Title of Invention

CONNECTOR-EQUIPPED CORD

Abstract

A connector-equipped cord canprises: a flat belt (2) having on its opposite ends (7) a number of ridges (8) IOOlded of thenooplastic resin; a netallic connector (1) having a pair of jaws (3) adapted to clamp the ends of the flat belt (2), the jaws (3) having on their inner .surfaces a number of teeth (4) engageable with the ridges (8); and a connecting ring (5) projecting fran one end of said connector (1) I .J:arotely fran the jaws (3).

Full Text

This invention relates to a connector-equipped cord, which has at one end thereof a connector, for use as a handle string for a porch, a folding uriibrella, a handy phone, etc. and also as a pull string for a slide fastener slider. 2. Description of the Related Art: In a conventional handle string of this type for porches, holding umbrellas, handy phones, etc., a cord is inserted through a ring or a swivel connector and is fixed to it by a screw or a ring holder. Then in use, the ring or swivel connector is attached to a porch, a folding umbrella, a handy phone, etc. Further, as a pull string for a slide fastener slider, it is known to insert a cord through a hole in a free end of a pull tab of the slide fastener slider and is fixed to it by a screw, and then to attach the resvilting slide fastener to an opening in, for exanple, a porch. Further, FIG. 10 of the accatpanylng drawings shows a cord disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 1-48761. In this conventional cord, opposite ends of the cord 102 abut with each other to form a loop and embedded in a thick-plate terminal 103 molded of thermoplastic resin having a central hole 112. FIG. 11 shows a slide fastener slider pull tab disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Hei 5-10654. This cxjnventional pull tab is corrposed of a first mariber 201 made of metal or hard thermoplastic resin and having a connecting ring at one end and an engaging portion 204 in a form of a transverse T groove at the other end, and a second member 202 made of soft and elastic thermoplastic resin and having an engaged portion 207 in a form of an enlarged head, which is to be fitted in the T groove, at one end and a ribbed grip at the other end. FIG. 12 shows an attaching manber, for a pull tab of a slide fastener slider, vdiich is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Hei 1-89006. This attaching member, vAiich is made of resilliently deformable material, has at one end a ring 305 to be loosely attached to a pull-tab-attadhing lug on a slider body and at the other end a pair of jaws 303 for clanping a free end of the pull tab 302, each jaw 303 having on its inner surface a nucriber of teeth 304 extending in different directions. However, in any of the conventional handle cords using a ring or a swivel connector, since the cord is inserted through the ring or the swivel connector and is then folded, and thereafter, the folded portion is secured by the screw or the ring holder, great load would act on the folded portion vdien the pull tab is pulled or turned, thus damaging the cord so that adequate durability cannot be ejcpected. In the cord of FIG. 10, since the abutting opposite ends 107 of the cord 102 are embedded in the terminal 103 molded of thermoplastic synthetic resin by Injection molding means, only non-stable connection of the cord 102 can be achieved. Also this conventional cord requires a relatively complex manufacturing process and therefore is not suitable for mass production. Further, in the conventional pull tab of FIG. 11, since a neck portion of the enlarged head of the engaged portion 207 of the second maiiber 202 is smaller In thickness than the ranaining portion, there is a danger that the piiLL tab might be damaged if a great pull force acts on the pull tab v*dle using. In the conventional pull tab attaching matiber of FIG. 12, since the teeth 304 on the inner surface of each of the opposite jaws 303 of the attaching mariber have to be formed so as to esrtend in different directions, it needs a coiplex manufacturing process for such attaching maiiber, thus causing only a limited rate of production. