Abstract:
A Self-Aligning Zipper is disclosed that allows for one handed operation by anyone who would, otherwise use a zipper or use of the Self-Aligning Zipper by those with physical and developmental limitations or equipment such, as cold weather gloves or mittens. The proper alignment of each half of the Self-Aligning Zipper is accomplished by way of magnets of opposite polarity along with structural guide elements to ensure proper alignment and operation of the zipper.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/533,774 filed Sep. 12, 2011 entitled “Self-Aligning Zipper” by Peters et al. The disclosure of this U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/533,774 is incorporated, herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to fastening devices, and more particularly to a Self-Aligning Zipper that allows for alignment and closure with one hand. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    The common zipper was invented more than 100 years ago. In 1851, Elias Howe, who also invented the sewing machine, received U.S. Pat. No. 8,540 for an “Automatic Continuous Clothing Closure.” Through lack of marketing, Howe&#39;s closure device gained little acceptance. Years later, Whitcomb Judson marketed a “Clasp Locker” (U.S. Pat. Nos. 504,038 and 504,037) and started the Universal Fastener Company, but the product, again, met with little commercial success. Then in 1906 Gideon Sundbäck, a Swedish-American electrical engineer, was hired by the Universal Fastener Company. In 1913 he had designed what has come to be known as the modern zipper. The patent for his “Separable Fastener” was issued in 1917 as U.S. Pat. No. 1,219,881. 
         [0006]    The term “Zipper”, however, was popularized by the B.F. Goodrich Company when they used Sundbäcks fastener on a new type of rubber boots. For nearly twenty years, the zipper was used primarily for rubber boots and closures on tobacco pouches. It was not until the 1930&#39;s that the zipper became popular on garments. Today the zipper is by far the most popular fastener. The zipper is found on clothing such as jackets, luggage, bags, camping equipment, and many other objects. Zippers can be found on all types of clothing such as pants, dresses, and jackets, on carriers such as bags and luggage, and in gear such as sleeping bags and tents. In addition to serving as decoration, zippers can join together two sides of a garment, such as in the operation of a dress, and can serve as means to removably attach two pieces of fabric, such as in the attachment of a removable hood to a jacket. 
         [0007]    Fastening devices such as zippers can be separating or non-separating, and can be one-way or two-way devices. In a separating zipper, each of the two zipper tracks, comprising the tape and attached teeth, are connected to different elements that are primarily joined only by the interlocking zipper teeth. In a non-separating zipper, both zipper tracks are connected to a single element such that interlocking and unlocking the zipper teeth creates an opening in that element. A two-way zipper comprises two slider bodies that can work, together or separately to interlock and unlock the zipper teeth. A one-way zipper comprises a single slider body as well as a pin and box assembly that aligns the zipper teeth contained on at least one of the zipper tracks. 
         [0008]    In their simplest form, one-way separating zippers are composed of relatively few parts, including; an origination assembly with a pin and a retainer body at the lower limit of each row of zipper teeth; two pieces of tape that are attached to fabric on one side and contain zipper teeth on the other; a slider body with a pull-tab; and two top stops at the upper limit of each row of teeth. 
         [0009]    To fasten two pieces of fabric together, the operator inserts the pin from the lower limit of one row of teeth into the retainer box at the matching lower limit of the other row of teeth. This aligns the teeth into an operable interlocking format. Once aligned, the operator pulls the latching mechanism, called the slider body, along the teeth track. Wedges inside the slider body force the teeth of each track to interact. If the teeth are aligned, the hook of each tooth settles into the hollow of an opposing tooth. The operator can continue to pull the slider body and interlock the teeth until the slider terminates at the top stops located at the upper limit of each row of teeth. 
         [0010]    To unfasten the pieces of fabric, the operator pulls the slider body back along the closed track. The wedges inside the slider body force the interlocking teeth apart and separate the zipper closure. 
         [0011]    Despite the ease with which zipper-type closures operate, many individuals encounter difficulty joining together the pin and body. Others may have difficulty grasping the small slider body or pulling it along the zipper&#39;s teeth. Examples of individuals who often encounter these difficulties include small children, people wearing gloves for protection, elderly, and people with poor vision, macular degeneration, or cataracts. Additionally, people with disabilities such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, pervasion developmental disorders, Down&#39;s syndrome, ataxia, diabetes with neuropathy, stroke (CVA), paraplegics, Lou Gehrig&#39;s Disease, Parkinson&#39;s, and other ailments can also find the operation of zippers to be difficult. 
