GB2491801A

GB2491801A - Method of forming decorated slide fastener

Info

Publication number: GB2491801A
Application number: GB1106283.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Naoyuki Himi
Original assignee: YKK Corp
Current assignee: YKK Corp
Priority date: 2011-04-13
Filing date: 2011-04-13
Publication date: 2012-12-19
Also published as: EP2696717B1; CN103476290A; EP2696717A1; GB201106283D0; TW201247122A; TWI480003B; CN103476290B; WO2012140430A1

Abstract

A method of preparing a slide fastener 100 comprising: a pair of first and second stringers 102, 103 each comprising a tape 105a, 105b and a row of coupling elements 106a, 106b mounted on a respective longitudinal edge thereof; and a slider 114; wherein the coupling elements comprise plastic material; and wherein the coupling elements further comprise decorative elements 120, the method comprising the steps of: shaping and securing the plastic coupling elements to the first and second stringers prior to attachment of the decorative elements; followed by reheating the coupling elements and decorative elements together to ensure secure attachment of the decorative elements to the coupling elements. The reheating may be achieved using sonic or radio waves, preferably using an ultrasonic horn. The decorative elements may further be secured by adhesive.

Description

METHOD

The present invention relates to a method of preparing a slide fastener. More specifically to a method of preparing coupling elements for a slide fastener comprised of plastics material in which the coupling elements are adorned with decorative elements.

With the ever present desire to produce new designs for the fashion and home furnishings industries the nature of slide or zip fastener on a particular garment or article can have a significant effect on the overall look of the finished article. This holds true for all aspect of the slide fastener ranging from the. coupling elements to the slider and the pull tab for the slide fastener.

However, whilst often requiring an attractive appearance, a slide fastener still possesses a functional role which ensures successful operation of the garment or home furnishing article.

A problem associated with slide fasteners is the inherent nature of the coupling or fastening elements that form the closure mechanism for the slide fastener to receive foreign materials. The presence of the foreign materials, if left unchecked may damage the closure mechanism by preventing movement of a slider along the length of the slide fastener. In addition, removal of the foreign body may result in damage to the coupling elements such that the slide fastener no longer closes.

This is particularly the case for plastic coupling agents which may be easily damaged by the presence of errant plastic fibres generated during the manufacturing process and which if left unchecked can lead to abrading of the edges of the coupling agents.

For this reason, the further embellishment of coupling agents comprised of plastics material which are of a sufficient strength to withstand the operation of the slide fastener yet still have a suitably attractive appearance has been a significant challenge to slide fastener manufactures. For example, the molding of coupling agents comprised of plastic material with the provision of holes or indents for receiving ornamentation such as jewels or beads increases the likelihood of plastic fibres which ban remain on the teeth until the decorated slide fastener has been used a number of times. The wear of the coupling agents subsequently Leads to the fibres becoming detached from the coupling agents but at the same time increases the chance of the fibres becoming trapped in between the coupling agents and thereby causing damage.

In addition, the decorative elements such as beads and crystals used to adorn clothing and hence slide fasteners are not only difficult to handle but are also costly to manufacture and utilise. Consequently, when a slide fastener is embellished with such crystals and decorative beads it is important that the decorative element is not onty retained securely in place on the slide fastener but also that the decorative elements are protected from excessive wear and damage which could ultimately lead to the decorative elements loosing their lustre but which are also displayed on the slide fastener to maximum effect.

This list of demanding requirements has lead to many difficulties associated with the manufacture of coupling elements comprised of plastic material which are suitably sized and sufficiently strong to hold decorative elements. In addition, the usual injection moulding and thermoplastic setting procedures associated with mass producing coupling elements comprised of plastic material allows very little control over the shape of the coupling elements.

Consequently, if a decorative element is placed in the mould prior to injection moulding, at best the decorative element may be covered by the moulded coupling element and at worst, the injection moulding process may actually lead to damage of the decorative elements.

