EP2953495A1 - Coupling element, slide fastener stringer and slide fastener - Google Patents

Coupling element, slide fastener stringer and slide fastener

Info

Publication number
EP2953495A1
EP2953495A1 EP14706114.7A EP14706114A EP2953495A1 EP 2953495 A1 EP2953495 A1 EP 2953495A1 EP 14706114 A EP14706114 A EP 14706114A EP 2953495 A1 EP2953495 A1 EP 2953495A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
end portion
slide fastener
intermediate portion
coupling element
connecting end
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP14706114.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2953495B1 (en
Inventor
Hayato Ishii
Futoshi Kozato
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
YKK Corp
Original Assignee
YKK Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by YKK Corp filed Critical YKK Corp
Publication of EP2953495A1 publication Critical patent/EP2953495A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2953495B1 publication Critical patent/EP2953495B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B19/00—Slide fasteners
    • A44B19/02—Slide fasteners with a series of separate interlocking members secured to each stringer tape
    • A44B19/04—Stringers arranged edge-to-edge when fastened, e.g. abutting stringers
    • A44B19/06—Stringers arranged edge-to-edge when fastened, e.g. abutting stringers with substantially rectangular members having interlocking projections and pieces
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B19/00—Slide fasteners
    • A44B19/24—Details
    • A44B19/40—Connection of separate, or one-piece, interlocking members to stringer tapes; Reinforcing such connections, e.g. by stitching
    • A44B19/403—Connection of separate interlocking members
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B19/00—Slide fasteners
    • A44B19/42—Making by processes not fully provided for in one other class, e.g. B21D53/50, B21F45/18, B22D17/16, B29D5/00
    • A44B19/44—Securing metal interlocking members to ready-made stringer tapes
    • A44B19/46—Securing separate interlocking members

