US1890335A - Separable fastener and method of making same - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 6, 1932. F. E. NODINE ,8 0 3 SEPARABLE FASTENER AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed April 18. 1951 2 sheets-sheet 1 MGM Dec. 6, 1932. D NODIN'E r I 1,890,335

SEPARABLE FASTENER AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME v Filed April 18, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTQR Patented use 6, 1932 UNITED STA FFICE ram E. Nonmn, or mmnvnmn, PENNSYLVANIA SEPAR AIBLE FASTENEB AND Application filed April 18,

.This' invention relates broadly to interlocking clasps such as are generally, disclosed in United States Patent to Judson 504,038 of August 29, 1893'orBritish Patent 14,358 of June 19, 1912, and in particular to an improved method for making and/or assemltilging the individual clasp elements or mem- An object of this invention is to simplify the operations of manufacturing such interlocking fasteners. v

A further object is to produce a new and improved method for forming and assembling the -arate clasp or fastener members.

These and other objects which will be made apparent throughout the further description of my invention are accomplished by means of the procedure herein defined and which is to some extent, illustrated in its separate steps 29 throughout the various figures of the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings Figure 1 is aside elevation of a series of fastener elements shown in aconnected series 5 and with a strip from which they are formed, and illustrates generally the first step'in my method of procedure.

Fig. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a bufiing or grinding wheel which may be employed, if desired, in connection with the one step of my method of procedure.

Fig. 3 is a fragmental side elevation of what may be termed a magazine or multiple clamp for holding strips of fastening members (shown in Fig. 1) during the preliminary operation ofsecuring each individualfastening member to a carrier element.

Fig. 4 is a fragmental side elevation of the magazine shown with a pTirtion of a stri of fastener members in place init. f

Fig, 5 is afragmental sectional view along the line V-Vof Fig. 4, and illustrates three clasp or fastener members or strips" of members in place in the magazine'or multiple clamp. I Q

' Fig. 6 is a fragmental perspective view of the magazine diagrammatically illustrating the relative location ofv the separate strips when in the magazine, and also illustratin the fact that a magazine, such as illustrate mnmonor mxme sum 1931. Serial n. 531,115.

may be employed in the operation of assem bling separated fastener members on a single carrier element.

' Fig. 7 is a perspective view diagrammatically illustrating an assembling or carrier element, suchas may be employed in connection with mymethod of procedure.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an individual clasp or fastenermember made in accordance with my method of procedure. y

Fig. 9 is a'perspective view diagrammatically illustrating a fastener member in place on the carrier element; and' Fig. 10 isa fragmental plan view illustrat-, a

ing the fastener members inplace on a'carrier 6 element and shows some of the members in from that position.

Various methods of procedure 'havebe'en contemplated and also employed for manuinterlocked position and others disengaged facturing the individual fastener members and for assembling them on a carrier strip or elementsuch, for example, as a strip of "fabnc, but it is my' observation that all previous methods are difiicult to perform and involve the use of complicated and expensive machinery. It should be noted that the individual fastener members, such asare usually employed commercially, are small and are consequently diflieult to handle. This difliculty is not only encountered in the operation I of forming the individual fastener members, but also'in the operation of accurately spacing them along, and of securing them to the carrier element. In this connectionit should be borne in mind that eachfastener element,

in effect, cooperates with two'other fastener elements when in the interlocked position, and that it is thereforenecessary to accurately s ace the individual members on each carrier. e ement so that they are capable of effectively engaging and cooperating with the accurately spaced members on the opposed carrier element; As commercially employed, the carrier elements with the accurately spaced fastener members secured thereon, are suitably secured to the opposed edges of an opening,

which it is desired to close, and the interlocking members on opposed edges of the opening mayeither be moved into engagement with each other to close the opening or they may be disengaged preparatory to spreading the w opposed edges.