There is therefore a need to provide a method for the preparation of coupling elements comprised of plastics material which are decorated with elements such as for example beads or crystals which can subsequently be used to prepare plastic slide fasteners. There is also a need to provide a method for the preparation of coupling element decorated or adorned with decorative elements which can withstand the rigours of everyday use on the particular garment or soft furnishing to which the slide fastener is attached and in which the decorative elements are protected from damage. That is, there is a need for a method which produces coupling elements comprised of plastic material which do not possess roughened edges on the coupling elements, and which are attractive in appearance and furthermore still possess an efficient closure mechanism compared with existing slide fasteners.

Conventional slide fasteners usually traditionally comprise a pair of fastener tapes upon which are mounted rows of individual coupling elements which cooperate or interdigitate when the fastener tapes pass through a slider mounted on one of the fastener tapes and in so doing either close or open the slide fastener accordingly.

However, the interdigitation of the coupling elements has a limiting effect on the visible appearance of the slide fastener. That is, due to the required interconnection of the coupling elements needed to ensure a sufficient closing of the slide fastener, the design of the external appearance of the slide fastener has been strictly limited not least of all because the coupling elements are required to pass through the slider.

Furthermore, the need to ensure an efficient closure of the coupling elements has lead to restrictions in the positioning of any decorative elements on for example the coupling elements.

There have been various attempts to embellish the outer appearance of for example the coupling elements, slider or pull tab of the slide fastener.

For example, in US 3,028, 647 there is described a lock for a zipper or slide fastener in which both the lock and teeth of the zipper comprise brilliants' or jewels as ornamentation. However, there are no details in US 3028647 as to how the brilliants are secured or retained in place on the coupling agents and the interdigitation of the coupling agents is achieved by small protrusion on each coupling agents which are received by an opening on an adjacent coupling agent and which are prone to damage and prevent dose packing of the coupling agents.

In US 5,511,292 (Covi et al) there is disclosed a zipper closure comprising a first and second row of teeth formed on a first and second band, each band comprising an edge bead or web. The teeth have free ends, and each have a channel such that when said zipper closure is being closed the free ends of said first row of teeth extend into an area of attachment of the teeth of the second row of teeth and vice versa, whereby the channels receive the edge beads or webs. The zipper closure further comprises a slider with a top cover plate and a bottom cover plate connected by a cross-piece, said slider having a wider front end and a narrower back end, said cross-piece having a front end directed towards said wider front end of said slider and a back end directed towards said narrower back end of said slider.

In addition, decorative stones are arranged on the teeth and also on the zipper pull. However, there are no details provided as to how the teeth are secured and maintained in place. The decorative stones are substantially centrally located with respect to the coupling elements and protrude out of the plane of the coupling elements. Consequently the stones are prone to damage.

In us 5,588,185, also by Covi et al, there is described a zipper closure which again includes teeth or coupling elements having decorative stones. Details are provided as to how the teeth engage each other and the size of the support surfaces and extensions on the teeth relative to the diameter of the decorative stones. Likewise details are provided with respect to how the decorative stones can be arranged in a straight line and with a narrow spacing in comparison to their size even when the support surfaces on the teeth are relatively small, due to the extension of the stones at a sharp angle to the direction of the teeth which ensures that the submerged part of each stone is surrounded by a satisfactory amount of plastic material. However, US 5,588,185 is silent as to how the stones are satisfactorily secured in place and again, even though the stones protrude out of the plane of the teeth there is no mention of how damage to the stones can be prevented.

In US 5,713,110 also by Covi et a) there is again described a zipper closure comprised of first and second rows of plastic teeth formed on first and second bands, each band having an edge bead. The teeth have free ends and opposed back ends fixed to the bands. Close to the back ends of the teeth are decorative stones wherein each decorative stone has a tapered portion with a tip, and the tip is directed to the respective band. The stones are formed in the teeth during injection molding but are mounted close to the rear edge of the teeth so that the front edges of the teeth can engage to a sufficient amount to effect closure of the zipper. The stones protrude out of the plane of the teeth and there is no mention as to how damage to the stones can be prevented.

In US 6,092,267, again by Covi et a) there is described a zipper closure including first and second rows of teeth formed on first and second bands.

