Separable fastener

March 26, 1946. m. Winterhalter 2,397,331

SEPARABLE FASTENER

Filed March 12, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 1

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Filed March 12, 1943

2,397,331

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Filed March 12, 1943

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M. WINTERHALTER 2,397,331

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Filed March 12, 1943

2,397,331

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Patented Mar. 26, 1946

2,397,331

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

2,397,331

SEPARABLE FASTENER

Martin Winterhalter, Morcote, near Lugano,

Switzerland

Application March 12, 1943, Serial No. 478,863

In Switzerland January 17,1942

Claims. (Cl. 24—205)

This invention concerns separable fasteners bens can be engaged on the carrier member in made of metallic or non-metallic materials, of such manner that they are movable relatively to the carrier member in the plane of this member. The invention is fully disclosed in the following specification of which the accompanying drawings form a part and represent a number of embodiments of the invention given merely by example, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a separable fastener according to the Invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view, with parts in section, of a modified stringer for the fastener.

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are fragmentary plan views of three further modifications of the stringer.

Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are fragmentary plan views, with parts in section, of further modifications of the stringer.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary plan view of a still further modification of the stringer.

Fig. 10 is an end elevation, with parts in section, of the stringer according to· Mg. 9.

Mg. 11 is a fragmentary plan view of another modification of the stringer.

Mg. 12 is an end elevation, with parts in section, 25 of the stringer according to Mg. 11.

Mg. 13 is a fragmentary plan view of a further modification of the stringer, and Mg. 14 Is a fragmentary plan view with parts in section of still another modification.

³⁰ Mg. 15 represents a step in the method of making a modified form of the stringer, and Mg. 16 is an end elevation according tp Fig. 15, while Mg. 17 is a fragmentary plan view of the finished stringer, and Mg. 18 shows a fastener 35 employing the latter.

Mg. 19 is a fragmentary plan view of a stringer comprising a carrier provided along one side thereof with longitudinally spaced fastener elements and along the other side with connecting ⁴⁰ studs used to attach the stringer to an article.

Mg. 20 is an end elevation, with parts in section, of the stringer according to Mg. 19.

Mgs. 21, 22 and 23 are fragmentary plan views, each showing a further modification of a stringer ⁴⁵ of the type shown by Mgs. 19 and 20.

Mg. 24 is a section on the line-24—24 of Mg. 23. Mgs. 25 and 26 are fragmentary plan views of further modifications of the stringer.

Fig. 27 is an end elevation of the stringer ac5® cording to Mg. 26 with Parts in section.

Mgs. 28 and 29, and Mgs. 30 and 31, respectively, show two further examples of fastener stringers in fragmentary plan view, and in end elevation with parts in section.

pig. 32 is a fragmentary plan view of a further the type including a pair of stringers having interlocking fastener members longitudinally spaced thereon. Separable fasteners known 5 heretofore are usually provided with fastener members of metal of moldable materials which are fixed to stringer tapes of fabric, for example to woven cotton bands which latter are sewn to the article which is to be provided with the 10 fastener. The attaching of metallic fastener members to the stringer tapes however requires quite intricate devices and when fastener members made of moldable materials are cast on the tapes these latter can easily be deteriorated. Also 15 the manufacture of stringer tapes having an edge bead for maintaining the fastener members is complicated and it is difficult to obtain a reliable connection between the fastener members and the stringer tape. 20

It is an object of the present invention to provide a separable fastener comprising stringers which can be attached immediately to the article to be opened and closed without the use of an intermediary fabric tape.

According to the invention the fastener members are connected to a carrier consisting of rigid material which has been made flexible owing to its shape or cross sectional area and which is adapted to be directly attached to the article which is to be provided with the separable fastener.

In order to attach the separable fastener in simple manner to the article the carrier of the fastener members can be.provided with connecting studs which are destined to be fixed to the article.

The carrier can be formed by a flexible thread or wire shaped member having fastener members spaced longitudinally thereon and connecting studs provided between successive fastener members. The articles to which the separable fastener stringers according to the invention will be fixed can be constituted by the piece of clothing with which the separable fastener is to be used but it is also possible to attach the stringers to an intermediate tape which then can be fixed to the piece of cloth in the usual manner. The connecting studs of the stringers may be provided with pointed ends so that they can be stuck through the article and then locked at the rear side of the article in any convenient manner.

In case the carrier member has not sufficient flexibility so ris to provide for an easy movement of the slider of the fastener, the fastener rnem2,897,831 modification of the stringer, Mg. 33 is a section on the line 33—33 of Mg. 32 with parts in elevation, and Mg. 34 is an end elevation with parts in section of said modification.

Mgs. 35 and 36 are fragmentary plan views of two further modifications of stringers, Mg. 37 is a section on the fine 87—37 of Mg. 36 with parts in elevation, and Mg. 38 is a section on the line 38—38 of Mg. 36 with parts in elevation and parts omitted.

Mg. 39 Is a fragmentary plan view with parts in section of a further modification of the stringer, and Mgs. 40 and 41 are sections on the lines 48—40 and 41—41 of Mg. 39 with parts in elevation.

Mgs. 42, 43 and 44 are fragmentary plan views of three examples of carriers for the fastener elements and connecting studs.

Mg. 45 is a fragmentary plan view of another modification,of the stringer, and Mg. 46 is an end elevation of Mg. 45 with parts in section.

Mg. 47 is an end elevation of a fastener element according to Mg. 45 before being fixed to the carrier.

Mg. 48 is a fragmentary plan view of a further example of stringer, and Mg. 49 is an end elevation with parts in section of Mg. 48, while Mg. 50 shows a connecting stud according to Mg. 48 before being fixed to the carrier.

Mg. 51 is a fragmentary plan view of a modified separable fastener according to the invention.

