Fastener

Abstract

A fastener wherein right and left side edge portions can be engaged using a magnetic force, and which can be applied preferably for plastic article such as clothes and further prevented from being opened carelessly even if a lateral pulling force is applied when right and left elements are engaged. In the fastener, a plurality of first and second magnetic elements having magnetism are provided in lines on a pair of first and second fastener tapes, the first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other using a magnetic force, characterized in that the first and second magnetic elements have head portions, a leg portion, and engagement/disengagement portions formed at the head portions and mechanically engaged with or disengaged from each other between the first and second magnetic elements, the first and second magnetic elements are respectively disposed at predetermined intervals, the magnetic elements of one fastener tape are adsorbed to spaces between the adjacent magnetic elements of the other fastener tape, and the first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other alternately.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fastener for use in opening or closing a fly of clothes, and more particularly, to a fastener in which magnetic elements supplied with magnetism by a magnet or the like are attached to opposing element attaching edge portions of a pair of fastener tapes so as to engage opposing right and left magnetic elements using a magnetic force of the magnetic elements.

2. Description of the Related Art

A fastener which opens or closes a fly of clothes using a magnetic force of a magnet has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595. In the fastener disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595, magnets are provided on opposing side edge portions of a fly portion of clothes at a predetermined interval such that N pole and S pole come alternately. By overlapping the front face of one side edge portion with the rear face of the other side edge portion, the N pole and S pole of the magnets provided on the side edge portions are attracted to each other by a magnetic force, so that the right and left side edge portions are fitted to each other. To release the fitting of the right and left side edge portions, the position of the magnet provided on one side edge portion is shifted in the longitudinal direction by releasing means so as to oppose the same poles of the magnets provided on the respective side edge portions, so that they repel each other. Consequently, the fitted right and left side edge portions can be separated easily.

In the fastener of U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595, a projecting tab projecting in the direction from the front face to the rear face is formed on one side edge portion, and a concave portion in which the projecting tab is fitted is formed in the other side edge portion. For this reason, when the right and left side edge portions are overlapped to be fitted, the projecting tab invades into the concave portion. Consequently, even if a lateral pulling force is received when the right and left side edge portions are fitted to each other, the right and left side edge portions can be prevented from being separated by the lateral pulling force.

On the other hand, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 60-261404 has disclosed a magnet fastener in which a base material of opposing right and left side edge portions is made of a magnetic material such as iron and a magnet is attached to part of each side edge portion to thereby attract the right and left side edge portions or magnets to each other using a magnetic force of the magnet.

JP-A-60-261404 has disclosed a magnet fastener in which magnets are provided on side edge portions having a T-shaped section made of a highly rigid magnetic material or on right and left side edge portions having a L-shaped section as an embodiment of the magnet fastener. When the right and left side edge portions of the magnet fastener are attracted to each other, parts of the right and left side edge portions having the T-shaped section or the L-shaped section stood in a height direction from the proximal end face of the side edge portion are hooked on each other, and at the same time, the right and left side edge portions made of a magnetic material are attracted to each other using the magnetic force of the magnets so as to close the fastener.

As another embodiment, JP-A-60-261404 has disclosed a magnet fastener in which magnets are attached to ends of right and left side edge portions to close the right and left side edge portions when the magnets attract each other.

The magnet fastener described in JP-A-60-261404 as the embodiment opens or closes the right and left side edge portions using a magnetic force of the magnet. For the reason, according to JP-A-60-261404, the right and left side edge portions can be opened or closed from a halfway position without use of any slider. This makes it possible to prevent inconvenience due to use of the slider, for example, reduction of the service life due to catching of the slider or wearing of the fastener.

Although the fastener described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595 or JP-A-60-261404 in which the right and left side edge portions are made into contact with or fitted to each other using a magnetic force has such an advantage that it can be opened or closed without use of any slider, it has following disadvantages. In the fastener described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595, the right and left side edge portions each having a magnet are made into contact with each other such that they are overlapped vertically. Consequently, the side edge portions made into contact become thick and stiff, and for this reason, the fastener is not suitable for such applications as a fly of plastic clothes, an opening in a bag, and the like.

On the other hand, if in the fastener described in JP-A-60-261404, the right and left side edge portions are made of a magnetic material having a high rigidity, the fastener itself becomes stiff. Therefore, such a fastener cannot be applied to a fly of plastic clothes, an opening in a bag, and the like, and consequently, the application of the fastener is limited.

The magnet fastener disclosed in JP-A-60-261404 as another embodiment, that is, the magnet fastener which closes the right and left side edge portions by allowing magnets attached to the right and left side edge portions to attract each other may be used for such applications as a fly of clothes, an opening in a bag and the like by attaching the magnet directly to the end of the tape having plasticity. However, if the magnet fastener which attracts the magnets just directly receives a lateral pulling force from both sides of the fastener when the right and left side edge portions keep firm contact by means of the magnetic force of the magnet, the magnet fastener cannot withstand this lateral pulling force if nothing but the attraction force produced by the magnetic force of the magnet is employed. Consequently, the right and left side edge portions may be opened easily at a position receiving the lateral pulling force. Therefore, if the fastener which closes using only the magnetic force of the magnet is used at a fly of clothes or the like, there often occurs a fault that the right and left side edge portions may open carelessly when a user wears the clothes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been achieved in views of the conventional problems, and an object of the invention is to provide a fastener in which right and left side edge portions can be engaged using a magnetic force, and which can be applied preferably for a plastic article such as clothes and further prevented from being opened carelessly even if a lateral pulling force is received when right and left elements are engaged.

To achieve the above-described object, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fastener in which a plurality of first and second magnetic elements made of synthetic resin having magnetism are respectively provided in lines at predetermined intervals along opposing element attaching edge portions of a pair of first and second fastener tapes and the opposing right and left first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to with each other using a magnetic force, mainly characterized in that the first and second magnetic elements magnetic elements have head portions, leg portions to be attached to the element attaching edge portions, and engagement/disengagement portions formed on the head portions and mechanically engaged with or disengaged from each other between the opposing first and second magnetic elements, the first and second magnetic elements are respectively disposed on the respective element attaching edge portions of the first and second fastener tapes at predetermined intervals, the magnetic elements of one fastener tape of the fastener tapes are adsorbed to spaces between the adjacent magnetic elements of the other fastener tape of the fastener tapes, and the opposing first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other alternately.

