Abstract: A method for preparing discontinuous zipper chain for use in apparel manufacturing includes: programming a teeth-securing machine to secure zipper teeth at specified intervals along an edge of each of a pair of zipper tapes; feeding the pair of zipper tapes into the teeth-securing machine so as to secure interlocking zipper teeth to the zipper tapes at the specified intervals, thereby forming a discontinuous zipper chain having successive toothed sections positioned along a length thereof and spaced apart from one another by gap sections without zipper teeth; and spooling or packaging the discontinuous zipper chain for use in apparel manufacturing.

Abstract: A method of preparing a cut length of slide fastener chain for operational use includes: providing a system that includes first and second machines; providing a cut length of slide fastener chain; introducing a notch to one end of the cut length of slide fastener chain, using the first machine; orienting a slider body onto a positioning device, using the second machine, so that the slider body is in a fixed position; inserting the notched end of the cut length of slide fastener chain into a mouth of the slider body; and pulling the cut length of slide fastener chain through the slider body by a distance, thereby mounting the slider body to the cut length of slide fastener chain.

Abstract: Zippers components such as a traditional pin and box assembly may be affixed to zipper stringer tapes by a simple injection molding process. When a non-traditional magnetic alignment assembly is used in place of a traditional pin and box assembly, other means are needed to adequately affix the components of the magnetic alignment assembly to the zipper stringer tapes in order to provide a durable finished zipper.

Abstract: Zippers with two sliders used for certain applications function better if the tooth pitch of the zipper teeth is extremely precise, and the pin/box assembly mounted to each end of the zipper is mounted so that the pins of each pin/box assembly are mounted on one zipper stringer and the boxes of each pin/box are mounted on the other zipper stringer. A zipper of such construction is well-suited for use in fastening a mattress cover, a boat cover, an automobile soft-top, and similar articles.

Abstract: Zippers components such as a traditional pin and box assembly may be affixed to zipper stringer tapes by a simple injection molding process. When a non-traditional magnetic alignment assembly is used in place of a traditional pin and box assembly, other means are needed to adequately affix the components of the magnetic alignment assembly to the zipper stringer tapes in order to provide a durable finished zipper.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide adhesive zipper tape. A zipper may be coupled to adhesive zipper tape to form a zipper assembly. In various embodiments, the adhesive zipper tape may be coupled to a piece of fabric, such as in a garment, around an opening. The zipper may then be used to open and close the opening. In various embodiments, the adhesive zipper tape may manifest an adhesive quality when activated by an activation stimulus, such as heat or air.

Abstract: Slide fasteners (zippers) used for certain applications function better if the zipper tape can stretch in the lateral direction. When a zipper is used to close certain articles such as luggage, boots, or certain garments, it can be difficult to easily and fully close a zipper if there is a significant lateral load pulling at the tapes perpendicular to the direction that the slider is pulled. By using a zipper that includes a zipper tape that stretches in the lateral direction, it is possible to more easily close such articles while maintaining a neat appearance of the zipper on the article.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a hook and eye closure for garments such as brassieres. The eye tape and/or the hook tape is formed of laminated elastically elongatable layers, and can incorporate a cushioning layer to provide a comfortable and self-adjusting fit to garments. The lamination of the elastically elongatable layers allows manufacturing on existing equipment and helps provide smooth, soft edges, particularly when ultrasonically cut.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a wearer-friendly hook and eye closure for garments such as brassieres. In order to provide comfort, the eye closure component of the hook and eye closure includes, as part of its structure, a laminated foam or rubber-type padding. This foam or rubber could also be used without lamination. The foam or rubber-type base provides a cushion shielding the wearer from the feeling of the metal hardware. The foam edges also provide soft edges on the eye tape for extra comfort to the wearer. In addition, the backing material of this laminated foam eye tape is printable, so that label instructions can be printed on to it, and the brassiere can be designed tag-free for additional comfort. This hook and eye tape is also dyeable, so it can be offered in any desired color.