Mg. 52 is a fragmentary plan view on an enlarged scale of the stringer used in the above modification, and Mg. 53 is an end elevation with parts in section of the stringer according to Mg. 52.

Mgs. 54 and 55 are a fragmentary plan view and an end elevation, with parts in section, of a slightly modified stringer.

Mgs. 56 and 57 are a fragmentary plan view and an end elevation, with parts in section, of another modification of the stringer.

Mgs. 58, 59 and 60 are end elevations corresponding to Mg. 57 of three further modifications of stringers.Mgs. 61 and 62, and Mgs. 63 and 64, are fragmentary plan views and end elevations with parts in section, respectively, of two further modifications of stringers.

Mg. 65 is an end elevation, with parts in section, of a modified stringer according to Mg. 66, which latter is a fragmentary plan view of the stringer.

Mg. 67 is a fragmentary plan view of a further modified stringer, and Mg. 68 is an end elevation of the same with parts in section.

Mgs. 69 and 70 are a fragmentary plan view and an. end elevation, with parts in section, of a still further modification of the stringer.

Mg. 71 is a fragmentary plan view of a further embodiment of a separable fastener according to the invention.

Mg. 72 is a fragmentary plan view, on an enlarged scale and with parts in section, showing a modified stringer in respect to that shown by Mg. 71, and Mg. 73 is an end elevation of the stringer according to Mg. 72 with parts in section.

Mg. 74 is an end elevation of a fastener element used in the embodiment according to Mgs. 72 and 73.

Mg. 75 is a fragmentary plan view and Mg. 76 an end elevation, with parts in section, of a further modification of the stringer.

Mg. 77 is a fragmentary plan view and Mg. 78 an end elevation, with parts in section, of the stringer used in the fastener- according to Mg. 71.

Mg. 79 is a fragmentary plan view of a slightly modified stringer in respect to that shown by Mgs. 77 and 78.

Mgs. 80 and 81, and Mgs. 82 and 83, are fragmentary plan views and end elevations with parts in section, respectively, of two further modifications of stringers.

Mg. 84 is a fragmentary plan view of another modification of the stringer, and Mgs. 85 and 86 are sections on the lines 85—85 and 86—86, respectively, of Mg. 84 with parts in elevation..

Mg. 87 is a fragmentary plan view and Mg. 88 an end elevation, with parts in section, of another modified stringer.

Mg. 89 is an end view, with parts in section, of another modification of the stringer.

Mg. 90 is a fragmentary plan view and Mg. 91 an end elevation, with parts in section, of a further modified stringer.

Mgs. 92 and 93, and Mgs. 94 and 95, are fragmentary plan views and end elevations with parts in section, respectively, of two further modifications of stringers..

Mgs. 96, 97, 98 and 99 are fragmentary plan views of carriers which may be used in the stringers according to the invention.

Mgs. 100 and 101 are a fragmentary plan view and an end elevation, with parts in section, of another modified stringer.

Mg. 102 is a fragmentary plan view of a further modification of the stringer, and Mgs. 103 and 104 are sections on the lines 103—103 and 104—104, respectively, of Mg. 102.

Mgs. 105 and 106 are a fragmentary plan View and an end elevation, with parts in section, of another modified stringer.

Mg. 107 is a fragmentary plan view of a further modified stringer, and Mg. 108 is an end elevation with parts in section, and Mg. 109 a rear elevation of the stringer according to Mg. 107.

Mg. 110 is a fragmentary plan view of a modified carrier which view also diagrammatically indicates the fastener elements and connecting studs secured to the carrier.

-Mg. Ill is a fragmentary plan view and Mg. 112 an- end elevation, with parts in section, of a further modification of the stringer.

Mg. 113 Is a fragmentary plan view and Mg. 114 an end elevation, with parts in section, of another modification of the stringer.

Mg. 115 is a fragmentary plan view of a further modified stringer, Mg. 116 is an end elevation of this stringer with parts in section, and Fig. 117 is an end elevation of the fastener element employed before being fixed to the carrier.

Mg. 118 is a fragmentary plan view of another modification of the stringer, Mg. 119 is an end elevation thereof with parts in section, and Mg. 120 is an end elevation of the fastener element employed before being fixed to the carrier.

Mgs. 121 and 122 are a fragmentary plan view and an end elevation, with parts in section, of another modification of the stringer.

Mgs. 123 and 124 are a fragmentary plan view and an end elevation, with parts in section, of a further modified stringer.

Mgs. 125 and 126 are a fragmentary plan view and an end elevation, with parts in section, of a further modification of the stringer, and Fig. 127 is a section on the line I 27—¢27 of Mg. 125 on ah enlarged scale with parts omitted.

Mg. 128 is &amp; fragmentary plan view of a further embodiment of a separable fastener according to

2,397,331 the invention with the slider shown in section.

Fig. 129 Is a fragmentary plan view and Fig. 130 an end elevation, with parts in section, of the stringer according to Fig. 128.

Fig. 131 is a fragmentary plan view, and Fig. ⁵132 an end elevation with parts in section, of a slightly modified stringer, and Fig. 133 is a section on the line 133—133 of Fig. 131.

Fig. 134 is a fragmentary plan view with parts in section of a further modified stringer. Fig. 135 ¹⁰is an end elevation thereof with parts in section, and Fig. 136 is an end elevation corresponding to Fig. 135 showing a slightly modified stringer.

Fig. 137 is a fragmentary plan view with parts in section of a further modification of the stringer, 15 and Fig. 138 is an end elevation of this stringer with parts in section.

