CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to copending U.S. Provisional patent application titled “ZIPPER COVER AND METHOD” filed on Sep. 27, 2012 and assigned application No. 61/706,472, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND Zippers and/or components thereof situated on clothing, handbags, etc., can often cause damage to other clothing that comes in contact with the zipper and/or its components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a zipper cover as well as associated methods for covering a zipper and/or zipper components. At least one advantage of the zipper cover is that it covers a zipper pull tab and/or other zipper components to thereby prevent these zipper parts from damaging other clothing that may be placed over them or otherwise engage them. At least one other advantage of the zipper cover is that it can be decorative.
One embodiment, among others, is a cover for a zipper. The cover can be broadly summarized as follows. The cover comprises an elongated body having a first end and a second end. The body has one or more walls that define an interior region, or pocket. The first end may be open to permit passage of a zipper pull tab into the interior region, or pocket. The second end may closed by the one or more walls associated with the body. The body may be made from a flexible material that enables the body to expand and be placed over a plurality of different size and/or different shape zipper pull tabs. In some embodiments, the cover is made from material that enables removability, and when removed from the zipper pull tab after installation, the cover assumes its original size and shape.
Another embodiment, among others, is an apparatus or arrangement that can be broadly summarized as follows. The apparatus or arrangement comprises a zipper having a pull tab and a cover situated about the pull tab, the cover having an elongated body with one or more walls defining an interior region wherein the pull tab is situated.
Yet another embodiment, among others, is a method that can be broadly summarized by the following steps: providing a zipper having a pull tab and sliding or otherwise situating an elongated cover over the zipper so that the zipper is substantially surrounded by and resides with the interior of the cover.
Other apparatus, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one of skill in the art upon examination of the drawings and Detailed Description set forth hereafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a zipper and a cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover separated from the zipper.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the zipper and the cover of FIG. 1, showing how the cover is placed over and engaged with the zipper.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the combination of the zipper with the cover of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the cover of FIGS. 1-3, showing an interior protruding nub that engages a hole associated with the zipper tab for securing the cover to the zipper.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a zipper and a second embodiment of a cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover separated from the zipper.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a third embodiment of a zipper and a cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover placed over and engage with the zipper.
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the cover of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view a fourth embodiment of a zipper and a cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover separated from the zipper.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a zipper cover of the present disclosure, showing a tab sleeve situated within the cover.
FIG. 9A is a drawing of an example of the tab sleeve of FIG. 9 according to various embodiments.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 9 of the present disclosure, showing the combination of the zipper and the cover.
FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 9 of the present disclosure, showing the cover placed over and engaged with zipper and the tab sleeve situated around the pull tab of the zipper.
FIG. 12 is a sixth embodiment of a zipper and cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover separated from the zipper.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cover and zipper of FIG. 12 of the present disclosure, showing how the securing flap may secure the zipper within the cover.
FIG. 14 is a seventh embodiment of a zipper and cover of the present disclosure, showing how the cover may receive and engage with the zipper.
FIG. 15 is a front view of the cover of FIG. 14 according to the present disclosure, showing the exterior of the cover.
FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of FIGS. 14-15 according to the present disclosure, showing an interior protruding nub that engages a hole associated with the zipper tab for securing the cover to the zipper
FIG. 17 is an eighth embodiment of the zipper cover of the present disclosure, showing an aperture in the exterior of the front wall of the cover.
FIG. 18 is a front view of the cover of FIG. 14 according to the present disclosure, showing the exterior of the cover.
FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of FIGS. 17-18 according to the present disclosure, showing interior protruding nubs that engaged with at least one hole associated with the zipper tab for securing the cover to the zipper.
FIG. 20 is a ninth embodiment of the zipper cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover separated from the zipper and securing element.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 20 of the present disclosure, showing the cover placed over and engaged with the zipper as well as the securing element situated about the cover to secure the zipper within the cover.
FIG. 22 is a front view of the cover of FIGS. 20-21 of the present disclosure, showing the exterior of the front wall of the cover.
FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of the cover of FIGS. 20-22 of the present disclosure, showing the cover placed over and engaged with the zipper as well as the securing element situated about the cover and engaged with the zipper for securing the cover to the zipper.
FIG. 24 is tenth embodiment of the zipper cover of the present disclosure, showing a flap extending from the end of the cover.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS. 1 through 4 show a first embodiment of a zipper cover that is generally identified with reference numeral 10. More specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the zipper 9 and the cover 10 (or housing) of the present disclosure, showing the cover 10 separated from the zipper 9.