In the fastener of the invention, it is preferable that the opposing right and left first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other using a magnetic force which occurs along a longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes or a magnetic force which occurs along a width direction of the fastener tapes due to the magnetism of the first and second magnetic elements.

In the fastener of the invention, it is preferable that the engagement/disengagement portions consist of: engagement/disengagement convex portions formed on the head portions of the first magnetic elements and/or the second magnetic elements; and engagement/disengagement concave portions formed in the head portions of the second magnetic elements and/or the first magnetic elements and capable of being fitted with the engagement/disengagement convex portions.

In addition, in the fastener of the invention, it is preferable that the head portions of the first and second magnetic elements have first opposing faces and second opposing faces opposing the head portions of the mating magnetic elements in back and forth directions of the longitudinal direction of the first and second fastener tapes, the engagement/disengagement convex portions are disposed on the first opposing faces and the engagement/disengagement concave portions are disposed on the second opposing faces, and when the first magnetic elements and the second magnetic elements are engaged with each other, the engagement/disengagement convex portion are fitted in the engagement/disengagement concave portion.

Further, it is possible that the engagement/disengagement portions consist of: surface side engagement/disengagement portions, which are formed on surface sides of the head portions of the first and second magnetic elements so as to be inclined with a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first and second fastener tapes, and have front end portions and rear end portions respectively projecting in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes from front surface portions and rear surface portions of the head portions; and rear surface side engagement/disengagement portions , which are formed on rear surface sides of the head portions so as to be inclined symmetrically compared with the surface side engagement/disengagement portions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes, and have the front end portions and the rear end portions respectively projecting in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes from the front surface portions and the rear surface portions of the head portions.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the engagement/disengagement portions consist of: front edge portions formed on the head portions and having an oval shape which is long in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes; and neck portions formed between the front edge portions and the leg portions and having a constricted shape in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes.

In the fastener of the invention, the first and second magnetic elements can be formed by burying magnets upon injection molding of synthetic resin. In this case, it is preferable that the engagement/disengagement portions consist of: engagement/disengagement convex portions formed such that front end portions or the rear end portions of the magnets buried in the head portions project from the head portions of the first magnetic elements and/or the second magnetic elements; and engagement/disengagement concave portions formed by steps between external faces of the head portions of the second magnetic elements and/or the first magnetic elements and rear end faces or front end faces of the magnets and capable of being fitted with the engagement/disengagement convex portions.

In addition, in the invention, the first and second magnetic elements can be formed by injection molding synthetic resin containing powder of a magnetic material and magnetizing the magnetic material.

Further, in the fastener of the invention, the first and second magnetic elements include: recessed groove portions or projecting portions on front edge faces in a width direction of the head portions; and the projecting portions or the recessed groove portions on side faces of the leg portions opposing the front edge faces of the mating magnetic elements, and wherein the projecting portions are fitted in the recessed groove portions when the first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the fastener of the invention includes a slider having an upper blade, a lower blade, and upper and lower flanges disposed in a perpendicular direction along right and left side edges of the upper blade and the lower blade, the slider being loaded on right and left element rows of the magnetic elements so as to engage or disengage the magnetic elements, wherein the first and second magnetic elements are so formed that the head portions are thicker in a height direction than the leg portions so as to be insertable into a guide passage in the slider, and the magnetic elements have protruding portions protruding in the height direction from both of front and rear faces of the leg portions so that the protruding portions make a sliding contact with the external faces of the upper and lower flanges, thereby guiding the slider.

In the fastener of the invention, each of the magnetic elements arranged in lines at predetermined intervals along the opposing element attaching edge portions of the pair of first and second fastener tapes includes a head portion, a leg portion and a mechanical engaging/disengaging portion formed on the head portion. In addition, in the fastener of the invention, the opposing right and left first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other alternately using a magnetic force, and the engagement/disengagement portions formed on the first and second magnetic elements are mechanically engaged with each other.

In this kind of fastener of the invention, since the right and left first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other by the magnetic force, the first and second magnetic elements do not overlap in the height direction and engaged alternately and the thickness of a portion in which the magnetic elements are engaged is never increased, so that the fastener does not become stiff when the fastener is closed. Therefore, the fastener of the invention can be used preferably for a plastic articles such as clothes. Further, when the first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other, the engagement/disengagement portions formed on the head portions are mechanically engaged with each other and a strong engagement strength can be obtained between the first and second magnetic elements. Accordingly, even if a lateral pulling force is received, the engagement state of the magnetic elements is maintained, so that the magnetic elements can be prevented from being separated carelessly and opened.

In the invention, the opposing right and left first and second magnetic elements have a magnetic force which occurs along a longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes or a magnetic force which occurs along a width direction of the fastener tapes due to the magnetism of the first and second magnetic elements. Especially, the first and second magnetic elements are formed with the direction of magnetic poles conformed, such that the magnetic poles on the same side in the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the fastener tapes serve as the same poles when the elements are engaged.

Accordingly, the adsorption between the first and second magnetic elements by the magnetic force is stabilized and the closing of the fastener is carried our securely. Further, in such a case that the respective magnetic elements are formed so as to have the magnetic poles directed in the same direction when the elements are engaged, the orientation of the magnetic poles of the magnetic elements becomes easier by adjusting the direction of the buried magnets or the direction for magnetizing the elements and the simplification of the manufacturing process and the reduction of the manufacturing time can be attempted, compared with the fastener in which the magnetic poles of the respective magnetic elements are not uniform.

In addition, in the fastener of the invention, the engagement/disengagement portions consist of: engagement/disengagement convex portions formed on the head portions of the first magnetic elements and/or the second magnetic elements; and engagement/disengagement concave portions formed in the head portions of the second magnetic elements and/or the first magnetic elements and capable of being fitted with the engagement/disengagement convex portion. Consequently, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other, their engagement/disengagement portions can be engaged securely, so that even if the lateral pulling force is received, the engagement state of the first and second magnetic elements can be maintained stably.

In this case, the head portions of the first and second magnetic elements have first opposing faces and second opposing faces which face the head portions of the mating magnetic elements in the back and forth direction in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape. The engagement/disengagement convex portions are disposed on the first opposing faces, and the engagement/disengagement concave portions are disposed in the second opposing faces. Consequently, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other, the engagement/disengagement convex portions are engaged with the engagement/disengagement concave portions securely, and an excellent lateral pulling resistance can be obtained.