Figs. 139 and 140 are a fragmentary plan view and an end elevation, with parts In section, of a still further modification of the stringer. ²⁰

In the example shown in Fig. 1, the fastener comprises two stringers, each being formed by fastener members I and by a zigzag-shaped carrier 3. The members I are each placed at one point of the zigzag-shaped carrier 3 and are pro- 25 vided with the usual coupling projection 2 on one side and with the corresponding socket on the opposite side. 4 designates a slider of known type for opening and closing the fastener. Each of the two stringers is made of a single piece of ³⁰material and can be formed of metal, or of an artificial thermoplastic material, as for instance a polycondensation product of an amide, such as polyamide, or the like, by molding or die casting under pressure in a single operation. The mate- ⁸⁵rial from which the separable fastener is made accordingly is rigid but owing to the zigzag shape of the carrier 3 this latter obtains the necessary flexibility to ensure an easy engagement and disengagement of the interlocking fastener mem- ⁴⁰bers. The carrier 3 can be directly attached to the article with which the separable fastener is to be employed for instance by sewing or by means of an adhesive.

In the example according to Fig. 2 the carrier S ⁴⁵and the fastener members 8, having projections 7 and sockets 8, are formed by two separate parts and are rigidly connected to each other. On one side of the zigzag-shaped carrier the points thereof are formed with extensions 9 provided with holes 10. The fastener members 6 are preferably made of thermoplastic material and are cast or pressed upon the extensions 9 of. the carrier so that the material of the members penetrates through the holes 10 of the extensions 9 and a rigid connection is obtained between the fastener members and the carrier.

In the example according to Fig. 3 the carrie»· II is of zigzag shape. The fastener.members 12 are provided on one side of the carrier and can be made of the same material as the carrier and formed in one piece with the carrier, or made as separate members. The other side of t.he carrier is provided with studs 13 the ends of which have thickened end portions 14. By means of the ⁸⁵studs 14 the carrier is sewn to the article which is to be provided with the fastener and the ends 14 prevent the carrier from sliding out of the , stitches.

in the example according to Fig. 4 the thick- ⁷⁰ened ends 14 of the extensions of the carrier are connected to each other by a web, wire or thread

IS. These limit the longitudinal expansion of. the stringer and ensure that the fastener members 12 maintain their correct distance to inter- ⁷⁶ lock with each other. If desired, they can be cast into the ends 14 when making the stringer.

According to Fig. 5 the fastener members 12 are provided at the points of a carrier 3' of Zigzag or V-shape and the opposite points carry perforated ends 14' through which may be passed stitches or other fastening means for attaching the stringers to the article to be equipped with the fastener.

In the example according to Fig. 6 the carrier has the shape of an extended conventional “Iazytongs” and is provided with lateral extensions 17 to which the fastener members 18 are cast, pressed or otherwise fastened. Owing to the shape of the carrier this latter obtains a certain flexibility to allow the interconnection of the cooperating fastener members.

According to Fig. 7 the carrier 19 is provided with circular openings 20 which render the stringer flexible. The fastener members 18 are secured to extensions 21 of the carrier.

In the example according to Fig. 8 the carrier is provided with recesses 22 and slots 23 which render it flexible. The fastener members 18, as shown, are cast upon the extensions 21 of the carrier. ₍ .

In the example according to Figs. 9 and 10 the carrier 31 is zigzag-shaped and formed in a single piece with the fastener members 32 provided at the points on one side of the carrier. At the opposite points of the carrier 31 there are provided extensions 33 with thickened ends 34. A connecting web 38 between the ends 34 limits the longitudinal expansion of the stringer. The fastener members 32 are thicker than the carrier 31 so as to form shoulders 36 which serve as guides for the slider of the fastener.

In the example according to Figs. 11 and 12 the carrier 24 Is formed by a zigzag-shaped wire having the fastener members 25 cast or pressed upon the points on one side thereof. According to Fig. 13 the points of the carrier 26 opposite the fastener members are provided with annular extensions 27 which increase the flexibility of the carrier and can serve for attaching it to an article by means of stitches. In the example according to Fig. 14 the carrier is formed by a continuous wire bent to form U-shaped members 28 and the fastener members 29 are cast or pressed upon the ends of two adjacent wire members 28. In order to limit the longitudinal expansion of the fastener a second zigzag-shaped wire 30 is inserted with its points into the fastener members 29.

In the example according to Figs. 15-18 fastener members 38 are cast or pressed upon the opposite points of a zigzag-shaped wire 37. The fastener members 38 provided at both sides of the carrier are disposed at twice the distance of the fastener members in the finished fastener. After having fixed the fastener members to the wire 37, the wire is folded over the longitudinal axis x—x of the strip so that the fastener members on one side arrive between the fastener members on the other side and the wire 37 forming the carrier is again of zigzag shape. Fig. 18 shows the finished fastener. Attaching of the stringers to the article is made by sewing the carrier 37 to the article.

When long fastener strips are required the carrier is made in several sections which are connected to each other at their ends by any convenient means such as threads, wires or the like.

The separable fastener stringer according to

8,897,331

Mgs. 19 and 20 comprises a carrier 4· constituted by a thread or band of any desired sectional Shape which may be circular, rectangular or otherwise. The fastener members 41 are secured and correctly spaced on the carrier 40 and between sue- 5 cessive fastener members the carrier Is provided with connecting studs 42 used to attach the stringer to the article. The fastener members 41 are provided with the ustlal coupling projections 43 and with the socket 44. The carrier 40 is made of rigid material which is flexible owing to its small cross sectional area. Preferably the carrier is made of thermoplastic material, for example of a thread of drawn polyamide. As will be clear from the descriptions of other forms of the invention, the fastener members 41 and the studs 42 can be made of metal and can be directly cast upon the carrier. 40 or otherwise , secured thereto, or can, for example, be made of a thermoplastic material in a single piece with 20 the carrier.