Each tooth has a free end in which a channel is formed. Each channel has a bottom which is convexly curved. The zipper closure includes a slider with a projection for opening and closing the zipper closure and decorative stones are arranged in a straight line along the zipper by the spacing between the stones being small in comparison to the size of the stones and the support surfaces for the stones on the teeth being kept correspondingly smalL The arrangement of the invention allows each stone to be adequately surrounded by plastic material while nonetheless the spacing between successive stones being small. The stones are embedded in substantially the centre of the teeth to allow suitable connection between protrusions residing on the sides of the plastic teeth. There is no mention as to how the stones may be protected from damage.

In the prior art patents described above, each stone significantly protrudes from the outer surface of the tooth to which it is attached. Consequently, sliders present on the zippers have to negotiate the raised jewels which can also lead to interference of the slider and damage thereto as well as damage to the jewels which can result in reduced lustre.

In WO 00/27237 there is disclosed a jeweliry article in which jewellry stones are injected into a support body made of plastic. The jewellry stones are arranged on both sides of a flat support body. In this invention the support body is produced in two successive injection molding processes and, during a second method step, all of the stones rest on an injection molded part produced in a first method step. The stones protrude out of the plane of the injected molded surface which means that the stones are prone to damage and may also cause damage through interaction with other soft materials.

Likewise in JP 30-15033, JP 1031757, CN 3066227D, JP 265926, and CN 2285075Y thire are disclosed teeth for zippers, all of which comprise jewels which protrude from an outer or upper face of the teeth and for which no further protection is afforded.

In CN 2293229Y there is disclosed a zipper tooth or coupling agent with a recess for receiving a projecting stone and in which the platform for the stone is also curved thereby providing an impediment for the smooth movement of a slider along a zipper.

The present invention therefore seeks to overcome the problems associated with the methods of producing plastic coupling elements for slide fasteners wherein the coupling elements are provided with attractive ornamentation whilst still retaining the required flexibility and strength required for modern slide fasteners and whilst still providing a sleek and attractive appearance of the slide fastener. In addition, the ornamentation does not provide any impediment for the smooth movement of a slider along the zipper and the ornamentation are also protected from damage.

Surprisingly, the inventors of the present invention have now found a method that allows the manufacture of plastic coupling elements embellished with jewels and/or beads in a sufficiently strong and effective manner whilst not impairing the closure mechanism of the slide fastener and which also affords protection for the decorative elements or ornamentation. ln addition, the insertion of the ornamentation or jewels into the teeth in accordance with the present invention allows the jewels to be optionally positioned in the coupling elements.

The present invention finds particular application as an improved slide fastener for the clothing and soft furnishings industry, but it not limited thereto.

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

Therefore according to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided A method of preparing a slide fastener comprising: a pair of first and second stringers each comprising a tape and a row of coupling elements mounted on a respective longitudinal edge thereof; and a slider having flanges defining therebetween a channel through which the coupling elements pass and 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 and which comprises the steps of; shaping and securing the plastic coupling elements to the first and second stringers prior to attachment of the decorative elements; followed by reheating the coupling elements and decorative elements together to ensure secure attachment of the decorative elements to the coupling elements.

In accordance with the method of the present invention, once secured to the coupling elements the decorative elements do not substantially protrude out of the plane of the coupling elements.

It is also preferred that the coupling elements are prepared by injection moulding of plastic material. Furthermore, it is preferred that the decorative elements are held in position by a fastening means prior to heat treatment with the coupling elements. Preferably the decorative elements are held in an indentation on the coupling elements prior to heat treatment with the coupling elements. In addition, it is preferred that the decorative elements are further secured to the coupling elements by adhesive.

Furthermore, also in accordance with the present invention the decorative elements are further secured to the coupling elements by mechanical means and wherein the mechanical means comprises a protrusion or fastening means on the pre-formed coupling element when the coupling element and decorative element are heated to the maleable transition temperature of the coupling element. Consequently, the mechanical means may be removed or lost when the coupling element and decorative element are heated to the mateable transition temperature of the coupling element.

It is also preferred that the decorative element is allowed to equilibrate with the coupling element prior to heat treatment. In addition, the coupling element and decorative element are heated to a sufficient temperature to allow the plastic coupling element to become maleable without loosing the entire shape of the coupling element.

