WO2012012707A1 - Automatic zipper - Google Patents

Automatic zipper Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012012707A1
WO2012012707A1 PCT/US2011/044994 US2011044994W WO2012012707A1 WO 2012012707 A1 WO2012012707 A1 WO 2012012707A1 US 2011044994 W US2011044994 W US 2011044994W WO 2012012707 A1 WO2012012707 A1 WO 2012012707A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
zipper
top tape
fastener
slider
pull tab
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/044994
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gordon Feinberg
Original Assignee
Gordon Feinberg
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gordon Feinberg filed Critical Gordon Feinberg
Publication of WO2012012707A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012012707A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B19/00—Slide fasteners
    • A44B19/24—Details
    • A44B19/26—Sliders
    • A44B19/30—Sliders with means for locking in position
    • A44B19/301—Sliders with means for locking in position at the end of their upward travel with any suitable device, e.g. pull member combined with a press-button, a hook, a key-operated lock
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/25—Zipper or required component thereof
    • Y10T24/2511—Zipper or required component thereof with distinct, stationary means for anchoring slider

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to an apparatus that operatively connects to the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of a zipper and manipulates the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper when the top of a zipper tape 1 is separated from a fastened position or when the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper is returned to the fastened position.
  • FIGS. 1 A and 1 B illustrate a typical zipper.
  • a typical zipper comprises a tape 1 , a chain 2, a slider 3, a pull tab 4 and may also comprise a top stop 5.
  • a typical zipper further comprises a bottom stop 6 or, in the alternative, an insertion pin 7 and a retainer box 8.
  • a user actuates a typical zipper by manipulating the pull tab 4 or the slider 3. More specifically, to unfasten the zipper, the pull tab 4 or slider 3 is actuated by manipulating the pull tab 4 or slider 3 in a generally lengthwise direction away from the top stop 5. To fasten the zipper, the insertion pin 7 is inserted into the retainer box 8, and/or the pull tab 4 or slider 3 is actuated by manipulating the pull tab 4 or slider 3 in a generally lengthwise direction towards the top stop 5 and away from the retainer box 8 / insertion pin 7 or bottom stop 6. The operation of a typical zipper requires direct manipulation of the pull tab 4 or slider 3.
  • the present invention comprises an apparatus for indirectly manipulating the pull tab 4 or slider 3 to fasten and/or unfasten a zipper.
  • the apparatus operatively connects to the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of a zipper.
  • the apparatus manipulates the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper to unfasten the zipper.
  • top of a zipper tape 1 is returned to a fastened position the apparatus manipulates the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper to fasten the zipper.
  • the apparatus comprises a proximal end and a distal end.
  • the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a pull tab 4 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a zipper tape 1 .
  • the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a slider 3 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a zipper tape 1 .
  • the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a pull tab 4 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a fastener.
  • the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a slider 3 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a fastener.
  • Figs. 1 A and 1 B depict a typical zipper.
  • Figs. 2 through 5 depict embodiments of the present invention.
  • the present invention comprises an apparatus for indirectly manipulating the pull tab 4 or slider 3 to fasten and/or unfasten a zipper.
  • the apparatus of the present invention operatively connects to the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of a zipper and a top of a tape 1 , a fastener or some similarly suited attachment point.
  • the apparatus may attach to the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of a zipper on a distal end and a top of a tape 1 or fastener on a proximal end with, for example, a flexible wire 12, a snap 13, metal 14 or flexibly jointed metal 15.
  • the apparatus may disconnectably attach to the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of a zipper and a top of a tape 1 or top tape extension 9 or fastener 1 1 with, for example, a flexible wire 12, a snap 13, a metal 14 or flexibly jointed metal 15.
  • the apparatus manipulates the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper when the top of a zipper tape 1 is separated from a fastened position or when the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper is returned to the fastened position.
  • the apparatus manipulates the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper to unfasten the zipper.
  • top of a zipper tape 1 is returned to a fastened position the apparatus manipulates the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper to fasten the zipper.
  • the apparatus opens the fly when the top tape 1 is separated or the fastener is dis-engaged and closes the fly when the the top corners of the tape 1 are pulled together to return to their starting (closed) position. A fastener may then be engaged. When the fastener is fastened, the apparatus will not function and the zipper will not open.
  • Figs. 2 through 5 show embodiments of the present invention where the apparatus comprises a proximal end and a distal end.
  • the apparatus comprises flexible wire 12.
  • the apparatus comprises a snap 13.
  • the apparatus comprises a metal form 14.
  • the apparatus comprises a flexibly jointed metal form 15.
  • Figs. 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A show embodiments of the invention in which the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a pull tab 4 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a fastener 1 1 .
  • Figs. 2B, 3B, 4B and 5B show embodiments of the invention in which the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a slider 3 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a fastener 1 1 .
  • Figs. 2C, 3C, 4C and 5C show embodiments of the invention in which the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a slider 3 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus, which is designed to operatively connect to a fastener 1 1 , is disconnected from the fastener 1 1 .
  • Figs. 2D, 4D and 5D show embodiments of the invention in which the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a pull tab 4 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects zipper tape 1 or the top tape extension 9.
  • Figs. 2E, 4E and 5E show embodiments of the invention in which the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a slider 3 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to zipper tape 1 or the top tape extension 9.
  • Figs. 2F, 4F and 5F show embodiments of the invention in which the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a slider 3 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus, which is designed to operatively connect to a zipper tape 1 or the top tape extension 9 is disconnected from zipper tape 1 or the top tape extension 9.

