GB2613353A

GB2613353A - Fastener

Info

Publication number: GB2613353A
Application number: GB2117285.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hashizume Yoshihiro
Original assignee: YKK Corp
Current assignee: YKK Corp
Priority date: 2021-11-30
Filing date: 2021-11-30
Publication date: 2023-06-07
Also published as: WO2023100904A1; TWI828449B; GB202117285D0; TW202335603A; CN118338811A

Abstract

A stringer 6, 8 for a slide fastener 2, comprising a tape 18, 20, preferably a film layer, with a plurality of coupling elements 10, 12 along a longitudinal edge 14, 16, and an end piece 24, 26 at a longitudinal end of the plurality of coupling elements on a first tape surface (28, 30, fig.2) and not in contact with a second, opposite tape surface 32, 35. The end piece comprises an overhang portion (46, fig.2) extending laterally beyond the longitudinal edge of the tape with a protrusion (48, fig.2) spaced apart from the longitudinal edge of the tape, preferably by a lateral gap (54, fig.2). The protrusion preferably extends from a laterally outermost region (42, fig.2) of the overhang portion, may define an end point (52, fig.2) in line with the second tape surface in a first direction (AB, fig.2), and is preferably a rounded surface (50, fig.2) defining a first radius and a second radius in cross-section.

Description

Fastener

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a stringer for a slide fastener. The invention also relates to a slide fastener including such a stringer, and to an end piece for a stringer of a slide fastener.

Background

Conventional slide fasteners typically comprise a pair of stringers and an opening and closing means commonly referred to as a slider. Each stringer comprises a tape and a plurality of coupling elements. The coupling elements extend along an edge of each tape and when the slider of the slide fastener is moved, relative to the coupling elements, in a first sliding direction, corresponding coupling elements of the stringers interdigitate, or interlock to bring the slide fastener to a closed position. When each tape of the slide fastener is attached to separate portions of an article, the separate portions of the article may be releasably joined by closing the slide fastener by moving the slider to the closed position, and thereby bring the coupling elements into said interdigitating relationship. Similarly, the separate portions of the article may be separated by opening the slide fastener by moving the slider, relative to the coupling elements, in a second sliding direction, opposite the first sliding direction, thereby uncoupling the coupling elements and brining the slide fastener to an open position.

The plurality of coupling elements may take the form of separate, discrete elements also referred to as teeth. Alternatively the plurality of coupling elements may take the form of a continuous coil.

The tape is usually woven or knitted and may be formed from, for example, polyester. Where the coupling elements take the form of teeth, the coupling elements may be attached to the tape by, for example, crimping or molding the coupling elements onto a reinforced portion of the tape, the reinforced portion being disposed at an edge of the tape. The reinforced portion may be referred to as a cord. Where the coupling elements are formed as a continuous coil, the coils of each stringer are most commonly stitched to a surface of the tape and to the reinforced portion of the tape. Where the coupling elements are formed as a continuous coil, the reinforced portion may be offset from the edge of the tape or on an upper surface of the tape or on the upper surface of the tape offset at the edge. The continuous coil may also be woven or knitted into the tape.

Each stringer comprises an end piece that is provided to retain the slider on the stringers. Typically, the end pieces are formed directly onto each stringer by virtue of a suitable method, such as injection molding. During forming of the end pieces onto the stringers, one or more defects may occur. For example, flashing may occur at the edges of the end piece when it is formed on the fastener tape.

The end piece typically limits movement of the slider relative to the coupling elements in the first sliding direction.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative stringer and/or a stringer which at least partially addresses one or more problems associated with existing stringers, whether identified herein or otherwise.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a stringer for a slide fastener. The stringer comprises a fastener tape. The fastener tape comprises a longitudinal edge, a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is opposed to the first surface. The second surface is separated from the first surface in a first direction. The stringer further comprises a plurality of coupling elements disposed along the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape. The plurality of coupling elements are configured such that, in use, the plurality of coupling elements are coupleable with a corresponding plurality of coupling elements of a second stringer to thereby couple the stringer to the second stringer. The stringer further comprising a first end piece that is disposed at or adjacent to a longitudinal end of the plurality of coupling elements. At least part of the first end piece is formed on the first surface of the fastener tape. The first end piece is not in contact with the second surface of the fastener tape. The first end piece comprises an overhang portion that extends laterally beyond the longitudinal edge of the tape. The first end piece further comprises a protrusion that extends from the overhang portion, beyond the first surface of the fastener tape in the first direction. The protrusion is spaced apart from the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape.

