WO2010086818A2

WO2010086818A2 - Method and apparatus for applying a slider to a zip

Info

Publication number: WO2010086818A2
Application number: PCT/IB2010/050392
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Reggi
Original assignee: Bordi Carlo S.R.L.
Priority date: 2009-01-29
Filing date: 2010-01-28
Publication date: 2010-08-05
Also published as: WO2010086818A3

Abstract

Described are a method and an apparatus for applying a slider (11) to a zip (13), where the zip (13) comprises respective first and second elongated elements (15', 17') formed by respective bands (15, 17) for supporting corresponding interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) and where an aperture (19) is made in the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) to receive a corresponding slider (11). According to the method and apparatus, the slider (11) is placed at the aperture (19) and the slider (11) is fitted to the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a).

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A SLIDER TO A ZIP

Technical Field

Present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for applying a slider to a zip. In particular, the zip is applicable to a bag and is designed to open and close an outlet opening through which the material the bag contains can come out of the bag.

Background Art Known in the prior art are zips equipped with respective flanges, or bands, for supporting corresponding interconnecting profiles. These zips comprise a respective slider, equipped with a pull tab, the slider being designed, when pulled in one longitudinal direction, to separate the interconnecting profiles from each other and, when pulled in the opposite longitudinal direction, to join the interconnecting profiles of the zip to each other.

The trade feels the need for a method and an apparatus which allow the slider to be easily fitted to the zip and, more specifically, which lend themselves to automation that is not exceedingly complex or cost intensive and that, especially, is such that it can easily be implemented on, or associated with, respective bag making machinery.

The trade also feels the need for a reliable method and apparatus for fitting the slider to the zip, where the operations on the zip are not exceedingly complex.

Summary of the Invention It is accordingly provided a method for applying a slider to a zip, the zip being in particular designed to be applied to a respective product, such as a bag, to open and close a respective outlet opening for the material contained, the zip comprising first and second elongated elements in the form of respective bands for supporting interconnecting profiles, said interconnecting profiles being designed to engage and disengage each other following a longitudinal movement of the slider along the zip; the method being characterized in that the slider is positioned at an aperture formed by opposite, longitudinally spaced, ends of the interconnecting portions, and in that the slider is fitted to the interconnecting profiles.

It is also provided an apparatus for applying a slider to a zip, the zip being in particular designed to be applied to a respective product, such as a bag, to open and close a respective outlet opening for the material contained, the zip comprising first and second elongated elements in the form of respective bands for supporting interconnecting profiles, said interconnecting profiles being designed to engage and disengage each other following a longitudinal movement of the slider along the zip; the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises means for positioning the slider at an aperture formed by opposite, longitudinally spaced, ends of the interconnecting portions, and means for fitting the slider to the interconnecting profiles.

In this way, the slider can be fitted to the zip by feeding the latter along a respective path, for example and preferably, a straight path, with advantages in terms of process reliability and simplicity.

Other advantageous features of the method and apparatus according to the invention are set out in the other claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings These technical features of the method and apparatus may be clearly inferred from the contents of the appended claims and their advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred non-limiting example embodiments of them and in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the zip and slider in a condition where they are separate from each other;

- Figure 2 is a schematic view of a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus for implementing present method;

- Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the zone of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus where the zip elements are separated and fed into respective longitudinal guide channels;

- Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the means for guiding the zip elements when they are in the separated, perpendicularly spaced apart condition in the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus; - Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the zone of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus where the zip elements feed out of the longitudinal guide means just before the step of fitting the slider to the respective interconnecting profiles of the zip;

- Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of an apparatus for implementing present method;

- Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a zip handled by a third preferred embodiment of an apparatus for implementing present method;

- Figures 8 to 11 are schematic perspective views of the zone of a fourth preferred embodiment of the apparatus where the slider is fitted to the respective interconnecting profiles of the zip.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Described here is a preferred method for applying a slider 11 to a zip 13, where the zip 13 is in particular designed to be applied to a bag to allow opening and closing of an outlet opening for the material contained. The bag is not illustrated in the accompanying drawings and may be in the form of a bag made of flexible plastic film having an outlet opening for a product, for example a food product such as pet food.

The bag might be like the one described in international patent application No. WO 2005/120981 in the name of the same applicant.

Whatever the case, the zip 13, when it is applied to a corresponding product, or bag, for opening and closing an outlet opening for the material contained, comprises respective first and second elongated elements 15', 17' formed by respective bands 15, 17 for supporting corresponding interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a, said interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a being designed to engage and disengage each other following a longitudinal movement, or sliding, of the slider 11 along the zip 13.

More specifically, as illustrated in particular in Figure 1, the zip 13 comprises respective first and second, longitudinally elongated elements 15', 17', which are formed by respective longitudinal bands, or flanges 15, 17, of respective height, or width, extending in opposite transversal directions and constituting means for attaching the zip 13 to the respective surface of the bag.

The bands 15 and 17 support corresponding interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a which extend longitudinally and protrude perpendicularly from facing, perpendicularly superposed surfaces of the bands 15, 17 themselves.

The interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a are suitably shaped to be mutually engaged and disengaged each other when the slider 11 is made to slide longitudinally along the zip 13, in opposite longitudinal directions.

The first and second elongated elements 15', 17' are preferably obtained by extrusion of a respective plastic material, especially of the heat-sealable type, the respective band 15, 17 forming a single part with the respective interconnecting profile 15a, 17a, supported by the band 15, 17 itself.

The slider 11, in turn, comprises a slider body 11a, preferably made of suitable plastic material and having articulated to it a corresponding tab or lever 1 Ib for holding and pulling the slider.

The slider body 11a comprises guide portions or channels 11', 11" which converge at an end 111 where there is a respective outlet opening Ilia for the zip elements 15', 17' in the mutually engaged condition, better illustrated in Figure 5, and a corresponding end 113 having respective openings 113a, 113b for extending the zip elements 15', 17' in the perpendicularly spaced condition where the openings 113a, 113b are perpendicularly spaced from each other.