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a primary object of this invention to provide a connector-equipped cord, as a handle string or a slide fastener slider pull string, having a mechanism vAiich can attach a connector having at one end a connecting ring, firmly to ends of a flat belt in a siirple operation and vM.cih improves the rate of production and hence is suitable for mass production. A second object of the invention is to provide a connector-equipped cord which is suitable for various kinds of uses by specifying a form of connecting mechanism among various selective forms of the cord. A thixd object of tiie invention is to provide a connector-equipped cord having a connector vAiich can be attached precisely and slnply to a belt by specifying a material and a structure among different selective materials and structures of the belt. A fourth object of the invention is to provide a connector-equipped cord having a connector v*iich can be attached to a belt precisely and siitply by specifying a connecting mechanism on the belt and a connecting mechanism on the connector among various selective forms, and having a connector v*iich can be selected from various kinds and adequately durable. According to a first aspect of the invention, the objects are acccnplished by a connector-equipped cord, vM.ch is to be used as a handle cord or a slide fastener slider pull string, conprising: a belt having on each of its opposite ends at least one ridge molded of thermoplastic resin; a metallic connector having a pair of jaws adapted to claitp the ends of the flat belt, the jaws havuig on their inner surfaces a number of teeth engageable with the ridges; and a connecting ring projecting from one end of the connector remotely from the jaws. The ridges may be arranged in two rows on one surface of each of the ends of the belt, and the teeth are arranged in two rows on the inner surface of each of the jaws of the connector, ■vtoLch has a bifurcated shape, the ridges on the ends of the belt being clanped by the teeth as the jaws of the connector are pressed toward each other, the belt being a single or double form. Accrarding to a secxand aspect of the invention, the objects are accotiplished also by a connector-equipped cord ccrrprising: a belt having on each of its opposite ends a plate molded of thermoplastic resin, the plate having in its surface a central recess extending transversely and a guide surface adjacent to the central recess extending transversely; a metallic connector having a clanping matiber of U-sh^)e cross section, adapted to clairp at least one of the ends of the belt, the clamping member having at least one tooth projecting centrally from each of the inner surfaces thereof so as to be fitted in the respective irecesses in a snap action, the belt being a single or double form. The guide surface may be a bottcxn surface of a stepped side groove, the bottom surface having a slope, viiile the tooth has a slope. Further, the plate may have a generally S-shape recess, the guide surface having a slope, vAiile a plurality of teeth are arranged in a staggered pattern respectively on each inner surface of the clanping member, so as to be received in the S-shape recess. Preferably, the ridge or the plate may be disposed respectively on one surface of each of the ends of the belt. The ridge or the plate may be integrally molded with the belt by an injection molding means. Further, it is preferable that the belt is bent in a U-sh^)e so as that the opposite ends having the ridges or the plates are clanped by the jaws or the U-shape cross-section clanping mariber of the connector. Furthermore, the ridges or the plates may be disposed on both siirfaces of each of the ends of the belt by an injection molding means. Also preferably, the belt may be a braid, a knit string, a knit or woven tape, each of v*iich is formed of synthetic fiber yams, such as polyamide, polyester, polyvinylalchol, polyethylene or polypropylene, or a flat string formed of a non-woven synthetic fiber cloth, or a flat string of synthetic, artificial leather, or natural leather. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector-equipped cord; FIG. 2 is a side view of the connector-equipped cord of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a side view of a connector-equipped cord according to a second embodiment of this invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the manner in vdiich a number of molded ridges are formed on a belt; FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of an elongated belt; FIG. 6 is a side view of another connector-eqirLpped cord according to a third embodiment of this invention; FIG. 7 is an ejq)loded perspective view, with parts broken away, of a connector-equipped cord according to a fourth aribodiment of this invention; FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector-equipped cord according to a fifth embodlnent; FIG. 9 is an e3q)loded perspective view showing a cxDnnector-equipped cord according to a sixth aiibodiinent; FIG. 10 is a plan view of a conventional connector-equipped cord; FIG. 11 is an e35)loded perspective view showing a slide fastener slider in viiich a conventional piiLL tab is lased; and FIG. 12 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional view showing another conventional pull tab for a slide fastener slider. nRTATT.Rn DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBCT)IMENTS Various preferred enbodiments of a connector-equipped cord according to this invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accoipanylng drawings. The connector-equipped cord (hereinafter called the cord) of this invention is particularly useful v*ien used as a handle cord for a bag, a folding umbrella, etc., or as a pull string for a slide fastener slider. