Abstract: The present invention relates to a seaming apparatus (10) for joining, along a seam without thread, two or more flexible sheets (12, 14). The apparatus comprises bonding means (16, 18) for bonding together at least two flexible sheet materials. The bonding means has a nip portion (36) for releasably engaging together sheet material, and drive means (20, 22) formed and arranged for engaging sheet material, and moving it incrementally through the bonding means. The drive means is formed and arranged to co-operate with the nip portion so as to sequentially nip then drive material through the apparatus wherein only one of the nip portion or the drive means is in contact with sheet material at any given moment. A method for joining flexible sheets by use of the apparatus of the invention is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slide fastener suitable for providing a water resistant closure between two edges of material. The fastener comprises first and second stringer tapes, each stringer tape having a multiplicity of coupling elements disposed in a row therealong and a slider captively engaged with the opposed rows of coupling elements of the first and second stringer tapes for reciprocal movement therealong and for bringing the coupling elements into and out of interlocking engagement.