The guide channels 11', 11", extended transversally in the slider body, are formed by corresponding transversal end panels or walls l ie, Hd, which taper towards each other from an upstream end 113 to a downstream end 111 of the slider body 11. Between the upper and lower end walls there extends transversally an intermediate portion l ie, which is designed to engage and disengage the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a with and from each other when the slider 11 is made to move longitudinally towards the downstream side, thereby separating the profiles by a movement relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the zip.

As illustrated, the lever 1 Ib is suitably articulated by means of a transversal pin Hf, provided at the end of the lever and protruding from both sides of the lever in such a way as to be inserted into corresponding eyelets 1 Ig₃ Hg formed by corresponding looped arcuate retaining portions protruding from the outside face of the front or upper wall or panel lie.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figure 2, according to a preferred embodiment of the method the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a are provided with an aperture 19 such that, or whose dimensions are such that, it can receive a corresponding slider 11.

According to the preferred method, the slider 11 is positioned at the aperture 19 and the slider 11 is fitted, or caused to be fitted, to the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a of the zip.

As illustrated, the aperture 19 is also provided on, or extends onto, the respective supporting band 15, 17 of the respective interconnecting profile 15a, 17a. hi practice, the aperture in its entirety is composed of first and second half- apertures 19', 19', each provided on a respective elongated zip element 15', 17% said half-apertures being semicircular and symmetrical, or specular, and open or concave towards the side of the respective zip element 15', 17' transversally facing the other zip element. As illustrated, each interconnecting profile 15a, 17a is located at one transversal end, or lateral edge, of the respective band 15, 17, which faces, and perpendicularly interferes with, the other zip band, said bands 15, 17 extending in opposite transversal directions relative to the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a.

According to an advantageous aspect, in order to fit the slider 11 to the zip 13, the slider 11 itself and the zip 13 are moved relative to each other, in particular according to a longitudinal direction of the zip 13.

According to the preferred method, the slider 11 is positioned at the respective fitting position by moving the slider 11 preferably perpendicularly to the direction in which the zip 13 advances or perpendicularly to the linearly or longitudinally elongated zip 13.

In practice, according to the preferred method, the zip 13 is made to advance in a longitudinal direction in order to fit the slider 11.

While the slider 11 is being fitted, the slider 11 itself is in turn held still, and more specifically, is held still along the longitudinal direction. hi practice, the slider 11 is placed within the profile of the aperture 19 as a whole, that is to say, within the edges 19', 19' delimiting the facing half-apertures of the respective zip elements 15', 17', moving it preferably perpendicularly to the longitudinal zip 13 itself, or to the longitudinal direction in which the zip 13 is advanced, that is to say, to the zip bands 15, 17. According to the preferred method, the aperture 19 is made by punching the respective zip elements 15', 17'.

Advantageously, this aperture 19 is made using respective shearing elements 18, 20 that operate against a corresponding shear surface.

Advantageously, each shearing element has a cutting edge 18', 20' with a corresponding, generally curved shape in such a way that the aperture 19 formed has, in its entirety, a generally circular shape, into which the slider 11 is inserted.

In other terms, the aperture 19 obtained is such that the opposite ends 15'a, 17'a and 15"a, 17"a of the interconnecting elements are longitudinally spaced.

The aperture 19 also extends into the respective band 15, 17, and more specifically transversally covers only a portion of the respective supporting band 15, 17.

In practice, after shearing the aperture 19 in the respective zip element 15', 17', a corresponding aperture profile or edge 19' of generally semicircular shape is formed which transversally extends not only into the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a, but also partly into the body of the respective supporting band 15, 17, in such a way as to leave a longitudinal portion or strip 115, 117 of the band 15, 17 in an intact condition suitable for maintaining the longitudinal continuity of the respective zip element 15', 17'.

In other terms, the portion 115, 117 connects the portions of the zip element 15', 17' located upstream and downstream of the aperture 19. hi this way, it is unnecessary to use auxiliary elements for supporting the zip, upstream and downstream of the insertion aperture 19, in order to guarantee its continuity and thus facilitating the movement of the zip.

According to the preferred method, the zip 13 is made to advance along a respective longitudinal path and preferably along a straight path.

Further advantageously, the slider 11 is fitted to the zip 13 with the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a kept separate from each other and spaced apart, in particular, spaced apart perpendicularly. hi this way, fitting the slider 11 to the interconnecting profiles is conveniently facilitated.

More specifically, according to the method, in an upstream area, the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a are mutually engaged and connected in the same condition as when they are unwound from a corresponding roll, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings. hi practice, according to the preferred method, the zip 13 is made to advance with the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a in the mutually engaged condition and then, before the application aperture 19 is punched and obviously before the slider 11 is fitted to the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a, the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a themselves are separated from each other, so as to facilitate cutting of the material.

More specifically, the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a and the respective supporting bands 15, 17, that is to say, the zip elements 15', 17', are moved perpendicularly apart while the zip 13 advances.

Also, according to the preferred method, the zip elements 15', 17' are guided, and in particular, guided longitudinally through corresponding guide means in which the respective zip elements 15', 17' are kept spaced apart perpendicularly.

Advantageously, the aperture 19 is formed or made in the longitudinal zip elements 15', 17' by shearing the longitudinal zip elements simultaneously while they are in a perpendicularly spaced apart condition.

Further advantageously, shearing of the aperture 19 in the longitudinal zip elements 15', 17' is performed at the guide means, allowing a clean cut to be obtained, especially thanks to the fact that the zip elements 15', 17' are advantageously held in position and thanks to the advantageous guiding action imparted to the shearing means 18, 20, as will become clearer as this description continues.