         [0012]    There has been very little advancement in technologies relating to zippers since their first introduction more than 100 years ago. U.S. Pat. No. 8,146,214 to Peters et al. describes a zipper that is improved over the basic zipper design of Gideon Sundbäck, the entire disclosure of this published application, and any and all continuations, divisionals, continuations in part, and issued patents resulting therefrom being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
         [0013]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved zipper that allows for easy alignment and closure, it is another object of the present invention to provide an improved zipper for one handed operation. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved zipper for use by individuals with limited dexterity. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved zipper that can be used while wearing gloves or mittens. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved zipper that can be operated easily by small children. These and other objects of the present, invention are not to be considered comprehensive or exhaustive, but rather, exemplary of objects that may be ascertained after reading this specification with the accompanying drawings and claims. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a fastening device, the fastening device comprising a first, lower body having a first magnet, a male retention element and a first extension; a second lower body having a second magnet a female retention element and a second extension; the female retention element of the second lower body having a notch to receive the male retention element of the first lower body and an angled face to guide the female retention element of the second lower body into proper alignment with the male retention element of the first lower body through, the attractive force of the first magnet and the second magnet. 
         [0015]    The foregoing paragraph has been provided by way of introduction, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described by this specification, claims and the attached drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The invention will be described by reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the Self-Aligning Zipper prior to joining; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the Self-Aligning Zipper once joined; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the Self-Aligning Zipper during closure: 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the Self-Aligning Zipper prior to joining; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the Self-Aligning Zipper with a closed zipper pull; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the Self-Aligning Zipper with a closed zipper pull; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of the closed zipper pull; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the closed zipper pull; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the Self-Aligning Zipper with a closed zipper pull; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the Self-Aligning Zipper with an open zipper pull; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of the open zipper pull; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the open zipper pull; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the Self-Aligning Zipper with a hinged zipper pull; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the hinged zipper pull; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a plan view of the hinged zipper pull; 
           [0032]      FIG. 1.6  is a perspective view of the hinged zipper pull in a hinged position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  is a top end view of the second lower body; 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the second lower body; 
           [0035]      FIG. 19  is a plan view of the second lower body; 
           [0036]      FIG. 20  is a magnet side view of the second lower body; 
           [0037]      FIG. 21  is an alternate plan view of the second lower body; 
           [0038]      FIG. 22  is a bottom end view of the second lower body; 
           [0039]      FIG. 23  is a top end view of the first lower body; 
           [0040]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the first lower body: 
           [0041]      FIG. 25  is a plan view of the first lower body; 
           [0042]      FIG. 26  is a magnet side view of the first lower body; 
           [0043]      FIG. 27  is an alternate plan view of the first lower body; 
           [0044]      FIG. 28  is a bottom end view of the first lower body; 
           [0045]      FIG. 29  is a plan view of the first magnet; 
           [0046]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the second magnet; 
           [0047]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a grooved magnet; 
           [0048]      FIG. 32  is a plan view of the grooved magnet of  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 33  is a side view of the grooved magnet of  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view of the first lower body having clips to retain a grooved magnet; 
           [0051]      FIG. 35  is a plan view of the first lower body of  FIG. 34 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 36  is a side view of the first, lower body of  FIG. 34 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 37  is a perspective view of the second lower body having clips to retain a grooved magnet; 
           [0054]      FIG. 38  is a plan view of the second lower body of  FIG. 37 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 39  is a side view of the second lower body of  FIG. 37 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a u-clip; 
           [0057]      FIG. 41  is a plan view of the u-clip of  FIG. 40 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 4.2  is a perspective view of the second lower body having a receiver structure for a u-clip; 
           [0059]      FIG. 43  is a side view of the second lower body of  FIG. 42 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 44  is an opposite side view of the second lower body of  FIG. 42 ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the first lower body having a receiver structure for a u-clip; 
           [0062]      FIG. 46  is a side view of the first lower body of  FIG. 45 ; 
           [0063]      FIG. 47  is an opposite side view of the first lower body of  FIG. 45 ; 
           [0064]      FIG. 48  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the first lower body; 
           [0065]      FIG. 49  is an exploded view of the first Sower body of  FIG. 48 ; 
           [0066]      FIG. 50  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the second lower body; 
           [0067]      FIG. 51  is an exploded view of the second lower body of  FIG. 50 ; and 
           [0068]      FIG. 52  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the Self-Aligning Zipper once joined (zipper pull not shown for clarity). 