The protrusion being spaced apart from the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape reduces the likelihood of contact between the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape and the first end piece during forming of the first end piece. This reduces the likelihood of flashing forming during forming of the first end piece onto the first surface of the fastener tape.

The first end piece not being in contact with the second surface of the fastener tape isolates the second surface of the fastener tape from the first end piece during forming of the first end piece. This advantageously reduces the likelihood of damage to the second surface of the fastener tape occurring during forming of the first end piece.

A lateral gap may be defined between the protrusion and the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape.

The first end piece may not be in contact with the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape.

The term 'lateral gap' may be understood to mean that there is an absence of material between the protrusion and the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape in the lateral direction. In other words, the protrusion is spaced apart from the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape in the lateral direction.

Where a lateral gap is defined between the protrusion and the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape, the likelihood of damage to the second surface of the tape or to the longitudinal edge or both, and the likelihood of flashing being formed during forming of the first end piece are advantageously further reduced.

The protrusion may not extend beyond the second surface of the fastener tape in the first direction.

Where the protrusion does not extend beyond the second surface, the protrusion advantageously does not interfere with operation of a slider of a slide fastener which includes the stringer, in use.

The protrusion may define an end point in the first direction. The end point may be in line with the second surface of the fastener tape in the first direction.

The end point may be said to be an apex in the first direction, or be located at the portion of the protrusion which extends furthest away from the overhang portion in the first direction.

The protrusion may define a generally rounded surface.

Since the protrusion defines a generally rounded surface, the likelihood of the protrusion damaging, for example, the skin of a user is advantageously reduced as compared to if the protrusion formed a surface defining one or more vertices. The generally rounded surface may also be said to be a smooth, curved surface.

The protrusion may extend from a laterally outermost region of the overhang portion.

Since the protrusion extends from a laterally outermost region of the overhang portion, the separation between the protrusion and the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape is maximised. Maximising the separation between the protrusion and the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape advantageously further reduces the risk of flashing being formed and of the second surface being damaged during forming of the first end piece.

The laterally outermost region of the overhang portion is the region or portion of the overhang portion which is spaced the greatest lateral distance from the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape.

In cross-section, the protrusion may define a first radius and a second radius.

Advantageously, this aids removal of the first end piece from the mold used to form the first end piece.

The first radius may extend tangentially from the second radius.

Advantageously, this further aids removal of the first end piece from the mold used to form the first end piece.

The fastener tape may comprise a film layer.

The film layer may be located at or define: i) the second surface of the fastener tape, and/or U) the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided an end piece for a stringer of a slide fastener. The end piece is configured to be disposed at or adjacent to a longitudinal end of a plurality of coupling elements of the stringer. The end piece comprises an attachment surface that is attachable to a first surface of a fastener tape of the stringer. The first surface is opposed to a second surface of a fastener tape of the stringer. The second surface is separated from the first surface in a first direction. The end piece further comprises an overhang portion. The overhang portion is configured such that, in use, it extends laterally beyond a longitudinal edge of the fastener tape. The end piece further comprises a protrusion that extends from the overhang portion. The protrusion is configured such that, in use, when the end piece is attached to the first surface of the fastener tape via the attachment surface, it extends beyond the first surface in the first direction. The end piece is configured such that, in use, when the end piece is attached to the first surface of the fastener tape via the attachment surface, it does not contact the second surface of the fastener tape. The protrusion is configured such that, in use, when the end piece is attached to the first surface of the fastener tape via the attachment surface, it is spaced apart from the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape.

The advantages discussed above in relation to the first aspect of the invention apply to this aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a fastener. The fastener comprises a first stringer according to the first aspect of the invention. The fastener further comprises a second stringer. The second stringer comprises a fastener tape. The fastener tape comprises a longitudinal edge. The second stringer further comprises a plurality of coupling elements disposed along the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape. The plurality of coupling elements of the first stringer are engageable with the plurality of coupling elements of the second stringer such that the plurality of coupling elements of the first stringer can couple in an interdigitated manner along a fastener axis with corresponding coupling elements of the plurality of coupling elements of the second stringer to secure the first stringer to the second stringer. The fastener further comprises a slider. The slider is slidable along the fastener axis in a first direction such that the slider urges the plurality of coupling elements of the first stringer to couple in an interdigitated manner with the plurality of coupling elements of the second stringer. The slider is slidable in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, such that the slider urges the plurality of coupling elements of the first stringer to uncouple from the plurality of coupling elements of the second stringer.

