GB2395518A - Snap-fasteners for sheet edges - Google Patents

Abstract

A snap fastener intended to be part of a set arranged along the edges 5 of sheet members 4 comprises a male member 1 having a base 7 and an engagement piece 8 formed with projections 9 with an associated female member 2 having a main body 10 with a cavity 12 to receive the engagement piece 8. In the embodiment shown in figs. 7,8 the projections 9 are formed on upper and lower surfaces of the engagement piece 8 and snap-engage holes 14 in the body 10. In the embodiment shown in fig. 21 the projections 9 are formed on the side surfaces of the engagement piece 8 and snap-engage recesses 26 in the body 10.

Description

23955 1 8

MALE AND FEMALE MEMBER LATCHING DEVICES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

5 The present invention relates to a male and female member latching devices used for foundation garments such as a brassiere and a body-quit, or outing wear such as an inner wear and a sportswear, and also overalls such as a baby wear and an infant wear, and attached in adherends such as tapes by which inner part is not exposed.

10 2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally known male and female member latching devices attached to adherends used for garments such as this kind of foundation garments comprises male attachment-detachment device 110 and female attachment-anddetachment device 120 as referred hereinbelow. Male attachment-and detachment device 110 includes head part 111 15 which is laterally projected; bulge part 112 which intersects perpendicularly with the head part 111 at the edge of tape 101 which is one of the tapes of a pair of tapes 101 and 102 as shown in Fig.45. Whereas, female attachment-and detachment device 120 includes engagement recess 122 for an engagement with notch recess 121 and bulging head 112 at the edge of the other tape 102. These male attachment-and-detachment devices 110 and 20 the female attachment-and-detachment device 120 are integrally fabricated using synthetic resin respectively, and engagement part of a male attachmentand-detachment device and a female attachment-and-detachment device, and the attachment position to tapes are formed in the same height. (see patent NO.2525301 of official gazette).

Also, as shown in Fig.46, a fastener made of a synthetic resin is conventionally 25 known. Male member 130 of this snap fastener is equipped with main part 131 and attached portion 132 connected partially to the peripheral portion of the main part, and attached to the edge of tape 101 which is one of the tapes in attached portion 132 by injection molding spaced apart at predetermined intervals. Moreover, female member 140

- 2 has recess 141 formed in the center for an engagement and attached by injection molding spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the inwardly entered part from the edge of the other tape 102. (see JP-A-11-61515).

Since both of a male attachment-and-detachment device and a female attachment 5 and-detachment device are attached in the tape edge with the result that between tape edges is spaced apart. Accordingly, an attachment-and-detachment device with tapes as shown in Fig.45 is unsuitable for the goods which need concealment. Also, in order to hook a male attachment-and-detachment device to a female attachment-anddetachment device to be joined, the tape of each other must be drawn near, so that the bulging head 10 and head of a male attachment-and-detachment device may be inserted, pressed and hooked from the upper part to the engagement recesses or the notch recess of a female attachment-anddetachment device. Then, since it is based on operation of two directions, much trouble is involved therein. AISO, if tension force works powerfully to a female attachment-and-detachment device and a male attachment-and-detachment device, since a 16 female attachment-anddetachment device is in the profile of opening in the upper surface of an engagement recess, the problem such that it is easy to be modified may be posed. In addition, there is also a possibility that a bulging head may be pulled out from the engagement recess.

Also, for the snap fastener shown in Fig.46, it is good for tape edges to overlap 20 and to conceal an inner side. However, in order to make a female member and a male member engaged, the engagement has to be carried out in such a manner that the tape is drawn near with each other and the male member has to be fitted into the female member from upward. Since this is based on operation of two directions, much trouble is involved therein. Furthermore, since an attached part constitutes a main part by connecting by 25 partial injection molding on the peripheral portion of the main part, when strong tension force works to the male and female members, there arises a possibility such that a male member may be damaged in a connection portion.

- 3 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention adds improvement to male and female member latching devices in view of the above-described problem. Main object of this invention is to provide male and female member latching devices wherein even when force, especially twisting force from 5 each direction works, engagement function is maintained tenaciously, or engagement function is canceled immediately. Whereby, a male or female member latching device is protected from breakage by shock.

Male and female member latching devices of this invention characterized in that: male member latching device 1 and female member latching device 2 which are 10 attached respectively spaced apart at intervals in the longitudinal direction on the facing part of a pair of adherends 4; the male member latching device 1 includes tabular engagement piece 8 which is protruded in front of base 7; and on tip end side of this engagement piece 8, engagement projections 9 which protrude toward the aforementioned engagement piece 8 side are provided; whereas female member latching device 2 includes 15 space accommodation part 12 into which the engagement piece 8 can be inserted, and engagement holes 14 with which the aforementioned engagement projections 9 can be engaged, or engagement recesses 26 are provided inside of this space accommodation part 12. With an arrangement thus described, engagement and detachment operation is 20 carried out by an elasticity of the engagement projections arranged in both sides of the engagement piece of a male member latching device. On engagement, the engagement piece is protected by a strong upper wall and a lower wall of a female member latching device. This contributes to protecting the male and female member latching devices from breakage even when any kinds of shock or twisting power works. Engagement and 25 detachment function is thus not lost.

