CN103476290A

CN103476290A - Method of preparing slide fastener

Info

Publication number: CN103476290A
Application number: CN2012800183020A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 水见直之
Original assignee: YKK Corp
Current assignee: YKK Corp
Priority date: 2011-04-13
Filing date: 2012-04-12
Publication date: 2013-12-25
Anticipated expiration: 2032-04-12
Also published as: TW201247122A; GB201106283D0; WO2012140430A1; EP2696717A1; CN103476290B; TWI480003B; GB2491801A; EP2696717B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of preparing a slide fastener comprising: a pair of first and second stringers (102, 103) each comprising a tape (105a, 105b) and a row of coupling elements (107) mounted on one longitudinal edge of the tape; and a slider (112) adapted to slideably move along the rows of the coupling elements; wherein the coupling elements comprise plastic material; and wherein the coupling elements further comprise decorative elements (120) and which comprises the steps of: shaping and securing the plastic coupling elements to the tape prior to attachment of the decorative elements; followed by heating the coupling elements and the decorative elements together to secure the decorative elements to the coupling elements.

Description

Method for producing slide fastener

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a slide fastener, in particular a method of manufacturing a coupling element of a slide fastener made of a plastic material, wherein the coupling element is decorated with a decorative element.

Background

Since there is a need for new designs for the fashion and household industries at one time, the nature of the zipper or zipper on a particular garment or article can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of the final article. This is also true for various aspects of the zipper, from the coupling element to the slider to the pull tab of the zipper.

However, despite the always attractive appearance required, the zipper is still functional: ensuring the successful operation of the clothes or household articles.

One problem associated with zippers is the inherent nature of the coupling or locking elements that form the zipper closure mechanism to receive foreign objects. The presence of foreign objects, if not detected, can damage the closure mechanism by preventing the slider from moving along the length of the zipper. In addition, removal of the foreign object can cause damage to the coupling elements, rendering the zipper incapable of being reclosed.

This is particularly the case for plastic bonding media. The plastic bonding medium can be easily damaged by the presence of plastic fibers produced during the accidental incoming manufacturing process, which can lead to fraying of the bonding medium edges if not detected.

For this reason, further beautification of bonding media made of plastic materials strong enough to withstand zipper operation, yet still having an attractive appearance, has been a significant challenge to the zipper manufacturing industry. For example, molding a bonding medium made of a plastic material with holes or depressions for receiving decorative objects such as gems or beads increases the likelihood that plastic fibers, which may remain on the teeth until the decorated zipper has been used multiple times. The abrasion of the bonding medium then causes the fibers to become detached from the bonding medium, but at the same time, increases the chance of the fibers becoming lodged between the bonding media, thereby causing damage.

In addition, the decorative elements used to finish the garment and thus the zipper, such as beads and crystals, are not only difficult to handle, but also costly to manufacture and use. Therefore, when decorating a slide fastener with these crystals and decorative beads, it is important that the decorative elements not only remain securely in place on the slide fastener, but also that the decorative elements be protected from excessive wear and damage which would eventually cause the decorative elements to lose their luster, and which would also be present on the slide fastener to the greatest extent possible.

The requirements to be met as listed above have led to a number of difficulties associated with the manufacture of joining elements made of plastic material, of suitable dimensions and of sufficient strength to hold the decorative element. Furthermore, with the usual injection moulding and thermoplastic solidification methods associated with mass production of joining elements made of plastic material, there is no control of the shape of the joining elements. Thus, if the decorative element is placed in the mold prior to injection molding, it is best that the decorative element may be covered by the molded bonding element, and it is worst that the injection molding process may actually cause damage to the decorative element.

It is therefore desirable to provide a method of making a coupling element made of a plastic material which is decorated with elements such as, for example, beads or crystals and which can subsequently be used to make a plastic zipper. It would also be desirable to provide a method of making a coupling element decorated or embellished with a decorative element that can withstand the rigors of everyday use in a particular garment or soft furnishing to which a zipper is attached and which protects the decorative element from damage. That is, there is a need for a method of producing a coupling element made of plastic that has no rough edges on the coupling element, and that is attractive in appearance and yet has an effective closure mechanism, as compared to existing zippers.