For convenience of interlocking and disengaging'these interlocking members a slide 12 (illustrated in ,Fig. is associated with 7 each assembled series ofmembers'14 and is so arranged that as it 1s moved 1110116 d rection it moves the successive cooperating members 14 of the opposed series into cooperative relation so that the corresponding elements of opposed series interlock and thereby fasten the I opposed'edges of the opening together. A

movement of the slide 12 in t e opposite direction, successively moves the cooperatmg members of the two series out of engagement with each other and also separates one series from the other. x

Frofn the foregoing it is apparent that eachindividual fastener member 14 must not only be accurately formats that the members must also be accurately spaced along the carrier element so that each member will properly cooperate or interlock withv a correspondin member of the opposed series.

or dies of the combined press and punch in such a way that each pressure stroke of the press will, in efiect, cpmplete at least one element 14, but will not completelysever the element from the strip. The fastener elements are retained in strip fo rm, in order that they may be more readily handled, grouped, or positioned while they are being treated, and/or associated with or mounted on suitable carrying elements of cord-tape or the like. The strip is moved forward, after each pressure stroke of the press, an amount such that each successive stroke forms one or more members 14, and this procedure is continued until the entire strip is transformed into a strip of members 14. I have found it more convenient to substantially form. but one such member at each stroke. of the press.

As shown in the drawings, each member 14 somewhat resembles a letter A. It will be A noted, as seen from Figurel, that each A- shaped element 14 isdisposed .or' positioned in such a manner that its sides are spaced from adjacent A-shaped elements of the same strip and is connected only at its feet or base to those adjacent elements. As aresult, the lugs or feet connecting the A-shaped elements 14 need only be severed, in order that each element will be independent of adjacent ele-. ments of the samestrip. It is providedonone side with a socket 14a and at the other side with a rotuberan'ce or lug 14?) (Fig. 5). The lug an the socket are located .in line with each other andare formed by the die members during the operation of punching out the metal of the strip15 in the preliminary operation of completingeach member 14 or in the operation of forming a strip of members 14., The base of eachmember is provided with opposed jaws 14c, whichare located on opposite sides of a recess 14d, which opens out into a substantially circular a ere.

As shown in Fig. 1, the mem ersture 14a.

14 are somewhat substantially completed, but

since they are not severed from each other,

may be said to be only partially completed;

as a result the jaw end of each member 14 may be said to be finally completed by pemoving the remaining, portions 16 of the strip 'which form connectlnglugs between the inwith their bases at one side of -the strip and their lu'g and socket portions at the other side of the'strip. I consi er it important to retain "the members 14 connected together in strip formation where it is desired to store or ship the members for subsequent assembly on the .carrier elements, since this contributes to ease of handling in s'ubse uent operations. I also 7 consider important t e above described and herein illustrated relative arrangement of the members 14 in the strip formation, where it is desired to employ the multiple assembly opmembers 14, nee not necessarily be located at the bases of the members as shown in, Fig.

. 1, but may be located at or adjacent to the lug and socketpo'rtion of each member or even intermediate the ends of the member, and

such a variationmay be made from the pre-v ferred, arrangement illustrated, withoutde- I.

.tracting from the advantages'gained by multiple assembly.

It will, of course, be understood that th usual mechanisms may be employed for adr vancing the strip 15 so that it occupies desired successive positions ,with relation to the dies of the press and that means, such as are ordinarily employed for' such purpose, may be utilized for accurately positioning thestri with relation to the dies of the press. a It will:

however, be apparent that the strip may be manually advanced and positioned, since with my method of procedure special mechanism'is notnecessary and is certainly notes.-

sential to the carrying forward of the method. After a strip of members 14 has been formed as previously described, it may be buffed or polished not only for the purpose of removin shar edges and suchfins as may have been orme 1n the previous operation,

but also for the purpose of removingsuch lubricant as may have been employed in con nection with the punch and press operation, or such other foreign material as may have accumulated on the strip. .In Fig. 2 I have diagrammatically illustrated a rotary bufi'er, but ,it will be understood that a grinder as well as a buffer may be employed in the operation of smoothing up the strip and removing foreign material.

I have found that by punching out and forming the members 14 and at the same time retaining them in strip formation I materially simplify the succeeding operations necessary for assembling the individual members on carrier elements. I have also found that the procedure of so forming the members 14 that their bases are located along tions.

one longitudinal edge of the strip, materially simplifies and 'cheapens subsequent opera- Of course, a plurality of element strips may be formed from a single strip, but it may be advantageous to form the elements or members as stated above, in order that their bases lie along a common longitudinal edge. After the strips illustrated in Fig; 1 are formed they may, of course, be stored,

awaiting subsequent operations, or they may be shipped as an article of commerce if it is found convenient to form the stri s in one location and complete the assem 1y some place else.