The second stringer may be a stringer according to the first aspect of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a stringer of the fastener of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a mold for forming an end piece of the fastener of Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows a stringer comprising the first end piece of the stringer of Figure

Detailed description

Figure 1 shows a slide fastener 2. The slide fastener 2 comprises a slider 4, a first stringer 6 and a second stringer 8. Each stringer 6, 8 comprises a plurality of coupling elements 10, 12 (only one coupling element of each plurality is labelled in Figure 1) which are attached to a respective longitudinal edge 14, 16 of a respective fastener tape 18, 20.

The coupling elements 10, 12 may also be referred to as teeth. In the depicted embodiment, the coupling elements are formed as a continuous coil. However, in other examples, each of the pluralities of coupling elements, which may be referred to as teeth, may take the form of separate, discrete elements. The tapes may be woven or knitted.

The longitudinal edges 14, 16 of the fastener tapes extend along a respective longitudinal axis (not shown in Figure 1).

Each fastener tape 18, 20 comprises a first surface (not visible in Figure 1 -the first surfaces are located on the other side of the fastener tapes). Each fastener tape 18, 20 comprises a second surface 32, 35. The first surfaces are each opposed to a respective second surface 32, 35. The second surfaces are separated from the respective first surface 32, 35 in a first direction, as will be discussed in more detail below. Each fastener tape 18, 20 comprises a cord (not visible in Figure 1 -the cords are each disposed on the first surface of the fastener tapes). The cords are woven, knitted or otherwise incorporated with the respective fastener tape 18, 20. The cords are offset from the longitudinal edge 14, 16 of the respective fastener tape 18, 20.

The two stringers 6, 8, when brought together (as shown in the bottom portion of Figure 1), are such that the coupling elements 10, 12 of each stringer 6, 8 can attach (or couple) to one another, by interdigitating, to form a chain 22. The chain 22 is generally planar, and the chain (and the coupling elements 10, 12, which form part of the chain) extends along a longitudinal axis L of the chain.

The coupling elements 10, 12 are composed of a continuous extrusion of filament formed into loops defining the individual coupling elements. The coupling elements 10, 12 are attached to the first surface of the respective fastener tape 18, 20. Coupling elements of this type are well known in the art and will not be discussed further. However, as noted above, in some embodiments, each of the pluralities of coupling elements may take the form of separate, discrete elements.

The slider 4 is mounted to the chain 22 such that it can move along the chain between the two stringers 6, 8. The slider 4 comprises a pull-tab 5. In use, the pull-tab 5 is gripped by the user such that the pull-tab 5 is on one side of the chain 22. In the depicted embodiment, the slider 4 is such that the position of the pull-tab 5 is on the side of the chain from which the second surfaces 32, 35 of the fastener tapes 18, 20 can be seen.

Movement of the slider 4 along the chain 22 in a first sliding direction E causes the coupling elements 10 of the first stringer 6 to attach to the coupling elements 12 of the second stringer 8. Whereas movement of the slider along the chain 22 in a second sliding direction D, opposite to the first sliding direction E, causes the coupling elements 10 of the first stringer 6 to detach from the coupling elements 12 of the second stringer 8.

