U.S. patent application number 11/803038 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-06 for fastener.
Invention is credited to Akio Hayashi, Yuji Kondo, Ryo Mikuma, Miyuki Ohgaku, Takanori Ozawa, Eriko Sakamoto.
Application Number | 20070277353 11/803038 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38650725 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070277353 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kondo; Yuji ; et
al. |
December 6, 2007 |
Fastener
Abstract
A fastener wherein right and left side edge portions can be
engaged using a magnetic force, and which can be applied preferably
for plastic article such as clothes and further prevented from
being opened carelessly even if a lateral pulling force is applied
when right and left elements are engaged. In the fastener, a
plurality of first and second magnetic elements having magnetism
are provided in lines on a pair of first and second fastener tapes,
the first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other
using a magnetic force, characterized in that the first and second
magnetic elements have head portions, a leg portion, and
engagement/disengagement portions formed at the head portions and
mechanically engaged with or disengaged from each other between the
first and second magnetic elements, the first and second magnetic
elements are respectively disposed at predetermined intervals, the
magnetic elements of one fastener tape are adsorbed to spaces
between the adjacent magnetic elements of the other fastener tape,
and the first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each
other alternately.
Inventors: |
Kondo; Yuji; (Toyama-ken,
JP) ; Hayashi; Akio; (Toyama-ken, JP) ; Ozawa;
Takanori; (Toyama-ken, JP) ; Mikuma; Ryo;
(Toyama-ken, JP) ; Sakamoto; Eriko; (Toyama-ken,
JP) ; Ohgaku; Miyuki; (Toyama-ken, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael S. Leonard;Everest Intellectual Property Law Group
P.O. Box 708
Northbrook
IL
60065
US
|
Family ID: |
38650725 |
Appl. No.: |
11/803038 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/403 ;
24/303 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41F 1/002 20130101;
A44B 19/08 20130101; Y10T 24/2539 20150115; A45C 13/1069 20130101;
A44D 2203/00 20130101; Y10T 24/32 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/403 ;
24/303 |
International
Class: |
A44B 19/02 20060101
A44B019/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 30, 2006 |
JP |
2006-150394 |
Claims
1. A fastener, in which a plurality of first and second magnetic
elements made of synthetic resin having magnetism are provided
respectively in lines along opposing element attaching edge
portions of a pair of first and second fastener tapes and the
opposing right and left first and second magnetic elements are
adsorbed to each other using a magnetic force, wherein the first
and second magnetic elements have head portions, leg portions to be
attached to the element attaching edge portions, and
engagement/disengagement portions formed on the head portions and
mechanically engaged with or disengaged from each other between the
opposing first and second magnetic elements, the first and second
magnetic elements are respectively disposed on the respective
element attaching edge portions of the first and second fastener
tapes at predetermined intervals, the magnetic elements of one
fastener tape of the fastener tapes are adsorbed to spaces between
the adjacent magnetic elements of the other fastener tape of the
fastener tapes, and the opposing first and second magnetic elements
are engaged with each other alternately.
2. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the opposing right
and left first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each
other using a magnetic force which occurs along a longitudinal
direction of the fastener tapes due to the magnetism of the first
and second magnetic elements.
3. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the opposing right
and left first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each
other using a magnetic force which occurs along a width direction
of the fastener tapes due to the magnetism of the first and second
magnetic elements.
4. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the
engagement/disengagement portions consist of:
engagement/disengagement convex portions formed on the head
portions of the first magnetic elements and/or the second magnetic
elements; and engagement/disengagement concave portions formed in
the head portions of the second magnetic elements and/or the first
magnetic elements and capable of being engaged with the
engagement/disengagement convex portions.
5. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein the head portions of
the first and second magnetic elements have first opposing faces
and second opposing faces opposing the head portions of the mating
magnetic elements in back and forth directions of the longitudinal
direction of the first and second fastener tapes, the
engagement/disengagement convex portions are disposed on the first
opposing faces and the engagement/disengagement concave portions
are disposed on the second opposing faces, and when the first
magnetic elements and the second magnetic elements are engaged with
each other, the engagement/disengagement convex portion are fitted
in the engagement/disengagement concave portion.
6. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the
engagement/disengagement portions consist of: surface side
engagement/disengagement portions, which are formed on surface
sides of the head portions of the first and second magnetic
elements so as to be inclined with a predetermined angle with
respect to the longitudinal direction of the first and second
fastener tapes, and have front end portions and rear end portions
respectively projecting in the longitudinal direction of the
fastener tapes from front surface portions and rear surface
portions of the head portions; and rear surface side
engagement/disengagement portions, which are formed on rear surface
sides of the head portions so as to be inclined symmetrically
compared with the surface side engagement/disengagement portions
with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes,
and have the front end portions and the rear end portions
respectively projecting in the longitudinal direction of the
fastener tapes from the front surface portions and the rear surface
portions of the head portions.
7. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the
engagement/disengagement portions consist of: front edge portions
formed on the head portions and having an oval shape which is long
in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes; and neck
portions formed between the front edge portions and the leg
portions and having a constricted shape in the longitudinal
direction of the fastener tapes.
8. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first and second
magnetic elements are formed by burying magnets upon injection
molding of synthetic resin.
9. The fastener according to claim 8, wherein the
engagement/disengagement portions consist of:
engagement/disengagement convex portions formed such that front end
portions or the rear end portions of the magnets buried in the head
portions project from the head portions of the first magnetic
elements and/or the second magnetic elements; and
engagement/disengagement concave portions formed by steps between
external faces of the head portions of the second magnetic elements
and/or the first magnetic elements and rear end faces or front end
faces of the magnets and capable of being fitted with the
engagement/disengagement convex portions.
10. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first and second
magnetic elements are formed by injection molding synthetic resin
containing powder of a magnetic material and magnetizing the
magnetic material.
11. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first and second
magnetic elements include: recessed groove portions or projecting
portions on front edge faces in a width direction of the head
portions; and the projecting portions or the recessed groove
portions on side faces of the leg portions opposing the front edge
faces of the mating magnetic elements, and wherein the projecting
portions are fitted in the recessed groove portions, when the first
and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other.
12. The fastener according to claim 1, including a slider having an
upper blade, a lower blade, and upper and lower flanges disposed in
a perpendicular direction along right and left side edges of the
upper blade and the lower blade, the slider being loaded on right
and left element rows of the magnetic elements so as to engage or
disengage the magnetic elements, wherein the first and second
magnetic elements are so formed that the head portions are thicker
in a height direction than the leg portions so as to be insertable
into a guide passage in the slider, and the magnetic elements have
protruding portions protruding in the height direction from both of
front and rear faces of the leg portions so that the protruding
portions make a sliding contact with the external faces of the
upper and lower flanges, thereby guiding the slider.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a fastener for use in
opening or closing a fly of clothes, and more particularly, to a
fastener in which magnetic elements supplied with magnetism by a
magnet or the like are attached to opposing element attaching edge
portions of a pair of fastener tapes so as to engage opposing right
and left magnetic elements using a magnetic force of the magnetic
elements.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A fastener which opens or closes a fly of clothes using a
magnetic force of a magnet has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,399,595. In the fastener disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595,
magnets are provided on opposing side edge portions of a fly
portion of clothes at a predetermined interval such that N pole and
S pole come alternately. By overlapping the front face of one side
edge portion with the rear face of the other side edge portion, the
N pole and S pole of the magnets provided on the side edge portions
are attracted to each other by a magnetic force, so that the right
and left side edge portions are fitted to each other. To release
the fitting of the right and left side edge portions, the position
of the magnet provided on one side edge portion is shifted in the
longitudinal direction by releasing means so as to oppose the same
poles of the magnets provided on the respective side edge portions,
so that they repel each other. Consequently, the fitted right and
left side edge portions can be separated easily.
