STRING FASTENER AND STRING FASTENING DEVICE

- NIFCO INC.

A string fastener includes an insertion path for a string; an entrance bar forming one portion of an entrance of the insertion path; an exit bar forming one portion of an exit of the insertion path; a stopper portion pressed by a string between the entrance and the exit and bending an inserted string; an entrance-side guide face portion for the string formed by a curved face or an inclined face, or a combination of these formed in such a way so as to face the entrance bar between the entrance and the stopper portion; and an exit-side guide face portion for a string formed by a curved face or an inclined face, or a combination of these formed in such a way so as to face the exit bar between the exit and the stopper portion.

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Description
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a string fastener and a string fastening device including the string fastener.

BACKGROUND ART

There is a string binder formed by providing two string holding members placing string engagement portions projecting from a base portion between two tube-shaped string insertion paths (see Patent Document 1).

In the Patent Document 1, in a state wherein a string is passed through the two string insertion paths respectively, the string engages the string engagement portions in such a way that the string passes over the string engagement portions positioning a projecting end above the string insertion paths between the two string insertion paths. Consequently, an operation of attaching such string binder to the string in the first place is difficult. In this respect, in the Patent Document 1, there is also disclosed a structure of providing a slit connecting with the string insertion path from a side in one or both of the string engagement portions so as to form the slit in a C shape in cross section. With such a slit, the string can be easily inserted into the string insertion paths using the slit. However, in the structure of the Patent Document 1, in a case wherein a force in a direction of crossing a length direction of the string acts on the string held in the string insertion paths, there is a possibility that the string may slip out of the slit.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT Patent Document

  • Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-137230

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

A main object of the present invention is that in a string fastener formed in such a way so as to fasten to a passed string with a predetermined fastening force, and a string fastening device formed by including the string fastener, an insertion operation of the string can be carried out more easily in an aspect of preventing the string after being fastened from slipping out.

Means for Solving the Problems

In order to obtain the aforementioned object, in the present invention, a string fastener comprises an insertion path for a string; an entrance bar forming one portion of an entrance of the insertion path; an exit bar forming one portion of an exit of the insertion path; a stopper portion pressed by the string between the entrance and the exit and bending the inserted string; an entrance-side guide face portion for the string formed by a curved face or an inclined face, or a combination of these formed in such a way so as to face the entrance bar between the entrance and the stopper portion; and an exit-side guide face portion for the string formed by a curved face or an inclined face, or a combination of these formed in such a way so as to face the exit bar between the exit and the stopper portion.

The string inserted into the insertion path from the entrance of the insertion path is guided by the entrance-side guide face portion, and is pulled out to an outside of the string fastener once from between the entrance bar and the stopper portion. The string pulled out in such a manner can be inserted again to the insertion path from between the stopper portion and the exit bar, and the string inserted again is guided by the exit-side guide face portion, and is pulled out of the exit. Thereby, an insertion operation of the string relative to the string fastener is facilitated. The inserted string bends, and the stopper portion is pressed by a bent inner side thereof, so that the string fastener fastens the string with a predetermined fastening force.

One of aspects of the present invention is that a terminal of the entrance-side guide face portion forming one portion of the entrance is positioned on a virtual second straight line passing the entrance bar and orthogonal to a virtual first straight line passing the stopper portion and connecting the entrance bar and the exit bar. Also, a terminal of the exit-side guide face portion forming one portion of the exit is positioned on a virtual third straight line passing the exit bar and orthogonal to the virtual first straight line.

In such a case, the string inserted to pass through the insertion path in the aforementioned manner bends in such a way so as to press the entrance bar E the bent inner side between the entrance and the stopper portion; bends in such a way so as to press the exit bar at the bent inner side between the exit and the stopper portion; and can press the stopper portion at the string from a side opposite to the entrance bar and the exit bar between the entrance bar and the exit bar so as to firmly fasten the string fastener to the inserted string.