Also according to the method of the present invention, once the plastic material for the coupling agent has reached the desired maleable transition state the decorative elements is immersed into the softened coupling element so that the decorative element is substantially flush with the outer face of the coupling element. Consequently, further pressure is applied to the decorative elements to ensure immersion of the decorative elements within the coupling elements.

Furthermore following heating of the coupling element and decorative element to the maleable transition temperature of the coupling element to allow immersion of the decorative element into the coupling element the coupling element and decorative element are then cooled to further set the decorative element into position on the coupling element.

The decorative elements are preferably moulded to the coupling elements using sonic or radio waves. Microwaves may also be used.

Most preferably, the sonic or radio waves are applied using an ultrasonic horn.

Furthermore, the decorative elements may be pre-heated prior to insertion into the coupling elements. The decorative elements are pre-heated whilst in the indentation in the coupling elements prior to the heat treatment of the coupling elements and decorative elements.

Furthermore, the decorative elements may be pre-shaped prior to insertion into the coupling elements.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a slide fastener prepared according to method of the present invention for clothing and/or furnishings.

Further aspects and preferred features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying claims.

The invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a prior art plastic coupling element fitted with a jewel decoration.

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

Figure 3a is a cross-sectional view of a plastic coupling element prior to treatment with the method of the present invention.

Figure 3b is a plan view of a plastic coupling element prior to treatment with the method of the present invention.

Figure 4a is a cross-sectional view of a plastic coupling element prior post treatment with the method of the present invention to which a decorative element has been applied.

Figure 4b is a plan view of a plastic coupling element prior to treatment with the method of the present invention to which a decorative element has been applied.

Figure 5 illustrates a slide fastener prepared with coupling elements comprised of plastic material and prepared according to the method of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1 which is a top plan view of a prior art plastic coupling element (10) fitted with a jewel decoration (12). In Figure 1, the support body (14) of the coupling element is comprised of plastic material and completely surrounds the jewel (12). Preparation of the coupling element (10) is effected by injectiOn moulding. In the injection moulding process the jewel (12) is for example held in position with respect to a blank of thermoplastic material.

The blank and jewel are then both subjected to an injection moulding process after which the blank is formed in coupling element and in so doing completely surrounds the jewel contained within the coupling element.

This process suffers from a number of drawbacks. For example, in the injection moulding process in which the coupling elements are mass produced, irregularities will occur in the process so that some of the coupling elements may be covered to a lesser or greater extent by the plastic material.

Consequently, as there is a limited and a varying amount of control over the shape of the coupling elements, some of the coupling elements may not sufficiently secure the decorative elements to the required extent. Therefore, the known prior art processes may only be employed to a limited extent when for example expensive decorative elements are to be applied to the plastic coupling elements.

In Figure 5 there is illustrated a slide fastener prepared with coupling elements comprised of plastic material and prepared according to the method of the present invention. The slide fastener (100) comprises a first stringer (102) and a second stringer (103). Each stringer (102, 103) is comprised of a tape (105a and 105b respectively) having a cord (106a and 106b) which protrudes outwardly from the tape and upon which the coupling elements (107) are mounted. The sflder preferably comprises a pull tab (114) to aflow a user to move the slider along the coupling elements and in so doing close or open the slide fastener depending on the movement of the slider along the slide fastener.

In the embodiment of the slide fastener illustrated in Figure 5, the coupling elements are comprised of plastic material and have been prepared by the method according to the present invention. The coupling elements are mounted along the cord (106a and 106b).

At one end of the stringers (102, 103) the slide fastener may comprise a retaining box and an insert pin (not shown) mounted on the respective tapes (lOSa, lOSb) to enable the stringers (102, 103) to be coupled together as is well known in the art of slide fasteners. The first and second stringers (102, 103) of the slide fastener (110) are preferably separable as is also known in the art.

A key feature of the slide fastener prepared with plastic coupling elements by the method of the present invention as iflustrated in Figure (5) is that the coupling elements (107) are fitted or adorned with decorative elements (120) which may include for example but not limited to: crystals, beads, jewels or mixtures thereof. The decorative elements may be comprised of for example glass or coloured plastic material. It is preferred however that the decorative elements are comprised of crystal.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the decorative elements (120) are located towards the outer edge of the coupling elements away from the tape edges. Consequently, when the slider (114) moves along the slide fastener and the coupling elements are interdigitated, the decorative elements form a substantially straight line in line with the slider.