More specifically, as illustrated in Figure 4, according to this preferred method, the shearing and punching means 18, 20 extend in a matching hole 32, 34, made in the guide means 26 (illustrated in more detail below) and which allows access to the elongated zip elements 15', 17'.

As shown in particular in Figure 5, according to a preferred method, the slider 11 is positioned at the outfeed end of the guide means 26.

According to the preferred method, after the slider 11 has been fitted to the zip 13, the slider is released and moved longitudinally as one with the zip 13 it is now fitted to.

As the zip advances after the slider 11 has been fitted to the interconnecting profile, the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a themselves are engaged with each other. More specifically, advantageously, the preferred method contemplates permanently or integrally joining the interconnecting portions 15a, 17a and, if necessary, the interconnecting bands 15, 17 to each other at the longitudinal ends of the aperture 19, in particular by providing corresponding seals S, S on them.

This eliminates all risks of the slider being pulled out. Also, according to this preferred method, the zip is advanced by feed means

16, described in more detail below.

According to this advantageous method, the zip 13 is made to advance with intermittent motion, where feed steps are alternated with dwell steps during which the aperture or half-apertures 19', 19' are made in the respective elongated elements of the zip 13, for accommodating or fitting the slider 11, the slider 11 is placed inside the aperture 19 and during which the ends of the longitudinal zip elements are joined, or sealed, to each other, at S and S, at the longitudinal ends of the respective aperture 19.

Also according to the preferred method, when the slider 11 is in position ready for insertion, it is aligned with the zip 13.

Figures 2 to 5 illustrate a preferred embodiment 10 of an apparatus for applying a slider 11 to a zip 13, implementing the method described above and operating on the zip and slider described above, not commented upon again so as to avoid making this description too lengthy.

Advantageously, this preferred apparatus comprises means 12 for making a corresponding aperture 19 in corresponding interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a of the zip, in particular in such a way that the aperture 19 is such that, or whose dimensions are such that, it can receive a corresponding slider 11 inside the edge that delimits the aperture 19 itself.

As mentioned above, this preferred apparatus also makes the aperture 19 at the respective band 15, 17 for supporting the respective interconnecting profile 15a, 17a. hi practice, the means for fitting the slider 11 to the zip 13 comprise means for moving the slider 11 and the zip relative to each other, in particular according to a longitudinal direction of the zip, and more specifically operating in such a way as to make the zip 13 advance longitudinally. Further, as mentioned, the application means comprise retaining means for holding the slider 11 in place as the zip advances, that is to say, during fitting, said slider 11 retaining means being, in particular, designed to hold the slider 11 still, or locked in place, in particular in the longitudinal direction.

Also, according to this preferred apparatus, the means for positioning the slider 11 move the slider 11 preferably perpendicularly to the direction in which the zip advances so as to place the slider 11 inside the aperture 19, where it is conveniently held still in order to allow the ends 15"a, 17"a of the interconnecting elements 15', 17', upstream of the aperture 19, to be inserted into the openings 113a, 113b of the body of the slider 11, upstream and leading into channels 11', 11" tapering towards each other in the slider itself.

Advantageously, the means for making an aperture 19 in the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a and in the respective supporting bands 15, 17 are in the form of cutting or punching means comprising corresponding means which move perpendicularly to the zip 13 as it advances. More specifically, an upper punch 18 has a corresponding cutting edge 18' operating against a matching shear surface, while a lower punch 20, with a base 22, has a corresponding cutting edge 20' operating against a matching shear surface.

More specifically, each cylindrical punch or the like 18, 20 is pressed into a respective perpendicular hole 32, 34 and has a respective cutting edge 18', 20' generally circular in shape, or extending circumferentially, and designed to make a corresponding cut, generally curved in shape, in the respective upper and lower zip element 15', 17'.

Using the corresponding shearing elements 18, 20, movable on perpendicularly opposite sides of the guide, a respective semicircular aperture 19' is made in each zip element 15', 17' in such a way as to form longitudinally spaced opposite ends 15'a, 15"a and 17'a and 17"a of the interconnecting portions

15a, 17a.

Further, the aperture 19 extends only partly into the respective supporting band 17, leaving in the latter a corresponding continuity portion, labelled 115, 117, at the aperture 19, making it possible to connect the portions of the elongated zip elements 15', 17', upstream and downstream of the aperture 19, thus avoiding the need for auxiliary means to guarantee the continuity of the zip 13 at the aperture 19.

As illustrated, means 24 in the form of a corresponding wedge-shaped portion, are provided for separating the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a and which, thanks to respective surfaces 24a, 24b, diverging from the engagement end 24', as clearly illustrated in Figure 3, causes the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a, as well as the respective supporting bands 15, 17, to move perpendicularly apart from each other.

Downstream of the means 24, the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a are re- connected to each other thanks to corresponding means in the form of feed rollers 16a, 16b, described in more detail below.

The reference numeral 26, in Figure 4, denotes means for guiding the zip elements 15, 17 when the zip elements 15, 17 are in the spaced apart condition, that is, when they are downstream of the separating means 24. The guide means 26 are not illustrated in detail in Figure 2.

The guide means comprise longitudinal channels for guiding respective zip elements 15', 17', said guide channels being denoted by the reference numerals 28 and 30 and extending longitudinally, parallel to each other and perpendicularly spaced from each other. As illustrated, the guide channels 28, 30 are provided in the same elongated body 26, are made of suitable material, and are open at their opposite longitudinal ends to allow each zip element 15', 17' to be fed into and out of the respective guide channel 28, 30.

The guide channels 28, 30 have a respective surface for coming into contact with the respective zip element 15', 17' and which perimetrically surrounds the latter and opens laterally of the guide element 26 in order to allow the respective transversal supporting band 15, 17 to extend outwards. The lateral openings 28a, 30a of the guide channels 28, 30, on opposite sides of the guide element 26, allow each transversal supporting band 15, 17 to be extended in a transversal direction opposite that of the other band.