Also, one of the aspects of the present invention is that a distance between a vertical fourth straight line connecting the terminal of the entrance-side guide face portion and the stopper portion and the entrance bar, and a distance between a virtual fifth straight line connecting the terminal of the exit-side guide face portion and the stopper portion and the exit bar, are smaller than a width of the string.

In such a case, an entrance side bar can be firmly pressed by the string between the terminal of the entrance-side guide face portion and the stopper portion, and an exit side bar can be firmly pressed by the string between the terminal of the exit-side guide face portion and the stopper portion.

Also, one of the aspects of the present invention is that the entrance bar includes a first face portion having a rounded projecting face shape facing the entrance-side guide face portion, and a second face portion forming one portion of the entrance, and that the second face portion is formed to incline so as to easily insert the string into the insertion path. In such a case, the string can be more smoothly inserted to pass through the insertion path from the entrance.

Also, one of the aspects of the present invention is that the exit bar includes a first face portion having a rounded projecting face shape facing the exit-side guide face portion, and a second face portion forming one portion of the exit, and that the second face portion is formed to incline so as to easily pull the string out of the insertion path. In such a case, the inserted string can be smoothly pulled out of the exit.

Also, one of the aspects of the present invention is that the entrance bar and the exit bar are respectively provided with a third face portion parallel to the second face portion. In such a case, in a case wherein the string fastener is a plastic molded article, the second face portion and the third face portion can be simultaneously molded by a single slide core movable in a direction parallel to the second face portion and the third face portion, and the string fastener can be easily molded without complicating a mold structure.

Also, one of the aspects of the present invention is that the first face portion of the entrance bar and the first face portion of the exit bar have a rounded projecting face shape. In such a case, first, the first face portion can be pressed against the string inserted to pass through the insertion path in such a way so as not to damage the string, and secondly, in a case wherein the string fastener is the plastic molded article, the string fastener can be easily molded without complicating the mold structure compared to a case wherein the first face portion is formed in a projecting face shape wherein a top portion is pointed.

Also, one of the aspects of the present invention is that the string fastener includes a base portion, and the entrance bar, the exit bar and the stopper portion are formed in such a way so as to project from the base portion, and that the string fastener includes a connection portion connecting a projecting end of the entrance bar and a projecting end of the exit bar, and has an embodiment wherein the insertion path is formed between the base portion and the connection portion.

Also, one of the aspects of the present invention is that the insertion path is provided respectively on both sides sandwiching a virtual center axis, and the entrance bar, the exit bar, and the stopper portion are placed respectively at a symmetrical position around the center axis.

Also, in order to obtain the aforementioned object, in the present invention, from the first aspect, the string fastening device comprises the string fastener and a pull member provided with the insertion portion for the string, and at least one portion of the pull member can be housed between the entrance bar and the exit bar of the string fastener.

Also, in order to obtain the aforementioned object, in the present invention, from a second aspect, the string fastening device comprises the string fastener and the pull member provided with the insertion portion for the string, and at least one portion of the pull member can be housed between the exit bar positioned on one side sandwiching the center axis and the exit bar positioned on the other side sandwiching the center axis.

Effect of the Invention

According to the present invention, in the string fastener, and the string fastening device formed by including the string fastener, the insertion operation of the string can be easily carried out in the aspect of preventing the string after being fastened from slipping out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a string fastener (a first example) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first example showing from a direction different from FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the first example.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the first example.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the first example.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a position of line A-A in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a process wherein a string is inserted to pass through an insertion path of the first example, and shows a state wherein the string inserted from an entrance slips out outwardly from between a stopper portion and an entrance bar.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the process wherein the string is inserted to pass through the insertion path of the first example, and shows a state wherein a terminal of the string positioned outwardly in FIG. 7 enters inwardly from between the stopper portion and an exit bar.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state wherein the string is inserted to pass through the first example.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example wherein one portion of a structure of the first example is changed.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example wherein one portion of the structure of the first example is changed.