Prior art slide fasteners conventionally include a pair of fastener tapes on which rows of individual coupling elements are mounted, the coupling elements cooperating or interdigitating when the fastener tapes are threaded through a slider mounted on one of the fastener tapes, so that the fastener can be closed or opened accordingly.

However, the interdigitation of the coupling elements has a limiting effect on the visual appearance of the zipper. That is, because the required interdigitation of the coupling elements is required to ensure that the zipper is fully closed, the appearance of the exterior of the designed zipper has been severely limited, particularly because of the requirement for the coupling elements to pass through the slider.

Moreover, the need to ensure that the joining element is sufficiently closed results in limitations for all decorative elements to be placed, for example, on the joining element.

Various attempts have been made to beautify the appearance of, for example, the coupling element, slider or pull tab of a slide fastener.

For example, in US3,028,647 a lock for a zipper or slide fastener is described, wherein both the lock and the teeth of the slide fastener comprise a "diamond" or a gem stone as an ornament. However, there is no detail in US3,028,647 as to how diamonds are held or held in place on the bonding media and how interdigitation of the bonding media is achieved by small protrusions on each bonding media being received by openings on adjacent bonding media, where the small protrusions easily damage the bonding media and prevent the bonding media from packing tightly.

In US5,511,292(Covi et al) a zipper closure device is disclosed which comprises first and second rows of teeth formed on first and second tapes, each tape comprising an edge bead or fabric. The teeth have free ends and are provided with channels such that when said zipper closure device is closed, the free ends of said first row of teeth extend into the tooth attachment areas of the second row of teeth, and vice versa, whereby the channels receive the edge ribs or the fabric. The zipper closing device further comprises a slider, wherein the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate are connected through a cross piece, the slider is provided with a wide front end and a narrow rear end, the front end of the cross piece faces the wide front end of the slider, and the rear end of the cross piece faces the narrow rear end of the slider.

In addition, the ornamental jewel is disposed on the tooth and also on the zipper pull. However, no details are provided as to how the teeth are fixed and held in place. The ornamental gemstone is substantially centrally located with respect to the bonding element and protrudes from the plane of the bonding element. Thus, the gemstone is easily damaged.

In US5,588,185, also filed by Covi et al, a zipper closure is described which again comprises teeth or binding elements with a decorative stone. Details are provided as to how the teeth engage each other, how the dimensions of the support surface and the extension on the teeth are relative to the diameter of the ornamental gemstone. Similar details are also provided with respect to the following: even when the support surface on the tooth is small, as the gemstones extend at an acute angle relative to the direction of the tooth to ensure that the buried portion of each gemstone is surrounded by a satisfactory amount of plastic material, how the decorative gemstones can be aligned in a straight line and have a narrow pitch compared to their size. However, US5,588,185 does not teach how the gemstone is satisfactorily held in place and, again, even if the gemstone extends beyond the plane of the tooth, does not mention how to avoid damage to the gemstone.

In US5,713,110, also filed by Covi et al, a zipper closure device is again described which comprises first and second rows of plastic teeth formed on first and second tapes. Each belt has edge ribs. The tooth has a free end and an opposite rear end secured to the band. Near the back end of the tooth is a decorative gemstone. Wherein each ornamental jewel has a tapered portion with a point directed toward the corresponding band. The gemstones are formed in the teeth during the injection molding process but are mounted near the rear edges of the teeth so that the front edges of the teeth can engage a sufficient amount to effect zipper closure. The gemstones protrude out of the plane of the teeth and there is no mention of how to avoid damaging the gemstones.

In US6,092,267, also filed by Covi et al, a zipper closure device is described which includes first and second rows of teeth formed on first and second tapes. Each tooth has a free end in which a channel is formed. Each channel has a convexly curved bottom. The zipper closure device comprises a slider having a protruding portion for opening and closing the zipper closure device, the ornamental gems being aligned along the zipper at a small inter-gem spacing compared to the gem size, the support surfaces on the teeth for the gems being kept correspondingly small. The inventive arrangement allows each gemstone to be substantially surrounded by plastic material despite the small spacing between adjacent gemstones. The gem is mounted in the substantial center of the tooth to allow proper connection between the protrusions on the plastic flanks. There is no mention of how the gemstone can be protected from damage.