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cord is a two-member structure cotposed of a bifurcated connector 1 of metal and a belt 2 of synthetic fibers. The connector 1 includes a pair of jaws 3, each jaw 3 having on its inner surface two rows of transverse teeth 4 confronting those on an opposite jaw 3. The connector 1 also includes a connecting ring 5 to be attached to a product, pivotally attached to a stpport 6 projecting fran an outer surface of a coimon base of the jasra 3. The belt 2 may be a braid, a knit string or a woven tape, each of viiich is formed of synthetic fiber yams such as of polyamide, polyester, polyvinylalcohol, polyethylene or polypropylene, or a stiff flat string formed of a non-woven synthetic fiber cloth, or a flat string of fake leather such as synthetic leather or artificial leather, or natural leather. The belt 2 has on one surface of each of opposite ends 7 two rows of ridges 8 extending transversely and molded of thermoplastic resin, such as polyamide, polyacetal, polypropylene and polybutyleneterephtalate, by injection molding means. The belt 2 is folded double about its center in such a manner that the molded ridges 8 are e3qx)sed on the outer surfaces, and then the molded ridges 8 are inserted between the upper and lower jaws 3 of the connector 1 so as to be caught by the teeth 4 on the upper and lower jaws 3. Besides the ridges 8, the belt 2 end surfaces are clanped by the teeth 4. The length of the belt 2 depends on the kind of a product to v*iich the cord is to be connected. FIG. 3 shows a second enbodiment similar to the foregoing enibodiment except that two teeth 4 project from the inner surface of the ipper jaw 3 vArLle only a single tooth 4 projects from the inner siicface of the lower jaw 3. Also only one end 7 of the unfolded belt 2 v*iich is not folded is clartped between the upper and lower jaws 3, and has molded ridges 8 facing upwardly and caught by the two teeth 4 on the upper jaw 3, while the other end 7 is left not clairped. The two molded ridges 8 exposed on the surface of the other end 7 of the belt 2 serves to prevent the same belt end 7 frem being frayed and to perform a non-skid function vAien the cord is used as a slide fastener pull tab. This belt 2 is manufactured by the injection molding means as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. For exanple, a continuous length of belt 2 of synthetic fibers is continuously supplied to a molding machine in vtoLch upper and lower dies 15, 16 are disposed in confronting relation so as to define between than a belt channel 17, the upper die 15 having four ridge-forming cavities 18 spaced at equal distances and ccmnunicating with the belt channel 17. In timed relation to this continuous supply of the belt 2, thermoplastic resin is molded on an upper surface of the belt 2 by injection. Thus successive groups of four-ridges 8 are molded at equal distances on one surface of the continuous belt 2, viiereupon the continuoios belt 2 is severed centrally at every group of four-ridges 8 to conplete individual belts 2 of a predetermined length each having two ridge 8 at each end. FIG. 6 shows a third onbodiment similar to the second embodiment except that each of opposite jaws 3 of a bifurcated connector 1 has only a single tooth 4 at its distal end and that a connecting ring 5 integrally projects fron the outer surface of a cannon base of the opposite jaws 3. Also the belt 2 has a pair of ridges 8 molded one on each of upper and lower surfaces; the ridges 8 on the urpper and lower surfaces of one belt end 7 are cau^t by the teeth 4 of the upper and lower javre 3, vAiile those on the other belt end 7 are left free. Alternatively the ridge 8 may be molded on only one surf aoe of the belt 2. FIG. 7 shows a fourth OTbodlment in vdxLch one side of a clanping member having a U-shape cax)ss-section is closed by a side wall 9, the claroping member 3 having in a f ix)nt end thereof a slot 10 through v*u.dh the belt 2 is to be inserted. Each of upper and lower inner surfaces of the clanping member 3 has a single rectangular tooth 4 projecting centrally therefrom and having at one side a slope 11. The belt 2 has on one surface at eacii end 7 thereof a molded plate 28 having in its surface a central recess 12 and a stepped side groove 13 comnwnicating with the central recess 12. The side groove 