Definitions

  • the present invention relates in general to slide fasteners, and in particular to a slide fastener with a connection mechanism whereby on the front face of the slide fastener the coupling elements do not appear to engage with each other and form a closely-packed arrangement, with an attractive aesthetic appearance and an improved operation.
  • Figures 3 and 4 of the annexed drawings show a coupling element 1 for use in a slide fastener according to WO2011/023956 A2, in side view and cross-sectional view, respectively.
  • a coupling element is indicated by 1 in its open state, i.e. before it is attached to a fastener tape, and by ⁇ (with apostrophe) in its closed state, i.e. after it has been attached to a tape.
  • ⁇ with apostrophe
  • the related art coupling element 1 shown therein in its open condition, comprises a connecting end portion 2, an anchoring end portion 3 and an intermediate portion 4, which are arranged adjacent each to the next one along a longitudinal axis L-L of the coupling element and ideally join at vertical planes indicated A-A and B-B, respectively.
  • the connecting end portion 2 includes a front portion 2f and a rear portion 2r.
  • the anchoring end portion 3 includes a front portion 3f and a rear portion 3r.
  • the intermediate portion 4 includes a front portion 4f and a rear portion 4r.
  • the front portions 2f, 3f, 4f of the connecting end portion 2, the anchoring end portion 3 and the intermediate portion 4 extend above the longitudinal axis L-L.
  • the rear portions 2r, 3r, 4r of the connecting end portion 2, the anchoring end portion 3 and the intermediate portion 4 extend below the longitudinal axis L-L.
  • the front portion 2f has a smooth front surface 2g, adapted to be juxtaposed to that of opposing coupling elements of a confronting fastener stringer, when the slide fastener SF is closed, to form therewith an essentially coplanar, closely-packed arrangement.
  • the smooth front surfaces 2g of the coupling elements 1 is rectangular in shape as shown in the drawings.
  • the front and rear portions 3f, 3r form respective leg members 3g, which extend away from the intermediate portion 4, and define a groove 5 therebetween.
  • the leg members 3g are adapted to be clamped onto the edge of the tape T positioned in the groove, as shown in Figure 4.
  • leg members 3g have respective distal, transverse projections 3h pointing to one another, which define an entrance passage 5a with a reduced transverse height to the groove 5.
  • the rear portion 2'r comprises a coupling formation 2'h, which is for instance mushroom- shaped or essentially arrow-shaped, to be releasably engageable with that of opposing coupling elements ⁇ .
  • the groove 5 of its anchoring end portion 3 Before the coupling element 1 is attached to the tape T, the groove 5 of its anchoring end portion 3 has an essentially uniformly concave profile, as visible in Figure 3. Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the front and rear portions 3f, 3r of the leg members 3g diverge with respect to one another, away from the intermediate portion 4, and form an obtuse angle a with respect to the outer surfaces of the front and rear portions 2f, 2r of the connecting end portion 2 (see Figure 3).
  • the coupling element 1 can be made of a plastically deformable material, in particular a metal material, such that the leg members 3g of the anchoring end portion 3 thereof can be clamped, by means of appropriate, per se known, tools, onto the edge of the tape T positioned in the groove 5.
  • the coupling element ⁇ of the related art assumes the shape and appearance shown in Figure 4: the groove 5' still exhibits a concave transverse profile, but the entrance 5 'a thereto has a remarkably smaller transverse height.
  • the coupling element ⁇ manufactured in accordance with the related art tends to form a hollow, indicated by 10 in Figure 4, rather than a flat surface. This is believed to be caused by the working of the forces applied to the leg members of the anchoring end portion of the coupling element in order to clamp them onto the tape T. The forces may also effect on the other regions of the coupling element, thereby causing unintended deformation at the periphery of the coupling formation 2'h, and thus engagement between the coupling elements may be deteriorated.
  • the hollows 10, which are visible on the front side of the slide fastener SF, are not aesthetically pleasing and furthermore may hinder the application of ornaments, logos, etc. thereto.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an improved coupling element for a slide fastener which, when attached to a slide fastener tape, allows the above inconvenience of the related art coupling elements to be overcome.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved slide fastener stringer with coupling elements which in the closed condition of the fastener, a "block-paving" type appearance, which is both aesthetically pleasing to the eye and to the touch.
  • a coupling element for use in a slide fastener comprising: a connecting end portion including a front portion and a rear portion; an anchoring end portion including a front portion and a rear portion; and an intermediate portion disposed between the connecting end portion and the anchoring end portion, the intermediate portion including a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the connecting end portion, the anchoring end portion and the intermediate portion are arranged adjacent each to the next one along a longitudinal axis of the coupling element, such that when the coupling element is attached to a slide fastener tape, the connecting end portion faces away from the slide fastener tape, the anchoring end portion grasps the slide fastener tape, and the front portions of the connecting end portion, the anchoring end portion and the intermediate portion extend on one main surface of the slide fastener tape, and the rear portions of the connecting end portion, the anchoring end portion and the intermediate portion extend
  • Such a coupling element can be easily manufactured and the provision of the transversely opposing recesses allows, upon clamping the leg members onto a fastener tape, an improved distribution of forces on the other regions of the coupling element, whereby the formation of a hollow, rather than a flat surface, in the front portion thereof, is substantially eliminated.
  • a slide fastener stringer provided with a row of coupling elements attached to a longitudinal edge of a tape
  • each of the coupling elements comprises: a connecting end portion including a front portion and a rear portion; an anchoring end portion including a front portion and a rear portion; and an intermediate portion disposed between the connecting end portion and the anchoring end portion, the intermediate portion including a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the connecting end portion, the anchoring end portion and the intermediate portion are arranged adjacent each to the next one along a longitudinal axis of each of the coupling elements, such that the connecting end portion faces away from the tape and the anchoring end portion grasps the tape, and the front portions of the connecting end portion, the anchoring end portion and the intermediate portion extend on one side of the tape and the rear portions of the connecting end portion, the anchoring end portion and the intermediate portion extend on another side of the tape, which is opposite to the one side, wherein in the connecting end portion,