In the prior art patents described above, each gemstone substantially protrudes from the outer surface of the tooth to which it is attached. Thus, the slider present above the slider has to pass over the emerging gemstone, which also causes interference and damage to the slider, and damage to the gemstone, resulting in reduced gloss.

In WO 00/27237, a gemstone article is disclosed in which the gemstone is injected into a support made of plastic. Gemstones are arranged on both sides of a flat support. In this invention, the support is produced in two successive injection moulding processes and in a second method step, all the gemstones are placed on the injection-moulded part produced in the first method step. The gemstone protrudes from the plane of the injection molding surface, meaning that the gemstone is prone to damage, possibly also in interaction with other soft materials.

Similarly, in JP30-15033, JP1031757, CN3066227D, JP265926 and CN2285075Y, teeth for zippers are disclosed. All teeth comprise gems protruding from the upper or outer surface of the tooth, but no further protection of the gems is given.

In CN2293229Y a zipper tooth or bonding medium is disclosed, which has a recess for receiving a protruding gemstone, and wherein the platform for the gemstone is also curved, thereby creating an obstacle to smooth movement of the slider along the zipper.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention therefore seeks to overcome the problems associated with the method of manufacturing a plastic coupling element for a slide fastener, wherein the coupling element is provided with attractive ornamentation, while still maintaining the required flexibility and strength required by modern slide fasteners, and while still providing a sleek, attractive appearance to the slide fastener. In addition, the ornament does not cause any obstruction to the smooth movement of the slider along the slide fastener, and the ornament can be protected from being damaged.

Surprisingly, the inventors of the present invention have now found a method which enables the manufacture of plastic coupling elements, which are embellished with jewels and/or beads, in a manner which is sufficiently strong and efficient, without damaging the closure mechanism of the zip fastener, and which also provides protection for decorative elements or decorations. In addition, the insertion of the ornament or gemstone into the tooth according to the invention enables the gemstone to be placed in the bonding element at will.

The invention finds particular application as an improved zipper for the garment and soft furnishings industry, but is not limited thereto.

The present invention therefore seeks to solve the problems outlined above and to provide an improved slide fastener which is able to meet the stringent requirements of modern slide fasteners and the aesthetic requirements of modern designs.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a slide fastener, the slide fastener comprising:

a pair of first and second zipper strips, each zipper strip including a strip and a row of coupling elements mounted on one longitudinal edge of the strip; and

a slider slidably movable along the row of coupling elements; wherein,

the coupling element comprises a plastic material; and wherein the one or more of the one,

the bonding element further comprises a decorative element, the method comprising the steps of:

shaping and securing the plastic bonding element to the belt prior to attachment of the decorative element; thereafter, the bonding element and the trim element are heated together to secure the trim element to the bonding element.

According to the method of the invention, the decorative element fixed to the joining element does not substantially protrude out of the plane of the joining element.

It is also preferred that the coupling element is prepared by injection moulding of a plastics material. Furthermore, it is preferred that the decorative element is held in place prior to heat treatment with the bonding element. Preferably, the decorative element is fitted in the recess on the joining element before the heat treatment together with the joining element. In addition, it is preferred that the decorative element is further fixed to the joining element by means of an adhesive.

Still further in accordance with the present invention, the decorative element is further secured to the bonding element by a mechanical device when the bonding element and the decorative element are heated to the extended transition temperature of the bonding element, wherein the mechanical device comprises a protrusion or fastening means on the preformed bonding element. Thus, the mechanical device may be removed or lost when the bonding element and the decorative element are heated to the extended transition temperature of the bonding element.

It is also preferred that the decorative element is capable of being balanced with the bonding element prior to heat treatment. In addition, the bonding element and the decorative element are heated to a sufficient temperature such that the plastic bonding element is malleable without losing the overall shape of the bonding element.