FIG. 12 is a structural view showing one structural example of a slide core in a mold used in a case wherein the first example is a plastic molded article together with a cross section of the first example.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the string fastener (a second example) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the second example showing from a direction different from FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the second example.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the second example.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the second example.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along a position of line B-B in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the position of line B-B in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a pull member combined with the second example to form a string fastening device.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the pull member combined with the second example to form the string fastening device, and shows the pull member from a direction different from FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a state wherein the string is inserted to pass through the second example, and shows a state wherein the second example and the pull member are firmly attached.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a state wherein the string is inserted to pass through the second example.

FIG. 24 is a structural view showing one structural example of the slide core in the mold used in a case wherein the second example is a plastic molded article together with a cross section of the second example.

 BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, based on FIG. 1 to FIG. 24, a typical embodiment of the present invention will be explained. A string fastener R according to the present embodiment comprises an insertion path 1 for a string W (FIG. 7, FIG. 18, and FIG. 19), and is formed in such a way so as to fasten to the string W inserted to pass through the insertion path 1 with a predetermined fastening force. More specifically, the string W is inserted to pass through the insertion path 1 of such string fastener R in a bending state, and the later-described stopper portion 3 forming one portion of the string fastener R inside the insertion path 1 is pressed against a bent inner side of the bent string W (FIG. 9 and FIG. 23). Thereby, such string fastener R can fasten to the string W at an arbitrary position with the predetermined fastening force. With a force beyond the predetermined fastening force, the string W is pulled, or is operated to move the string fastener R along a length direction of the string W so as to change a fastening position of the string fastener R relative to the string W.

In such string W, a shape (a round string, a flat string, and the like), a material, and a structure (a knitted string, an elastic string, a synthetic resin string, and the like) thereof are not limited provided that the string fastener R can fasten in this manner. Typically, such string fastener R is fastened to the string W in various articles provided with a portion narrowed down or tightened by such string W, and is used in such a way so as to narrow down or loosen the aforementioned portion by changing the fastening position thereof.

The string fastener R according to the embodiment of both of the later-described first example and second example comprises the insertion path 1 for the string W; an entrance bar 2a forming one portion of an entrance 1a of the insertion path 1; an exit bar 2b forming one portion of an exit 1b of the insertion path 1; a stopper portion 3 pressed against the string W between the entrance 1a and the exit 1b, and bending the inserted string W; an entrance-side guide face portion 4 for the string W formed by a curved face α or an inclined face ß, or a combination of those formed in such a way so as to face the entrance bar 2a between the entrance 1a and the stopper portion 3; and an exit-side guide face portion 5 for the string W formed by a curved face α or an inclined face ß, or a combination of those formed in such a way so as to face the exit bar 2b between the exit 1b and the stopper portion 3.

Thereupon, first, a structure common to the later-described first example and second example will be explained with reference to mainly the first example.

The string W inserted into the insertion path 1 from the entrance 1a of the insertion path 1 is guided by the entrance-side guide face portion 4, and is pulled out to an outside of the string fastener R once from between the entrance bar 2a and the stopper portion 3 (FIG. 7). The string W pulled out in this manner can be inserted again to the insertion path 1 from between the stopper portion 3 and the exit bar 2b, and the string W inserted again is guided by the exit-side guide face portion 5 (FIG. 8), and is pulled out of the exit 1b (FIG. 9). Thereby, an insertion operation of the string W relative to the string fastener R is facilitated. The inserted string W bends, and the stopper portion 3 is pressed against the bent inner side thereof, so that the string fastener R is fastened to the string W with the predetermined fastening force.

The entrance-side guide face portion 4 is sufficient provided that it is structured such that the entrance bar 2a is positioned on a curvature inner side and one portion of the insertion path 1 is located between the entrance-side guide face portion 4 and the entrance bar 2a. As shown in FIG. 10, the entrance-side guide face portion 4 may be formed by the curved face α and the inclined face ß, and as shown in FIG. 11, the entrance-side guide face portion 4 may be formed by a plurality of inclined faces ß as well.

