CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not Applicable.
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a zipper operating device, and more specifically to a device for closing and opening a zipper located on the backside of a garment or otherwise located at position that is difficult to reach on a garment.
2. Brief Summary of the Invention
Historically, back closure zippers allow for a solid unbroken front to a garment that is more flattering on thinner or more fitted garments. As a result, designers typically favor the use of back closure zippers in dresses, formal wear, and garments that need a more fitted front appearance. The operation of such back closure zippers can prove difficult, however.
Many users have avoided or struggled with garments including zippers in the back of the garment or with zippers located in other inconvenient or awkward places. The present invention is potentially useful for users including, but not limited to: 1) women traveling for work without the assistance of someone they trust to assist with the zipper's closure or opening while viewing the user's undergarments; 2) single women without the assistance of a trusted roommate or proximate friend or companion; 3) users with physical limitations such as arthritis, osteoporosis, rotator cuff injuries, back injuries or other physical limitations that impact range of motion; 4) users with limited dexterity or the ability to grasp and hold small objects such as the zipper pull; and 5) women whose husbands, spouses or significant others work late, are not around to assist every time they wear a garment with a rear zipper or zipper in an inaccessible or awkward location that needs opening or closing, or don't appreciate being woken up to render assistance for the early morning meeting or early morning departure for the airport.
There exists in the marketplace a continuing need for a device that can be used with various types and sizes of zipper pull tabs or sliders, especially those that have no holes or apertures in their pull tab but instead have some type of opening between the pull tab and slider which makes it more difficult to attach an operating device to it. There also a need for a device that prevents detachment or dislodgement during the zipper operation process, as well as a device that is compact and can collapsed to be stowed discretely in a small clutch or other small purse or container that does not catch, tangle or snag the device or the storage devices (such as a small clutch or purse). This need is especially present for users with physical limitations including problems with dexterity or limited range of motion, which includes users that have arthritis, osteoporosis, rotator cuff injuries or other physical limitations that impact range of motion.
In one aspect, the present invention includes an elongated member having first and second ends and a zipper engagement device affixed to the first end of the elongated member. The zipper engagement device typically includes first and second engagement structures that each include an engagement surface used to interface with a zipper structure. The engagement device typically also includes an engagement mechanism used to selectively direct the first and second engagement surfaces towards one another. In another aspect, the present invention can include a pin that can be extended through an aperture in a zipper pull tab, and for those pull tabs lacking an aperture, through the aperture created by the structure that connects the pull tab to the zipper slide. In another aspect, the present invention can include a friction enhancing coating that enhances the engagement between the engagement device and zipper structure.
Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1B shows the embodiment of FIG. 1A engaging a zipper structure.
FIG. 1C shows a user operating the device shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
FIG. 1D shows the embodiment of FIG. 1A engaging another type of zipper structure.
FIG. 1E shows the embodiment of FIG. 1A engaging another type of zipper structure.
FIG. 1F shows the embodiment of FIG. 1A engaging another type of zipper structure.
FIG. 1G shows additional views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.
FIG. 1H shows additional views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1F.
FIG. 2A shows another embodiment of the present invention that includes a pin structure.
FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A.
FIG. 2C shows the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B engaging a zipper structure and an example of a common zipper structure.
FIG. 2D shows a user operating the device shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C.
FIG. 2E shows the embodiment of FIG. 2A in use with a zipper structure that does not have an aperture in the pull tab.
FIG. 2F shows a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2E.
FIG. 2G shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2E.
FIG. 2H shows another configuration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2E.
FIG. 3A shows another embodiment of the present invention utilizing a tweezer configuration in an open position.
FIG. 3B shows the embodiment of FIG. 3A in a closed position.
FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5A shows another embodiment of the present invention that employs a cam structure.
FIG. 5B shows the embodiment of FIG. 5A in an unlocked position.
FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention that employs a coil configuration.
FIG. 7A shows another embodiment of the present invention that employs friction enhancing coating.