13 has a slope 14 at a side toward the central recess 12. FIG. 8 shows a connector-equipped cord according to a fifth embodiment. In the illustrated oiibodlinent, the clanping member 3 having a U-shape cross section has a pair of openings at its opposite side surfaces, and has in a front end thereof a slot 10 through v*iich the belt 2 is to be Inserted. Each of upper and lower inner surfaces of the clanping member 3 has a single rectangular tooth 4 projecting centrally therefrom. The belt 2 has on one surface at each end 7 thereof a molded plate 28, in vdxLch a central recess 12 is formed. The recess 12 has on its opposite sides a pair of side grooves 13 and slopes 14 v^iich form steps at the respective sides of the recess 12. For connecting the thus formed connector 1 and belt 2 together, the belt 2 is folded double with the molded plate 28 facing outwardly. and the plate 28 are Inserted in the U-shaps|cax)ss-section clanping mariber 3 from either side so that the tooth 4 is moved along the side groove 13 to fit in the central recess 12, thus securing the connection between the connector 1 and the belt 2. During this Inserting, the tooth 4 can be smoothly moved from the side groove 13 to the central recess 12 owing to the slope 14. FIG. 9 shows a sixth embodiment in vAiich two teeth 4 are arranged in a staggered pattern projecting centrally on each of the inner surfaces of the clanping maiiber 3 of the connector 1, each tooth 4 having an outer half surface sloping down to its end and an inner half surface in level. On the other hand, a single plate 28 molded on each end 7 of the belt 2 has a generally S-shape recess 12 centrally in its svirface for receiving the staggered two teeth 4 and has a guide surface 14 on each side to facilitate inserting the teeth 4 into the recess 12 from either side. In the foregoing illustrated embodiments, the ridges 8 or the plate 28 may be Integrally molded with the belt 2 by an injection molding means. FIGS .2,3 and 6, reference number 19 designates a slide fastener slider for v*iich the connector-equipped cord of this invention is to be used, and in FIG. 5, reference number 20 designates cutting lines for severing the continuous belt 2 into the individual belts 2. The connector-equipped cord of this invention has the following advantageous results: According to the first aspect of the Invention, since the metallic connector 1 has teeth 4 on the inner surface of each of upper and lower jaws 3 and a connecting ring 5 attached to the outer surface of a cormon base of the upper and lower jaws 3 while the belt 2 has on its ends thermoplastic resin ridges 8 to be caught by the teeth 4, it is possible to attach the belt 2, v*iich serves as a handle string or a slide fastener slider pull string, to the connector 1 sinply and neatly with adequate firmness and to lirprove the rate of production and hence make it suitable for mass production. Further, partly since the belt 2 has two ridges 8 on each of opposite ends 7 viiiile the connector 1 has two teeth 4 on the inner surface of each of the upper and lower jav/s 3, and partly since the ridges 8 on opposite ends 7 of the belt 2 are clairped between the teeth 4 of the tpper and lower jaws 3 as the connector 1 is compressed from the upper and lower sides, it is possible to facilitate mantifacttiring the connector-equipped cord. According to the second aspect of the invention, partly since a molded plate 28 on each end of the belt 2 has in its surface a central recess 12 and a guide surface 14 adjacent to the central recess 12 while a clattping merriber of U-shape cross section has centrally on each of its inner surfaces a tooth 4 to be inserted in the corresponding recess 12 along the guide surface 14 from its side, it is possible to insert the belt 2 into the connector 1 sideways, thus facilitating manufacturing the connector-equipped cord. Since the molded ridges 8 or plate 28 are disposed at least one surface of opposite ends 7 of the belt 2, it is possible to easily mold the ridges 8 or the plate 28 and to reinforce the ends 7 of the belt 2 to thereby make the connector-equipped cord durable and easy to handle. Further, since the belt 2 is attached in a U-bent form to the connector 1, it is possible to make the connector-equipped cord easy to handle. Furthermore, since the belt 2 is a braid, a knit string, a knit or a woven tape, each of which is composed of synthetic fiber yams such as polyamide, polyester, polyvinylalcohol, polyethylene or polypropylene, or a flat string of non-woven cloth ccrrposed of synthetic fibers, or a flat string of synthetic leather, artificial leather, or natural leather, it is possible to fuse the thermoplastic resin ridges 8 with the surface of the belt 2 of synthetic fibers so that the belt 2 can be attached to the connector firmly. WE CLAIM: 1. A connector-equipped cord comprising (a) a belt (2) having on each of its opposite ends (7) at least one ridge (8) molded of thermoplastic resin; (b) a metallic connector (1) having a pair of jaws (3) adapted to clamp at least one of said ends (7) of said belt (2), each of said jaws (3) having on its inner surface a plurality of teeth (4) each engageable with said ridge (8); and (c) a connecting ring (5) disposed at one end of said connector (1) remotely from said jaws (3). 