Each of the stringers 6, 8 comprises a first end piece 24, 26. The first end pieces 24, 26 may also be referred to as top stops. A purpose of the first end pieces 24, 26 is to retain the slider 4 on the two stringers 6, 8. The slider 4 comprises a Y-shaped channel (not visible in Figure 1 -it is within the body of the slider) through which the coupling elements 10, 12 and at least part of the fastener tapes 18, 20 pass as the slider moves along the chain 22. The Y-shaped channel comprises two upper (given the orientation of Figure 1) arms which merge into a single lower (given the orientation of Figure 1) arm. Each of the upper arms include a respective opening for receiving at least part of the fastener tape 18, 20 and the coupling elements 10, 12 of a respective stringer 6, 8. The central apex of the Y-shaped channel is defined by a (guide) post or 'diamond' within the slider. The general structure of a slider is well known to the person skilled in the art and so is not discussed in any further detail. For example, the portion of the first end pieces 24, 26 that cannot be received by the opening of the respective upper arm may extend outboard of the opening in at least one direction perpendicular to the movement of the slider in a sliding direction D, E such that said portion abuts the slider 4 when the slider is moved in the first sliding direction E. Abutment between any portion that extends outboard of the opening and the slider 4 prevents entry of the first end pieces 24, 26 into the opening of the respective channel. In some embodiments, one or both of the end pieces 24, 26 may include one or more portions that extend outboard of the opening of the respective upper arm so that the entire periphery of the opening of the channel abuts the end piece. In some embodiments, one or both of the end pieces 24, 26 may include one or more portions that extend outboard of the opening of the respective upper arm in four directions. The four directions may include, for example, the two directions that are generally parallel to the lateral axis T, and the two directions that are perpendicular to both the lateral axis and to the longitudinal axis L. Therefore, the slider 4 cannot slide beyond the first end pieces 24, 26 in the first sliding direction E. In some embodiments, the first end pieces 24, 26 and the Y-shaped channel may be sized such that the first end pieces can be received by part of but cannot pass beyond the two upper arms of the Y-shaped channel. As the slider 4 is moved in the first sliding direction E, the first end pieces 24, 26 abut one another in the lower arm of the Y-shaped channel, thereby preventing further movement of the slider.

The first end pieces 24, 26 are each formed on the first surface 28, 30 of a respective fastener tape 18, 20. The first end pieces 24, 26 are disposed adjacent to a longitudinal end of a respective one of the pluralities of coupling elements 10, 12. In some, non-depicted, embodiments, at least part of the one or both of the first end pieces may be formed on (or integrally with) at least part of at least one of the coupling elements of a respective plurality of coupling elements, and formed on a respective first surface of a respective fastener tape. The at least part of the at least one of the coupling elements of the pluralities of coupling elements on which one or both of the first end pieces are disposed at a respective longitudinal end of the respective plurality of coupling elements. Where a first end piece is formed on (or integrally with) at least part of at least one of the coupling elements of a respective plurality of coupling elements, the first end pieces may be said to be disposed at a respective longitudinal end of a respective plurality of coupling elements.

The first end piece 24 of the first stringer 6 is generally identical to, but is a mirror image of, the first end piece 26 of the second stringer 8. The first fastener tape 18 is generally identical to the fastener tape 20 of the second stringer 8. The first end piece 24 and first fastener tape 18 of the first stringer 6 will now be further described with reference to Figure 2. However, since the first end piece 24 of the first stringer 6 is generally identical to the first end piece 26 of the second stringer 8, and since the first fastener tape 18 is generally identical to the second fastener tape 20, the following description applies equally to the first end piece of the second stringer and to the fastener tape of the second stringer 8. In some, non-depicted, embodiments, the first end piece of the second stringer need not be identical to the first end piece of the first stringer, or the second stringer may not include a first end piece at all. In some, non-depicted, embodiments, the fastener tape of the first stringer need not be identical to the fastener tape of the second stringer.

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the first stringer 6 of Figure 1 taken through the section line X-X and rotated through 180. As can be seen, the second surface 32 of the first fastener tape 18 is opposed to the first surface 28 of the first fastener tape. The second surface 32 is opposed to the first surface 28 in the first direction AB. As can also be seen from Figure 2, the first fastener tape 18 comprises a first layer 31 and a second layer 33. The first surface 28 is a surface of the first layer 31. The first layer 31 is a fabric layer. The fabric may be, for example, woven or knitted. In other embodiments, the first layer may be made of any other suitable material. The second surface 32 is a surface of the second layer 33. The second layer 33 is a film layer. The second layer 33 may be made of, for example, polyurethane. In other embodiments, the second layer may be made of a resin, or a thermally activated adhesive. In addition, the second layer 33 may be made of a synthetic material. The material from which the second layer 33 is formed may be anti-penetrative to water or any other appropriate substance. Other materials for the second layer 33 are also suitable and may be chosen based upon the function of the second layer. The function served by the second layer 33 may be, among other things, water repellency, water resistance or decoration. Therefore, the second layer 33 may be water repellent, water resistant or decorative. The second layer 33 is attached to the first layer 31. The second layer 33 may be attached to the first layer 31 by any suitable method. For example, the second layer 33 may be attached to the first layer 31 by virtue of adhesion or welding or both. In some, non-depicted, embodiments, the second layer need not be provided.