[0005] In the fastener of U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595, a projecting tab
projecting in the direction from the front face to the rear face is
formed on one side edge portion, and a concave portion in which the
projecting tab is fitted is formed in the other side edge portion.
For this reason, when the right and left side edge portions are
overlapped to be fitted, the projecting tab invades into the
concave portion. Consequently, even if a lateral pulling force is
received when the right and left side edge portions are fitted to
each other, the right and left side edge portions can be prevented
from being separated by the lateral pulling force.
[0006] On the other hand, for example, Japanese Patent Application
Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 60-261404 has disclosed a magnet fastener in
which a base material of opposing right and left side edge portions
is made of a magnetic material such as iron and a magnet is
attached to part of each side edge portion to thereby attract the
right and left side edge portions or magnets to each other using a
magnetic force of the magnet.
[0007] JP-A-60-261404 has disclosed a magnet fastener in which
magnets are provided on side edge portions having a T-shaped
section made of a highly rigid magnetic material or on right and
left side edge portions having a L-shaped section as an embodiment
of the magnet fastener. When the right and left side edge portions
of the magnet fastener are attracted to each other, parts of the
right and left side edge portions having the T-shaped section or
the L-shaped section stood in a height direction from the proximal
end face of the side edge portion are hooked on each other, and at
the same time, the right and left side edge portions made of a
magnetic material are attracted to each other using the magnetic
force of the magnets so as to close the fastener.
[0008] As another embodiment, JP-A-60-261404 has disclosed a magnet
fastener in which magnets are attached to ends of right and left
side edge portions to close the right and left side edge portions
when the magnets attract each other.
[0009] The magnet fastener described in JP-A-60-261404 as the
embodiment opens or closes the right and left side edge portions
using a magnetic force of the magnet. For the reason, according to
JP-A-60-261404, the right and left side edge portions can be opened
or closed from a halfway position without use of any slider. This
makes it possible to prevent inconvenience due to use of the
slider, for example, reduction of the service life due to catching
of the slider or wearing of the fastener.
[0010] Although the fastener described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595
or JP-A-60-261404 in which the right and left side edge portions
are made into contact with or fitted to each other using a magnetic
force has such an advantage that it can be opened or closed without
use of any slider, it has following disadvantages. In the fastener
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595, the right and left side edge
portions each having a magnet are made into contact with each other
such that they are overlapped vertically. Consequently, the side
edge portions made into contact become thick and stiff, and for
this reason, the fastener is not suitable for such applications as
a fly of plastic clothes, an opening in a bag, and the like.
[0011] On the other hand, if in the fastener described in
JP-A-60-261404, the right and left side edge portions are made of a
magnetic material having a high rigidity, the fastener itself
becomes stiff. Therefore, such a fastener cannot be applied to a
fly of plastic clothes, an opening in a bag, and the like, and
consequently, the application of the fastener is limited.
[0012] The magnet fastener disclosed in JP-A-60-261404 as another
embodiment, that is, the magnet fastener which closes the right and
left side edge portions by allowing magnets attached to the right
and left side edge portions to attract each other may be used for
such applications as a fly of clothes, an opening in a bag and the
like by attaching the magnet directly to the end of the tape having
plasticity. However, if the magnet fastener which attracts the
magnets just directly receives a lateral pulling force from both
sides of the fastener when the right and left side edge portions
keep firm contact by means of the magnetic force of the magnet, the
magnet fastener cannot withstand this lateral pulling force if
nothing but the attraction force produced by the magnetic force of
the magnet is employed. Consequently, the right and left side edge
portions may be opened easily at a position receiving the lateral
pulling force. Therefore, if the fastener which closes using only
the magnetic force of the magnet is used at a fly of clothes or the
like, there often occurs a fault that the right and left side edge
portions may open carelessly when a user wears the clothes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention has been achieved in views of the
conventional problems, and an object of the invention is to provide
a fastener in which right and left side edge portions can be
engaged using a magnetic force, and which can be applied preferably
for a plastic article such as clothes and further prevented from
being opened carelessly even if a lateral pulling force is received
when right and left elements are engaged.
[0014] To achieve the above-described object, according to an
aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fastener in
which a plurality of first and second magnetic elements made of
synthetic resin having magnetism are respectively provided in lines
at predetermined intervals along opposing element attaching edge
portions of a pair of first and second fastener tapes and the
opposing right and left first and second magnetic elements are
adsorbed to with each other using a magnetic force, mainly
characterized in that the first and second magnetic elements
magnetic elements have head portions, leg portions to be attached
to the element attaching edge portions, and
engagement/disengagement portions formed on the head portions and
mechanically engaged with or disengaged from each other between the
opposing first and second magnetic elements, the first and second
magnetic elements are respectively disposed on the respective
element attaching edge portions of the first and second fastener
tapes at predetermined intervals, the magnetic elements of one
fastener tape of the fastener tapes are adsorbed to spaces between
the adjacent magnetic elements of the other fastener tape of the
fastener tapes, and the opposing first and second magnetic elements
are engaged with each other alternately.
[0015] In the fastener of the invention, it is preferable that the
opposing right and left first and second magnetic elements are
adsorbed to each other using a magnetic force which occurs along a
longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes or a magnetic force
which occurs along a width direction of the fastener tapes due to
the magnetism of the first and second magnetic elements.
[0016] In the fastener of the invention, it is preferable that the
engagement/disengagement portions consist of:
engagement/disengagement convex portions formed on the head
portions of the first magnetic elements and/or the second magnetic
elements; and engagement/disengagement concave portions formed in
the head portions of the second magnetic elements and/or the first
magnetic elements and capable of being fitted with the
engagement/disengagement convex portions.
[0017] In addition, in the fastener of the invention, it is
preferable that the head portions of the first and second magnetic
elements have first opposing faces and second opposing faces
opposing the head portions of the mating magnetic elements in back
and forth directions of the longitudinal direction of the first and
second fastener tapes, the engagement/disengagement convex portions
are disposed on the first opposing faces and the
engagement/disengagement concave portions are disposed on the
second opposing faces, and when the first magnetic elements and the
second magnetic elements are engaged with each other, the
engagement/disengagement convex portion are fitted in the
engagement/disengagement concave portion.
[0018] Further, it is possible that the engagement/disengagement
portions consist of: surface side engagement/disengagement
portions, which are formed on surface sides of the head portions of
the first and second magnetic elements so as to be inclined with a
predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of
the first and second fastener tapes, and have front end portions
and rear end portions respectively projecting in the longitudinal
direction of the fastener tapes from front surface portions and
rear surface portions of the head portions; and rear surface side
engagement/disengagement portions , which are formed on rear
surface sides of the head portions so as to be inclined
symmetrically compared with the surface side
engagement/disengagement portions with respect to the longitudinal
direction of the fastener tapes, and have the front end portions
and the rear end portions respectively projecting in the
longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes from the front surface
portions and the rear surface portions of the head portions.
