back surface 21 of one width-directional end 20a (left end in FIG. 3) of the second fastener tape 20, respectively. Hereinafter, in a width direction of the first fastener tape 10 and the second fastener tape 20, a side on which the element row is provided is defined as one width-directional end side, and a side on which the element row is not provided is defined as the other width-directional end side.

[0046] The first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are woven fabrics or knitted fabrics made of polyester threads or the like, and are excellent in flexibility. The first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 may be nonwoven fabrics.

[0047] The slider 40 meshes and separates the pair of left and right first and second element rows 50, 60. The slider 40 includes a slider body 41, a pull tab attachment portion 42 provided on a front surface of the slider body 41, and a pull tab 43 attached to the pull tab attachment portion 42. By moving the slider 40 upward, the pair of left and right first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other as shown in FIG. 3, and by moving the slider 40 downward, the pair of left and right first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other as shown in FIG. 4.

[0048] The first and second element rows 50, 60 are coiled fastener element rows formed by winding monofilaments made of a synthetic resin in a certain direction, and include a plurality of elements 31. The first and second element rows 50, 60 have a core string 32 inserted inside the plurality of elements 31, and are sewn to the back surface 11 of the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the back surface 21 of the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 using sewing threads 33 to be subject to double thread chain stitch. Examples of a synthetic resin material of the monofilament include polyester and nylon.

[0049] Each element 31 includes a meshing head portion 31a that meshes with and separates from the mating element 31, a first leg portion 31b that extends from a front side end of the meshing head portion 31a toward the other width-directional end side and comes into contact with the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, a second leg portion 31c that extends from a back side end of the meshing head portion 31a toward the other width-directional end side and is not in contact with the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and a coupling portion 31d that couples a width-directional outer end of the first leg portion 31b and the other width-directional end of the second leg portion 31c of the element 31 adjacent thereto. Therefore, the first leg portion 31b and the second leg portion 31c protrude from the meshing head portion 31a and extend in parallel with each other.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a meshing center O of the first and second element rows 50, 60. The meshing center O is a center position when the elements 31, 31 mesh with each other, and coincides with a center in the width direction of the slide fastener 1. In FIG. 4, positions of the meshing centers O when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other are indicated by O1 and O2. The positions O1 and O2 are positioned on the other width-directional end side of the meshing head portion 31a of the element 31.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, in a state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other, the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 are separated from each other in the width direction.

[0052] In an upper part of FIG. 1 (an upper portion of a first region A1 to be described later), in the state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other, the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 are buckled in an arch shape, this indicates that if the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated after a certain period of time has elapsed in the state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the tendency of the buckling state remains. When a certain period of time elapses in the state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other, the tendency of buckling is eliminated, and the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 may each have a substantially planar shape as shown in FIG. 3.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, in the state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other, the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 extends toward a second fastener tape 20 side (one width-directional end side) with respect to the position O1 which is the meshing center O of the first and second element rows 50, 60, and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 extends toward a first fastener tape 10 side (one width-directional end side) with respect to the position O2 which is the meshing center O. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are designed to overlap with the meshing center O. By disposing the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second element rows 50, 60 as described above, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other as described later, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can be buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other.

[0054] The one width-directional end surface 10b of the first fastener tape 10 may be disposed at a position overlapping with at least a part of the meshing head portion 31a of the element 31 in the width direction, may be disposed on the same plane S1 as one width-directional end surface 31e of the meshing head portion 31a (that is, one width-directional end surface of the first element row 50) in the width direction, or may be disposed on a second fastener tape 20 side with respect to the meshing head portion 31a. In the example of FIG. 3, the one width-directional end surface 10b of the first fastener tape 10 is disposed on the same plane S1 as one width-directional end surface of the first element row 50 in the width direction.

[0055] The one width-directional end surface 20b of the second fastener tape 20 may be disposed at a position overlapping with at least a part of the meshing head portion 31a of the element 31 in the width direction, may be disposed on the same plane S2 as one width-directional end surface 31f of the meshing head portion 31a (that is, one width-directional end surface of the second element row 60) in the width direction, or may be disposed on a first fastener tape 10 side with respect to the meshing head portion 31a. In the example of FIG. 3, the one width-directional end surface 20b of the second fastener tape 20 is disposed on the same plane S2 as one width-directional end surface of the second element row 60 in the width direction.