The zipper 9 can be made of any suitable material, including for example, metal, plastic, etc. The zipper 9 can be any size and shape. The zipper 9 has a slider body 11 and a zipper pull tab 18, which may or may not have a lower tab hole 12. If it has a lower tab hole 12, the lower tab hole 12 can have any shape, including for example, rectangular, circular, trapezoidal, diamond-shaped, etc. In this instance, the zipper 9 is shown with a circular lower tab hole 12 (or aperture).
The cover 10 can take many different shapes and sizes, and can be manufactured from many different types of materials, or combinations thereof, including for example but not limited to, plastic, cloth, rubber, leather, silicone, etc. Preferably, it is sized to fit snugly over the zipper 9. In this first embodiment, the cover 10 essentially defines a pocket for receiving the zipper pull tab 18 and includes an interior protruding nub 14 (FIG. 4) that, when installed, engages and protrudes in the lower tab hole 12 associated with the zipper 9 for securing the cover 10 to the zipper 9. Also, in this first embodiment, the cover 10 is equipped with side walls 16 (optional) situated at the left and right sides that may extend over the sides of the slider body 11 for further protecting other clothing from the zipper 9 and its movement.
Preferably, although not necessarily, the cover 10 is made of a flexible and/or elastic material to enable the cover 10 to be expandable and snugly placed over a plurality of different size and/or different shape zipper pull tabs 18. Also, preferably, the cover 10 is made from a flexible and/or elastic material that enables removability, and when removed, the cover 10 adjusts back to its original state. However, in some embodiments, the cover 10 may be made from a nonflexible rigid material. Finally, the cover 10, as well as other embodiments of same, can be any color or combination of colors.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the zipper 9 and the cover 10 of FIG. 1, showing how the cover 10 is placed over and engaged with the zipper 9, while permitting the zipper 9 to fully operate. Phantom lines show the zipper 9 under the cover 10. Preferably, the cover 10 can be removed from the zipper 9, if desired.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the combination of the zipper with the cover of FIG. 2. Phantom lines show the zipper 9 under and surrounded by the cover 10. Note that in some embodiments, the second end 19 may be extended downwardly so that material covers part of the engaged zipper teeth 26. This can further assist with protecting clothing.
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the cover of FIGS. 1 through 3, showing the interior protruding nub 14 that extends into and engages the lower tab hole 12 associated with the zipper 9 for securing the cover 10 to the zipper 9. The nub 14a can take many shapes and sizes. In the embodiment shown, the nub 14 is hemispherical in shape so that it fits snugly into the lower tab hole 12 (FIG. 1).
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the zipper 9 (hereinafter referred to as the zipper “9a”). The zipper 9a has a zipper pull tab 18a that is without a hole. FIG. 5 also shows a second embodiment of a cover 10, which is generally identified by reference numeral 10a. FIG. 5 shows the elongated cover 10a separated from the zipper 9a and shows how they are engaged and secured together. In this second embodiment, the body of the cover 10a defines a pocket for receiving the zipper pull tab 18a. The body is elongated with a closed end that is curved, or radiused.
In the preferred embodiment, the cover 10a is made of a flexible and/or elastic material, such as a flexible plastic, to enable the cover 10a to be snugly placed over a plurality of different size and/or different shape zipper pull tabs 18a. Also, preferably, the zipper is made from a flexible material that enables removability, and when removed, or separated, adjusts back to its original state. However, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the cover 10a may be made from a nonflexible rigid material.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a third embodiment of the zipper and the cover of the present disclosure, the cover being generally denoted by reference numeral 10c. FIG. 6 shows the cover 10b placed over and engaged with the zipper. The cover 10b includes a flap 28 that extends downwardly over the zipper teeth 26 to cover same. FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the cover of FIG. 6, showing the flap 28 extending downwardly. This flap 28 helps further protect clothing from the hazards associated with the zipper teeth 26. The flap 28 can be a variety of shapes and sizes as well as lengths. The flap 28 can also be incorporated in the second embodiment of FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view a fourth embodiment of a zipper and a cover of the present disclosure, showing the cover separated from the zipper. The fourth embodiment is generally denoted by reference numeral 10c. In this embodiment, the downwardly protruding nub 14c is shaped like a trapezoid so that it fits snugly into the lower tab hole 12c associated with the zipper pull tab nub 42 18c of zipper 9c.
