Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Zipper or required component thereof – Slider having specific configuration – construction,...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-13
2001-06-05
Brittain, James R. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Zipper or required component thereof
Slider having specific configuration, construction,...
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240604
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates broadly to zippers. More particularly, this invention relates to zipper handles, tabs or pulls which are attached to the movable zipper slide employed to open and close a zipper. With still more specificity, this invention relates to a new, novel and heretofore unobvious apparatus which can be installed during the zipper manufacturing phase without tools and/or subsequently be used to replace a lost, destroyed or damaged zipper handle, tab or pull.
With still more specificity, this invention may include an optional cover device which can be installed over the novel handle, tab or pull for identification purposes and acts to prevent or avoid inadvertent or accidental loss of the novel handle, tab or pull from the zipper.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Zipper enclosure devices and apparatus are well known.
Zippers are and have been utilized as closure devices with everything wearable and most things carryable. Automobile convertible tops, riding boots, attaché cases, shower enclosures, curtains and almost anything which is fabricated in two pieces and which must be temporarily joined or closed and thereafter opened, can, and often do, employ a zipper or zippers.
The early zippers were not as popular as might be supposed for all their apparent ease and flexibility of use. The zipper has many inherent problems, not the least of which is the tendency to jam. Dirt, fabric, thread, etc., caught in the zipper teeth during opening or closing can cause the teeth of the zipper to jam so that the zipper cannot be further opened or closed until the offending object or objects are removed, assuming that this can be done.
Another problem is that of missing, lost or damaged zipper teeth. This renders the zipper useless and more often than not results in replacement of the complete zipper.
From the point of view of the consumer-user, probably the most frustrating zipper problem and the one that causes the most consternation and embarrassment is the loss of the zipper slide handle, tab or pull after the zipper has been opened on a garment being worn in a public place. It becomes quickly apparent to the garment wearer that there is no quick and easy way to close the zipper with the handle, tab or pull missing from the garment.
Obviously, it is possible to loop a short length of material through the zipper slide tang or loop, assuming of course that one is carrying a length of string or other material on their person, which is highly unlikely. Even a paper clip can be bent open and looped through the zipper slide tang to substitute for the missing zipper handle, tab or pull. However, most individuals do not carry paper clips with them for just such situations or events. The zipper owner is thus left with his or her embarrassment and anger over the inability to resolve the problem and close the zipper.
Zipper manufacturers, unlike shirt makers who supply extra buttons on shirts, do not supply extra zipper handles, tab or pulls with each zipper.
A review of the known zipper prior art has failed to disclose any reference to any easily available methods or means for replacing or attaching a replaceable handle, tab or pull in place of a lost, destroyed or damaged zipper handle, tab or pull. Hundreds of patents show and describe various handle, tab or pull constructions and most also describe attachment tools and procedures for securing the handles, tab or pulls to the zipper. However, in each instance, the known patent describes a construction which requires that the handle, tab or pull be attached by mechanical means and may also involve a forming operation. No known patent art describes a replaceable handle, tab, or pull, nor the attachment of a handle, tab or pull solely by hand and without the use of machines or other tools.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,626,093; 5,621,954; 4,022,506; and 5,101,538, listed herein by way of example only and not by way of limitation, all describe and illustrate examples of zipper handles, tabs or pulls for opening and closing typical zippers. However, none of these patents, taken either singly or in combination, show or describe, or for that matter even suggest, means for providing an easily attached, without tools, replaceable handle, tab or pull for a handle, tab or pull which has been destroyed, lost or damaged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
No known prior art describing zippers with attached handles, tabs or pulls relates to or describes a means or method for toollessly, quickly, easily and simply replacing a lost, damaged or destroyed zipper slide handle, tab or pull without the employment of forming machines or other tools and mechanical devices
Also, no known prior art teaches the attachment of a replaceable handle, tab or pull without the complete removal of the garment carrying the zipper from the person of the wearer.
It is an important object therefore of the present invention to provide an easily attached replaceable zipper handle, tab or pull for a lost, damaged or destroyed handle, tab or pull.
Another important object of this invention is to provide an easily attachable replaceable handle, tab or pull for a zipper which is small in size and easily attached to the zipper by hand without tools or machines.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a relatively inexpensive, easily attached replaceable handle, tab or pull for a zipper which can be carried in a pocket or purse.
It is another important object of this invention to provide an easily attached replaceable handle, tab or pull for a zipper which is small enough to be unobtrusive yet sufficiently large so as to be handled easily and efficiently.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a cover means for the zipper handle, tab or pull which is easily secured to the handle, tab or pull and which provides additional grasping surface for the zipper user.
Another important object of the invention is to provide a means to incorporate identification of manufacturer and/or user.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a means to securely lock the handle, tab or pull against accidental dislodgement or removal from the zipper slide.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing an open loop, single strand, of formable, semi-rigid, resilient material which is bent or formed intermediate its ends to provide a partial or multiple turn spring loop portion integral with the strand such that the two free ends of the strand extend away from the spring loop in separated relation to one another. The two separated ends are crossed over one another intermediate the ends to provide two additional members or legs extending away from the crossover. The two additional members are terminated in separate, orthogonal, inwardly bent or turned elements providing confronting, hook-like gripper members or fingers. Compression of the two separated members against the tension of the spring loop portion separates the two parallel members and the two hook-like members adjacent the slide tang or loop of the zipper. Release of the spring tension causes the gripper members to enter the slide tang or loop effectively securing the replaceable handle, tab or pull to the zipper slide. The zipper can now be opened or closed at will, as before the loss of the original factory installed original zipper handle, tab or pull.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description when considered in light of the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example only and not limitation, the principles of the invention and preferred modes of applying these principles.
REFERENCES:
patent: 581250 (1897-04-01), McCawley
patent: 629224 (1899-07-01), Watkins
patent: 1892678 (1933-01-01), McIntyre et al.
patent: 2209475 (1940-07-01), Rawlings
patent: 2284004 (1942-05-01), McCurdy
patent: 2788557 (1957-04-01), Garsson
patent: 3545049 (1970-12-01), Brueggeman
patent: 3597813 (1971-08-01), Takahashi
patent: 4022506 (1977-05-01), C
Brittain James R.
Fissell, Jr. Carl
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