Also, the exit-side guide face portion 5 is sufficient provided that it is structured such that the exit bar 2b is positioned on the curvature inner side and one portion of the insertion path 1 is located between the exit-side guide face portion 5 and the exit bar 2b. As shown in FIG. 10, the exit-side guide face portion 5 may be formed by the curved face α and the inclined face ß, and as shown in FIG. 11, the exit-side guide face portion 5 may be formed by the plurality of inclined faces ß as well.

Incidentally, in an illustrated example, the string W can be inserted into the insertion path 1 from a left side in FIG. 7, and in that case, the exit 1b in FIG. 7 functions as the entrance 1a, and the exit-side guide face portion 5 in FIG. 7 functions as the entrance-side guide face portion 4.

Also, in the embodiment, a terminal 4a of the entrance-side guide face portion 4 forming one portion of the entrance 1a is positioned on a virtual second straight line x2 (see FIG. 6) passing the entrance bar 2a and orthogonal to a virtual first straight line x1 (see FIG. 6) passing the stopper portion 3 and connecting the entrance bar 2a and the exit bar 2b. Also, a terminal 5a of the exit-side guide face portion 5 forming one portion of the exit 1b is positioned on a virtual third straight line x3 (see FIG. 6) passing the exit bar 2b and orthogonal to the virtual first straight line.

Thereby, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the string W inserted to pass through the insertion path 1 in the aforementioned manner bends in such a way so as to press the entrance bar 2a against the bent inner side between the entrance 1a and the stopper portion 3; bends in such a way so as to press the exit bar 2b against the bent inner side between the exit 1b and the stopper portion 3; and can press the stopper portion 3 against the string W from a side opposite to the entrance bar 2a and the exit bar 2b between the entrance bar 2a and the exit bar 2b so as to firmly fasten the string fastener R to the inserted string W.

Also, in the embodiment, a distance between a vertical fourth straight line x4 (see FIG. 6) connecting the terminal 4a of the entrance-side guide face portion 4 and the stopper portion 3 and the entrance bar 2a, and a distance between a virtual fifth straight line x5 (see FIG. 6) connecting the terminal 5a of the exit-side guide face portion 5 and the stopper portion 3 and the exit bar 2b, are smaller than a width of the string W.

Thereby, in the embodiment, an entrance 1a side bar can be firmly pressed against the string W between the terminal 4a of the entrance-side guide face portion 4 and the stopper portion 3, and an exit 1b side bar can be firmly pressed against the string W between the terminal 5a of the exit-side guide face portion 5 and the stopper portion 3.

Also, in the embodiment, the entrance bar 2a includes a first face portion S1 having a rounded projecting face shape facing the entrance-side guide face portion 4, and a second face portion S2 forming one portion of the entrance 1a, and the second face portion S2 inclines so as to easily insert the string W into the insertion path 1. In the illustrated example, in the entrance bar 2a, a cross section in a direction of intersecting an axial direction ax (see FIG. 5) thereof has a shape approximately the same at each position along the axial direction, and the entrance bar 2a includes the first face portion S1 and the second face portion S2. The second face portion S2 includes a slope in a direction of narrowing the insertion path 1 as approaching the stopper portion 3 side. Thereby, in the embodiment, the string W can be smoothly inserted to pass through the insertion path 1 from the entrance 1a.

Also, in the embodiment, the exit bar 2b includes a first face portion S1 having a rounded projecting face shape facing the exit-side guide face portion 5, and a second face portion S2 forming one portion of the exit 1b, and the second face portion S2 inclines so as to easily pull the string W out of the insertion path 1. In the illustrated example, in the exit bar 2b, a cross section in the direction of intersecting the axial direction thereof has a shape approximately the same at each position along the axial direction, and the exit bar 2b includes the first face portion S1 and the second face portion S2. The second face portion S2 includes the slope in the direction of narrowing the insertion path 1 as approaching the stopper portion 3 side. Thereby, in the embodiment, the inserted string W can be smoothly pulled out of the exit 1b.