The connecting studs 42 are provided at their ends with a thickened head 40 and Intermediate their length they are provided with a projection 40. These studs serve for directly attaching the 25 stringer to a piece of cloth 47 or to another article which is to be provided with the fastener. For this purpose the studs 42 are sewn to the article by passing stitches between the end 46 and the projection 46. The studs 42 may be 30 provided with a shoulder 42' against which abuts the edge of the cloth. Attaching of the stringer studs 42 to the article can also be obtained by means of an adhesive. Owing to the flexibility of the carrier 40 the stringer possesses the re- 35 quired mobility for the interconnection of the cooperating fastener members.

In the example according to Mg. 21 the ends of the studs 42 fixed to the carrier 40 are provided with a head 40 the diameter of which cor- ⁴⁰responds to the distance between successive fastener members 41 of the stringer, so that the head 40 of each stud makes contact with the two adjacent fastener members. In this manner the correct space between successive fastener mem- ⁴⁵bers is maintained also in the case when a fastener member becomes loose on the carrier. The heads 48 can also serve to impart the correct distance to successive fastener members In case the latter are strung on the carrier and aft- ⁵⁰erwards secured thereon by pressing.

In the example according to Mg. 23 the fastener members 41 are provided at their ends secured to the carrier 40 with lateral bulged projections 49 which cooperate with the heads 50 ⁵⁵of the studs 42. The stringers shown in Mgs. 21 and 22 are also destined to be directly attached to a piece of cloth· or the like by means of the studs 42, for instance by sewing, the stitches passing over the studs between the heads ⁶⁰45 and the projections 40.

The stringer disclosed iri Mgs. 23 and 24 comprises a carrier 40 with connecting studs 42 which are fixed to the carrier by means of their heads 51. The fastener members 4i are pro- ⁶⁵vided on their ends secured to the carrier with projections 52 which make contact With the heads 51 of the studs 42. The studs at one face are V-shaped in cross section as shown in Mg. 24 and are provided at their ends with a head 48 ⁷⁰and intermediate their length with lateral projections 53. The stitches passing oyer the studs for attaching the stringer to the article are made between the head 46 and the adjacent projection 58 and between the two projections 53. The ^w

V-shaped face of the studs 42 serves for the purpose that when sewing the stringer to an article by means of a sewing machine, the needle, when arriving upon a stud, can slide downwardly an inclined surface of the stud and does not break.

In the example according to Mg. 25 the ends of the studs 42 connected to the carrier 40 are provided with heads 54. The studs are provided with notched edges 55 and enlarged ends 45 which prevent the studs from sliding out of the stitches by which they are secured to a piece of cloth.

In the example according to Mgs. 26 and 27 studs 66 having pointed ends 67 Are connected with the carrier 40. The end of each stud is provided with a hole 50. The studs 66 are connected with the carrier 40 between successive fastener members 4i and the carrier is preferably formed by a thread of polyamide. In order to secure the stringers to a piece of cloth or the like, the pointed ends 57 of the studs are stuck through the piece of cloth in proximity to an edge thereof, until the shoulder 59 abuts against the cloth, so that the hole 58 arrives at a rear side of the cloth. Then a wire or thread 60 is drawn through the.hole 50 of all studs of the stringer, this thread 60 consisting for example also of polyamide and the two ends of the thread 60 are fixed in any convenient manner to the stringer or to the piece of cloth. When so secured the stringer can not be removed from the cloth 61. The edge of the cloth can be folded and sewed to form a seam as shown in Mg. 27, so that the ends 57 of the attached stringer are hidden within the seam.

In Mgs. 28 and 29 the connecting studs 62 fixed between successive fastener members 41 to the flexible carrier 40 are provided with a pointed end portion 63 the edges of which are provided with small prongs 63». For attaching such a stringer to a piece of cloth the end portion 63 of the studs is passed through the cloth 61 and the edge of the cloth is folded over the end portions to form a seam. In this case no thread 60 is required to be threaded through the end portions 63 since the prongs of these end portions enclosed in the seam prevent the studs from sliding out thereof.

The stringer according to Mgs. 30 and 31 comprises connecting studs 64 secured to the carrier 40 and having ends which are split to form tongues 66. For attaching the stringers to the cloth 61 the split ends of the studs are passed through the cloth until the shoulder 65 abuts against the surface of the cloth and then the tongues 66 formed by the split ends are bent over at the rear side of the cloth and prevent separation of the stringer from the cloth.

In the example according to Mgs. 32 to 34 the carrier 67 is formed integral with the connecting studs 68 and consists for example of thermoplastic material, the cross sectional area of the carrier being such that the stringer has the necessary flexibility to be operated by the usual slider. In order to secure the fastener members 41 to the carrier 67, this latter is provided with holes 69· between successive studs 68. The fastener members are provided with extensions 69 inserted into and extending through the holes to fdrm projecting ends which after insertion of the studs are riveted. In order to attach the stringer to the cloth 61 the connecting studs 68 are sewn to the cloth, the stitches being passed between enlarged portions 70 of the studs whereby the stringer is prevented from moving transversely on the cloth.

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The stringer represented in Fig. 35 comprises a carrier 71 and connecting studs 72 integral with the carrier. The fastener members 41 have extensions 73 extending into holes 73» formed in the carrier. The ends of the extensions projecting on the rear side on the carrier are pierced and a locking thread 60 is passed through the holes 73» of the extensions and through corresponding holes 72» in the studs 72 so that the fastener members are secured by means of the locking thread on the carrier. In order to attach the stringer to the cloth 61 the connecting studs 72 are provided with a pointed end 74 formed wtih a hook 75. This end 74 with the hook 75 is stuck through the cloth 61 and through a washer strip 76 placed at the rear side of the cloth and formed by hard material preferably of polyamide or the like. The hooks 75 of the connecting studs bearing against the strip 76 now prevent the stringer from being pulled off the cloth 61.