Further, the engagement/disengagement portions of the fastener of the invention can consist of: surface side engagement/disengagement portions, which are formed on surface sides of the head portions of the first and second magnetic elements so as to be inclined with a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first and second fastener tapes, and have front end portions and rear end portions respectively projecting in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes from front surface portions and rear surface portions of the head portions; and rear surface side engagement/disengagement portions, which are formed on rear surface sides of the head portions so as to be inclined symmetrically compared with the surface side engagement/disengagement portions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes, and have the front end portions and the rear end portions respectively projecting in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes from the front surface portions and the rear surface portions of the head portions. Consequently, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other, the surface side engagement/disengagement portions of the first and second magnetic elements and the rear surface side engagement/disengagement portions of the first and second magnetic elements can be engaged, respectively, so that an excellent lateral pulling resistance can be obtained.

Furthermore, the engagement/disengagement portions can consist of: front edge portions formed on the head portions and having an oval shape which is long in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes; and neck portions formed between the front edge portions and the leg portions and having a constricted shape in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes. Consequently, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other, an excellent lateral pulling resistance can be obtained.

In the fastener of the invention, the first and second magnetic elements maybe formed by burying magnets upon injection molding of synthetic resin. As a result, in the first and second magnetic elements, the magnetic force occurs in the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the fastener tapes, so that the magnetism such that the first magnetic elements and the second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other can be obtained easily.

In this case, herein the engagement/disengagement portions can consist of: engagement/disengagement convex portions formed such that front end portions or the rear end portions of the magnets project from the head portions of the first magnetic elements and/or the second magnetic elements; and engagement/disengagement concave portions formed by steps between external faces of the head portions of the second magnetic elements and/or the first magnetic elements and rear end faces or front end faces of the magnets. Consequently, production of the engagement/disengagement portion is facilitated, and when the right and left first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other, the magnets buried in the respective magnetic element face directly the magnets buried in the mating magnetic elements or makes contact therewith. As a result, the engagement state of the magnetic elements can be stabilized by using the magnetic force of the magnets effectively.

On the other hand, the first and second magnetic elements may be formed by injection molding synthetic resin containing powder of a magnetic material and magnetizing the magnetic material. Even if the first and second magnetic elements are formed as above, the magnetism such that the first magnetic elements and the second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other can be obtained easily.

Further, according to the invention, the first and second magnetic elements include: recessed groove portions or projecting portions on front edge faces in a width direction of the head portions; and the projecting portions or the recessed groove portions on side faces of the leg portions opposing the front edge faces of the mating magnetic elements. Consequently, the projecting portions are fitted in the recessed groove portions when the right and left first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other. As a result, the engagement state of the magnetic elements is stabilized extremely, and even if the fastener receives, for example, a push-up force in the height direction of the elements, the engagement of the magnetic elements can be blocked from being released.

Further, according to the invention, the fastener includes a slider having an upper blade, a lower blade, and upper and lower flanges disposed in a perpendicular direction along right and left side edges of the upper blade and the lower blade, the slider being loaded on right and left element rows so as to engage or disengage the magnetic elements. In addition, the first and second magnetic elements are so formed that the head portions are thicker in a height direction than the leg portions so as to be insertable into a guide passage in the slider, and the magnetic elements have protruding portions protruding in the height direction from both of front and rear faces of the leg portions so that the protruding portions make a sliding contact with the external faces of the upper and lower flanges, thereby the slider can be guided. Because the magnetic elements have a specified shape, the fastener can be opened or closed very smoothly by engaging or disengaging the magnetic elements using the slider.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONN OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a magnetic element of a fastener according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view showing part of the fastener;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a separable bottom end stop attached to a rear end of a fastener tape;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing magnetic elements of a fastener according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front view showing part of the fastener;

FIG. 6 is a front view showing part of a modification of the fastener according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front view showing part of another modification of the fastener according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing magnetic elements of a fastener according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a front view showing part of the fastener;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a magnetic element of a fastener according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a front view showing part of the fastener;

FIG. 12 is a front view schematically showing part of a fastener according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing magnetic elements of a fastener according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a front view schematically showing part of a fastener according to the sixth embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a front view showing part of another modification of the fastener according to the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMETNS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the meantime, the present invention is not restricted to any particular one of embodiments described below, and maybe modified in various ways as long as substantially the same configuration is possessed and the same operating effect is achieved.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a magnetic element of a fastener according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing part of the fastener according to the first embodiment, specifically indicating the magnetic element with a sectional view. In the description below, one direction in the longitudinal direction of a fastener tape in FIG. 1 (upward direction in the figure) is set as forward, and the other direction (downward direction in the figure) is set as backward.

The fastener 1 of the first embodiment comprises a pair of first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B made of synthetic resin. A core thread portion 4 is formed at each of opposing side edges of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, and a plurality of first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B are provided in lines at constant intervals along respective element attaching edge portions 5 including the core thread portions 4 of these first and second fastener tape 2A, 2B.

The first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B are formed by injection molding synthetic resin with magnets 6 inserted, and include head portions 7 having magnetism, leg portions 8 to be attached to the element attaching edge portions 5 of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B, and engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 and an engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 formed in the head portions 7. In the invention, examples of the synthetic resin for forming the first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B include thermoplastic resin such as polyamide, polyacetal, polypropylene, and polybutylene terephthalate, and thermosetting resin such as urea resin and melamine resin.

The magnets 6 are buried in the head portions of the respective magnetic elements 3A, 3B with N pole and S pole set forward and backward in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B, respectively. Consequently, respective magnetic elements 3A, 3B arranged on the fastener tapes 2A, 2B in lines have such magnetism that the magnetic poles on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B are of the same pole, when the right and left magnetic elements 3A, 3B are engaged with each other. In the meantime, according to the invention, the elements may be formed by reversing the magnetic poles of the respective magnetic elements. In addition, instead of burying the magnets 6 in the head portions of the magnetic elements 3A, 3B as discussed in the first embodiment, it is permissible, for example, to form magnetic elements by injection molding synthetic resin containing a magnetic material, and then magnetize the magnetic elements (magnetizing in a strong magnetic field) to provide the head portions of the magnetic elements or the entire magnetic elements with magnetism.

