Patent EP-0115040-A2 (EP)
Title: Slide fastener stringer chain with element-free sections and method of manufacturing the same
Inventor: MATSUMOTO MASAO
IPC: A44B19/44
Filed: 1983-12-21
Abstract: The first aspect of the present invention relates to a continuous slide fastener chain extending in its longitudinal direction with spaced sections having a predetermined length at predetermined intervals wherein one of the opposite ends of coupling elements adjacent to the spaced section is positioned on the inner side of said thread closely thereto and the other of the opposite ends of said coupling elements is positioned on the outer side of said thread closely thereto whereby said opposite ends of said coupling elements are firmly held by said threads to avoid dangling. 
     The second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned continuous slide fastener chain with spaced sections having a predetermined length at a predetermined intervals. The method comprising the steps of cutting at least one wind of the coil coupling elements where the spaced sections is to be formed on the inner sides of the sewing threads and cutting the remaining winds of the coil coupling elements on the outer sides of the sewing threads; and, removing the severed fragments of said coupling elements from the threads while they are seized and extracted in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the stringers on the inner side of said threads so as to be freed from binding tension of the threads. 
     The third aspect of the present invention relates to a punch to making the spaced section having a predetermined design into a continuous slide fastener chain. The punch includes a center projecting rib extending along a center line of the lower surface of a punch body and having substantially the same length as that of the spaced section to be formed; a pair of parallel left and right inner cutting blades formed on the both sides of said rib on the lower surface of the punch body; and a pair of parallel left and right outer cutting blades on the outer sides of each of the inner cutting blades. 
     The forth aspect of the present invention relates to a space forming apparatus for producing an element-free space section of predetermined length at predetermined intervals in a continuous slide fastener chain. Said apparatus comprises a transfer table for intermittently transferring the continuous slide fastener chain, a die disposed in the center of the transfer table, a punch disposed opposite to the die and having a longitudinal length substantially the same as that of the spaced sections to be formed, said punch being provided with a center projecting rib extending along a center line of a punch body, a pair of parallel inner cutting blades disposed on the both sides of the rib and a pair of parallel outer cutting blades disposed on the outer side each of the inner cutting blades, and a chain fixing device located on both sides of the die and opposite sites to them for clamping and securing the right and left stringers when the severed fragments of the coupling elements are removed from the sewing threads. 
     The fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a slide fastener made from the above continuous slide fastener chain. The slide fastener comprising a pair of left and right tapes, coil coupling element of synthetic resin monofilament sewn with thread to each of the tapes along the inner edge except for both upper and lower ear bends, an upper stop attached to the upper portion of the tape pairs in such a manner as to conceal the cut ends of the right and left elements, a separator consisting of a pin or male member, box and box pin or female member and attached to the lower portion of the paired tapes in such a manner as to conceal the lower cut ends of the elements, the box made integral with the box pin and designed for releasable engagement of the pin, and a slider movably mounted on the coil elements for opening and closing the tapes, and said upper and lower ends of the coil coupling elements are positioned on the outer and inner sides of the sewing threads closely thereto so that they are held firmly by the sewing threads to avoid dangling.