As can also be seen in Figure 5, the pull tab may also comprise the same decorative elements in the form of for example glass or plastic materials, jewels, beads or crystals. ii

The decorative elements (120) in the form of beads, crystals or jewels may be secured by additional means to the plastic coupling elements to prevent loss of the decorative elements.

A key feature of the coupling elements prepared by the method of the present invention is the fact that the decorative elements are protected by a raised wall and a protective well formed in the coupling elements. The decorative elements may protrude a small amount out of the plane of the outer face of the coupling elements or alternatively, depending on the size of the decorative elements the decorative elements may extend by a limited amount, but not enough to cause interference with the movement of the slider along the slide fastener. Consequently, the decorative elements do not pose any resistance to the movement of the slider along the slide fastener.

As can also be seen in Figure 5, the coupling elements are arranged such that the coupling elements on opposing tapes are offset with respect to one another. The shape of the coupling elements ensures a substantially close packed arrangement when the slider is in the closed position. Consequently, the gap between individual coupling elements on the same tape and also coupling elements on the opposing tape is particularly small when the slide fastener is closed in order to provide an attractive appearance and substantially straight line arrangement of the decorative elements when the slide fastener is closed.

The close packed arrangement of the coupling elements in the closed position and the rounded edges of the coupling elements in combination with the smooth edges of the decorative elements ensures that the material to which the slide fastener is secured is not readily trapped between the coupling elements and the decorative elements. In addition, if by chance material is trapped in the slide fastener, the coupling elements and decorative elements do not damage the material as there are no roughened surfaces on either the coupling elements or the decorative elements.

In Figure 2 there is illustrated a top plan view of aplastic coupling element for a slide fastener to which has been applied a decorative crystal according to the present invention. In Figure 2, the coupling element (50) is comprised of a plastic material, more preferably a thermoplastic material and has is initially prepared by an injection moulding process. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 the body of the coupling element (55) is formed into the shape of a mushroom. However, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the manufacture of slide fasteners that coupling elements of different shapes may be prepared and used in the method of the present invention.

As can be seen be Figure 2, the plastic coupling element further comprises a decorative element (60) in the form of a jewel, crystal or bead. The decorative element (60) resides within and is covered by the body of the coupling element. In addition, the decorative element is further surround by a well (65) which encircles the decorative element (60) and a raised bund or wall (70) which substantially encircles the well.

In accordance with the present invention the plastic coupling elements for use in a slide fastener and as described with respect to Figures 2, 4a and 4b is prepared as follows.

First of all coupling elements or a pre-form set of coupling elements are prepared from a blank of plastic material and are injection moulded onto a tape for a slide fastener. This not only allows the desired shape of the coupling element to be achieved but also ensures uniformity with respect to the finished coupling element.

A decorative element is then applied to the coupling element and preferably fitted into a shape or indentation for receiving one or more of the decorative elements and preferably allowed to settle. The decorative element is secured to the coupling element in a number of ways. For example, if starting from a pre-shaped coupling element, the decorative element may be applied to a desired surface of the coupling element and then the coupling element and decorative element are heated to a sufficient temperature to aHow the plastic coupling element to become maleable without loosing the shape of the coupling element. Once the plastic of the coupling element has reached the desired maleable transition state the decorative elements is immersed into the softened coupling element so that the decorative element is substantially flush with the outer face of the coupling element.

If starting from a pre-shaped coupling element which is then subsequently softened the decorative element may be applied to a flattened surface of the coupling element into which the coupling element is subsequently immersed, or the coupling element may be applied to an indented surface of the pre-formed coupling element into which the decorative element is subsequently immersed.

It is preferred that the weight of the decorative elements ensures sufficient immersion of the decorative element into the coupling element. However, if required it is possible to apply additional pressure to the decàrative element to ensure sufficient immersion of the decorative element into the coupling element.

