Zipper Extender Grip for Firefighter Turnout Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighters and emergency responders face challenges in quickly and efficiently securing their protective turnout gear due to cumbersome and time-consuming traditional fasteners, which can leave them vulnerable during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A zipper assembly with a grip area created by a zipper extender that extends the zipper track away from the closure edge, providing a larger area for easier gripping and faster fastening, incorporating features like a slider and insertion pin for quick engagement and disengagement of the zipper elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional protective clothing fasteners are used, then the gear can be secured, but the fastening process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a first zipper element with teeth and tape, a second zipper element with extended tape, a slider, and an insertion pin. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the extended tape portion serving as a dedicated grip area that simplifies the fastening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion pin acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the engagement between the slider and the zipper elements. The pin is received by the slider and used to initiate the zipping action, making it easier for the user to start the fastening process without directly manipulating the slider itself.
2Ease of operation
If traditional zippers are used, then the closure function is achieved, but the zipper ends are difficult to locate and grip
Solution Approach 1:
The second zipper element extends the tape beyond the teeth in a direction perpendicular to the teeth arrangement. This dimensional extension creates a protruding grip area that is easily locatable and accessible, solving the problem of difficult-to-grip zipper ends without significantly complicating the overall zipper structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended tape portion serves its own function as a grip area, eliminating the need for separate handles or additional gripping mechanisms. The zipper structure provides its own means for easy manipulation through the extended tape that naturally protrudes from the teeth.
Data Source
AI summary
A zipper type fastener for protective clothing, such as a firefighter or first responder turnout jacket is disclosed. One or more open ends of the zipper may be connected to the protective clothing by a zipper extender that creates a grip area to allow a user to more easily grasp the zipper end component(s) and fasten the zipper.