In the operation ofassemblingithe memm bers on a carrier element the strips are prefers ably maintained intact until a carrier element ,is associated with each individual member 14.

' In Fig; 3 I have more or less diagrammatically illustrated a magazine or multiple clamp which is employed in what I have termed the multiple assembly operation, i. e.,

' the operation of introducing a carrier element into cooperative relation with each of the individual elements 14 of each strip. As there sho n,'the magazine consists essentially of clamping elements. 17 which are alternately arranged with spacers 18. Each clamping element proJects beyond the spacing element a determined amount andis provided with a groove 17a which extends throughout its length. The grooves are so positioned and arrangedthat whenga strip, such as illusare so proportioned as to length that the "l aperture 146 of each member 14 iswholly exposed when a' strip of these members is in place in the multiple clamp. The spacers. 18

are of such width as to insure proper spacin of the members 14 along their individua carrier elements.

It will be apparent that any suitable means 7 lent'may-be employed at one end of the tray 'for engaging the adjacent element 17 and in this way forcing the cooperating elements 17 and 18 into cooperatin' relation or into clamping relation with t e strips assembled in the multiple. clamp. In Fig. 5 I have more or less diagrammati cally .illustratedia portion of the multiple clamp shown in connection with three strips of the members 14. In Fig. 6 I have also* shown a portion of the multiple clamp in go connection with a transverse line or series of the members 14. It will be understood that each member 14 may represent a connected striprof these members, such, for example, as 1 is illustrated in Figs gl and'4 and that there- 05 fore each clamping element 17 and each spacer 18 is, in the embodiment here described, of suflicient length to cooperate with an entire strip ofthe members 14. In assembling "a plurality of strips in the multiple clam the strips are so located with relation to eac other thatthe individual members 14 of different strips are aligned with each other, as illustrated in Fi 6. That is to say, each individual .mem aligned series of members 14, which extends at an angle (preferably at right an les) across'the line of length-direction 'o the stri s. In other wor s, each individual A-s aped element 14 of a given strip of ele-. ll ments 15is laterally andtransversely'aligned.

in a substantiall side-by-side relation with,

as well as space from, a given A-shaped e'lementM of each of the other strips of elements.

r 14 is included in an In this way I provide for the accurate spacing no of the members 14 of the carrierelement and l associating members 14.

In Fig. 7 I have diagrammatically il1us- .trated a carrier element. As there shown, it 1 consists of a piece of tape 19 which is folded along its center line so as to lpartially enfold or envelop two cords 20, whic are shown laid side by side. It will, of course, be under 1 stood that asingle cord may be employed,- that the two cords may be twisted'about each other, or that a prellminarily sha ed piece of tape may be employed, but I fin it cheap and convenient to employseparate cords-and the tape'en oldedcord an important, though ture 14c and it will be apparent that after possib not an essential feature of the entire metho' .here set forth. I After the strips of members 14 are secured in placein the multiple clam ,the carrier elements are introduced into t e apertures 14a of the individual members 14. 'This opera tion merely consists in forcing the cord or cords 20, partially enveloped by the en'foldingtape 19, through the recesses 14d and into the portion of each recess designated asaperthis operation is completed the multiple clamp then holds a plurality of strips which are associated with a plurality of transversely extending carrier'elements. That is to say, each strip of members 14 will be associated with as'many carrier elementsas there are members 14 in the strip- It should also be noted that'the number of strips contained in the multiple clamp will be determinsg/bythe desired number of members 14 0 each carrier member. For example, ifit 'is desired to form an interlocking fastener substantially three inches long the multiple clamp will necessarily contaln at least 33 strips of members 14- if it is necessary to space the, members 14 eleven to'the inch along the'carrier element. In this connection it willbe understood by those familiar with the type of interlocking vfastener here involved, that the spacing of the members 14 on the carrier element is of material im ortance, and is-dependent on the design an disocket portion of" mensions of'the lug: and the members 14.

. After the carrier elements are associated with the strips. as described, the clamping pressure between the members 17 and the tiple clamp and thus release the clamping pressure and then slide the strips longitudinall of the members 17 until all of the lugs 14?; 0 each strip are freed from the en ag'e ment of the grooves 17a. The individual members may then be separated .from thestrips of whichthey form a partflby cutting away the connecting lugs'16. This operation may be accomplished either before or after ,I

the strips are removed from the multiple clamp'but no matter how it is accomplished it results in the formation of an individual series of fastener members locatedon and properly spaced along a carrier element.