[0019] Furthermore, it is also possible that the
engagement/disengagement portions consist of: front edge portions
formed on the head portions and having an oval shape which is long
in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes; and neck
portions formed between the front edge portions and the leg
portions and having a constricted shape in the longitudinal
direction of the fastener tapes.
[0020] In the fastener of the invention, the first and second
magnetic elements can be formed by burying magnets upon injection
molding of synthetic resin. In this case, it is preferable that the
engagement/disengagement portions consist of:
engagement/disengagement convex portions formed such that front end
portions or the rear end portions of the magnets buried in the head
portions project from the head portions of the first magnetic
elements and/or the second magnetic elements; and
engagement/disengagement concave portions formed by steps between
external faces of the head portions of the second magnetic elements
and/or the first magnetic elements and rear end faces or front end
faces of the magnets and capable of being fitted with the
engagement/disengagement convex portions.
[0021] In addition, in the invention, the first and second magnetic
elements can be formed by injection molding synthetic resin
containing powder of a magnetic material and magnetizing the
magnetic material.
[0022] Further, in the fastener of the invention, the first and
second magnetic elements include: recessed groove portions or
projecting portions on front edge faces in a width direction of the
head portions; and the projecting portions or the recessed groove
portions on side faces of the leg portions opposing the front edge
faces of the mating magnetic elements, and wherein the projecting
portions are fitted in the recessed groove portions when the first
and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other.
[0023] Furthermore, it is preferable that the fastener of the
invention includes a slider having an upper blade, a lower blade,
and upper and lower flanges disposed in a perpendicular direction
along right and left side edges of the upper blade and the lower
blade, the slider being loaded on right and left element rows of
the magnetic elements so as to engage or disengage the magnetic
elements, wherein the first and second magnetic elements are so
formed that the head portions are thicker in a height direction
than the leg portions so as to be insertable into a guide passage
in the slider, and the magnetic elements have protruding portions
protruding in the height direction from both of front and rear
faces of the leg portions so that the protruding portions make a
sliding contact with the external faces of the upper and lower
flanges, thereby guiding the slider.
[0024] In the fastener of the invention, each of the magnetic
elements arranged in lines at predetermined intervals along the
opposing element attaching edge portions of the pair of first and
second fastener tapes includes a head portion, a leg portion and a
mechanical engaging/disengaging portion formed on the head portion.
In addition, in the fastener of the invention, the opposing right
and left first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each
other alternately using a magnetic force, and the
engagement/disengagement portions formed on the first and second
magnetic elements are mechanically engaged with each other.
[0025] In this kind of fastener of the invention, since the right
and left first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each
other by the magnetic force, the first and second magnetic elements
do not overlap in the height direction and engaged alternately and
the thickness of a portion in which the magnetic elements are
engaged is never increased, so that the fastener does not become
stiff when the fastener is closed. Therefore, the fastener of the
invention can be used preferably for a plastic articles such as
clothes. Further, when the first and second magnetic elements are
engaged with each other, the engagement/disengagement portions
formed on the head portions are mechanically engaged with each
other and a strong engagement strength can be obtained between the
first and second magnetic elements. Accordingly, even if a lateral
pulling force is received, the engagement state of the magnetic
elements is maintained, so that the magnetic elements can be
prevented from being separated carelessly and opened.
[0026] In the invention, the opposing right and left first and
second magnetic elements have a magnetic force which occurs along a
longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes or a magnetic force
which occurs along a width direction of the fastener tapes due to
the magnetism of the first and second magnetic elements.
Especially, the first and second magnetic elements are formed with
the direction of magnetic poles conformed, such that the magnetic
poles on the same side in the longitudinal direction or the width
direction of the fastener tapes serve as the same poles when the
elements are engaged.
[0027] Accordingly, the adsorption between the first and second
magnetic elements by the magnetic force is stabilized and the
closing of the fastener is carried our securely. Further, in such a
case that the respective magnetic elements are formed so as to have
the magnetic poles directed in the same direction when the elements
are engaged, the orientation of the magnetic poles of the magnetic
elements becomes easier by adjusting the direction of the buried
magnets or the direction for magnetizing the elements and the
simplification of the manufacturing process and the reduction of
the manufacturing time can be attempted, compared with the fastener
in which the magnetic poles of the respective magnetic elements are
not uniform.
[0028] In addition, in the fastener of the invention, the
engagement/disengagement portions consist of:
engagement/disengagement convex portions formed on the head
portions of the first magnetic elements and/or the second magnetic
elements; and engagement/disengagement concave portions formed in
the head portions of the second magnetic elements and/or the first
magnetic elements and capable of being fitted with the
engagement/disengagement convex portion. Consequently, when the
right and left first and second magnetic elements are engaged with
each other, their engagement/disengagement portions can be engaged
securely, so that even if the lateral pulling force is received,
the engagement state of the first and second magnetic elements can
be maintained stably.
[0029] In this case, the head portions of the first and second
magnetic elements have first opposing faces and second opposing
faces which face the head portions of the mating magnetic elements
in the back and forth direction in the longitudinal direction of
the fastener tape. The engagement/disengagement convex portions are
disposed on the first opposing faces, and the
engagement/disengagement concave portions are disposed in the
second opposing faces. Consequently, when the right and left first
and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other, the
engagement/disengagement convex portions are engaged with the
engagement/disengagement concave portions securely, and an
excellent lateral pulling resistance can be obtained.
[0030] Further, the engagement/disengagement portions of the
fastener of the invention can consist of: surface side
engagement/disengagement portions, which are formed on surface
sides of the head portions of the first and second magnetic
elements so as to be inclined with a predetermined angle with
respect to the longitudinal direction of the first and second
fastener tapes, and have front end portions and rear end portions
respectively projecting in the longitudinal direction of the
fastener tapes from front surface portions and rear surface
portions of the head portions; and rear surface side
engagement/disengagement portions, which are formed on rear surface
sides of the head portions so as to be inclined symmetrically
compared with the surface side engagement/disengagement portions
with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes,
and have the front end portions and the rear end portions
respectively projecting in the longitudinal direction of the
fastener tapes from the front surface portions and the rear surface
portions of the head portions. Consequently, when the right and
left first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each
other, the surface side engagement/disengagement portions of the
first and second magnetic elements and the rear surface side
engagement/disengagement portions of the first and second magnetic
elements can be engaged, respectively, so that an excellent lateral
pulling resistance can be obtained.
[0031] Furthermore, the engagement/disengagement portions can
consist of: front edge portions formed on the head portions and
having an oval shape which is long in the longitudinal direction of
the fastener tapes; and neck portions formed between the front edge
portions and the leg portions and having a constricted shape in the
longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes. Consequently, when
the right and left first and second magnetic elements are engaged
with each other, an excellent lateral pulling resistance can be
obtained.
[0032] In the fastener of the invention, the first and second
magnetic elements maybe formed by burying magnets upon injection
molding of synthetic resin. As a result, in the first and second
magnetic elements, the magnetic force occurs in the longitudinal
direction or the width direction of the fastener tapes, so that the
magnetism such that the first magnetic elements and the second
magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other can be obtained
easily.