Also, in the embodiment, the entrance bar 2a (in the second example, bar structural members 2) and the exit bar 2b (in the second example, the bar structural members 2) are respectively provided with a third face portion S3 parallel to the second face portion S2 (FIG. 12 and FIG. 24). Thereby, in the embodiment, in a case wherein the string fastener is a plastic molded article, the second face portion S2 and the third face portion S3 can be simultaneously molded by a single slide core SC (see FIG. 12 and FIG. 24) movable in a direction f parallel to the second face portion S2 and the third face portion S3, and the string fastener R can be easily molded without complicating a mold structure.

Also, in the embodiment, the first face portion S1 of the entrance bar 2a and the first face portion S1 of the exit bar 2b have the rounded projecting face shape, so that first, the first face portion S1 can be pressed against the string W inserted to pass through the insertion path 1 in such a way so as not to damage the string W, and secondly, in a case wherein the string fastener R is the plastic molded article, the string fastener R can be easily molded without complicating the mold structure compared to a case wherein the first face portion S1 is formed in a projecting face shape wherein a top portion is pointed.

Also, in the embodiment, the string fastener R includes a base portion, and the entrance bar 2a, the exit bar 2b and the stopper portion 3 are formed in such a way so as to project from the base portion. Also, the string fastener R includes connection portions 6 connecting a projecting end of the entrance bar 2a and a projecting end of the exit bar 2b, and has an embodiment wherein the insertion path 1 is formed between the base portion and the connection portions 6.

Thereby, in the embodiment, the insertion path 1 has a portion surrounded by the base portion, the entrance bar 2a, and the connection portions 6; and a portion surrounded by the base portion, the exit bar 2b, and the connection portions 6, and the string W inserted to pass through the insertion path 1 once continues to be held inside the insertion path 1 unless the string W is pulled in a direction along the length direction thereof and pulled out of the insertion path 1.

First Example

FIG. 1 to FIG. 12 show the example wherein the insertion path 1 is provided with only one line in the string fastener R.

In the first example, the string fastener R has a structure having a width, length, and thickness. Namely, the string fastener R has a structure substantially having a surface 7, a back surface 8, and four thickness side faces 9 . . . 9 (see FIG. 1). One of two length side faces of the four faces 9 . . . 9 on the thickness side becomes a closure portion 10, and an open portion 11 is formed on the other of the two length side faces of the four faces 9 . . . 9 on the thickness side. Also, in one of two width side faces of the four faces 9 . . . 9 on the thickness side, there is formed the entrance 1a (which can also function as the exit 1b as mentioned above), and on the other of the two width side faces of the four faces 9 . . . 9 on the thickness side, there is formed the exit 1b (which can also function as the entrance 1a as mentioned above).

In the first example, the string fastener R has a structure provided with a solid portion 12, the entrance bar 2a, the exit bar 2b, length-side connection portions 13 which become the connection portions 6, and width-side connection portions 14.

The solid portion 12 is provided with the closure portion 10, the entrance-side guide face portion 4, the exit-side guide face portion 5, a surface portion 12a which becomes one portion of the surface 7, and a back surface portion 12b which becomes one portion of the back surface 8 (see FIG. 1). A corner where the entrance-side guide face portion 4 and the exit-side guide face portion 5 of the solid portion 12 contact with each other becomes the stopper portion 3.

The entrance bar 2a and the exit bar 2b are placed in such a way so as to correspond the axial direction ax in a thickness direction of the string fastener R.

The length-side connection portions 13 are formed by the length-side connection portion 13 wherein an outer face thereof is one portion of the surface 7 and the length-side connection portion 13 wherein an outer face thereof is one portion of the back surface 8, and are provided in such a way so as to connect an end portion of the entrance bar 2a, the stopper portion 3 of the solid portion 12, and an end portion of the exit bar 2b by spacing a distance into which the string W can be inserted between both length-side connection portions 13 and 13.