  • a slide fastener comprising the above-described coupling elements or the above- described slide fastener stringers.
  • Figure 1 is a partial front view of a slide fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a partial, rear perspective view of the slide fastener of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 already described, is a side view of a coupling element according to the related art, shown before being clamped or crimped onto the edge of a slide fastener tape;
  • Figure 4 is a side view of a coupling element for a slide fastener according to the related art, shown after being clamped or crimped onto the edge of a slide fastener tape;
  • Figure 5 is a side view similar to that of Figure 3 and shows a coupling element according to the embodiment of the present invention before being clamped or crimped onto a slide fastener tape;
  • Figure 6 is a top plan view of the coupling element of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a partial sectional view showing a coupling element according to the embodiment of the present invention before and after being clamped or crimped onto a slide fastener tape;
  • Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view, similar to that of Figure 4, and shows a slide fastener according to the embodiment of the present invention, after the coupling elements have been clamped or crimped onto the fastener tapes;
  • Figure 9 is a partial sectional view, showing a coupling element according to the embodiment of the present invention after being clamped or crimped onto a slide fastener tape;
  • Figure 10 is a partial perspective view, showing a portion of a slide fastener according to the embodiment of the present invention in the closed condition.
  • a coupling element is indicated by 1 in its open state, i.e. before it is attached to a fastener tape, and by ⁇ (with apostrophe) in its closed state, i.e. after it has been attached to a tape.
  • ⁇ with apostrophe
  • a coupling element 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the same general configuration of the related art coupling element 1 disclosed above with reference to Figure 3.
  • a coupling element 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown therein in its open condition, comprises a connecting end portion 2, an anchoring end portion 3 and an intermediate portion 4, which are arranged adjacent each to the next one along a longitudinal axis L-L of the coupling element and ideally join at vertical planes indicated A-A and B-B, respectively.
  • the longitudinal axis L-L is a central axis of the coupling element ⁇ when being attached to a slide fastener tape T, along a width direction of the tape T.
  • the connecting end portion 2 includes a front portion 2f and a rear portion 2r with the longitudinal axis L-L as a boundary therebetween.
  • the anchoring end portion 3 includes a front portion 3f and a rear portion 3r with the longitudinal axis L-L as a boundary therebetween.
  • the intermediate portion 4 includes a front portion 4f and a rear portion 4r with the longitudinal axis L-L as a boundary therebetween.
  • the front portions 2f, 3f, 4f of the connecting end portion 2, the anchoring end portion 3 and the intermediate portion 4 extend above the longitudinal axis L-L.
  • the rear portions 2r, 3r, 4r of the connecting end portion 2, the anchoring end portion 3 and the intermediate portion 4 extend below the longitudinal axis L-L.
  • the connecting end portion 2' faces away from the tape T
  • the anchoring end portion 3' faces toward the tape T
  • the front portions 2'f, 3'f, 4'f of the coupling element ⁇ extend on one side of the tape T, i.e. on one main surface thereof
  • the rear portions 2'r, 3'r, 4'r of the coupling element ⁇ extend on another side of the tape T, which is opposite to the one side, i.e. on another main surface thereof.
  • the front portion 2f has a smooth front surface 2'g, adapted to be juxtaposed to that of opposing coupling elements of a confronting fastener stringer, when the slide fastener SF is closed, to form therewith an essentially coplanar, closely-packed arrangement, as can been seen in particular in Figure 1.
  • the smooth front surfaces 2g of the coupling elements 1 can be rectangular in shape as shown in the drawings, but may also have other shapes, provided they are able to closely abut with each other.
  • the 'essentially coplanar, closely-packed arrangement' means that it appears that when engaging the slide fastener, the coupling elements as a whole have a planar shape, as seen from Figure 1 or Figure 10. Preferably, it satisfies at least one of the following conditions.
  • All of the smooth front surfaces 2'g of the coupling elements ⁇ has substantially the same shape.
  • a front end of the smooth front surface 2'g of each of the elements attached to the pair of slide fastener tapes T is provided with a flat surface and at least a portion of the flat surface faces the flat surface of the counterpart element in the width direction of the slide fastener tape T.
  • the front and rear portions 3f, 3r form respective leg members 3g, which extend away from the intermediate portion 4, and define a groove 5 therebetween.
  • the leg members 3g are adapted to be clamped onto the edge of the tape T positioned in the groove, as shown in Figures 7 and 8.
  • the leg members 3g have respective distal, transverse projections 3h pointing to one another, which define an entrance passage 5a with a reduced transverse height (a dimension in an upward and downward direction in the paper surface of Figure 5) to the groove 5.
  • the transverse direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L-L and the longitudinal direction of the tape T when the coupling elements are attached to the tape T.
  • a front and back direction which is described later is the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the tape T.
  • the rear portion 2'r comprises a coupling formation 2'h, which is for instance mushroom- shaped or essentially arrow-shaped, to be releasably engageable with that of opposing coupling elements ⁇ , as visible in particular in Figure 2. More specifically, the coupling formation 2'h has the same shape as the coupling element 1 before being attached to the tape T. As shown in Figure 6, the coupling formation 2h is formed only in the rear portion 2r of the connecting end portion 2 and projects beyond an end surface of the front portion 2f of the connecting end portion 2, which is located in the foremost side (right side in the paper surface of Figure 6).
  • the coupling formation 2h is provided with a pair of engagement protrusions which project in the front and back direction (the upward and downward direction in the paper surface of Figure 6) of the coupling element 1.
  • engagement recesses are respectively formed at the rear portion 2r of the connecting end portion 2 between the engagement protrusions and the intermediate portion 4.