The jaws of each member 14 may then be comformation and for clamping the members to the carrier elements and both these operations may be accomplished while the members 14- are still in place in the multiple clamp.

For the purpose of this description it is, however, suificient to say that the members 14 may .be stparated one from the other bya shearing-operation, and'that their jaws may be compressed into clamping engagement with the carrier element by suitably formed pliers or similar pressure applying devices.

It will be-apparent that the operation of shearing vaway the connecting lugs 16v between the members 14 of. each strip may be accomplished at any desired time with relalation to the stringing of the members 14- on the carrier elements. For example, it may be found convenient to sever the individual members 14 from the strip formation while" they are retained'in the clamp and either before, after or during the operation of insert mg the carrier element into the recess apertures 14erof the individual members 14..v

While I have illustrated and described the grooves 175; of the clamping members, it will be apparent that the primary function of these grooves is to receivethe lugs 14b and to aid in positioning the individual members 14 .in place in the clamp. From this it will be apparent that the clamping elements 17a may be provided with depressions or lugs for aiding the operation of positioning the various strips or the various members 14 in the clamp. 'It will also be apparent that a clamp such as I haveillustrated and described may ,be em-.

ployed for assembling and holding in position a single seriesof the members 14, as illustrated in Fig. 6. While such a clamp wouldnot have all the advantages herein described, in that t would not contribute to'the multiple gassembly operation, it would, however, sim-, plify the procedure of assembling the mem ers 14 on, and accurately spacing them along the carrier element. a

It will also be apparent that the modeof assembling the Imembers on the carrier elements makes it possible to provide a simple form of so called top stop at the-end of the seriesv of members on each carrier strip. As shown in Fig. 10, the top stop may consist merely of two members .14 located immediate-v ly adjacent to each other instead of being lot may be provided for by merely locating two of the formed strips '15 of elements 14, adjacent to each other in the multiple clamp or magazine. That is to say, the endmost spacer enfold the tape.

18 in the series of elements 17 and spacers 18,

may be of double width so as to provide a nism and the reduction of the cost of production. .An added advantageiis that the second space, between two adjacent elements 17 fom operation above described may be accomreceiving two of the formed orsubstantial- 1y completed member strips 15. If desired, the spacer may be of sufiicient width to receive three such member strips, and in this way provide additional strength for the top sto is I have said, I consider the of the carrier element here disclosed, and the procedure employed in associating that carrier element with the members 14 an important feature, since both contribute.to the superiority andcheapness of the interlocking fastener produced. It will be noted that by employing a single piece of tape folded over a cord or cords as illustrated in Figs. 7, 9 and 10, I not only avoid the necessity of preliminarily preparing the tape. for association with the members 14, but I also obtain a strong structure, in that the tape is reinforced by the cord or cords and is, in effect, of double strength, because it presents a double edge for being secured to the material with which the fastener is to be used. In addition, the double edge simplifies the operation of securing the fasteners to the material with which they are to be used.

For example, it ,isunnecessary to hem or selvage the edge of the material. since its edge may merely be introduced between the two edges or folds of the tape, and the tape may then be secured to it by sewing or stitching operation. This final operation, of

course, makes'the tape appear to be a single tape, but, as noted, it encloses the unfinished 'of elements on a carrier which includes,

edge of the material.

As has been pointed out, the o eration of bers'14 is quite simple. 'The. tape may, in

effect, be laid across the, base of each indi-.; 'vidual member. 14 so that its center line corresponds with the position of the recess 14d of'themember. The cord -or cords .20 may then be laid along the tape and then forced through the recess 14d into the enlarged portion of the recessed termed aperture 146. This will carry the tape into the aperture and, imefl'ect, enfold the cord or cords within It is, of course, apparent that the tape maygbe preliminarily folded topar-tially t e cord or cords as shown in Fig. 7, and, if thisis done, the operation of associating the tape and cords with the members 1,4 is to that extent simplified.

