Apparatus for operating a zipper

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not Applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT[0003]Not Applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]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.[0006]2. Brief Summary of the Invention[0007]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.[0008]Many users have avoided or struggled with garments including ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]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 seco

Problems solved by technology

The operation of such back closure zippers can prove difficult, however.

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.

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.

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