In the example according to Figs. 36 to 38 the carrier 77 of the fastener members 41 and the connecting studs 78 is formed by two distinct longitudinal sections as represented in Figs. 43 or

44. In Fig. 43 the carrier comprises two strips 77' and 77 having each one longitudinal edge thereof provided with recesses 79. The fastener members 41 and the connecting studs 78 are provided with portions 80 of reduced cross section by means of which these members are placed into the recesses 79 of one of the strips 77' or 77 and then the other strip is joined to the first one and firmly connected thereto by means of an adhesive or by soldering or welding. In order to attach the stringer to the cloth 61 the end portion 81 provided with an abutment face 82 is passed through the cloth and through a washer strip 76; thereafter the abutment 82 bearing against the strip 76 prevents the studs from being pulled out ‘ of the cloth 61.

The carrier strip represented in Fig. 44 is formed by two sections 83' and 83 of which only the section 83' has one of its longitudinal edges provided with recesses 64, while the section 83 ¹has straight edges. The fastener members and the connecting studs shown in Fig. 36 are placed with their portion 80 of reduced cross section into the recesses 84 of the carrier section 83' and then the section 83 is joined and firmly secured to the section 83'. The recesses 79 or 84 cap have any convenient shape which is adapted to the cross sectional area of the reduced portions 80 of the fastener members and the connecting studs.

In the example according to Figs. 39 to 42 the . carrier is formed by a single flexible strip 85 provided with holes 86 of any convenient section. The fastener members 41 and the connecting studs 87 are provided with extensions 88 passed through these holes and permanently connected to the carrier by riveting the ends of the extensions. The stringer formed in this manner is connected to the cloth 6i by sewing of the' studs 87.

According to Figs. 45 to 47 the carrier 89 and the connecting studs 90 form a single piece. The fastener members 4f are preferably punched from metal and provided with two jaws 91 which are spread apart before attaching the fastener members to the carrier, as represented in Fig. 47. For securing the fastener members to the carrier they are placed between successive studs 90 with the jaws astride its edge and then the jaws are pressed towards each other as shown in Fig.

46. The stringer can then be attached to the cloth Gt by sewing thereto the studs 80.

In the example according to Figs. 48 to 50 both the fastener members 41 and the connecting studs 92 are connected to the carrier 40 by clamping. The studs 92 are also provided with jaws 93 and after placing the jaws astride the carrier they are clamped together as shown in Fig. 49. In order to attach the stringer to the cloth 61 the pointed ends 57 of the studs are stuck through the cloth and a locking thread 60 is threaded through holes 58 provided in the ends at the rear side of the cloth. In the two last mentioned examples the carrier 40 or 09 can have any convenient cross sectional shape and the internal faces of the clamping jaws of the fastening members or of the connecting studs are adapted to the cross sectional shape of the carrier so as to ensure a rigid connection with the latter.

In the example according to Figs. 51, 52, and 53 two stringers 101 and 102 cooperate with the usual slider 103. Each stringer comprises a number of interlocking fastener members (04 provided in usual manner with coupling projections iOS and with sockets ί06. These fastener members are spaced longitudinally on a flexible carrier 107. On their ends opposite to that provided with the interlocking elements each fastener member 104 is provided with an extension 108 forming a connecting stud having a pointed end 110. In proximity of this end each stud is provided with a hole 109.

The fastener members i 04 may consist of metal or of thermoplastic material. The earner 107 is formed by a thread or wire of convenient cross section. Preferably the carrier is made from a synthetic product such as a polymerized amide, for example a drawn thread of polyamide. This thread can be passed through corresponding holes in the fastener members 104 which can be secured to the carrier by means of an adhesive or by pressing; they also can be die-cast directly on the thread 107.

In order to attach the stringer iOl or 402 to a piece of cloth 111 the pointed end 110 of each stud is passed through the cloth near one edge thereof until the shoulders 114 of the studs abut against the cloth, and then a thread ί 12 is passed through the holes 109 in the ends of the studs projecting at the rear side of the cloth. At both ends of the stringer the thread I i 2 is secured thereto in any convenient manner so that it cannot be removed from the holes 109. The edge of the cloth is then folded over the ends of the studs and a seam is formed by means of stitches i 13 as illustrated in Figs. 52 and 53. . The ends of the studs are now maintained by the locking thread 112 in the interior of the seam. Also in this example it is not necessary to use a stringer tape in order to connect the separable fastener to a piece of clothing. Naturally if desired the two stringers can be attached first to a tape in the same manner as they are attached to the piece of clothing according to Figs. 52 and 53 and then this tape can be secured in ordinary manner to the piece of clothing.

The example according to Figs. 54 and 55 is similar to that disclosed in Figs. 51 to 53. Only the shape of the connecting studs 108 is slightly ¹ modified. In order to attach the stringer composed of the flexible carrier 107 and the fastener members 104 to an article tit, the studs &lt;08 are stuck through the edge portion of the article until the shoulder i (4 abuts against the article and ' are locked by means of a thread 112 which is β

2,397,331 passed through holes provided in the end portions of the connecting studs.

In the example according to Figs. 56 and 57 the ends of the connecting studs 108 are split so as to form tongues 115 which are bent over after having stuck the ends through the cloth |It, so as to prevent removal of the studs from the cloth.

In Fig. 58 the pointed end of the connecting stud 118 is bent to lie at right angles to the body of the stud. The stringer composed of the flexible carrier 107 and the fastener members 104 is connected to the seam IIT of a piece of cloth by sticking the ends of the connecting studs 116 through this seam and passing a thread 112 through openings provided in these ends.