[0056] In this way, in the state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other, the one width-directional end surface 10b of the first fastener tape 10 and one width-directional end surface of the first element row 50 are disposed on the same plane S1, and the one width-directional end surface 20b of the second fastener tape 20 and one width-directional end surface of the second element row 60 are disposed on the same plane S2. Therefore, as described later, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can be more reliably buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other. This is because the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 do not interfere with the meshing between the first and second element rows 50, 60, and the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are disposed in such a manner that crimping of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 is less likely to break. The disposed on the same plane does not necessarily mean that the one width-directional end surfaces are disposed exactly on the same plane, and also includes that the one width-directional end surfaces 10b, 20b of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are disposed on substantially the same plane, which is a range that coincides with a range from a start point of a taper of the meshing head portion 31a to an end point of the taper in consideration of the taper of the meshing head portion 31a.

[0057] By moving the slider 40 upward from the state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other as shown in FIG. 4, the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other as shown in FIG. 3. At this time, the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 extends toward the second fastener tape 20 side (one width-directional end side) with respect to the position O1 which is the meshing center O of the first and second element rows 50, 60, and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 extends toward the first fastener tape 10 side (one width-directional end side) with respect to the position O2 which is the meshing center O. Therefore, the one width-directional end 10a and the one width-directional end 20a are deformed by being pressed against each other in the width direction, and are buckled into a convex arch shape on the front side and brought into close contact with each other. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the sewing threads 33 that are sewn to the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and are on the one width-directional end 10a, 20a sides of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 may slightly stretch and float up with the buckling of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20.

[0058] In this way, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, unlike the backing slide fastener of the related art, no gap is formed between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. Thus, as the user views the slide fastener 1 from the front side, the first and second element rows 50, 60 are not visible, and the appearance is excellent. Such a slide fastener 1 is particularly suitable for an article in which the appearance is emphasized, such as a car seat, a bag, or furniture.

[0059] In addition, since the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are buckled into an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other, even when a force (so-called horizontal pulling) in a direction away from each other acts on the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the close contact state is maintained only by slightly weakening the degree of buckling in a range in which the meshing gap between the elements 31, 31 is canceled, and a good appearance of the slide fastener 1 is maintained.

[0060] A water-repellent agent may be attached to the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. By attaching the water-repellent agent, it is possible to impart water repellency to the slide fastener 1. As the water-repellent agent, for example, a fluorine-based compound, a silicone-based compound, an acrylic water-repellent agent, a silicone composite water-repellent agent, a paraffin-based compound, an ethylene urea compound, a zirconium compound, an aliphatic acid amide compound, a methylol amide compound, an alkyl urea type water-repellent agent, or an aliphatic acid amide type water-repellent agent can be used.

[0061] Any method can be applied to a step of attaching the water-repellent agent to the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, for example, the water-repellent agent may soak by winding along a circumferential surface of a guide roller (not shown) to guide the fastener stringers 3, 5 and continuously passing the fastener stringers 3, 5 through a container filled with the water-repellent agent. In this treatment, the entire surface of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the first and second element rows 50, 60, the core string 32, and the sewing threads 33 forming the fastener stringers 3, 5 are efficiently provided with the water-repellent agent. Next, by pulling up the fastener stringers 3, 5 from the container and continuously passing the fastener stringers 3, 5 through a drying chamber, the water-repellent agent applied to the entire surface of the fastener stringers 3, 5 is first dried. Thereafter, by further continuously passing the fastener stringers 3, 5 on which the drying of the water-repellent agent has been completed into a heat treatment chamber, the dried water-repellent agent is subjected to heat treatment. In this heat treatment, the fusion and adhesion treatment is performed between all the base materials of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the first and second element rows 50, 60, the core string 32, and the sewing thread 33 and the water-repellent agent.

