US20210212418A1

US20210212418A1 - Pull

Info

Publication number: US20210212418A1
Application number: US17/127,482
Authority: US
Inventors: Eric Millward
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2020-01-15
Filing date: 2020-12-18
Publication date: 2021-07-15
Also published as: CN113116027A

Abstract

A pull including an attachment loop, a gripping loop, a loop connector connecting the attachment loop to the gripping loop. The pull is sized and configured to be attached to an object and enable a user to strongly grip the pull and place suitable forces on the object to move the object.

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/961,321, filed Jan. 15, 2020, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Various pulls are known. For example, a zipper pull is attachable to a bale of a slider of a zipper to enable a person using the zipper (such as a zipper on a backpack) to easily operate the zipper.
One known zipper pull includes a single loop formed by a material cord and an over-molded plastic cover on part of the material cord. This type of zipper pull is relatively expensive due to the multiple different materials used to form this zipper pull, the labor required to assemble this zipper pull, and the labor required to attach this zipper pull to a zipper on or for a product. These materials used to make this type of zipper pull can easily break and can be readily worn out such as by the weather or other environmental conditions.
Accordingly, there is a continuing need for pulls (such as zipper pulls) that are less expensive to make and attach to zippers, and that are more durable.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pull such as a zipper pull that is formed from a single material, that is easily attachable to an object such as a bail of a slider of a zipper, and that is extremely durable. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the pull includes an attachment loop, a gripping loop, and a loop connector connecting the attachment loop to the gripping loop. The attachment loop is sized and configured to be attached to an object, and the attachment loop and the loop connector are sized and configured to prevent the disengagement of the attachment loop from the object. The gripping loop is sized and configured to receive and/or be engaged by a user (such as by one or more fingers of a user) to enable the user to engage and exert force on the pull in a suitable direction and thus move the object to which the pull is attached. The pull enables the user to suitably grip the pull and place suitable forces on the object.
In various embodiments, the pull includes an attachment loop, a gripping loop, and a loop connector connecting the attachment loop to the gripping loop. The loop connector includes a first joint connecting the attachment loop to the gripping loop and a second joint connecting the attachment loop to the gripping loop. The first joint and the second joint are spaced apart and independently operable.
In various embodiments, the pull includes an attachment loop having a partially circular shape, a gripping loop larger than the attachment loop and having a partially teardrop shape, and a loop connector connecting the attachment loop to the gripping loop.
In various embodiments, the pull includes an attachment loop including a head, a first arm connected to and extending from a first end section of the head, a second arm connected to and extending from a second end section of the head. The pull also includes a gripping loop including a gripping seat, a first leg connected to and extending from a first end section of the gripping seat, and a second leg connected to and extending from a second end section of the gripping seat. The pull further includes a loop connector including a first joint connecting the first arm of the attachment loop to the first leg of the gripping loop, and a second joint connecting the second arm of the attachment loop to the second leg of the gripping loop, wherein the first joint and the second joint are spaced apart and independently operable, wherein the first joint of the loop connector includes a member bent is a first direction, and the second joint includes a member bent is a second direction that is opposite the first direction. In various such embodiments, the attachment loop, the gripping loop, and the loop connector are monolithically formed from a rigid plastic material.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pull of one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pull of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pull of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a first side view of the pull of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a second side view of the pull of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the pull of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the pull of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pull of FIG. 1 connected to a bail of a slider of a zipper (shown in fragmentary) connected to an object (shown in fragmentary).