The first end piece 24 comprises a first surface 25. The first surface 25 includes an attachment surface 34. The attachment surface 34 contacts the first fastener tape 18.

The attachment surface 34 contacts the first surface 28 of the first fastener tape 18. The attachment surface 34 comprises a cord receiving portion 36. The cord receiving portion 36 is formed on, and receives, the cord 38 of the first stringer 6. The cord receiving portion 36 is attached to (or receives) the cord 38 of the first stringer 6. The first end piece 24 further comprises a second surface 40. The second surface 40 is opposed to the attachment surface 34. The distance from the second surface 40 to the attachment surface 34 in the first direction AB may be referred to as the height of the first end piece 24. The first end piece 24 further comprises a first lateral surface 42 and a second lateral surface 44. The first lateral surface 42 is opposed to the second lateral surface 44. The first and second lateral surfaces 42, 44 define the end surfaces of the first end piece in the direction of the lateral axis T (to the left and right as depicted in Figure 2). The distance from the first lateral surface 42 to the second lateral surface 44 may be referred to as the width of the first end piece 24. As can be seen from Figure 2, no part of the first end piece 24 is in contact with the second surface 32 of the first fastener tape 18.

Advantageously, this reduces the likelihood of damage to the second surface 32, and therefore to the second layer 33, of the first fastener tape 18 occurring during forming of the first end piece 24.

The first end piece 24 further comprises an overhang (or overhang portion) 46. The overhang 46 extends beyond the longitudinal edge 14 of the first fastener tape 18 in the direction of the lateral axis T. The overhang 46 does not overlap with the first fastener tape 18 in the first direction AB. The first end piece 24 further comprises a protrusion 48. The protrusion 48 extends from the overhang 46. The protrusion 48 extends from the overhang 46 in the first direction AB. The protrusion 48 extends from the laterally outermost region of the overhang 46. The protrusion 48 defines a surface 50. The surface 50 of the protrusion 48 forms a part of the first surface 25 of the first end piece 24. The surface 50 of the protrusion 48 adjoins the first lateral surface 42 of the first end piece 24. In cross-section through a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (not shown in Figure 2), the surface 50 defines a generally rounded shape. In particular, the shape of the surface 50 is defined by two radii of curvature. The magnitude of one of the radii is greater than the magnitude of the other radii. The radius that is of greater magnitude adjoins the first lateral surface 42 of the first end piece 24. The radius of greater magnitude adjoining the first lateral surface 42 advantageously provides a smoother transition between the first lateral surface and the surface 50 of the protrusion 48, as compared to if the radius of smaller radius adjoined the first lateral surface. This smoother transition between the first lateral surface 42 and the surface 50 of the protrusion 48 reduces the likelihood of the protrusion scratching, or otherwise damaging, a surface upon contact. The radii extend tangentially from one another. Since the protrusion 50 defines a generally rounded shape, the first end piece 24 can be more easily removed from the mold used to form the first end piece, as will be discussed in more detail below. In some, non-depicted, embodiments, the surface of the protrusion may define a single radius of curvature. In some, non-depicted, embodiments, the radius that is of lesser magnitude may adjoin the first lateral surface of the first end piece. In some, non-depicted, embodiments, the surface of the protrusion may define any other suitable shape. In some, non-depicted, embodiments, the protrusion may be offset from the first lateral surface of the first end piece. The protrusion 48 advantageously simplifies manufacture of the first end piece 24, whilst also avoiding a sharp corner between the first lateral surface 42 and the first surface 25 of the first end piece 24.

The protrusion 48 defines an end point 52 in the first direction AB. In the first direction AB, the end point 52 is disposed between the first surface 28 of the first fastener tape 18 and the second surface 32 of the first fastener tape. Therefore, the protrusion 48 extends beyond the first surface 28 of the first fastener tape 18 in the first direction AB. The end point 52 of the protrusion 48 does not extend beyond the second surface 32 of the first fastener tape 18 in the first direction AB. The distance from the plane of the first surface of the first end piece 24 to the end point 52 in the first direction AB is greater than or equal to 0.1mm. In some, non-depicted, embodiments, the end point of the protrusion may be in line with the second surface of the fastener tape in the first direction AB. In line with may be understood to mean that the end point is disposed in the same plane as the second surface.