[0033] In this case, herein the engagement/disengagement portions
can consist of: engagement/disengagement convex portions formed
such that front end portions or the rear end portions of the
magnets project from the head portions of the first magnetic
elements and/or the second magnetic elements; and
engagement/disengagement concave portions formed by steps between
external faces of the head portions of the second magnetic elements
and/or the first magnetic elements and rear end faces or front end
faces of the magnets. Consequently, production of the
engagement/disengagement portion is facilitated, and when the right
and left first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each
other, the magnets buried in the respective magnetic element face
directly the magnets buried in the mating magnetic elements or
makes contact therewith. As a result, the engagement state of the
magnetic elements can be stabilized by using the magnetic force of
the magnets effectively.
[0034] On the other hand, the first and second magnetic elements
may be formed by injection molding synthetic resin containing
powder of a magnetic material and magnetizing the magnetic
material. Even if the first and second magnetic elements are formed
as above, the magnetism such that the first magnetic elements and
the second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other can be
obtained easily.
[0035] Further, according to the invention, the first and second
magnetic elements include: recessed groove portions or projecting
portions on front edge faces in a width direction of the head
portions; and the projecting portions or the recessed groove
portions on side faces of the leg portions opposing the front edge
faces of the mating magnetic elements. Consequently, the projecting
portions are fitted in the recessed groove portions when the right
and left first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each
other. As a result, the engagement state of the magnetic elements
is stabilized extremely, and even if the fastener receives, for
example, a push-up force in the height direction of the elements,
the engagement of the magnetic elements can be blocked from being
released.
[0036] Further, according to the invention, the fastener includes a
slider having an upper blade, a lower blade, and upper and lower
flanges disposed in a perpendicular direction along right and left
side edges of the upper blade and the lower blade, the slider being
loaded on right and left element rows so as to engage or disengage
the magnetic elements. In addition, the first and second magnetic
elements are so formed that the head portions are thicker in a
height direction than the leg portions so as to be insertable into
a guide passage in the slider, and the magnetic elements have
protruding portions protruding in the height direction from both of
front and rear faces of the leg portions so that the protruding
portions make a sliding contact with the external faces of the
upper and lower flanges, thereby the slider can be guided. Because
the magnetic elements have a specified shape, the fastener can be
opened or closed very smoothly by engaging or disengaging the
magnetic elements using the slider.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONN OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a
magnetic element of a fastener according to a first embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a front view showing part of the fastener;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the
configuration of a separable bottom end stop attached to a rear end
of a fastener tape;
[0040] FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing magnetic
elements of a fastener according to a second embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a front view showing part of the fastener;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a front view showing part of a modification of the
fastener according to the second embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a front view showing part of another modification
of the fastener according to the second embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing magnetic
elements of a fastener according to a third embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 9 is a front view showing part of the fastener;
[0046] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a
magnetic element of a fastener according to a fourth
embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 11 is a front view showing part of the fastener;
[0048] FIG. 12 is a front view schematically showing part of a
fastener according to a fifth embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing magnetic
elements of a fastener according to a sixth embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 14 is a front view schematically showing part of a
fastener according to the sixth embodiment; and
[0051] FIG. 15 is a front view showing part of another modification
of the fastener according to the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMETNS
[0052] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings. In the meantime, the present invention is not restricted
to any particular one of embodiments described below, and maybe
modified in various ways as long as substantially the same
configuration is possessed and the same operating effect is
achieved.
First Embodiment
[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a magnetic element of a
fastener according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2
is a front view showing part of the fastener according to the first
embodiment, specifically indicating the magnetic element with a
sectional view. In the description below, one direction in the
longitudinal direction of a fastener tape in FIG. 1 (upward
direction in the figure) is set as forward, and the other direction
(downward direction in the figure) is set as backward.
[0054] The fastener 1 of the first embodiment comprises a pair of
first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first and
second magnetic elements 3A, 3B made of synthetic resin. A core
thread portion 4 is formed at each of opposing side edges of the
first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, and a plurality of first
and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B are provided in lines at
constant intervals along respective element attaching edge portions
5 including the core thread portions 4 of these first and second
fastener tape 2A, 2B.
[0055] The first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B are formed by
injection molding synthetic resin with magnets 6 inserted, and
include head portions 7 having magnetism, leg portions 8 to be
attached to the element attaching edge portions 5 of the fastener
tapes 2A, 2B, and engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 and an
engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 formed in the head
portions 7. In the invention, examples of the synthetic resin for
forming the first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B include
thermoplastic resin such as polyamide, polyacetal, polypropylene,
and polybutylene terephthalate, and thermosetting resin such as
urea resin and melamine resin.
[0056] The magnets 6 are buried in the head portions of the
respective magnetic elements 3A, 3B with N pole and S pole set
forward and backward in the longitudinal direction of the fastener
tapes 2A, 2B, respectively. Consequently, respective magnetic
elements 3A, 3B arranged on the fastener tapes 2A, 2B in lines have
such magnetism that the magnetic poles on the same side in the
longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B are of the same
pole, when the right and left magnetic elements 3A, 3B are engaged
with each other. In the meantime, according to the invention, the
elements may be formed by reversing the magnetic poles of the
respective magnetic elements. In addition, instead of burying the
magnets 6 in the head portions of the magnetic elements 3A, 3B as
discussed in the first embodiment, it is permissible, for example,
to form magnetic elements by injection molding synthetic resin
containing a magnetic material, and then magnetize the magnetic
elements (magnetizing in a strong magnetic field) to provide the
head portions of the magnetic elements or the entire magnetic
elements with magnetism.
[0057] The head portions 7 are formed in a rectangular shape, and
have first opposing faces 7a and second opposing faces 7b, which
oppose the head portions 7 of the mating magnetic elements 3A, 3B,
in the back and forth direction in the longitudinal direction. The
first opposing face 7a (or the second opposing face 7b) of the one
first magnetic element 3A faces the second opposing face 7b (or the
first opposing face 7a) of the other second magnetic element 3B.
Further, the engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 is formed on
the first opposing face 7a of the head portion 7, and the
engagement/disengagement concave portion 10 is formed in the second
opposing face 7b.
[0058] The engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 projects
cylindrically from the first opposing face 7a, and its front end
face is formed in a tapered shape which tilts downward toward the
front edge in the width direction of the head portion 7. On the
other hand, the engagement/disengagement concave portion 10 is
formed with a step between the second opposing face 7b and the rear
end face of the magnet 6 buried internally. The leg portion 8 is
formed so as to straddle the front and rear faces of the element
attaching edge portion 5 of each of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B and
is longer than the head portion 7 in the back and forth direction
of the longitudinal direction.
[0059] In the fastener 1 of the first embodiment, a separable
bottom end stop 11 as shown in FIG. 3 is formed by injection
molding at the rear ends of the first and second fastener tapes 2A,
2B. As the separable bottom end stop 11, for example, a separable
bottom end stop as described in JP-A-2004-24809 may be used. If
speaking briefly, in the separable bottom end stop 11, a holding
member 12 is attached to a rear end of one first fastener tape 2A,
and an insertion member 13 which can be fitted into the side face
of the holding member 12 is attached to a rear end of the other
second fastener tape 2B. Disc-like sliding contact plates 14, 15,
which can be overlapped in the front-rear face direction, are
provided integrally at each front edge of the holding member 12 and
the insertion member 13. One of overlapping faces 16, 17 through
which the sliding contact plates 14, 15 may be overlapped with each
other has an insertion convex portion 19, while the other has an
insertion concave portion in which the insertion convex portion 19
may be fitted. In addition, the overlapping faces 16, 17 have
magnetic bodies 18 having magnetism.