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the pull of FIG. 1 connected to the bail of the slider of the zipper (shown in fragmentary) of FIG. 8 connected to the object (shown in fragmentary) of FIG. 8, and showing an index finger (shown in fragmentary) of a person (not shown) engaging the pull attached to the bail of the slider of the zipper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be embodied in various forms, the drawings show and the specification describes certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and described in the specification may be required, and certain implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components; the shapes, sizes, and materials of the components; and the manners of connections of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, any directions referred to in the specification reflect the orientations of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms that refer to mounting methods, such as mounted, connected, etc., are not intended to be limited to direct mounting methods but should be interpreted broadly to include indirect and operably mounted, connected, and like mounting methods. This specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 9 illustrate a pull of one example embodiment of the present disclosure that is generally indicated by numeral 50. The pull 50 is configured to be attached to an object (such as but not limited to a bail of a slider of a zipper) for assisting in pulling that object relative to a product (such as a backpack) to which that object is attached.
More specifically, this illustrated example pull 50 includes: (1) an attachment loop 100; (2) a gripping loop 200; and (3) a loop connector 300 connecting the attachment loop 100 to the gripping loop 200. The attachment loop 100 is sized and configured to be attached to an object (such as but not limited to a bail 600 of a slider 550 of a zipper 500 attached to a product 800 such as shown in FIG. 8). The attachment loop 100 and the loop connector 300 are sized and configured to prevent the disengagement of the attachment loop 100 from the object (such as the slider 550 of the zipper 500 as shown in FIG. 8). The gripping loop 200 is sized and configured to receive and be engaged by a user (such as by a finger 900 of a user as shown in FIG. 9) to enable the user to engage and exert force on the pull 50 in a suitable direction and thus move the object (such as the slider 550 of the zipper 500 as shown in FIG. 9) to which the pull 50 is attached. The pull 50 has somewhat of a FIG. 8 shape and a continuous loop configuration that facilitates attachment and pulling operations and enables for twisting of the pull 50 as described below. The pull 50 is sized and configured to enable the user to strongly grip the pull and place suitable forces on the object (such as the slider 550 of the zipper 500). It should be appreciated that while the pull 50 of the present disclosure is described and shown herein in connection with use with a zipper, the pull can be used with other suitable objects in accordance with the present disclosure.
The pull 50 including the attachment loop 100, the gripping loop 200, and the loop connector 300 are integrally connected and specifically suitably monolithically formed (such as via injection molding) in this illustrated example embodiment. The pull 50 including the attachment loop 100, the gripping loop 200, and the loop connector 300 are formed from a suitable relatively rigid plastic material in this illustrated example embodiment. In one such example embodiment, the relatively rigid pull 50 is formed from a Polyoxymethylene (POM) (that is also known as an acetal, polyacetal, and a polyformaldehyde). It should be appreciated that this single material configuration enables mass production of the pull 50 at relatively low cost. It should be appreciated that the pull can be formed in other suitable manners and from other suitable materials in accordance with the present disclosure such as described below.
In this illustrated example embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the attachment loop 100 includes: (a) head 110; (b) a first arm 130 connected to and extending from a first end section 112 of the head 110; and (c) a second arm 160 connected to and extending from a second end section 116 of the head 110. The head 110, the first arm 130, and the second arm 160 are configured to be attached to an object such as but not limited to a bail 600 of a slider 550 of a zipper 500 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
More specifically, the head 110 includes a cylindrical uniform solid curved member having a first end section 112, an intermediate section 114, and a second end section 116. The head 110 has a top convex surface 118, an inner concave surface 120, a curved first side surface 122, and a curved second side surface 124.
The first arm 130 includes a cylindrical uniform solid curved member having a first end section 132 connected to the first end section 112 of the head 110, an intermediate section 134, and a second end section 136 connected to the loop connector 300 as further explained below. The first arm 130 has a convex outer surface 140, a concave inner surface 142, a curved first side surface 144, and a curved second side surface 146.
Likewise, the second arm 160 includes a cylindrical uniform solid curved member having a first end section 162 connected to the second end section 116 of the head 110, an intermediate section 164, and a second end section 166 connected to the loop connector 300 as further explained below. The second arm 160 has a convex outer surface 170, a concave inner surface 172, a curved first side surface 174, and a curved second side surface 176.