Landscapes

  • Slide Fasteners (AREA)

Abstract

The automatic zipper is an apparatus that attaches to the pull tab or the slider of a zipper and a top of a tape or a fastener. The apparatus may attach with, for example, a flexible wire, a snap, a metal form or a flexibly jointed metal form. The apparatus opens the fly when the top tape is separated or the fastener is dis-engaged. The apparatus closes the fly when the top corners of the tape are pulled together to return to their starting (closed) position. The fastener may then be engaged. When the fastener is fastened, the zipper will not open.

Description

Automatic Zipper
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to an apparatus that operatively connects to the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of a zipper and manipulates the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper when the top of a zipper tape 1 is separated from a fastened position or when the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper is returned to the fastened position.
DESCRIPTION OF BACKGROUND
FIGS. 1 A and 1 B illustrate a typical zipper. Referring to FIGS. 1 A and 1 B, a typical zipper comprises a tape 1 , a chain 2, a slider 3, a pull tab 4 and may also comprise a top stop 5. A typical zipper further comprises a bottom stop 6 or, in the alternative, an insertion pin 7 and a retainer box 8.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 A and 1 B, a user actuates a typical zipper by manipulating the pull tab 4 or the slider 3. More specifically, to unfasten the zipper, the pull tab 4 or slider 3 is actuated by manipulating the pull tab 4 or slider 3 in a generally lengthwise direction away from the top stop 5. To fasten the zipper, the insertion pin 7 is inserted into the retainer box 8, and/or the pull tab 4 or slider 3 is actuated by manipulating the pull tab 4 or slider 3 in a generally lengthwise direction towards the top stop 5 and away from the retainer box 8 / insertion pin 7 or bottom stop 6. The operation of a typical zipper requires direct manipulation of the pull tab 4 or slider 3.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises an apparatus for indirectly manipulating the pull tab 4 or slider 3 to fasten and/or unfasten a zipper. The apparatus operatively connects to the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of a zipper. When the top of a zipper tape 1 is separated from a fastened position the apparatus manipulates the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper to unfasten the zipper. When top of a zipper tape 1 is returned to a fastened position the apparatus manipulates the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper to fasten the zipper.
In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a proximal end and a distal end. In this embodiment, the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a pull tab 4 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a zipper tape 1 .
In an alternative embodiment the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a slider 3 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a zipper tape 1 .
In another embodiment, the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a pull tab 4 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a fastener. In another embodiment, the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a slider 3 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a fastener.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figs. 1 A and 1 B depict a typical zipper.
Figs. 2 through 5 depict embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIGS. 2 through 5, the present invention comprises an apparatus for indirectly manipulating the pull tab 4 or slider 3 to fasten and/or unfasten a zipper. The apparatus of the present invention operatively connects to the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of a zipper and a top of a tape 1 , a fastener or some similarly suited attachment point. As shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, the apparatus may attach to the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of a zipper on a distal end and a top of a tape 1 or fastener on a proximal end with, for example, a flexible wire 12, a snap 13, metal 14 or flexibly jointed metal 15. As also shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, the apparatus may disconnectably attach to the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of a zipper and a top of a tape 1 or top tape extension 9 or fastener 1 1 with, for example, a flexible wire 12, a snap 13, a metal 14 or flexibly jointed metal 15. The apparatus manipulates the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper when the top of a zipper tape 1 is separated from a fastened position or when the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper is returned to the fastened position. When the top of a zipper tape 1 is separated from a fastened position the apparatus manipulates the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper to unfasten the zipper. When top of a zipper tape 1 is returned to a fastened position the apparatus manipulates the pull tab 4 or the slider 3 of the zipper to fasten the zipper.