  • the bottom surface of the engagement recesses is formed so as to be lower than the front and back surfaces of the front portion 2f of the connecting end portion 2.
  • the top portion of the engagement protrusions is formed so as to be lower than the front and back surfaces of the front portion 2f of the connecting end portion 2, but higher than the bottom surface of the engagement recesses.
  • each coupling element ⁇ there is provided an oblong shaped design portion 2'g, suitable for receiving an ornamentation or a design in general and a coupling formation 2'h projects beyond the design portion.
  • the engagement protrusions and the engagement recesses of the coupling formation 2'h are shaped so that it can interdigitate with the coupling portion of a cooperating element ⁇ on the opposite stringer, in the area at the rear of the design portion 2'g, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the coupling formation 2h (2'h) is disposed at substantially back side (the lower side in the paper surface of Figure 6) of the design portion 2g (2'g), and is substantially invisible from the front side when being engaged, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the groove 5 of its anchoring end portion 3 has the profile visible in Figure 5. Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the front and rear portions 3f, 3r of the leg members 3g diverge with respect to one another, away from the intermediate portion 4.
  • the coupling element 1 can be made of a plastically deformable material, in particular a metal material, such that the leg members 3g of the anchoring end portion 3 thereof can be clamped, by means of appropriate, per se known, tools, onto the edge of the tape T positioned in the groove 5.
  • the coupling element ⁇ assumes the shape and appearance shown with continuous lines in Figure 7: the entrance 5'a to the groove 5 has a remarkably smaller gap.
  • a pair of transversely opposing recesses 5b are provided at inner proximal portions of the leg members 3g, adjacent the intermediate portion 4 of the coupling element.
  • the opposing recesses are essentially symmetrical with respect to a plane orthogonal to Figure 5, passing through the longitudinal axis L-L.
  • the recesses 5b are joined with one another by an essentially flat surface 5c, which extends close to the plane B-B which delimits the intermediate portion 4 of the coupling element 1 with respect to the anchoring end portion 3 thereof.
  • the recesses 5b and the flat surface 5c considered as a whole form an end indentation or recess provided in the groove 5, at the intermediate portion 4 and between the leg members 3g.
  • the arrangement is such that at the end indentation or recess the leg members 3g form respective essentially cusped profiles 5d, transversely facing each other.
  • the recesses 5c are thus defined between the cusped profiles 5d and the flat surface 5c of the groove 5.
  • each leg member 3g has an inner surface which, starting from the flat surface 5c, includes the recess 5b and first and second surface portions 5e, 5f which join each other forming the cusped profile 5d.
  • the second surface portion 5f extends transversely outwards, away from the corresponding cusped profile 5d, toward the distal transverse projection 3h of the corresponding leg member 3g.
  • the first surface portion 5e is formed close to the intermediate portion 4 relative to the second surface portion 5f and the first surface portion 5e is shorter than the second surface portion 5f in a direction along the longitudinal axis L-L, and in the condition shown in Figure 5 (i.e. in the condition of the coupling element before it is clamped onto a fastener tape) is at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis L-L.
  • the front and rear portions 3f, 3r of the anchoring end portion 3 have outer longitudinal profiles which extend transversely beyond those of the front and rear portions 2f, 2r and 4f, 4r of the connecting end portion 2 and the intermediate portion 4.
  • the front and rear portions 2f, 2r of the connecting end portion 2 have outer longitudinal profiles which are essentially in the same straight line with those 4f, 4r of the intermediate portion 4.
  • leg members 3g have outer longitudinal profiles which preferably slope gradually toward those of the intermediate portion 4 and the connecting end portion 2.
  • the outer longitudinal profiles of the front portions 4f, 2f of the intermediate portion 4 and the connecting end portion 2 can be slightly inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis L- L of the coupling element 1, by an angle which is anyway smaller than the inclination angle of the outer longitudinal profiles of the leg members 3g.
  • the outer longitudinal profiles of the rear portions 4r, 2r of the intermediate portion 4 and the connecting end portion 2 are parallel with the longitudinal axis L- L of the coupling element 1.
  • the outer longitudinal profiles of the front portions 4f, 2f of the intermediate portion 4 and the connecting end portion 2 are slightly inclined with respect to the outer longitudinal profiles of the rear portions 4r, 2r of the intermediate portion 4 and the connecting end portion 2.
  • the outer longitudinal profiles of the front portions 4f, 2f of the intermediate portion 4 and the connecting end portion 2 are inclined so that the transverse length (the thickness in the front and back direction) of the front portion 2f, 4f of the connecting end portion 2 and the intermediate portion 4 gradually increases from the connecting end portion 2 to the intermediate portion 4.
  • the line A-A which is a boundary between the connecting end portion 2 and the intermediate portion 4 is drawn in a transverse direction to the axis L-L, at the engagement recesses of the coupling formation 2h.
  • the provision of the recesses 5b allows an increase in the magnitude of the flexing in the region wherein the proximal portion of the leg member 3g joins with the intermediate portion 4 of the coupling member 1. With reference to Figure 7 this allows a by far better alignment such that the outer profile of the leg member 3'g with the adjacent front surface 2'g of the connecting end portion 2' are in the same straight line.
  • the overall smooth front surface 2'g of the top front surface 3'f, 4'f, 2'f of the coupling element ⁇ appears to be smooth and flat, and the formation of an undesired hollow is definitely avoided.
  • Figure 9 shows a coupling element ⁇ according to the embodiment of the present invention after being clamped onto a fastener tape T
  • Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view of a slide fastener SF provided with coupling elements according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 8 and 9 show a preferred final shape assumed by the sectional profile of the groove 5 in the clamped condition of the coupling elements ⁇ , which recalls the profile of a wineglass with a flared mouth.
  • the present invention allows the manufacture of smooth and attractive slide fasteners, which due to the close-fitting arrangement of the front surface portions of the coupling elements, and the superior flatness thereof, has a very smooth appearance, which is both aesthetically pleasant to the eye and to the touch.