[0060] In the separable bottom end stop 11, the holding member 12
and the insertion member 13 are overlapped by adsorbing the sliding
contact plates 14, 15 by the action of magnetism, and then, the
insertion member 13 is fitted in the holding member 12 by rotating
at a predetermined angle. As a consequence, the right and left
magnetic elements 3A, 3B can be engaged with each other
successively from the ones disposed at the rear end side of the
fastener tapes 2A, 2B. In the meantime, the separable bottom end
stop to be formed on the fastener tapes 2A, 2B is not restricted to
this example, but other various separable bottom end stops may be
formed. Instead of the separable bottom end stop, an end stop which
just connects the rear end portions of the right and left fastener
tapes 2A, 2B may be used.
[0061] Next, a usage condition of the fastener 1 according to the
above first embodiment will be described.
[0062] First, with the sliding contact plates 14, 15 of the
separable bottom end stop 11 overlapped with each other, the
insertion convex portion 19 is fitted to the insertion concave
portion, and then, the insertion member 13 is inserted into the
holding member 12 by rotating the sliding contact plates 14, 15. At
the same time, the right and left first and second magnetic
elements 3A, 3B disposed respectively at the rear ends of the first
and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B are engaged with each other.
Consequently, the magnetic elements 3A (3B) of one fastener tape 2A
(2B) are adsorbed to the spaces between the adjacent magnetic
elements 3B (3A) of the other fastener tape 2B (2A) using a
magnetic force of the magnetic elements 3A, 3B which occurs along
the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes. Therefore, the
right and left first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B are
engaged with each other successively and alternately, as shown in
FIG. 2, from the first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B disposed
at the rear end side up to the first and second magnetic elements 3
disposed at the front end side, thereby the fastener 1 can be
closed. When the fastener 1 is closed, the fastener 1 never becomes
stiff because the right and left first and second magnetic elements
3A, 3B do not overlap each other in the height direction of the
elements.
[0063] In the fastener 1 of the first embodiment, the
engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 and the
engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 are formed in the head
portions 7 of the magnetic elements 3A, 3B, respectively.
Therefore, when the right and left first and second magnetic
elements 3A, 3B are engaged with each other alternately, the
engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 formed on the magnetic
elements 3A (3B) are inserted and fitted into the
engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 formed in the mating
magnetic elements 3B (3A) to be engaged on the front side. Like
this, the engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 are
mechanically fitted to the engagement/disengagement concave
portions 10, so that the lateral pulling resistance of the fastener
1 is improved. For this reason, the first and second magnetic
elements 3A, 3B can be maintained in a stable engagement state even
if the lateral pulling force is applied, thereby preventing the
right and left first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B from being
separated and opened carelessly. Further, because the front end
face of the engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 is formed in
a tapered shape, the engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 can
be inserted into the engagement/disengagement concave portion 10
smoothly. In addition, since the engagement/disengagement convex
portion 9 is inserted into the engagement/disengagement concave
portion 10, it is possible to prevent the magnetic elements 3A, 3B
from being disengaged, even if the fastener 1 receives a push-up
force or the like in the height direction.
[0064] On the other hand, to separate the fastener 1 in a closed
state, the engagement of the first and second magnetic elements 3A,
3B are released successively from the first and second magnetic
elements 3A, 3B disposed on the front end side of each of the first
and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B to disengage the holding member 12
and the insertion member 13 of the separable bottom end stop 11 by
rotation of the members, so that the fastener 1 can be separated
easily.
Second Embodiment
[0065] Next, a fastener according to a second embodiment of the
invention will be described. In a description of the second
embodiment and following, components having the same configuration
as the first embodiment are expressed with same reference numerals,
and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 4 is a perspective view
showing magnetic elements of the fastener according to the second
embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a front view showing part of the fastener
of the second embodiment.
[0066] The fastener 21 according to the second embodiment comprises
a pair of first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of
first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B arranged in lines at
constant intervals along respective element attaching edge portions
5 of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B.
[0067] The first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B include head
portions 27 having magnetism in which magnets 6 are buried and leg
portions 28, respectively. An engagement/disengagement convex
portion 9 is formed on a first opposing face 27a of the head
portion 27 of each of the first magnetic elements 22A arranged in
line on the first fastener tape 2A of the fastener tapes, and an
engagement/disengagement concave portion 10 is formed in a second
opposing face 27b of the head portion 27 of each of the second
magnetic elements 22B arranged in line on the other second fastener
tape 2B. On the other hand, neither the engagement/disengagement
convex portion 9 nor the engagement/disengagement concave portion
10 is formed on the second opposing face 27b of the first magnetic
element 22A and the first opposing face 27a of the second magnetic
element 22B.
[0068] The head portions 27 of the first and second magnetic
elements 22A, 22B have magnetism such that their front portions
serve as N poles while their rear portions serve as S poles. In
addition, in the first magnetic elements 22A having the
engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 formed on the first
opposing faces 27a, the magnets 6 are buried such that the rear end
faces of the magnets 6 are exposed on the second opposing faces
27b. On the other hand, in the second magnetic elements 22B having
the engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 formed in the
second opposing faces 27b, the magnets 6 are buried such that the
front end faces of the magnets 6 are exposed on the first opposing
faces 27a.
[0069] Consequently, when the right and left first and second
magnetic elements 22A, 22B are engaged with each other, the faces,
on which the magnets 6 are exposed, of the first magnetic elements
22A and the second magnetic elements 22B oppose each other, as
shown in FIG. 5. Thereby, the right and left first and second
magnetic elements 22A, 22B are adsorbed to each other with a
stronger magnetic force, and they can be engaged with each other
easily and alternately.
[0070] In the fastener 21 of the second embodiment, a leg portion
28 of the first magnetic element 22A disposed on the first fastener
tape 2A of the fastener tapes is formed longer than the head
portion 27 backward in the longitudinal direction, and a leg
portion 28 of the second magnetic element 22B disposed on the other
second fastener tape 2B is formed longer than the head portion 27
forward in the longitudinal direction. Further, the respective
magnetic elements 22A, 22B of the second embodiment have a recessed
groove portion 24 in a front edge face 26 in the width direction of
the head portion 27 and a projecting portion 25 formed on a side
face 29 of the leg portion 28. In the mean time, according to the
invention, the projecting portion may be formed in the head
portion, and the recessed groove portion may be formed in the leg
portion.
[0071] Modifications of the fastener 21 of the second embodiment
include a fastener 21' as shown in FIG. 6 and a fastener 21'' as
shown in FIG. 7. In the fastener 21', the leg portions 28 of both
right and left first and second magnetic elements 22A', 22B', are
formed longer than the head portions 27 backward in the
longitudinal direction. In the fastener 21'', the leg portions 28
of both right and left first and second magnetic elements 22A'',
22B'' are formed longer than the head portions 27 forward in the
longitudinal direction. The reason why the leg portions 28 are
formed longer in the second embodiment and the modifications is to
prevent the magnetic elements 22A, 22A', 22A'' provided in line or
the magnetic elements 22B, 22B', 22B'' provided in line on the same
fastener tapes 2A, 2B from being adsorbed to each other.