Male and female member latching devices of this invention may be arranged in such a manner that: male member latching device 1 and female member latching device 2 which are

- 4 attached respectively spaced apart at intervals in the longitudinal direction on the facing part of a pair of adherends 4; male member latching device 1 includes trapezoid-like tabular engagement piece 8 in a protruding manner in front of base 7; engagement projections 9 which are protruded from the aforementioned engagement piece 8 are 5 provided on tip end side of this engagement piece 8; whereas female member latching device 2 includes space accommodation part 12 into which the engagement piece 8 can be inserted; and engagement holes 14 with which the aforementioned engagement projections 9 are engageable or engagement recesses 26 is provided inside of this space accommodation part 12.

10 In above-described arrangement, with engagement piece 8 formed in trapezoid like tabular form, the engagement piece can be easily extracted by slight twist operation.

Also, with a space accommodation part adjusted to a trapezoid, near the insertion opening can assume the form in which elastic modification can be easily performed. Accordingly, when a shock or a twisting power beyond necessity works onto male and female member 15 latching devices on engagement, the engagement piece can easily cancel the engagement so as to escape. Male and female member latching device is thus protected from breakage and the engagement function is not lost.

In male and female member latching devices of this invention, through holes 25 are preferably provided in a central part of the aforementioned engagement piece 8 in 20 order to promote an elastic modification of the aforementioned engagement projections 9.

Alternatively, notch recess 27 deeply cut from the tip end to a central part of the aforementioned engagement piece 8 may be provided in order to promote an elastic modification of the aforementioned engagement projections 9.

Alternatively, trunk portion 28 formed into a shape of letter T with thick root 25 portion may be provided and arrowhead-like engagement projections 9 may be successively formed on both tip sides of this trunk portion 28.

By employment of this arrangement, elastic modification of each engagement piece can be carried out easily, and plug engagement operation can be carried out very

- s - simply. In this invention, the aforementioned space accommodation part 12 is preferably formed in such a manner that the inner side interval of a section starting from the aforementioned insertion mouth 11 and resulting in engagement holes 14 or engagement 5 recesses 26 is gradually reduced, and also tongue-shaped piece 19 which protrudes toward inside is formed on the mouth edge of insertion mouth 11 side of the aforementioned engagement holes 14 or engagement recesses 26.

By employment of this arrangement, engagement projections which bulge near the tip end of the engagement piece is smoothly guided so as to be engaged with the 10 engagement holes or engagement recesses, and a tongue- shaped piece protects the inner side walls of a space accommodation part from impulsive contact of engagement projections, and an improvement in engagement intensity can be aimed at.

In this invention, at least one of the aforementioned male member latching device 1 and female member latching device 2 is preferably is attached to the inwardly entered 15 position from edges 5 of adherends 4.

Alternatively, both of the male member latching device 1 and female member latching device 2 may be attached to the inwardly entered position from facing edges 5 of adherends 4.

According to an arrangement described above, since the edges of a adherends 20 overlap to conceal inside, when a male member latching device and a female member latching device are inserted and engaged, male and female member latching devices which are safe and good in appearance are achieved.

Especially, if both male member latching device and female member latching device are attached to the inwardly entered position from the facing edges of adherends, 25 edges of the adherends are more reliably overlapped, concealing inside completely. In addition, since projections and exposure of male and female member latching devices on the adherends are thus not occurred. Accordingly, a very decent appearance is achieved.

In this invention, at least one of the male member latching device 1 or female

member latching device 2 preferably has a support part 20 which can fasten adherends 4 formed thereon.

Alternatively, at least one of the male member latching device 1 or female member latching device 2 preferably has attachment piece 23 for an attachment of 5 adherends 4 formed thereon.

According to an arrangement thus described, as for an attachment of the outer wall surfaces in a space accommodation part, a female member latching device can be very easily attached to adherends by a support part which can fasten the adherends, or by an attachment piece provided on the outer wall surfaces. Or according to a case, this 10 attachment can be carried out very easily by attaching-by-sewing means or riveting means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig.1 is a front view of the first embodiment of male and female member latching devices showing an opening state thereof.

15 Fig.2 is a front view of the same male member latching device.

Fig.3 is a view in side elevation of the same male member latching device.

Fig.4 is a cross-sectional view of the same male member latching device taken along the line A-A.

Fig.5 is a front view of the same female member latching device.

20 Fig.6 is a cross-sectional view of the same female member latching device taken along the line B-B.

Fig.7 is a view partially in section showing the mating state of the same male and female member latching devices.

Fig.8 is a cross-sectional view of the same male and female member latching 25 devices taken along the line C-C.

Fig.9 is a cross-sectional view of the same male and female member latching devices taken along the line D-D.

