GB2501775A

GB2501775A - Slide fastener with decorative features

Info

Publication number: GB2501775A
Application number: GB1208061.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Stevenson
Original assignee: YKK Corp
Current assignee: YKK Corp
Priority date: 2012-05-04
Filing date: 2012-05-04
Publication date: 2013-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2032-05-04
Also published as: FR2990109A1; CN103381006B; GB201615772D0; GB2501775B; GB2539341A; GB2539341B; GB201208061D0; FR2990109B1; CN103381006A; ITTO20130355A1

Abstract

A slide fastener 10 comprises a pair of stringers 2a, 2b comprising a knitted, woven or non-woven fastener tape 3a, 3b and a row of coupling elements (5, figure 2) mounted on the respective longitudinal edge of each fastener tape. A slider has plates defining a channel through which the coupling elements pass and is adapted to slide along the rows of coupling elements thus closing the fastener. Decorative elements 6 are fixed to a face 8a of one or both fastener tapes 3a, 3b, within a recess (90, figure 6f). The application also describes methods of preparing such a slide fastener and devices for use in such a preparation.

Description

A Decorated Slide Fastener and a Device and Method for preparing Same.

The present invention relates to a decorated slide fastener1 a device suitable for preparing the decorated slide fastener and a method of preparing same. More specifically the present invention relates to a decorated slide fastener and a device and method for preparing same in which the slide fastener is decorated with decorative elements such as for example glass beads, plastic beads, stones or jewels.

Conventional slide fasteners comprise a pair of stringers often formed from woven, non-woven or knitted fastener tapes. Coupling elements are secured to edges of the fastener tapes and the coupling elements are brought into an interdigitating relationship when a slider passes over the coupling elements thereby closing the slide fastener. 0 *

The list of applications to which slide fasteners may he applied continues to * increase. Likewise the demand for high quality slide fasteners which are able L: : to meet the requirements of particular industries also continues to increase.

For example, in the fashion industry were every aspect of a garment adds to the overall effect, slide fasteners are extremely important and are able to contribute to the overall aesthetic appearance of an article of clothing.

Unfortunately, the application of decoration or ornamental elements such as beads, crystals or stones to slide fasteners is often time consuming and prone to error. Indeed, the application of rows or patterns of elements to a slide fastener requires precision since the elements are prone to damage if raised too high above the surface of the slide fastener. The elements are often misaligned due to inaccuracies in the securing procedure.

For example in US 5511292 and US 5588185 there are disclosed slide fasteners or zippers which comprise stringers with plastic injection moulded coupling elements located Ofl fastener tapes. Decorative beads or stones are moulded in the upper surfaces of the coupling elements at the same time as the coupling elements are injection moulded on the fastener tapes. This procedure has the disadvantage that the decorative beads or stones may be damaged or partially covered with plastic during the injection moulding process.

In EP 2338272 there is disclosed a slide fastener with decorative elements and a method of manufacturing the same. The slide fastener comprises two adjacent stringers each comprising a fastener tape. Each fastener tape also carries a row of coupling elements which co-operatively interdigitate when a slider passes over the coupling elements and closes the slide fastener. Each stringer is provided with a plurality of decorative elements. The decorative elements are provided on a first surface of the fastener tape and the coupling elements are provided on a second inside surface of the fastener tape.

The decorative elements are carried to the first surface of the fastener tape by means of a carrier tape which is attached to one side of the decorative elements by releasable adhesive and carries the elements in either rows or a pattern. A * second non-releasable adhesive layer is positioned on a second side of the elements and provides non-releasable adhesive for securing the elements to the slide fastener. In order to secure the elements to the slide fastener, the *:° non-releasable adhesive layer is peeled away from the elements and in so tee.

doing the non-releasable adhesive is retained on the elements. The elements are then applied to the first surface of the slide fastener and held in place by means of the non-releasable adhesive. Once the elements are secure the fastener tape is peeled away from the elements leaving the elements in rows or a pattern on the slide fastener.