       
    
    
       [0069]    The present invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by this specification, claims and the attached drawings. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0070]    For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout, to designate identical elements. 
         [0071]    The present invention will be described by way of example, and not limitation. Modifications, improvements and additions to the invention described herein may be determined after reading this specification and viewing the accompanying drawings; such modifications, improvements, and additions being considered included in the spirit and broad scope of the present invention and its various embodiments described or envisioned herein. 
         [0072]    Referring to the present, invention in detail, in  FIG. 1  there is shown a perspective view of the Self-Aligning Zipper prior to joining. The proper alignment of each half of the zipper is accomplished by way of magnets of opposite polarity along with structural guide elements to ensure proper alignment of the zipper such that the zipper may be closed with one hand or by an individual with limited physical capabilities. The Self-Aligning Zipper  100  can be seen in  FIG. 1  along with a first lower body  101  and a second lower body  103 . The first lower body  101  has a first magnet  127  and a male retention element  137 . The male retention element  117  can be seen as a tab or protrusion on each side of the first lower body  101 . The male retention element  117  and the related notch of the female retention element  125  may be generally triangular, or in some embodiments of the present invention, may be rounded. The second lower body  103  has a second magnet  129  and a female retention element  125 . The female retention element  125  has a notch on either side of the second lower body  103  to receive the male retention element  117  of the first lower body  101  and an angled face  123  to guide the female retention element  125  into proper alignment with the male retention element  117  through the attractive force of the first magnet  127  and the second magnet  129 . 
         [0073]    The fastening device of the present invention comprises a first lower body  101  comprising a first magnet  127 , a male retention element  117  and a first extension  301  (see  FIG. 3 ); a second lower body  103  comprising a second magnet  129 , a female retention element  125  and a second extension  119 ; the female retention element  125  of the second lower body  103  having a notch to receive the male retention element  117  of the first lower body  101  and an angled lace  123  to guide the female retention element  125  of the second lower body  103  into proper alignment with the male retention element  117  of the first lower body  101  through the attractive force of the first magnet  127  and the second magnet  129 . 
         [0074]    To further assist with alignment and guidance of the Self-Aligning Zipper while in use, several additional alignment features can be seen in  FIGS. 18 and 24 , and will be further described herein. The first magnet  127  and the second magnet  129  may be ferrite magnets, alnico magnets, rare earth magnets (Neodymium, Samarium-cobalt, for example), or the like. In some embodiments of the present invention, one of the magnets may be replaced with a ferromagnetic material or at least made partly of a ferromagnetic material, in some embodiments of the present invention, the magnet may contain a ferromagnetic layer, plate, or component. Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the magnets may be electromagnets that utilize a power source such as an energy harvester, a battery, an ultracapacitor, or the like. The electromagnets may further be integrated with smart clothing that contains sensors, processors, or the like. In use, opposite poles face each other to provide an attractive force that serves to draw each zipper half together. In some embodiments of the present invention, the magnets may have keying features machined or otherwise manufactured into the magnets and corresponding keying features in the first lower body and the second lower body to provide retention of the magnet and also ensure that the proper polarity is observed when the magnets are installed into the lower bodies. The magnets may be installed into the lower bodies using adhesives or mechanical attachment techniques or a combination thereof. Mechanical attachment techniques include, but are not limited to, side undercuts, snap features, separate retention parts, keying features on the magnet and the lower body, or the like. The magnets may also be fully encased in the first lower body or the second lower body, or both the first lower body and the second lower body. The first lower body  101  is attached to a first zipper track  105  and the second lower body  103  is attached to a second zipper track  107 . Both the first zipper track  105  and the second zipper track may be made using conventional techniques, such as that of plastic molded or metallic teeth construction, coil construction, and the like. The first zipper track  105  is