FIG. 7B shows a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A.
FIG. 7C shows the embodiment of FIG. 7A in an open position.
FIG. 7D shows the embodiment of FIG. 7A in a closed position.
FIG. 8A shows another embodiment in which the zipper engagement device is contoured to fit the shape of a zipper pull tab.
FIG. 8B is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8A.
FIG. 9 shows another embodiment employing a shepherd's hook configuration.
FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the present invention that includes a decorative engagement device.
FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention that mounts the engagement device to a flexible tape.
FIG. 12A shows another embodiment of the present invention that uses a jewelry clasp structure.
FIG. 12B shows the embodiment of FIG. 12A engaging a zipper structure.
FIG. 13 shows a variety of zipper structures with which the present invention can be used.
The drawings are shown for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1A, an embodiment of the present invention is shown. This embodiment includes a zipper engagement device 1000 and an elongated member 2000. In one embodiment, zipper engagement device 1000 is a structure that engages a zipper pull tab 550. However, zipper engagement device 1000, as well as the other zipper engagement devices described herein, can also be configured, adapted, or otherwise used to engage other types of zipper pull tabs, zipper sliders, or other zipper structures that can be used to move a zipper, collectively referred to herein as a “zipper structure.” FIG. 13 shows a variety of zipper structures with which the present invention can be used. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to use with only the zipper structures shown in FIG. 13, as it can be used in connection with a wide variety of zipper structures.
In the embodiment shows in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, engagement device 1000 is configured in a manner similar to a conventional “alligator clip” in which a first engagement structure 1010, commonly called an upper jaw, is hingedly affixed to a second engagement structure 1020, commonly called a lower jaw. In the embodiment shown, a coil spring (not shown) is used to create a force that directs a first engagement surface 1015 towards a second engagement surface 1025. Referring to FIG. 1B, tab 1030 is depressed to direct engagement surfaces 1015 and 1025 away from one another, which in operation releases zipper engagement device 1000 from the zipper pull tab 550, commonly called an open position. In operation, engagement surfaces 1015 and 1025 engage a zipper pull tab 550 or other zipper structure and form a frictional bond with the zipper structure, enabling a user of the present invention to move the zipper as desired.
Still referring to FIG. 1A, zipper engagement device 1000 is affixed to an elongated member 2000. The end 2100 of the elongated member 2000 can be grasped by a user and used as a handle in which the user can operate the present invention to move a garment zipper as desired. In the embodiment shown, zipper engagement device 1000 is permanently affixed to member 2000, but in alternate embodiments (not shown) zipper engagement device 1000 can be releasably affixed to member 2000, which can permit additional engagement devices to be interchanged on member 2000. In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, elongated member 2000 is a telescoping rod with telescoping sections 2010, 2020, and 2030. Additional telescoping sections can be added as necessary. In this embodiment, elongated member 2000 can be extended to any length desired by the user, and in another embodiment, the desired length can be locked by rotating the sections 2010, 2020, and 2030 using any one of a variety of conventional locking mechanisms such as rotational actuation of a split sleeve, a cam or eccentric action, or an other suitable locking mechanisms. In other embodiments (not shown), elongated member 2000 can be retractable in folding fashion similar to that of a foldable ruler. In one embodiment, member 2000 and its telescoping sections are flexible to permit the elongated member to flex during use. In one aspect, the member is flexible to allow arching and bending to gain traction in actuating the zipper while keeping the pull tab frictionally engaged in the engagement device so that the apparatus cannot be pulled off track or against the side of the zipper structure. In another embodiment, elongated member can be rigid. FIGS. 1D, 1E, and 1F, 1G, and 1H show the use of the present invention in connection with a variety of zipper structures 500A, 500B, and 500C.
