Zipper Pull Clamp for Holeless Back-Zipper Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zipper assist devices are ineffective for zippers without a pull tab hole, as they rely on engaging a small hole, making it difficult to operate zippers in hard-to-reach locations, such as the back of a dress, especially for individuals with limited mobility or dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a clamp that physically attaches to the zipper pull tab without using a hole, utilizing a clamp with spring-loaded jaws or a hemostat-type mechanism, paired with an elongated member like a rod or flexible cord, allowing users to grasp and pull the zipper from a more accessible position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a small hole engagement mechanism is used, then the device can attach to zippers with holes, but it cannot attach to zippers without holes
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers the pulling force from the user to the zipper pull tab. Instead of directly engaging the small hole, the clamp provides a reliable mechanical grip on the pull tab itself, mediating between the user's hand and the zipper mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than trying to fit a small component (hook) through a small hole, the invention inverts the approach by using a clamp that grips the pull tab from the outside. This reverses the engagement strategy from internal (through the hole) to external (around the pull tab), enabling attachment to zippers without holes.
2Ease of operation
If the user reaches back to grasp the zipper pull, then the zipper can be operated, but the user risks entangling the garment or skin in the zipper
Solution Approach 1:
The device extends the operational reach by adding an elongated member that projects the user's grasping point forward in space. Instead of reaching backward into the hazardous zone near the zipper teeth, the user grasps the elongated member at a safe distance, effectively moving the interaction to another spatial dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is attached to the zipper pull tab in advance, securing the gripping mechanism before the user needs to operate the zipper. This preliminary attachment eliminates the need for the user to manually grasp the small pull tab, reducing the risk of entanglement during the reaching and grasping actions.
3Shape
If the zipper pull tab is small, then the garment design is sleek, but there is no hole in the pull tab for standard assist devices
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with a universal gripping mechanism that can accommodate various pull tab shapes and sizes. Rather than requiring a specific feature like a hole, the clamp's jaws can adapt to grip different geometries, making the device compatible with sleek, holeless pull tabs while maintaining versatility across different zipper designs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables independent operation of zippers without reaching, reducing effort and risk of entanglement, and can be applied to various zippers on garments, shoes, and other items, providing flexibility and ease of use for users with mobility or dexterity impairments.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp includes a pair of jaws and a spring. The spring urges the jaws together so that the zipper pull is held firmly between the jaws.
Data Source
AI summary
A zipper closure device for assisting in the closing of a zipper on a garment. The device has spring operated jaws which close on a zipper pull and grip the zipper pull by pressure on the sides of the zipper pull, until released. Attached to the clamp is a pull strap which allows the zipper to be pulled from above or below to more easily close or open the zipper, without the need to reach a zipper in the middle of a user's back.