Also, according to the method of the present invention, once the plastic material for the coupling elements has reached the desired extended transition state, the decorative elements are sunk into the softened coupling elements such that the decorative elements are substantially flush with the outer surface of the coupling elements. Thus, further pressure is applied to the decorative element to ensure that the decorative element sinks into the coupling element.

Furthermore, after heating the bonding element and the decorative element to the extended transition temperature of the bonding element to sink the decorative element into the bonding element, the bonding element and the decorative element are then cooled to further position the decorative element into position on the bonding element.

Preferably, the decorative element is molded into the bonding element using sound waves or radio waves. Microwaves may also be used. Most preferably, the sound or radio waves are applied using an ultrasonic horn.

Furthermore, the decorative element may be preheated before insertion of the joining element. The decorative element is preheated while being positioned in the groove of the coupling element before heat-treating the coupling element and the decorative element.

Furthermore, the decorative element may be preformed prior to insertion of the coupling element.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a zipper produced by the method of the invention in garments and/or furnishings.

Other aspects and preferred features of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the claims.

Drawings

The invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

fig. 1 is a top plan view of a prior art plastic binding element fitted with a jewel.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the plastic coupling element for the slide fastener according to the present invention, to which a decorative crystal has been applied.

Fig. 3a is a side view of a plastic bonding element before treatment with the method of the invention.

Fig. 3b is a perspective view of a plastic bonding element before treatment with the method of the invention.

Fig. 4a is a side view of a plastic bonding element to which a decorative element has been applied after treatment with the method of the invention.

Fig. 4b is a perspective view of the plastic bonding element after treatment with the method of the invention, to which a decorative element has been applied.

Figure 5 shows a slide fastener made with coupling elements made of plastic material and made according to the method of the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1, fig. 1 is a top plan view of a prior art plastic binding 10 fitted with a jewel 12. In fig. 1, the supporting body 14 of the coupling element is made of plastic material and completely surrounds the gemstone 12. The preparation of the bonding element 10 may be achieved by injection molding. In the injection moulding process, the gemstone 12 is held in place, for example, relative to a blank of thermoplastic material. The blank and the gemstone are then both subjected to an injection moulding process, after which the blank is formed in the bonding element and by doing so completely surrounds the gemstone contained within the bonding element.

This process has several disadvantages. For example, in an injection moulding process for mass production of the joining elements, irregularities may occur in the process, so that some joining elements may be more or less covered by plastic material. As a result, some bonding elements may not adequately secure the trim element to a desired degree due to the limited and varied amount of control over the shape of the bonding element. Therefore, the known prior art processes may only be employed to a limited extent when, for example, expensive decorative elements are to be used in plastic joining elements.

In fig. 5, a slide fastener is shown, which is manufactured with coupling elements made of plastic material and manufactured according to the method of the invention. The slide fastener 100 includes a pair of first and

second fastener stringers

102, 103. Each

zipper strip

102, 103 is made of a

respective tape

105a and 105b and a row of coupling elements 50 attached to one longitudinal edge of the tape. The edges of each belt are provided with

cords

106a and 106b, the

cords

106a and 106b extending from the upper and lower surfaces of the belt, and coupling members 107 mounted on the cords. The slider 112 preferably includes a pull tab 114 to allow a user to slidingly move the slider along the row of coupling elements, by which the coupling elements of the first and second zipper strips are separated to open the zipper or engaged to close the zipper.

In the embodiment of the slide fastener shown in fig. 5, the coupling element is made of a plastic material and has been prepared by the method according to the invention. The coupling element 50 has a body on which the decorative element is mounted. The body has a head 51 and a root 52. The head 51 is arranged away from the belt edge in the width direction of the belt. The head has a shape expanding in the belt longitudinal direction. The heads of the coupling elements engage each other when the opposing coupling elements are interleaved with each other. The root portion 52 is arranged to cover the

strings

106a and 106b in the front-rear direction. The coupling members are installed along the

strings

106a and 106b at predetermined intervals. The top surface of the bonding element is planar.

At one end of the zipper strips 102 and 103, the zipper may include a receptacle and a plug (not shown) that are mounted on the

respective strips

105a and 105b to enable the zipper strips 102 and 103 to be joined together as a zipper known in the art. The first and second zipper strips 102, 103 of zipper 100 are also preferably separable as is known in the art.