In addition, if required the decorative element may be further secured to the pre-formed coupling element or shaped coupling element prior to heating of the coupling element and decorative element. This may be achieved for example by a suitable adhesive. Alternatively, a protrusion or fastening means on the pre-formed coupling element may be employed which may be removed or lost when the coupling element and decorative element are heated to the maleable transition temperature of the coupling element.

Once the decorative element has been applied to the coupling element and the coupling element and decorative element have been heated to the maleable transition temperature of the coupling element to allow immersion of the decorative element into the coupling element the coupling element and decorative element are then cooled to further set the decorative element into position on the coupling element.

As the decorative element is immersed within the body of the decorative element, a well ((65) in Figure 2) forms around the decorative element and a further wall or bund ((70 in Figure 2) forms around the well. In addition, a lip may also be formed around the decorative element which further assists in holding the decorative element in place.

In accordance with the method of the present invention a means for ensuring the pre-formed coupling element reaches a maleable state is applied to the coupling elements and decorative elements. Whilst various forms of heat may be applied to the coupling elements to ensure that the thermoplastic coupling elements may be deformed, a preferred method in accordance with the present application is the use of an ultrasonic horn, The use of sonic waves ensures that the thermoplastic material at the interface between the coupling element and decorative element melts sufficiently. Whilst not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is assumed that the sonic waves pass through the body of the decorative element and as the thermoplastic material of the coupling element melts, the weight of the decorative element ensures that the decorative element is drawn further into the body of the coupling element. As a consequence the displaced thermoplastic material flows in an upwards direction and over the edges of the crystal thereby further securing the decorative element in place. Finally, as the thermoplastic material of the coupling element solidifies, the grip of the coupling element on the decorative element intensifies.

In addition, the use of sonic waves to melt the thermoplastic material of the coupling element creates a well and wall or bund around the decorative element. Again, whilst not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is thought that the provision of a well and bund or wall around the decorative elements enables improves light scattering through the decorative elements and hence improved brilliance when using decorative elements, especially crystal decorative elements. In addition, to sonic or radio waves, microwaves may also be employed as appropriate to effect the required melting of the thermoplastic material.

It will also be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the required frequency of the sonic horn, and the time of application of the sonic waves in combination with the melting point of the thermoplastic material will vary according to the nature of the decorative element to be applied to the coupling elements and composition of the polymeric material used to form the coupling elements.

If required it may also be desirable to heat the decorative elements separately, either prior to insertion into the coupling elements or indeed whilst the decorative elements are in situ in the decorative elements and prior to application of the sonic healing. This additional heating of the decorative elements may be used to further enhance the bond between the decorative elements and the coupling elements.

Whilst it is not essential that the coupling elements are shaped to form a recess for receiving the decorative elements prior to apphcation of the heat source in the form of sonic waves, in a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention the coupling elements are pre-heat treated and shaped to form a recess for receiving a decorative element and also to form a resilient lip on the rim of the recess used to hold the decorative element in place prior to heating the coupling element and decorative elements.

In a further preferred method of the present invention, the decorative elements may also be pre-shaped prior to insertion into the coupling elements.

Whilst the method of the present invention is primarily designed for the preparation of plastic coupling elements on slide fasteners, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that this methodokgy may also be applied to the adornment of slide pullers, end stops or plastic buckles and the like wherein the article to be embellished is comprised of plastics material and pre4ormed into the desired shape prior to insertion of the decorative element and further sonic heating to provide the desired embellished slide fastener accessory.

Therefore according to the method of the present invention, the smooth nature of the top of the decorative elements in combination with the smooth arrangement of the coupling elements ensures that the slider is not worn or abraded when it passes along the coupling elements of the slide fastener.

Likewise, the smooth and rounded nature of the coupling elements ensures that the material to which the slide fastener is attached is less prone to damage if brought in contact with the slide fastener and there is also less chance of threads from the material to which the slide fastener is attached becoming caught around the coupling elements and decorative elements.

The smooth and substantially flat appearance of the slide fasteners illustrated in Figure 5 is both aesthetically pleasing to the eye and also to touch. The method of the present invention may also be applied to coupling elements in which for example a dual row of decorative elements is required for use in clothing and also home furnishing.

In Figures 3a and 4a there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of a pre-cast plastic coupling element prior to treatment with the method of the present invention and after treatment with the method of the present invention without decorative element inserted.