2. The connector-equipped cord as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one ridge (8) is disposed on one surface of each of said ends (7) of said belt(2). 3. The connector-equipped cord as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one ridge (8) and said belt (2) are integrally molded by an injection molding means. 4. The connector-equipped cord as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one ridge (8) is disposed respectively on both surfaces of each of said ends (7) of said belt (2). 5. The connector equipped cord as claimed in any one of the claims of 1 to 4, wherein said belt (2) is bent in a U-shape as said opposite ends (7) are clamped by said jaws (3) of said connector (1). 6. The connector-equipped cord as claimed in claim 1, wherein two ridges (8) are arranged in rows on one surface of each of said ends (7) of said belt (2), and said teeth (4) are arranged in two rows on the inner surface of each of said jaws (3) of said connector (1), which has a bifurcated shape, said ridges (8) on said ends (7) of said belt (2) being clamped by said teeth (4) as said jaws (3) of said connector (1) are pressed toward each other. 7. A connector-equipped cord comprising: (a) a belt (2) having on each of its opposite ends (7) a plate (28) molded of thermoplastic resin, the plate (28) having in its surface a central recess (12) and at least one guide surface (14) adjacent to the central recess (12); (b) a metallic connector (1) having a clamping member (3) of a U-shape cross section adapted to clamp at least one of the ends (7) of the belt (2), the clamping member (3) having at least one tooth (4) projecting centrally from each of inner surfaces thereof so as to be inserted along said guide surface (14) and fitted in the respective recesses (12); and (c) a connecting ring (5) disposed at one end of said connector (1). 8. The connector-equipped cord as claimed in claim 7, wherein said guide surface (14) is a bottom surface of a stepped side groove (13), the bottom surface being a slope (14), and wherein said tooth (4) has a slope (11). 9. The connector-equipped cord as claimed in claim 7, wherein said plate (28) has a generally S-shape recess (12), said guide surface (14) having a slope, and wherein a plurality of teeth (4) are arranged in a staggered pattern respectively on each inner surface of said clamping member (3), so as to be received in said S-shape recess (12). 10. The connector-equipped cord as claimed in any one of the claims of 7 to 9, wherein said plate (28) is disposed on one surface of each of said ends (7) of said belt (2). 11. The connector-equipped cord as claimed in claim 10, wherein said plate (28) and said belt (2) are integrally molded by an injection molding means. 12. The connector-equipped cord as claimed in any one of the claims of 7 to 9, wherein said plate (28) is disposed respectively on both surfaces of each of said ends (7) of said belt (2). 13. The connector equipped cord as claimed in any one of the claims of 7 to 12, wherein said belt (2) is bent in U-shape as said opposite ends (7) are clamped by said clamping member (3). 14. The connector-equipped cord as claimed in any one of the claims of 1 to 13, wherein said belt (2) is a braid, a knit string, a knit or a woven tape, each of which is formed of synthetic fiber yams such as polyamide, polyester, polyvinylalcohol, polyethylene or polypropylene, or a flat string formed of a non-woven synthetic fiber cloth, or a flat string of synthetic leather, artificial leather, or natural leather. 15. A connector equipped cord substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Documents:

1016-mas-1997 abstract duplicate.pdf

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1016-mas-1997 abstract.pdf

1016-mas-1997 claims duplicate.pdf

1016-mas-1997 claims.pdf

1016-mas-1997 correspondence others.pdf

1016-mas-1997 correspondence po.pdf

1016-mas-1997 description (complete) duplicate.pdf

1016-mas-1997 description (complete).pdf

1016-mas-1997 drawings duplicate.pdf

1016-mas-1997 drawings.pdf

1016-mas-1997 form-19.pdf

1016-mas-1997 form-2.pdf

1016-mas-1997 form-26.pdf

1016-mas-1997 form-4.pdf

1016-mas-1997 form-46.pdf

1016-mas-1997 others.pdf

1016-mas-1997 petition.pdf