UP 2003047508 describes a procedure for printing on a slide fastener of a fixed size with a pattern over the surface of a fastener tape including the spacing between coupling elements. The slide fastener is placed on a first platform, the platform having a groove along its length. The groove is of a width for receiving the coupling elements in a closed slide fastener. Transfer paper having a desired design or pattern is arranged on the slide fastener described above and thereafter plates are placed on the fastener tapes above the transfer paper.

Pressure and heat is then applied from above to transfer the pattern to the slide fastener.

With current slide fasteners decorative elements may be damaged through general wear of the slide fastener and if not attached to the slide fastener precisely and securely the elements may actually impair the aesthetic appearance the slide fastener adds to a garment. The present invention therefore provides a method and a device for preparing a decorated slide fastener which overcomes the problems associated with existing methods and devices for decorating slide fasteners and to slide fasteners prepared using the method and device.

Therefore according to the present invention there is provided a slide fastener (10) comprising: a pair of stringers (2a, 2b) each stringer comprising a knitted, woven or non-woven fastener tape (3a, 3b) and a row of coupling elements (5) mounted on a respective longitudinal edge of each fastener tape; and * a slider having plates defining therebetween a channel through which the :.: coupling elements pass and adapted to slide along the rows of coupling elements; and *;* wherein there is provided one or more decorative elements (6) on a first *** face (8a) of at least one fastener tape; and * wherein the one or more decorative element (6) is fixed in a respective recess (90) formed in the first face (Ba) of the at least one fastener tape.

The one or more decorative element (6) is fixed in the respective recess (90) formed in the first face (Ba) of the at least one fastener tape by activation of heat sensitive adhesive (Sc).

The one or more decorative element may comprise an upper portion and a base portion (6b). The heat-sensitive adhesive may be applied to the base portion (6b) of the one or more decorative element.

The respective recess (90) is formed by the woven, non-woven or knitted fastener tape being impregnated with the heat-sensitive adhesive. The recess may be formed by the heat sensitive adhesive flowing into the woven, knitted or non-woven fastener tape.

Preferably the base portion of the one or more decorative element rests completely within the respective recess (90). This ensures protective for the one or more decorative elements and prevents the one or more decorative elements being accidentally pulled free of the recess.

The decorative elements may comprise, for example, glass beads, plastic beads, crystals, jewels or stones. Most preferably the decorative elements comprise crystal glass. It will be appreciated that a variety of decorative elements may be applied to the slide fastener.

It is preferred that when two or more decorative elements are provided the elements are arranged such that when the slide fastener is closed, the * decorative elements extend substantially parallel to the respective longitudinal :.: edge of each fastenertape *:** The slide fastener may comprise plastic coupling elements. The coupling ***.

elements may comprise coiled coupling elements. Furthermore, the coiled coupling elements may be provided on a second face (8b) of the fastener tape (3a, 3b) opposite the first face (Ba), and the coupling elements may be concealed by the fastener tape (3a, 3b).

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a device (100) for preparing a slide fastener with slider as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention, the device comprising: an elongate housing (110) defining an elongate first recess for receiving the slide fastener; and an inlay (112) comprising resiliently deformable material disposed in the first recess; wherein .IumuI the housing comprises a stop (121) located at one end of the housing adjacent one end of the inlay against which the slider of the slide fastener abuts when the slide fastener is in the elongate first recess.

The stop (121) may be defined by a recess (122) for receiving the slider on the slide fastener.

The inlay may define a second recess (120) for receiving the coupling elements present on the slide fastener.

The elongate housing preferably comprises rigid material. Most preferably the elongate housing comprises metal such as for example steel.

The inlay preferably comprises silicone.

:.". The stop (121) preferably comprises metal.

* .**** * * : It is also preferred that the depth of the inlay is less than the depth of the first recess.

The inlay preferably comprises a unitary piece of resiliently deformable material.