One key feature of a zipper made with plastic coupling elements by the method of the present invention as shown in FIG. 5 is that the coupling elements 107 are equipped with or modified with decorative elements 120, which decorative elements 120 may include, for example, but are not limited to: crystals, beads, gemstones, or mixtures thereof. The decorative element may be made of, for example, glass or a coloured plastic material. Preferably, however, the decorative element is made of crystal.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the decorative element 120 is disposed over the top surface of the coupling element. In addition, the decorative element 120 is disposed toward the head of the coupling element. Thus, when the slider 112 is moved along the zipper and the coupling elements are interleaved with one another, the decorative elements are disposed substantially in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the tape, aligned with the slider.

It can also be seen in fig. 5 that the pull tab may also comprise the same decorative element in the form of, for example, glass or a plastic material, a jewel, a bead or a crystal.

The decorative element 120 in the form of a bead, crystal or jewel may be secured to the plastic bonding element by additional means to prevent the decorative element from being lost.

One of the key features of the binding member prepared by the method of the present invention is the fact that: the decorative element is protected by a raised wall and a protective well formed in the coupling element. The decorative element may extend a short distance from the top surface of the coupling element, or alternatively, depending on the size of the decorative element, the decorative element may extend a limited amount, but not enough to cause interference with the slider movement along the zipper. Thus, these decorative elements do not create any impediment to the movement of the slider along the zipper.

It can also be seen in fig. 5 that the coupling elements are arranged such that the coupling elements on opposite bands are mutually offset in the longitudinal direction of the bands. The shape of the coupling elements ensures that a substantially tightly packed structure is formed when the zipper is closed. Thus, the gaps between individual coupling elements on the same strip and between coupling elements on opposing strips when the zipper is closed are particularly small to provide an attractive appearance and a substantially linear arrangement of decorative elements when the zipper is closed.

The close packed configuration of the coupling elements in the closed position, and the combination of the rounded edges of the coupling elements with the smooth edges of the decorative elements, ensures that the material to which the zipper is secured is not easily trapped between the coupling elements and the decorative elements. In addition, if the material is accidentally caught in the zipper, the coupling element and the decorative element do not damage the material because there is no rough surface on either the coupling element or the decorative element.

Fig. 2 shows a top plan view of a plastic coupling element for a slide fastener according to the present invention, to which a decorative crystal has been applied. In fig. 2, coupling member 50 is made of a plastic material, more preferably a thermoplastic material, and is initially prepared using an injection molding process. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the body 55 of the coupling element is formed in the shape of a mushroom. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art of producing zippers that different shaped coupling elements can be made and used in accordance with the method of the present invention.

As can be seen in fig. 2, the plastic bonding element also includes a decorative element 60 in the form of a jewel, crystal or bead. The decorative element 60 is located within and covered by the body of the coupling element. In addition, the decorative element is surrounded by a well 65 surrounding the decorative element 60 and a raised bank or wall 70 substantially surrounding the well.

According to the invention, a plastic coupling element for use in a slide fastener and as described in connection with fig. 2, 4a and 4b is prepared as follows.

First, a coupling element or a set of preformed coupling elements is prepared from a blank of plastic material and injection molded onto a tape for a slide fastener. With this step, the coupling element is fixed to the belt. This not only allows to achieve the desired shape of the bonding element, but also ensures homogeneity with respect to the final bonding element.

The decorative element is then applied to the joining element and preferably fitted into a shape or recess for receiving one or more decorative elements, and preferably secured. The decorative element is secured to the coupling element in a variety of ways. For example, if starting with a preformed bonding element, the decorative element may be applied to the desired surface of the bonding element, and then the bonding element and decorative element are heated to a sufficient temperature so that the plastic bonding element becomes malleable without losing the shape of the bonding element. Once the plastic of the coupling element has reached the desired extended transition state, the decorative element is sunk into the softened coupling element so that the decorative element is substantially flush with the top surface of the coupling element. With this step, the decorative element is firmly fixed to the joining element.