Fig.10 is a front view of the first embodiment of a female member latching

device showing the modified example thereof.

Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of the same female member latching device as shown in Fig.10 taken along the line E-E.

Fig.12 is a front view of the first embodiment of the male member latching 5 device showing the modified example thereof.

Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of the same male member latching device as shown in Fig.12 taken along the line F-F.

Fig.14 is a front view of the first embodiment of a female member latching device showing the modified example thereof.

10Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of a female member latching device showing further another modification thereof.

Fig.16 is a front view of the second embodiment of a male member latching device of this invention.

Fig.17 is a cross-sectional view of the same male member latching device as 15shown in Fig.16 taken along the line G-G.

Fig.18 is a front view of the same female member latching device.

Fig.19 is a cross-sectional view of the same female member latching device as shown in Fig.18 taken along the line H-H.

Fig.20 is a cross-sectional view of the same female member latching device as 20shown in Fig.18 taken along the line I-l.

Fig.21 is a view partly in section of the same male and female member latching devices showing the mating state thereof.

Fig.22 is a cross-sectional view of the same male and female member latching devices as shown in Fig.21 taken along the line J-J.

25Fig.23 is a front view of the second embodiment of a male member latching device showing the modification thereof.

Fig.24 is a front view of the second embodiment of a male member latching device showing the modification thereof.

- 8 Fig.25 is a front view of the second embodiment of a male member latching device showing further another modification thereof.

Fig.26 is a cross-sectional view of the same male member latching device as shown in Fig.25 taken along the line T-T.

5Fig.27 is a front view of the third embodiment of male and female member latching devices of this invention.

Fig.28 is an elevational view of the same male member latching device.

Fig.29 is a cross-sectional view of the same male member latching device as shown in Fig.27 taken along the line K-K.

10Fig.30 is a front view of the same female member latching device.

Fig.31 is a cross-sectional view of the same female member latching device as shown in Fig.30 taken along the line L-L.

Fig.32 is a front view of the same male and female member latching devices showing the mating state thereof.

15Fig.33 is a cross-sectional view of the same male and female member latching devices as shown in Fig.32 taken along the line M-M.

Fig.34 is a front view of the fourth embodiment of male and female member latching devices of this invention showing an opening state thereof.

Fig.35 is a sectional view of the same female member latching device as shown 20in Fig.36 taken along the line N-N.

Fig.36 is a cross-sectional view of the same female member latching device as shown in Fig.35 taken along the line O-O.

Fig.37 is a sectional view of the same male and female member latching devices as shown in Fig.35 taken along the line P-P.

25Fig.38 is a front view of the same male and female member latching devices showing the mating state thereof.

Fig.39 is a cross-sectional view of the same male and female member latching devices as shown in Fig.38 taken along the line Q-Q.

Fig.40 is a front view of the fifth embodiment of male and female member latching devices of this invention showing an opening state thereof.

Fig.41 is a front view of the same female member latching device.

Fig.42 is a cross-sectional view of the same female member latching device as shown in Fig.41 taken along the line R-R.

Fig.43 is a front view of the same male and female member latching device showing the mating state thereof.

Fig.44 is a cross-sectional view of the same male and female member latching devices as shown in Fig.43 taken along the line S-S.

10 Fig.45 is a perspective view of the known male and female member latching devices. Fig.46 is a cross-sectional view of another known male and female member latching devices.

15 PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiment of male and female member latching devices of this invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings.

The first embodiment of this invention is shown in Fig.1 to Fig.9.

Male and female member latching devices according to this invention, as shown 20 in Fig.1 are arranged in such a manner that a predetermined interval is longitudinally set, and male member latching device 1 and female member latching device 2 are respectively attached in the part of the adherends 4, such as a pair of tapes, which are facing with each other. For example, by attaching the male member latching device 1 to edges S of one covering object 4, and attaching the female member latching device 2 in the position 25 shifted inside from the edges 5 of the other covering object. Whereby, the edges 5 of the adherends 4 can be overlapped and an inside can be concealed.

Male member latching device 1 and female member latching device 2 are male and female member latching devices wherein male member latching device 1 and female

- 10 member latching device 2 are attached to edges 5 of adherends 4 such as a pair of tapes, to the part shifted inside from the facing edges 5, or to the part shifted inwardly of each facing edge 5 of a pair of adherends 4 by injection-molding processing means using thermoplastic resin, such as polyamide, polyacetal, polypropylene, and a polyethylene 5 terephthalate.

Male member latching device 1 is integrally formed and attached to bulging edges 5 of a pair of adherends 4 as shown in Fig.2 to Fig.4. Male member latching device 1 is formed in such a manner that base 7 is attached along edges 5; tabular and rectangular engagement piece 8 is provided in the profile of protuberance in the central part of this 10 base 7; engagement projections 9 in the shape of a rugby ball in substantially sectional view bulging in vertical direction to the full width of the engagement piece 8 as shown in Fig.2 and Fig.3 are protruded at tip end of this engagement piece 8; and these engagement projections 9 assume the form presenting a snake head configuration, seen in cross section as shown in Fig.4.