****** * Alternatively the inlay may comprise more than one piece of resiliently deformable material.

The inlay may comprise a pair of outer portions separated by an inner portion and wherein the second recess is formed between the pair of outer portions and wherein the depth of the second recess is less than the depth of the outer portions.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of preparing a slide fastener as described in relation to the first aspect of the present invention using a device as described in relation to the second aspect of the present invention comprising the steps of: i) inserting into the device a closed slide fastener comprising a pair of stringers (2a, 2b) each stringer comprising a knitted, woven or non-woven fastener tape (3a, 3b) and a row of coupling elements (5) mounted on a respective longitudinal edge of each fastener tape; and a slider having plates defining therebetween a channel through which the coupling elements pass and adapted to slide along the rows of coupling elements device: ii) placing a carrier tape (13) comprising one or more decorative element on top of the fastener tape (3a, 3b) wherein the one or more decorative element carries heat activated adhesive (6c) and wherein the carrier tape (13) contacts the one or more decorative element by releasable adhesive: iii) applying a heated press (75) to a first surface of the carrier tape that is opposite to a second surface of the carrier tape, wherein the one or more decorative element is attached to the second surface, and applying pressure and heat to the slide fastener and carrier tape so as to press the decorative element against the fastener tape and so form a recess (90) in the tape and thereby adhere the one or more decorative element in the recess (90) and to further diffuse the heat sensitive adhesive into the recess of the fastener tape; and iv) removing the carrier tape from the slide fastener.

In the method the one or more decorative element comprises a base portion (6b) and an upper portion and wherein the heat sensitive adhesive is located on the base portion.

A pressure of between 4 and 8 Bar may be applied to the carrier tape and the slide fastener to secure the one or more decorative element in place. More preferably, a pressure of 6 Bar may be applied to the carrier tape for between and 30 seconds to secure the one or more decorative elements in place A temperature of between 160 and 190 DC may be applied to the carrier tape and slide fastener.

Also in relation to the method the heat sensitive adhesive is preferably carried on the decorative elements by means of a protective layer (12) which is removed prior to application of the one or more decorative element to the fastener tapes of the slide fastener.

At the end of the method the carrier tape remains substantially intact after the application of the heat and pressure.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an alternative method for preparing a slide fastener according to the first aspect of the present invention comprising: placing one or more decorative element on to the first face of the at least one fastener tape wherein the one or more decorative element carries heat sensitive adhesive (6c); applying pressure so as to press the one or more decorative element against the first face of the at least one fastener tape so as to deform the at least one fastener tape into a recess around each decorative element; *e an * . 00000 applying heat so as to diffuse heat sensitive adhesive into the recess.

In this method the one or more decorative element may comprises a base portion (6b) and an upper portion and wherein heat sensitive adhesive may be located on the base portion.

* The carrier tape (13) preferably carries the one or more decorative element.

A pressure of between 4 and 8 Bar is preferably applied to the one or more decorative element and the at least one fastener tape to secure the one or more decorative element in place.

A temperature of between 160 and 190 °C is preferably applied to the one or more decorative element and the at least one fastener tape.

The heat sensitive adhesive is preferably carried on the decorative elements by means of a protective layer (12) which is removed prior to application of the one or more decorative element to the fastener tapes (3a, 3b) of the slide fastener.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a portion of a slide fastener according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along a line perpendicular to the length of the slide fastener showing a step involved in the method of manufacturing the slide fastener of Figures 1 and 3; Figure 3 is a side view of the slide fastener of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a device for preparing a slide fastener according to the present invention; Figure 4a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a device for preparing a slide fastener according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line x-x of the device in Figure 4; Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view along line x-x of the device in Figure 4a: Figures 6a to 6f illustrate the procedural steps involved in preparing a slide fastener with decorative elements according to the present invention. a

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Description

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, there is illustrated a slide fastener 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention which comprises a pair of stringers 2a and 2b. Each stringer 2a, 2b comprises a fastener tape 3a and 3b n.e * respectively. Each fastener tape is made for instance from a fabric which is e.e * . knitted, woven or non-woven.