The width-side connection portions 14 are formed by the width-side connection portion 14 wherein an outer face thereof is one portion of the surface 7 and the width-side connection portion 14 wherein an outer face thereof is one portion of the back surface 8, and are provided in such a way so as to connect the end portion of the entrance bar 2a and the terminal 4a of the entrance-side guide face portion 4 of the solid portion 12, and the end portion of the exit bar 2b and the terminal 5a of the exit-side guide face portion 5 of the solid portion 12 by spacing a distance into which the string W can be inserted between both width-side connection portions 14 and 14.

Namely, in the first example, the surface 7 or the back surface 8 of the string fastener R functions as the base portion.

Second Example

FIG. 13 to FIG. 24 show the example wherein the insertion path 1 is provided with two lines in the string fastener R.

The second example has a structure in that the insertion paths 1 are provided respectively on both sides sandwiching a virtual center axis y, and that the entrance bars 2a, the exit bars 2b, and the stopper portions 3 are placed respectively at a symmetrical position around the center axis y.

Specifically, the second example has a structure provided with a base portion 15 having a plate shape; a core portion 16 projecting from a center of the base portion 15 on one surface of the base portion 15; four bar structural members 2 . . . 2 projecting from one surface of the base portion 15 at an interval for 90 degrees between adjacent bar structural members 2 in a circumference direction of the core portion 16; and a circumference connection portion 17 which becomes the connection portion 6.

The core portion 16 includes a hollow portion 16a at a center, and is provided with four projecting portions 16b . . . 16b projecting in a radial direction at an interval of 90 degrees between adjacent projecting portions 16b in the circumference direction of the hollow portion 16a.

Side faces of the core portion 16 between the adjacent projecting portions 16b and 16b become curved side faces 16c wherein a center side of the core portion 16 is a curved outside in a cross-sectional state of the core portion 16 in a direction orthogonal to a projecting direction. Namely, the core portion 16 includes four curved side faces 16c . . . 16c.

Outside the four curved side faces 16c . . . 16c of the core portion 16, there are respectively provided the bar structural members 2 by spacing a distance through which the string W can pass between the bar structural members 2 and the curved side faces 16c.

The circumference connection portion 17 has an annular shape, and is placed by spacing a distance into which the string W can be inserted between the circumference connection portion 17 and one face of the base portion 15. The circumference connection portion 17 is integrated with the bar structural members 2 and the core portion 16 at projecting ends of the bar structural members 2 and the projecting portions 16b of the core portion 16.

Then, in the embodiment, the insertion paths 1 are positioned respectively on both sides sandwiching the virtual center axis y orthogonal to the core portion 16 and the projecting direction of the bar structural member 2, and passing two projecting portions 16b located at an opposed position sandwiching the center of the core portion 16. In the embodiment, not only in a case wherein as shown in FIG. 18, the virtual center axis y is perceived as y1 passing the projecting portion 16b on an upper right and the projecting portion 16b on a lower left, even in a case wherein as shown in FIG. 19, the virtual center axis y is perceived as y2 passing the projecting portion 16b on an upper left and the projecting portion 16b on a lower right, the insertion paths 1 are positioned respectively on both sides sandwiching the virtual center axis y.

Namely, in the second example, the bar structural members 2 become the entrance bar 2a or the exit bar 2b; the curved side faces 16c become the entrance-side guide face portion 4 or the exit-side guide face portion 5; and the projecting portions 16b function as the stopper portion 3, the terminal 4a of the entrance-side guide face portion 4, or the terminal 5a of the exit-side guide face portion 5 (see FIG. 22).

More specifically, at a symmetrical position of the bar structural member 2 which becomes the entrance bar 2a positioned on one side sandwiching the virtual center axis y, there is positioned the bar structural member 2 which becomes the entrance bar 2a positioned on the other side sandwiching the virtual center axis y. Also, at a symmetrical position of the bar structural member 2 which becomes the exit bar 2b positioned on one side sandwiching the virtual center axis y, there is positioned the bar structural member 2 which becomes the exit bar 2b positioned on the other side sandwiching the virtual center axis y. Also, at a symmetrical position of the projecting portion 16b which becomes the stopper portion 3 positioned on one side sandwiching the virtual center axis y, there is positioned the projecting portion 16b which becomes the stopper portion 3 positioned on the other side sandwiching the virtual center axis y.

