US20140082895A1

US20140082895A1 - Zipper cover and method

Info

Publication number: US20140082895A1
Application number: US14/039,468
Authority: US
Inventors: Jennifer E. Gold
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-09-27
Filing date: 2013-09-27
Publication date: 2014-03-27

Abstract

A cover is provided for covering the pull tab of a zipper to protect other clothing that may be or come in contact with the zipper. The cover has an elongated body with one or more walls defining a pocket wherein the zipper pull tab is situated.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to copending U.S. Provisional patent application titled “ZIPPER COVER AND METHOD” filed on Sep. 27, 2012 and assigned application No. 61/706,472, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Zippers and/or components thereof situated on clothing, handbags, etc., can often cause damage to other clothing that comes in contact with the zipper and/or its components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a zipper cover as well as associated methods for covering a zipper and/or zipper components. At least one advantage of the zipper cover is that it covers a zipper pull tab and/or other zipper components to thereby prevent these zipper parts from damaging other clothing that may be placed over them or otherwise engage them. At least one other advantage of the zipper cover is that it can be decorative.
One embodiment, among others, is a cover for a zipper. The cover can be broadly summarized as follows. The cover comprises an elongated body having a first end and a second end. The body has one or more walls that define an interior region, or pocket. The first end may be open to permit passage of a zipper pull tab into the interior region, or pocket. The second end may closed by the one or more walls associated with the body. The body may be made from a flexible material that enables the body to expand and be placed over a plurality of different size and/or different shape zipper pull tabs. In some embodiments, the cover is made from material that enables removability, and when removed from the zipper pull tab after installation, the cover assumes its original size and shape.
Another embodiment, among others, is an apparatus or arrangement that can be broadly summarized as follows. The apparatus or arrangement comprises a zipper having a pull tab and a cover situated about the pull tab, the cover having an elongated body with one or more walls defining an interior region wherein the pull tab is situated.
Yet another embodiment, among others, is a method that can be broadly summarized by the following steps: providing a zipper having a pull tab and sliding or otherwise situating an elongated cover over the zipper so that the zipper is substantially surrounded by and resides with the interior of the cover.
Other apparatus, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one of skill in the art upon examination of the drawings and Detailed Description set forth hereafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a zipper and a cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover separated from the zipper.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the zipper and the cover of FIG. 1, showing how the cover is placed over and engaged with the zipper.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the combination of the zipper with the cover of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the cover of FIGS. 1-3, showing an interior protruding nub that engages a hole associated with the zipper tab for securing the cover to the zipper.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a zipper and a second embodiment of a cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover separated from the zipper.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a third embodiment of a zipper and a cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover placed over and engage with the zipper.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the cover of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view a fourth embodiment of a zipper and a cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover separated from the zipper.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a zipper cover of the present disclosure, showing a tab sleeve situated within the cover.

FIG. 9A is a drawing of an example of the tab sleeve of FIG. 9 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 9 of the present disclosure, showing the combination of the zipper and the cover.

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 9 of the present disclosure, showing the cover placed over and engaged with zipper and the tab sleeve situated around the pull tab of the zipper.

FIG. 12 is a sixth embodiment of a zipper and cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover separated from the zipper.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cover and zipper of FIG. 12 of the present disclosure, showing how the securing flap may secure the zipper within the cover.

FIG. 14 is a seventh embodiment of a zipper and cover of the present disclosure, showing how the cover may receive and engage with the zipper.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the cover of FIG. 14 according to the present disclosure, showing the exterior of the cover.

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of FIGS. 14-15 according to the present disclosure, showing an interior protruding nub that engages a hole associated with the zipper tab for securing the cover to the zipper

FIG. 17 is an eighth embodiment of the zipper cover of the present disclosure, showing an aperture in the exterior of the front wall of the cover.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the cover of FIG. 14 according to the present disclosure, showing the exterior of the cover.

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of FIGS. 17-18 according to the present disclosure, showing interior protruding nubs that engaged with at least one hole associated with the zipper tab for securing the cover to the zipper.