While I have described the procedure embodying myinvention as carried forward by hand or by simple tools it will be apparent that the procedure may be carried forward-by automatic mechanisms so c'ooperatin .as-to minimize the amount of handling of t e separate parts of thecompleted fastener strips,

but that in any event, the simplicity of the method outlined insures {simplicity of mechageneral form plished without the difiiculty that wouldbe encountered if an attempt were made to grind and/or buflf a single member 14, and that this operation may be accomplished so as to remove from themember stri s all lubricant or other foreign matter w ich "would soil the fabric carrier elements? While I have described what I now con 1. The method of assembling a plurality I I of elements on a carrier which includes, grouping a plurality of stripsof elements in a transversely aligned relation with respect to each other,,and thence associating a carrier with an element of a plurality of strips 1 of the group.

2'. The method of assembling a plurality of elements upon a pluralityof carriers which includes, grouping a'plurality of strips of elements in a transversely spaced-and aligned relation with respect to each other,

and thence,-associating a carrier with an element ofeach strip of the ling a plurality 3;The method of assem grouping aplurality of unitary strips of ele ments in a, transverselyaligned relation with respect to each other, clamping the strips in such relation, and subsequently, mounting each element of a strip upon a carrier com- I mon to an opposite element-of an adjacen strip of the group.

4. The method of assembling a plu'ralit of elementsupon a plurality of carriers whic includes, groupin a plurality of strips of-ele ments, transverse y alignin the elements of each strip'of the group wit the elements of the other strips of. the group, so that each element will be part of a,transverse line of elements, and thence, mounting elements of.

a transverse line upon a carrier. f 5. The method of assembling a plurality of elements upon a plurality of carriers which includes, grouping a plurality of strips of the elements elements, transversely aligningx h 1 t e e eme'nts of each strip of the oup wit of the other strips 0 the group, so that each element will be part of a transverse line of elements, and thence, mounti'ng'elements ofja transverse line upon a carrier, and finally, severing the elements from their strips.

6. The method of'assembling a plurality strips are grouped and. aligned,-assemblingthe transversely aligned u elements of the group as units.

7. The method of assembling a plurality of elements which includes, groupinga plurality of strips oi elements and aligning the 4 elements of astrip with the elements of; other strips of the group, holding the strips in such grouped and aligned relation while as sembling a transverse line of elements, and subsequently, severing the assembled transverse line of elements from ad acent elements 1 of the strips of the group. I

' strips of the group, holding the strips in such 8. The method of assembling a "pluralityof elements which'jncludes, grouping a plurality of strips of elements and aligning the elements of a strip with the elements of other grouped and aligned relation while assembling a transverse, line of elements. releasing the strips from a held relation,-and severing the elements'of a strip from each other.

'9. The methodof assembling a plurality of elements which includes, grouping a plu-' rality' of strips of elements and aligning the elements of a strip with the elementsof other strips of thegroup, holding the strips in'such grouped and aligned relation while assembling a transverse line of elements into a unit,

- severing the assembled transverse line of elements from adjacent elements of the strips 0f the group, and releasing the strips from i a held relation.

10. The method of assembling fastener elements on carrierswhich includes, grouping a plurality of strips of the elements in a.

spaced relationship" with respect to each other, transversely aligning each individual element of each strip of the group withindividual' elements of the other strips of the group for providing an al gned series of elements extending across the length line of direction of the strips, associating a separate severing each element from adjacent elements of its strip;

carrier element with each aligned series of elements in thegroup, permanently securing the elements to the associated-carriers, and

11 The method of manufacturing assemblies which includes, forming a plurality of elements in strip form, grouping a plurality of the strips in a transverse relation with respect to each other. and holding-the strips in such relation while assembling the elements into a plurality of transverse series.

12. The me hod of manufacturing assemblies whichincludes, forming a plurality of elements in strip form, grouping a plurality of the strips in aside-by-side relation with respect to each other, and holding-the strips strips in such relation, mounting each trans-,

in such'relation while transversely assembling elements of the strips.

. 13. The method of manufacturing fastener assemblies which includes, forming a plurality of fastener elements in strip form, grouping a plurality of the strips in a sideby-side and spaced relation with respect to each other,holdingthe strips in such relaon transversely extending carriers.

15. The method of manufacturing fastener assemblies which includes, forming a plurality of elements in strip form, grouping a. plurality of the strips in a sideeby-side and spaced relation with respect to each other, applying a force for holding the strips in such relation, mounting a transverse line of elements taken across the group of strips upon a carrier element, and subsequently, releasing the force. a

'16. The method of manufacturing .-fas tener assemblies which includes, forming a pluralityof elements in strip form, grouping a plurality of the strips in a transversely aligned and spaced relation with respect to each other,- applying'a force for holding the verse line of elements taken across the group of strips upon "a carrier, severing each element from "adjacent members of the strip, and releasing the holding force.