[0072] When the fastener 21 of the second embodiment described
above is closed, the same separable bottom end stop as in the first
embodiment is provided at the rear end of the first and second
fastener tapes 2A, 2B, and the insertion member of the separable
bottom end stop is inserted into the holding member. Further, the
right and left first and second magnetic elements 22A', 22B' are
engaged alternately in succession from the first and second
magnetic elements 22A, 22B disposed on the rear end side of the
first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, using a magnetic force
which occurs in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes,
as shown in FIG. 5. Consequently, the fastener 21 can be closed
smoothly without becoming stiff.
[0073] In the fastener 21 of the second embodiment, both of the
engagement/disengagement convex portion and the
engagement/disengagement concave portion are not formed in the head
portion of one magnetic element 22A, 22B, unlike the first
embodiment. However, the engagement/disengagement convex portions 9
are formed on the first magnetic elements 22A provided in line on
the first fastener tape 2A of the fastener tapes, while the
engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 are formed in the
second magnetic elements 22B provided in line on the other second
fastener tape 2B. For this reason, when the right and left first
and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B are engaged with each other,
the engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 formed on the first
magnetic elements 22A are mechanically inserted into and fitted to
the engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 formed in the
second magnetic elements 22B. As a consequence, the lateral pulling
resistance of the fastener 21 can be improved, so that the
engagement state between the first and second magnetic elements 22A
and 22B can be maintained stably.
[0074] Further, in the fastener 21 of this embodiment, the head
portion 27 has the recessed groove portion 24 and the leg portion
28 has the projecting portion 25. Thus, when the right and left
first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B are engaged with each
other, the projecting portion 25 of each of the magnetic element
22A, 22B is fitted to the recessed groove portion 24 of each of the
mating magnetic elements 22A, 22B. Consequently, the engagement
state of the first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B is
stabilized more, and even if the fastener 21 in an engagement state
receives a push-up force or the like in the height direction, the
magnetic elements 22A, 22B can be prevented from disengaged from
each other more effectively. In the meantime, the fastener 21' and
the fastener 21'' shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as the modifications of
the second embodiment can obtain the same effect as that of the
second embodiment.
Third Embodiment
[0075] Next, a fastener according to a third embodiment of the
invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing
magnetic elements of the fastener of the third embodiment. FIG. 9
is a front view showing part of the fastener of the third
embodiment. In FIG. 9, representation of the fastener tape is
omitted.
[0076] The fastener 31 of the third embodiment comprises a pair of
first and second fastener tapes and a plurality of first and second
magnetic elements 32A, 32B provided in lines at constant intervals
along element attaching edge portions of the first and second
fastener tapes.
[0077] Each of the magnetic elements 32A, 32B includes a head
portion 37 having magnetism in which a magnet 6 is buried and a leg
portion 38. The magnets 6 are buried in first opposing faces 37a
and second opposing faces 37b of the head portions 37 such that the
front end faces or rear end faces of the magnets are exposed. The
magnet 6 has magnetism such that the front portion serves as N pole
while the rear portion serves as S pole. As a consequence, the
faces on which the magnets 6 are exposed oppose each other when the
right and left first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B are
engaged with each other, whereby the right and left first and
second magnetic elements 32A, 32B can be adsorbed to each other and
engaged alternately with each other easily with a strong magnetic
force.
[0078] Further, in the head portion 37 of each of the first
magnetic elements 32A provided in line on the first fastener tape
of the fastener tapes, an engagement/disengagement convex portion
33 is formed at the rear portion of the front face side (side of
the second opposing face 37b) , while an engagement/disengagement
concave portion 34 is formed at the front portion of the rear face
side (side of the first opposing face 37a). In the head portion 37
of each of the second magnetic elements 32B provided in line on the
other second fastener tape, the engagement/disengagement concave
portion 34 is formed at the front portion of the front face side,
while the engagement/disengagement convex portion 33 is formed at
the rear portion of the rear face side. That is, the rear face of
the first magnetic element 32A has the same
engagement/disengagement portion as that of the front face of the
second magnetic element 32B, and the front face of the first
magnetic element 32A has the same engagement/disengagement portion
as that of the rear face of the second magnetic element 32B.
Consequently, when the right and left first and second magnetic
elements 32A, 32B are engaged with each other, each
engagement/disengagement convex portion 33 can be inserted into and
fitted to the engagement/disengagement concave portion 34 of the
mating magnetic element. Particularly, in the fastener 31 of this
third embodiment, the engagement/disengagement convex portions 33
can be engaged with the engagement/disengagement concave portions
34 on both of the front and rear faces of the first and second
magnetic elements 32A, 32B, alternately.
[0079] Further, in the fastener 31 of the third embodiment, the
first magnetic element 32A has a shoulder portion 35, and the
shoulder portion 35 is fitted to a notch portion 35' of the second
magnetic element 32B. The second magnetic element 32B has a
shoulder portion 36, and the shoulder portion 36 is fitted to a
notch portion 36' in the first magnetic element 32A. Consequently,
if a force in the height direction of the first and second magnetic
elements 32A, 32B and a force in a direction twisting the fastener
31 are applied when the first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B
are alternately engaged with each other and the fastener 31 is
closed, for example, the opening of the fastener 31 can be
prevented effectively.
[0080] Further, the fastener 31 of this embodiment includes the
same separable bottom end stop (not shown) as that of the first
embodiment provided on the rear ends of the first and second
fastener tapes, and a slider 41. By sliding the slider 41, the
right and left magnetic elements 32A, 32B are engaged with or
disengaged from each other. The slider 41 used in the third
embodiment includes an upper blade 42, a lower blade 43, upper
flange 44 and lower flange 45 disposed in a perpendicular direction
along right and left side edges of the upper blade 42 and the lower
blade 43, and a diamond (not shown) stood between the central
portion in the right and left direction of the upper blade 42 and
the central portion in the right and left direction of the lower
blade 43. A Y-shaped element guide passage is formed inside of the
slider 41.
[0081] In the first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B, the head
portions 37 thereof are formed thicker than the leg portions 38 in
the height direction such that the head portions 37 can be
introduced into the element guide passages of the slider 41. On
each of the front and rear faces of the leg portion 38, a
protruding portion 39 protruding in the height direction is formed.
Consequently, when the slider 41 is loaded on the right and left
element rows and slid, the protruding portions 39 formed on the leg
portions 38 make sliding contact with the external face of the
upper and lower flanges 44, 45 of the slider 41 as shown in FIG. 9,
so that the slider 41 can be guided smoothly. Accordingly,
engagement and disengagement of the right and left first and second
magnetic elements 32A, 32B can be carried out securely so as to
open or close the fastener 31 very smoothly.
[0082] In the fastener which performs the engagement/disengagement
using the magnetic force, once the right and left magnetic elements
disposed at one ends of the element rows are engaged with each
other, the magnetic elements are engaged continuously in sequence
from the magnetic elements disposed at one ends to the magnetic
elements disposed at the other ends, like the embodiment 1 and the
like. However, in the fastener 31 of the third embodiment, the
slider 41 is provided with a lock mechanism, so that the slider 41
can be stopped halfway of the element rows. This makes it possible
to maintain the right and left first and second magnetic elements
32A, 32B in a half opened state.
[0083] In the fastener 31 of the third embodiment, when the right
and left first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B are
alternately engaged with each other, the thickness of the engaged
portion is never increased, like the first embodiment and the like.
