Zipper Pulling Tool Patents (Class 294/3.6)
  • Patent number: 11920360
    Abstract: A system, comprises a first pulley and a first pulley mount constructed and arranged to couple the first pulley to a curtain including a zipper. The first pulley mount comprises a first portion and a second portion that are removably coupled to each other with a portion of the curtain between them when mounted to the curtain. A second pulley in included along with a second pulley mount constructed and arranged to couple the second pulley in position relative to the curtain. An elongated pull is coupled to the first pulley, the second pulley, and a zipper pull of the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ZIPWALL, LLC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Whittemore
  • Patent number: 11441323
    Abstract: A system, comprises a first pulley and a first pulley mount constructed and arranged to couple the first pulley to a curtain including a zipper. The first pulley mount comprises a first portion and a second portion that are removably coupled to each other with a portion of the curtain between them when mounted to the curtain. A second pulley in included along with a second pulley mount constructed and arranged to couple the second pulley in position relative to the curtain. An elongated pull is coupled to the first pulley, the second pulley, and a zipper pull of the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Zipwall, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Whittemore
  • Patent number: 11377206
    Abstract: A torque link assembly for a landing gear includes a lower torque link and an upper torque link that releasably engage first and second quick release pin assemblies. The pin assemblies each include a housing attached to one of the torque links, and a locking pin member extending through the housing. The locking pin member includes a rod portion and a pin portion, and is slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position for hingedly connecting/disconnecting the torque links. One of the housing and the locking pin member includes a channel having a longitudinal portion and a circumferential portion, and the other has a guide pin that engages the channel. The guide pin is in the longitudinal portion of the channel when moving between the engaged and disengaged positions, and is retained in the disengaged position when the guide pin is in the circumferential portion of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Steven Amberg, Randy Lee, Zoran Pasic
  • Patent number: 10945547
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a dressing aid are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dressing aid, comprises a grip; an extender extending from the grip, the extender having a proximal end and a distal end; a clasping mechanism coupled with the distal end of the extender; and a locking mechanism configured to lock the extender into a fixed position such that the clasping mechanism remains at a fixed length from the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: DEROSA DESIGNS LLC
    Inventor: Kristin Derosa Denton
  • Patent number: 10448769
    Abstract: An apparel fixation device includes a first, second, and third rigid member. The first rigid member is coupled to a first end of the second rigid member by a first flex member such that the second rigid member is substantially parallel to the first rigid member and a first opening is defined between the first rigid member and the second rigid member proximate to a second end of the second rigid member. The third rigid member is coupled to the second end of the second rigid member by a second flex member such that the third rigid member is substantially parallel to the second rigid member and a second opening is defined between the second rigid member and the third rigid member proximate to the first end of the second rigid member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventors: Jack R. Cardin, Susan Soe, Rebecca Love, Noah Hendler, Anand Shankar
  • Patent number: 9999311
    Abstract: The zipper puller device is configured for use with the pull tab of a zipper. The pull tab is further defined with a recovery aperture. The zipper puller device is an extension structure. Specifically, the zipper puller device extends the reach of an individual such that a hard to reach zipper may be secured by the individual without assistance. The span of the extension provided by the zipper puller device is adjustable. The zipper puller device comprises an ergonomic handle, a telescopic shaft, and a hook. The telescopic shaft attaches the hook to the ergonomic handle. The hook attaches to the recovery aperture. The handle manipulates the hook when the zipper puller device is in use. The span of the length of the telescopic shaft is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Christine Penso
  • Patent number: 9775456
    Abstract: A fashion accessory and a method of operating a zipper are provided. The fashion accessory includes a flexible elongated element, a hook, and an attachment point disposed on the flexible elongated element. The fashion accessory is convertable between a configuration for wearing and a configuration for operating the zipper. The method involves wearing the fashion accessory in a configuration and converting the fashion accessory to allow the fashion accessory to engage a zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Natalie Catania
  • Patent number: 9301632
    Abstract: A zipper closure device for assisting in the closing of a zipper on a garment. The device has spring operated jaws which close on a zipper pull and grip the zipper pull by pressure on the sides of the zipper pull, until released. Attached to the clamp is a pull strap which allows the zipper to be pulled from above or below to more easily close or open the zipper, without the need to reach a zipper in the middle of a user's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Cory Harris
  • Patent number: 9289084
    Abstract: A zipper assist device for attaching to a zipper slider includes a first clasp formed as a dual-ended clasp that has a first clasp part configured to attach to the slider, and a second clasp part operably attached to the first clasp. A tether has an elongated flexible element and a third clasp part mounted to a first end of the tether. The third clasp part is engageable with the second clasp part of the first clasp. The zipper can be pulled up (zipped) or pulled down (unzipped) by the tether. The tether can be readily attached to and separated from the first clasp part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Shannon McKeown
  • Patent number: 8910983