, 17. The method of manufacturing fastenand pressing out a strip of metal into a plution While assembling elements: of. each stripv p a I *ers which includes, simultaneously stamping I 'rality of joined fastener elements, grouping a 1 plurality of strips of the joined elements in a, side-by-side and aligned relationship with respect to each other, holding the stripsin such relationship while assembling elements of each strip on a transversely extending cars r1er. Y c

.. 18. .The method of manufacturing fastencesses therein while retaining the elements in strlp form, grouping a plurality of the strips in a side-by-side and transversely aligned relation with respect to each other, holding the strips in such relation whileinserting a. Y flexible carrier into the recesses ofa trans verse line-of elements taken across the group of, strips, and rigidly securing the elements to the carrierfl 19. The method of manufacturing fastens ers which includes, forming a plurality of fastener elements with carrier-re'ceiVing re cesses therein while retaining the elements ers which includes, forming a plurality of fastener elements] with 'carrier-receiving-re- ,in strip form, groupin a plurality of the strips in a side-by-si e and transversely aligned-relation with respect to each other, holding the strips in such relationwhile in- 3 serting a flexible carrier into the recesses of a transverse line of elements taken across the group of strips, rigidly securing the elements to the carrier, and subsequently, severing each element from adjacent elements of'their' stri A met 0d of producing interlocking fasteners w ich includes, forming recessed individual fastener elements while retaining them in strip form, placing a plurality of formed strips in a laterally spaced relation ship with respect to each other, aligning each strip of the group'in a lateral direction, insertinga carrier element in the form of a cord-enclosing tape into the recess of an element of each stri of the roup with the edges of the tape pro ecting heyond the recesses,

severing each element from the strip of which i it forms a part, and finally distorting a portion of each element to rigidly secure the ele- 1 ments to their carrier.

21. A method of producing interlocking fasteners which includes, forming a plurality of fastener elements with recesses therein while retaining them in strip form,- grouping a plurality of formed strips in a transversely spaced and aligned relationship with respect to each other, aligning each'individ-ual ele ment of the group of strips transversely with ing each individual member of each strip with respect to an individual member of another strip for providing a plurality of series of transversely aligned elements, mounting the elements of each'series upon a separate carrier and finally, rigidly securing said elements to their carriers.-

24. A plurality of Ashaped interconnected fastener elements in strip form, the sides of each element being spaced from the sides of adjacent elements of the same strip, the feet of each element beingconnected by a separable lug tothe feet of adjacent elements 25 A plurality of A- shaped interconnected fastener elements in stripform, the sides of each element being spaced from the sides of adjacent elements and the bases of each element being located along a common longitudinal edge of the strip.

26. The method of assembling a plurality of elements on a'carrier which includes, holding a plurality of elements on a longitudinal f line with respect to each other, grouping a plurality of lines of elements in a transverselyaligned relation with respect to each other,

:and thence transversely associating a carrier with an element of a lines of the grou plurality of longitudinal In testimony w ereof, I have hereunto sub scribed my name this 16th day of April, 1931.

FRANK E. NODINE.

respect to opposite elements of the other strips inthe group, and inserting a flexible carrier into-recesses of the aligned elements of the group of strips while said strips are being held in the above mentioned relationship, severing each member fromthe strip of wh1ch it forms apart, and compressing jaws of the recesses of each element to grip the carrier associated therewith.

22. A method of producing interlocking fasteners which includes, forming individual fastener elements with carrier-receiving-recesses while retaining them in strip form, grouping a plurality of the strips in a spaced relationship, transversel aligningthe car rier-receiving-recesses o the individual ele-' ments with opposite elements of the group for providing a series of aligned elements in the group, inserting a flexible carrier into the recesses of the elements of each series of aligned elements while the strips are so grouped and aligned, severingeach element rom the strip of which it forms a part, and finally, rigidly securing aws of therecesses of each element to the carrier associated therewith.

23. The method of producing .fasteners which includes, forming fastener elements while retaining them in strip form, bufiing the, so-formed strips, grouping a plurality of the stripsin a laterally spaced relationship with respect to each other,.transversely align-'

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