Thus, the fastener 31 does not become stiff. In addition, when the
right and left magnetic elements 32A, 32B are engaged with each
other, the engagement/disengagement convex portions 33 are fitted
to the engagement/disengagement concave portions 34 on the front
face and rear face of the magnetic elements 32A, 32B alternately.
Consequently, the lateral pulling resistance of the fastener 31 can
be improved, so that the engagement state of the magnetic elements
32A, 32B can be maintained more stably.
Fourth Embodiment
[0084] Next, a fastener according to a fourth embodiment of the
invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing
a magnetic element of the fastener according to the fourth
embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a front view showing part of the
fastener of the fourth embodiment.
[0085] The fastener 51 of the fourth embodiment comprises a pair of
first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first and
second magnetic elements 52A, 52B provided in lines at constant
intervals along element attaching edge portions 5 of the first and
second fastener tapes 2A, 2B. Further, each of the first and second
magnetic elements 52 includes a head portion 57 having magnetism in
which a magnet 6 is buried, a leg portion 58, and an
engagement/disengagement portion 56a, 56b formed on the head
portion 57.
[0086] The head portion 57 of each of the first and second magnetic
elements 52A, 52B has such magnetism that its front portion serves
as N pole and its rear portion serves as S pole by means of the
magnet 6. Further, the magnet 6 is buried in the head portion 57
such that the front end face and rear end face of the magnet 6 are
exposed on a first opposing face 57a and a second opposing face
57b, respectively. Consequently, the faces on which the magnets 6
are exposed oppose each other when the right and left first and
second magnetic elements 52A, 52B are engaged with each other, so
that the right and left first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B
can be adsorbed to each other and can be engaged with each other
alternately by a strong magnetic force.
[0087] Each of the first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B has
a surface side engagement/disengagement portion 56a formed on a
surface side of the head portion and a rear surface side
engagement/disengagement portion 56b formed on a rear surface side
of the head portion. The surface side engagement/disengagement
portion 56a tilts at a predetermined angel with respect to the
longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B on the surface
side of the head portion 57, and the front end portion 54 and the
rear end portion 55 of the surface side engagement/disengagement
portion 56a project in the longitudinal direction of the fastener
tapes from the first opposing face 57a and a second opposing face
57b of the head portion 57.
[0088] The rear surface side engagement/disengagement portion 56b
tilts symmetrically compared with the surface side
engagement/disengagement portion 56a at a predetermined angel on
the rear surface side of the head portion 57, and the front end
portion 54 and the rear end portion 55 respectively project in the
longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes from the first
opposing face 57a and a second opposing face 57b of the head
portion 57. That is, these surface side engagement/disengagement
portion 56a and rear surface side engagement/disengagement portion
56b are formed on the front and rear faces of the head portion 57,
respectively, as if they cross each other in an X-like shape when
the magnetic elements 52A, 52B are seen from the front and rear
face sides.
[0089] In such a case that the fastener 51 of this embodiment 4 is
closed, the same separable bottom end stop (not shown) as that of
the first embodiment is provided at the rear ends of the fastener
tapes 2A, 2B, and an insertion member of the separable bottom end
stop is inserted into a holding member. Further, the right and left
first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B are alternately engaged
with each other as shown in FIG. 11 in sequence from the right and
left magnetic elements 52A, 52B disposed at the rear end sides of
the fastener tapes 2A, 2B, using a magnetic force which occurs
along the longitudinal direction of the first and second fastener
tapes 2A, 2B. Consequently, the fastener 51 can be closed smoothly
without becoming stiff.
[0090] At this time, on the front face side of the magnetic
elements 52A, 52B, the surface, side engagement/disengagement
portions 56a respectively formed on the first and second magnetic
elements 52A, 52B are engaged with each other alternately, while on
the rear face side of the magnetic elements 52A, 52B, the rear
surface side engagement/disengagement portions 56b are engaged with
each other alternately. Like this, the right and left surface side
engagement/disengagement portions 56a and the rear surface side
engagement/disengagement portions 56b are engaged, so that the
lateral pulling resistance of the fastener 51 can be improved. In
addition, since the surface side engagement/disengagement portions
56a and the rear surface side engagement/disengagement portions 56b
of the magnetic elements 52A (52B) come into contact with the head
portions of the magnetic elements 52B (52A), if the fastener 51
receives the push-up force in the height direction, the
disengagement of the magnetic elements 52A, 52B could be prevented
effectively. Therefore, the engagement state of the first and
second magnetic elements 52A, 52B can be maintained stably.
Fifth Embodiment
[0091] A fastener according to a fifth embodiment of the invention
will be described. FIG. 12 is a front view showing part of the
fastener of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 12 indicates a magnetic
element with its sectional view.
[0092] The fastener 61 of the fifth embodiment comprises a pair of
first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first and
second magnetic elements 62A, 62B provided in lines at constant
intervals along element attaching edge portions 5 of the first and
second fastener tapes 2A, 2B.
[0093] The first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B includes
head portions 67 having magnetism in which magnets 6 are buried,
leg portions 68, and engagement/disengagement convex portions 63
and engagement/disengagement concave portions 64 formed on the head
portions 67, respectively. Each of the magnets 6 is buried in the
head portion of each of the magnetic elements 62A, 62B such that
the front portion serves as N pole while the rear portion serves as
S pole in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B.
Consequently, the respective magnetic elements 62A, 62B have
magnetism such that that the magnetic poles on the same side in the
longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B are of the same
pole, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements
62A, 62B are engaged with each other, so that a magnetic force of
the first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B occurs along the
longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes.
[0094] In the fifth embodiment, the head portion 67 is formed in a
rectangular shape. A front end portion of the magnet 6 projects
from a first opposing face 67a of the head portion 67 cylindrically
so as to form the engagement/disengagement convex portion 63. On
the other hand, the engagement/disengagement concave portion 64 is
formed with a step between a second opposing face 67b and the
bottom end face of the magnet 6 buried internally.
[0095] When the fastener 61 of the fifth embodiment is closed, the
same separable bottom end stop (not shown) as that of the first
embodiment is provided at the rear ends of the first and second
fastener tapes 2A, 2B, and an insertion member of the separable
bottom end stop is inserted into a holding member. Further, using
the magnetic force which occurs along the longitudinal direction of
the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, the right and left
first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B are alternately engaged
with each other as shown in FIG. 12 in sequence from the first and
second magnetic elements 62A, 62B disposed at the rear end side of
the fastener tapes 2A, 2B. Consequently, the fastener 61 can be
closed smoothly without becoming stiff.
[0096] In the fastener 61 of the fifth embodiment, the
engagement/disengagement convex portion 63 and the
engagement/disengagement concave portion 64 are formed in the head
portion 67 of each of the first and second magnetic elements 62A,
62B. For this reason, when the right and left magnetic elements
62A, 62B are engaged, the engagement/disengagement convex portion
63 formed on each of the magnetic elements 62A, 62B is inserted
into and mechanically fitted to the engagement/disengagement
concave portion 64 of the mating magnetic element 62A, 62B to be
engaged on the front side. As a result, the lateral pulling
resistance of the fastener 61 can be improved, and in addition,
when the fastener 61 receives a push-up force in the height
direction, the engagement of the magnetic elements 62A, 62B can be
blocked from being released. Therefore, the engagement state of the
first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B can be maintained
stably.
