Method and apparatus for feeding slider-zipper assemblies

An automated method for applying slider-zipper assemblies to a thermoplastic film, comprising the steps of:

• forming slider stops at intervals along the length of a zipper tape;
• mounting a respective slider along a respective length of said zipper tape lying between a respective pair of successive slider stops to form a tape of slider-zipper assemblies;
• passing a portion of said tape through a channel having a cross section that allows passage therethrough of the slider of each successive slider-zipper assembly, said channel being formed to limit turning of said slider about any axis;
• cutting off a slider-zipper assembly from said tape;
• and
• attaching said slider-zipper assembly to said thermoplastic film.

An assembly comprising:

• a tape comprising a continuous zipper tape having a multiplicity of sliders slidably mounted thereto at intervals therealong;
• a slider guide having a channel running the length of said slider guide, a portion of said tape, including at least one slider, residing within said channel, said channel being formed to limit turning of said slider about any axis;
• and
• a drive mechanism in contact with said zipper tape for advancing said tape along said channel.