Zipper closure securing device

Abstract

The invention comprises a fastener for preventing a zipper on an article of clothing from unintentionally opening. The fastener includes a bottom hook portion and a top loop portion. The bottom hook portion removably attaches to a pull tab of the zipper. The top loop portion removably attaches to a button or snap on the article of clothing.

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to a fastener and more particularly to a fastener for maintaining a zipper in a closed position when removably connected to a zipper pull tab and to a button or a snap.

BACKGROUND

It is not uncommon for a slider of a zipper on, for example, pants to function improperly by failing to remain in an up position to maintain the closure of the zipper when the pants are being worn. While a variety of zipper attachments have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor has made or used an invention as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of the fastener attached to an article of clothing

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the fastener of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the fastener of FIG. 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first view of a fastener 100 of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fastener 100 is formed or stamped as a unitary piece of metal, plastic or fiberglass. Aluminum, steel, copper, and gold are a few exemplary metal materials that may be used. Fastener 100 comprises a lower hook portion 101, a substantially vertical middle joining portion 102, and an upper loop portion 103.

Lower hook portion 101 has a generally circular cross section and includes a curved portion 104 and a retaining portion 105. To removably attach the fastener 100 to a zipper 106 and button/snap 107 on an article of clothing, the curved portion 104 of the lower hook portion 101 curves toward the zipper so that retaining portion 105 can be inserted into an opening 108 on a pull tab 109 of the zipper 106. When attached, the lower hook portion 101 is aligned in a first plane perpendicular to a plane associated with the zipper.

As shown in FIG. 1, the middle joining portion 102 extends vertically upward from the curved portion 104 of the lower hook portion. Upper loop portion 103, curves in a second plane that is parallel to the plane of the zipper to form a loop. Upper loop portion 103 may curve over and around at least a portion of the button/snap 107. The cross-section of the upper loop portion is flattened along the second plane. Thus, the fastener takes up very little surface area on the button/snap.

The foregoing detailed description is exemplary and explanatory only and is not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1) A fastener for maintaining a zipper in a closed position, the fastener comprising

an upper loop portion for removably attaching to a button or snap on an article of clothing; wherein the upper loop portion has a flattened cross-section;

a lower hook portion for removably attaching to a pull tab of a zipper on the article of clothing, wherein the lower hook portion has a circular cross section.

2) The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the fastener is made of metal, plastic or fiberglass.

3) The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the lower hook portion is capable of extending through an opening in the pull tab of the zipper

4) The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the upper loop portion forms at least a partial circle with an opening capable of encircling at least a portion of a the button or the snap.