FIG. 22 shows an example wherein the right and left of the virtual center axis y passing the projecting portion 16b positioned on an upper side in FIG. 22 and the projecting portion 16b positioned on a lower side in FIG. 22 are respectively the insertion paths 1, and one string W is inserted to pass through the insertion path 1 on the right side in such a way so as to slip out from the upper side to the lower side in FIG. 22, and is inserted to pass through the insertion path 1 on the left side in such a way so as to slip out from the lower side to the upper side in FIG. 22 further in such a way so as to fold back under the projecting portion 16b positioned on the lower side. Namely, in the example in FIG. 22, the bar structural member 2 on the upper right side and the bar structural member 2 on the upper left side sandwiching the virtual center axis y function as the entrance bar 2a, and the bar structural member 2 on the lower right side and the bar structural member 2 on the lower left side sandwiching the virtual center axis y function as the exit bar 2b.

Also, in the example shown in FIG. 22, a string fastening device is structured by the string fastener R and a pull member H. The pull member H includes an insertion portion Ha for the string W, and the string W passes through the insertion portion Ha, so that the pull member H can be attached to the string W. In the illustrated example, the pull member H has a cylindrical shape wherein both cylinder ends are open, includes two through holes Hb and Hb in cylinder side portions, and has a structure wherein the insertion portion Ha is formed by the two through holes Hb and Hb, and a cylinder inner portion. A distance between both cylinder ends of the pull member H is substantially equal to the thickness of the string fastener R. The pull member H is formed in such a way so as to have a narrow side face portion Hc and a wide side face portion Hd in a cross-sectional shape in a direction orthogonal to a cylinder shaft thereof. Except for a shaft portion He at a center of the narrow side face portion Hc, the through holes Hb are formed between the shaft portion He and a right end of the wide side face portion Hd, and between the shaft portion He and a left end of the wide side face portion Hd. In the illustrated example, although the wide side face portion Hd of the pull member H does not enter between the adjacent bar structural members 2, the narrow side face portion Hc enters between the adjacent bar structural members 2.

In the string fastening device structured in the aforementioned manner, by carrying out a pulling operation of the pull member H by holding the pull member H, typically, by carrying out the pulling operation of the pull member H by holding the string fastener R by one hand, and holding the pull member H by the other hand, the string W can be pulled out of the string fastener R, and the fastening position of the string fastener R relative to the string W can be adjusted (FIG. 22 to FIG. 23).

In the illustrated example, an outer edge portion 15a of the base portion 15 and an outer edge portion 17a of the circumference connection portion 17 are formed in such a way so as to form a concave shape between the adjacent bar structural members 2 and 2. On the other hand, the narrow side face portion Hc of the pull member H is formed in such a way so as to form a convex shape matching the concave shape of the outer edge portions 15a and 17a. Thereby, in the illustrated example, in a case wherein the string fastener R and the pull member H are firmly attached from a state wherein the pull member H is attached to the string W between the adjacent bar structural members 2 and 2 on a lower side in FIG. 21, at least one portion of the pull member H, in the illustrated example, the narrow side face portion Hc can be housed with an excellent appearance between the bar structural member 2 functioning as the exit bar 2b positioned on one side sandwiching the center axis y, and the bar structural member 2 functioning as the exit bar 2b positioned on the other side sandwiching the center axis y (FIG. 22).

Although it is omitted from the drawings, for example, the pull member H can be attached to the string W between the adjacent bar structural members 2 and 2 up and down on a right side sandwiching the center axis y in FIG. 22 as well, or attached to the string W between the adjacent bar structural members 2 and 2 up and down on a left side sandwiching the center axis y in FIG. 22 as well. In such a case, in a case wherein the string fastener R and the pull member H are firmly attached, at least one portion of the pull member H, in the illustrated example, the narrow side face portion Hc can be housed between the bar structural member 2 functioning as the entrance bar 2a and the bar structural member 2 functioning as the exit bar 2b.