The longitudinal zip elements 15', 17' are punched at the guide channels, that is to say, within the latter, thanks to the provision in the guide channels of cylindrical holes formed in the upper and lower plates 26a, 26b of said guide means 26.

In practice, an upper hole 32 and a lower hole 34 are provided, both being cylindrical although they might be of any other shape suitable for receiving and guiding a matchingly shaped shearing element 18, 20.

The upper and lower holes 32, 34 open onto the horizontal inside face of the plate 26a and of the plate 26b of the guide means to contribute to the cutting action against the opposite faces 27, 29 of the guide element 26, which thus constitute a shear surface for the cutting edges 18', 20' of the respective punches for cutting or providing the aperture 19.

As may be inferred in particular from Figure 2, the shearing means 18, 20 are inserted into the matching holes 32, 34 made in the guide means 26 in such a way as to punch or cut a clean hole in the zip elements 15', 17' at the guide means. As may be inferred from Figure 5, in this preferred apparatus, advantageously at the downstream end of the guide means 26, it is possible, by positioning the slider 11 with the respective inlet openings 113a, 113b in the channels 11% 11" of the slider, at the outlet openings of the respective guide channels 28, 30, to insert the interconnecting profiles or elements 15a, 17a easily into the slider 11, said slider 11, being held still while the zip 13 is advanced so that it moves relative to the zip in such a way as to join the downstream stretches 15"a, 17"a ofthe interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a.

Once the slider 11 has been fitted to the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a, the retaining means holding the slider 11 still, now release the slider 11 allowing it to be dragged away by the zip 13 as the latter continues to advance, and enabling the next slider 11 to take its place after another aperture 19 has been cut at the downstream end of the guide means 26.

Means 16 are provided for feeding the zip 13 with intermittent motion, where feed steps are alternated with dwell steps during which the zip elements 15% 17' are sheared in order to make the aperture 19, the slider 11 is placed inside an aperture 19 and the ends 15'a, 17'a e 15"a, 17"a of the opposite interconnecting profiles 17a, 19a, are joined, or sealed, to each other by corresponding means 40, downstream of the applicator station, at the longitudinal ends of the respective aperture 19, so as to prevent the slider 11 from coming out of the zip 13.

Advantageously, the means 40 for permanently joining the interconnecting portions 15a, 17a to each other at the ends of the aperture 19 are in the form of respective sealing elements 42, 44 which are movable perpendicularly to the zip 13 between a mutually engaged position for sealing the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a and the corresponding bands 15, 17 and a position where the elements are apart and the zip is free to advance. The heated sealing plates are designed to provide respective sealed portions S, S. Further, the reference numeral 16 denotes means for feeding the zip 13, said feed means being in the form of matching, opposing rollers 16a, 16b which engage opposite outside faces of the zip 13.

The feed means 16 are located downstream of the shearing means, of the means 13 and of the means, or zones, for positioning the slider 11, or more specifically, downstream of the positioning means when the latter are in the condition where they place the slider in the aperture 19, and also downstream of the guide means 26 and, obviously, of the means 24 for spacing apart the longitudinal elements 15', 17' of the zip 13.

Further, the feed means 16 are located upstream of the joining means 40, though in another embodiment, they might be located downstream of the joining means 40.

As illustrated, this preferred apparatus extends in a longitudinal direction and may, advantageously, be located transversally of a bag making line, with the addition of cutting means designed to separate a corresponding longitudinal portion of the zip 13, with a slider 11 fitted to it, in view of its being advantageously applied to the bag or to the film the bag is made of.

The bag making line might be made like the one described in international patent application No. WO 2006/067617 in the name of the same applicant.

In practice, in the first preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus, the slider application aperture 19 is made by cutting means 18, 20. These cutting means are movable perpendicularly to the zip between a raised position to allow the zip to pass and a lowered cutting position. As illustrated, the aperture 19 thus obtained extends only partly on the respective supporting band 15, 17.

The zip 13 might also be advanced with the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a in the spaced apart condition, unwound for the purpose from different feed rolls.

In practice, in the first preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus according to the invention, the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a are engaged with each other as a result and by effect of fitting the slider 11 to the interconnecting profiles themselves.

Further, in the first preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus according to the invention, the zip elements 15', 17' are advanced or fed longitudinally in the perpendicularly spaced condition and the cut that forms the aperture 19 is made while the zip elements 15', 17' are in the spaced apart condition.

In the first preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus according to the invention, the interconnecting portions 15a, 17a, and/or the supporting bands

15, 17 are sealed at the ends of the zip portion 13 to which a slider 11 is applied.

More specifically, the interconnecting portions 15 a, 17a and/or the supporting bands 15, 17 are sealed to each other at the ends of the zip portion 13 to which a slider 11 is applied, one after the other and as a result of fitting the slider 11 to the respective zip portion 13.

As illustrated, the zip 13 is fed with the respective interconnecting profile supporting flanges or bands extending in a direction transversal to the feed direction.

A second preferred embodiment 100 of the apparatus for implementing the method according to the invention is illustrated in Figure 6, in which the components similar to those of the previous embodiment are labelled with the same reference characters and, for brevity and convenience of description, will not be commented again in detail.

The second preferred embodiment is the same as the first preferred embodiment except in that the slider 11 is placed in the application area on the zip 13 by moving it transversally to the zip 13 or to the advancing direction of the zip 13, that is, in the plane defined by the interconnecting profile supporting flanges, or bands, 15, 17.

For the purpose, means not illustrated in detail, are provided for feeding the slider 11, said slider 11 feed means moving the slider 11 transversally to the zip and/or to the advancing direction of the zip 13.

Further, in the second preferred embodiment, the aperture 119 for fitting the slider is obtained by making a respective transversal cut in the respective elongated zip element 15', 17' and causing the opposite portions of the respective elongated zip element 15', 17' resulting from the transversal cut to be longitudinally spaced from each other. This can be obtained by moving the part of the zip downstream of the cut away from the part of the zip upstream of the transversal cut.

