U.S. patent application number 10/907035 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-21 for water resistant slide fastener.
This patent application is currently assigned to UNITECH ZIPPER AND MACHINERY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Jung-Yuan Cheng.
Application Number | 20060207069 10/907035 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37008768 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060207069 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheng; Jung-Yuan |
September 21, 2006 |
WATER RESISTANT SLIDE FASTENER
Abstract
A water resistant slide fastener includes two supporting members
made of a water resistant material. Each supporting member includes
a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface,
and a longitudinal edge. A plurality of coupling elements are
formed on each supporting member. Each coupling element includes a
first portion on the first surface of an associated supporting
member and a second portion on the second surface of the associated
supporting member. The first portion and the second portion of each
coupling element extend beyond the longitudinal edge of the
associated supporting member and have a gap therebetween. The
longitudinal edge of each supporting member extends into the gaps
of the coupling elements. The longitudinal edges of the supporting
members overlap each other when the coupling elements of the
supporting members are engaged with each other.
Inventors: |
Cheng; Jung-Yuan; (Pan Chiao
City, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIKOLAI & MERSEREAU, P.A.
900 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
SUITE 820
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
UNITECH ZIPPER AND MACHINERY CO.,
LTD.
No. 487, Chung-Cheng 3rd Rd. Taipei Hsien
Yingke Chen
TW
SAGITTARIUS SPORTING GOODS CO., LTD.
No. 60, Lane 908, Feng-Lin 2nd Rd. Kaohsiung Hsien
Ta-Liau Hsiang
TW
|
Family ID: |
37008768 |
Appl. No.: |
10/907035 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/389 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 19/32 20130101;
Y10T 24/2514 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/389 |
International
Class: |
A44B 19/32 20060101
A44B019/32 |
Claims
1. A water resistant slide fastener, comprising: two supporting
members made of a water resistant material, each said supporting
member including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the
first surface, and a longitudinal edge; and a plurality of coupling
elements formed on the first surface and the second surface of each
said supporting member, each said coupling element including a
first portion on the first surface of an associated one of the
supporting members and a second portion on the second surface of
the associated supporting member, the first portion and the second
portion of each said coupling element extending beyond the
longitudinal edge of the associated supporting member and having a
gap therebetween, the longitudinal edge of each said supporting
member extending into the gaps of the coupling elements; wherein
the longitudinal edges of the supporting members overlap each other
when the coupling elements of the supporting members are engaged
with each other.
2. The water resistant slide fastener as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the supporting members are made of a material selected from
a group consisting of rubber, plastics, and resins.
3. The water resistant slide fastener as claimed in claim 1,
wherein each said supporting member includes a plurality of
through-holes through which the coupling elements extend during
formation of the coupling elements.
4. The water resistant slide fastener as claimed in claim 3,
wherein each said through-hole is one of rectangular, circular, and
square.
5. The water resistant slide fastener as claimed in claim 1,
wherein each said supporting member includes an enlarged
filament.
6. A water resistant slide fastener, comprising: two supporting
members each including a first surface, a second surface opposite
to the first surface, and a longitudinal edge, a water resistant
layer being provided on at least one of the first surface and the
second surface of each said supporting member; and a plurality of
coupling elements formed on the first surface and the second
surface of each said supporting member, each said coupling element
including a first portion on the first surface of an associated one
of the supporting members and a second portion on the second
surface of the associated supporting member, the first portion and
the second portion of each said coupling element extending beyond
the longitudinal edge of the associated supporting member and
having a gap therebetween, the longitudinal edge of each said
supporting member extending into the gaps of the coupling elements;
wherein the longitudinal edges of the supporting members overlap
each other when the coupling elements of the supporting members are
engaged with each other.
7. The water resistant slide fastener as claimed in claim 6,
wherein the water resistant layer is made of a material selected
from a group consisting of water resistant resins and
polyurethane.
8. The water resistant slide fastener as claimed in claim 6,
wherein the water resistant layer extends to the longitudinal layer
of an associated one of the supporting members.
9. The water resistant slide fastener as claimed in claim 6,
wherein each said supporting member includes a plurality of
through-holes through which the coupling elements extend during
formation of the coupling elements.
10. The water resistant slide fastener as claimed in claim 9,
wherein each said through-hole is one of rectangular, circular, and
square.
11. The water resistant slide fastener as claimed in claim 6,
wherein each said supporting member includes an enlarged
section.
12. The water resistant slide fastener as claimed in claim 6,
wherein the supporting members are made of a non-water-resistant
material.