In Figures 3b and 4b there is illustrated a plan view of a plastic coupling element post treatment with the method of the present invention with decorative element inserted.

ln Figure 3b the plan view of the coupling element (80) illustrates that the pre-formed orifice (81) for receiving the decorative element is planar and as seen in Figure 3a the top of the coupling element (82) is planar.

In contrast, in Figure 4b the plan view of the coupling element (85) illustrates that the orifice (81) for receiving the decorative element is now surround by a well (86) and a wall of bund (87) which substantially encircles the decorative element.

In Figure 4a, it can also be seen that whilst the decorative element is present, the decorative element (88) does not substantially protrude above the top surface (90) of the coupling element.

In Figures 4a the coupling element (80) is visible in cross-section and the decorative element (88) is visible also in cross-section. The decorative element (88) resides in a groove (21) in the upper surface (22) of the coupling element. The decorative element (88) is also positioned towards the front face (91) of the coupling element. The front face of the coupling element is the face which faces towards the opening of the slide fastener.

ln Figure 4b, the coupling element (80) is illustrated in perspective view and the decorative element (88) is seen in position in the coupling element. Also visible are the well (65) and the bund or wall (70) which substantially surround and protect the decorative element.

Also visible in Figures 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b is an orifice (92) which envelops the cord of a tape of the slide fastener when the plastic coupling element is moulded onto the slide fastener. is

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A method of preparing a sUde fastener comprising: a pair of first and second stringers each comprising a tape and a row of coupling elements mounted on a respective longitudinal edge thereof; and a slider having flanges defining therebetween a channel through which the coupling elements pass and 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 and which comprises the steps of: shaping and securing the plastic coupling elements to the first and second stringers prior to attachment of the decorative elements; followed by reheating the coupling elements and decorative elements together to ensure secure attachment of the decorative elements to the coupling elements.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the decorative elements once secured to the coupling elements do not substantially protrude out of the plane of the coupling elements.
3. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the coupling elements are prepared by injection moulding of plastic material.
4. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the decorative elements are held in position by a fastening means prior to heat treatment with the coupling elements.
5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the decorative elements are held in an indentation on the coupling elements prior to heat treatment with the coupling elements.
6. A method according to claim 4 or 5 wherein, the decorative elements are further secured to the coupling elements by adhesive.
7. A method according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the decorative elements are further secured to the coupling elements by mechanical means and wherein the mechanical means comprises a protrusion or fastening means on the pre-formed coupling element when the coupling element and decorative element are heated to the maleable transition temperature of the coupling element.
8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the mechanical means may be removed or lost when the coupling element and decorative element are heated to the maleable transition temperature of the coupling element.
9. A method according to any of claims 4 to 8 wherein the decorative element is allowed to equilibrate with the coupling element prior to heat treatment.
10. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the coupling element and decorative element are heated to a sufficient temperature to allow the plastic coupling element to become maleable without loosing the entire shape of the coupling element.
11. A method according to claim 10 wherein after the plastic material for the coupling agent has reached the desired maleable transition state the decorative elements is immersed into the softened coupling element so that the decorative element is substantially flush with the outer face of the coupling element.
12. A method according to claim 11 wherein further pressure is applied to the decorative elements to ensure immersion of the decorative elements within the coupling elements.
13. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein following heating the coupling element and decorative element to the maleable transition temperature of the coupling element to allow immersion of the decorative element into the coupling element the coupling element and decorative element are then cooled to further set the decorative element into position on the coupling element.
14. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the decorative elements are moulded to the coupling elements using sonic or radio waves.
15. A method according to claim 14 wherein the sonic or radio waves are applied using an ultrasonic horn.
16. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the decorative elements are pre-heated prior to insertion into the coupling elements.
17. A method according to any of claims 5 to 16 wherein the decorative elements are pie-heated whilst in the indentation in the coupling elements prior to the heat treatment of the coupling elements and decorative elements.
18. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the decorative elements are pre-shaped prior to insertion into the coupling elements.
19. Use of a slide fastener prepared according to any of claims 1 to 18 for clothing and/or furnishings.
20. A slide fastener as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in one or more of the accompanying drawings.