FIG. 20 is a ninth embodiment of the zipper cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover separated from the zipper and securing element.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 20 of the present disclosure, showing the cover placed over and engaged with the zipper as well as the securing element situated about the cover to secure the zipper within the cover.

FIG. 22 is a front view of the cover of FIGS. 20-21 of the present disclosure, showing the exterior of the front wall of the cover.

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of the cover of FIGS. 20-22 of the present disclosure, showing the cover placed over and engaged with the zipper as well as the securing element situated about the cover and engaged with the zipper for securing the cover to the zipper.

FIG. 24 is tenth embodiment of the zipper cover of the present disclosure, showing a flap extending from the end of the cover.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 4 show a first embodiment of a zipper cover that is generally identified with reference numeral 10. More specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the zipper 9 and the cover 10 (or housing) of the present disclosure, showing the cover 10 separated from the zipper 9.
The zipper 9 can be made of any suitable material, including for example, metal, plastic, etc. The zipper 9 can be any size and shape. The zipper 9 has a slider body 11 and a zipper pull tab 18, which may or may not have a lower tab hole 12. If it has a lower tab hole 12, the lower tab hole 12 can have any shape, including for example, rectangular, circular, trapezoidal, diamond-shaped, etc. In this instance, the zipper 9 is shown with a circular lower tab hole 12 (or aperture).
The cover 10 can take many different shapes and sizes, and can be manufactured from many different types of materials, or combinations thereof, including for example but not limited to, plastic, cloth, rubber, leather, silicone, etc. Preferably, it is sized to fit snugly over the zipper 9. In this first embodiment, the cover 10 essentially defines a pocket for receiving the zipper pull tab 18 and includes an interior protruding nub 14 (FIG. 4) that, when installed, engages and protrudes in the lower tab hole 12 associated with the zipper 9 for securing the cover 10 to the zipper 9. Also, in this first embodiment, the cover 10 is equipped with side walls 16 (optional) situated at the left and right sides that may extend over the sides of the slider body 11 for further protecting other clothing from the zipper 9 and its movement.
Preferably, although not necessarily, the cover 10 is made of a flexible and/or elastic material to enable the cover 10 to be expandable and snugly placed over a plurality of different size and/or different shape zipper pull tabs 18. Also, preferably, the cover 10 is made from a flexible and/or elastic material that enables removability, and when removed, the cover 10 adjusts back to its original state. However, in some embodiments, the cover 10 may be made from a nonflexible rigid material. Finally, the cover 10, as well as other embodiments of same, can be any color or combination of colors.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the zipper 9 and the cover 10 of FIG. 1, showing how the cover 10 is placed over and engaged with the zipper 9, while permitting the zipper 9 to fully operate. Phantom lines show the zipper 9 under the cover 10. Preferably, the cover 10 can be removed from the zipper 9, if desired.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the combination of the zipper with the cover of FIG. 2. Phantom lines show the zipper 9 under and surrounded by the cover 10. Note that in some embodiments, the second end 19 may be extended downwardly so that material covers part of the engaged zipper teeth 26. This can further assist with protecting clothing.
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the cover of FIGS. 1 through 3, showing the interior protruding nub 14 that extends into and engages the lower tab hole 12 associated with the zipper 9 for securing the cover 10 to the zipper 9. The nub 14 a can take many shapes and sizes. In the embodiment shown, the nub 14 is hemispherical in shape so that it fits snugly into the lower tab hole 12 (FIG. 1).
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the zipper 9 (hereinafter referred to as the zipper “9 a”). The zipper 9 a has a zipper pull tab 18 a that is without a hole. FIG. 5 also shows a second embodiment of a cover 10, which is generally identified by reference numeral 10 a. FIG. 5 shows the elongated cover 10 a separated from the zipper 9 a and shows how they are engaged and secured together. In this second embodiment, the body of the cover 10 a defines a pocket for receiving the zipper pull tab 18 a. The body is elongated with a closed end that is curved, or radiused.