[0062] In this way, when the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are subjected to the water-repellent treatment, the slide fastener 1 can be used as a water-repellent fastener. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, no gap is formed between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and liquid is prevented from entering from the gap unlike the related art.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the one width-directional end surface 10b and the one width-directional end surface 20b of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 face an element 31 side (back side) and come into contact with the first and second element rows 50, 60. Further, the front surface 13 of the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the front surface 23 of the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 are brought into close contact with each other on the meshing center O. In this way, the front surfaces 13, 23 of the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are brought into close contact with each other, so that the sliding resistance of the slider 40 can be reduced while a thickness of the slide fastener 1 can be reduced as compared with a case where the back surfaces 11, 21 are brought into close contact with each other (when the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a are buckled in an opposite direction to the direction in the present embodiment). If the back surfaces 11, 21 are brought into close contact with each other, the one width-directional end surfaces 10b, 20b of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 face the front side, and the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a, which are tape edges, form a convex shape toward the front side, so that the skin feel on the front surface is deteriorated.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 3, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the back surfaces 11, 21 of the one width-directional end surface 10b and the one width-directional end surface 20b of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second element rows 50, 60 (elements 31) are spaced apart in the front-back direction, and first and second spaces T1, T2 are defined between the back surfaces 11, 21 and the first and second element rows 50, 60, respectively.

[0065] In this way, by providing the first and second spaces T1, T2, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can be easily buckled when the first and second element rows 50, 60 are combined by the slider 40. In addition, as the first and second spaces T1, T2 are larger, a crimping area between the front surfaces 13, 23 of the one width-directional end 10a and the one width-directional end 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 is increased, and the occurrence of the gap between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 is prevented, and it is possible to contribute to an improvement in appearance and an improvement in water repellency and water resistance. Furthermore, crimping of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 is less likely to break, and a shape is easily maintained.

[0066] As described above, since the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are woven fabrics or knitted fabrics and are excellent in flexibility, the close contact between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can be enhanced when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other. Further, the buckling state of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can be maintained. Accordingly, the occurrence of a gap between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 is prevented, and it is possible to contribute to an improvement in appearance and an improvement in water repellency and water resistance. If the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are molded using a resin or the like, it is difficult to form and maintain the buckling shape.

[0067] Returning to FIG. 1, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 have an upper portion and a lower portion extending upward and downward from portions to which the first and second element rows 50, 60 are attached in order to attach the top stop 90 and the separating insert 91. The one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the upper portion and the lower portion are formed to be on the other width-directional end side with respect to the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the portions to which the first and second element rows 50, 60 are attached.

[0068] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 before the top stop 90 and the separating insert 91 are attached have a first region A1 in which the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10 and 20 are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other when first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other and second regions A2a, A2b in which the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10 and 20 are separated from each other.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the top stop 90 is attached not only to a portion of the second region A2a on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 but also to the longitudinal ends 10e, 20e of the first region A1 (see FIG. 7). As will be described later, the longitudinal ends 10e, 20e of the first region A1 of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are wound around in a lower end of the top stop 90 when the top stop 90 is formed by injection molding, and the longitudinal ends are prevented from swinging and fluttering, thereby forming a good appearance.

[0070] In addition, in the portion of the second region A2b on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a are separated from each other. Therefore, a core portion 96 (see FIG. 5) molded by ultrasonic welding to the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the core string 32 can be easily inserted into a separable pin or a retainer pin without increasing a size, and the separating insert 91 of a normal product can be attached. A reinforcing film 95 is attached to the second region A2b on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 by ultrasonic welding. A portion of the reinforcing film 95 between the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 is cut by a punch (not shown).

[0071] In a method for manufacturing such slide fastener 1, a spacer portion forming step of cutting a part of the first and second element rows 50, 60 of a fastener chain 100 to form a spacer portion 101 on the fastener chain 100 is performed (see (a) of FIG. 6), the fastener chain 100 includes the pair of first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second element rows 50, 60 and the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other. After the spacer portion forming step, in the spacer portion 101, the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other without a gap.

[0072] Next, a tape cutting step is performed in which the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 in the spacer portion 101 are cut to be separated from each other (see (b) of FIG. 6). In this step, in the spacer portion 101, the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 are cut to a position in the width direction that does not affect the sewing of the core string 32 and the sewing thread 33 on the other width-directional end side with respect to a portion constituting a shape that buckles in an arch shape in the first region A1, for example, the positions O1, O2 that are the meshing centers O of the first and second element rows 50, 60 in FIG. 4. Therefore, in the spacer portion 101, a gap S is formed between the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5, a fastener stringer forming step of cutting the fastener chain 100 along the width direction on the spacer portion 101 to form, in the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20, fastener stringers 3, 5 is performed, and the fastener stringers 3, 5 each have the first region A1 in which the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other and the second regions A2a, A2b in which the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 are separated from each other.