fastened to a first zipper tape  109  using an adhesive, heat crimping, overmolding, or the like. In a similar way, the second zipper track  107  is fastened to a second zipper tape  111  using an adhesive, heat, crimping, overmolding or the like. The first zipper tape  109  and the second, zipper tape  111  may he made from a material such as nylon webbing, nylon or polyester fabric, or the like. The first zipper tape  109  and the second zipper tape  111  are then used to fasten the Self-Aligning Zipper to two edges of fabric that, are to be temporarily joined together by way of the Self-Aligning zipper. Common techniques of fastening the Self-Aligning Zipper to two edges of fabric include adhesives and stitching. The first lower body  101  and the second lower body  103  may be made from a metal such as, for example, steel or brass, or may be made from a plastic such as, for example, polyoxymethylene (also known as acetal polyacetal, and polyformaldehyde) or polyethylene resin. Other parts of the Self-Aligning Zipper may be made from similar materials. The parts may be injection molded if they are a plastic, or may be cast, machined or stamped if they are a metal. The second lower body also has a second extension  119  that serves to provide structural strength to the overall assembly, and also a starter tooth  121  that begins the second zipper track  107 . Located on the first zipper track  105  is a slider body  113  that is similar to the slider bodies used on many common zippers. The slider body  113  has a pull tab  115  for attaching a zipper pull. As can be clearly seen in  FIG. 1 , the slider body  113  engages with the second zipper track  107  at the starter tooth  121  and at the edge of the second extension  119 . 
         [0075]    The Self-Aligning Zipper for one handed operation comprises a first lower body  101  comprising a first magnet  127 , a male retention element  117  and a first extension  301  (see  FIG. 3 ); a first zipper track  105  having a plurality of teeth and affixed to the first lower body  101 ; a slider body  113  slidably connected to the first zipper track  105 ; a second lower body  103  comprising a second magnet  129 , a female retention element  125  and a second extension  119 ; a second zipper track  107  having a plurality of teeth and affixed to the second lower body  103 ; the female retention element  125  of the second lower body  103  having a notch to receive the male retention element  117  of the first lower body  101  and an angled face  123  to guide the female retention element  125  of the second lower body  103  into proper alignment with the male retention element  117  of the first lower body  101  through the attractive force of the first magnet  127  and the second magnet  129 . 
         [0076]    In some embodiments of the present invention, the bandage of the zipper may be changed by interchanging the appropriate parts from the left side to the right side or from the right side to the left side depending on whether a left handed or a right handed zipper is desired during manufacturing. This would include, for example, placing the slider body  113  on the alternate zipper track, placing a starter tooth on the alternative lower body, and the like. 
         [0077]    The engagement of each half of the Self-Aligning Zipper is facilitated by the magnets in each half and the alignment and guidance geometries described herein and depicted in the drawings. To start the fastening process with the Self-Aligning zipper, each zipper half is brought together until the magnets in each half begin to attract each other. As the magnets draw each half together, the alignment and guidance geometries ensure proper alignment and the slider can then be pulled by way of a zipper pull, and the zipper will close. 
         [0078]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the Self-Aligning Zipper once joined. The male retention element  117  can be seen secured in the female retention clement  125 , and the slider body  113  is ready to be drawn along the first zipper track  105  and the second zipper track  107  to close the Self-Aligning Zipper. It should be noted that in some embodiments of the present invention, a male retention element and female retention element are located on each side of the zipper. 
         [0079]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the Self-Aligning Zipper during closure. A first extension  301  can also now be seen as the slider is not obstructing its view as in  FIG. 1 . The first extension  301  is attached to the first lower body  101  and provides structural strength and a mating surface. In  FIG. 3 , the slider body  113  has a pull tab  115  for attaching a zipper pull. 
         [0080]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the Self-Aligning Zipper prior to joining. Various zipper pulls may be used with the present invention.  FIGS. 5-16  depict three exemplary zipper pulls. Zipper pulls may be made from a metal such as steel or brass, or a plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like. Methods of manufacture of zipper pulls include injection molding for plastics, machining, casting, stamping, and the like. 