13. The water resistant slide fastener as claimed in claim 6,
wherein the supporting members are made of a water-resistant
material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a slide fastener. In
particular, the present invention relates to a water resistant
slide fastener.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] FIG. 1 of the drawings shows a typical slide fastener 1
comprising a pair of oppositely disposed tapes 11 each having a row
of fastener coupling elements 12 mounted thereto. The tapes 11 may
be made of fabrics or plastics and the rows of coupling elements 12
may be made of metal or plastics. Referring to FIG. 2, when the
rows of coupling elements 1 2 are engaged with each other, water or
the like is apt to permeate from outer layers of the tapes 11 into
bottom layers of the tapes 11 or permeate inward via the gaps 13 of
the rows of coupling elements 12. Thus, the slide fastener 1 of
this type could not be used in watertight articles.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,859 discloses a water-tight slide
fastener. As illustrated in FIG. 3 of the drawings, the slide
fastener 2 disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,859 comprises a pair of
oppositely disposed support tapes 21 and a row of fastener coupling
elements 22 secured by sewing threads to and along an inner
longitudinal edge of each support tape 21. Each support tape 21 is
coated with a water-resistant coating material 23 on one of its
surfaces and on its longitudinal marginal edge. Thus, a
water-resistant effect is provided, as the row of fastener coupling
elements 22 is on a side of the support tape 21 and the
water-resistant coating material 23 is on the other side of the
support tape 21. However, gaps still exist between the joint
section of the support tapes 21.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,214 discloses a water resistant slide
fastener and a process for preparing same. As illustrated in FIG. 4
of the drawings, the slide fastener 3 disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,105,21 4 includes a slide fastener structure, and stringer tapes
31 each having opposed surfaces 34, 36. A gripper or coil structure
32 of the slide fastener is attached to edges of surfaces 34. A
water resistant layer 31b is laminated to surfaces 36 of the string
tapes 31. The slide fastener structure is cut along a cut line 30,
providing a water-resistant slide fastener. However, water is still
able to permeate via the gaps along the cut line 30.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a
slide fastener that has a reliable water-resistant effect.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
water resistant slide fastener comprises two supporting members
made of a water resistant material. Each supporting member includes
a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface,
and a longitudinal edge. A plurality of coupling elements are
formed on the first surface and the second surface of each
supporting member. Each coupling element includes a first portion
on the first surface of an associated one of the supporting members
and a second portion on the second surface of the associated
supporting member. The first portion and the second portion of each
coupling element extend beyond the longitudinal edge of the
associated supporting member and have a gap therebetween. The
longitudinal edge of each supporting member extends into the gaps
of the coupling elements. The longitudinal edges of the supporting
members overlap each other when the coupling elements of the
supporting members are engaged with each other.
[0009] Preferably, the supporting members are made of a material
selected from a group consisting of rubber, plastics, and
resins.
[0010] Preferably, each supporting member includes a plurality of
through-holes through which the coupling elements extend during
formation of the coupling elements. Each through-hole may be
rectangular, circular, or square.
[0011] Each supporting member may include an enlarged filament.
[0012] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a water
resistant slide fastener comprises two supporting members each
including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first
surface, and a longitudinal edge. A water resistant layer is
provided on at least one of the first surface and the second
surface of each supporting member. A plurality of coupling elements
are formed on the first surface and the second surface of each
supporting member. Each coupling element includes a first portion
on the first surface of an associated one of the supporting members
and a second portion on the second surface of the associated
supporting member. The first portion and the second portion of each
coupling element extend beyond the longitudinal edge of the
associated supporting member and have a gap therebetween. The
longitudinal edge of each supporting member extends into the gaps
of the coupling elements. The longitudinal edges of the supporting
members overlap each other when the coupling elements of the
supporting members are engaged with each other.
[0013] Preferably, the water resistant layer is made of water
resistant resins or polyurethane.
[0014] The water resistant layer may extend to the longitudinal
layer of an associated one of the supporting members.
[0015] Preferably, each supporting member includes a plurality of
through-holes through which the coupling elements extend during
formation of the coupling elements.
[0016] Each through-hole may be rectangular, circular, or
square.
[0017] Each supporting member may include an enlarged section.
[0018] The supporting members may be made of a non-water-resistant
material or a water-resistant material.
[0019] Other objects, advantages and novel features of this
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional
slide fastener;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a top view of the conventional slide fastener in
FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of another conventional slide
fastener;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further conventional slide
fastener;
[0024] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment
of a water resistant slide fastener in accordance with the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a top view of the slide fastener in FIG. 5;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along plane 7-7 in FIG.
6;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6, wherein the slide
fastener is in a closed state;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along plane 9-9 in FIG.
8;
[0029] FIG. 10 is an exploded sectional view illustrating a second
embodiment of the water resistant slide fastener in accordance with
the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10, wherein the slide
fastener is in a closed state;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a top view of a third embodiment of the water
resistant slide fastener in accordance with the present invention;
and
[0032] FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along plane 13-13 in FIG.