16 Female member latching device 2 is arranged in such a manner that female member latching device 2 which constitutes a longitudinally long rectangular main part 10 as shown in Fig.5 is integrally formed and attached to inwardly entered inner portion 6 from edges 5 of adherents 4 as shown in Fig.5 and Fig.6. Further, insertion mouth 11 wherein engagement piece 8 of male member latching device 1 can be inserted in front 20 side of the rectangular main part 10 is provided, space part in the shape of rectangle formed successively from this insertion mouth 11 as shown in Fig.6 is provided, this space part is formed as space accommodation part 12 wherein engagement piece 8 can be accommodated when it is inserted, and engagement holes 14 larger than the space accommodation part 12 in the shape of rectangle into which engagement projections 9 of 25 the male member latching device 1 can fit are formed in vertical direction at back side of this space accommodation part 12.

Also, space accommodation part 12 of a rectangular main part 10 is formed in such a manner that a diameter in vertical direction starting from insertion mouth 11 and

- 11 resulting in engagement holes 14 is reduced gradually as shown in Fig.3 to stably maintain the engagement piece 8. When attaching the female member latching device 2 to adherends 4 by an injection-molding means, support part 20 which can sandwich the adherends 4 is integrally fabricated in outer wall surfaces 15 in lower wall 17 of a 5 rectangular main part 10 to be fixed.

When male member latching device 1 attached to adherends 4 and female member latching device 2 are inserted to be engaged with each other, as shown in Fig.7 to Fig.9, engagement projections 9 of engagement piece 8 of the male member latching device 1 fit into engagement holes 14 formed in female member latching device 2, so as 10 not to be pulled out. It can be made to be pulled out, if base 7 is plucked and pulled.

Incidentally, as for the male member latching device 1 and the female member latching device 2, distance d starting from the central line of engagement piece 8 and resulting in backside of base 7 in the thickness direction, and height h starting from the surface of adherends 4 and resulting in the central line of insertion mouth 11 are preferably set as 15 substantially the same size. Whereby, when engagement piece 8 of male member latching device I is inserted, back surface of base 7 fixed to edges 5 carries out surface sliding on the surface of adherends 4 fixed with female member latching device 2. Then, smooth guide of engagement piece 8 toward insertion mouth 11 is carried out.

When female member latching device 2 is formed in inner portion 6 of adherends 20 4, injection molding can be carried out to the cloth of garments directly to fix the female member latching device 2. Moreover, in case of a coarse adherends 4, like longitudinal threads of a fabric, resin material tends to permeate, to thereby form support part 20 in outer wall surfaces 15 of lower wall 17 of the rectangular main part 10 to be fixed firmly.

As for this invention, modifications as referred hereinbelow are adopted.

25 Further, in case of the adherends 4 such as a coarse cloth as shown in Fig.10 and Fig. 11, by making through holes in the adherends 4, integral fabrication of support part 20 formed in outer wall surface 15 of the lower wall 17 in rectangular main part 10 of the female member latching device 2 is attained by forming the connection part 22 through

- 12 the hole. Whereby, female member latching device 2 can be fixed firmly.

Modification as shown in Fig.12 and Fig.13 shows the case in which male member latching device 1 is attached to inner portion 6 which entered inside from edges S of adherends 4.

5 Male member latching device 1 is arranged in such a manner that engagement piece 8 is protruded in one end of base 7, attachment piece 23 which has the same length with base 7, being flush with one surface of base 7 is protruded so as to be in close contact with adherends 4. Outer edge of this attachment piece 23 is raised to form recess 24 therebetween. Attachment hole 21 for an attachment by sewing is provided in this recess 10 24. Then, the male member latching device I is attached to the inner portion 6 of the adherends 4 by sewing thread. Incidentally, riveting means other than attaching by sewing may also suffice.

If male member latching device 1 attached to inner portion 6 of adherends 4 is used correspondingly with female member latching device 2 attached to the inner portion 15 6 of the adherends 4 as shown in Fig.2 and Fig.3, edges S of adherends 4 are reliably overlapped to conceal inside completely.

Modification of female member latching device 2 as shown in Fig.14 is arranged in such a manner that attachment piece 23 is extended in outer wall 18 of rectangular main part 10 in female member latching device 2 as similar to male member latching device 1 20 as shown in above-described Fig.12; outer edge of attachment piece 23 is raised to have recess 24 therebetween; attachment hole 21 for an attachment of adherends 4 to this recess 24 is provided; and female member latching device 2 is attached to the inner portion 6 of the adherends 4 by an attaching-by-sewing means or a riveting means.