Incidentally, obviously, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment explained hereinabove, and includes all embodiments which can obtain the object of the present invention.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS

    • W a string
    • 1 an insertion path
    • 1a an entrance
    • 1b an exit
    • 2a an entrance bar
    • 2b an exit bar
    • 3 a stopper portion
    • 4 an entrance-side guide face portion
    • 5 an exit-side guide face portion
    • α a curved face
    • ß an inclined face

Incidentally, all contents of the specification, claims, drawings, and abstract of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-218448 filed on Nov. 6, 2015 are cited in their entireties herein and are incorporated as a disclosure of the specification of the present invention.

Claims

1. A string fastener, comprising:

an insertion path for a string;
an entrance bar forming one portion of an entrance of the insertion path;
an exit bar forming one portion of an exit of the insertion path;
a stopper portion which is pressed by a string between the entrance and the exit and bends an inserted string;
an entrance-side guide face portion for the string, formed by a curved face or an inclined face, or a combination of these faces formed in such a way so as to face the entrance bar between the entrance and the stopper portion; and
an exit-side guide face portion for the string, formed by a curved face or an inclined face, or a combination of these faces formed in such a way so as to face the exit bar between the exit and the stopper portion.

2. A string fastener according to claim 1, wherein a terminal of the entrance-side guide face portion forming one portion of the entrance is positioned on a virtual second straight line passing the entrance bar and orthogonal to a virtual first straight line connecting the entrance bar and the exit bar, and

a terminal of the exit-side guide face portion forming one portion of the exit is positioned on a virtual third straight line passing the exit bar and orthogonal to the virtual first straight line.

3. A string fastener according to claim 2, wherein a distance between the entrance bar and a vertical fourth straight line connecting the terminal of the entrance-side guide face portion and the stopper portion, and a distance between the exit bar and a virtual fifth straight line connecting the terminal of the exit-side guide face portion and the stopper portion, are smaller than a width of the string.

4. A string fastener according to claim 2, wherein the entrance bar includes a first face portion facing the entrance-side guide face portion, and a second face portion forming one portion of the entrance, and the second face portion inclines so as to easily insert the string into the insertion path, and

the exit bar includes a first face portion facing the exit-side guide face portion, and a second face portion forming one portion of the exit, and the second face portion inclines so as to easily pull the string out of the insertion path.

5. A string fastener according to claim 4, wherein the entrance bar and the exit bar respectively include a third face portion parallel to the second face portion.

6. A string fastener according to claim 4, wherein the first face portion of the entrance bar and the first face portion of the exit bar have a rounded projecting face shape.

7. A string fastener according to claim 1, further comprising a base portion, wherein the entrance bar, the exit bar, and the stopper portion are formed in such a way so as to project from the base portion, and

a connection portion connecting a projecting end of the entrance bar and a projecting end of the exit bar,
wherein the insertion path is formed between the base portion and the connection portion.

8. A string fastener according to claim 1, wherein the insertion path is provided respectively on two sides sandwiching a virtual center axis, and the entrance bar, the exit bar, and the stopper portion are placed respectively at a symmetrical position around the center axis.

9. A string fastening device, comprising:

the string fastener according to claim 1; and
a pull member including an insertion portion for the string,
wherein at least one portion of the pull member is housed between the entrance bar and the exit bar of the string fastener.

10. A string fastening device, comprising:

the string fastener according to claim 8; and
the pull member including the insertion portion for the string,
wherein at least one portion of the pull member is housed between the exit bar positioned on one side relative to the center axis and the exit bar positioned on another side relative to the center axis.
Patent History
Publication number: 20180317612
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 4, 2016
Publication Date: Nov 8, 2018
Applicant: NIFCO INC. (Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa)
Inventor: Namiko KOREISHI (Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa)
Application Number: 15/773,382
Classifications
International Classification: A44B 11/04 (20060101);