If starting with a preformed bonding element, which is then subsequently softened, a decorative element may be applied to the top surface of the bonding element, which is then sunk into the top surface of the bonding element, or a decorative element may be applied to the recessed surface of the preformed bonding element, which is then sunk into the recessed surface.

Preferably, the weight of the decorative element ensures that the decorative element sinks sufficiently into the coupling element. However, if desired, additional pressure may be applied to the decorative element to ensure that the decorative element is sufficiently submerged into the coupling element.

In addition, if desired, the decorative element may be further secured to a pre-formed bonding element or a formed bonding element prior to heating the bonding element and the decorative element. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a suitable adhesive. Alternatively, protrusions or fastening means on the pre-formed bonding element may be employed that are removed or lost when the bonding element and the decorative element are heated to the extended transition temperature of the bonding element.

Once the decorative element is applied to the bonding element, and the bonding element and the decorative element are heated to the extended transition temperature of the bonding element to allow the decorative element to sink into the bonding element, then the bonding element and the decorative element are cooled to further position the decorative element in a location on the bonding element.

When the decorative element is sunk into the body of the coupling element, a well (65 in fig. 2) is formed around the decorative element and a further wall or dike (70 in fig. 2) is formed around the well. In addition, a lip may be formed around the trim component that further helps to hold the trim component in place.

According to the method of the invention, means ensuring that the pre-formed joining element reaches the extended state are applied to the joining element and to the decorative element. While various forms of heat may be applied to the bonding elements to ensure that the thermoplastic bonding elements can deform, one preferred method according to the present invention is to use an ultrasonic horn. The use of ultrasound ensures that the thermoplastic material at the interface between the bonding element and the decorative element is sufficiently melted. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is hypothesized that the ultrasonic waves pass through the body of the bonding element and the weight of the decorative element ensures that the decorative element is pulled further into the body of the bonding element as the thermoplastic material of the bonding element melts. As a result, the discharged thermoplastic material flows in an upward direction, over the edge of the crystal, thereby further securing the decorative element in place. Finally, the grip of the bonding element on the decorative element is enhanced when the thermoplastic material of the bonding element solidifies.

In addition, the use of ultrasonic waves to melt the thermoplastic material of the bonding element creates wells and walls or levees around the decorative element. Again, while not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that providing wells and banks or walls around the decorative element can improve the scattering of light as it passes through the decorative element, thereby improving the gorgeous look of using the decorative element, particularly a crystal decorative element. In addition to sound waves or radio waves, microwaves may also be suitable for achieving the desired melting of the thermoplastic material.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the desired frequency of the acoustic horn, as well as the time of application of the acoustic wave in combination with the melting point of the thermoplastic material, will vary depending on the nature of the decorative element to be applied to the bonding element and the composition of the polymeric material used to form the bonding element.

It may also be desirable to heat the decorative element separately, if desired, either before insertion into the bonding element or indeed while the decorative element is in place in the bonding element and before applying the acoustic heating. Such additional heating of the decorative element may be used to further enhance the bonding of the decorative element and the bonding element.

Although it is not essential that the joining element is shaped to form a recess for receiving the decorative element before applying the heat source in the form of a sound wave, in a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention the joining element is pre-heated and shaped to form a recess for receiving the decorative element and also to form a lip at the rim of the recess for holding the decorative element in place before heating the joining element and the decorative element.

In a further preferred method of the invention, the decorative element may also be preformed prior to insertion into the bonding element.

While the method of the present invention is primarily designed for the preparation of plastic coupling elements on zippers, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the method may also be applied to the decoration of pull tabs, end stops or plastic buttons and the like, wherein the article to be aesthetically pleasing is made of a plastic material and is pre-formed into a desired shape prior to insertion into the decorative element and then further sonically heated to provide the desired aesthetically pleasing zipper attachment.

Thus, according to the method of the present invention, the smooth nature of the top of the decorative element, in combination with the smooth structure of the coupling elements, ensures that the slider does not wear or scratch as it passes along the coupling elements of the slide fastener. Similarly, the smooth and rounded nature of the coupling elements ensures that the material to which the zipper is attached is not easily damaged if in contact with the zipper, and that there is little likelihood that threads from the material to which the zipper is attached will become snagged on the coupling elements and decorative elements.