The first arm 130 and the second arm 160 are curved in opposite directions such that: (1) the outer surface 140 of the first arm 130 and the outer surface 170 of the second arm 160 face in opposite directions; (2) the inner surface 142 of the first arm 130 and the inner surface 172 of the second am 160 face each other; (3) the first side surface 144 of the first arm 130 and the first side surface 174 of the second arm 160 face in the same direction; and (4) the second side surface 146 of the first arm 130 and the second side surface 176 of the second arm 160 face in the same direction.
In this example embodiment, the head 110, the first arm 130, and the second arm 160 are formed of rigid plastic material that: (1) limits the first arm 130 and the second arm 160 from being pulled away from each other in the directions of their outer surfaces 140 and 170; and (2) limits the second end section 136 of the first arm 130 and the second end section 166 of the second arm 160 from being pulled away from each other in the directions of their outer surfaces 140 and 170. The head 110, the first arm 130, and the second arm 160 are also formed: (1) to limit the second end section 136 of the first arm 130 from being pulled away from the head 110; and (2) to limit the second end section 166 of the second arm 160 from being pulled away from the head 110. Thus, the relevant movement of these parts of the attachment loop 100 is limited in the longitudinal direction of the pull 50.
In this example embodiment, the rigid plastic material of the head 110, the first arm 130, and the second arm 160 enable certain transverse (to the longitudinal direction) movements of the first arm 130 and the second arm 160 relative to each other. In other words, the second end section 136 of the first arm 130 and the second end section 166 of the second arm 160 can move or be being pulled away from each other in the directions of their opposite outer side surfaces and will each be biased back to their respective resting positions. In other words, the first arm 130 can move in a direction of its first side surface 144, and the second arm 160 can move in a direction of its second side surface 176 (i.e., in opposite directions), and will each be biased back to their respective resting positions. Likewise, the first arm 130 can move in a direction of its second side surface 146, and the second arm 160 can move in a direction of its first side surface 174 (i.e., in opposite directions), and will each be biased back to their respective resting positions. Thus, certain relative movements of these parts of the attachment loop 100 is allowed in the transverse directions of the pull 50, and thus the pull 50 is flexible in those directions.
It should be appreciated from the above that the attachment loop 100 of the pull 50 has more rigidity in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction in this example embodiment of the present disclosure.
In this illustrated example embodiment, the gripping loop 200 includes: (a) a gripping seat 210; (b) a first leg 230 connected to and extending from a first end section 212 of the gripping seat 210; and (c) a second leg 260 connected to and extending from a second end section 216 of the gripping seat 210. In this illustrated example embodiment, the attachment loop 100 is significantly smaller than the gripping loop 200. Specifically, the gripping loop 200 is 6 to 7 times the size of the attachment loop 100 in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the relative sizes and thicknesses of the attachment loop 100 and the gripping loop 200 may vary in accordance with the present disclosure.
More specifically, the gripping seat 210 includes a curved body having a first end section 212, an intermediate section 214, and a second end section 216. The gripping seat 210 has a bottom convex surface 218, an inner concave surface 220, a first side surface 222, and a second side surface 224. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the gripping seat 210 has a height that narrows from the intermediate section 214 of the gripping seat 210 to and through the first end section 212 of the gripping seat 210 and from the intermediate section 214 of the gripping seat 210 to and through the second end section 216 of the gripping seat 210. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the gripping seat 210 has a width that narrows from the intermediate section 214 of the gripping seat 210 to and through the first end section 212 of the gripping seat 210 and from the intermediate section 214 of the gripping seat 210 to and through the second end section 216 of the gripping seat 210.
The gripping seat 210 and particularly the intermediate section 214 of the gripping seat 210 includes an upper section 210 a and a lower section 210 b that together define an inner crescent shaped opening 226 defined by an inner convex top surface 226 a and an inner concave bottom surface 226 b. The convex top surface 226 a extends from the first side surface 222 to the second side surface 224. The concave bottom surface 226 b also extends from the first side surface 222 to the second side surface 224. The gripping seat 210 and particularly the intermediate section 214 of the gripping seat 210 also includes two spaced-apart connection walls 228 a and 228 b that are each respectfully connected to and extend between the convex top surface 226 a and the concave bottom surface 226 b. These connection walls 228 a and 228 b connect the upper section 210 a and the lower section 210 b of the intermediate section 214 of the gripping seat 210. These connection walls 228 a and 228 b also limit separation of the upper section 210 a from the lower section 210 b. This configuration of the gripping seat 210 with the opening 226 saves some material in the manufacturing process and provides an enhanced overall look for pull 50.