Landscapes

  • Slide Fasteners (AREA)
  • Fastening Of Light Sources Or Lamp Holders (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)

Abstract

Provided is a coupling element (1) for use in a slide fastener (SF). A connecting end portion (2), an anchoring end portion (3) and an intermediate portion (4) are arranged along a longitudinal axis (L-L), such that when the coupling element (1) is attached to a tape (T), the connecting end portion (2) faces away from the tape (T), the anchoring end portion (3) grasps the tape (T). In the connecting end portion (2), a front portion (2f) is adapted to be juxtaposed to that of opposing coupling elements (1), so as to form therewith a closely packed arrangement, and a rear portion (2t) is engageable with that of the opposing coupling elements (1). In the anchoring end portion (3), front and rear portions (3f, 3r) form leg members (3g) which extend away from the intermediate portion (4) while defining a groove (5) therebetween, and which are adapted to be clamped onto the tape (T). In the groove (5), a pair of recesses (5b) opposing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (L-L) are provided at inner proximal portions of the leg members (3g), adjacent the intermediate portion (4).

Description

DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention
COUPLING ELEMENT, SLIDE FASTENER STRINGER AND SLIDE FASTENER
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates in general to slide fasteners, and in particular to a slide fastener with a connection mechanism whereby on the front face of the slide fastener the coupling elements do not appear to engage with each other and form a closely-packed arrangement, with an attractive aesthetic appearance and an improved operation.
[0002] In the present description and the annexed claims, reference is made to "front portions" and "rear portions" of the coupling elements, to indicate the portions of such elements, which in use, for instance in a garment, are visible from the outside and the inside thereof, respectively. Related Art
[0003] International patent application publication WO2011/023956 A2 discloses coupling elements and a slide fastener.
[0004] Figures 3 and 4 of the annexed drawings show a coupling element 1 for use in a slide fastener according to WO2011/023956 A2, in side view and cross-sectional view, respectively.
[0005] In the present description and throughout the annexed drawings a coupling element is indicated by 1 in its open state, i.e. before it is attached to a fastener tape, and by Γ (with apostrophe) in its closed state, i.e. after it has been attached to a tape. The same convention also applies to each part of the coupling element(s).
[0006] With reference to Figure 3, the related art coupling element 1, shown therein in its open condition, comprises a connecting end portion 2, an anchoring end portion 3 and an intermediate portion 4, which are arranged adjacent each to the next one along a longitudinal axis L-L of the coupling element and ideally join at vertical planes indicated A-A and B-B, respectively.
[0007] The connecting end portion 2 includes a front portion 2f and a rear portion 2r. The anchoring end portion 3 includes a front portion 3f and a rear portion 3r. The intermediate portion 4 includes a front portion 4f and a rear portion 4r. The front portions 2f, 3f, 4f of the connecting end portion 2, the anchoring end portion 3 and the intermediate portion 4 extend above the longitudinal axis L-L. The rear portions 2r, 3r, 4r of the connecting end portion 2, the anchoring end portion 3 and the intermediate portion 4 extend below the longitudinal axis L-L.
[0008] As shown in Figure 4, when such a coupling element Γ is attached to a slide fastener tape T, the connecting end portion 2' faces away from the tape T, the anchoring end portion 3' faces toward the tape T, the front portions 2'f, 3'f, 4'f of the coupling element Γ extend on one side of the tape T and the rear portions 2'r, 3'r, 4'r of the coupling element Γ extend on another side of the tape T, which is opposite to the one side. [0009] Still with reference to Figure 3, in the connecting end portion 2 the front portion 2f has a smooth front surface 2g, adapted to be juxtaposed to that of opposing coupling elements of a confronting fastener stringer, when the slide fastener SF is closed, to form therewith an essentially coplanar, closely-packed arrangement.
[0010] The smooth front surfaces 2g of the coupling elements 1 is rectangular in shape as shown in the drawings.
[0011] In the anchoring end portion 3 the front and rear portions 3f, 3r form respective leg members 3g, which extend away from the intermediate portion 4, and define a groove 5 therebetween. The leg members 3g are adapted to be clamped onto the edge of the tape T positioned in the groove, as shown in Figure 4.
[0012] The leg members 3g have respective distal, transverse projections 3h pointing to one another, which define an entrance passage 5a with a reduced transverse height to the groove 5.
[0013] In the connecting end portion 2' the rear portion 2'r comprises a coupling formation 2'h, which is for instance mushroom- shaped or essentially arrow-shaped, to be releasably engageable with that of opposing coupling elements Γ.
[0014] Before the coupling element 1 is attached to the tape T, the groove 5 of its anchoring end portion 3 has an essentially uniformly concave profile, as visible in Figure 3. Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the front and rear portions 3f, 3r of the leg members 3g diverge with respect to one another, away from the intermediate portion 4, and form an obtuse angle a with respect to the outer surfaces of the front and rear portions 2f, 2r of the connecting end portion 2 (see Figure 3).
[0015] The coupling element 1 can be made of a plastically deformable material, in particular a metal material, such that the leg members 3g of the anchoring end portion 3 thereof can be clamped, by means of appropriate, per se known, tools, onto the edge of the tape T positioned in the groove 5.
[0016] After being clamped onto the corresponding tape T, the coupling element Γ of the related art assumes the shape and appearance shown in Figure 4: the groove 5' still exhibits a concave transverse profile, but the entrance 5 'a thereto has a remarkably smaller transverse height.
Summary of Invention
Problems to Be Solved by Invention
[0017] Once attached to the tape T, the coupling element Γ manufactured in accordance with the related art tends to form a hollow, indicated by 10 in Figure 4, rather than a flat surface. This is believed to be caused by the working of the forces applied to the leg members of the anchoring end portion of the coupling element in order to clamp them onto the tape T. The forces may also effect on the other regions of the coupling element, thereby causing unintended deformation at the periphery of the coupling formation 2'h, and thus engagement between the coupling elements may be deteriorated.
[0018] In addition, the hollows 10, which are visible on the front side of the slide fastener SF, are not aesthetically pleasing and furthermore may hinder the application of ornaments, logos, etc. thereto.
[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved coupling element for a slide fastener which, when attached to a slide fastener tape, allows the above inconvenience of the related art coupling elements to be overcome.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved slide fastener stringer with coupling elements which in the closed condition of the fastener, a "block-paving" type appearance, which is both aesthetically pleasing to the eye and to the touch.
Means for Solving Problems
[0021] In order to achieve at least one of the above-described objects, according to a first aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a coupling element for use in a slide fastener, comprising: a connecting end portion including a front portion and a rear portion; an anchoring end portion including a front portion and a rear portion; and an intermediate portion disposed between the connecting end portion and the anchoring end portion, the intermediate portion including a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the connecting end portion, the anchoring end portion and the intermediate portion are arranged adjacent each to the next one along a longitudinal axis of the coupling element, such that when the coupling element is attached to a slide fastener tape, the connecting end portion faces away from the slide fastener tape, the anchoring end portion grasps the slide fastener tape, and the front portions of the connecting end portion, the anchoring end portion and the intermediate portion extend on one main surface of the slide fastener tape, and the rear portions of the connecting end portion, the anchoring end portion and the intermediate portion extend on another main surface of the slide fastener tape, which is opposite to the one main surface, wherein in the connecting end portion, the front portion is adapted to be juxtaposed to that of opposing coupling elements of a confronting slide fastener tape, so as to form therewith a closely packed arrangement, and the rear portion is releasably engageable with that of the opposing coupling elements, wherein in the anchoring end portion, the front and rear portions form respective leg members which extend away from the intermediate portion while defining a groove therebetween, and which are adapted to be clamped onto an edge of the slide fastener tape positioned in the groove, and wherein in the groove, a pair of recesses opposing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis are provided at inner proximal portions of the leg members, adjacent the intermediate portion.
[0022] Such a coupling element can be easily manufactured and the provision of the transversely opposing recesses allows, upon clamping the leg members onto a fastener tape, an improved distribution of forces on the other regions of the coupling element, whereby the formation of a hollow, rather than a flat surface, in the front portion thereof, is substantially eliminated.