In the preferred embodiment, the cover 10 a is made of a flexible and/or elastic material, such as a flexible plastic, to enable the cover 10 a to be snugly placed over a plurality of different size and/or different shape zipper pull tabs 18 a. Also, preferably, the zipper is made from a flexible material that enables removability, and when removed, or separated, adjusts back to its original state. However, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the cover 10 a may be made from a nonflexible rigid material.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a third embodiment of the zipper and the cover of the present disclosure, the cover being generally denoted by reference numeral 10 c. FIG. 6 shows the cover 10 b placed over and engaged with the zipper. The cover 10 b includes a flap 28 that extends downwardly over the zipper teeth 26 to cover same. FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the cover of FIG. 6, showing the flap 28 extending downwardly. This flap 28 helps further protect clothing from the hazards associated with the zipper teeth 26. The flap 28 can be a variety of shapes and sizes as well as lengths. The flap 28 can also be incorporated in the second embodiment of FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view a fourth embodiment of a zipper and a cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover separated from the zipper. The fourth embodiment is generally denoted by reference numeral 10 c. In this embodiment, the downwardly protruding nub 14 c is shaped like a trapezoid so that it fits snugly into the lower tab hole 12 c associated with the zipper pull tab nub 42 18 c of zipper 9 c.
FIGS. 9-11 show a fifth embodiment of a zipper cover 10 (hereinafter referred to as “10 d”). More specifically, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cover 10 d comprising a removable tab sleeve 30 situated within the interior walls of the cover 10 d. The cover 10 d may be an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end. The cover 10 d may include a front wall 32 d (FIG. 10) that extends from the first end to the second end and covers at least a portion of the front of a zipper 9 (FIGS. 10 and 11), hereinafter referred to as “9 d,” when the cover 10 d is placed and engaged over a zipper 9 d. The cover 10 d may also be equipped with side walls 16 d situated at the left and right sides of the cover 10 d that may extend over the sides of a zipper 9 d for further protecting of other clothing from the zipper 9 d and its movement.
The front wall 32 d and side walls 16 d of the cover 10 d may define an opening of the cover 10 d for receiving the zipper 9 d and/or the tab sleeve 30. The cover 10 d may be designed to securely attach to the tab sleeve 30 when the tab sleeve 30 is positioned within the interior walls of the cover 10 d. Accordingly, the cover 10 d may be securely attached to a zipper 9 d when the tab sleeve 30 surrounds the zipper pull tab 18 d (FIG. 11) of the zipper 9 d and the cover 10 d is installed and situated over the zipper 9 d and the tab sleeve 30.
The cover 10 d may take many different shapes and sizes, and can be manufactured from many different types of materials, or combinations thereof, including for example, but not limited to, plastic, cloth, rubber, leather, silicone, etc. Preferably, the cover 10 d is sized to fit snugly over a zipper 9 d and the tab sleeve 30 surrounding a zipper pull tab 18 d. The cover 10 d may be made of a flexible and/or elastic material to enable the cover 10 d to be expandable and snugly placed over a plurality of different size and/or different shape zipper pull tabs 18 d. Also, preferably, the cover 10 d may be made from a flexible and/or elastic material that enables removability, and when removed, the cover 10 d adjusts back to its original state. However, in some embodiments, the cover 10 d may be made from a nonflexible rigid material. Finally, the cover 10 d, as well as other embodiments of same, can be any color or combination of colors.
FIG. 9A is a drawing of an example of the tab sleeve of FIG. 9 according to various embodiments. The tab sleeve 30 may be designed to securely fit around a zipper pull tab 18 d (FIG. 11). The tab sleeve 30 may take many different shapes and sizes, and can be manufactured from many different types of materials, or combinations thereof, including for example, but not limited to, plastic, cloth, rubber, leather, silicone, etc. Preferably, the tab sleeve 30 is rigid and sized to fit snugly within the cover 10 d. The tab sleeve 30 may define an opening for receiving the zipper pull tab 18 d. In some embodiments, the tab sleeve 30 may comprise a connecting surface (not shown) for securely connecting the tab sleeve 30 within the side walls of the cover 10 d. In additional embodiments, the tab sleeve 30 may comprise an extension support (not shown) upwardly extending from a top end of the tab sleeve 30 for engaging with the slider body 11 d (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the zipper 9 d (FIGS. 10 and 11). The extension support may comprise two arms that each engage with a respective side of the slider body 11 d.