The head portions 7 are formed in a rectangular shape, and have first opposing faces 7a and second opposing faces 7b, which oppose the head portions 7 of the mating magnetic elements 3A, 3B, in the back and forth direction in the longitudinal direction. The first opposing face 7a (or the second opposing face 7b) of the one first magnetic element 3A faces the second opposing face 7b (or the first opposing face 7a) of the other second magnetic element 3B. Further, the engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 is formed on the first opposing face 7a of the head portion 7, and the engagement/disengagement concave portion 10 is formed in the second opposing face 7b.

The engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 projects cylindrically from the first opposing face 7a, and its front end face is formed in a tapered shape which tilts downward toward the front edge in the width direction of the head portion 7. On the other hand, the engagement/disengagement concave portion 10 is formed with a step between the second opposing face 7b and the rear end face of the magnet 6 buried internally. The leg portion 8 is formed so as to straddle the front and rear faces of the element attaching edge portion 5 of each of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B and is longer than the head portion 7 in the back and forth direction of the longitudinal direction.

In the fastener 1 of the first embodiment, a separable bottom end stop 11 as shown in FIG. 3 is formed by injection molding at the rear ends of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B. As the separable bottom end stop 11, for example, a separable bottom end stop as described in JP-A-2004-24809 may be used. If speaking briefly, in the separable bottom end stop 11, a holding member 12 is attached to a rear end of one first fastener tape 2A, and an insertion member 13 which can be fitted into the side face of the holding member 12 is attached to a rear end of the other second fastener tape 2B. Disc-like sliding contact plates 14, 15, which can be overlapped in the front-rear face direction, are provided integrally at each front edge of the holding member 12 and the insertion member 13. One of overlapping faces 16, 17 through which the sliding contact plates 14, 15 may be overlapped with each other has an insertion convex portion 19, while the other has an insertion concave portion in which the insertion convex portion 19 may be fitted. In addition, the overlapping faces 16, 17 have magnetic bodies 18 having magnetism.

In the separable bottom end stop 11, the holding member 12 and the insertion member 13 are overlapped by adsorbing the sliding contact plates 14, 15 by the action of magnetism, and then, the insertion member 13 is fitted in the holding member 12 by rotating at a predetermined angle. As a consequence, the right and left magnetic elements 3A, 3B can be engaged with each other successively from the ones disposed at the rear end side of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B. In the meantime, the separable bottom end stop to be formed on the fastener tapes 2A, 2B is not restricted to this example, but other various separable bottom end stops may be formed. Instead of the separable bottom end stop, an end stop which just connects the rear end portions of the right and left fastener tapes 2A, 2B may be used.

Next, a usage condition of the fastener 1 according to the above first embodiment will be described.

First, with the sliding contact plates 14, 15 of the separable bottom end stop 11 overlapped with each other, the insertion convex portion 19 is fitted to the insertion concave portion, and then, the insertion member 13 is inserted into the holding member 12 by rotating the sliding contact plates 14, 15. At the same time, the right and left first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B disposed respectively at the rear ends of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B are engaged with each other. Consequently, the magnetic elements 3A (3B) of one fastener tape 2A (2B) are adsorbed to the spaces between the adjacent magnetic elements 3B (3A) of the other fastener tape 2B (2A) using a magnetic force of the magnetic elements 3A, 3B which occurs along the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes. Therefore, the right and left first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B are engaged with each other successively and alternately, as shown in FIG. 2, from the first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B disposed at the rear end side up to the first and second magnetic elements 3 disposed at the front end side, thereby the fastener 1 can be closed. When the fastener 1 is closed, the fastener 1 never becomes stiff because the right and left first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B do not overlap each other in the height direction of the elements.

In the fastener 1 of the first embodiment, the engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 and the engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 are formed in the head portions 7 of the magnetic elements 3A, 3B, respectively. Therefore, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B are engaged with each other alternately, the engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 formed on the magnetic elements 3A (3B) are inserted and fitted into the engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 formed in the mating magnetic elements 3B (3A) to be engaged on the front side. Like this, the engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 are mechanically fitted to the engagement/disengagement concave portions 10, so that the lateral pulling resistance of the fastener 1 is improved. For this reason, the first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B can be maintained in a stable engagement state even if the lateral pulling force is applied, thereby preventing the right and left first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B from being separated and opened carelessly. Further, because the front end face of the engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 is formed in a tapered shape, the engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 can be inserted into the engagement/disengagement concave portion 10 smoothly. In addition, since the engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 is inserted into the engagement/disengagement concave portion 10, it is possible to prevent the magnetic elements 3A, 3B from being disengaged, even if the fastener 1 receives a push-up force or the like in the height direction.

On the other hand, to separate the fastener 1 in a closed state, the engagement of the first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B are released successively from the first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B disposed on the front end side of each of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B to disengage the holding member 12 and the insertion member 13 of the separable bottom end stop 11 by rotation of the members, so that the fastener 1 can be separated easily.

Second Embodiment

Next, a fastener according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described. In a description of the second embodiment and following, components having the same configuration as the first embodiment are expressed with same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing magnetic elements of the fastener according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a front view showing part of the fastener of the second embodiment.

The fastener 21 according to the second embodiment comprises a pair of first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B arranged in lines at constant intervals along respective element attaching edge portions 5 of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B.

The first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B include head portions 27 having magnetism in which magnets 6 are buried and leg portions 28, respectively. An engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 is formed on a first opposing face 27a of the head portion 27 of each of the first magnetic elements 22A arranged in line on the first fastener tape 2A of the fastener tapes, and an engagement/disengagement concave portion 10 is formed in a second opposing face 27b of the head portion 27 of each of the second magnetic elements 22B arranged in line on the other second fastener tape 2B. On the other hand, neither the engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 nor the engagement/disengagement concave portion 10 is formed on the second opposing face 27b of the first magnetic element 22A and the first opposing face 27a of the second magnetic element 22B.

The head portions 27 of the first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B have magnetism such that their front portions serve as N poles while their rear portions serve as S poles. In addition, in the first magnetic elements 22A having the engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 formed on the first opposing faces 27a, the magnets 6 are buried such that the rear end faces of the magnets 6 are exposed on the second opposing faces 27b. On the other hand, in the second magnetic elements 22B having the engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 formed in the second opposing faces 27b, the magnets 6 are buried such that the front end faces of the magnets 6 are exposed on the first opposing faces 27a.

