Current directing zipper head
A zipper head capable of directing an electric current to function as an on/off switch for an electronic device.
Not Applicable
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCHNot Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAMNot Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a zipper head that directs current and functions as an electronic on/off switch for convenience, entertainment, and safety.
2. Prior Art
Decorative zipper pulls have been in existence since the invention of the zipper. Zipper pulls are primarily used to facilitate the opening and closing of the zipper itself while remaining aesthetically pleasing. However, they do little else. They are generally made from plastics or metals and pleasingly shaped. Often, they are designed to display a company logo or trademark. Decorative aftermarket zipper pulls can also be purchased that are functioning timepieces or display a company logo, trademark, or advertising message. Presently the opening and closing of a zipper does nothing but facilitate the putting on or removal of clothing.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGESAn electronic device zipper pull attached to a current directing zipper head electronic switch, improves upon existing designs by allowing for an optical or mechanical display that functions automatically when the zipper is in use. When the accompanying electronic device produces light, it can function as a safety device. It will call attention to a zipper pull, especially one designed as a company logo, trademark, or advertising message. The concept of the present invention is quite simple and therefore inexpensive.
SUMMARYThe present invention, as claimed, is a decorative electronic fashion accessory. It is intended as an entertaining and attractive addition to wearing apparel. A current directing zipper head manufactured from a combination of conducting and non-conducting materials, such as metal and plastic, acts as a switch using the metal teeth of a zipper to complete the circuit and close the switch. The zipper teeth can all be made of conducting material to complete the circuit and close the switch at any position on the closed zipper. The zipper teeth can be partially made of a conduction material, to close the switch when the current directing zipper head reaches certain positions. The zipper teeth can also be made of non-conducting materials while the zipper “top stop” at the top is metal to complete the circuit and close the switch only when the zipper is in a fully closed position.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an accompanying electronic or mechanical device can only function when the zipper is in a closed or partially dosed position.
DRAWINGS—FIGURESDrawings and a detailed description of a specific embodiment of the invention is described below:
A current directing zipper head switch, constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in
Referring to the accompanying drawings,
Thus the reader will see that the current directing zipper head of the invention provides a highly reliable, small, lightweight, and economical electronic on/off switch that can be used by persons of all ages for decoration, convenience, entertainment, advertising, and safety. While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example said current directing zipper pull is intended to have aesthetic appeal and could be designed in an unlimited number of shapes, colors, and sizes.
Claims
1. A zipper head device, capable of directing an electric current, functioning as an electronic switch, comprising:
- (a) a zipper head, made from a non-current carrying material, such as plastic; and
- (b) a minimum of two pieces of current carrying material, such as metal.
2. The zipper head device according to claim 1, wherein said zipper head is removable from the teeth or body of the zipper.
3. The zipper head device according to claim 1, further including a current directing zipper pull made from a combination of non-current carrying material, such as plastic and a current carrying material, such as metal to deliver current to an electronic or mechanical device.
4. The zipper head device according to claim 1, wherein said zipper head is directly attached to an electronic or mechanical device.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 3, 2005
Publication Date: Sep 7, 2006
Inventor: Heidi Turner (Newport Beach, CA)
Application Number: 11/072,222
International Classification: A44B 19/00 (20060101);