As illustrated, the transversal cut completely subdivides, or separates, the respective elongated zip element 15', 17'.

That way, a lateral opening is provided in the supporting band 15, which, as illustrated, allows the slider 11 to be inserted into the slit 119 by a transversal movement.

The second preferred embodiment of the apparatus also comprises cutting means 112 whose shearing element has a straight cutting profile 112' extending transversally to the zip. Said means for providing a respective aperture 119 in the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a are in the form of a corresponding blade 112 perpendicular to the zip and extending transversally beyond the lateral edges of the zip 13 itself.

In the second preferred embodiment, the zip elements 15', 17' are fed longitudinally through corresponding means for engaging and feeding the supporting bands of the zip.

In practice, the engagement and feed means 116, 117 are in the form of a first and a second plurality of rollers transversally spaced and positioned parallel to each other to engage and advance the lateral portions of the supporting bands of the interconnecting profiles. As illustrated, the engagement and feed means 116, 117 are in the form of longitudinally aligned rollers.

In another preferred embodiment, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the engagement and feed means might be in the form of means for gripping and advancing the supporting bands and, more specifically, in the form of retaining means for holding the supporting bands, said grippers being moved longitudinally through corresponding means.

Also, as illustrated, the engagement and feed means of the second preferred embodiment are provided upstream and downstream of the cutting means. That way, the parts of the zip upstream and downstream of the cutting means 112 can be moved independently of each other.

In practice, the slider 11 positioning means are designed to place the slider 11 between longitudinally facing ends of corresponding portions 13', 13" of the zip, said portions being designed to form respective zips to be applied to respective products or bags. In a third preferred embodiment 200, illustrated in Figure 1, the aperture 19 might also be imagined as extending partly on the respective supporting band 17, whereas, for the other interconnecting profile 15, the respective aperture might extend in such a way as to separate or divide the entire supporting band 15.

That way, a lateral opening is maintained in the supporting band 15, which, as in the second preferred embodiment, allows the slider 11 to be inserted into the slit 219 by a transversal movement. The zip may be fed along a horizontal path, as illustrated, or along a vertical path, the latter being especially suitable for the second and third embodiments which allow the slider to be inserted laterally.

Figures 8 to 11 illustrate a fourth preferred embodiment of the apparatus implementing a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention for applying a slider 11 to a zip 13.

Some of the components of the fourth preferred embodiment of the apparatus are similar to those of the first preferred embodiment described above and are not described again in detail.

More specifically, like the first preferred embodiment, the fourth preferred embodiment comprises means, not illustrated in detail in the drawing, for spacing apart and perpendicularly moving away from each other the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a of the zip 13 before the latter enters the guide means 126 which guide the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a longitudinally, keeping them separate and suitably spaced perpendicularly from each other. The guide means, as in the embodiments described above, are in the form of a corresponding elongated element 126 which extends longitudinally in the advancing direction of the zip tape 13 and which has opposite transversal faces, upstream, downstream and lateral, and in which guide channels or grooves 28, 30 for corresponding zip elements 15', 17' are formed. The guide means, or grooves 28, 30, extend longitudinally, parallel to each other and perpendicularly spaced from each other. As illustrated, the guide channels 28, 30 are provided in the same elongated body 126, are made of suitable material, more specifically of a metallic material, and are open at their opposite longitudinal ends to lead onto the transversal faces upstream and downstream of the guide element 126 so as to allow each zip element 15', 17' to be fed into and out of the respective guide channel 28, 30.

The guide channels 28, 30 have a respective surface for coming into contact with the respective zip element 15', 17' which perimetrically bounds the latter and which opens laterally of the guide element 126, having lateral openings 28a, 30a of the respective guide channel 28, 30, on opposite sides of the guide element 126, allowing the respective transversal supporting band 15, 17 to extend beyond the respective lateral edge of the element 126, each band 15, 17 extending in an opposite transversal direction to that of the other band. The transversal supporting bands 15, 17 thus extend outside the respective guide grooves 28, 30.

Advantageously, the fourth preferred embodiment differs in particular from the first preferred embodiment in that it comprises a single station, or zone, where the zip is cut to form the slit 19 for positioning the slider 11, where the slider 11 is positioned at the slit 19 and also where the slider 11 is fitted to the zip 13.

In practice, after the mutually engaging and facing borders 15a, 17a of the zip tape have been separated from each other, these enter the respective guides or grooves 28, 30 at an upstream end, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, of the element 126 and slide through the grooves and feed out of the opposite end 126', as may be inferred from Figure 8.

When the zip 13 stops advancing longitudinally, downstream of the outfeed end 126' of the means 28, 30 for guiding the separated borders of the zip tape, corresponding means, in particular in the form of a punch 18 having a cutting means of generally circumferential shape make a respective aperture 19 identical to the one of the first preferred embodiment and having a generally semicircular profile 19' forming opposite ends 15'a, 15"a and 17'a and 17"a, in the longitudinally spaced interconnecting portions 15a, 17a. As illustrated, in the fourth preferred embodiment, too, the aperture 19' extends in the supporting bands 15, 17 of the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a. Obviously, the perimetric aperture 19 might have shapes other than those described up to now.

As may be inferred from Figure 9, after the circumferential aperture 19' has been made in the zip body, the slider 11 is positioned, by corresponding and advantageous slider 11 supporting and movement means, for example in the form of a corresponding movable slider 11 gripper 125, at the aperture 19 just made in the zip body 13, the slider 11 being suitably positioned in particular in height in such a way that the corresponding infeed ends are placed inside the channels 11', 11" of the slider 11, at the outlets of the guide channels or grooves 28, 30.