Consequently, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B are engaged with each other, the faces, on which the magnets 6 are exposed, of the first magnetic elements 22A and the second magnetic elements 22B oppose each other, as shown in FIG. 5. Thereby, the right and left first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B are adsorbed to each other with a stronger magnetic force, and they can be engaged with each other easily and alternately.

In the fastener 21 of the second embodiment, a leg portion 28 of the first magnetic element 22A disposed on the first fastener tape 2A of the fastener tapes is formed longer than the head portion 27 backward in the longitudinal direction, and a leg portion 28 of the second magnetic element 22B disposed on the other second fastener tape 2B is formed longer than the head portion 27 forward in the longitudinal direction. Further, the respective magnetic elements 22A, 22B of the second embodiment have a recessed groove portion 24 in a front edge face 26 in the width direction of the head portion 27 and a projecting portion 25 formed on a side face 29 of the leg portion 28. In the mean time, according to the invention, the projecting portion may be formed in the head portion, and the recessed groove portion may be formed in the leg portion.

Modifications of the fastener 21 of the second embodiment include a fastener 21′ as shown in FIG. 6 and a fastener 21″ as shown in FIG. 7. In the fastener 21′, the leg portions 28 of both right and left first and second magnetic elements 22A′, 22B′, are formed longer than the head portions 27 backward in the longitudinal direction. In the fastener 21″, the leg portions 28 of both right and left first and second magnetic elements 22A″, 22B′′ are formed longer than the head portions 27 forward in the longitudinal direction. The reason why the leg portions 28 are formed longer in the second embodiment and the modifications is to prevent the magnetic elements 22A, 22A′, 22A″ provided in line or the magnetic elements 22B, 22B′, 22B″ provided in line on the same fastener tapes 2A, 2B from being adsorbed to each other.

When the fastener 21 of the second embodiment described above is closed, the same separable bottom end stop as in the first embodiment is provided at the rear end of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, and the insertion member of the separable bottom end stop is inserted into the holding member. Further, the right and left first and second magnetic elements 22A′, 22B′ are engaged alternately in succession from the first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B disposed on the rear end side of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, using a magnetic force which occurs in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes, as shown in FIG. 5. Consequently, the fastener 21 can be closed smoothly without becoming stiff.

In the fastener 21 of the second embodiment, both of the engagement/disengagement convex portion and the engagement/disengagement concave portion are not formed in the head portion of one magnetic element 22A, 22B, unlike the first embodiment. However, the engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 are formed on the first magnetic elements 22A provided in line on the first fastener tape 2A of the fastener tapes, while the engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 are formed in the second magnetic elements 22B provided in line on the other second fastener tape 2B. For this reason, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B are engaged with each other, the engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 formed on the first magnetic elements 22A are mechanically inserted into and fitted to the engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 formed in the second magnetic elements 22B. As a consequence, the lateral pulling resistance of the fastener 21 can be improved, so that the engagement state between the first and second magnetic elements 22A and 22B can be maintained stably.

Further, in the fastener 21 of this embodiment, the head portion 27 has the recessed groove portion 24 and the leg portion 28 has the projecting portion 25. Thus, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B are engaged with each other, the projecting portion 25 of each of the magnetic element 22A, 22B is fitted to the recessed groove portion 24 of each of the mating magnetic elements 22A, 22B. Consequently, the engagement state of the first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B is stabilized more, and even if the fastener 21 in an engagement state receives a push-up force or the like in the height direction, the magnetic elements 22A, 22B can be prevented from disengaged from each other more effectively. In the meantime, the fastener 21′ and the fastener 21″ shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as the modifications of the second embodiment can obtain the same effect as that of the second embodiment.

Third Embodiment

Next, a fastener according to a third embodiment of the invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing magnetic elements of the fastener of the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front view showing part of the fastener of the third embodiment. In FIG. 9, representation of the fastener tape is omitted.

The fastener 31 of the third embodiment comprises a pair of first and second fastener tapes and a plurality of first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B provided in lines at constant intervals along element attaching edge portions of the first and second fastener tapes.

Each of the magnetic elements 32A, 32B includes a head portion 37 having magnetism in which a magnet 6 is buried and a leg portion 38. The magnets 6 are buried in first opposing faces 37a and second opposing faces 37b of the head portions 37 such that the front end faces or rear end faces of the magnets are exposed. The magnet 6 has magnetism such that the front portion serves as N pole while the rear portion serves as S pole. As a consequence, the faces on which the magnets 6 are exposed oppose each other when the right and left first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B are engaged with each other, whereby the right and left first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B can be adsorbed to each other and engaged alternately with each other easily with a strong magnetic force.

Further, in the head portion 37 of each of the first magnetic elements 32A provided in line on the first fastener tape of the fastener tapes, an engagement/disengagement convex portion 33 is formed at the rear portion of the front face side (side of the second opposing face 37b) , while an engagement/disengagement concave portion 34 is formed at the front portion of the rear face side (side of the first opposing face 37a). In the head portion 37 of each of the second magnetic elements 32B provided in line on the other second fastener tape, the engagement/disengagement concave portion 34 is formed at the front portion of the front face side, while the engagement/disengagement convex portion 33 is formed at the rear portion of the rear face side. That is, the rear face of the first magnetic element 32A has the same engagement/disengagement portion as that of the front face of the second magnetic element 32B, and the front face of the first magnetic element 32A has the same engagement/disengagement portion as that of the rear face of the second magnetic element 32B. Consequently, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B are engaged with each other, each engagement/disengagement convex portion 33 can be inserted into and fitted to the engagement/disengagement concave portion 34 of the mating magnetic element. Particularly, in the fastener 31 of this third embodiment, the engagement/disengagement convex portions 33 can be engaged with the engagement/disengagement concave portions 34 on both of the front and rear faces of the first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B, alternately.

Further, in the fastener 31 of the third embodiment, the first magnetic element 32A has a shoulder portion 35, and the shoulder portion 35 is fitted to a notch portion 35′ of the second magnetic element 32B. The second magnetic element 32B has a shoulder portion 36, and the shoulder portion 36 is fitted to a notch portion 36′ in the first magnetic element 32A. Consequently, if a force in the height direction of the first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B and a force in a direction twisting the fastener 31 are applied when the first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B are alternately engaged with each other and the fastener 31 is closed, for example, the opening of the fastener 31 can be prevented effectively.

