Slide fastener chain, method and apparatus for forming end thereof

A method for forming an end of a slide fastener chain in which linear fastener elements made of thermoplastic resin are attached to a side edge portion of a fastener tape, said method comprising steps of:

• cutting a leg portion at said end of the linear fastener elements to form a cut end portion;
• pushing the cut end portion inward of the side edge portion of the fastener tape;
• and
• while keeping said cut end portion being pushed, fusing said end of the linear fastener elements to the fastener tape by heating.

An apparatus for forming an end of a slide fastener chain, comprising:

• a transfer path formed on a top face of a die for transferring a continuous slide fastener chain having space portions;
• a gap portion provided in a middle of the transfer path;
• an arm movable in and out of the gap portion;
• a pair of pushing members disposed in front and back of the gap portion and projectable toward the transfer path;
• a ultrasonic horn disposed so as to face parts of the die corresponding to the pushing members and movable toward and away from the die.