[0074] Further, the top stop 90 is injection-molded in a state where the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are opened in the width direction and sandwiched between a mold 110 shown in FIG. 7 and a mold (not shown) facing the mold 110.

[0075] At this time, when the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 have the same length in the width direction as those in the first region A1 also in the second region A2a as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line, the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a block gates 113,114 connected to cavities 111, 112, and there is a possibility that the moldability of the top stop 90 may be affected. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as indicated by the solid line, in the second region A2a, the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are cut and formed to be on the other width-directional end side with respect to the first region A1, and thus the gates 113, 114 are not blocked, and the top stop 90 can be reliably molded.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the mold 110 is formed to include other cavities 115, 116 that accommodate ends of the first and second element rows 50, 60, and the top stop 90 and the ends of the first and second element rows 50, 60 can be brought close to each other. Further, since the longitudinal ends 10e, 20e of the first region A1 are placed to overlap with the cavities 111, 112 for molding the top stop 90, the longitudinal ends 10e, 20e of the first region A1 of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 can be wound around the lower end of the top stop 90 as described above.

Second Embodiment

[0077] FIG. 8 is an essential part sectional view of a slide fastener according to a second embodiment, showing a state where first and second element rows mesh with each other. The slide fastener 1 according to the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that the first and second water stop films 70, 80 are provided on the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. Since other configurations in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, the descriptions thereof are omitted or simplified by giving the same reference signs as those in the first embodiment in the drawings.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 8, the slide fastener 1 according to the second embodiment further includes a first water stop film 70 (first water stop layer) provided on the front surface 13 of the first fastener tape 10 and a second water stop film 80 (second water stop layer) provided on the front surface 23 of the second fastener tape 20. Accordingly, the slide fastener 1 according to the present embodiment is a water stop fastener having water stop property.

[0079] The pair of left and right first and second water stop films 70, 80 have an elongated shape similar to the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, and includes back surfaces 71, 81 (first water stop main surfaces) and front surfaces 73, 83 (second water stop main surfaces) opposite to the back surfaces 71, 81, respectively. The first and second water stop films 70, 80 are formed to cover the entire front surfaces 13, 23 of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20. In the present embodiment, the first and second water stop films 70, 80 and the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 have substantially the same vertical dimension and width dimension.

[0080] The first and second water stop films 70, 80 are formed by integrally joining a water stop layer such as a thermosetting polyurethane film by adhesion, welding, or the like to the front surfaces 13, 23 of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 to which the first and second element rows 50, 60 are sewn. Here, the slide fastener 1 is in a state where a common water stop layer (first and second water stop films 70, 80) is integrally joined to the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20.

[0081] Thereafter, in the same manner as in the method described in the first embodiment, the water-repellent agent is attached to the slide fastener 1. For example, the water-repellent agent may soak by winding along a circumferential surface of a guide roller (not shown) to guide the fastener stringers 3, 5 and continuously passing the fastener stringers 3, 5 through a container filled with the water-repellent agent. In this treatment, the entire surface of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the first and second element rows 50, 60, the core string 32, the sewing threads 33, and water stop layers (first and second water stop films 70, 80) forming the fastener stringers 3, 5 are efficiently provided with the water-repellent agent. Next, by pulling up the fastener stringers 3, 5 from the container and continuously passing the fastener stringers 3, 5 through a drying chamber, the water-repellent agent applied to the entire surface of the fastener stringers 3, 5 is first dried. Thereafter, by further continuously passing the fastener stringers 3, 5 on which the drying of the water-repellent agent has been completed into a heat treatment chamber, the dried water-repellent agent is subjected to heat treatment. In this heat treatment, the fusion and adhesion treatment is performed between all the base materials of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the first and second element rows 50, 60, the core string 32, the sewing threads 33, and the water stop layer (first and second water stop films 70, 80) and the water-repellent agent.