Modification of female member latching device 2 as shown in Fig.15 is arranged 25 in such a manner that outer wall 18 of rectangular main part 10 of the female member latching device 2 is fixed to edges S of adherends 4. However at that time, curved configured support part 20 which can sandwich edges S is integrally fabricated and attached in the outer wall surfaces IS of outside wall 18 of rectangular main part 10, so as

- 13 to be used in correspondence with the male member latching device 1 of the type as shown in Fig.12 and Fig.13. Incidentally, this female member latching device 2 is arranged in such a manner that in space accommodation part 12 formed successively from insertion mouth 11 provided in rectangular main part 10, a diameter between the upper 5 and lower sides starting from opening 11 and resulting in engagement hole 14 is reduced gradually, tongue-shaped pieces 19 which are projecting within engagement holes 14 are protruded in the upper and lower sides of mouth edges of the insertion mouth 11 side which is facing the engagement holes 14. This tongue-shaped pieces 19 serve as to protect the angle of upper wall 16 or lower wall 17 from impulsive contact with the engagement 10 projections 9 directly. Hence, upper wall 16 and lower wall 17 are protected. Advantage such that upper wall 16 and lower wall 17 are protected and engagement intensity is also maintained is thus obtained.

Second embodiment of this invention is shown in Fig.16 to Fig.22.

Male member latching device 1 is arranged in such a manner that base 7 is 15 attached to edges 5 of adherends 4 as shown in Fig.16 and Fig.17, tabular and rectangular engagement piece 8 is protruded from the central part of the base 7, and engagement projections 9 which are projecting toward outside are provided on both sides of tip end of this engagement piece 8. And along with this, through holes 25 are formed in a part of the central part of the engagement piece 8 in parallel. By adopting this through holes 25, 20 elastic nature is given to the engagement projections 9 which are projecting to both sides so as to be elastically modified.

Female member latching device 2 is arranged in such a manner that rectangular main part 10 in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped is fixed by injection molding in inner portion 6 which is entered inside from edges 5 of adherends 4 as shown in Fig.18 to 25 Fig.20. Then, insertion mouth 1I for an insertion of engagement piece 8 of male member latching device 1 is formed in front of the rectangular main part 10, and rectangular space part formed successively and inwardly from the insertion mouth 11 is provided. This space part is formed as space accommodation part 12 which can accommodate

- 14 engagement piece 8, wherein concave-shaped engagement recesses 26 into which engagement projections 9 of engagement piece 8 fit are provided on both sides of the space accommodation part 12 to fix the engagement projections 9.

Rectangular main part 10 integrally includes support part 20 which can sandwich 5 adherends 4 in the outer wall side 15 of the lower wall 17. Resin material permeates through the texture of the cloth of the adherends 4, and serves as to fix the outer wall surface 15 of the rectangular main part 10 to the adherends 4. In order to ensure fixation, holes can be provided in the adherends 4 and the outer wall surface 15 of the rectangular main part 10 and the support part 20 can be connected by the connection part 22 to be 10 fixed. Further, the curved-shaped support part 20 may be formed in the outer wall surfaces 15 of the outside wall 18 of the rectangular main part 1O, to fix the edges S of the adherends 4.

If male member latching device 1 attached in adherends 4 and female member latching device 2 are made to be engaged by insertion, as shown in Fig.21 and Fig.22, 15 engagement projections 9 of engagement piece 8 of the male member latching device 1 fit into engagement recesses 26 of the female member latching device 2 so as not to be pulled out. In order to pull outthe engagement piece 8, if base 7 is plucked and pulled, the engagement projections 9 are elastically modified to escape from the engagement recesses 26. The engagement piece 8 can be thus pulled out from the space accommodation part 12.

20 As for the embodiment of this invention, modifications as referred hereinbelow can be adopted.

Modification of male member latching device 1 as shown in Fig.23 is male member latching device 1, which is formed in such a manner that tabular engagement piece 8 is protruded from the central part of base 7 fixed to edges S of adherends 4, trunk 25 portion 28 root portion of which is thick and assumes a letter of "T" is provided, and arrowhead-like elastic legs 13 are provided in a row with engagement projections 9 which are tip ends thereof projecting toward outside, so that the engagement projections 9 which are protruded to both sides may be elastically modified.

- 15 Modification of male member latching device 1 as shown in Fig.24 is male member latching device 1 which is formed in such a manner that tabular engagement piece 8 is protruded from the central part of base 7 fixed to edges 5 of adherends 4, engagement projections 9 in the shape of protuberance which are projecting toward 5 outside are provided on both ends of this engagement piece 8, further notch recess 27 which cuts into toward base 7 from tip end is provided in the central part of the engagement piece 8, and by adopting this notch recess 27, the engagement projections 9 projecting to both sides can be elastically modified easily.

Modification of male member latching device 1 as shown in Fig.25 and Fig. 26 is 10 provided with tabular engagement piece 8 which is projecting from the central part of base 7 fixed to edges S of adherends 4, and engagement projections 9 in the shape of protuberance which are projecting toward outside to both sides of this engagement piece 8.

