Nested zipper puller

Abstract

A self-nesting zipper puller includes a body defining a periphery, a lanyard by which to suspend the zipper puller from a zipper for use; and a loop secured to the lanyard and engaged about the periphery of the body during use of the zipper puller to secure the lanyard and body as an enclosed structure captured by the zipper.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 586,931, filed Jan. 16, 2012.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to zippers, and more particularly to attachments that are provided for the handles and / or sliders of zippers to provide a larger, more easily grasped article by which to pull a zipper for zipping or unzipping.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Standard zippers used on clothing, personal articles such as backpacks, shoulder bags, luggage and other things have relatively small handles or tabs by which the zipper is operated for closing (zipping) or opening (unzipping). Even on a large zipper, such as those found on suitcases and large containers, the handle or tab can be relatively small and difficult to grasp securely. Frequently made of metal, the handle is often smooth and can be somewhat slippery. Zippers are often concealed, with fabric overlapping the zip...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a self-nesting zipper puller that can be easily attached to a zipper and secured in place. The puller has a body with a loop and a lanyard that can be engaged with the loop to secure the puller to the zipper. The puller can also have a tether portion that includes a loop and a lanyard, which can be secured to the zipper. The physical properties of the puller can be altered through an orienting process that includes permanent deformation. The technical effects of this invention include improved ease of use and secure attachment of the zipper puller to the zipper.

Problems solved by technology

Even on a large zipper, such as those found on suitcases and large containers, the handle or tab can be relatively small and difficult to grasp securely.

Frequently made of metal, the handle is often smooth and can be somewhat slippery.

In such arrangements, the handle can be difficult to locate and dislodge from beneath the fabric edges.

In heavily packed articles, tension on the zipper can make it difficult to operate, and the small surface of the handle can be inadequate to grip securely for operating the zipper.

Zipper handles can become detached or broken, making operation of the zipper even more difficult.

While fabric secured in this manner provides a longer structure than the zipper handle alone by which to grasp and operate the zipper, the smooth, thin fabric can sometimes be difficult to grasp as well.

While two-piece zipper pullers of this type have performed somewhat adequately for the purpose intended, the two-piece zipper puller can be costly to manufacture and install.

Further, the string, cord or other tether portion can stretch or otherwise change, or even break, making the zipper puller nonfunctional, even if not lost completely.

More elastic tethers have been used but tend to act more like a rubber band, being too springy to transmit the load effectively from the user to the zipper slider.

Images