[0097] Particularly, in the fastener 61 of the fifth embodiment,
the front end face of the engagement/disengagement convex portion
63 and the rear end face of the engagement/disengagement concave
portion 64 are formed by a magnet. Thus, when the right and left
magnetic elements 62A, 62B are engaged with each other, the magnet
6 buried in each of the magnetic elements 62A, 62B opposes directly
the magnet 6 buried in the mating magnetic element 62A, 62B or
comes into contact therewith. Therefore, the magnetic force of the
magnet 6 can be used effectively, and the engagement of the first
and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B can be stabilized more.
[0098] To prevent the respective magnets 6 from dropping out of the
first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B, a recess is preferably
provided in the center of the longitudinal direction of the magnet
6 to bury the magnet in the head portion 67 of each of the magnetic
elements 62A, 62B. Consequently, the magnets 6 can be blocked from
dropping out of the magnetic elements 62A, 62B when the fastener 61
is used.
Sixth Embodiment
[0099] A fastener according to a sixth embodiment of the invention
will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically
showing magnetic elements of a fastener according to a sixth
embodiment; and FIG. 14 is a front view schematically showing part
of a fastener according to the sixth embodiment.
[0100] The fastener 71 of the sixth embodiment comprises a pair of
first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first and
second magnetic elements 72A, 72B proposed in lines at constant
intervals along element attaching edge portions 5 of the first and
second fastener tapes 2A, 2B.
[0101] The first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B have head
portions 77 and leg portions 78, respectively. Each of the head
portion 77 has: a front edge portion 79 having an oval shape which
is long in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes; and a
neck portion 80 formed between the front edge portion 79 and the
leg portion 78 and having a constricted shape in the longitudinal
direction of the fastener tapes. The front edge portion 79 of one
magnetic element 72A (72B) of the magnetic elements 72A, 72B can be
engaged with or disengaged from the neck portion 80 of the other
magnetic element 72B (72A).
[0102] Further, each of the first and second magnetic elements 72A,
72B has groove portions formed at a front face side and a rear face
side of the head portion of the longitudinal direction of the
fastener tapes. Cylindrical magnets 6 are attached with in the
groove portions 75 of the front face side and the rear face side,
in such a condition that one bottom face 74 of the magnet 6 is
directed to the front edge side of the head portion while a side of
the other bottom face of the magnet 6 is buried in the leg portion
78.
[0103] At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the magnets 6 are
attached such that left sides of the magnets in the width direction
of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B serve as N poles while right sides
serve as S poles. As a result, when the right and left first and
second magnetic elements 72A, 72B are engaged with each other, the
respective magnetic elements 72A, 72B have magnetism such that the
magnetic poles on the same side in the width direction of the
fastener tapes 2A, 2B are the same poles, so that a magnetic force
of the first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B occurs along the
width direction of the fastener tapes.
[0104] When the fastener 71 of the sixth embodiment having such
magnetic elements 72A, 72B is closed, the same separable bottom end
stop (not shown) as that of the first embodiment is provided at the
rear ends of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, and an
insertion member of the separable bottom end stop is inserted into
a holding member and overlapped. At the same time, using the
magnetic force which occurs along the width direction of the first
and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, the right and left first and
second magnetic elements 72A, 72B are alternately engaged with each
other as shown in FIG. 14 in sequence from the first and second
magnetic elements 72A, 72B disposed at the rear end side of the
fastener tapes 2A, 2B. Consequently, the fastener 71 can be closed
smoothly without becoming stiff.
[0105] In addition, in the sixth embodiment, as shown in the
aforementioned third embodiment (see FIG. 9), the slider can be
provided which carrying out the engagement and disengagement of the
first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B by sliding the element
rows of the fastener 71. By using this kind of slider, the
engagement and disengagement of the first and second magnetic
elements 72A, 72B can be carried out securely and the opening and
closing of the fastener 71 can be carried out smoothly. Further, if
this slider is provided with a lock mechanism, the slider 71 can be
stopped halfway of the element rows.
[0106] Further, in the fastener 71 of the sixth embodiment, when
the fastener 71 is closed, the front edge portion 79 provided on
the head portion 77 of one magnetic element 72A (72B) is inserted
into and mechanically fitted to the neck portion 80 provided on the
head portion 77 of the other magnetic element 72B (72A). As a
result, the lateral pulling resistance of the fastener can be
improved when the fastener 71 is closed, and if the lateral pulling
force is applied, the engagement state of the first and second
magnetic elements 72A, 72B are stabilized and maintained.
[0107] Furthermore, the magnet 6 of one magnetic element 72A (72B)
enters into the groove portion 75 of the other magnetic element 72B
(72A), so that if the fastener 71 receives a push-up force in the
height direction, the disengagement of the magnetic elements 72A,
72B can be prevented effectively.
[0108] In the meantime, in the respective fasteners described in
the first to sixth embodiments, the magnets are buried in the
respective magnetic elements so that a magnetic force occurs along
the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the fastener
tapes and thereby, the right and left magnetic elements are
adsorbed to each other. In the invention, means for providing the
magnetic elements with a predetermined magnetism is not limited to
the above feature. For example, it is possible that the magnetic
elements provided in lines on the fastener tapes are formed by
injection molding synthetic resin containing powder of magnetic
material such as metallic powder and then, a powerful magnetic
field is added only to the magnetic elements or the head portions
of the magnetic elements in a predetermined direction and
magnetizing is carried out so as to generate a magnetic force in
the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the fastener
tapes.
[0109] For example, a fastener 81 which is a modification of the
fastener according to the aforementioned second embodiment is shown
in FIG. 15. First and second magnetic elements 82A, 82B disposed in
the fastener 81 shown in FIG. 15 are formed by injection molding
synthetic resin containing metallic power such as iron powder on
the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B.
[0110] Further, by adding a powerful magnetic field with respect to
the head portions 87 of first and second the magnetic elements 82A,
82B along the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B
after the injection molding, the first and second magnetic elements
82A, 82B are magnetized such that the front sides of the
longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes of the head portions
87 serve as N poles while the rear sides serve as S poles.
Accordingly, the right and left first and second magnetic elements
82A, 82B can have magnetism in which the magnetic poles on the same
side in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes are the
same poles, so that the magnetic elements can be engaged with each
other alternately using the magnetic force occurring along the
longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes when the fastener 81
is closed.
[0111] In the meantime, in the fastener 81 shown in FIG. 15, the
magnetic field is added to the head portions 87 of first and second
the magnetic elements 82A, 82B and the respective magnetic elements
82A, 82B are magnetized. However, in the invention, by adding the
magnetic field to the entire first and second magnetic elements
82A, 82B including the leg portions 88 in the longitudinal
direction of the fastener tapes after the injection molding of the
first and second magnetic elements 82A, 82B, it is possible to
provide the first and second magnetic elements 82A, 82B with
magnetism in which the magnetic poles on the same side in the
longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes are the same
poles.
[0112] In addition, in the respective fasteners shown in first and
third to sixth embodiments, it is also possible that the first and
second magnetic elements containing magnetic material are injection
molded and then, magnetic field is added to the head portions of
the elements or the entire elements, so that the first and second
magnetic elements are magnetized such that the magnetic poles on
the same side in the longitudinal direction or the width direction
of the fastener tapes become the same poles.
[0113] The invention is attached to an opening of a fly of clothes
having plasticity, an opening in a bag, or the like. The invention
can be applied to a fastener for opening or closing the opening
using a magnetic force of a magnet.
* * * * *