[0023] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a slide fastener stringer provided with a row of coupling elements attached to a longitudinal edge of a tape, wherein each of the coupling elements comprises: a connecting end portion including a front portion and a rear portion; an anchoring end portion including a front portion and a rear portion; and an intermediate portion disposed between the connecting end portion and the anchoring end portion, the intermediate portion including a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the connecting end portion, the anchoring end portion and the intermediate portion are arranged adjacent each to the next one along a longitudinal axis of each of the coupling elements, such that the connecting end portion faces away from the tape and the anchoring end portion grasps the tape, and the front portions of the connecting end portion, the anchoring end portion and the intermediate portion extend on one side of the tape and the rear portions of the connecting end portion, the anchoring end portion and the intermediate portion extend on another side of the tape, which is opposite to the one side, wherein in the connecting end portion, the front portion is adapted to be juxtaposed to that of opposing coupling elements of a confronting slide fastener stringer, in a closed condition of a slide fastener, so as to form therewith a closely-packed arrangement, and the rear portion is releasably engageable with that of the opposing coupling elements, wherein in the anchoring end portion, the front and rear portions form respective leg members which extend away from the intermediate portion while defining a groove therebetween, and are clamped onto an edge of the tape positioned in the groove, and wherein in the groove, a pair of recesses opposing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis are provided at inner proximal portions of the leg members, adjacent the intermediate portion.
[0024] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a slide fastener comprising the above-described coupling elements or the above- described slide fastener stringers.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0025] Further objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, provided purely by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein [0026] Figure 1 is a partial front view of a slide fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 2 is a partial, rear perspective view of the slide fastener of Figure 1;
[0028] Figure 3, already described, is a side view of a coupling element according to the related art, shown before being clamped or crimped onto the edge of a slide fastener tape;
[0029] Figure 4 is a side view of a coupling element for a slide fastener according to the related art, shown after being clamped or crimped onto the edge of a slide fastener tape;
[0030] Figure 5 is a side view similar to that of Figure 3 and shows a coupling element according to the embodiment of the present invention before being clamped or crimped onto a slide fastener tape;
[0031] Figure 6 is a top plan view of the coupling element of Figure 5;
[0032] Figure 7 is a partial sectional view showing a coupling element according to the embodiment of the present invention before and after being clamped or crimped onto a slide fastener tape;
[0033] Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view, similar to that of Figure 4, and shows a slide fastener according to the embodiment of the present invention, after the coupling elements have been clamped or crimped onto the fastener tapes;
[0034] Figure 9 is a partial sectional view, showing a coupling element according to the embodiment of the present invention after being clamped or crimped onto a slide fastener tape; and
[0035] Figure 10 is a partial perspective view, showing a portion of a slide fastener according to the embodiment of the present invention in the closed condition.
Description of Preferred Embodiments
[0036] The embodiment of the present invention will be now described with particular reference to Figures 1, 2 and 5-10.
[0037] Most of the preceding description of the related art is applicable also to the coupling elements and the slide fasteners according to the embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, in the following description, parts and elements which have already been described are attributed again the same previously used, alphanumeric reference signs.
[0038] Also in the following description and throughout the annexed drawings a coupling element is indicated by 1 in its open state, i.e. before it is attached to a fastener tape, and by Γ (with apostrophe) in its closed state, i.e. after it has been attached to a tape. The same convention also applies to each part of the coupling element(s).
[0039] A coupling element 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the same general configuration of the related art coupling element 1 disclosed above with reference to Figure 3.
[0040] With reference to Figure 5, a coupling element 1 , according to the embodiment of the present invention shown therein in its open condition, comprises a connecting end portion 2, an anchoring end portion 3 and an intermediate portion 4, which are arranged adjacent each to the next one along a longitudinal axis L-L of the coupling element and ideally join at vertical planes indicated A-A and B-B, respectively. In this embodiment, it can be said that the longitudinal axis L-L is a central axis of the coupling element Γ when being attached to a slide fastener tape T, along a width direction of the tape T.
[0041] The connecting end portion 2 includes a front portion 2f and a rear portion 2r with the longitudinal axis L-L as a boundary therebetween. The anchoring end portion 3 includes a front portion 3f and a rear portion 3r with the longitudinal axis L-L as a boundary therebetween. The intermediate portion 4 includes a front portion 4f and a rear portion 4r with the longitudinal axis L-L as a boundary therebetween. In the paper surface of Figure 5, the front portions 2f, 3f, 4f of the connecting end portion 2, the anchoring end portion 3 and the intermediate portion 4 extend above the longitudinal axis L-L. The rear portions 2r, 3r, 4r of the connecting end portion 2, the anchoring end portion 3 and the intermediate portion 4 extend below the longitudinal axis L-L.
[0042] When such a coupling element is attached to the tape T, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the connecting end portion 2' faces away from the tape T, the anchoring end portion 3' faces toward the tape T, the front portions 2'f, 3'f, 4'f of the coupling element Γ extend on one side of the tape T, i.e. on one main surface thereof and the rear portions 2'r, 3'r, 4'r of the coupling element Γ extend on another side of the tape T, which is opposite to the one side, i.e. on another main surface thereof.
[0043] Still with reference to Figure 5 , in the connecting end portion 2 the front portion 2f has a smooth front surface 2'g, adapted to be juxtaposed to that of opposing coupling elements of a confronting fastener stringer, when the slide fastener SF is closed, to form therewith an essentially coplanar, closely-packed arrangement, as can been seen in particular in Figure 1.
[0044] The smooth front surfaces 2g of the coupling elements 1 can be rectangular in shape as shown in the drawings, but may also have other shapes, provided they are able to closely abut with each other. The 'essentially coplanar, closely-packed arrangement' means that it appears that when engaging the slide fastener, the coupling elements as a whole have a planar shape, as seen from Figure 1 or Figure 10. Preferably, it satisfies at least one of the following conditions.
(1) All of the smooth front surfaces 2'g of the coupling elements Γ has substantially the same shape.
(2) The dimension of the smooth front surface 2'g of each of the coupling elements Γ in the longitudinal direction of the slide fastener tape T is larger than a gap between the adjacent coupling elements Γ attached to the same slide fastener tape T.
(3) A front end of the smooth front surface 2'g of each of the elements attached to the pair of slide fastener tapes T is provided with a flat surface and at least a portion of the flat surface faces the flat surface of the counterpart element in the width direction of the slide fastener tape T.
[0045] In the anchoring end portion 3 the front and rear portions 3f, 3r form respective leg members 3g, which extend away from the intermediate portion 4, and define a groove 5 therebetween. The leg members 3g are adapted to be clamped onto the edge of the tape T positioned in the groove, as shown in Figures 7 and 8.
[0046] The leg members 3g have respective distal, transverse projections 3h pointing to one another, which define an entrance passage 5a with a reduced transverse height (a dimension in an upward and downward direction in the paper surface of Figure 5) to the groove 5. The transverse direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L-L and the longitudinal direction of the tape T when the coupling elements are attached to the tape T. A front and back direction which is described later is the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the tape T.
[0047] In the connecting end portion 2' the rear portion 2'r comprises a coupling formation 2'h, which is for instance mushroom- shaped or essentially arrow-shaped, to be releasably engageable with that of opposing coupling elements Γ, as visible in particular in Figure 2. More specifically, the coupling formation 2'h has the same shape as the coupling element 1 before being attached to the tape T. As shown in Figure 6, the coupling formation 2h is formed only in the rear portion 2r of the connecting end portion 2 and projects beyond an end surface of the front portion 2f of the connecting end portion 2, which is located in the foremost side (right side in the paper surface of Figure 6). The coupling formation 2h is provided with a pair of engagement protrusions which project in the front and back direction (the upward and downward direction in the paper surface of Figure 6) of the coupling element 1. In addition, engagement recesses are respectively formed at the rear portion 2r of the connecting end portion 2 between the engagement protrusions and the intermediate portion 4. The bottom surface of the engagement recesses is formed so as to be lower than the front and back surfaces of the front portion 2f of the connecting end portion 2. On the other hand, the top portion of the engagement protrusions is formed so as to be lower than the front and back surfaces of the front portion 2f of the connecting end portion 2, but higher than the bottom surface of the engagement recesses.