At this point, with the zip 13 and the slider 11 in the stopped condition, the guide means 126 advance longitudinally for a predetermined stretch until positioning the respective transversal face 126', which the outlets of the guide grooves 28, 30 open onto, at or in the vicinity of, and preferably in contact with, the opposite transversal or rear face 11m of the slider 11, as illustrated in Figure 10. In this way, the outlets of the guide grooves 28, 30 are at, and longitudinally aligned with, the inlets of the longitudinal channels 11 ', 11" of the slider 11.

It is thus possible to easily insert the interconnecting elements or profiles 15a, 17a into the slider 11.

The zip 13 now starts advancing longitudinally, in such a way that the borders of the respective interconnecting portions 15a, 17a downstream of the aperture 19 can be optimally and surely inserted into the respective channels 11% 11" of the slider, the latter still being held securely in place by the respective supporting means 125.

In practice, while the slider 11 is held in place and the zip 13 advances, moving relative to the slider, the slider 11 is fitted to the borders 15a, 17a of the zip body 13, as illustrated in Figure 11. After a certain time interval, or after the slider 11 has been fully fitted to the borders 15a, 17a of the zip, 13 and for a suitable additional stretch to allow the downstream end of the slider 11 to be spaced from the end 15"a, 17"a of the zip, the slider is released by the supporting and retaining means 125, remaining fixed to the zip tape 13 and being dragged or carried away by the latter as it advances longitudinally, thus moving out of the zone or station for cutting the aperture 19 and fitting the slider 11.

At this point, as the zip tape 13 continues to advance, the single guide means or element 126 is moved longitudinally backwards towards its starting position, illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, thereby clearing the cutting and application area in view of the above operations being repeated in order to fit another slider 11.

In practice, in this preferred embodiment, the means 126 for guiding the interconnecting borders of the zip are movable longitudinally between a retracted position for freely cutting the zip body and/or freely positioning the slider at the aperture 19 in it, and a forward position for easily inserting the interconnecting borders 15a, 17a of the zip into the respective channels of the slider 11.

In short, an apparatus is obtained which has a reduced longitudinal extension and which guarantees that the slider 11 is easily and surely fitted to the zip 13. In the fourth preferred embodiment, too, means not illustrated in Figures 8 to 11, are provided for feeding the zip 13 with intermittent motion, where feed steps are alternated with dwell steps during which the slider 11 is placed at an aperture 19, the zip elements 15% 17' are sheared in order to make said application aperture 19, and the ends 15'a, 17'a and 15"a, 17"a of the opposite interconnecting profiles 17a, 19a, are joined, or sealed, to each other by corresponding means, downstream of the applicator station, to the longitudinal ends of the respective aperture 19, so as to prevent the slider 11 from coming out of the zip.

Advantageously, the means for permanently joining the interconnecting portions 15a, 17a to the ends of the aperture 19 are, in this case, too, in the form of respective sealing elements which are movable perpendicularly to the zip 13 between a mutually engaged position for sealing the interconnecting profiles 15a, 17a and the corresponding bands 15, 17, and a position where the elements are apart and the zip is free to advance, hi practice, the sealing plates also seal the supporting bands 15, 17 to each other around the respective interconnecting profile 15a, 17a. The zip tape is then cut into respective pieces of suitable length, each having a respective slider 11 fitted to it. hi practice, according to the method, the slit 19 in the zip 13, the positioning of the slider 11 at the slit 19, and the fitting of the slider 11 to the zip 13 all take place in a single working area. According to this advantageous method, the fitting of the slider to the zip occurs with the slider in the stopped condition.

Moreover, according to the method, the slit 19 is cut while the zip is in the stopped condition.

According to the method, slider is also positioned in the slit 19 while the zip is in the stopped condition.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application and may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all the details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. A method for applying a slider (11) to a zip (13), the zip (13) being in particular designed to be applied to a respective product, such as a bag, to open and close a respective outlet opening for the material contained, the zip (13) comprising first and second elongated elements (15', 17') in the form of respective bands (15, 17) for supporting interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a), said interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) being designed to engage and disengage each other following a longitudinal movement of the slider (11) along the zip (13); the method being characterized in that the slider (11) is positioned at an aperture (19) formed by opposite, longitudinally spaced, ends (15'a, 15"a and 17'a, 17"a) of the interconnecting portions (15a, 17a), and in that the slider (11) is fitted to the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a).

2. The method according to claim 1 or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the interconnecting profiles are provided with an aperture (19) delimited by longitudinally spaced opposite ends (15'a, 15"a and 17'a, 17"a) of the interconnecting portions (15a, 17a) and designed to receive a corresponding slider (11).

3. The method according to either of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that in order to fit the slider (11) to the zip (13), the slider (11) and the zip (13) are moved relative to each other.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that in order to fit the slider (11) to the zip (13), the slider and the zip (13) are moved relative to each other in a direction longitudinal of the zip (13).

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that in order to fit the slider (11), to the zip (13) , the zip (13) is moved.

6. The method according to any of the foregoing claims from 3 to 5, characterized in that in order to fit the slider (11) to the zip (13), the zip (13) is advanced longitudinally.

7. The method according to any of the foregoing claims from 3 to 6, characterized in that the slider (11) is held still while it is being fitted to the zip (13) .

8. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the slider (11) is positioned at the application area on the zip (13) by moving perpendicularly to the zip (13) or to the advancing direction of the zip (13).

9. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the slider (11) is positioned at the application area on the zip (13) by moving transversally to the zip (13) or to the advancing direction of the zip (13).

10. The method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the slider (11) is positioned in the aperture (19) made in the zip (13).

11. The method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the aperture in its entirety is composed of a first and a second half aperture each made in the respective elongated zip element (15', 17').

12. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the aperture (19) extends only partly within the respective supporting band (15, 17).

13. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that at the aperture (19) there is a portion (115, 117) of the respective band which maintains the continuity of the respective zip element (15', 17').