Attached to a longitudinal edge of each fastener tape is a row of coiled coupling elements 5. The two rows are adjacent to one another such that the coupling elements interdigitate when the slide fastener is in the closed position. The coupling elements are traditionally sewn in place by threads 7a, 7b. In the slide fastener in Figure 1, the tapes cover the coupling elements 5 so as to substantially conceal them when viewed from the direction of an upper face 8 of the slide fastener and when the slide fastener is in the closed position. This type of slide fastener is known as a concealed slide fastener. It will be appreciated however that in an alternative embodiment the coiled coupling elements may be visible in the slide fastener. In a further embodiment the slide fastener may comprise plastic coupling elements as is well known in the art of slide fasteners.

Each fastener tape 3a, Sb may comprise an outer edge portion 4a and 4b respectively, which is to be sewn or otherwise attached to clothing or the like along the longitudinal direction of the slide fastener tape.

A plurality of decorative elements 6 are affixed to the upper face 8 of the fastener tapes 3a, 3b, that is, on the opposite face of the tapes from the coupling elements. The decorative elements 6 may be glass beads, plastic beads stones or decorative glass such as crystal glass.

In one arrangement of the decorative elements on a slide fastener of the present invention, when the slide fastener is closed as a result of interdigitation of the coupling elements, the decorative elements are disposed adjacent one another along the fastener tapes to form aligned rows. * *

Alternatively, the decorative elements may be arranged to form various patterns or shapes on an outside surface of the fastener tapes.

In a preferred manufacturing process of the slide fastener of the present * invention, when the decorative elements are arranged as illustrated in Figure 1 * *** such that the elements are arranged complementary to each other on opposing fastener tapes, the decorative elements are applied using a carrier tape 13.

Carrier tapes comprising decorative elements for use in the present invention are commercially available. The carrier tape 13 is releasably attached to an upper surface of the decorative elements by means of releasable adhesive.

Consequently, the decorative elements may be applied to the outer surface of the fastener tape whilst being kept in their relative positions by the carrier tape.

Once the decorative elements have been applied to the fastener tapes in accordance with the present invention the carrier tape is removed.

It will be appreciated that the number and position of the decorative elements 6 and the length and the shape of the carrier tape 13 may be changed in accordance with the required arrangement of the decorative elements such as for example, curved lines, characters, symbols, a graphic or a pattern formed on an outside surface of either or both of the fastener stringers (2a, 2b).

In Figure 2, which is a cross-section view showing a step involved in the method of manufacturing the slide fastener of Figures 1 and 3, the decorative elements 6 are shown positioned over the fastener tapes 3a, 3b of a slide fastener 10 to which coiled coupling elements 5 are attached. The decorative elements 6 are releasably attached on an underside 6a of the carrier tape 13 by means of releasable adhesive. A heat sensitive adhesive is applied to the base side 6b of the decorative elements by means of protective layer 12. Protective layer 12 will be removed prior to attachment of the decorative elements 6.

A side view along the length of the slide fastener according to the present invention is illustrated in Figure 3. In this figure decorative elements 6 are secured in place along the top face 8a of the fastener tape with the couplings elements 5 secured below the fastener tape 3. As can be seen in Figure 3, the fastener tape 3 is moulded around the base 6b of each decorative element to form a recess 90.

In Figure 4 there is shown an embodiment of a device also according to an aspect of the present invention for preparing a slide fastener with decorative elements as shown in Figure 1.

The device 100 comprises a housing 110 in the form of an elongate rigid cassette having a recess 111 along its length that is inlaid with a resiliently deformable material 112. The housing is made for example of steel. The resiliently deformable material is preferably made of a silicone material. The resiliently deformable material does not extend to a top face 113 of the housing thereby forming a further recess 119 for receiving a slide fastener.

The resiliently deformable material 112 is formed with an elongate recess 120 extending along the length of the material for receiving the coupling elements of a slide fastener.