[0048] Referring to Figure 1, it is readily apparent that on the front side of each coupling element Γ there is provided an oblong shaped design portion 2'g, suitable for receiving an ornamentation or a design in general and a coupling formation 2'h projects beyond the design portion. The engagement protrusions and the engagement recesses of the coupling formation 2'h are shaped so that it can interdigitate with the coupling portion of a cooperating element Γ on the opposite stringer, in the area at the rear of the design portion 2'g, as shown in Figure 2. The coupling formation 2h (2'h) is disposed at substantially back side (the lower side in the paper surface of Figure 6) of the design portion 2g (2'g), and is substantially invisible from the front side when being engaged, as shown in Figure 1.
[0049] Before the coupling element 1 is attached to the tape T, the groove 5 of its anchoring end portion 3 has the profile visible in Figure 5. Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the front and rear portions 3f, 3r of the leg members 3g diverge with respect to one another, away from the intermediate portion 4.
[0050] The coupling element 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be made of a plastically deformable material, in particular a metal material, such that the leg members 3g of the anchoring end portion 3 thereof can be clamped, by means of appropriate, per se known, tools, onto the edge of the tape T positioned in the groove 5.
[0051] After being clamped onto the corresponding tape T, the coupling element Γ assumes the shape and appearance shown with continuous lines in Figure 7: the entrance 5'a to the groove 5 has a remarkably smaller gap.
[0052] As shown in Figure 5, in the groove 5 of the coupling element 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention a pair of transversely opposing recesses 5b are provided at inner proximal portions of the leg members 3g, adjacent the intermediate portion 4 of the coupling element. The opposing recesses are essentially symmetrical with respect to a plane orthogonal to Figure 5, passing through the longitudinal axis L-L.
[0053] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5, the recesses 5b are joined with one another by an essentially flat surface 5c, which extends close to the plane B-B which delimits the intermediate portion 4 of the coupling element 1 with respect to the anchoring end portion 3 thereof.
[0054] In the exemplary embodiment the recesses 5b and the flat surface 5c considered as a whole form an end indentation or recess provided in the groove 5, at the intermediate portion 4 and between the leg members 3g. The arrangement is such that at the end indentation or recess the leg members 3g form respective essentially cusped profiles 5d, transversely facing each other. The recesses 5c are thus defined between the cusped profiles 5d and the flat surface 5c of the groove 5.
[0055] Still with reference to Figure 5, each leg member 3g has an inner surface which, starting from the flat surface 5c, includes the recess 5b and first and second surface portions 5e, 5f which join each other forming the cusped profile 5d.
[0056] The second surface portion 5f extends transversely outwards, away from the corresponding cusped profile 5d, toward the distal transverse projection 3h of the corresponding leg member 3g.
[0057] The first surface portion 5e is formed close to the intermediate portion 4 relative to the second surface portion 5f and the first surface portion 5e is shorter than the second surface portion 5f in a direction along the longitudinal axis L-L, and in the condition shown in Figure 5 (i.e. in the condition of the coupling element before it is clamped onto a fastener tape) is at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis L-L.
[0058] The front and rear portions 3f, 3r of the anchoring end portion 3 have outer longitudinal profiles which extend transversely beyond those of the front and rear portions 2f, 2r and 4f, 4r of the connecting end portion 2 and the intermediate portion 4.
[0059] Preferably, the front and rear portions 2f, 2r of the connecting end portion 2 have outer longitudinal profiles which are essentially in the same straight line with those 4f, 4r of the intermediate portion 4.
[0060] Furthermore, the leg members 3g have outer longitudinal profiles which preferably slope gradually toward those of the intermediate portion 4 and the connecting end portion 2.
[0061] The outer longitudinal profiles of the front portions 4f, 2f of the intermediate portion 4 and the connecting end portion 2 can be slightly inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis L- L of the coupling element 1, by an angle which is anyway smaller than the inclination angle of the outer longitudinal profiles of the leg members 3g.
[0062] On the other hand, the outer longitudinal profiles of the rear portions 4r, 2r of the intermediate portion 4 and the connecting end portion 2 are parallel with the longitudinal axis L- L of the coupling element 1. In other words, the outer longitudinal profiles of the front portions 4f, 2f of the intermediate portion 4 and the connecting end portion 2 are slightly inclined with respect to the outer longitudinal profiles of the rear portions 4r, 2r of the intermediate portion 4 and the connecting end portion 2. In addition, the outer longitudinal profiles of the front portions 4f, 2f of the intermediate portion 4 and the connecting end portion 2 are inclined so that the transverse length (the thickness in the front and back direction) of the front portion 2f, 4f of the connecting end portion 2 and the intermediate portion 4 gradually increases from the connecting end portion 2 to the intermediate portion 4.
[0063] Reverting again to Figure 5, the line B-B which is a boundary between the intermediate portion 4 and the anchoring end portion 3 is drawn through the point at which the surface 5c most closely approaches the front end 2h of the coupling element 1, and in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis L-L.
[0064] The line A-A which is a boundary between the connecting end portion 2 and the intermediate portion 4 is drawn in a transverse direction to the axis L-L, at the engagement recesses of the coupling formation 2h.
[0065] When a coupling element 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is clamped onto the edge of fastener tape T, the configuration thereof passes from that shown in broken lines in Figure 7 to the configuration shown therein by a continuous line. In particular the leg portions are brought closer to one another, so that the entrance passage 5'a to the groove 5' is considerably narrowed.
[0066] Due to the plastic deformation of the coupling element, after the clamping operation, the outer profiles of the leg portions 3'g and the outer surfaces of the connecting portion 2' become essentially in the same straight line with each other, and parallel to the plane passing through the longitudinal axis L-L orthogonally to Figure 5. That is, the smooth front surface 2'g become essentially parallel to the plane passing through the longitudinal axis L-L orthogonally to Figure 5.
[0067] The deformation of the coupling element is such that also the above mentioned end indentation 5'b, 5'c of the undeformed coupling element changes configuration, assuming a transverse profile which is essentially dovetail-shaped, as shown in Figure 7.
[0068] With reference to Figure 5, the provision of the recesses 5b allows an increase in the magnitude of the flexing in the region wherein the proximal portion of the leg member 3g joins with the intermediate portion 4 of the coupling member 1. With reference to Figure 7 this allows a by far better alignment such that the outer profile of the leg member 3'g with the adjacent front surface 2'g of the connecting end portion 2' are in the same straight line.
[0069] Thus, as a result, the overall smooth front surface 2'g of the top front surface 3'f, 4'f, 2'f of the coupling element Γ appears to be smooth and flat, and the formation of an undesired hollow is definitely avoided.
[0070] Figure 9 shows a coupling element Γ according to the embodiment of the present invention after being clamped onto a fastener tape T, and Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view of a slide fastener SF provided with coupling elements according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0071] From Figure 8 the actual flatness and smoothness of the overall smooth front surface 2'g of the closely-packed coupling elements Γ can be readily appreciated.
[0072] Figures 8 and 9 show a preferred final shape assumed by the sectional profile of the groove 5 in the clamped condition of the coupling elements Γ, which recalls the profile of a wineglass with a flared mouth.
[0073] As mentioned previously, the present invention allows the manufacture of smooth and attractive slide fasteners, which due to the close-fitting arrangement of the front surface portions of the coupling elements, and the superior flatness thereof, has a very smooth appearance, which is both aesthetically pleasant to the eye and to the touch.
[0074] The closely-packed arrangement of the coupling elements in the closed condition of the fastener and the flattened smooth nature of the coupling elements ensure that the material, to which the slide fastener is secured, is not readily trapped between the coupling elements. In addition, if by chance material is trapped in the slide fastener, the coupling elements thereof will cause less or no damage to the material.