Referring now to FIG. 1C, the typical operation of one embodiment of the present invention in connection with a garment 200 is described. A user 100 typically: (1) enters the garment 200 with its zipper 510 open and facing forward (or by placement of the garment 200 and the zipper 510 in an accessible position); (2) engages the zipper pull tab 550 within the zipper engagement device 1000, (3) extends the elongated member 2000 once the pull tab 550, or other zipper structure, is engaged by the engagement device 1000; (4) creates a customized length for the elongated member 2000 by utilizing the plurality of telescoping sections 2010 and 2020 that extend and can be releasably locked into extension as needed based upon any one or more of the user's height or the length and position necessary to access the zipper's location; 5) returns the garment 200 to its intended direction, which frequently includes moving the zipper 510 back to the rear of the garment as it is frequently done in a dress or gown; 6) continues to grasp the elongated member 2000 while reversing or repositioning the garment 200; 7) holds the elongated member 2000 near the end proximate with the engagement device 1000 while the base end of the handle rests adjacent and aligned with the zipper 510 and zipper slide 500 (with the engagement device 1000 engaged to the zipper pull tab 550); 8) grasps the base of the elongated member 2000 with the user's other hand, which is accomplished by reaching around the user's neck, to pull elongated member 2000 upward; 9) allows the elongated member 2000 to ultimately span an effective range of motion typically from at least 90 degrees (mid-pull) to more than 180 degrees (at final zipper closure) from the elongated member's initial parallel position when completely adjacent to the zipper slide 500 and zipper teeth 510 (or the same effective range but in reverse when the device is being actuated to open the zipper), 10) gains traction by pulling the elongated member 2000 with frictional force in an upward lateral direction behind the user's head and towards the front of the user (over the user's shoulder or head); 11) completes the zipper's operation by engaging the zipper slide 550 with the zipper's terminal end 520; 12) disengages the zipper pull tab 550 from the engagement device 1000 with no damage or permanent changes to the garment's zipper or functionality; 13) collapses the elongated member's 2000 extended sections within the elongated member; and 14) stores the device in its collapsed state to avoid altering or enmeshing it with other objects to ensure the continued design, function or usability of the apparatus. To remove the garment, the foregoing procedure is carried out in reverse order. The foregoing description is intended for illustration only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention.
Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The structure of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is similar to the structure shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C except that the embodiment of FIG. 2A also includes an engagement pin 1150. In operation, referring to FIG. 2C, engagement pin 1150 extends through an aperture 557 in the zipper pull tab 550, creating a secure connection between engagement device 1100 and the zipper pull tab 550. While pull tab 550 is the most common embodiment of a zipper pull tab and is commonly referred to as the YKK® pull tab, in operation, referring to FIG. 2C, engagement pin 1150 extends through an aperture 557 in zipper pull tab 500, creating a secure connection between the engagement device 1600 and the zipper pull tab 550 The length and diameter of pin 1100 can be varied as desired to fit a specific type of zipper structure. In one preferred embodiment, the pin is 5/16 inch in length and 1/16 inch in diameter. Referring to FIG. 2B, which shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in side view in FIG. 2A, lower engagement structure 1120 includes an aperture 1127 that receives pin 1150 when the upper engagement surface 1115 and lower engagement surface 1125 are proximate one another. Aperture 1127 is shown as a recess in structure 1020, but it could also be an enclosed hole that receives pin 1100. Instead of pin 1100, a tang or any other structure suitable to interface with an aperture on the zipper structure may be used.
FIG. 2D shows operation by a user 100 of the embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. The description for the operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C is applicable to this embodiment as well. However, here the user 100 causes the pin 1150 to extend through an aperture 557 in zipper pull tab 550 when securing the engagement device 1100 to the zipper structure.
FIGS. 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H show another embodiment of the present invention in which pin 1150 is extended through the aperture created by structure 540 that connects pull tab 550A to slider 500A. This embodiment is useful when a pull tab, such as pull tab 550A, does not have an aperture through which pin 1150 can be extended. The operation of this embodiment is similar to the operation described in connection with FIG. 2D except that pin 1150 extends through the aperture created by structure 540 rather than through the aperture 557 in pull tab 550. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2E, 2F, and 2G, pull tab 550A is at an angle of approximately 20 degrees to the longitudinal axis of engagement device 1100, and may be at any other suitable angle and is not limited to approximately 20 degrees. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2H, the longitudinal axis of pull tab 550A is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of engagement device 1100.
Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 an alternate embodiment of the present invention using a tweezer configuration is shown. In this embodiment, engagement device 1200 utilizes a tweezer structure. A slide 1250 is moved towards the outer end of device 1200 to direct the upper and lower engagement structures 1210 and 1220 from an open position, as shown in FIG. 3A, to a closed position as shown in FIG. 3B. The upper and lower engagement surfaces 1215 and 1225 are located at a greater distance apart in the open position when compared to the closed position. In the closed position, the upper and lower engagement surfaces are interfaced with a zipper structure for operation of the present invention. In an alternate embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the tweezer configuration can further include a tang 1217 at the outer end of upper engagement structure 1210. Tang 1217 can be used to interface with an aperture on the zipper structure to provide a more secure connection between the engagement device 1200 and zipper structure. Instead of tang 1217, a pin or any other structure suitable to interface with an aperture on the zipper structure may be used. In addition, tang 1217 (or any other similar structure) can be positioned at an angle normal to (e.g., approximately ninety degrees) the longitudinal axis of the engagement structure.
Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an alternate embodiment of the present invention using a cam structure is shown. In this embodiment, a cam 1310 operated by an arm 1320 engages a pull tab 600. It should be understood that this embodiment can be used in connection with zipper pull tabs and other zipper structures having a variety of shapes and is not limited to use in connection with the shape of pull tab 600. In FIG. 5A, the engagement structure 1300 is in a “locked” position, as arm 1320 is directed in a closed position thereby causing cam 1310 to apply force against pull tab 600, resulting in a frictional and mechanically limiting engagement between the engagement structure 1300 and the zipper pull tab 600. In FIG. 5B, the engagement structure 1300 is shown in an unlocked position. In operation, the zipper structure, such as a zipper pull tab 600, is engaged by the cam 600 when in the locked position as shown in FIG. 5A. The zipper pull tab 600 is released by placing the engagement device in an unlocked state, as shown in FIG. 5B.
In another embodiment of the present invention (not shown) magnets can be mounted to the outer facing surfaces of the first and second engagement structures. The magnets can be used to create both an attractive and repulsive force between the engagement structures depending upon the orientation of the magnets towards one another.
Referring to FIG. 6, another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, engagement device 1400 is a resiliently coiled wire, similar in shape and design to the coil used on a cooking whisk such as a twirl whisk or French whisk. The coiling serving as the outer end 1410 of engagement device is typically of a reduced diameter when compared to the prior coil, and may contain a coating on the tip to prevent snagging. This thin tip 1410 can be thread through the smallest hole void or pull tab attachment piece. The outer end 1410 also is configured to abut again the prior coil, leaving a smaller gap when compared with the gap between prior coils. In operation, the outer end 1410 of engagement device 1400 is extended through an aperture in the zipper structure, thereby forming releasable engagement between the engagement device 1400 and zipper structure. The abutment of the outer end 1410 to the prior coil creates a secure connection to the zipper structure (not shown) in a manner similar to that of the connection make between a key and conventional key ring. This connection allows the outer end 1410 and the pull tab to be incorporated and housed within the center of the coiled wire to prevent dislodgement or unintentional detachment to allow for maximal engagement of the pull tab while preventing outer end 1410 from contact with the zipper structure or fabric proximally adjacent to the zipper structure. Engagement structure 1400 is typically flexible, which permits a wide range of motion to account for physical limitations of the user during operation of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 7A, another alternate embodiment is shown in which engagement device 1500 includes a first friction-enhancing coating 1517 on first engagement surface 1515 and a second friction-enhancing coating 1527 on second engagement surface 1525. In one embodiment, friction enhancing coatings 1517 and 1527 is a memory foam that forms around a zipper pull tab 600, or other similar pull tab that in some embodiments may lack a hole or aperture in the pull tab itself. In addition to memory foam, other friction enhancing materials can be used such as rubber, mild abrasives, silicone, gels, and other materials that increase the frictional engagement between the engagement device 1500 and zipper pull tab 600 and optionally deform around the contour of the pull tab 600 to provide a more secure connection between a zipper structure and the engagement device. This embodiment is especially useful in connection with zipper pull tabs that have irregular contour shapes, such as those frequently found on Ann Taylor® dresses, gowns, or other garments, as well as pull tabs that do not have apertures through which a pin can be extended but may have an opening or aperture in the connection of the pull tab to the zipper slider that can accommodate a pin. In addition, the use of such coatings can prevent the zipper pull tab from becoming scratched or otherwise damages during use of the present invention. FIG. 7B shows a top view of the embodiment first shown in FIG. 7A. In addition, FIG. 7B shows how the zipper pull tab 600 is engaged by the engagement structure 1500 from a top view perspective.