Further, the fastener 31 of this embodiment includes the same separable bottom end stop (not shown) as that of the first embodiment provided on the rear ends of the first and second fastener tapes, and a slider 41. By sliding the slider 41, the right and left magnetic elements 32A, 32B are engaged with or disengaged from each other. The slider 41 used in the third embodiment includes an upper blade 42, a lower blade 43, upper flange 44 and lower flange 45 disposed in a perpendicular direction along right and left side edges of the upper blade 42 and the lower blade 43, and a diamond (not shown) stood between the central portion in the right and left direction of the upper blade 42 and the central portion in the right and left direction of the lower blade 43. A Y-shaped element guide passage is formed inside of the slider 41.

In the first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B, the head portions 37 thereof are formed thicker than the leg portions 38 in the height direction such that the head portions 37 can be introduced into the element guide passages of the slider 41. On each of the front and rear faces of the leg portion 38, a protruding portion 39 protruding in the height direction is formed. Consequently, when the slider 41 is loaded on the right and left element rows and slid, the protruding portions 39 formed on the leg portions 38 make sliding contact with the external face of the upper and lower flanges 44, 45 of the slider 41 as shown in FIG. 9, so that the slider 41 can be guided smoothly. Accordingly, engagement and disengagement of the right and left first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B can be carried out securely so as to open or close the fastener 31 very smoothly.

In the fastener which performs the engagement/disengagement using the magnetic force, once the right and left magnetic elements disposed at one ends of the element rows are engaged with each other, the magnetic elements are engaged continuously in sequence from the magnetic elements disposed at one ends to the magnetic elements disposed at the other ends, like the embodiment 1 and the like. However, in the fastener 31 of the third embodiment, the slider 41 is provided with a lock mechanism, so that the slider 41 can be stopped halfway of the element rows. This makes it possible to maintain the right and left first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B in a half opened state.

In the fastener 31 of the third embodiment, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B are alternately engaged with each other, the thickness of the engaged portion is never increased, like the first embodiment and the like. Thus, the fastener 31 does not become stiff. In addition, when the right and left magnetic elements 32A, 32B are engaged with each other, the engagement/disengagement convex portions 33 are fitted to the engagement/disengagement concave portions 34 on the front face and rear face of the magnetic elements 32A, 32B alternately. Consequently, the lateral pulling resistance of the fastener 31 can be improved, so that the engagement state of the magnetic elements 32A, 32B can be maintained more stably.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fastener according to a fourth embodiment of the invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a magnetic element of the fastener according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a front view showing part of the fastener of the fourth embodiment.

The fastener 51 of the fourth embodiment comprises a pair of first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B provided in lines at constant intervals along element attaching edge portions 5 of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B. Further, each of the first and second magnetic elements 52 includes a head portion 57 having magnetism in which a magnet 6 is buried, a leg portion 58, and an engagement/disengagement portion 56a, 56b formed on the head portion 57.

The head portion 57 of each of the first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B has such magnetism that its front portion serves as N pole and its rear portion serves as S pole by means of the magnet 6. Further, the magnet 6 is buried in the head portion 57 such that the front end face and rear end face of the magnet 6 are exposed on a first opposing face 57a and a second opposing face 57b, respectively. Consequently, the faces on which the magnets 6 are exposed oppose each other when the right and left first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B are engaged with each other, so that the right and left first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B can be adsorbed to each other and can be engaged with each other alternately by a strong magnetic force.

Each of the first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B has a surface side engagement/disengagement portion 56a formed on a surface side of the head portion and a rear surface side engagement/disengagement portion 56b formed on a rear surface side of the head portion. The surface side engagement/disengagement portion 56a tilts at a predetermined angel with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B on the surface side of the head portion 57, and the front end portion 54 and the rear end portion 55 of the surface side engagement/disengagement portion 56a project in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes from the first opposing face 57a and a second opposing face 57b of the head portion 57.

The rear surface side engagement/disengagement portion 56b tilts symmetrically compared with the surface side engagement/disengagement portion 56a at a predetermined angel on the rear surface side of the head portion 57, and the front end portion 54 and the rear end portion 55 respectively project in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes from the first opposing face 57a and a second opposing face 57b of the head portion 57. That is, these surface side engagement/disengagement portion 56a and rear surface side engagement/disengagement portion 56b are formed on the front and rear faces of the head portion 57, respectively, as if they cross each other in an X-like shape when the magnetic elements 52A, 52B are seen from the front and rear face sides.

In such a case that the fastener 51 of this embodiment 4 is closed, the same separable bottom end stop (not shown) as that of the first embodiment is provided at the rear ends of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B, and an insertion member of the separable bottom end stop is inserted into a holding member. Further, the right and left first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B are alternately engaged with each other as shown in FIG. 11 in sequence from the right and left magnetic elements 52A, 52B disposed at the rear end sides of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B, using a magnetic force which occurs along the longitudinal direction of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B. Consequently, the fastener 51 can be closed smoothly without becoming stiff.

At this time, on the front face side of the magnetic elements 52A, 52B, the surface, side engagement/disengagement portions 56a respectively formed on the first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B are engaged with each other alternately, while on the rear face side of the magnetic elements 52A, 52B, the rear surface side engagement/disengagement portions 56b are engaged with each other alternately. Like this, the right and left surface side engagement/disengagement portions 56a and the rear surface side engagement/disengagement portions 56b are engaged, so that the lateral pulling resistance of the fastener 51 can be improved. In addition, since the surface side engagement/disengagement portions 56a and the rear surface side engagement/disengagement portions 56b of the magnetic elements 52A (52B) come into contact with the head portions of the magnetic elements 52B (52A), if the fastener 51 receives the push-up force in the height direction, the disengagement of the magnetic elements 52A, 52B could be prevented effectively. Therefore, the engagement state of the first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B can be maintained stably.

Fifth Embodiment

A fastener according to a fifth embodiment of the invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a front view showing part of the fastener of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 12 indicates a magnetic element with its sectional view.

The fastener 61 of the fifth embodiment comprises a pair of first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B provided in lines at constant intervals along element attaching edge portions 5 of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B.