FIGS. 9-11 show a fifth embodiment of a zipper cover 10 (hereinafter referred to as “10d”). More specifically, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cover 10d comprising a removable tab sleeve 30 situated within the interior walls of the cover 10d. The cover 10d may be an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end. The cover 10d may include a front wall 32d (FIG. 10) that extends from the first end to the second end and covers at least a portion of the front of a zipper 9 (FIGS. 10 and 11), hereinafter referred to as “9d,” when the cover 10d is placed and engaged over a zipper 9d. The cover 10d may also be equipped with side walls 16d situated at the left and right sides of the cover 10d that may extend over the sides of a zipper 9d for further protecting of other clothing from the zipper 9d and its movement.
The front wall 32d and side walls 16d of the cover 10d may define an opening of the cover 10d for receiving the zipper 9d and/or the tab sleeve 30. The cover 10d may be designed to securely attach to the tab sleeve 30 when the tab sleeve 30 is positioned within the interior walls of the cover 10d. Accordingly, the cover 10d may be securely attached to a zipper 9d when the tab sleeve 30 surrounds the zipper pull tab 18d (FIG. 11) of the zipper 9d and the cover 10d is installed and situated over the zipper 9d and the tab sleeve 30.
The cover 10d may take many different shapes and sizes, and can be manufactured from many different types of materials, or combinations thereof, including for example, but not limited to, plastic, cloth, rubber, leather, silicone, etc. Preferably, the cover 10d is sized to fit snugly over a zipper 9d and the tab sleeve 30 surrounding a zipper pull tab 18d. The cover 10d may be made of a flexible and/or elastic material to enable the cover 10d to be expandable and snugly placed over a plurality of different size and/or different shape zipper pull tabs 18d. Also, preferably, the cover 10d may be made from a flexible and/or elastic material that enables removability, and when removed, the cover 10d adjusts back to its original state. However, in some embodiments, the cover 10d may be made from a nonflexible rigid material. Finally, the cover 10d, as well as other embodiments of same, can be any color or combination of colors.
FIG. 9A is a drawing of an example of the tab sleeve of FIG. 9 according to various embodiments. The tab sleeve 30 may be designed to securely fit around a zipper pull tab 18d (FIG. 11). The tab sleeve 30 may take many different shapes and sizes, and can be manufactured from many different types of materials, or combinations thereof, including for example, but not limited to, plastic, cloth, rubber, leather, silicone, etc. Preferably, the tab sleeve 30 is rigid and sized to fit snugly within the cover 10d. The tab sleeve 30 may define an opening for receiving the zipper pull tab 18d. In some embodiments, the tab sleeve 30 may comprise a connecting surface (not shown) for securely connecting the tab sleeve 30 within the side walls of the cover 10d. In additional embodiments, the tab sleeve 30 may comprise an extension support (not shown) upwardly extending from a top end of the tab sleeve 30 for engaging with the slider body 11d (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the zipper 9d (FIGS. 10 and 11). The extension support may comprise two arms that each engage with a respective side of the slider body 11d.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the cover 10d of FIG. 9 of the present disclosure, showing the cover 10d situated over and engaged with a zipper 9d, while permitting the zipper 9d to fully operate. FIG. 10 illustrates how the front wall 32d of the cover 10d covers the front of the zipper 9d. In addition, FIG. 10 illustrates that the side walls 16d may extend over at least a portion of the sides of the slider body 11d, for further protection of clothing from the zipper 9d and its movement.
FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the cover 10d of FIGS. 9 and 10 of the present disclosure, illustrating the cover 10d placed over and engaged with a zipper 9d and the tab sleeve 30, while permitting the zipper 9d to fully operate. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the zipper pull tab 18d of the zipper 9d has been inserted into the tab sleeve 30. The cover 10d is placed over both the slider body 11d and the tab sleeve 30 that surrounds the zipper pull tab 18d. As previously discussed, the tab sleeve 30 and the cover 10d may be designed such that the tab sleeve 30 is detachably attached to the cover 10d when the cover 10d is engaged with the tab sleeve 30. By engaging the zipper cover 10d over the tab sleeve 30, the zipper cover 10d is secured to the zipper 9d.
FIGS. 12-13 show a sixth embodiment of a zipper 9, hereinafter referred to as “9e” and a cover 10, hereinafter referred to as “10e.” More specifically, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the zipper 9e and the cover 10e of the present disclosure, showing the cover 10e separated from the zipper 9e. In this embodiment, the zipper 9e includes a slider body 11e, a pull tab 18e, a lower tab hole 12e, and a upper tab hole 34e. The lower tab hole 12e is a hole that is defined within the pull tab 18e and can have any shape, including for example, rectangular, circular, trapezoidal, diamond-shaped, etc. In this instance, the zipper 9e is shown with a trapezoidal lower tab hole 12e. The upper tab hole 34e may be located near a connecting end of the pull tab 18e. For example, the upper tab hole 34e of the zipper 9e may be defined near where the zipper pull tab 18e is connected to the slider body 11e.