Accordingly, the apparatus opens the fly when the top tape 1 is separated or the fastener is dis-engaged and closes the fly when the the top corners of the tape 1 are pulled together to return to their starting (closed) position. A fastener may then be engaged. When the fastener is fastened, the apparatus will not function and the zipper will not open.
Figs. 2 through 5 show embodiments of the present invention where the apparatus comprises a proximal end and a distal end.
In Fig. 2, the apparatus comprises flexible wire 12. In Fig. 3, the apparatus comprises a snap 13. In Fig. 4, the apparatus comprises a metal form 14. In Fig. 5, the apparatus comprises a flexibly jointed metal form 15.
Figs. 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A show embodiments of the invention in which the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a pull tab 4 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a fastener 1 1 .
Figs. 2B, 3B, 4B and 5B show embodiments of the invention in which the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a slider 3 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a fastener 1 1 . Figs. 2C, 3C, 4C and 5C show embodiments of the invention in which the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a slider 3 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus, which is designed to operatively connect to a fastener 1 1 , is disconnected from the fastener 1 1 .
Figs. 2D, 4D and 5D show embodiments of the invention in which the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a pull tab 4 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects zipper tape 1 or the top tape extension 9.
Figs. 2E, 4E and 5E show embodiments of the invention in which the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a slider 3 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus operatively connects to zipper tape 1 or the top tape extension 9.
Figs. 2F, 4F and 5F show embodiments of the invention in which the distal end of the apparatus operatively connects to a slider 3 of a zipper and the proximal end of the apparatus, which is designed to operatively connect to a zipper tape 1 or the top tape extension 9 is disconnected from zipper tape 1 or the top tape extension 9. While the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to embodiments thereof, it should be understood that variations and modification can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention as described hereinabove and as described in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1 . An apparatus for opening and closing a zipper, said apparatus comprising:
a proximal end; and
a distal end;
wherein said distal end of said apparatus operatively connects to a pull tab or slider of a zipper; and
wherein said proximal end of said apparatus operatively connects to a top tape, a top tape extension or a fastener proximal to a top tape or top tape extension.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said proximal end of said apparatus is disconnectably operatively connected to a top tape, a top tape extension or a fastener proximal to a top tape or top tape extension.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , where said apparatus is a flexible wire.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , where said apparatus is solid metal.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , where said apparatus is flexibly jointed metal.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said flexibly jointed metal is hinged metal.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said apparatus is a snap.
8. A method for opening and closing a zipper, the method comprising: providing an apparatus for opening and closing a zipper, said apparatus comprising: a proximal end; and
a distal end;
wherein said distal end of said apparatus operatively connects to a pull tab or slider of a zipper; and
wherein said proximal end of said apparatus operatively connects to a top tape, a top tape extension or a fastener proximal to a top tape or top tape extension;
separating said top tape, top tape extension or fastener out of a fastened position so as to manipulate the apparatus to unfasten the zipper; and
returning said top tape, top tape extension or fastener to the fastened position so as to manipulate the apparatus to fasten the zipper.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said proximal end of said apparatus is disconnectably operatively connected to a top tape, a top tape extension or a fastener proximal to a top tape or top tape extension.
10. The method of claim 8, where said apparatus is a flexible wire.
1 1 . The method of claim 8, where said apparatus is solid metal.
12. The method of claim 8, where said apparatus is flexibly jointed metal.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein said flexibly jointed metal is hinged metal.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein said apparatus is a snap.
PCT/US2011/044994 2010-07-23 2011-07-22 Automatic zipper WO2012012707A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/842,726 US20120017402A1 (en) 2010-07-23 2010-07-23 Automatic Zipper
US12/842,726 2010-07-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012012707A1 true WO2012012707A1 (en) 2012-01-26

