Abstract: An interlocking element for a slide fastener is provided by substantially laminar flow of synthetic polymer resin through one of a pair of leg portions extending from opposite sides of a head portion of the element, through the head portion, and through the other of the pair of leg portions.

Abstract: Each stringer of a slide fastener includes a plurality of spaced coupling elements, molded on continuous connecting threads, with wing portions extending into the spaces between the legs of coupling elements on the upper side thereof. The stringer tape weft threads are looped over the connecting threads and pass over the edges of the wing portions adjacent the heads of the coupling elements while a number of the warp threads interwoven with the weft threads overlie the legs and wing portions to form a slide fastener chain with hidden or invisible elements.

Abstract: Stitching, such as a straight line of stitches or an overedge stitch, secures the opposite halves of a folded tape together adjacent to interconnecting portions of a continuous coupling element encircled by strap portions of the tape defined by slits extending transversely over the folded edge through which head portions of the coupling element protrude.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus, a continuous filament coupling element for a slide fastener is formed and an inside surface of one leg portion of a pair of leg portions at each section of the coupling element is deformed to form interlocking means such as a sharp edge, groove, tooth, or the like. An elongated member is biased against the interlocking means to interlock therewith and prevent longitudinal and transverse movement of the elongated member relative to the leg portions. The coupling element is secured to a tape to complete the stringer.

Abstract: A gap is formed in a slide fastener chain by cutting out a section of the interlocking fastening elements and the inner longitudinal edge portions of tapes supporting the fastening elements to be removed. A narrow band bordering the gap is formed by compressing and fusing thermoplastic threads in the tapes adjacent the gap.

Abstract: One or more external cords are secured to the outside of a folded support tape alongside a bead formed in the folded edge of the tape by interconnecting portions of a continuous coupling element passing through strap portions of the tape defined by slits over the folded edge.

Abstract: Coupling elements of slide fastener stringers are deformed by transverse forces of mating elements. The longitudinal spacing of coupling elements is modified by stretching or shrinking tape portions supporting the elements.

Abstract: A stringer for a slide fastener is formed by assembling head portions of a spiral coupling element through slots in a support member which is folded and secured to retain the spiral coupling element by strap portions between the slots extending at an oblique angle to the folded edge.

Abstract: A stringer for a slide fastener has a coupling element formed from a continuous filament with leg portions secured to a tape-like portion wherein an elongated member is interposed between the superimposed leg portions. The leg portions are provided with grooves, teeth, or the like, for interlocking with the elongated member to restrain longitudinal and transverse movement of the leg portions relative to the elongated member. The elongated member provides dimensional stability to the coupling element.

Abstract: A method of making slide fastener coils is disclosed wherein coils of filamentary material are secured to adjacent edges of a pair of carrier tapes. Each coil of filamentary material is formed from a filament having a specially shaped cross section which is arranged in a mirror image relationship with respect to its adjacent filamentary coil. During formation of the filamentary coils, they are simultaneously wound on a mandrel having differently shaped surfaces which aid in the final shaping of each coil.

Abstract: A method of forming a slide fastener having terminal fastener elements reduced in size relative to the remaining fastener elements includes supporting a slide fastener chain to expose the terminal fastener elements, reducing the size of the terminal fastener elements, and fusing a mass of fusible material onto each slide fastener tape to form stop members.

Abstract: A stringer for a slide fastener is formed by assembling head portions of a spiral coupling element through slots in a support member which is folded and secured to retain the spiral coupling element by strap portions between the slots extending at an oblique angle to the folded edge.

Abstract: A stringer for a slide fastener has a coupling element formed from a continuous filament with superimposed leg portions and an attaching member. An elongated flexible member extending parallel the attaching member and between the superimposed leg portions is gripped by a groove, a tooth, or the like formed on one leg portion of each pair of leg portions to restrain longitudinal and transverse movement of the leg portions relative to the elongated member. Thread means secures the coupling element and elongated member to one side of the tape by extending over the elongated member or over the one leg portion only between the superimposed leg portions. The elongated member provides dimensional stability to the coupling element.

Abstract: A slide fastener and method and apparatus for making the same is disclosed wherein the slide fastener chain includes a pair of carrier tapes with interlocking elements on adjacent edges thereof and portions of the tapes are compacted to constitute strips or bands arresting fiber slippage of the tape fabrics.

Abstract: A stringer for a slide fastener has a continuous filamentary coupling element attached to an edge of a tape with a pair of spaced elongated members, such as textile cords, interposed between and secured to leg portions of each section of the coupling element. The spaced pair of elongated members provide stability to the continuous coupling element.