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the cover 10 d of FIG. 9 of the present disclosure, showing the cover 10 d situated over and engaged with a zipper 9 d, while permitting the zipper 9 d to fully operate. FIG. 10 illustrates how the front wall 32 d of the cover 10 d covers the front of the zipper 9 d. In addition, FIG. 10 illustrates that the side walls 16 d may extend over at least a portion of the sides of the slider body 11 d, for further protection of clothing from the zipper 9 d and its movement.
FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the cover 10 d of FIGS. 9 and 10 of the present disclosure, illustrating the cover 10 d placed over and engaged with a zipper 9 d and the tab sleeve 30, while permitting the zipper 9 d to fully operate. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the zipper pull tab 18 d of the zipper 9 d has been inserted into the tab sleeve 30. The cover 10 d is placed over both the slider body 11 d and the tab sleeve 30 that surrounds the zipper pull tab 18 d. As previously discussed, the tab sleeve 30 and the cover 10 d may be designed such that the tab sleeve 30 is detachably attached to the cover 10 d when the cover 10 d is engaged with the tab sleeve 30. By engaging the zipper cover 10 d over the tab sleeve 30, the zipper cover 10 d is secured to the zipper 9 d.
FIGS. 12-13 show a sixth embodiment of a zipper 9, hereinafter referred to as “9 e” and a cover 10, hereinafter referred to as “10 e.” More specifically, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the zipper 9 e and the cover 10 e of the present disclosure, showing the cover 10 e separated from the zipper 9 e. In this embodiment, the zipper 9 e includes a slider body 11 e, a pull tab 18 e, a lower tab hole 12 e, and a upper tab hole 34 e. The lower tab hole 12 e is a hole that is defined within the pull tab 18 e and can have any shape, including for example, rectangular, circular, trapezoidal, diamond-shaped, etc. In this instance, the zipper 9 e is shown with a trapezoidal lower tab hole 12 e. The upper tab hole 34 e may be located near a connecting end of the pull tab 18 e. For example, the upper tab hole 34 e of the zipper 9 e may be defined near where the zipper pull tab 18 e is connected to the slider body 11 e.
In this embodiment, the cover 10 e may be defined by a front wall, two side walls 16 e and a securing flap 36. The interior region of the cover 10 e may include an interior protruding nub 14 f and a first connector 38. The securing flap 36 may comprise a second connector 40 which is configured to attach to the first connector 38. The first connector 38 and the second connector 40 may be mating connectors other type of appropriate connectors, such as, for example, male and female connectors, such that when engaged, the first connector 38 and the second connector 40 are securely attached. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the securing flap 36 may extend downwardly from the second end of the cover 10 e. However, the securing flap 36 is moveably attached to the first end of the cover 10 e to allow flexible movement and may be positioned to extend upwardly from the first end of the cover 10 e for engaging the second connector 40 to the first connector 38. When the securing flap 36 is positioned to extend upwardly from the first end of the cover 10 e the securing flap 36 defines a back wall of the cover 10 e. As such, the the walls of the cover 10 e define a pocket within the cover 10 e for securing a zipper pull tab 18 e to the zipper cover 10 e.
The cover 10 e may take many different shapes and sizes, and can be manufactured from many different types of materials, or combinations thereof, including for example, but not limited to, plastic, cloth, rubber, leather, silicone, etc. Preferably, the cover 10 e is sized to fit snugly over a zipper 9 e. Preferably, although not necessarily, the cover 10 e is made of a flexible and/or elastic material to enable the cover 10 e to be expandable and snugly placed over a plurality of different size and/or different shape zipper pull tabs 18 e. Also, preferably, the cover 10 e is made from a flexible and/or elastic material that enables removability, and when removed, the cover 10 e adjusts back to its original state. However, in some embodiments, the cover 10 e may be made from a nonflexible rigid material. Finally, the cover 10 e, as well as other embodiments of same, can be any color or combination of colors.
FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the cover 10 e and zipper 9 e of FIG. 12 where the zipper 9 e is engaged with the cover 10 e of FIG. 12. FIG. 13 illustrates how the cover 10 e is secured to the zipper 9 e. When engaged within the zipper 9 e, the first connector 38 may be configured to fit within the upper tab hole 34 e of the zipper 9 e. In addition, the interior protruding nub 14 f may be designed to fit within the lower tab hole 12 e of the zipper pull tab 18 e. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the securing flap 36 may be lifted upwardly to define a back wall of the cover 103 and engage the second connector 40 with the first connector 38 for securing the cover 10 e to the zipper 9 e. To remove the zipper 9 e from the cover 10 e, the second connector 40 may be disengaged from the first connector 38 and the securing flap 36 may be moved to define an opening within the back end of the cover 10 e allowing the zipper 9 e to be removed from the cover 10 e.
FIGS. 14-16 show a seventh embodiment of a zipper cover that is generally identified with reference numeral 10 f. Specifically, FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a zipper 9 (hereinafter referred to as “9 f”) and the cover 10 f, showing the cover 10 f separated from the zipper 9 f. In this embodiment, the cover 10 f comprises a front wall 32 f comprising a cover aperture 42 f near the second end of the cover 10 f. The zipper 9 f may comprise a slider body 11 f and a zipper pull tab 18 f. In some embodiments, the zipper pull tab 18 f may comprise a lower tab hole 12 f and/or a upper tab hole 34 f that is defined near where the slider body 11 f connects with the zipper pull tab 18 f. In this embodiment, the cover 10 f comprises a front wall 32 f, two side walls and a back wall which essentially define a pocket for receiving the zipper pull tab 18 f. The front wall may extends from the first end to the second end of the cover 10 f and covers at least a portion of the front of the zipper 9 f when the cover 10 f is placed over and engaged with a zipper 9 f. The side walls 16 f are situated at the left and right sides that extend over the sides of the slider body 11 f for further protecting other clothing from the zipper 9 f and its movement.
The interior of the zipper cover 10 f includes an interior protruding nub 14 f (FIG. 16) that, when installed, engages and protrudes in the lower tab hole 12 f associated with the zipper 9 f for securing the cover 10 f to the zipper 9 f.
The cover 10 f can take many different shapes and sizes, and can be manufactured from many different types of materials, or combinations thereof, including for example but not limited to, plastic, cloth, rubber, leather, silicone, etc. Preferably, it is sized to fit snugly over the zipper 9 f. Also, preferably, the cover 10 f is made from a flexible and/or elastic material that enables removability, and when removed, the cover 10 f adjusts back to its original state. However, in some embodiments, the cover 10 f may be made from a nonflexible rigid material. Finally, the cover 10 f, as well as other embodiments of same, can be any color or combination of colors.
FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of the cover 10 f of FIG. 14 illustrating the exterior of the front wall 32 f of the cover 10 f. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the front wall 32 f may extend from the first end to a second end. In some embodiments, the front wall 32 f may comprise a cover aperture 42 f near the second end of the cover 10 f. The cover aperture 42 f may be configured to engage with the interior protruding nub 14 f. For example, when a zipper 9 f is inserted and secured within the cover 10 f, interior protruding nub 14 f may engage and protrude through the lower tab hole 12 f associated with the zipper 9 f. As such the portion of the interior protruding nub 14 f may further engage with the cover aperture 42 f on the front wall 32 f of the cover 10 f.
FIG. 16 illustrates a cross sectional view of FIGS. 14-15, showing the combination of the zipper 9 f with the cover 10 f. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the interior protruding nub 14 f engages with the lower tab hole 12 f of the zipper pull tab 18 f.
FIGS. 17-19 show an eighth embodiment of a zipper cover that is generally identified with reference numeral 10 g. Specifically, FIG. 17 illustrates the zipper cover having a front wall 32 g extending from a first end to a second end and side walls 16 g situated at the left and right sides of the cover 10 g that may extend over the sides of a zipper 9 g (FIG. 19) for further protecting of other clothing from the zipper 9 g and its movement. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the front wall 32 g of the cover 10 g may include a cover aperture 42 g located near the second end of the cover.
FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of the cover 10 g of FIG. 17 illustrating the exterior of the front wall 32 g of the cover 10 h. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the front wall 32 g may extend from the first end to a second end. In some embodiments, the front wall 32 g may comprise a cover aperture 42 g near the second end of the cover 10 g. The cover aperture 42 g may be configured to engage with the interior protruding nub 14 g. For example, when a zipper 9 g (FIG. 19) is inserted and secured within the cover 10 g, the interior protruding nub 14 g may engage and protrude through the lower tab hole 12 g associated with the zipper 9 g. As such the portion of the interior protruding nub 14 g may further engage with the cover aperture 42 g on the front wall 32 g of the cover 10 g.
FIG. 19 is a drawing of an example cross-sectional view of FIGS. 17-18, showing the combination of the zipper 9 g with the cover 10 g. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the interior protruding nub 14 g may engage with the lower tab hole 12 g of the zipper pull tab 18 g. In addition, the cover 10 g of this embodiment comprises a second interior protruding nub 44 within the interior of the cover 10 g. The second interior protruding nub 44 may be engaged and protruding within an upper tab hole (not shown) of the zipper 9 g.
FIGS. 20-23 show an ninth embodiment of a zipper cover generally identified with reference numeral 10 h. Specifically, FIG. 20 illustrates a zipper 9 (hereinafter referred to as “9 h”), the cover 10 h, and a securing element 46, showing the zipper 9 h and the securing element 46 separate from the cover 10 h. In this embodiment, the zipper 9 h comprises a slider body 11 h and a zipper pull tab 18 h. In addition, the zipper pull tab 18 h comprises a lower tab hole 12 h. An upper tab hole 34 h of the zipper 9 h may be defined near where the zipper pull tab 18 h is attached to the slider body 11 h. In this embodiment, the cover 10 h comprises a front wall 32 h (FIG. 22) extending from a first end to a second end of the cover 10 h. In addition, the cover 10 h is equipped with side walls 16 h on the left and the right of the cover 10 h. Further, in this embodiment, the cover 10 h comprises a back wall 50 attached to side walls 16 h and substantially parallel to the front wall 32 h thereby defining a pocket for receiving the pull tab 18 h of the zipper 9 h when positioning the cover 10 h over the zipper 9 h. The back wall 50 may comprise back apertures 52 for engaging with the securing element 46. The securing element 46 may comprise a nubs 48 for engaging and protruding within the back apertures 52 of the back wall 50 of the cover 10 h. The securing element 46 may be detachably attached to the cover 10 h for securing the cover 10 h to a zipper 9 h when inserted.
Both the cover 10 h and the securing element 46 may take many different shapes and sizes, and can be manufactured from many different types of materials, or combinations thereof, including for example, but not limited to, plastic, cloth, rubber, leather, silicone, etc. Preferably, the cover 10 h is sized to fit snugly over a zipper 9 h. Preferably, although not necessarily, the cover 10 h is made of a flexible and/or elastic material to enable the cover 10 h to be expandable and snugly placed over a plurality of different size and/or different shape zipper pull tabs 18 h. Also, preferably, the cover 10 h is made from a flexible and/or elastic material that enables removability, and when removed, the cover 10 h adjusts back to its original state. However, in some embodiments, the cover 10 h may be made from a nonflexible rigid material. Finally, the cover 10 h and the securing element 46, as well as other embodiments of same, may be any color or combination of colors.
FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the cover 10 h, zipper 9 h, and securing element 46 of FIG. 20, showing the zipper 9 h secured within the cover 10 h via the securing element 46. In this embodiment, the zipper pull tab 18 h is inserted within the pocket defined by the interior walls of the cover 10 h. The front wall 32 h and side walls 16 h are positioned over the slider body 11 h of the zipper 9 h. The nubs 48 of the securing element 46 are engaged through the back apertures 52 of the back wall 50 and protrude within the lower tab hole 12 h and the upper tab hole 34 h of the zipper 9 h. Accordingly, the securing element 46 is detachably attached to the cover 10 h for securing the zipper 9 h while still allowing the zipper 9 h to fully operate. To remove the zipper 9 h from the cover 10 h, the securing element 46 may be removed to unsecure the zipper 9 h allowing the zipper to be removed from the cover 10 h.