14. The method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the application aperture (19) is made by cutting the respective zip elements (15', 17').

15. The method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the aperture (119) is obtained by making a corresponding transversal cut in the respective elongated zip element (15', 17').

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the opposite portions of each elongated zip element (15% 17') formed as a result of the transversal cut are longitudinally spaced from each other.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the transversal cut completely subdivides the respective elongated zip element (15', 17').

18. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the application aperture (19) is made by respective cutting means (18, 20).

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that said cutting means comprise a shearing element (18, 20) having a cutting edge (18', 20') with a generally circular shape.

20. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) and the respective supporting bands (15, 17) are moved perpendicularly apart.

21. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the slider (11) is fitted to the zip (13) while the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) are kept apart.

22. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the zip (13) is advanced with the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) in the spaced apart condition.

23. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the zip (13) is advanced with the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) kept apart from each other.

24. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the zip (13) is advanced with the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) in the mutually engaged condition and the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) are moved apart.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the zip (13) is advanced with the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) in the mutually engaged condition and the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) are moved apart before fitting the slider (11).

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the zip (13) is advanced with the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) in the mutually engaged condition and the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) are moved apart before the application aperture (19) is made.

27. The method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) are engaged with each other as a result and by effect of fitting the slider to the interconnecting profiles themselves.

28. The method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) are re-engaged with each other after the slider (11) has been fitted.

29. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the zip elements (15', 17') are guided longitudinally through corresponding guide means (26).

30. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the zip elements (15% 17') are fed longitudinally through means (116, 117) for engaging and feeding the zip supporting bands.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that the engagement and feed means (116, 117) are in the form of a first and a second plurality of rollers transversally spaced and positioned parallel to each other to feed the interconnecting profiles.

32. The method according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the engagement and feed means (116, 117) are in the form of longitudinally aligned rollers.

33. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that the engagement and feed means are in the form of gripping and feed means in the form of retaining grippers which are moved longitudinally.

34. The device according to any of the foregoing claims from 30 to 33, characterized in that the engagement and feed means are located upstream and downstream of the cutting means.

35. The method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the zip elements (15', 17') are advanced longitudinally in the perpendicularly spaced apart condition.

36. The method according to any of the foregoing claims from 29 to 35, characterized in that the zip elements (15', 17') are guided longitudinally in the perpendicularly spaced apart condition.

37. The method according to any of the foregoing claims from 14 to 36, characterized in that the shearing of the longitudinal zip elements (15', 17') is performed simultaneously.

38. The method according to any of the foregoing claims from 14 to 37, characterized in that the shearing of the longitudinal zip elements (15', 17') is performed with said longitudinal zip elements hi the perpendicularly spaced apart condition.

39. The method according to any of the foregoing claims from 30 to 38, characterized in that the shearing of the longitudinal zip elements (15', 17') is performed at the guide means (26).

40. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that the shearing means (18, 20) are inserted into a matching hole (32, 34) made in the guide means (26).

41. The method according to any of the foregoing claims from 29 to 40, characterized in that the slider (11) is positioned at the outlet end of the guide means.

42. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that after the slider (11) has been fitted to the zip (13), the slider (11) is dragged away by the advancing zip (13).

43. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the interconnecting portions (15a, 17a) are permanently joined to each other at the ends of the aperture (19).

44. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the interconnecting bands (15, 17) are permanently joined to each other at the ends of the aperture (19).

45. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that the interconnecting bands (15, 17) are permanently sealed to each other.

46. The method according to any of the foregoing claims from 43 to 45 characterized in that the interconnecting portions (15a, 17a) and/or the interconnecting profiles are sealed to each other at the ends of the aperture (19).

47. The method according to claim 46, characterized in that the interconnecting portions (15a, 17a) are sealed to each other at the ends of the zip portion where a slider (11) is applied.

48. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the zip (13) advances with intermittent motion, where feed steps are alternated with dwell steps.

49. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that the zip (13) advances with intermittent motion, where feed steps are alternated with dwell steps during which the slider (11) is positioned.

50. The method according to claim 48 or 49, characterized in that the zip (13) advances with intermittent motion, where feed steps are alternated with dwell steps during which the zip (13) is cut.

51. The method according to any of the foregoing claims from 48 to 50, characterized in that the zip (13) advances with intermittent motion, where feed steps are alternated with dwell steps during which the ends of the longitudinal zip elements (15', 17') are joined at the aperture (19).

52. The method according to either of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that at the position where it is fitted to the zip (13), the slider (11) is aligned with the zip (13).

53. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that for one interconnecting profile the aperture (19) extends partly on the respective supporting band (15, 17) and for the other interconnecting profile the corresponding aperture (19) extends in such a way as to separate the entire supporting band (15, 17).

54. The method according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the cutting of the slit (19) in the zip (13) and the positioning of the slider (11) at the slit (19) occur in a single working area.

55. The method according to claim 54, characterized in that the cutting of the slit (19) in the zip, the positioning of the slider (11) at the slit (19) and the fitting of the slider (11) to the zip (13) occur in a single working area.

56. The method according to claim 54 or 55, characterized in that the said single working area is downstream of the guide means (126).

57. The method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the means (126) for guiding the interconnecting borders of the zip are movable longitudinally between a retracted position for freely cutting the zip body and/or freely positioning the slider at the aperture (19) in it, and a forward position for easily inserting the interconnecting borders (15a, 17a) of the zip into the respective channels of the slider (11).

58. The method according to claim 57, characterized in that the means (126) for guiding the interconnecting borders of the zip to the forward position are at or in contact with the slider (11).

59. An apparatus (10) for applying a slider (11) to a zip (13), the zip (13) being in particular designed to be applied to a respective product, such as a bag, to open and close a respective outlet opening for the material contained, the zip (13) comprising first and second elongated elements (15', 17') in the form of respective bands (15, 17) for supporting interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a), said interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) being designed to engage and disengage each other following a longitudinal movement of the slider (11) along the zip (13); the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises means for positioning the slider (11) at a corresponding aperture (19) formed by opposite, longitudinally spaced, ends (15'a, 15"a and 17'a, 17"a) of the interconnecting portions (15a, 17a), and means for fitting the slider (11) to the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a).