The first leg 230 of the gripping loop 200 includes a cylindrical uniform solid partially curved member having a first end section 232 connected to the first end section 212 of the gripping seat 210, an intermediate section 234, and a second end section 236 connected to the loop connector 300 as further explained below. The first leg 230 has a greater radius of curvature from the first end section 232 to the intermediate section 234 than from the intermediate section 234 to the second end section 236. The first leg 230 has a partially convex outer surface 240, a partially concave inner surface 242, a curved first side surface 244, and a curved second side surface 246.
Likewise, the second leg 260 of the gripping loop 200 includes a cylindrical uniform solid partially curved member having a first end section 262 connected to the second end section 216 of the gripping seat 210, an intermediate section 264, and a second end section 266 connected to the loop connector 300 as further explained below. The second leg 260 has a greater radius of curvature from the first end section 262 to the intermediate section 264 than from the intermediate section 264 to the second end section 266. The second leg 260 has a partially convex outer surface 270, a partially concave inner surface 272, a curved first side surface 274, and a curved second side surface 276.
The first leg 230 and the second leg 260 are partially curved in opposite directions such that: (1) the outer surface 240 of the first leg 230 and the outer surface 270 of the second leg 260 face in opposite directions; (2) the inner surface 242 of the first leg 230 and the inner surface 272 of the second leg 260 face each other; (3) the first side surface 244 of the first leg 230 and the first side surface 274 of the second leg 260 face in the same direction; and (4) the second side surface 246 of the first leg 230 and the second side surface 276 of the second leg 260 face in the same direction.
In this example embodiment, the gripping seat 210, the first leg 230, and the second leg 260 are formed of rigid plastic material that: (1) limits the first leg 230 and the second leg 260 from being pulled away from each other in the directions of their outer surfaces 240 and 270; and (2) limits the second end section 236 of the first leg 230 and the second end section 266 of the second leg 260 from being pulled away from each other in the directions of their outer surfaces 240 and 270. The gripping seat 210, the first leg 230, and the second leg 260 are also formed: (1) to limit the second end section 236 of the first leg 230 from being pulled away from the gripping seat 210; and (2) to limit the second end section 266 of the second leg 260 from being pulled away from the gripping seat 210. Thus, the relevant movement of these parts of the gripping loop 200 is limited in the longitudinal direction of the pull 50.
In this example embodiment, the rigid plastic material of the gripping seat 210, the first leg 230, and the second leg 260 enable certain transverse (to the longitudinal direction) movements of the first leg 230 and the second leg 260 relative to each other. In other words, the second end section 236 of the first leg 230 and the second end section 266 of the second leg 260 can move or be being pulled away from each other in the directions of their opposite outer side surfaces and will each be biased back to their respective resting positions. In other words, the first leg 230 can move in a direction of its first side surface 244, and the second leg 260 can move in a direction of its second side surface 276 (i.e., in opposite directions), and will each be biased back to their respective resting positions. Likewise, the first leg 230 can move in a direction of its second side surface 246, and the second leg 260 can move in a direction of its first side surface 274 (i.e., in opposite directions), and will each be biased back to their respective resting positions. Thus, certain movement of these parts of the gripping loop 200 is allowed in the transverse direction of the pull 50.
It should be appreciated from the above that the gripping loop 200 of the pull 50 has more rigidity in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction in this example embodiment of the present disclosure.
In this illustrated example embodiment, the loop connector 300 includes: (1) a first joint 330 connecting the first arm 130 of the attachment loop 100 to the first leg 230 of the gripping loop 200; (2) a second joint 360 connecting the second arm 160 of the attachment loop 100 to the second leg 260 of the gripping loop 200; and (3) a connection web 390 temporarily connecting the first joint 330 to the second joint 360.
As best shown in FIG. 2, the first joint 330 of the loop connector 300 looks somewhat like an elbow. The first joint 330 includes a bent cylindrical uniform solid member having a first end section 332 connected to the second end section 136 of the first arm 130, an intermediate section 334, and a second end section 336 connected to the second end section 266 of the first leg 300. The first joint 330 has a concave outer surface 340, a convex inner surface 342, a curved first side surface 344, and a curved second side surface 346.
Likewise, the second joint 360 of the loop connector 300 looks somewhat like an elbow. The second joint 360 includes a bent cylindrical uniform solid member having a first end section 362 connected to the second end section 166 of the second arm 160, an intermediate section 364, and a second end section 366 connected to the second end section 266 of the second leg 260. The second joint 360 has a concave outer surface 370, a convex inner surface 372, a curved first side surface 374, and a curved second side surface 376.