In Fig. 59 the end of the connecting stud 108 on a fastener member 104 is provided with small prongs 118 so that the stud cannot be removed from the cloth after having been stuck through it and a seam 118 has been formed by folding the edge of the cloth over the end of the stud. Fig. 60 shows a similar manner of connecting a stringer to the cloth; instead of prongs the studs 108 are provided with hooks 126 which prevent removal of the stringer after a seam has been formed by stitches 118.

In the example according to Figs. 61 and 62 the originally pointed ends of the connecting studs 108 of the stringer are stuck through the cloth 111 and then riveted and thereafter the cloth is maintained between the rivet heads 121 and the shoulder 114 of the stud 108.

According to Figs. 63 and 64 the, points of the connecting studs are stuck through the cloth and through washers 122 and then riveted. Instead of using a single washer for each stud a common washer strip 123 can be used for several or all the studs of a stringer. The stud 108 is provided with a shoulder 114 bearing against the cloth 111 and with a shoulder 124 bearing against 40 the washer.

In Figs. 65 to 68 the connecting stud 125 of the fastener member 104 extends transversely to the plane of the stringer. All studs of the stringer are stuck through the edge portion of the cloth ill and then a locking thread' 112 is passed through holes provided in the ends of the studs at the rear side of the cloth. In Fig. 66 the end of the stud stuck through the cloth forms a tongue 126 which is bent over towards the rear face of the cloth to prevent the stringer from being pulled off the cloth. In Figs. 67 and 68 the end of the stud is split and forms two tongues 127 which are bent down oppositely to each other. An extension 128 on the fastener members serves as guide for the usual slider.

In Figs. 69 and 70 fastener members 104 and connecting studs 129 are alternately threaded upon a flexible carrier 107. The studs 129 are provided with small prongs 118 which prevent the removal of the stringer from the cloth after having stuck the studs through the cloth and formed a seam 119. The studs have their portions adjacent the carrier 107 formed to provide heads 181 the diameter of which corresponds exactly to the distance between two successive fastener members 104 so that the studs can serve¹as spacing members to maintain the exact spacing of the fastener members.

In the example according to Figs. 71 to 83 the fastener members 104 are movably carried by the flexible carrier 132 so that they can rock relatively to the carrier in the plane of the stringer. This arrangement provides for a greater flexibility of the stringers in case a carrier of rela10 tively heavy cross section is used. In Figs. 71, 77 and 78 the carrier 182 is provided on one side with spacing members 188 and on the other side with connecting studs 134. Fastener members 104 are loosely engaged between successive spacing members 133. For this purpose the fastener members have opposite faces provided with recesses 135 into which penetrate projecting portions 136 of the spacing members. The ends ¹ of the studs to be stuck through the cloth 111 are split so as to form tongues which can be bent over. The rear end face 187 of the fastener members serves^ as a guide for the slider 103. At the place of operation of the slider

103 the movably mounted fastener members 104 can easily adapt themselves to the position imparted to them by the slider, while the projecting portions 136 of the spacing members penetrating into the recesses (35 prevent removal of the fastener members from the carrier 132.

In the example according to Figs. 72 to 74 the connecting studs 138 of the carrier 132 are provided with pointed ends and after they are stuck through the cloth III a locking thread 112 is Pulled through¹ openings provided in the end portions of the studs. In Figs. 71, 72 and 77 the spacing members 133 and the connecting studs 134 and 138 are disposed in the same transverse planes on the carrier, while in Figs. 75, 76 and 79 the connecting studs are longitudinally displaced relatively to spacing members.

According to Figs. 80 and 81 the spacing members 140 of the connecting studs 142 are provided with slots 141 having a curved bottom and the fastener members 104 are provided with projections 142 of corresponding, curved shape. In Figs. 82 and 83 the spacing members 143 are provided with curved projections 144 which engage into corresponding slots 148 provided on the fastener members. In Figs. 81 to 83 the connecting studs 138 are locked in the cloth III by means of a thread 112 passed through openings provided in the studs.

In the example according to Figs. 84 to 89 the flexible carrier and the connecting studs are formed in a single piece and the fastener members are separate parts rigidly secured to the carrier. In Figs. 84 to 86 the studs 147 have split ends to form tongues 148 which are bent over after the ends of the studs have been stuck through the cloth III. The fastener members

104 are provided with extensions 149 the ends of which are also split and form tongues 150. The extensions 149 are inserted through openings in the carrier 146 and then the tongues ISO are bent over. In Figs. 87 and 88 the fastener members 104 are provided with extensions 149 which are inserted through openings 149* of the carrier 146 and then their ends are riveted to the carrier. The connecting studs 147 made as a single piece with the carrier are provided with pointed ends 151 which are adapted to be stuck through the cloth 11 j and to be locked by means of a thread 112 pulled through holes provided in 65 the studs. According to Fig. 89 the extensions 149 of the fastener members 104 are inserted through the openings 149* in the carrier 146 and are locked to the carrier by means of the thread 112 pulled through openings provided in the end portions of the extensions. The connecting studs formed in a single piece with the carrier 146 are provided with small prongs 118 which prevent the studs from being pulled out of the seam 119 of the cloth 111.

In the example according to Figs. 90 and 91

3,397,331 the carrier 153 is formed as flexible strip to which fastener members 104 and connecting studs 154 are alternately connected. The fastener members and the studs are provided with extensions 155» which are inserted through corresponding openings in the carrier and have their ends riveted as shown at (55. The connecting studs (54 are provided with a pointed end 156 which is stuck through the cloth 11 i and secured thereto by means of a locking thread 1(2. The carrier 153 is shown in Fig. 96 and is provided with holes (57 receiving the extensions of the fastener members and of the connecting studs.

In Figs. 92 and 93 the connecting studs (58 of the stringer are formed as extensions of the fastener members (04. These studs are inserted through openings 160 of the carrier 159 (Fig. 97) and by riveting them as shown at 161 (Fig. 92) they are secured to the carrier. Attaching of the stringer to the cloth III can be made according to any of the hereinbefore described manners, for example by means of a locking thread 112 pulled through openings provided in the ends of the studs 158.