60. The apparatus according to claim 59 or according to the preamble to claim 59, characterized in that it comprises means (12) for making in the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) a corresponding aperture (19) formed by opposite, longitudinally spaced, ends (15'a, 15"a and 17'a, 17"a) of the interconnecting portions (15a, 17a) and designed to receive a corresponding slider (11).

61. The apparatus according to claim 59 or 60 or according to the preamble to claim 59, characterized in that means are provided for fitting the slider (11) to the zip (13) and comprising means for moving the slider (11) and the zip (13) relative to each other.

62. The apparatus according to claim 61, characterized in that the means for fitting the slider (11) to the zip (13), move the slider and the zip (13) relative to each other in a direction longitudinal of the zip (13).

63. The apparatus according to claim 61 or 62, characterized in that the means for fitting the slider (11) to the zip (13) move the zip (13).

64. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 63 or according to the preamble to claim 59, characterized in that means are provided for fitting the slider (11) to the zip (13) and comprising retaining means (125) for holding the slider (11) in place while it is being fitted.

65. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 64 or according to the preamble to claim 59, characterized in that means (125) are provided for positioning the slider (11) and which move the slider (11) perpendicularly to the zip and/or to the advancing direction of the zip (13).

66. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 65 or according to the preamble to claim 59, characterized in that means are provided for feeding the slider (11) and which move the slider (11) trans versally to the zip and/or to the advancing direction of the zip (13).

67. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 66, characterized in that the means (125) for positioning the slider are designed to position the slider (11) inside the aperture (19).

68. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 67, characterized in that the means for making a corresponding aperture (19) in the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) are in the form of means for cutting the zip.

69. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 68, characterized in that the means for making a corresponding aperture (19) in the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) are in the form of a corresponding punch.

70. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 69, characterized in that the means for making a corresponding aperture (119) in the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) are in the form of a blade perpendicular to the zip and extending beyond the lateral edges of the zip.

71. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 68 to 70, characterized in that the cutting means can move perpendicularly to the zip between a raised position to allow the zip to pass and a lowered cutting position.

72. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 71 or according to the preamble to claim 59, characterized in that means (24) are provided for separating and moving perpendicularly apart the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a).

73. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 72 or according to the preamble to claim 59, characterized in that means (16) are provided for re-engaging the interconnecting profiles (15a, 17a) with each other.

74. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 73 or according to the preamble to claim 59, characterized in that means are provided for longitudinally guiding the zip elements (15', 17').

5 75. The apparatus according to claim 74, characterized in that said guide means comprise respective channels, or grooves, (28, 30) for guiding corresponding zip elements (15', 17') and extending longitudinally of and parallel with each other.

76. The apparatus according to claim 74 or 75, characterized hi that it comprises l o guide channels, or grooves, (28, 30) perpendicularly spaced from each other.

77. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 74 to 76, characterized in that the means for cutting the aperture (19) are inserted into a corresponding hole (32, 34) in the guide means (26).

15

78. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 74 to 77, characterized in that the slider (11) is positioned at the outlet end of the guide means (26).

20 79. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 78 or according to the preamble to claim 59, characterised in that means (40) are provided for permanently joining the interconnecting portions (15a, 17a) with each other at the ends of the aperture (19).

25 80. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 79 or according to the preamble to claim 59, characterized in that means (16) are provided for feeding the zip (13).

81. The apparatus according to claim 80, characterized hi that the feed means 30 (16) are downstream of the zip (13) shearing means.

82. The apparatus according to claim 80 or 81, characterized hi that the feed means (16) are downstream of the means, or area, for positioning the slider (11).

35 83. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 80 to 82, characterized in that the feed means (16) are downstream of the means (24) for moving the longitudinal elements of the zip (13) apart.

84. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 80 to 83, characterized in that the feed means (16) are downstream of the means (26) for longitudinally guiding the longitudinal elements of the zip (13).

85. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 80 to 84, characterized in that the feed means are upstream of the means (40) for joining, or sealing, the zip (13).

86. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 80 to 84, characterized in that the feed means are downstream of the means (40) for joining, or sealing, the zip (13).

87. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 86 or according to the preamble to claim 59, characterized in that the zip elements (15',

17') are fed longitudinally through corresponding means for engaging and feeding the zip supporting bands.

88. The apparatus according to claim 87, characterized in that the engagement and feed means (116, 117) are in the form of a first and a second plurality of rollers transversally spaced and positioned parallel to each other to feed the interconnecting profiles.

89. The apparatus according to claim 87 or 88, characterized in that the engagement and feed means (116, 117) are in the form of longitudinally aligned rollers.

90. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 59 to 89 or according to the preamble to claim 59, characterized in that it comprises a single station where the slit (19) is cut in the zip and the slider (11) is positioned at the slit (19).

91. The apparatus according to claim 90, characterized in that it comprises a single station where the slit (19) is cut in the zip, where the slider (11) is positioned at the slit (19) and where the slider (11) is fitted to the zip (13).

92. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 74 to 91, characterized in that it comprises means (126) for guiding the zip elements and movable between a retracted position and a forward position.

93. The apparatus according to claim 92, characterized in that it comprises means (126) for guiding the zip elements (15a, 17a) and movable longitudinally between a retracted position for freely cutting the zip body and/or freely positioning the slider at the aperture (19) in it, and a forward position for easily inserting the interconnecting borders (15a, 17a) of the zip into the respective channels of the slider (11).

94. The apparatus according to claim 92 or 93, characterized in that the means (126) for guiding the zip elements (15a, 17a) to the forward position are at or in contact with the slider (11).