The housing 110 also comprises a stop. In this embodiment the stop is in the form of a location block 121. It is preferred that both the housing and the stop are made of the same material, most preferably steel. The metal stop also comprises a recess 122 at one end. The recess 122 is shaped for receiving a slider of the slide fastener. Thus, when a slide fastener is placed on the inlay with the slider in the recess 122 in the metal stop 121 and the coupling elements in the recess 120 of the resiliently deformable material the metal stop prevents the slide fastener from moving along the length of the housing and the recess 120 in the inlay and the recess of the housing 110 prevents the slide fastener from moving from side to side. The recess of the housing 110 will also prevent side to side movement of the carrier tape 13.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the location stop may be absent and the stop may be formed from the free end of the resiliently deformable material and the housing only. I,

In the embodiment illustrated in FigureS, the resiliently deformable material 112 may be made from a single piece of material such as silicone or more than one piece of material. If more than one piece of material is used, preferably each piece is made of the same material. For example, as shown in Figure 5 the * resiliently deformable inlay comprises two outer portions 114 and 116 separated by an inner portion 118. In Figure 5, the inner portion 118 is smaller than the two outer portions 114 and 116. The height of the two outer portions 114 and 116 is depicted in Figure 5 by a'. The height of the inner portion 118 is depicted in Figure 5 as e'. It can be seen that the height b' is less than the height a'. The difference in the heights of the portions creates the second recess 120 for receiving the coupling elements of a slide fastener.

As can also be seen in Figure 5 the resiliently deformable portions 114, 116 do not extend to the top surface 113 of the housing 110. That is, the height a' is less than the height of the second recess 120 indicated by c'. The distance between the top surface 113 of the housing 110 and the top surface 115, 117 of the resiliently deformable material 114 and 116 respectively is indicated by

II

*iiriumii distance d' and forms recess 111. Distance d' and recess 111 is of a sufficient size to allow a slide fastener and a carrier tape 13 carrying decorative elements 6 to be placed on top of the resiliently deformable material with the coupling elements in the recess 120 without the slide fastener or the carrier tape 13 extending above the top surface of the housing 113.

As mentioned above the resiliently deformable material may comprise a single unit or more than one unit. For example, in Figure 5, the resiliently deformable material forming the recess 120 comprises three pieces.

In addition, the shape of the recess 120 may be altered to accommodate different shapes of coupling elements and with a tighter or looser fit so long as the recess is of a sufficient size and depth for receiving the coupling elements of the slide fastener in combination with a carrier tape 13 and decorative elements.

For example, when using plastic coupling elements, metal coupling elements and coiled coupling elements in a slide fastener where the coupling elements : are located above and below the tapes to substantially the same extent, the depth of the recess 120 in Figure 4 may be reduced.

l'** 4 To affix the decorative elements 6 to a slide fastener the latter is placed in the housing 110 as described above with the coupling elements in the recess 120 *4*4 * and the slider located in the metal stop recess 122. The remainder of the slide fl* * fastener is then laid out along the length of the housing with the top face 8 of the slide fastener exposed.

The inventor has also found that it is possible to apply decorative elements not just to coil type slide fasteners as illustrated in Figure 2 where the coupling elements are located on the opposing face of the fastener tapes to the location of the decorative elements, but also to any type of slide fasteners with visible coiled coupling elements including metal and plastic slide fasteners.

As is well known in the field of slide fasteners, in metal slide fasteners and plastic slide fasteners the coupling elements are in line with the plane of the fastener tapes and are not located on one side only of the fastener tape.

Consequently when affixing decorative elements to metal or plastic slide fasteners or visible coiled coupling elements using a device according to the present invention the device may be modified and the recess 120 depicted in Figure 4 may be shallower.

It is also possible to affix decorative elements on the same surface of a coil fastener to which the coupling elements are attached using an alternative embodiment of the device according to the present invention where the device is modified and the recess 120 depicted in Figure 4 is no longer required as seen in Figure 4a.

As seen in Figure 5a which illustrates a cross section of the device in Figure 4a, resiliently deformable material 139 is located in the housing liOb. In addition a recess 141 is formed as the resiliently deformable material 139 does not reach the top of the housing 113. This recess 141 allows the coil slide fastener to be accurately placed in the housing liOb and held in place by a slider on the slide fastener being held within the lock 122.

* The decorative elements can then be applied to the coil slide fastener as with the concealed coil type slide fastener described above with the resiliently deformable material supporting the coil slide fastener along its length.

The process of affixing the decorative elements to the slide fastener will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 6a to 6f.

As can be seen in Figure 6a a carrier tape 13 carries decorative elements 6.