The protrusion 48 is spaced apart from the longitudinal edge 14 of the first fastener tape 18. Since the protrusion 48 is spaced apart from the longitudinal edge 14 of the first fastener tape 18, the likelihood of damage to the second layer 33 occurring during forming of the first end piece 24 is further reduced. In addition, the likelihood of flashing forming during forming of the first end piece 24 is also reduced. The spacing apart of the protrusion 48 from the longitudinal edge 14 of the first fastener tape 18 results in a lateral gap 54 that is defined between the longitudinal edge 14 of the first fastener tape 18 and the protrusion 48. The term 'lateral gap' may be understood to mean that there is an absence of material between the protrusion 48 and the longitudinal edge 14 of the first fastener tape 18 in the lateral direction. The size of the lateral gap 54 in the direction of the lateral axis T may be any appropriate size, provided that contact between the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape and the first end piece during forming of the first end piece is substantially avoided. The lateral gap 54 advantageously means that less material is required to manufacture the first end piece 24 as compared to conventional end pieces.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a mold 56 that can be used to form the first end piece 24. The position of the cross-section of Figure 3 corresponds with the position of the cross-section through which the view of Figure 2 is taken. The mold 56 is formed of a first half 58 and a second half 60. The first half 58 and the second half 60 are mountable to one another. Figure 3 shows the two halves 58, 60 secured to one another. In a secured state, the two halves 58, 60 sealingly engage one another at an interface 61. The first half 58 and the second half 60 contact one another at the interface 61, excluding a portion of the mold 56 that receives the stringer in use, as will be discussed in more detail below. One or both of the first half 58 and the second half 60 is moveable in the up-down direction (as depicted in Figure 3) to separate the two halves 58, 60.

The second half 60 comprises a wall portion 62. In the depicted embodiment, the wall portion 62 is integrally formed with the second half 60. However, in some, non-depicted, embodiments, the wall portion may be separately formed from the second half. A cavity 64 is defined between the two halves 58, 60 of the mold 56. The cavity 64 comprises a stringer receiving portion 66. The cavity 64 comprises an end piece forming portion 68. The end piece forming portion 68 comprises a protrusion forming portion 70. The protrusion forming portion 70 is shaped to form the protrusion of the end piece (not shown in Figure 3). The wall portion 62 is disposed between the protrusion forming portion 70 and the stringer receiving portion 66. Therefore, during forming of an end piece, the wall portion 62 separates the protrusion of the end piece and the fastener tape.

The mold 56 comprises an injector port 72. In use, molten plastic (not shown) is injected into the mold 56 via the injector port 72. The mold 56 comprises a tape receiving aperture 74. In use, at least part of a stringer comprising a fastener tape (not shown) on which a first end piece is to be formed extends into the stringer receiving portion 66 of the cavity 64 via the tape receiving aperture 74.