The first joint 330 and the second joint 360 are bent in opposite directions such that: (1) the outer surface 340 of the first joint 330 and the outer surface 370 of the second joint 360 face in opposite directions; (2) the inner surface 342 of the first joint 330 and the inner surface 372 of the second joint 360 face each other; (3) the first side surface 344 of the first joint 330 and the first side surface 374 of the second joint 360 face in the same direction; and (4) the second side surface 346 of the first joint 330 and the second side surface 376 of the second joint 360 face in the same direction.
The connection web 390 is configured to temporarily connect the first joint 330 to the second joint 360 during manufacturing, and particularly the intermediate section 334 of the first joint 330 to the intermediate section 364 of the second joint. During manufacturing this connection web forms a flash junction between such parts to enable the intermediate section 334 of the first joint 330 to be positioned close to the intermediate section 364 of the second joint with a relatively small gap between such parts. In other words, the flash junction enables the small gap between the first and second joint to be made during the injection molding process. The very small gap enables the pull 50 to have the transverse flexibility described herein while limiting the likelihood that the attachment loop will be dislodged from the object to which the pull 50 is attached. This connection web 390 is configured to be broken during the manufacturing process or thereafter such as before attachment of the pull 50 and particularly the attachment loop 100 of the pull 50 to an object such as a bail 600 of a slider 550 of a zipper 500 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. After the connection web 390 is broken, the first joint 330 and the second joint 360 are spaced apart, separate, independently operable, and not directly connected to each other.
In this example embodiment, the first joint 330 and the second joint 360 are formed of rigid plastic material that limits the first joint 330 and the second joint 360 from being pulled away from each other in the directions of their outer surfaces 340 and 370. Thus, the relevant movement of these parts of the loop connector 300 is limited in the longitudinal direction of the pull 50.
In this example embodiment, the rigid plastic material of the first joint 330 and the second joint 360 enable certain transverse (to the longitudinal direction) movements of the first joint 330 and the second joint 360 relative to each other. In other words, the first joint 330 and the second joint 360 can move or be pulled away from each other in the directions of their opposite outer side surfaces and will each be biased back to their respective resting positions. In other words, the first joint 330 can move in a direction of its first side surface 344, and the second joint 360 can move in a direction of its second side surface 376 (i.e., in opposite directions), and will each be biased back to their respective resting positions. Likewise, the first joint 330 can move in a direction of its second side surface 346, and the second joint 360 can move in a direction of its first side surface 374 (i.e., in opposite directions), and will each be biased back to their respective resting positions. Thus, certain movement of these parts of the loop connector 300 is allowed in the transverse direction of the pull 50.
It should be appreciated from the above that the loop connector 300 of the pull 50 has more rigidity in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction in this example embodiment of the present disclosure.
It should also be appreciated from the above that the entire pull 50 has more rigidity in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction in this example embodiment of the present disclosure.
This longitudinal rigidity of the pull 50 and particularly of the attachment loop 100 and the loop connector 300 assists in keeping the pull 50 attached to the bail 600 of the slider 550 of the zipper 500 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In that regard, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, it should be appreciated that a common zipper 500 includes two halves often called stringers (not labeled) that have interlocking links (not labeled) that are zipped and unzipped by the slider 550 having the bail 600. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the pull 50 is attachable to the bail 600 of the slider 550 when the bail 600 is opened (and then subsequently closed after insertion of the head 110 of the attachment loop 100 under the bail 600). A user can either grip the gripping loop 200 with two fingers or can insert one of their fingers in the gripping loop 200 (as shown in FIG. 9) to apply force to the pull 50 to make the slider 550 slide along the stringers. It should also be appreciated that this configuration of the pull 50 enables the pull 50 to move or twist around the bail 600 and return to its normal position.
In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the pull does not have an overall figure-eight shape like pull 50, but rather has a different overall shape.
In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the gripping loop does not have the crescent shaped opening, but rather has a differently shaped opening.
In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the gripping loop does not have any opening.
In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the gripping loop does not have any opening and is made from a cylindrical uniform solid curved member with no varying heights or widths.
In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the attachment loop, the gripping loop, and/or the loop connector have one or more sections that are not made from a cylindrical uniform solid curved member, but are made from a member having: (1) a different outer shape; (2) a non-uniform shape; and/or (3) a tubular configuration.