The base Gb of the decorative elements is coated with heat activated adhesive 6c. In Figure 6a the adhesive carrier layer 12 has been removed to enable the heat activated adhesive to contact the fastener tape 3 as shown in Figure 6b.

The carrier tape 13 comprises peelable adhesive which allows the decorative elements to be carried and positioned in the desired location on the slide fastener but which allows the carrier tape to be readily removed to reveal the decorative elements when the procedure of securing the decorative elements is complete. The width of the resiliently deformable material in the housing is preferably the same as the width of the carrier tape and the width of the slide fastener so that the tape may be accurately aligned above the slide fastener.

With the slide fastener in the device, a heated press is then applied to the carrier tape to secure the decorative elements to the slide fastener. The temperature of the press is typically in the region of 160 to 190°C. The press is preferably applied for between 20 and 30 seconds. However, it will be appreciated that the temperature of the press and the duration of the applied temperature will depend upon the material of the slide fastener and the carrier tape as well as the heat activated adhesive applied to the decorative elements.

The heated press is applied to the carrier tape for sufficient time to allow the decorative elements to be securely transferred from the carrier tape to the fastener tapes.

After the press has been applied, the carrier tape 13 is removed from the slide fastener leaving the decorative elements 6 adhered to the fastener tapes 3a, 3b and in the required alignment. The decorative elements are securely attached * and in the required location as they have received even pressure along the length of the slide fastener.

In addition the decorative elements are not damaged by the application of the *: heated press as the resiliently deforrnable material, such as silicone, in the housing is capable of being compressed when the heated press is applied and therefore does not lead to damage or abrasion of the decorative elements.

When a hot press 75 is applied above the carrier tape 13 as exemplified seen in Figure 6c, heat and pressure is applied along the length of the carrier tape and slide fastener. As heat and pressure is applied the slide fastener tape 3 begins to change shape as the decorative element or crystal is pushed downwardly towards the resiliently deformable material 112. The application of heat and pressure also has the effect of temporarily modifying the shape of the resiliently deformable material and activates the adhesive 6c on the base of the decorative element. For slide fasteners whose coupling elements lie in whole or in part above the upper surface of the outer portions of the inlay, (115, 117; 139) the shape of the hot press may be modified so as to prevent damage to the coupling elements.

With plastic slide fasteners, the temperature of the hot pressure has to be controlled in order to ensure that damage to the plastic coupling elements does not occur.

During the application of heat and pressure to the slide fastener and decorative elements, the heat activated adhesive melts and flows into the woven or knitted fastener tapes 3. When the heat and pressure is removed the adhesive starts to solidify again. However, during the application of heat and pressure the adhesive is dispersed into the fibres of the slide fastener tape around the base of the decorative element and in so doing moulds the slide fastener tape to the shape of the decorative element so as to form recess 90 and securely holds the decorative element in place in the newly shaped slide fastener tape. This is * :. illustrated in Figure 6d. Consequently, as seen in Figure 3 the decorative elements 6 are held within a respective series of recesses 90 along the length * *. of the slide fastener tapes, the decorative elements 6 being secured in the 0: recesses 90 by dispersion of the adhesive throughout the slide fastener tape.

As seen in Figure 6e, once the heated press has been removed the base of the decorative element 6b is now firmly positioned on the slide fastener tape and is substantially submerged below the plane of the rest of the slide fastener tape.

In Figure 6f there is illustrated an unacceptable result of a process of securing the decorative elements to a slide fastener tape in which insufficient pressure has been applied to the slide fastener and which the base of the decorative element has not been completely received within the recess 90 formed from the slide fastener tape 3. This result is unacceptable as for example it enables to the base of the decorative element to be easily removed from the slide fastener tape if an appropriate force is applied to an edge 78 of the decorative element.

Once the decorative elements are secure the slide fastener may be removed from the device and is then ready for further use. fl:

In an alternative method of the preparing a slide fastener according to the first aspect of the present invention the method does not employ the device and comprises the steps of placing one or more decorative element on to a first face of the at least one fastener tape wherein the one or more decorative element carries heat sensitive adhesive (6c); applying pressure so as to press the one or more decorative element against the first face of the at least one fastener tape so as to deform the at least one fastener tape into a recess around each decorative element; and applying heat so as to diffuse heat sensitive adhesive into the recess.