    Abstract: A slide fastener extension tether device facilitates manipulation of a slide fastener on a rear side of a garment. The device includes a cord having a first end and a second end. A first clip is coupled to the first end of the cord. The first clip is configured for coupling to a garment in a position reachable by a person wearing the garment. A second clip is coupled to the second end of the cord. The second clip has a pair of biased jaws wherein the second clip is configured for engaging a slider of a slide fastener such that pulling on the cord urges the slider to move along opposed sides the slide fastener wherein the slide fastener is selectively openable and closable by manipulation of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Edsel Neff
  • Patent number: 8894111
    Abstract: Slide fastener closing tools and methods of using same. In one embodiment, the slide fastener closing tool is configured to help open or close a slide fastener on an article, such as but not limited to seat, while maintaining a predetermined alignment of the tool relative to the slide fastener. Maintaining the alignment between the tool and the slide fastener reduces the likelihood that the elements of the fastener tape are damaged during opening and closing of the slide fastener. In one embodiment, the tool includes a guide plate configured to help maintain such alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Nakata, Tatsuya Deto, Tomonari Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8764081
    Abstract: A zipper pull attachment adapted to be clipped to a zipper pull tab and left in place to aid in opening and closing the zipper. The zipper pull attachment includes a vertical clip member, a ring member movably attached to the lower end of the clip member, and a fixed horizontal handle member secured horizontally through the ring member in the plane of the ring, with handle ends extending from the sides of the ring in balanced fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Westscot G. Krieger
  • Publication number: 20140167429
    Abstract: Slide fastener closing tools and methods of using same. In one embodiment, the slide fastener closing tool is configured to help open or close a slide fastener on an article, such as but not limited to seat, while maintaining a predetermined alignment of the tool relative to the slide fastener. Maintaining the alignment between the tool and the slide fastener reduces the likelihood that the elements of the fastener tape are damaged during opening and closing of the slide fastener. In one embodiment, the tool includes a guide plate configured to help maintain such alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: YOSHIFUMI NAKATA, TATSUYA DETO, TOMONARI YOSHIDA
  • Patent number: 8714605
    Abstract: A device to assist with the working of a zipper is described herein. The device includes a retractor body and a retractable clasp connected to the retractor body with a flexible member. The retractor body has a brake system in order to maintain a desired length of a flexible member. A removable decorative cap is also applied to the retractor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Zip Me Up Products, LLC
    Inventors: Terri A. Coratola, Michelle C. Lucero
  • Publication number: 20140103671
    Abstract: A device to assist with the working of a zipper is described herein. The device includes a retractor body and a retractable clasp connected to the retractor body with a flexible member. The retractor body has a brake system in order to maintain a desired length of a flexible member. A removable decorative cap is also applied to the retractor body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Zip Me Up Products, LLC
    Inventors: Terri A. Coratola, Michelle C. Lucero
  • Publication number: 20130341940
    Abstract: ZipHer® is a decorative device to pull garment hard-to-reach or back zippers up and down. The way an “invisible zipper” is sewn into a garment makes the zipper invisible and hidden in a seam. The only part of the invisible zipper that is left accessible is the pull tab which lacks the large hole of traditional zippers. ZipHer is a stand alone zipper aid that is inserted into the tiny connector link between the zipper pull tab and the slider. The ZipHer hook is designed not to dislodge while zipping up or down and is strong enough to pull up zippers on form fitting garments. The flexible ball chain can be wrapped around the hand to accommodate various heights. ZipHer, commercially available at www.primaproductions.com, has been sold to over 600 people in the United States and many foreign countries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Donna Taurman, Alan Leff
  • Publication number: 20130234458
    Abstract: A zipper pull tool includes a telescoping handle with locking pins that enable each telescoping section of the handle to be locked in an extended or collapsed position. The tool may include a swivel mechanism between respective sections of the telescoping handle. A working end of a largest-diameter section of the telescoping handle may be connected to a spring clip for grasping a zipper or other article. The spring clip may fold away into an interior recess of the largest-diameter section, when the tool is not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: FOLLOW THRU, LLC
    Inventor: YaVaughnie R. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 8474891
    Abstract: A tool is disclosed herein for facilitating the opening and closing of mail bags, money bags, tool bags, and other large bags for carrying heavy loads utilizing large zippers. For instance, mail bags have a large zipper closure. Mail workers open and close these zippers dozens of times a day. Frequently, the zippers are hard to operate. Sometimes, the zipper handle may be missing. In both of these cases, a tool of some sort would facilitate the opening and closing of the bag. The present invention provides a zipper pull tool comprising a handle with a hook disposed at a selected optimal angle with a wedge shaped distal end and an eyelet or loop disposed at the other end. The handle is economically designed to provide good grip yet not require the user to squeeze the handle minimizing risk of injury to the wrist due to repetitive motions. The hook is disposed at such an angle as to provide optimum ease for hooking to the zipper or zipper handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Sandra B Shields
  • Publication number: 20130069378