In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the attachment loop has an alternative overall shape other than having a generally or partially circular shape.
In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the gripping loop has an alternative overall shape other than having a generally or partially tear-drop shape.
In a further alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the pull including the attachment loop, the gripping loop, and the loop connector are formed from a suitable relatively flexible plastic material such as a more flexible plastic or rubber material that additionally enables the pull to be more flexible in the longitudinal direction (in addition to the transverse direction as described above). In this alternative embodiment, the head, the first arm, and the second arm of the attachment loop are formed such that: (1) when the first arm and the second arm are pulled away from each other, they are biased to return to toward each other to their respective resting positions; and (2) when the second end section of the first arm and the second end section of the second arm are pulled away from each other, they are biased to return to toward each other to their respective resting positions. Likewise, in this alternative embodiment, the head, the first arm, and the second arm of the attachment loop are formed such that: (1) when the second end section of the first arm is pulled away from the head, the second end section is biased to return toward its resting position; and (2) when the second end section of the second arm is pulled away from the head, the second end section is biased to return toward its resting position. It should thus be appreciated in this alternative embodiment that each of the first arm and the second arm are extendable to a plurality of outward and/or downward positions and in such positions, they each will be biased back to their respective resting positions.
Likewise, in this alternative embodiment, the gripping seat, the first leg, and the second leg are formed such that: (1) when the first leg and the second leg are pulled away from each other, they are each biased to return to toward each other to their resting positions; and (2) when the second end section of the second leg and the second end section of the first leg are pulled away from the each other, they are each biased to return to toward each other to their resting positions. The gripping seat, the first leg, and the second leg are also formed in this alternative embodiment such that: (1) when the second end section of the first leg is pulled away from the gripping seat, the second end section is biased to return toward its resting position; and (2) when the second end section of the second leg is pulled away from the gripping seat, the second end section is biased to return toward its resting position. It should be appreciated that in this alternative embodiment each of the first leg and the second leg are extendable to a plurality of outward and/or upward positions and in such positions, they each will be biased back to their respective resting positions. This alternative embodiment also accommodates forces placed on the gripping seat and particularly the intermediate section of the gripping seat by a user's finger(s), and facilitates compression of the intermediate section of the gripping seat including movement of the upper section toward the lower section, and the respective return of these upper and lower sections to their resting positions after pressure on such sections is released.
In this alternative embodiment, the loop connector includes: (1) an expandable first joint connecting the first arm of the attachment loop to the first leg of the gripping loop; (2) an expandable second joint connecting the second arm of the attachment loop to the second leg of the gripping loop; and (3) a connection web temporarily connecting the first joint to the second joint. The expandable first joint of the loop connector looks and functions somewhat like an elbow that is biased back to its resting position. The first joint has a resting position and an plurality of expanded positions (not shown), and is biased toward this resting position. The first joint is configured to expand (thus moving through a plurality of the expanded positions when the gripping loop is pulled, and then back to the resting position when the gripping loop is released. Likewise, the second joint of the loop connector looks and functions somewhat like an elbow that is biased back to its resting position. The second joint has a resting position and a plurality of expanded positions (not shown), and is biased toward this resting position. The second joint is configured to expand (thus moving through a plurality of expanded positions when the gripping loop is pulled, and then back to the resting position when the gripping loop is released. In this alternative embodiment, the first joint and the second joint may: (1) expand the same amounts; (2) retract the same amounts; (3) expand at the same rates; (4) retract at the same rates; (5) expand different amounts; (6) retract different amounts; (7) expand at different rates; or (8) retract at different rates, depending on the forces and the directions of the forces applied to the gripping loop. In other words, the first and second joints can work together or separately for expansion and contraction.
Further alternative embodiments of the present disclosure include a zipper with the pull of the present disclosure as described above attached thereto.
Alternative embodiments of the present disclosure include a product (such as but not limited to a backpack or other bag) with one or more zippers each with the pull of the present disclosure as described above attached thereto.
Various changes and modifications to the present embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pull comprising:

an attachment loop;

a gripping loop; and

a loop connector connecting the attachment loop to the gripping loop, the loop connector including a first joint connecting the attachment loop to the gripping loop and a second joint connecting the attachment loop to the gripping loop, wherein the first joint and the second joint are spaced apart and independently operable.

2. The pull of claim 1, wherein the attachment loop is sized to be attached to a bail of a slider of a zipper, and the gripping loop is sized to receive a finger of a user to enable the user to grip and exert force on the pull.

3. The pull of claim 1, wherein the attachment loop, the gripping loop, and the loop connector are monolithically formed.

4. The pull of claim 1, wherein the attachment loop includes a head, a first arm connected to and extending from a first end section of the head, and a second arm connected to and extending from a second end section of the head.

5. The pull of claim 4, wherein the head includes a cylindrical uniform solid curved member, the first arm includes a cylindrical uniform solid curved member, and the second arm includes a cylindrical uniform solid curved member.

6. The pull of claim 1, wherein the gripping loop includes a gripping seat, a first leg connected to and extending from a first end section of the gripping seat, and a second leg connected to and extending from a second end section of the gripping seat.

7. The pull of claim 6, wherein the gripping seat includes a curved body having a first end section, an intermediate section, and a second end section, and wherein the gripping seat has a height that narrows from the intermediate section of the gripping seat to the first end section of the gripping seat and from the intermediate section of the gripping seat to the second end section of the gripping seat, and wherein the gripping seat has a width that narrows from the intermediate section of the gripping seat to the first end section of the gripping seat and from the intermediate section of the gripping seat to the second end section of the gripping seat.

8. The pull of claim 6, wherein the gripping seat defines an opening.

9. The pull of claim 8, wherein the opening of the gripping seat is crescent shaped.

10. The pull of claim 1, wherein first joint of the loop connector connects a first arm of the attachment loop to a first leg of the gripping loop, and the second joint of the loop connector connects a second arm of the attachment loop to a second leg of the gripping loop.

11. The pull of claim 1, wherein the loop connector is formed with a connection web temporarily connecting the first joint to the second joint.

12. The pull of claim 1, wherein the first joint of the loop connector includes a member bent is a first direction, and the second joint includes a member bent is a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

13. The pull of claim 1, wherein the attachment loop has a partially circular shape and the gripping loop has a partially teardrop shape.

14. A pull comprising:

an attachment loop having a partially circular shape;

a gripping loop larger than the attachment loop and having a partially teardrop shape; and

a loop connector connecting the attachment loop to the gripping loop.

15. The pull of claim 14, wherein the attachment loop is sized to be attached to a bail of a slider of a zipper and the gripping loop is sized to receive a finger of a user to enable the user to grip and exert force on the pull.

16. The pull of claim 14, wherein the attachment loop, the gripping loop, and the loop connector are monolithically formed of a rigid plastic material.

17. The pull of claim 14, wherein the attachment loop is formed from a first cylindrical solid uniform member.

18. The pull of claim 17, wherein the gripping loop is at least partially formed from a second cylindrical solid uniform member.

19. The pull of claim 14, wherein the loop connector includes a first joint and a second joint, and wherein the loop connector is formed with a connection web temporarily connecting the first joint to the second joint.

20. A pull comprising:

an attachment loop including a head, a first arm connected to and extending from a first end section of the head, a second arm connected to and extending from a second end section of the head;

a gripping loop including a gripping seat, a first leg connected to and extending from a first end section of the gripping seat, and a second leg connected to and extending from a second end section of the gripping seat; and

a loop connector including a first joint connecting the first arm of the attachment loop to the first leg of the gripping loop, and a second joint connecting the second arm of the attachment loop to the second leg of the gripping loop, wherein the first joint and the second joint are spaced apart and independently operable, wherein the first joint of the loop connector includes a member bent is a first direction, and the second joint includes a member bent is a second direction that is opposite the first direction,

wherein the attachment loop, the gripping loop, and the loop connector are monolithically formed from a rigid plastic material.