         [0081]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the Self-Aligning Zipper  100  with a closed zipper pull  501 . A retainer  505  can be seen that provides attachment of the closed zipper pull  501  to the pull tab  115  on the slider body  113 . Further, a stop  503  can be seen that is a protruding feature on the back side of the closed zipper pull that provides a slight offset to the closed zipper pull in its normal resting position on a garment or object. This allows the closed zipper pull to easily be grasped and operated and also prevents the base lower body from catching on the pull. Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the closed zipper pull may have a curve or an offset to make it easy to grasp.  FIG. 6  is a plan view of the Self-Aligning Zipper with a closed zipper pull.  FIG. 7  is a plan view of the closed zipper pull and  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the closed zipper pull that shows a stop  503  on either side of the closed zipper pull. Various geometries and structures may be used as a stop without departing from the spirit and broad scope of the present invention and its various embodiments described and depicted herein.  FIG. 9  is a side view of the Self-Aligning Zipper with a closed zipper pull that shows the engagement of the stop  503  with the Self-Aligning Zipper to create a slight offset. The offset serves to provide clearance between the zipper pull and the body of the Self-Aligning Zipper so that the zipper pull does not interfere with the operation of the Self-Aligning Zipper. 
         [0082]    In another embodiment of the present invention, an open zipper pull is provided as depicted in  FIGS. 10-12 .  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the Self-Aligning Zipper with an open zipper pull. A retainer  1005  can be seen that provides attachment of the open zipper pull  1001  to the pull tab  115  on the slider body  113 . Further, a stop  1003  can be seen that is a protruding feature on the back side of the open zipper pull that provides a slight offset to the open zipper pull in its normal resting position on a garment or object. This allows the open zipper pull to easily be grasped and operated and prevents the base lower body from catching on the pull. Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the open zipper pull may have a curve or an offset to make it easy to grasp.  FIG. 11  is a plan view of the open zipper pull and  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the open zipper pull that shows a stop  1003  on either side of the open zipper pull. Various geometries and structures may be used as a stop without departing from the spirit and broad scope of the present invention and its various embodiments described and depicted herein. 
         [0083]    In another embodiment of the present invention, a hinged zipper pull is provided as depicted in  FIGS. 13-16 .  FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the Self-Aligning Zipper with a hinged zipper pull  1301 . The hinged zipper pull  1301  comprises an upper element  1303  and a lower element  1305  connected with a hinge pin  1307  to allow the two elements to move freely, providing an easy to grasp pull. A retainer  1309  is also depicted in  FIG. 13  that provides attachment of the hinged zipper pull  1301  to the pull tab  115  on the slider body  113 .  FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the hinged zipper pull.  FIG. 15  is a plan view of the hinged zipper pull and  FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the hinged zipper pull in a hinged position. Other zipper pulls may also be used with the Self-Aligning Zipper without departing from the spirit and broad scope of the present invention as described and depicted herein. 
         [0084]    For a complete understanding of how to make and use the Self-Aligning Zipper, a complete series of views of the first lower body  101  and the second lower body  103  will be depicted by way of  FIGS. 17-28 . The views do not include the magnets or the track and tape structures. The magnets during assembly are inserted into the first lower body and the second lower body such that opposite poles face each other, providing an attractive force on each lower body respectively. 
         [0085]      FIGS. 17-22  depict views of the second lower body.  FIG. 17  is a top end view of the second lower body.  FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the second lower body. In  FIG. 18 , an edge  1801  can be seen that aligns and mates with a slot  2403  that can be seen in  FIG. 24 . Also depicted in  FIG. 18  is a second alignment feature  1803  that cooperatively engages with a first alignment feature  2405  depicted in  FIG. 24  to allow for easy lead in of the two zipper halves in use, and closes the space between the two zipper halves. The first alignment feature  2405  and the second alignment feature  1803  may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be keyed or otherwise shaped to mate together, for example, using angles or curves that fit together when the two zipper halves are in proper position.  FIG. 19  is a plan view of the second lower body.  FIG. 20  is a magnet side view of the second lower body.  FIG. 21  is an alternate plan view of the second lower body and  FIG. 22  is a bottom end view of the second lower body. 