The first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B includes head portions 67 having magnetism in which magnets 6 are buried, leg portions 68, and engagement/disengagement convex portions 63 and engagement/disengagement concave portions 64 formed on the head portions 67, respectively. Each of the magnets 6 is buried in the head portion of each of the magnetic elements 62A, 62B such that the front portion serves as N pole while the rear portion serves as S pole in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B. Consequently, the respective magnetic elements 62A, 62B have magnetism such that that the magnetic poles on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B are of the same pole, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B are engaged with each other, so that a magnetic force of the first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B occurs along the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes.

In the fifth embodiment, the head portion 67 is formed in a rectangular shape. A front end portion of the magnet 6 projects from a first opposing face 67a of the head portion 67 cylindrically so as to form the engagement/disengagement convex portion 63. On the other hand, the engagement/disengagement concave portion 64 is formed with a step between a second opposing face 67b and the bottom end face of the magnet 6 buried internally.

When the fastener 61 of the fifth embodiment is closed, the same separable bottom end stop (not shown) as that of the first embodiment is provided at the rear ends of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, and an insertion member of the separable bottom end stop is inserted into a holding member. Further, using the magnetic force which occurs along the longitudinal direction of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, the right and left first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B are alternately engaged with each other as shown in FIG. 12 in sequence from the first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B disposed at the rear end side of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B. Consequently, the fastener 61 can be closed smoothly without becoming stiff.

In the fastener 61 of the fifth embodiment, the engagement/disengagement convex portion 63 and the engagement/disengagement concave portion 64 are formed in the head portion 67 of each of the first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B. For this reason, when the right and left magnetic elements 62A, 62B are engaged, the engagement/disengagement convex portion 63 formed on each of the magnetic elements 62A, 62B is inserted into and mechanically fitted to the engagement/disengagement concave portion 64 of the mating magnetic element 62A, 62B to be engaged on the front side. As a result, the lateral pulling resistance of the fastener 61 can be improved, and in addition, when the fastener 61 receives a push-up force in the height direction, the engagement of the magnetic elements 62A, 62B can be blocked from being released. Therefore, the engagement state of the first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B can be maintained stably.

Particularly, in the fastener 61 of the fifth embodiment, the front end face of the engagement/disengagement convex portion 63 and the rear end face of the engagement/disengagement concave portion 64 are formed by a magnet. Thus, when the right and left magnetic elements 62A, 62B are engaged with each other, the magnet 6 buried in each of the magnetic elements 62A, 62B opposes directly the magnet 6 buried in the mating magnetic element 62A, 62B or comes into contact therewith. Therefore, the magnetic force of the magnet 6 can be used effectively, and the engagement of the first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B can be stabilized more.

To prevent the respective magnets 6 from dropping out of the first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B, a recess is preferably provided in the center of the longitudinal direction of the magnet 6 to bury the magnet in the head portion 67 of each of the magnetic elements 62A, 62B. Consequently, the magnets 6 can be blocked from dropping out of the magnetic elements 62A, 62B when the fastener 61 is used.

Sixth Embodiment

A fastener according to a sixth embodiment of the invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing magnetic elements of a fastener according to a sixth embodiment; and FIG. 14 is a front view schematically showing part of a fastener according to the sixth embodiment.

The fastener 71 of the sixth embodiment comprises a pair of first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B proposed in lines at constant intervals along element attaching edge portions 5 of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B.

The first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B have head portions 77 and leg portions 78, respectively. Each of the head portion 77 has: a front edge portion 79 having an oval shape which is long in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes; and a neck portion 80 formed between the front edge portion 79 and the leg portion 78 and having a constricted shape in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes. The front edge portion 79 of one magnetic element 72A (72B) of the magnetic elements 72A, 72B can be engaged with or disengaged from the neck portion 80 of the other magnetic element 72B (72A).

Further, each of the first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B has groove portions formed at a front face side and a rear face side of the head portion of the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes. Cylindrical magnets 6 are attached with in the groove portions 75 of the front face side and the rear face side, in such a condition that one bottom face 74 of the magnet 6 is directed to the front edge side of the head portion while a side of the other bottom face of the magnet 6 is buried in the leg portion 78.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the magnets 6 are attached such that left sides of the magnets in the width direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B serve as N poles while right sides serve as S poles. As a result, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B are engaged with each other, the respective magnetic elements 72A, 72B have magnetism such that the magnetic poles on the same side in the width direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B are the same poles, so that a magnetic force of the first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B occurs along the width direction of the fastener tapes.

When the fastener 71 of the sixth embodiment having such magnetic elements 72A, 72B is closed, the same separable bottom end stop (not shown) as that of the first embodiment is provided at the rear ends of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, and an insertion member of the separable bottom end stop is inserted into a holding member and overlapped. At the same time, using the magnetic force which occurs along the width direction of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, the right and left first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B are alternately engaged with each other as shown in FIG. 14 in sequence from the first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B disposed at the rear end side of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B. Consequently, the fastener 71 can be closed smoothly without becoming stiff.

In addition, in the sixth embodiment, as shown in the aforementioned third embodiment (see FIG. 9), the slider can be provided which carrying out the engagement and disengagement of the first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B by sliding the element rows of the fastener 71. By using this kind of slider, the engagement and disengagement of the first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B can be carried out securely and the opening and closing of the fastener 71 can be carried out smoothly. Further, if this slider is provided with a lock mechanism, the slider 71 can be stopped halfway of the element rows.

Further, in the fastener 71 of the sixth embodiment, when the fastener 71 is closed, the front edge portion 79 provided on the head portion 77 of one magnetic element 72A (72B) is inserted into and mechanically fitted to the neck portion 80 provided on the head portion 77 of the other magnetic element 72B (72A). As a result, the lateral pulling resistance of the fastener can be improved when the fastener 71 is closed, and if the lateral pulling force is applied, the engagement state of the first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B are stabilized and maintained.

Furthermore, the magnet 6 of one magnetic element 72A (72B) enters into the groove portion 75 of the other magnetic element 72B (72A), so that if the fastener 71 receives a push-up force in the height direction, the disengagement of the magnetic elements 72A, 72B can be prevented effectively.