Further, notch recess 27 cutting into toward base 7 from tip end is included in the central part of the engagement piece 8 in a similar manner with the male member latching device 15 1 as shown in Fig.24. And further, through holes 25 which are similar with male member latching device 1 as shown in Fig.16 and Fig.17 are included in both sides of the notch recess 27. Whereby, turning point 8A which assumes a letter of "Y" is provided in the part surrounded by notch recess 27 and a pair of through holes 25. By having the notch recess 27 and through holes 25 provided, engagement projections 9 are formed so that elastic 20 modification may be achieved easily. Incidentally, in the modification of male member latching device 1 as shown in Fig.25 and Fig.26, turning point 8A is formed thinner than the other part of the engagement piece 8, to thereby permit elastic modification performance to be adjusted according to a thickness adjustment of this portion.

Third embodiment of this invention is shown in Fig.27 to Fig.31.

25 Male member latching device I is arranged in such a manner that as shown in Fig.27 to Fig.29, base 7 is attached to edges 5 of adherends 4, tabular and trapezoid engagement piece 8 is protruded from the base 7, engagement projections 9 which bulge in vertical direction are provided at tip end of this trapezoid engagement piece 8. Then,

- 16 this engagement projections 9 fit into engagement holes 14 formed in female member latching device 2 which carry out opening in vertical direction to thereby cause latch to be carried out.

Female member latching device 2 is arranged in such a manner that rectangular 5 parallelepiped-like main part 10 is fixed by injection molding to inner portion 6 which is entered inside from edges 5 of adherends 4 as shown in Fig.30 and Fig.31; insertion mouth 11 into which engagement piece 8 of male member latching device 1 can be fit is provided in front of the rectangular main part 10; rectangular space part which is formed successively from this insertion mouth 11 toward inside is included; this space part is 10 formed as space accommodation part 12 which accommodates engagement piece 8; and long trapezoid engagement holes 14 which are smaller than space accommodation part 12 into which engagement projections 9 of the male member latching device 1 can fit are provided toward in vertical direction at a backside of this space accommodation part 12.

Further, space accommodation part 12 is formed in the form in which a diameter 16 in vertical direction starting from insertion mouth 11 and resulting in engagement holes 14 is reduced gradually, and along with this, tongue-like pieces 19 are protruded. The tongue-

like pieces 19 assume the shape of thin piece and project within engagement holes 14 in vertical direction of mouth edges which are facing engagement holes 14. Also, these tongue-like pieces 19 are formed, so that the angle of upper wall 16 and lower wall 17 20 may not be in impulsive contact with engagement projections 9 directly when engagement piece 8 is pulled out. Then, the tongue-like pieces 19 protect the upper wall 16 and the lower wall 17 as well as maintaining the engagement intensity.

When rectangular main part 10 of female member latching device 2 is attached to adherends 4 by injection molding, support part 20 which can sandwich the adherends 4 is 25 integrally formed and fixed to outer wall surface 15 in the lower wall 17 of the rectangular main part 10. In order to fix firmly, holes may be provided in the adherends 4, so that the outer wall surface 15 of the rectangular main part 10 and the support part 20 may be connected by the connection part 22 to be fixed.

- 17 lf male member latching device 1 attached to adherends 4 and female member latching device 2 are engaged with each other by insertion, as shown in Fig.32 and Fig.33, engagement projections 9 of engagement piece 8 of the male member latching device 1 fit into engagement holes 14 of the female member latching device 2. And along with this, 5 tongue-like pieces 19 provided in vertical direction of mouth edges of the engagement holes 14 press the base of the engagement projections 9 of the engagement piece 8 so as to maintain a firm mating state. When the engagement piece 8 of the male member latching device 1 is pulled out from the female member latching device 2, by plucking and pulling base 7, a little bit of twisting force occurs simultaneously. Whereby, an interval between 10 the upper wall 16 and the lower wall 17 in the vicinity of insertion mouth 11 of space accommodation part 12 is extended at tip end part of the trapezoid engagement piece 8.

This enables the engagement piece 8 to be pulled out easily.

Fourth embodiment of this invention is shown in Fig.34 to Fig.39.

Male and female member latching devices according to this invention are 16 arranged in such a manner that similarly with above-described embodiments, male member latching device 1 and female member latching device 2 are respectively longitudinally attached spaced apart at predetermined intervals, whereas the male member latching device 1 and the female member latching device 2 are attached to the mutually facing edges 5. Incidentally, quality of the material of the male member latching device 1 20 and the female member latching device 2, and forming processing are determined similarly with said each embodiment.

Male member latching device 1 is the same with the male member latching device l of above-described second embodiment as shown in Fig.16 and Fig. 17, omitting and simplifying the overlapping explanation. Incidentally, through holes 25 provided in 26 engagement piece 8 are not necessarily disposed in parallel, but one hole is suffice if elastic modification of engagement projections 9 of both sides is achieved.