In this embodiment, the cover 10e may be defined by a front wall, two side walls 16e and a securing flap 36. The interior region of the cover 10e may include an interior protruding nub 14f and a first connector 38. The securing flap 36 may comprise a second connector 40 which is configured to attach to the first connector 38. The first connector 38 and the second connector 40 may be mating connectors other type of appropriate connectors, such as, for example, male and female connectors, such that when engaged, the first connector 38 and the second connector 40 are securely attached. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the securing flap 36 may extend downwardly from the second end of the cover 10e. However, the securing flap 36 is moveably attached to the first end of the cover 10e to allow flexible movement and may be positioned to extend upwardly from the first end of the cover 10e for engaging the second connector 40 to the first connector 38. When the securing flap 36 is positioned to extend upwardly from the first end of the cover 10e the securing flap 36 defines a back wall of the cover 10e. As such, the the walls of the cover 10e define a pocket within the cover 10e for securing a zipper pull tab 18e to the zipper cover 10e.
The cover 10e may take many different shapes and sizes, and can be manufactured from many different types of materials, or combinations thereof, including for example, but not limited to, plastic, cloth, rubber, leather, silicone, etc. Preferably, the cover 10e is sized to fit snugly over a zipper 9e. Preferably, although not necessarily, the cover 10e is made of a flexible and/or elastic material to enable the cover 10e to be expandable and snugly placed over a plurality of different size and/or different shape zipper pull tabs 18e. Also, preferably, the cover 10e is made from a flexible and/or elastic material that enables removability, and when removed, the cover 10e adjusts back to its original state. However, in some embodiments, the cover 10e may be made from a nonflexible rigid material. Finally, the cover 10e, as well as other embodiments of same, can be any color or combination of colors.
FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the cover 10e and zipper 9e of FIG. 12 where the zipper 9e is engaged with the cover 10e of FIG. 12. FIG. 13 illustrates how the cover 10e is secured to the zipper 9e. When engaged within the zipper 9e, the first connector 38 may be configured to fit within the upper tab hole 34e of the zipper 9e. In addition, the interior protruding nub 14f may be designed to fit within the lower tab hole 12e of the zipper pull tab 18e. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the securing flap 36 may be lifted upwardly to define a back wall of the cover 103 and engage the second connector 40 with the first connector 38 for securing the cover 10e to the zipper 9e. To remove the zipper 9e from the cover 10e, the second connector 40 may be disengaged from the first connector 38 and the securing flap 36 may be moved to define an opening within the back end of the cover 10e allowing the zipper 9e to be removed from the cover 10e.
FIGS. 14-16 show a seventh embodiment of a zipper cover that is generally identified with reference numeral 10f. Specifically, FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a zipper 9 (hereinafter referred to as “9f”) and the cover 10f, showing the cover 10f separated from the zipper 9f. In this embodiment, the cover 10f comprises a front wall 32f comprising a cover aperture 42f near the second end of the cover 10f. The zipper 9f may comprise a slider body 11f and a zipper pull tab 18f. In some embodiments, the zipper pull tab 18f may comprise a lower tab hole 12f and/or a upper tab hole 34f that is defined near where the slider body 11f connects with the zipper pull tab 18f. In this embodiment, the cover 10f comprises a front wall 32f, two side walls and a back wall which essentially define a pocket for receiving the zipper pull tab 18f. The front wall may extends from the first end to the second end of the cover 10f and covers at least a portion of the front of the zipper 9f when the cover 10f is placed over and engaged with a zipper 9f. The side walls 16f are situated at the left and right sides that extend over the sides of the slider body 11f for further protecting other clothing from the zipper 9f and its movement.
The interior of the zipper cover 10f includes an interior protruding nub 14f (FIG. 16) that, when installed, engages and protrudes in the lower tab hole 12f associated with the zipper 9f for securing the cover 10f to the zipper 9f.