Referring to FIG. 7C, the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A is shown in an open position in which the first and second engagement structures 1510 and 1520 are positioned in a direction away from one another to create a space in which zipper pull tab 600 can be positioned. FIG. 7D then illustrates engagement structures 1510 and 1520 in a closed position to create an engagement with zipper pull tab 600. The first and second friction enhancing coatings are shown in engagement with pull tab 600. The friction enhancing coating of this embodiment can also be used in connection with other embodiments described herein.
Referring now to FIG. 8A, an alternate embodiment is shown in which engagement device 1600 is shaped to fit the contours of zipper pull tab 600. The side surfaces 1611 and 1613 of engagement structure 1610 are concaved inwards to mesh with the concaved shape of zipper pull tab 600. The side surfaces (not shown) of engagement structure 1620 are likewise concaved inwards to mesh with the shape of pull tab 600. The contoured shape of the engagement structures results in a more secure connection between the engagement device 1600 and zipper pull tab 600 because the concaved surface provide an additional engagement surface that prevents the zipper pull tab 600 from disengaging from the engagement device 1600. FIG. 8B shows the first and second engagement structures in a closed position, thereby engaging pull tab 600.
Referring to FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment is shown in which engagement device 1700 is configured in a “shepherd's hook” design. The engagement device is generally shaped like a hook, and the outer end 1710 of device 1700 is inwards and then flared outwards, creating a more secure connection between the engagement device and zipper structure and making it easier to position the outer end 1710 through an aperture in a zipper structure (not shown).
Referring to FIG. 10, an alternate embodiment is shown in which the engagement structure 1800 is shaped in decorative manner, here to resemble a fish. The structure and operation of the engagement structure 1800 is similar to the structure and operation of engagement structure 1100 as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. In another embodiment (not shown) engagement structure 1800 may optionally omit pin 1810, in which case engagement structure 1800 would operates in the fashion similar to that of engagement structure 1000 in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. The other engagement devices described herein also can be shaped in a decorative manner.
Referring to FIG. 11, the engagement device 1800 of the present invention (as well as any other engagement device) can use an elongated member made of a flexible material 3000 such as a fabric tape, cord, or other suitable flexible material. This flexible material 3000 can be coiled in a storage case 4000 in a fashion similar to that of a retractable measuring tape or other similar retractable devices. This retractable, flexible material 3000 can be selectively locked into a desired length, resulting in an operation similar to that of the locking, telescoping elongated member described above.
Referring to FIG. 12A, the engagement device 1900 of the present invention is structurally and operationally similar to a conventional jewelry clasp. As shown in FIG. 12B, the latch 1910 can be selectively opened and closed to permit device 1900 to engage a zipper pull tab 550 through an aperture in the structure.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications and variations may be made to the above disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The accompanying drawings also illustrate by way of example only—and not limitation—the principles of and preferred modes of applying these principles and are not necessarily to scale.