Claims

1 A coupling element (1) for use in a slide fastener (SF), comprising:
a connecting end portion (2) including a front portion (2f) and a rear portion (2r);
an anchoring end portion (3) including a front portion (3f) and a rear portion (3r); and an intermediate portion (4) disposed between the connecting end portion (2) and the anchoring end portion (3), the intermediate portion (4) including a front portion (4f) and a rear portion (4r),
wherein the connecting end portion (2), the anchoring end portion (3) and the intermediate portion (4) are arranged adjacent each to the next one along a longitudinal axis (L- L) of the coupling element (1), such that when the coupling element (1) is attached to a slide fastener tape (T), the connecting end portion (2) faces away from the slide fastener tape (T), the anchoring end portion (3) grasps the slide fastener tape (T), and the front portions (2f, 3f, 4f) of the connecting end portion (2), the anchoring end portion (3) and the intermediate portion (4) extend on one main surface of the slide fastener tape (T), and the rear portions (2r, 3r, 4r) of the connecting end portion (2), the anchoring end portion (3) and the intermediate portion (4) extend on another main surface of the slide fastener tape (T), which is opposite to the one main surface, wherein in the connecting end portion (2), the front portion (2f) is adapted to be juxtaposed to that of opposing coupling elements (1) of a confronting slide fastener tape (T), so as to form therewith a closely packed arrangement, and the rear portion (2r) is releasably engageable with that of the opposing coupling elements (1),
wherein in the anchoring end portion (3), the front and rear portions (3f, 3r) form respective leg members (3g) which extend away from the intermediate portion (4) while defining a groove (5) therebetween, and which are adapted to be clamped onto an edge of the slide fastener tape (T) positioned in the groove (5), and
wherein in the groove (5), a pair of recesses (5b) opposing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (L-L) are provided at inner proximal portions of the leg members (3g), adjacent the intermediate portion (4).
2. The coupling element according to claim 1, wherein the groove (5) includes the recesses (5b) provided adjacent the intermediate portion (4) at the inner proximal portions of the leg members (3g), whereby at the recesses (5b) the leg members (3g) have respective, essentially cusped profiles (5d) transversely facing each other, the recesses (5b) being defined between the cusped profiles (5d) and the intermediate portion (4). 3. The coupling element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an essentially flat surface (5c) is formed at the intermediate portion (4) between the recesses (5b).
4. The coupling element according to claim 3, wherein each of the leg members (3g) has an internal surface which, starting from the flat surface (5c), includes the recesses (5b) and first and second surface portions (5e, 5f) which join with each other forming the cusped profiles (5d), the second surface portion (5f) extending transversely outwards away from the intermediate portion (4).
5. The coupling element according to claim 4, wherein the leg members (3g) have distal transverse projections (3h) pointing to one another, reducing a transverse width of the groove (5) and defining an entrance passage (5a) to the groove (5), the second surface portions (5f) of the leg members (3g) diverging from one another towards the distal transverse projections (3h).
6. The coupling element according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the first surface portion (5e) is formed close to the intermediate portion (4) relative to the second surface portion (5f) and the first surface portion (5e) is shorter than the second surface portion (5f) in a direction along the longitudinal axis (L-L) of the coupling element (1).
7. The coupling element according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein when the coupling element (1) is not attached to the slide fastener tape (T), the first surface portions (5e) are at least approximately parallel with the longitudinal axis (L-L) of the coupling element (1).
8. The coupling element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the front and the rear portions (2f, 2r) of the connecting end portion (2) have outer longitudinal profiles which are essentially aligned with those of the intermediate portion (4).
9. The coupling element according to claim 8, wherein the front and rear portions (3f, 3r) of the anchoring end portion (3) have outer longitudinal profiles which extend transversely beyond those of the front and rear portions (2f, 2r; 4f, 4r) of the connecting end portion (2) and the intermediate portion (4).
10. The coupling element according to claim 8 and 9, wherein the leg members (3g) have outer longitudinal profiles which slope towards those of the intermediate portion (4) and the connecting end portion (2).
11. The coupling element according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the outer longitudinal profile of the front portions (4f, 2f) of the intermediate portion (4) and the connecting end portion (2) is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (L-L) of the coupling element (1) by an angle smaller than an inclination angle of the outer longitudinal profile of the leg member (3g).
12. The coupling element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the front portion (2f) of the connecting end portion (2) has a smooth, flat front surface (2g) and is adapted to be juxtaposed to that of the opposing coupling elements (1) so as to form therewith an essentially coplanar, continuous arrangement.
13. A slide fastener stringer provided with a row of coupling elements (Γ) attached to a longitudinal edge of a tape (T),
wherein each of the coupling elements (Γ) comprises:
a connecting end portion (2') including a front portion (2'f) and a rear portion
(2'r);
an anchoring end portion (3') including a front portion (3'f) and a rear portion
(3'r); and
an intermediate portion (4') disposed between the connecting end portion (2') and the anchoring end portion (3'), the intermediate portion (4') including a front portion (4'f) and a rear portion (4'r),
wherein the connecting end portion (2'), the anchoring end portion (3') and the intermediate portion (4') are arranged adjacent each to the next one along a longitudinal axis (L- L) of each of the coupling elements (Γ), such that the connecting end portion (2') faces away from the tape (T) and the anchoring end portion (3') grasps the tape (T), and the front portions (2'f, 3'f, 4'f) of the connecting end portion (2'), the anchoring end portion (3') and the intermediate portion (4') extend on one side of the tape (T) and the rear portions (2'r, 3'r, 4'r) of the connecting end portion (2'), the anchoring end portion (3') and the intermediate portion (4') extend on another side of the tape (T), which is opposite to the one side,
wherein in the connecting end portion (2'), the front portion (2'f) is adapted to be juxtaposed to that of opposing coupling elements (1) of a confronting slide fastener stringer, in a closed condition of a slide fastener (SF), so as to form therewith a closely-packed arrangement, and the rear portion (2'e) is releasably engageable with that of the opposing coupling elements (Γ),
wherein in the anchoring end portion (3'), the front and rear portions (3'f, 3'r) form respective leg members (3'g) which extend away from the intermediate portion (4') while defining a groove (5') therebetween, and are clamped onto an edge of the tape (T) positioned in the groove (5'), and
wherein in the groove (5'), a pair of recesses (5'b) opposing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (L-L) are provided at inner proximal portions of the leg members (3'g), adjacent the intermediate portion (4').
14. The slide fastener stringer according to claim 13, wherein the groove (5') includes the recesses (5'b) provided adjacent the intermediate portion (4') at inner proximal portions of the leg members (3'g), whereby at the recesses (5'b) the leg members (3'g) have respective, essentially cusped profiles (5'd) transversely facing each other, which define a reduction in a transverse width of the groove (5') adjacent the intermediate portion (4'), the recesses (5'b) being defined between the cusped profiles (5'd) and the intermediate portion (4'). 15. The slide fastener stringer according to claim 13 or 14, wherein an essentially flat surface (5'c) is formed at the intermediate portion (4') between the recesses (5'b).
16. The slide fastener stringer according to claim 15, wherein each of the leg members (3'g) has an internal surface which, starting from the flat surface (5'c), includes first and second surface portions (5'e, 5'f) which join with each other forming the cusped profiles (5'd), the second surface portion (5'f) extending transversely outwards away from the intermediate portion (4').
17. The slide fastener stringer according to claim 16, wherein the leg members (3'g) have distal transverse projections (3'h) pointing to one another, reducing the transverse width of the groove (5) and defining an entrance passage (5'a) to the groove (5'), the second surface portions (5'f) of the leg members (3'g) diverging from one another towards the distal transverse projections (3'h). 18. The slide fastener stringer according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the first surface portion (5'e) is formed close to the intermediate portion (4') relative to the second surface portion (5f) and the first surface portion (5'e) is shorter than the second surface portion (5'f) in a direction along the longitudinal axis (L-L) of each of the coupling elements (Γ).
The slide fastener stringer according to any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the front portions (2'f, 3'f, 4'f) of the connecting end portion (2'), the anchoring end portion (3') and the intermediate portion (4') are flat and form a continuous, flat surface.
20. A slide fastener (SF) comprising coupling elements (Γ) each of which is the coupling elements (Γ) according to any of claims 1 to 12 crimped onto a pair of confronting tapes (T).
21. The slide fastener (SF) according to claim 20, wherein when the coupling elements (Γ) are crimped onto the pair of confronting tapes (T), the the groove (5') of each of the coupling elements (Γ) has a sectional profile essentially like that of a wineglass with a flared mouth.
22. A slide fastener (SF) comprising slide fastener stringers each of which is the slide fastener stringer according to any of claims 13 to 19.
EP14706114.7A 2013-02-05 2014-02-05 Coupling element, slide fastener stringer and slide fastener Active EP2953495B1 (en)

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IT000094A ITTO20130094A1 (en) 2013-02-05 2013-02-05 LAMPO HINGE AND COUPLING ELEMENTS FOR A LAMPO HINGE
PCT/IB2014/058801 WO2014122589A1 (en) 2013-02-05 2014-02-05 Coupling element, slide fastener stringer and slide fastener

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2014122589A1 (en) 2014-08-14
ITTO20130094A1 (en) 2014-08-06
TW201440683A (en) 2014-11-01
TWI533817B (en) 2016-05-21
CN104968232B (en) 2019-01-22
EP2953495B1 (en) 2019-03-06
CN104968232A (en) 2015-10-07

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