Female member latching device 2 is arranged in such a manner that base 7 which constitutes one end of the whole part which assumes a rectangular shaped form, is

- 18 attached to edges 5 of adherends 4, insertion mouth 11 opening to the opposite to this base 7, that is in front, wherein engagement piece 8 of male member latching device 1 can be inserted is provided, rectangular space part formed successively from this insertion mouth 11 is provided, and this space part is formed as space accommodation part 12 which can 5 accommodate the engagement piece 8. The space accommodation part 12 becomes strong when formed in substantially closed state by upper wall 16, lower wall 17, side wall 29 and base 7, to thereby protect the space accommodation part 12 from impact.

Concave-shaped engagement recesses 26 into which engagement projections 9 provided in engagement piece 8 of male member latching device 1 can fit is formed in 10 side wall 29. Also, it is tapered so that mouth thickness of insertion mouth 11 side of upper wall 16 and lower wall 17 in the vicinity of insertion mouth 11 of space accommodation part 12 may be wider. Whereby, easy insertion of engagement piece 8 is achieved. Incidentally, in engagement recesses 26, opening is carried out from the lower wall 17 for formational reasons.

15 Engagement by insertion between male member latching device 1 and female member latching device 2 attached to edges S of adherends 4 is shown in Fig.38 and Fig.39. Namely, engagement projections 9 of engagement piece 8 of the male member latching device 1 fit into engagement recesses 26 provided in both sides of space accommodation part 12 of the female member latching device 2 so as not to be pulled out.

20 In order to pull out engagement piece 8, by plucking and pulling base 7 of the male member latching device 1, engagement projections 9 are elastically modified. Then, the engagement projections 9 escape from the engagement recesses 26 to allow the engagement piece 8 to be pulled out from the space accommodation part 12. If twisting force works in opposite direction to the male member latching device I and the female 25 member latching device 2 which are in mating state, upper wall 16 or lower wall 17 of the space accommodation part 12 are in contact with upper surface or lower surface of the engagement piece 8. Whereby, the engagement piece 8 is suppressed rotating within the space accommodation part 12 so as to maintain a posture as it is. Hence, mating state is

- 19 maintained. Then, of course female member latching device 2 obviates breakage of male member latching device 1.

As for this invention, modifications as referred hereinbelow can be adopted.

Referring to male member latching device 1, Fig.23 is a view showing a modified 5 example of above described second embodiment, and Fig.24, Fig. 25 and Fig.26 are also views showing modifications thereof.

Incidentally, male member latching device 1 as shown in these Fig.23 and Fig.24, or Fig.25 and Fig.26 can be used along with female member latching device 2 as shown in Fig.35 to Fig.37.

10 Fifth embodiment of this invention is shown in Fig.40 to Fig.44.

In this embodiment, male member latching device 1 and female member latching device 2 as referred hereinbelow are used.

Male member latching device I is the same with the male member latching device I of above-described third embodiment as shown in Fig.27 to Fig.29, omitting and 15 simplifying the overlapping explanation.

Female member latching device 2 is arranged in such a manner that base 7 formed in one end side in rectangular parallelepiped shape in whole part is integrally formed and attached to edges 5 of adherends 4, as shown in Fig.41 and Fig.42; insertion mouth 11 into which engagement piece 8 of male member latching device 1 can be 20 inserted is provided in front in opposite side of the base 7, rectangular space part which is formed successively from this insertion mouth 11 is provided; and this space part is formed as space accommodation part 12 which can accommodate the engagement piece 8.

In addition, engagement holes 14 into which engagement projections 9 of the male member latching device I fit are provided in the depths of this space accommodation part 26 12 and these long trapezoid configured engagement holes 14 which are smaller than the space accommodation part 12 and long in insertion mouth 11 side are provided towards vertical direction.

Further, space accommodation part 12 is formed in tapered shape wherein a

- 20 diameter between upper wall 16 and lower wall 17 starting from insertion mouth 11 and resulting in engagement holes 14 is reduced gradually. Along with this, tongue-like pieces 19 in the shape of thin pieces which are provided in a protruding manner within engagement holes 14 are provided in upper wall 16 and lower wall 17 of mouth edges 5 which are facing the engagement holes 14. These tongue-like pieces 19 are formed, so that the angle of upper wall 16 and lower wall 17 may not be in impulsive contact with engagement projections 9 directly when engagement piece 8 is pulled out. Then, the tongue-like pieces 19 protect the upper wall 16 and the lower wall 17 and also hold engagement piece 8 and engagement projections 9 by fixing as well as maintaining the 10 engagement intensity.

When male member latching device 1 and female member latching device 2 attached to adherends 4 are made to be engaged by insertion, as shown in Fig.43 and Fig.44, engagement projections 9 of engagement piece 8 of the male member latching device 1 fit into engagement holes 14 of the female member latching device 2. At that 15 time, upper wall 16 and lower wall 17 in insertion mouth 11 are tapered and further long trapezoid engagement holes 14 are formed. Whereby, the upper wall 16 and the lower wall 17 can be elastically modified easily. This contributes to easy inserting operation, and after insertion engagement projections 9 are held by fixing flexibly and firmly, then, an engagement state is held.