In this second method the one or more decorative element may comprise a base portion (6b) and an upper portion and the heat sensitive adhesive may be located on the base portion.

Also, a carrier tape (13) may be used to carry the one or more decorative element.

Also in the method pressure may also be applied between 4 and 8 Bar to the one or more decorative element and the at least one fastener tape to secure the one or more decorative element in place. Temperature of between 160 and 190 °C may also be applied to the one or more decorative element and the at least me. one fastener tape.

Once the decorative elements are secure the slide fastener is ready to be used. Is

Claims

Claims.1. A slide fastener (10) comprising: a pair of stringers (2a, 2b) each stringer comprising a knitted woven or non-woven fastener tape (3a, 3b) and a row of coupling elements (5) mounted on a respective longitudinal edge of each fastener tape; and a slider having plates defining therebetween a channel through which the coupling elements pass and adapted to slide along the rows of coupling elements; and wherein there is provided one or more decorative elements (6) on a first face (8a) of at least one fastener tape; and wherein the one or more decorative element (6) is fixed in a respective recess (90) formed in the first face (8a) of the at least one fastener tape.
2. A slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein the one or more decorative element (6) is fixed in the respective recess (90) formed in the first face (8) of the at least one fastener tape by activation of heat sensitive adhesive (6c). *