[0082] Next, the slide fastener 1 on which the heat treatment has been completed is taken out, and a single water stop layer (first and second water stop films 70, 80) coupling the pair of left and right fastener stringers 3, 5 is cut using a cutting device such as a cutter in a length direction along a meshing portion where the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other to divide the single water stop layer into right and left portions. In this way, the pair of left and right first and second water stop films 70, 80 are formed.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 8, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are designed to overlap with the meshing center O, and the first and second water stop films 70, 80 are designed to overlap with the meshing center O. By disposing the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20, the first and second water stop films 70, 80, and the first and second element rows 50, 60 in this way, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other as described later, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second water stop films 70, 80 can be buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other.

[0084] In this way, by disposing the one width-directional end surfaces 10b, 70b of the first fastener tape 10 and the first water stop film 70 and the one width-directional end surface of the first element row 50 on the same plane S1 and disposing the one width-directional end surfaces 20b, 80b of the second fastener tape 20 and the second water stop film 80 and the one width-directional end surface of the second element row 60 on the same plane S2, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first water stop films 70, 80 can be more reliably buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other. This is because the one width-directional ends 10a, 20a of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 do not interfere with the meshing between the first and second element rows 50, 60, and the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 are disposed in such a manner that crimping of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 is less likely to break. The disposed on the same plane does not necessarily mean that the one width-directional end surfaces are disposed exactly on the same plane, and also includes that the one width-directional end surfaces of the fastener tapes are disposed on substantially the same plane, which is a range that coincides with a range from a start point of a taper of the meshing head portion 31a to an end point of the taper in consideration of the taper of the meshing head portion 31a.

[0085] By moving the slider 40 upward from the state where the first and second element rows 50, 60 are separated from each other, the pair of left and right first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other as shown in FIG. 8. At this time, the one width-directional ends 10a, 70a of the first fastener tape 10 and the first water stop film 70 extend toward the second fastener tape 20 side (one width-directional end side) with respect to the position O1 which is the meshing center O of the first and second element rows 50, 60, and the one width-directional ends 20a, 80a of the second fastener tape 20 and the second water stop film 80 extend toward the first fastener tape 10 side (one width-directional end side) with respect to the position O2 which is the meshing center O. Therefore, the one width-directional ends 10a, 70a and the one width-directional end 20a, 80a are deformed by being pressed against each other in the width direction, and are buckled into a convex arch shape on the front side and brought into close contact with each other. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the sewing threads 33 that are sewn to the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and are on the one width-directional end 10a, 20a sides of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 may slightly stretch and float up with the buckling of the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20.

[0086] In this way, when the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second water stop films 70, 80 are brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, unlike a backing slide fastener of the related art, no gaps are formed between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second water stop films 70, 80. Thus, as a user views the slide fastener 1 from a front side, the first and second element rows 50, 60 are not visible, and the appearance is excellent. Such a slide fastener 1 is particularly suitable for an article in which the appearance is emphasized, such as a car seat, a bag, or furniture.

[0087] When the first and second element rows 50, 60 mesh with each other, the first and second fastener tapes and the first and second water stop films 70, 80 are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, no gaps (intermediate partition portions) are formed between the first and second fastener tapes 10, 20 and the first and second water stop films 70, 80, and liquid is prevented from entering from the intermediate partition portion unlike the related art.

[0088] Further, in the second embodiment, the one width-directional ends 70a, 80a of the first water stop film 70 provided on the front surface 13 of the first fastener tape 10 and the second water stop film 80 provided on the front surface 23 of the second fastener tape 20 also include the first region A1 and the second regions A2a, A2b similarly to the one width-directional end 10a of the first fastener tape 10 and the one width-directional end 20a of the second fastener tape 20 according to the first embodiment, so that the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0089] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0090] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification.

[0091] (1) A slide fastener (1) including: [0092] a pair of first and second fastener tapes (10, 20) each having an elongated shape and having a first main surface (11, 21) and a second main surface (13, 23) opposite to the first main surface (11, 21); [0093] a first element row (50) provided on the first main surface (11) of one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10); and [0094] a second element row (60) provided on the first main surface (21) of one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20), in which [0095] the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) and the one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) each have a first region (A1) in which the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) and the one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other when the first and second element rows (50, 60) mesh with each other, and a second region (A2a, A2b) in which the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) and the one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) are configured to be separated from each other.

[0096] According to this configuration, in the first region, when first and second element rows mesh with each other, one width-directional end of a first fastener tape and one width-directional end of a second fastener tape are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other. As a result, a gap between a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape is eliminated, the concealing property of the element row is excellent, and the appearance is excellent.