Family

ID=45492345

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2011/044994 WO2012012707A1 (en) 2010-07-23 2011-07-22 Automatic zipper

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20120017402A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012012707A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104853633A (en) * 2012-10-15 2015-08-19 滋普It有限公司 Closure system for articles

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2839000C (en) * 2011-06-13 2020-03-24 Cleanbrands, Llc Protective barrier for a zipper assembly
US8533918B1 (en) * 2012-05-16 2013-09-17 Meridee Ketter Automatic zipper
US20150245689A1 (en) * 2014-02-28 2015-09-03 Christine Louise Heard Zipper closure securing device
CN109310186B (en) 2016-04-14 2021-09-07 科林博兰兹有限责任公司 Protective enclosure for a zipper
USD843225S1 (en) 2016-11-15 2019-03-19 Pollen Gear Llc Lockable bag
USD860809S1 (en) 2016-12-13 2019-09-24 Pollen Gear Llc Lockable bag
CA185275S (en) 2016-12-27 2019-11-28 Pollen Gear Llc Lock for a bag
US20190381877A1 (en) * 2018-06-18 2019-12-19 Confezioni Andrea Italia S.R.L. Cover cloths for vehicles
WO2022010695A2 (en) * 2020-07-07 2022-01-13 Giaimo Jonathon Automatic zipper

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US2826797A (en) * 1955-10-06 1958-03-18 Margaret S Reeves Zipper locking device
US3971458A (en) * 1975-01-06 1976-07-27 Atlantic Products Corporation Combination identification card holder and luggage lock
US5100191A (en) * 1991-03-07 1992-03-31 Detrick Terry L Zipper puller
US5400480A (en) * 1993-12-16 1995-03-28 Futch, Iii; James M. Device for attaching an article of clothing
US5586368A (en) * 1995-05-08 1996-12-24 Nelson; Richard L. Locking attachment

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US2297657A (en) * 1941-03-27 1942-09-29 Goodrich Co B F Quickly removable boot
US2408688A (en) * 1944-08-11 1946-10-01 Eugene Roth Safety pocket lock
US2675559A (en) * 1950-02-02 1954-04-20 Warren J Miller Slider latch for slide fasteners
US3271832A (en) * 1965-05-05 1966-09-13 Francis J Yankers Locking slide fastener
US4928363A (en) * 1989-06-26 1990-05-29 Wayne Easton Zipper securing ring
US4962782A (en) * 1989-10-06 1990-10-16 Landrum Joseph C Apparatus for opening and closing tent zippers
US20040182893A1 (en) * 2003-03-21 2004-09-23 Dague Lawrence M Weight release system for underwater divers
US7111714B1 (en) * 2003-07-07 2006-09-26 Nike, Inc. Slide fastener pull handle
US7971279B2 (en) * 2008-01-14 2011-07-05 Abanto Edward A Automatic zipper mechanism for clothing

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2826797A (en) * 1955-10-06 1958-03-18 Margaret S Reeves Zipper locking device
US3971458A (en) * 1975-01-06 1976-07-27 Atlantic Products Corporation Combination identification card holder and luggage lock
US5100191A (en) * 1991-03-07 1992-03-31 Detrick Terry L Zipper puller
US5400480A (en) * 1993-12-16 1995-03-28 Futch, Iii; James M. Device for attaching an article of clothing
US5586368A (en) * 1995-05-08 1996-12-24 Nelson; Richard L. Locking attachment

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104853633A (en) * 2012-10-15 2015-08-19 滋普It有限公司 Closure system for articles
US9578933B2 (en) 2012-10-15 2017-02-28 Zipp It Gmbh Closure system for articles

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