In the meantime, in the respective fasteners described in the first to sixth embodiments, the magnets are buried in the respective magnetic elements so that a magnetic force occurs along the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the fastener tapes and thereby, the right and left magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other. In the invention, means for providing the magnetic elements with a predetermined magnetism is not limited to the above feature. For example, it is possible that the magnetic elements provided in lines on the fastener tapes are formed by injection molding synthetic resin containing powder of magnetic material such as metallic powder and then, a powerful magnetic field is added only to the magnetic elements or the head portions of the magnetic elements in a predetermined direction and magnetizing is carried out so as to generate a magnetic force in the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the fastener tapes.

For example, a fastener 81 which is a modification of the fastener according to the aforementioned second embodiment is shown in FIG. 15. First and second magnetic elements 82A, 82B disposed in the fastener 81 shown in FIG. 15 are formed by injection molding synthetic resin containing metallic power such as iron powder on the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B.

Further, by adding a powerful magnetic field with respect to the head portions 87 of first and second the magnetic elements 82A, 82B along the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B after the injection molding, the first and second magnetic elements 82A, 82B are magnetized such that the front sides of the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes of the head portions 87 serve as N poles while the rear sides serve as S poles. Accordingly, the right and left first and second magnetic elements 82A, 82B can have magnetism in which the magnetic poles on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes are the same poles, so that the magnetic elements can be engaged with each other alternately using the magnetic force occurring along the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes when the fastener 81 is closed.

In the meantime, in the fastener 81 shown in FIG. 15, the magnetic field is added to the head portions 87 of first and second the magnetic elements 82A, 82B and the respective magnetic elements 82A, 82B are magnetized. However, in the invention, by adding the magnetic field to the entire first and second magnetic elements 82A, 82B including the leg portions 88 in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes after the injection molding of the first and second magnetic elements 82A, 82B, it is possible to provide the first and second magnetic elements 82A, 82B with magnetism in which the magnetic poles on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes are the same poles.

In addition, in the respective fasteners shown in first and third to sixth embodiments, it is also possible that the first and second magnetic elements containing magnetic material are injection molded and then, magnetic field is added to the head portions of the elements or the entire elements, so that the first and second magnetic elements are magnetized such that the magnetic poles on the same side in the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the fastener tapes become the same poles.

The invention is attached to an opening of a fly of clothes having plasticity, an opening in a bag, or the like. The invention can be applied to a fastener for opening or closing the opening using a magnetic force of a magnet.

Claims

1. A fastener, in which a plurality of first and second magnetic elements made of synthetic resin having magnetism are provided respectively in lines along opposing element attaching edge portions of a pair of first and second fastener tapes and the opposing right and left first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other using a magnetic force, wherein

the first and second magnetic elements have head portions, leg portions to be attached to the element attaching edge portions, and engagement/disengagement portions formed on the head portions and mechanically engaged with or disengaged from each other between the opposing first and second magnetic elements,

the first and second magnetic elements are respectively disposed on the respective element attaching edge portions of the first and second fastener tapes at predetermined intervals, the magnetic elements of one fastener tape of the fastener tapes are adsorbed to spaces between the adjacent magnetic elements of the other fastener tape of the fastener tapes, and the opposing first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other alternately.

2. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the opposing right and left first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other using a magnetic force which occurs along a longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes due to the magnetism of the first and second magnetic elements.

3. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the opposing right and left first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other using a magnetic force which occurs along a width direction of the fastener tapes due to the magnetism of the first and second magnetic elements.

4. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the engagement/disengagement portions consist of:

engagement/disengagement convex portions formed on the head portions of the first magnetic elements and/or the second magnetic elements; and

engagement/disengagement concave portions formed in the head portions of the second magnetic elements and/or the first magnetic elements and capable of being engaged with the engagement/disengagement convex portions.

5. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein the head portions of the first and second magnetic elements have first opposing faces and second opposing faces opposing the head portions of the mating magnetic elements in back and forth directions of the longitudinal direction of the first and second fastener tapes,

the engagement/disengagement convex portions are disposed on the first opposing faces and the engagement/disengagement concave portions are disposed on the second opposing faces, and

when the first magnetic elements and the second magnetic elements are engaged with each other, the engagement/disengagement convex portion are fitted in the engagement/disengagement concave portion.

6. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the engagement/disengagement portions consist of:

surface side engagement/disengagement portions, which are formed on surface sides of the head portions of the first and second magnetic elements so as to be inclined with a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first and second fastener tapes, and have front end portions and rear end portions respectively projecting in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes from front surface portions and rear surface portions of the head portions; and

rear surface side engagement/disengagement portions, which are formed on rear surface sides of the head portions so as to be inclined symmetrically compared with the surface side engagement/disengagement portions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes, and have the front end portions and the rear end portions respectively projecting in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes from the front surface portions and the rear surface portions of the head portions.

7. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the engagement/disengagement portions consist of:

front edge portions formed on the head portions and having an oval shape which is long in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes; and

neck portions formed between the front edge portions and the leg portions and having a constricted shape in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes.

8. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic elements are formed by burying magnets upon injection molding of synthetic resin.

9. The fastener according to claim 8, wherein the engagement/disengagement portions consist of:

engagement/disengagement convex portions formed such that front end portions or the rear end portions of the magnets buried in the head portions project from the head portions of the first magnetic elements and/or the second magnetic elements; and

engagement/disengagement concave portions formed by steps between external faces of the head portions of the second magnetic elements and/or the first magnetic elements and rear end faces or front end faces of the magnets and capable of being fitted with the engagement/disengagement convex portions.

10. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic elements are formed by injection molding synthetic resin containing powder of a magnetic material and magnetizing the magnetic material.

11. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic elements include:

recessed groove portions or projecting portions on front edge faces in a width direction of the head portions; and

the projecting portions or the recessed groove portions on side faces of the leg portions opposing the front edge faces of the mating magnetic elements, and

wherein the projecting portions are fitted in the recessed groove portions, when the first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other.

12. The fastener according to claim 1, including a slider having an upper blade, a lower blade, and upper and lower flanges disposed in a perpendicular direction along right and left side edges of the upper blade and the lower blade, the slider being loaded on right and left element rows of the magnetic elements so as to engage or disengage the magnetic elements,

wherein the first and second magnetic elements are so formed that the head portions are thicker in a height direction than the leg portions so as to be insertable into a guide passage in the slider, and

the magnetic elements have protruding portions protruding in the height direction from both of front and rear faces of the leg portions so that the protruding portions make a sliding contact with the external faces of the upper and lower flanges, thereby guiding the slider.