12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Referring to FIG. 5 through 7, a first embodiment of a water
resistant slide fastener in accordance with the present invention
comprises two supporting members 4 and a row of coupling elements 5
longitudinally provided on each supporting member 4. The supporting
members 4 are made of a water resistant material preferably
selected from a group consisting of rubber, plastics, and resins to
form a flexible structure. Each supporting member 4 includes a
first surface 41, a second surface 42 opposite to the first surface
41, and a longitudinal edge 44.
[0034] A row of coupling elements 5 is formed on a longitudinal
side of a supporting member 4 for engaging with the other row of
coupling elements 5 on the other supporting member 4. More
specifically, a portion of each coupling element 5 is formed on the
first surface 41 of an associated supporting member 4, forming a
first portion 51 of each coupling member 5. Another portion of each
coupling element 5 is formed on the second surface 42 of the
associated supporting member 4, forming a second portion 52 of each
coupling member 5.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, each supporting member 4
includes a plurality of through-holes 43, and each coupling element
5 includes a connecting portion 53 that is formed between the first
portion 51 and the second portion 52 and that extends through an
associated through-hole 43. The coupling elements 5 are formed on
the supporting member 4 by injection molding, allowing bonding
between the coupling elements 5 and the supporting members 4. The
connecting portion 53 of each coupling element 5 allows firm
bonding between the coupling elements 5 and the supporting members
4. Each through-hole 43 may be rectangular, square, circular or of
other shape.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 7, the first portion 51 and the second
portion 52 of each coupling element 5 extend beyond the
longitudinal edge 44 of the associated supporting member 4 and have
a gap 54 therebetween. The longitudinal edge 44 of each supporting
member 4 extending into the gaps 54 of the coupling elements 5.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 that show the closed state of the
slide fastener, the longitudinal edge 44 of each supporting member
4 extends into the gaps 54 of the coupling elements 5 on the other
supporting member 4 when the coupling elements 5 of the supporting
members 4 are engaged with each other. Further, the longitudinal
edges 44 of the supporting members 4 overlap each other when the
coupling elements 5 of the supporting members 4 are engaged with
each other. An excellent waterproof effect is thus provided.
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention. In
this embodiment, the supporting members 6 are made of a
non-water-resistant material such as polyester fiber cloth. In the
illustrated embodiment, the supporting members 6 are made of
conventional cloth. A water resistant layer 65 is provided on at
least one of the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 of each
supporting member 6. The water resistant layer 65 is made of water
resistant resin or polyurethane and applied to the supporting
member 6. If necessary, the water resistant layer 65 extends to the
longitudinal edge 64 of each supporting member 6. When the coupling
elements 5 of the supporting members 6 are engaged with each other,
the longitudinal edges 64 of the supporting members 6 overlap each
other, as shown in FIG. 11. An excellent waterproof effect is thus
provided.
[0039] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a third embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment, the supporting members 7 are
flexible and made of rubber, plastics or resins. Alternatively, the
supporting members 7 are made of non-water-resistant material and
include a water resistant layer on at least one surface thereof. A
row of coupling elements 5 is formed on a longitudinal side of each
supporting member 7. Each coupling element 5 includes a first
portion 51 on a first surface 71 of an associated supporting member
7, a second portion 52 on a second surface 72 of the associated
supporting member 7, and a connecting portion 53 between the first
portion 51 and the second portion 52. Each supporting member 7
includes a plurality of through-holes 73 through which the
connecting portions 53 of the coupling elements 5 extend, allowing
firm bonding between the coupling elements 5 and the supporting
member 7. The longitudinal edge 74 of each supporting member 7
extends into the gaps 54 defined between the first portions 51 and
the second portions 52 of the associated coupling element 5.
[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the longitudinal edge 74 of each
supporting member 7 extends into the gaps 54 of the coupling
elements 5 on the other supporting member 7 when the coupling
elements 5 of the supporting members 7 are engaged with each other.
Further, the longitudinal edges 74 of the supporting members 7
overlap each other when the coupling elements 5 of the supporting
members 7 are engaged with each other. An excellent waterproof
effect is thus provided.
[0041] Further, each supporting member 7 includes an enlarged
section 75. A firm bonding is provided for the coupling elements 5
and the supporting members 7 while forming the coupling elements 5
on the supporting members 7.
[0042] While the principles of this invention have been disclosed
in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood by
those skilled in the art that these descriptions are not intended
to limit the scope of the invention, and that any modification and
variation without departing the spirit of the invention is intended
to be covered by the scope of this invention defined only by the
appended claims.
* * * * *