In the example according to Figs. 94 and 95 the studs 162 formed as extensions of the fastener members 104 are provided with a portion 103 of reduced cross sectional area which serves for securing the fastener members to the carrier 164. The carrier is formed by a strip composed of two distinct longitudinal sections 164' and 164 (Fig. 98) providing between themselves recesses 165 adapted to receive the reduced portions 163 of the connecting studs. The fastener members 104 are placed into the recesses of one of the two carrier sections 164' and 164 before joining the two sections and then the other section is joined to the first one and secured thereto by means of adhesive or by soldering or welding. The fastener members 104 are thus permanently connected to the carrier 164. For attaching the stringer to the cloth III a locking thread 112 is pulled through openings provided in the end portions of the studs 162.

According to Fig. 99 the flexible carrier is made by two sections 166' and 166 of which the section 166' only is provided with longitudinally spaced recesses 165 along one of its edges. Such a carrier may be used for a stringer according to Figs. 100 and 101. The fastener members 104 are provided with an opening 167 through which the carrier will be pulled and the connecting studs have a portion of reduced cross section 169 adapted to be placed In the recesses 165 of the carrier. First the desired number of fastener members 104 are strung on the section 166' of the carrier, then the connecting studs 168 are inserted with their reduced portion each into a recess (65 of the section 166' between successive fastener members, and then the narrower section 166 of the carrier is also pulled through the openings 167 of the fastener members and united with the section 166' by an adhesive or by welding, whereafter the connecting studs 168 are permanently secured to the carrier. The fastener members can then be correctly spaced on the carrier and fixed thereto by means of an adhesive or by soldering or welding, or by clamping them to the carrier by a pressing operation, and the completed stringer can then be attached according to any of the hereinbefore described manners to the piece of clothing.

According to Figs. 102, 103 and 104, the fastener members 104 and the connecting studs 168 are provided with portions (69 of reduced cross section which are inserted into corresponding recesses of a carrier 164 made in two sections as disclosed by Fig. 98 or 99.

In the example according to Figs. 105 and 106 5 the carrier 170 and the connecting studs 171 are made in a single piece. The fastener members (04 are clamped to the carrier between successive connecting studs. In this case the fastener members can be punched out of metal and pro10 vided with two spread apart clamping jaws as shown in Fig. 47, while after clamping the members to the carrier the jaws 172 have the position shown in Fig. 106. It is also possible to fix both, fastener members and connecting studs, to a car15 rier by clamping, as more or less diagrammatically shown in Fig. 110; this carrier is provided with spaced recesses 175 for positioning the fastener members 104, and with¹ recesses 176 for positioning the connecting studs 173.

The modification shown in Figs. 107 to 109 represents a so called covered fastener in which the article I I t to which the fastener stringers are attached is used to hide the fastener from view. For this purpose a fold 177 is formed near the edge of the cloth III, and a connecting stud 178 provided laterally on the fastener members 104 is stuck through both branches of the fold. The end of the stud projecting from the rear side of the fold is provided with' an opening so that a locking thread 112 can be pulled through the studs of all fastener members fixed to the carrier 107, so that the stringer is firmly secured to the fold 177, while the edge portion of the cloth II covers the outer side of the stringer.

According to Figs. Ill and 112 the carrier 104 is formed by a drawn thread of polyamide of rectangular cross section. The fastener members 104 are made in a single piece with the connecting studs which form extensions of the fastener 40 members. The studs are formed by a portion 179 of reduced cross section joining the fastener member, of a frusto-conical collar 180 followed by a reduced portion 101 and by an end cone 182 having a laterally projecting base 183. In order ⁴⁵ to attach the fastener members 104 to the carrier, the studs are stuck through the carrier which may be provided with corresponding holes for this purpose. The material of the carrier is yieldable so that after passing the cone 182 and the 50 collar 180 through openings of smaller diameter in the carrier, the material of the latter contracts about the reduced portion 179 of the studs and the fastener members cannot be removed any more from the carrier 184, which is enclosed be⁵⁵ tween the rear end face of the fastener members 104 and the larger face of the frusto-conical collars 180. For attaching the so formed stringer to an article of cloth or other material, the coneshaped ends 182 are stuck through the article 6° ill and if desired also through a washer strip 185 of polyamide or the like. A stitched down fold 1'19 can then be formed to enclose the cones 182, wherafter the studs are prevented from being pulled out of the article by the base 183 of the ⁶⁵ cones bearing against the washer strip 185.

In the example according to Figs. 113 and 114 the connecting studs of the fastener members 104 are similar to those represented in Figs. Ill _ and 112, only the cone-shaped end 182 is replaced by a pointed hook-shaped end 186. The fastener members 104 are fixed to the carrier 184 by sticking the studs through holes in the carrier 184 whereafter the frusto-conical collar 180 prevents 75 removal of the carrier, while attaching of the

9,807,881 stringer to article III is obtained in the same manner as described with respect to Figs. Ill and 112.

In the modification according to Figs. 115 to 117 the connecting stud 1ST has a hook-shaped pointed end forming a retaining surface 159 and a reduced portion 185. For attaching the .fastener members 104 to the carrier 190 which is preferably formed by a thread of polyamide, the fastener members are provided with an open slot 191 (Fig. 117) into which the carrier, thread is inserted. After insertion of the thread, an extension 192 of the fastener member is bent down upon the thread into clamping engagement therewith as shown in Fig. 116, thus fixedly to secure said member to the thread. The surface portion 193 of the fastener member serves as guide for the usual slider operating the stringers, m order to attach the stringer to a piece of cloth, the studs 187 are stuck through the cloth and through a washer strip 185 against which the retaining surface 189 is bearing to prevent removal of the stringer from the cloth III.