[0097] In a second region, since the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape and the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape are separated from each other, it is possible to prevent an injection gate from being blocked at the time of injection molding of a stopper and a resin from being difficult to flow into a mold, or it is possible to prevent a shape of a core portion from being thick and to prevent the core portion from being less likely to be inserted into a separable pin or a retainer pin of a separating insert, and thus it is possible to provide a stopper or a separating insert similarly to a slide fastener of a normal type.

[0098] (2) The slide fastener (1) according to (1), in which [0099] a stopper (90) is attached to the second region (A2a, A2b).

[0100] According to this configuration, the moldability of the stopper can be improved.

[0101] (3) The slide fastener (1) according to (2), in which [0102] the stopper (90) is also attached to a longitudinal end (10e, 20e) of the first region (A1). According to this configuration, the longitudinal end of the first region (A1) is prevented from swinging, and a good appearance can be obtained.

[0103] (4) The slide fastener (1) according to (2) or (3), in which [0104] the second region includes a region (A2a) on one side in a longitudinal direction to which the stopper is attached and a region (A2b) on the other side in the longitudinal direction opposite to the region on the one side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first region, and a separating insert (91) is attached to the region (A2b) on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the second region.

[0105] According to this configuration, the core portion to be molded can be easily inserted into the separable pin or the retainer pin, and the separating insert of a normal product can be used.

[0106] (5) A method for manufacturing a slide fastener (1), the slide fastener (1) including [0107] a pair of first and second fastener tapes (10, 20) each having an elongated shape and having a first main surface (11, 21) and a second main surface (13, 23) opposite to the first main surface (11, 21), [0108] a first element row (50) provided on the first main surface (11) of one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10), and [0109] a second element row (60) provided on the first main surface (21) of one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20), the method including: [0110] a spacer portion forming step of cutting a part of the first and second element rows (50, 60) to form a spacer portion (101) on the fastener chain (100), the fastener chain (100) including the pair of first and second fastener tapes (10, 20) and the first and second element rows (50, 60) and in which the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) and the one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other when the first and second element rows (50, 60) mesh with each other; [0111] a tape cutting step of cutting the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) in the spacer portion and the one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) to be separated from each other; and [0112] a fastener stringer forming step of cutting the fastener chain (100) along a width direction on the spacer portion (101) to form, in the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) and the one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20), fastener stringers (3, 5) each having a first region (A1) in which the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) and the one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other when the first and second element rows (50, 60) mesh with each other, and a second region (A2a, A2b) in which the one width-directional end (10a) of the first fastener tape (10) and the one width-directional end (20a) of the second fastener tape (20) are configured to be separated from each other.

[0113] According to this configuration, in the first region, when first and second element rows mesh with each other, one width-directional end of a first fastener tape and one width-directional end of a second fastener tape are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other. As a result, a gap between a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape is eliminated, the concealing property of the element row is excellent, and the appearance is excellent.

[0114] In a second region, since the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape and the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape are separated from each other, it is possible to prevent an injection gate from being blocked at the time of injection molding of a stopper and a resin from being difficult to flow into a mold, or it is possible to prevent a core portion from being thick and to prevent the core portion from being less likely to be inserted into a separable pin or a retainer pin of a separating insert, and thus it is possible to provide a stopper or a separating insert similarly to a slide fastener of a normal type.

[0115] As described above, according to a slide fastener and a method for manufacturing a slide fastener of the present invention, in a first region, when first and second element rows mesh with each other, one width-directional end of a first fastener tape and one width-directional end of a second fastener tape are buckled in an arch shape and brought into close contact with each other. As a result, a gap between a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape is eliminated, the concealing property of the element row is excellent, and the appearance is excellent.

[0116] In a second region, since the one width-directional end of the first fastener tape and the one width-directional end of the second fastener tape are separated from each other, it is possible to prevent a gate from being blocked at the time of injection molding of a stopper and a resin from being difficult to flow into a mold, or it is possible to prevent a core portion from being thick and to prevent the core portion from being less likely to be inserted into a separable pin or a retainer pin of a separating insert, and thus it is possible to provide a stopper or a separating insert similarly to a slide fastener of a normal type.