The smooth and substantially flat appearance of the zipper shown in FIG. 5 is both aesthetically pleasing and also feels good to the touch. The method of the invention can also be applied in such a binding member: for example, dual-row decorative elements are required for use in apparel and also in household items.

In fig. 3a, a side view of a coupling element 80 of a pre-cast plastic is shown without the insertion of a decorative element before treatment by the method according to the invention. In fig. 3b, a perspective view of a pre-cast plastic joining element 80 is shown without the decorative element inserted before treatment with the method according to the invention.

In fig. 4a there is shown a side view of a plastic joining element 80 with the decorative element inserted after treatment with the method according to the invention. In fig. 4b there is shown a perspective view of a plastic joining element 80 with the decorative element inserted after treatment with the method according to the invention.

In fig. 3b, a perspective view of the coupling element 80 shows that the preformed hole 81 for receiving the decorative element is planar. The hole is the entrance to the groove. Fig. 3b shows that the depth of the recess may have an extremely shallow shape, so as to be close to the top surface of the binding element. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3a, the top surface 82 of the coupling member 80 is planar.

In contrast, in fig. 4b, a perspective view of the coupling element 80 shows that the hole for receiving the decorative element is now surrounded by the well 65 and the wall or dike 70 substantially surrounding the decorative element.

In fig. 4a, it can also be seen that while the trim element 88 is present, the trim element 88 does not substantially protrude above the top surface 82 of the bonding element.

In fig. 4a, the coupling element 80 can be seen in a side view, and the decorative element 88 can also be seen in a side view. The decorative element 88 is also disposed toward the front surface 91 of the binding element and thus is not disposed over the

cords

106a and 106 b. The front surface of the coupling elements is the surface facing the fastener stringer when the coupling elements are interlaced with each other. Opposing coupling elements are attached to the zipper strips.

In fig. 4b, the coupling element 80 is shown in a perspective view and the decorative element 88 is seen in place in the coupling element. A well 65 and a bank or wall 70 are also visible that substantially surround and protect the decorative element.

Also visible in figures 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b is an aperture 92, which aperture 92 wraps around the strand of the tape of the zipper when the plastic coupling element is molded onto the zipper. As described above, since the decoration element is provided not to be disposed above the string, the decoration element is not disposed directly above the hole 92 but is disposed on the front surface 91 side of the coupling member with respect to the hole.

Claims

1. A method of making a zipper, the zipper comprising:

a slider slidably movable along the row of coupling elements; wherein,

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the decorative element secured to the coupling member does not substantially protrude out of the plane of the coupling member.

3. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling element is prepared by injection moulding of a plastics material.

4. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element is held in place prior to heat treating with the bonding element.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the decorative element is fitted in the recess on the bonding element before being heat treated with the bonding element.

6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein the decorative element is further secured to the bonding element by an adhesive.

7. The method of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the decorative element is capable of being balanced with the bonding element prior to the heat treatment.

8. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the bonding element and the decorative element are heated to a sufficient temperature such that the plastic bonding element is malleable without losing the overall shape of the bonding element.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein after the plastic material for the coupling elements has reached the desired extended transition state, the decorative elements are sunk into the softened coupling elements such that the decorative elements are substantially flush with the outer surface of the coupling elements.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein further pressure is applied to the decorative element to ensure that the decorative element sinks into the bonding element.

11. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein after heating the bonding element and the decorative element to the extended transition temperature of the bonding element to sink the decorative element into the bonding element, the bonding element and the decorative element are then cooled to further position the decorative element into position on the bonding element.

12. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the decorative element is moulded into the bonding element using sound or radio waves.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the sound or radio waves are applied using an ultrasonic horn.

14. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element is preheated before the insertion of the joining element.

15. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 14, wherein the decorative element is preheated while being positioned in the groove of the bonding element before heat treating the bonding element and the decorative element.

16. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element is pre-formed prior to inserting the bonding element.

17. Use of a zipper produced by the method of any one of claims 1 to 16 in garments and/or furnishings.

18. A zipper produced by the method of any one of claims 1 to 16.