* **
3. A slide fastener according to claim 1 wherein the one or more decorative :0 S element comprises an upper poion and a base portion (Sb), wherein the heat-sensitive adhesive is applied to the base portion (6b) of the one or more *" decorative element. S... * *
4. A slide fastener according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the respective recess (90) is formed by the woven, non-woven or knitted fastener tape impregnated with the heat-sensitive adhesive.
5. A slide fastener according to claim 3, or claim 4 when dependent from claim 3, wherein the base portion of the one or more decorative element rests completely within the respective recess (90).
6. A slide fastener aècording to claims 1 to 5 wherein the decorative elements comprise plastic beads, crystals, jewels or stones.
7. A slide fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the one or more decorative elements comprise crystal glass.
8. A slide fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein when two or more decorative elements are provided and the elements are arranged such that when the slide fastener is closed, the decorative elements extend along the respective longitudinal edge of each fastener tape.
9. A slide fastener according to any one of claims i to 8 wherein the coupling elements comprise plastic coupling elements.
10. A slide fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the coupling elements comprise coiled coupling elements.
11. A slide fastener according to claim 10 wherein the coiled coupling elements are provided on a second face (8b) of the fastener tape (3a, 3b) Opposite the first face (8a), and wherein when the coiled coupling elements interdigitate the coupling elements are concealed by the fastener tape (3a, 3b).S
12. A device (100) for preparing a slide fastener with slider as described in any of claims 1 to lithe device comprising: an elongate housing (110) defining an elongate first recess for receiving the slide fastener; and an inlay (112) comprising resiliently deformable material disposed in the first recess; wherein the housing comprises a stop (121) located at one end of the housing adjacent one end of the inlay against which the slider of the slide fastener abuts when the slide fastener is in the elongate first recess.
13, A device according to claim 12 wherein the stop (121) further comprises a recess (122) for receiving the slider on the slide fastener.
14. A device according to claims 12 or 13 wherein the inlay defines a second recess (120) for receiving the couplings elements present on the slide fastener,
15. A device according to claims 12, 13 or 14 wherein the elongate housing comprises rigid material.
16. A device according to any of claims 12 to 14 wherein the elongate housing comprises metal.
17. A device according to any of claims 12 to 16 wherein the inlay comprises silicone.
18. A device according to any of claims 12 to 17 wherein the stop (121) comprises metal.
19. A device according to any of claims 12 to 18 wherein the depth of the inlay is less than the depth of the first recess.
20. A device according to any of claims 12 to 19 wherein the inlay comprises a unita piece of resiliently deformable material. * S.:5:
21. A device according to any of claims 12 to 19 wherein the inlay comprises more than one piece of resiliently deformable material. S...S S. S22. A device according to claim 20 or 21 when dependent on claims 14 to 19 wherein the inlay comprises a pair of outer portions separated by an inner portion, and wherein the second recess is formed between the pair of outer portions and wherein the depth of the second recess is less than the depth of the outer portions.23. A method of preparing a slide fastener as described in claims 1 to 11 using a device as described in claims 12 to 22 comprising the steps of: i) inserting into the device a closed slide fastener comprising a pair of stringers (2a, 2b) each stringer comprising a knitted, woven or non-woven fastener tape (3a, 3b) and a row of coupling elements (5) mounted on a respective longitudinal edge of each fastener tape; and a slider having plates defining therebetween a channel through which the Coupling elements pass and adapted to slide along the rows of coupling elements device; ii) placing a carrier tape (13) comprising one or more decorative element on top of the fastener tape (3a, 3b) wherein the one or more decorative element carries heat activated adhesive (6c) and wherein the carrier tape (13) contacts the one or more decorative element by releasable adhesive; iii) applying a heated press (75) to a first surface of the carrier tape that is Opposite to a second surface of the carrier tape wherein the one or more decorative element is attached to the Second surface, and applying pressure and heat to the slide fastener and carrier tape so as to press the decorative element against the fastener tape and so form a recess (90) in the tape and thereby adhere the one or more decorative element in the recess (90) and to further diffuse the heat sensitive adhesive into the recess of the fastener tape; and iv) removing the carrier tape from the slide fastener.24. A method according to claim 23 wherein the one or more decorative element comprises a base portion (6b) and an upper poion and wherein the heat sensitive adhesive is located on the base portion 25. A method according to claim 23 or 24 wherein a pressure of between 4 and 8 Bar is applied to the carrier tape and the slide fastener to secure the one or more decorative element in place.26. A method according to claim 25 wherein a pressure of 6 Bar is applied to the carrier tape and slide fastener for between 20 and 30 seconds to secure the one or more decorative element in place.27. A method according to any of claims 23 to 26 wherein a temperature of between 160 and 190 °C is applied to the carrier tape and slide fastener.28. A method according to any of claims 23 to 27 wherein the heat sensitive adhesive is carried on the decorative elements by means of a protective layer (12) which is removed prior to application of the one or rhore decorative element to the fastener tapes (3a, 3b) of the slide fastener.29. A method according to any of claim 23 to 28 wherein the carrier tape remains substantially intact after the application of the heat and pressure 30. A method for preparing a slide fastener according to any of claims I to 11 comprising: placing one or more decorative element on to the first face of the at least one fastener tape wherein the one or more decorative element carries heat sensitive adhesive (Cc); applying pressure so as to press the one or more decorative element against the first face of the at least one fastener tape so as to deform the at least one fastener tape into a recess around each decorative element: and applying heat so as to diffuse heat sensitive adhesive into the recess.31. A method according to claim 30 wherein the one or more decorative element comprises a base portion (6b) and an upper portion and wherein heat sensitive adhesive is located on the base portion.32. A method according to claim 30 or 31 wherein a carrier tape (13) carries the one or more decorative element.33. A method according to claim 30, 31 or 32 wherein a pressure of between 4 and 8 Bar is applied to the one or more decorative element and the at least one fastener tape to secure the one or more decorative element in place.34. A method according to any of claims 30 to 33 wherein a temperature of between 160 and 190 °C is applied to the one or more decorative element and the at least one fastener tape.35. A method according to any of claims 30 to 34 wherein the heat sensitive adhesive is carried on the decorative elements by means of a protective layer (12) which is removed prior to applic of the one or more decorative element to the fastener tapes (3a, 3b) of the slide fastener.36. A slide fastener as hereinbefore described with referen to and/or as illustrated in one or more of the accompanying drawings.37. A device for Preparing a slide fastener as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in one or more of the accompanying drawings. a. * . . * SS * * * *. * * * a.. a... a *Sta a * * S