FIG. 22 is the front view of the cover 10 h of FIGS. 20-21 illustrating the exterior of the front wall 32 h of the cover 10 h according to various embodiments. FIG. 23 is a drawing of an example cross sectional view of the cover 10 h of FIGS. 20-22, showing the securing element 46 engaged with the cover 10 h allowing the zipper 9 h to be secured within the cover 10 h. In this embodiment, the securing element 46 is engaged with the lower tab hole 12 h and upper tab hole 34 h of the zipper 9 h. Accordingly, the securing element 46 is used to securing the cover 10 h to the zipper 9 h.
FIG. 24 is prospective view of another embodiment of a zipper cover and is generally identified with reference numeral 10 i. Specifically, FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the cover 10 i engaged with the zipper 9(hereinafter referred to has “9 i”), showing a flap 28 (hereinafter referred to has “28 i”) extending downwardly from the second end of the cover 10 i. This flap 28 i helps further protect clothing from the hazards associated with the zipper teeth 26 (FIG. 3). The flap 28 i can be a variety of shapes and sizes as well as lengths. The flap 28 i can also be incorporated in the embodiments of FIGS. 9-23.
With reference to FIG. 25, shown is a flowchart that provides one example of a method of various embodiments of the present disclosure. It is understood that the flowchart of FIG. 25 merely provides examples of the many different types of functional arrangements that may be employed to implement the operation of the methods as described herein.
To begin, in reference numeral 60, a zipper 9, 9 a, 9 c, 9 d, 9 e, 9 f, 9 g, 9 h, 9 i having pull tab 18, 18 a, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e, 18 f, 18 h may be provided. In reference number 62 the cover 10, 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, 10 e, 10 f, 10 g, 10 h, 10 i may be situated over the zipper 9, 9 a, 9 c, 9 d, 9 e, 9 f, 9 g, 9 h, 9 i. In reference numeral 64 the zipper 9, 9 a, 9 c, 9 d, 9 e, 9 f, 9 g, 9 h, 9 i is secured to the cover 10, 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, 10 e, 10 f, 10 g, 10 h, 10 i.
Although the flowchart of FIG. 25 shows a specific order of execution, it is understood that the order of execution may differ from that which is depicted. For example, the order of execution of two or more blocs may be scrambled relative to the order shown. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession in FIG. 25 may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Further in some embodiments, one or more of the blocks shown in FIG. 25 may be skipped or omitted.
In some alternative embodiments, the cover 10, 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, 10 e, 10 f, 10 g, 10 h, 10 i may be designed so that the interior surface is sticky so that the cover adheres to the respective zipper pull tab 18, 18 a, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e, 18 f, 18 g, 18 h either permanently or nonpermanently (i.e., removably).
In some alternative embodiments, the cover 10, 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, 10 e, 10 f, 10 g, 10 h, 10 i may be designed with heat-shrink material that, when heated, shrinks around the respective zipper pull tab 18, 18 a, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e, 18 f, 18 g, 18 h to achieve a snug fit around it.
In some embodiments, the interior of the cover 10, 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, 10 e, 10 f, 10 g, 10 h, 10 i may be designed with a higher coefficient of friction than the exterior in order to enable the cover to engage the zipper pull tab 18, 18 a, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e, 18 f, 18 g, 18 h, 18 i and/or other zipper parts with sufficient friction to hold the cover 10, 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, 10 e, 10 f, 10 g, 10 h, 10 i on the pull tab and/or other zipper parts. This can be accomplished by making the interior a different high friction material, adding a high friction material to the interior, etc.
In some embodiments, the cover 10, 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, 10 e, 10 f, 10 g, 10 h, 10 i may be used in conjunction with the an adhesive element (not shown), such as, for example, tape, or other appropriate adhesive that may adhere to the zipper teeth 26 (FIG. 3). The adhesive element in conjunction with the cover 10, 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, 10 e, 10 f, 10 g, 10 h, 10 i may further protect clothing.
In concluding the detailed description, it should be noted that the terminology “embodiment” means a nonlimiting example. Furthermore, the terminology “preferred embodiment” means the one embodiment currently believed by the inventor(s) to be the best embodiment of a plurality of possible embodiments. Moreover, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment(s) without substantially departing from the principles of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the teachings of the present invention in this document.