The cover 10f can take many different shapes and sizes, and can be manufactured from many different types of materials, or combinations thereof, including for example but not limited to, plastic, cloth, rubber, leather, silicone, etc. Preferably, it is sized to fit snugly over the zipper 9f. Also, preferably, the cover 10f is made from a flexible and/or elastic material that enables removability, and when removed, the cover 10f adjusts back to its original state. However, in some embodiments, the cover 10f may be made from a nonflexible rigid material. Finally, the cover 10f, as well as other embodiments of same, can be any color or combination of colors.
FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of the cover 10f of FIG. 14 illustrating the exterior of the front wall 32f of the cover 10f. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the front wall 32f may extend from the first end to a second end. In some embodiments, the front wall 32f may comprise a cover aperture 42f near the second end of the cover 10f. The cover aperture 42f may be configured to engage with the interior protruding nub 14f. For example, when a zipper 9f is inserted and secured within the cover 10f, interior protruding nub 14f may engage and protrude through the lower tab hole 12f associated with the zipper 9f. As such the portion of the interior protruding nub 14f may further engage with the cover aperture 42f on the front wall 32f of the cover 10f.
FIG. 16 illustrates a cross sectional view of FIGS. 14-15, showing the combination of the zipper 9f with the cover 10f. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the interior protruding nub 14f engages with the lower tab hole 12f of the zipper pull tab 18f.
FIGS. 17-19 show an eighth embodiment of a zipper cover that is generally identified with reference numeral 10g. Specifically, FIG. 17 illustrates the zipper cover having a front wall 32g extending from a first end to a second end and side walls 16g situated at the left and right sides of the cover 10g that may extend over the sides of a zipper 9g (FIG. 19) for further protecting of other clothing from the zipper 9g and its movement. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the front wall 32g of the cover 10g may include a cover aperture 42g located near the second end of the cover.
FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of the cover 10g of FIG. 17 illustrating the exterior of the front wall 32g of the cover 10h. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the front wall 32g may extend from the first end to a second end. In some embodiments, the front wall 32g may comprise a cover aperture 42g near the second end of the cover 10g. The cover aperture 42g may be configured to engage with the interior protruding nub 14g. For example, when a zipper 9g (FIG. 19) is inserted and secured within the cover 10g, the interior protruding nub 14g may engage and protrude through the lower tab hole 12g associated with the zipper 9g. As such the portion of the interior protruding nub 14g may further engage with the cover aperture 42g on the front wall 32g of the cover 10g.
FIG. 19 is a drawing of an example cross-sectional view of FIGS. 17-18, showing the combination of the zipper 9g with the cover 10g. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the interior protruding nub 14g may engage with the lower tab hole 12g of the zipper pull tab 18g. In addition, the cover 10g of this embodiment comprises a second interior protruding nub 44 within the interior of the cover 10g. The second interior protruding nub 44 may be engaged and protruding within an upper tab hole (not shown) of the zipper 9g.
FIGS. 20-23 show an ninth embodiment of a zipper cover generally identified with reference numeral 10h. Specifically, FIG. 20 illustrates a zipper 9 (hereinafter referred to as “9h”), the cover 10h, and a securing element 46, showing the zipper 9h and the securing element 46 separate from the cover 10h. In this embodiment, the zipper 9h comprises a slider body 11h and a zipper pull tab 18h. In addition, the zipper pull tab 18h comprises a lower tab hole 12h. An upper tab hole 34h of the zipper 9h may be defined near where the zipper pull tab 18h is attached to the slider body 11h. In this embodiment, the cover 10h comprises a front wall 32h (FIG. 22) extending from a first end to a second end of the cover 10h. In addition, the cover 10h is equipped with side walls 16h on the left and the right of the cover 10h. Further, in this embodiment, the cover 10h comprises a back wall 50 attached to side walls 16h and substantially parallel to the front wall 32h thereby defining a pocket for receiving the pull tab 18h of the zipper 9h when positioning the cover 10h over the zipper 9h. The back wall 50 may comprise back apertures 52 for engaging with the securing element 46. The securing element 46 may comprise a nubs 48 for engaging and protruding within the back apertures 52 of the back wall 50 of the cover 10h. The securing element 46 may be detachably attached to the cover 10h for securing the cover 10h to a zipper 9h when inserted.
Both the cover 10h and the securing element 46 may take many different shapes and sizes, and can be manufactured from many different types of materials, or combinations thereof, including for example, but not limited to, plastic, cloth, rubber, leather, silicone, etc. Preferably, the cover 10h is sized to fit snugly over a zipper 9h. Preferably, although not necessarily, the cover 10h is made of a flexible and/or elastic material to enable the cover 10h to be expandable and snugly placed over a plurality of different size and/or different shape zipper pull tabs 18h. Also, preferably, the cover 10h is made from a flexible and/or elastic material that enables removability, and when removed, the cover 10h adjusts back to its original state. However, in some embodiments, the cover 10h may be made from a nonflexible rigid material. Finally, the cover 10h and the securing element 46, as well as other embodiments of same, may be any color or combination of colors.
FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the cover 10h, zipper 9h, and securing element 46 of FIG. 20, showing the zipper 9h secured within the cover 10h via the securing element 46. In this embodiment, the zipper pull tab 18h is inserted within the pocket defined by the interior walls of the cover 10h. The front wall 32h and side walls 16h are positioned over the slider body 11h of the zipper 9h. The nubs 48 of the securing element 46 are engaged through the back apertures 52 of the back wall 50 and protrude within the lower tab hole 12h and the upper tab hole 34h of the zipper 9h. Accordingly, the securing element 46 is detachably attached to the cover 10h for securing the zipper 9h while still allowing the zipper 9h to fully operate. To remove the zipper 9h from the cover 10h, the securing element 46 may be removed to unsecure the zipper 9h allowing the zipper to be removed from the cover 10h.
FIG. 22 is the front view of the cover 10h of FIGS. 20-21 illustrating the exterior of the front wall 32h of the cover 10h according to various embodiments. FIG. 23 is a drawing of an example cross sectional view of the cover 10h of FIGS. 20-22, showing the securing element 46 engaged with the cover 10h allowing the zipper 9h to be secured within the cover 10h. In this embodiment, the securing element 46 is engaged with the lower tab hole 12h and upper tab hole 34h of the zipper 9h. Accordingly, the securing element 46 is used to securing the cover 10h to the zipper 9h.
FIG. 24 is prospective view of another embodiment of a zipper cover and is generally identified with reference numeral 10i. Specifically, FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the cover 10i engaged with the zipper 9(hereinafter referred to has “9i”), showing a flap 28 (hereinafter referred to has “28i”) extending downwardly from the second end of the cover 10i. This flap 28i helps further protect clothing from the hazards associated with the zipper teeth 26 (FIG. 3). The flap 28i can be a variety of shapes and sizes as well as lengths. The flap 28i can also be incorporated in the embodiments of FIGS. 9-23.
With reference to FIG. 25, shown is a flowchart that provides one example of a method of various embodiments of the present disclosure. It is understood that the flowchart of FIG. 25 merely provides examples of the many different types of functional arrangements that may be employed to implement the operation of the methods as described herein.
To begin, in reference numeral 60, a zipper 9, 9a, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h, 9i having pull tab 18, 18a, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18h may be provided. In reference number 62 the cover 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i may be situated over the zipper 9, 9a, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h, 9i. In reference numeral 64 the zipper 9, 9a, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h, 9i is secured to the cover 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i.
Although the flowchart of FIG. 25 shows a specific order of execution, it is understood that the order of execution may differ from that which is depicted. For example, the order of execution of two or more blocs may be scrambled relative to the order shown. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession in FIG. 25 may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Further in some embodiments, one or more of the blocks shown in FIG. 25 may be skipped or omitted.
In some alternative embodiments, the cover 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i may be designed so that the interior surface is sticky so that the cover adheres to the respective zipper pull tab 18, 18a, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h either permanently or nonpermanently (i.e., removably).
In some alternative embodiments, the cover 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i may be designed with heat-shrink material that, when heated, shrinks around the respective zipper pull tab 18, 18a, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h to achieve a snug fit around it.
In some embodiments, the interior of the cover 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i may be designed with a higher coefficient of friction than the exterior in order to enable the cover to engage the zipper pull tab 18, 18a, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i and/or other zipper parts with sufficient friction to hold the cover 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i on the pull tab and/or other zipper parts. This can be accomplished by making the interior a different high friction material, adding a high friction material to the interior, etc.
In some embodiments, the cover 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i may be used in conjunction with the an adhesive element (not shown), such as, for example, tape, or other appropriate adhesive that may adhere to the zipper teeth 26 (FIG. 3). The adhesive element in conjunction with the cover 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i may further protect clothing.
In concluding the detailed description, it should be noted that the terminology “embodiment” means a nonlimiting example. Furthermore, the terminology “preferred embodiment” means the one embodiment currently believed by the inventor(s) to be the best embodiment of a plurality of possible embodiments. Moreover, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment(s) without substantially departing from the principles of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the teachings of the present invention in this document.
