Abstract: A method of molding articles including the steps of continuously moving a forming mold and a band-like molding member in a first and second endless path, respectively, engaging the respective mold and member through a region of engagement to form a continuous open-ended molding cavity; injecting hardenable material into the cavity; intermixing and compacting the hardenable material before hardening into an article and then disengaging the mold and band before removing the article.

Abstract: In a stringer for a slide fastener wherein coupling elements are molded on longitudinal supporting means, such as an edge of a tape or spaced connecting threads, leg portions of the coupling elements are formed with recesses to define rapidly cooled portions which are molded to the supporting means. The rapidly cooled portions eliminate porosity to produce greater adherence and strength of the polymer bonding the coupling elements to the supporting means as well as reducing cost.

Abstract: One or more inner bands are employed to cooperate with an outer band and a cavity wheel or inner molding member wherein portions of the inner band or bands together with the outer band and the cavity wheel or inner molding member are utilized to continuously form the cavities for continuously molding articles. The inner band or bands are employed to form core members, intermediate cavity wall portions, and/or stripping members for the molding cavities.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding and forming a continuous train of slide fastener coupling element bodies into a train of coupling elements includes a rotating forming disc against which the coupling element bodies are fed. The train is held on the forming disc for a portion of the disc rotation by a pair of flexible discs which clamp the leg portions of the bodies against the sides of the forming disc. After rotation through a portion of the forming disc circumference, the flexible discs are cammed outwardly and the train of coupling elements is pulled from the discs.

Abstract: Lengths of slide fastener chain are pulled through a shearing station wherein the slide fastener chain is subjected to vibratory shearing at least partially in a direction parallel to the plane of the tapes whereby operating resistance of the chain is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A continuous flexible metal band surrounding a molding wheel and rotating therewith engages the wheel through an arc less than 180.degree., e.g. 110.degree., and is maintained with a substantial inward radius of curvature throughout its entire length. This permits the employment of bands with cavities therein and having thicknesses several times greater than 0.001 times the diameter of the molding wheel without fatigue and failure of the band.

Abstract: Heel portions of filamentary coupling members have cross-sectional areas that are reduced relative to the cross-sectional areas of the adjoining leg portions by means of the removal of portions of the heels. The reduced cross-sectional areas in the heels of the filamentary members result in easier slider operation and/or greater crosswise slide fastener strength.

Abstract: A slide fastener stringer with coupling elements molded on inner edge portions of a tape has connecting portions molded through openings formed in the tape between upper and lower leg portions molded on the upper and lower sides of the tape. The openings in the tape are formed by displacement of tape material in the tape and setting of at least a portion of the displaced tape material in regions adjacent each of the openings to maintain the openings during the molding.

Abstract: A pet waste containment or waste matter disposer unit is disclosed as including a first sheet of sealable material for receiving the waste matter and a covering sheet of sealable material superimposed relative to the first sheet. The free marginal edges of the superimposed sheets are then sealed to each other to form a package and the now encapsulated waste material can be easily and sanitarily disposed.

Abstract: A method for forming slide fasteners with attached sewing guides is disclosed wherein a stock strip of paper is coated with adhesive and release material and subsequently formed into pairs of member sections which are folded and then assembled on center sections to form composite sections. Perforated sewing lines and/or window openings are punched in the composite sections and the composite sections are attached by at least two of the strips of the pressure sensitive adhesive to the tapes of slide fasteners to form slide fasteners with attached sewing guides.

Abstract: One or more inner bands are employed to cooperate with an outer band and a cavity wheel or inner molding member wherein portions of the inner band or bands together with the outer band and the cavity wheel or inner molding member are utilized to continuously form the cavities for continuously molding articles. The inner band or bands are employed to form core members, intermediate cavity wall portions, and/or stripping members for the molding cavities.

Abstract: A coupling element for a slide fastener has a grooved head adapted to receive tongues of opposed elements to prevent lateral shifting of the elements. The tongues, as well as tapes embedded in the elements, are upwardly offset from the center of the elements so that the top edges of the tapes, the tongues and the grooves are coplanar. Flat abutment surfaces at the rear of the head absorb transverse loads and stabilize the fastener.

Abstract: A bag with an elongated opening formed at one end thereof is opened and closed by means of a slide fastener having its respective tapes attached to the respective sides of the opening. Means, such as a rippable line of stitches, a low peel adhesive on an inner portion of one tape, etc., is provided to hold the bag closed and prevent tension on the coupling elements of the slide fastener during shipping and storing of the bag and its contents.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding and forming a continuous train of slide fastener coupling element bodies into a train of coupling elements includes a rotating forming disc against which the coupling element bodies are fed. The train is held on the forming disc for a portion of the disc rotation by a pair of flexible discs which clamp the leg portions of the bodies against the sides of the forming disc. After rotation through a portion of the forming disc circumference, the flexible discs are cammed outwardly and the train of coupling elements is pulled from the discs.

Abstract: Sliders are installed on separated ends of slide fastener stringers by positioning the slide fastener stringers on an upper surface of a stringer guiding means which has converging flanges for guiding and directing slider engaging means of the stringers into the converging openings of the slider.

Abstract: In a woven slide fastener employing spaced coupling elements molded on connecting threads wherein the weft thread loops around the connecting threads between each element to secure the coupling elements to the edge of the tape, the connecting threads are reinforced between the elements by molded projections, sheaths, webs, or the like integral with the coupling elements. Additionally there are disclosed offset heel portions of coupling element legs to increase slider flange engaging surfaces.

Abstract: A low cost slide fastener stringer is disclosed as including a tape formed from layers of diverse non-fabric synthetic polymer materials, with a row of coupling elements attached along a folded edge of the tape.

Abstract: A slide fastener is disclosed in which a plurality of thermoplastic coupling elements are each individually secured to ribs on a pair of mounting tapes. A raised attachment boss is formed on the interior of the leg portions of each coupling element with the attachment bosses each being ultrasonically fused to the ribs on the mounting tapes.

Abstract: A continuous flexible metal band surrounding a molding wheel and rotating therewith engages the wheel through an arc less than 180.degree., e.g. 110.degree., and is maintained with a substantial inward radius of curvature throughout its entire length. This permits the employment of bands with cavities therein and having thicknesses several times greater than 0.001 times the diameter of the molding wheel without fatigue and failure of the band.

Abstract: A guide including one or more members formed from planar material, such as paper, is removably attached to a slide fastener. Article edge portions bordering an opening in an article are removably attached to the guide. The guide retains the edge portions of the article in position relative to the slide fastener during sewing of the edge portions to the slide fastener.