Claims

Therefore, the following is claimed:

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a zipper having a pull tab; and

a cover situated about the pull tab, the cover having an elongated body with one or more walls defining an interior region wherein the pull tab is situated.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover is made of a flexible material to enable the cover to be situated about a plurality of different size and different shape zipper pull tabs.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a plurality of side walls that extend over the sides of the zipper.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises an inwardly protruding nub that extends into a hole associated with the pull tab of the zipper.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tab sleeve, the tab sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the pull tab that is situated within the interior region of the cover.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the tab sleeve is designed to detachably attach to the interior region of the cover.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a securing element, the securing element situated about the cover such that at least one nub of the securing element extends into at least one hole associated with the pull tab of the zipper thereby securing the zipper to the cover.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises:

a first connector within the interior region of the cover; and

a securing flap having a second connector that is detachably attached to the second connector.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first connector extends through at least a portion of a hole associated with the pull tab of the zipper thereby securing the zipper to the cover.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a flap extending downwardly from a bottom end of the elongated body.

11. A method, comprising:

providing a zipper having a pull tab; and

situating an elongated cover over the zipper so that the zipper is substantially surrounded by and resides within an interior of the elongated cover.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising securing the zipper to the elongated cover.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein securing the zipper to the elongated cover further comprises sliding a tab sleeve around the pull tab, the tab sleeve configured to fit within the interior of the elongated cover.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein securing the zipper to the elongated cover further comprises connecting a first connector of the interior of the elongated cover with a second connector of a securing flap that defines a back wall of the elongated cover.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein securing the zipper to the elongated cover further comprises attaching a securing element about the elongated cover such that the securing element engages with at least one hole associated with the pull tab of the zipper.

16. A cover, comprising an elongated body having a first end and a second end, the elongated body having one or more walls that define an interior region, the first end being open and of adequate size to permit passage of a zipper pull tab into the interior region, the second end being closed by the one or more walls associated with the body, the body made from a flexible material that enables the body be placed over a plurality of different size and/or different shape zipper pull tabs.

17. The cover of claim 16, wherein the cover further comprises a plurality of side walls that extend over the sides of the zipper.

18. The cover of claim 16, wherein the cover further comprises an inwardly protruding nub that extends into a hole associated with the zipper pull tab.

19. The cover of claim 16, wherein the flexible material enables the cover to be removed from the zipper pull tab, and when removed, the cover substantially assumes its original state.

20. The cover of claim 16, wherein the second end of the cover further comprises a flap downwardly extending from the second end of the cover.