    Abstract: The invention is a device that attaches to a zipper clasp to allow a person to easily zip up a long zipper in the back of a garment. The device is comprised of a suspender fastener two (2) inches in width or less and a material component comprised of lanyard material, or ribbon material, or cord material, or cloth material or leather material two (2) inches or less in diameter and forty-five (45) inches or less in length. The device is manufactured to secure the material component to the suspender fastener component to comprise one unit. The invention may also include an attached embellishment that is decorative and not essential to the operation of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Nicole Ann McConnell
  • Patent number: 8371003
    Abstract: A device for assisting in opening and closing a zipper is provided. The device includes a body having first and second diverging guide channels having mutually oriented guide angles for receiving the respective zipper tracks for sliding, non-interlocking movement of the zipper tracks through the guide channels in advance of the zipper slider for reducing the closure angle of the zipper tracks in advance of the zipper slider to correspond to the guide angle of the guide channels, and a handle carried by the body for permitting manual pulling movement of the body along at least a portion of the length of the zipper and generally positioned in a coextensive orientation in relation to a pull tab of the zipper slider such that an operator can simultaneously grasp the pull tab of the zipper slider and the handle while sliding the zipper slider in the closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: BSN Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Arney, Serge Levine
  • Publication number: 20120169076
    Abstract: A zipper operating device for closing or opening a zipper located at the back of a garment or where accessibility for manipulation is awkward, inconvenient or otherwise difficult. This zipper operating device can engage almost all zipper pull tabs, including those elongated pull tabs without voids or holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Amber Brake, Reed Felton
  • Patent number: 8079625
    Abstract: A device for assisting in opening and closing a zipper including a body having first and second diverging guide channels for receiving respective zipper tracks for sliding movement along the diverging guide channels and for progressively interconnecting the tracks at a predetermined mutually oriented angle of closure, a connector carried by the body for connecting the body to the zipper slider, and a pull for permitting manual pulling movement of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: BSN Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Arney, Serge Levine
  • Publication number: 20100219650
    Abstract: A tool is disclosed herein for facilitating the opening and closing of mail bags, money bags, tool bags, and other large bags for carrying heavy loads utilizing large zippers. For instance, mail bags have a large zipper closure. Mail workers open and close these zippers dozens of times a day. Frequently, the zippers are hard to operate. Sometimes, the zipper handle may be missing. In both of these cases, a tool of some sort would facilitate the opening and closing of the bag. The present invention provides a zipper pull tool comprising a handle with a hook disposed at a selected optimal angle with a wedge shaped distal end and an eyelet or loop disposed at the other end. The handle is economically designed to provide good grip yet not require the user to squeeze the handle minimizing risk of injury to the wrist due to repetitive motions. The hook is disposed at such an angle as to provide optimum ease for hooking to the zipper or zipper handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Sandra B. Shields
  • Publication number: 20090265899
    Abstract: A pull-tab for zipper is disclosed to include a female pull-tab member having a flexible cord member extending from the periphery, and a male pull-tab member affixed to the end of the flexible cord member after insertion of the flexible cord member through a through hole of a zipper's slide and engaged into the female pull-tab member to secure the flexible cord member to the slide of the zipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: NIFCO TAIWAN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yao-Ming Yang
  • Patent number: 6949001
    Abstract: A method of making a stuffed toy comprises fabricating a container with an elongated opening; attaching a slide fastener having an auto-locking biasing member to the elongated opening; inserting stuffing into said container through said opening; applying a wedge tool to said biasing member to force said biasing member to a released position; closing the opening, and removing the wedge tool from said slide fastener. A wedge tool having a tapered wedge tip is disclosed for operating the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Brewer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6918810
    Abstract: A wedge tool for operating a slide fastener having an auto-locking biasing member, the wedge tool having elongated arms and a tapered wedge tip extending from at least one arm toward the opposing arm. The wedge tip releases the slide fastener's auto-locking member at the pull tab hole to permit movement of the slide fastener to close an opening of a stuffed toy animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Brewer, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030189345
    Abstract: A zipper-assist device and methods for using the device for facilitating the process of zippering is described. In a preferred embodiment the zipper-assist device is a two-pronged device with a body part, a finger component, and at least one prong. The zipper-assist device is used to engage a zipper tab/flap or zipper head to open or close a zipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence Altrich, Henry G. LaShoto
  • Patent number: 6494512
    Abstract: A zipper pulling device for manipulating a slide fastener having a slider body with a pull tab connected thereto, the pull tab defining a hole therein, the zipper pulling device comprising a handle member having a hook member pivotally coupled thereto. The handle member includes front and rear ends with a bottom wall and upstanding side walls extending therebetween. The side walls define an open channel extending from the front end toward the rear end of the handle member. The hook member is pivotally coupled to a shaft that extends across the channel and presents a J-shaped configuration having a free end dimensioned so as to be received through the hole of the pull tab of a slide fastener. The hook member is pivotally movable between a first storage position in which the free end is received by a recess formed in the bottom wall of the channel and a second use position wherein the free end extends from the front end of the handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: Antony D. Cada, James M. Dillard