To form a first end piece on a fastener tape, the two halves 58, 60 of the mold 56 are initially separate. A fastener stringer is then positioned in the stringer receiving portion 66 such that the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape abuts the wall portion 62. The fastener tape is positioned such that the second surface of the fastener tape is in contact with the second half 60 of the mold 56. The two halves 58, 60 of the mold 56 are then secured together around the fastener tape such that the stringer is received by the tape receiving aperture 74. The stringer is engaged by the two halves 58, 60 such that the tape receiving aperture 74 is sealed. Molten plastic is then injected into the cavity 64 via the injector port 72. Since the second surface of the tape is in contact with the second half 60 of the mold 56, the second surface is better isolated from the molten plastic during forming of the end piece. This reduces the likelihood of contact between the second surface and the molten plastic, which reduces the likelihood of damage to the second surface. In particular, when the fastener tape of the stringer comprises a second layer or an adhesive substance between the first layer and the second layer which is of a lower melting point than the second layer, the likelihood of damage to the layer is reduced. In addition, since the wall portion 62 separates the fastener tape of the stringer and the protrusion of the end piece during forming of the end piece, the likelihood of flashing forming during formation of the end piece is reduced because the wall portion reduces the likelihood of contact between the molten plastic and the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape. Once the molten plastic has solidified, the two halves 58, 60 are separated such that the formed first end piece can be removed from the mold 56. The rounded shape of the protrusion forming portion 70 aids in removal of the first end piece from the mold 56.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of the first stringer 6. As can be seen, the first end piece 24 is disposed adjacent to a longitudinal end of the plurality of coupling elements 10 of the first stringer 6. As can also be seen, the first end piece is formed on the first surface 28 of the first fastener tape 18 of the first stringer 6.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as described. The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention as described without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A stringer (6, 8) for a slide fastener (2), the stringer comprising: a fastener tape (18, 20), the fastener tape comprising a longitudinal edge (14, 16), a first surface (28, 30) and a second surface (32,35), the second surface being opposed to the first surface, the second surface being separated from the first surface in a first direction (AB); a plurality of coupling elements (10, 12) disposed along the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape, the plurality of coupling elements being configured such that, in use, the plurality of coupling elements are coupleable with a corresponding plurality of coupling elements of a second stringer to thereby couple the stringer to the second stringer; and a first end piece (24, 26) that is disposed at or adjacent to a longitudinal end of the plurality of coupling elements, at least part of the first end piece being formed on the first surface of the fastener tape, the first end piece not being in contact with the second surface of the fastener tape; wherein the first end piece comprises: an overhang portion (46) that extends laterally beyond the longitudinal edge of the tape; and a protrusion (48) that extends from the overhang portion, beyond the first surface of the fastener tape in the first direction; wherein the protrusion is spaced apart from the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape.
2. The stringer of claim 1, wherein a lateral gap (54) is defined between the protrusion and the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape.
3. The stringer of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the protrusion does not extend beyond the second surface of the fastener tape in the first direction.
4. The stringer of any preceding claim, wherein the protrusion defines an end point (52) in the first direction, wherein the end point is in line with the second surface of the fastener tape in the first direction.
5. The stringer of any proceeding claim, wherein the protrusion defines a generally rounded surface (50).
6. The stringer of any preceding claim, wherein the protrusion extends from a laterally outermost region of the overhang portion.
7. The stringer of any preceding claim, wherein, in cross-section, the protrusion defines a first radius and a second radius.
8. The stringer of claim 7, wherein the first radius extends tangentially from the second radius.
9. The stringer of any preceding claim, wherein the fastener tape comprises a film layer.
10. An end piece (24, 26) for a stringer (6, 8) of a slide fastener (2), the end piece being configured to be disposed at or adjacent to a longitudinal end of a plurality of coupling elements (10, 12) of the stringer, the end piece comprising: an attachment surface that is attachable to a first surface of a fastener tape of the stringer, the first surface being opposed to a second surface of a fastener tape of the stringer, and the second surface being separated from the first surface in a first direction; an overhang portion (46), the overhang portion being configured such that, in use, it extends laterally beyond a longitudinal edge (14, 16) of the fastener tape; and a protrusion (48) that extends from the overhang portion and is configured such that, in use, when the end piece is attached to the first surface of the fastener tape via the attachment surface, it extends beyond the first surface in the first direction; wherein the end piece is configured such that, in use, when the end piece is attached to the first surface of the fastener tape via the attachment surface, it does not contact the second surface of the fastener tape; wherein the protrusion is configured such that, in use, when the end piece is attached to the first surface of the fastener tape via the attachment surface, it is spaced apart from the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape.
11. A fastener (2) comprising: a first stringer (6) according to any of claims 1 to 9; a second stringer (8), the second stringer comprising a fastener tape (20), the fastener tape comprising a longitudinal edge (16), the second stringer further comprising a plurality of coupling elements (12) disposed along the longitudinal edge of the fastener tape; wherein the plurality of coupling elements of the first stringer are engageable with the plurality of coupling elements of the second stringer such that the plurality of coupling elements of the first stringer can couple in an interdigitated manner along a fastener axis with corresponding coupling elements of the plurality of coupling elements of the second stringer to secure the first stringer to the second stringer; the fastener further comprising a slider (4), the slider being slidable along the fastener axis in a first direction (E) such that the slider urges the plurality of coupling elements of the first stringer to couple in an interdigitated manner with the plurality of coupling elements of the second stringer, and in a second direction (D), opposite to the first direction, such that the slider urges the plurality of coupling elements of the first stringer to uncouple from the plurality of coupling elements of the second stringer.
12. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the second stringer is a stringer according to any of claims 1 to 9.