In Figs. 118 to 120 the connecting stud 193 formed as extension of the fastener member 104 is stuck through the carrier 194 which penetrates into recesses 195 of the fastener member. The connecting stud is provided with a reduced portion 196 forming retaining surfaces 197 which bear against a washer strip 185 after the stud has been stuck through the cloth 111 and through the washer strip.

In the example according to Figs. 121 and 122 the carrier of the fastener members (04 is formed by two distinct threads or wires 198 and 199 one of which is of circular and the other of rectangular cross section; the cross sectional area, however, could also be otherwise. The two threads 198 and 199 can be passed through corresponding holes in the fastener members (04 which are secured in any convenient manner on the threads, for example by an adhesive, by pressing or soldering, or by die casting the members on the threads, or by casting the threads and the fastener members in a single piece, in which case the threads 198 and 199 form webs between successive fastener members. The connecting studs 108 are provided with a pointed end 109 and with an opening receiving a locking thread 112 after the ends of the studs have been stuck through the article III until the shoulder 1(4 abuts against the surface of the article.

As represented in Figs. 123 and 124 the fastener members 104 are provided with a laterally open slot 200 before they are fixed to the carrier 107. This latter is inserted into the slot 200 and then an extension 20( originally provided on the fastener member is bent down upon the carrier which is thus firmly clamped in the slot 200. The connecting stud 202 is formed as extension of the fastener member and provided with a hookshaped end 203 forming a retaining surface 204. In order to attach the stringer to a piece of cloth 111, the studs are stuck through the cloth and through a washer strip 105 of yielding material until the shoulder 205 of the stud abuts against the outer surface of the cloth. The retaining surface 204 bearing against the washer strip 185 prevents the studs from being pulled off the cloth.

The fastener stringer represented in Figs. 125 to 127 is similar to the example Just described. The flexible carrier 107 is inserted into a lateral slot 200 of the fastener members 104 and is clamped therein by means of two originally projecting noses 206 of the fastener members. The end portion 203 of the connecting studs 202 is provided at opposite sides with two axially dis5 placed retaining noses 207 and 208.. The two noses are also laterally displaced as can be seen from Fig. 127 representing a cross section through a stud, in order to attach the stringer to a piece of cloth 111 the end 203 of the stud is stuck with 10 both retaining noses 207 and 208 through tile cloth and through a washer strip 185 until the shoulder 205 of the stud abuts against the cloth. The upper retaining nose 207 then bears against the washer strip 185 and prevents the stringer 15 from being pulled off the cloth 111.

In the example according to Figs. 128 to 130 the fastener stringers comprise a flexible carrier 295 to which are fixed on one side spacing members 296 for the fastener members 297, and on 20 the other side connecting studs 298 for attaching the stringer to an article 299. The fastener members are provided with the usual coupling projection 300 and cooperating socket 301, and are movably mounted between successive spacing 25 members 296. For this purpose the fastener members are provided at opposite sides with slots 302 having a curved bottom face, into which the spacing members engage with their lateral projections 303. Owing to this movable connection 30 with the carrier 295, the fastener members 297 can effect a limited rocking movement in the plane of the stringer whereby the flexibility of the fastener is increased. The connecting studs 298 of the carrier can be sewn to the article 299, and 35 are provided with enlargements 304 between which the sewing stitches 304* are passed over the studs so as to prevent a transverse movement of the carrier.

In Figs. 128 to 130 the spacing members 296 40 and the connecting studs 299 are provided on the carrier in the same transverse planes, while in the example according to Figs. 131 to 133 the studs 305 are longitudinally displaced relatively to the spacing members 296. The fastener mem45 bers 297 are connected to the spacing members in the same manner as in Figs. 129 and 130. The connecting studs 305 as viewed in transverse cross section have faces opposite the cloth which are V-shaped as shown in Fig. 133, and are pro50 vided with enlargements 304 between which the stitches are passed over the stud for attaching the stringer to a piece of cloth. The needle used for sewing can slide down the inclined faces of the studs when it arrives on top of a stud.

In the example according to Figs. 134 and 135 the carrier 295 of the fastener members 297 is again provided with connecting studs 293 which are destined to be sewn to the cloth 299. The spacing members 306 on the carrier are provided 60 with slots 307 having a curved bottom face, and the fastener members have curved projections 308 on opposite sides which are engaged in the slots 307 of successive spacing members 309. The fastener members are thus movable relatively to the carrier in the plane of the stringer. In the modification shown in Fig. 136 the carrier 295 is thicker than the connecting studs 298' so as to form an abutment surface for the edge of the cloth 299.

In the example according to Figs. 137 and 138 the fastener members 297 are provided with curved slots 307' on opposite sides thereof and the spacing members 296 are provided with correspondingly curved projections 308' engaging the slots 307' of the fastener members.

3,397,331

In the modification shown in Mgs. 139 and 140 the fastener members 297 are provided with slots 302 as in Fig. 129 into which penetrate the lateral projections of the spacing members 299. For connecting the stringer to an article of cloth 299 ft the carrier is provided with studs 312 having pointed ends and lateral retaining noses 313. The studs are stuck with these noses through the cloth 299 and through a washer strip 314 which may consist of polyamide. The upper nose 313 then 10 bears against the washer strip and prevents the studs from sliding off the cloth. The edge portion of the cloth can be folded over the ends of the studs and can be used to form a seam enclosing the studs. 18

In the examples according to Figs. 128 to 140 the number of connecting studs on a carrier corresponds to the number of spacing members on the carrier serving to movably fix the fastener members to the carrier; obviously, the number of 20 studs on a carrier could be greater or smaller than the number of spacing members.