20 When engagement piece 8 of male member latching device 1 is plucked and pulled out from female member latching device, and twisted simultaneously, the interval between upper wall 16 and lower wall 17 is extended in the vicinity of insertion mouth of space accommodation part 12 at both sides of trapezoid engagement piece 8. Then, by the force of the upper wall 16 and the lower wall 17 to elastically return to the original form, 25 both sides of the engagement piece 8 and contact part of the upper wall 16 and the lower wall 17 shifts from the base end side with large width to the tip end side with small width.

Then, the engagement piece 8 is pushed out outside positively from the insertion mouth 11, to thereby pull out the engagement piece 8 easily.

- 21 Female member latching device 2 in this male and female member latching devices is arranged in such a manner that upper wall 16 and lower wall 17 in the vicinity of insertion mouth 11 are elastically modified easily. Then, by a twisting force, engagement piece 8 is rotated within space accommodation part 12. Simultaneously, the 5 upper wall 16 and the lower wall 17 elastically return to the original form and push out engagement piece 8 from the insertion mouth 11 immediately. Whereby, the upper wall 16 and the lower wall 17 are free of plastic modification in the state of having been extensible without losing a mating function thereafter. AISO7 this male and female member latching devices are easy to cancel an engagement when a certain amount of force is applied.

10 Therefore, use can be expanded for the air bag installed in the sheet side of a car.

Claims (10)

- 22 WHAT IS CLAIMED IS

1. Male and female member latching devices, wherein male member latching device 1 and female member latching device 2 are longitudinally attached to the part where a pair of adherends 4 are facing with each other, spaced apart at 5 predetermined intervals; wherein male member latching device I includes tabular engagement piece 8 in a protruding manner in front of base 7; engagement projections 9 are protruding toward said engagement piece 8 side on tip end side of this engagement piece 8; 10 female member latching device 2 includes space accommodation part 12 into which the engagement piece 8 can be inserted; and engagement holes 14 with which said engagement projections 9 are engaged, or engagement recesses 26 are provided inside of this space accommodation part 12.

2. Male and female member latching devices, wherein male member latching 15 device I and female member latching device 2 are longitudinally attached to the part where a pair of adherends 4 are facing with each other, spaced apart at predetermined intervals; wherein male member latching device 1 includes a trapezoid-like tabular engagement 8 in a protruding manner in front of base 7; 20 engagement projections 9 which are protruded from said engagement piece 8 are provided on tip end side of this engagement piece 8; female member latching device 2 includes space accommodation part 12 into which engagement piece 8 can be inserted; and engagement holes 14 with which said engagement projections 9 are engaged, or 25 engagement recesses 26 are provided inside of this space accommodation part 12.

3. Male and female member latching devices, characterized in that: in the male and female member latching devices as described in Claim 1, through

holes 25 are provided in a central part of said engagement piece 8 in order to promote an

- 23 elastic modification of said engagement projections 9.

4. Male and female member latching devices, characterized in that: in the male and female member latching devices as described in Claim 1, notch recess 27 which cuts into a central part of said engagement piece 8 from tip end in order to 6 promote said engagement projections 9 to be elastically modified is provided.

5. Male and female member latching devices, characterized in that: in the male and female member latching devices as described in Claim 1, trunk portion 28 formed into a shape of letter T with thick root portion is provided in order to promote said elastic modification and arrowhead-like engagement projections 9 are 10 successively formed on both tip sides of this trunk portion 28.

6. Male and female member latching devices, characterized in that: in the male and female member latching devices as described in anyone of Claim l to Claim 5, space accommodation part 12 is formed in such a manner that the inner side interval of a section starting from said insertion mouth 11 and resulting in engagement 15 holes 14 or engagement recesses 26 is gradually reduced, and also tongue-shaped piece 19 which protrudes toward inside is formed on the mouth edge of insertion mouth 11 side of said engagement holes 14 or engagement recesses 26.

7. Male and female member latching devices, characterized in that: in the male and female member latching devices as described in anyone of Claim 20 1 to Claim 6, at least one of said male member latching device I or female member latching device 2 is attached to the inwardly entered part from edges 5 of adherends 4.

8. Male and female member latching devices, characterized in that: in the male and female member latching devices as described in anyone of Claim 1 to Claim 6, both of said male member latching device 1 and female member latching 25 device 2 are attached to the inwardly entered part from facing edges 5 of adherends 4.

9. Male and female member latching devices, characterized in that: in the male member latching device and female member latching device as described in anyone of Claim I to Claim 8, at least one of said male member latching

- 24 device 1 or female member latching device 2 has support part 20 which can fasten adherends 4 formed thereon.

10. Male and female member latching devices, characterized in that: in the male and female member latching devices as described in anyone of Claim 5 1 to Claim 9, at least one of said male member latching device 1 or female member latching device 2 has attachment piece 23 for an attachment of adherends 4 formed thereon.