         [0086]      FIGS. 23-28  depict views of the first lower body.  FIG. 23  is a top end view of the first lower body.  FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the first lower body.  FIG. 24  depicts a slot  2403  that engages with an edge  1801  as depicted in  FIG. 18 . In addition, a first alignment feature  2405  cooperatively engages with a second alignment feature  1803  as depicted in  FIG. 18  to allow for easy lead in of the two zipper halves in use.  FIG. 25  is a plan view of the first lower body.  FIG. 26  is a magnet side view of the first lower body.  FIG. 27  is an alternate plan view of the first lower body and  FIG. 28  is a bottom end view of the first lower body. 
         [0087]      FIG. 29  is a plan view of the first magnet  127  and  FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the second magnet  129 . As depicted, the magnet is shown as a cylinder. Other geometries may also be used with appropriate modifications to the first lower body and the second lower body structures. The first magnet  127  and the second magnet  129  may be ferrite magnets, alnico magnets, rare earth magnets (Neodymium, Samaritan-cobalt, for example), or the like. In use, opposite poles face each other to provide an attractive force that serves to draw each zipper half together. 
         [0088]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the first magnet and the second magnet have a groove such as the grooved magnet  3101  shown in  FIGS. 31-33 .  FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a grooved magnet.  FIG. 32  is a plan view of the grooved magnet of  FIG. 31 , and  FIG. 33  is a side view of the grooved magnet of  FIG. 31 . The groove  3101  is circumferential to the grooved magnet  3101 . The groove  3101  interacts with various features in the first lower body and the second lower body to retain the grooved magnet  3101 . In this example, the grooved magnet  3101  replaces the first magnet  127  and the second magnet  129  in construction of the Self-Aligning Zipper. The advantage of a grooved or otherwise modified magnet is in the interaction with various features of the first lower body and the second lower body to facilitate magnet retention. Examples include the use of clips, dowels, rods, and the like. For example.  FIGS. 34-39  depict the use of internal catches to engage with or otherwise mechanically retain the grooved magnet.  FIG. 34  is a perspective view of the first lower body having clips to retain a grooved magnet. A first catch  3401  can be seen in  FIG. 34 , while a second catch  3501  and the first catch  3401  can be seen in  FIG. 35 .  FIG. 35  is a plan view of the first lower body of  FIG. 34  and  FIG. 36  is a side view of the first lower body of  FIG. 34 . The first catch  3401  and the second catch  3501  may be formed of the same material as the first lower body and the second lower body, or may be a different material. The first catch  3401  and the second catch  3501  may be rectangular, triangular, square, or the like, and may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be deformable, pliable, or otherwise resilient to allow the grooved magnet to be retained by such an arrangement through contact with the groove in the magnet. The second lower body  103  may also employ a similar arrangement where a first catch  3701  and a second catch  3703  are used to retain the grooved magnet, thus allowing the magnet to snap in during assembly and not come out.  FIG. 37  is a perspective view of the second lower body having clips to retain a grooved magnet.  FIG. 38  is a plan view of the second lower body of  FIG. 37 .  FIG. 39  is a side view of the second lower body of  FIG. 37 . The first catch  3701  and the second catch  3703  may be formed of the same material as the second lower body and the first lower body, or may be a different material. The first catch  3701  and the second catch  3703  may be rectangular, triangular, square, or the like, and may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be deformable, pliable, or otherwise resilient to allow the grooved magnet to be retained by such an arrangement through contact with the groove in the magnet. During assembly, the grooved magnet is pressed into the magnet retainer  2401  where the clips pass by the grooved magnet circumference until engaging with, and being retained by, the groove in the magnet. 
         [0089]    In another embodiment of the present invention, a u-clip is employed to pass through the first lower body and thus retain the magnet through retention of the u-clip by the groove in the grooved magnet. Such an arrangement may also be employed with the second lower body. The grooved magnet  3101  can be seen in  FIGS. 31-33 .  FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a u-clip  4001 . The u-clip may have ridges, notches, grooves, or other characteristics to engage with openings in the first lower body or second lower body.  FIG. 41  is a plan view of the u-clip of  FIG. 40  showing such features as well as a generally raised and curvilinear feature contained within the u shape of the clip that serves to capture and retain the magnet.  FIG. 42  is a perspective view of the second lower body having a receiver structure for a u-clip. Depicted on the one side of the second lower body is a slot where the u-clip passes during assembly.  FIG. 43  is a side view of the second lower body of  FIG. 42 .  FIG. 44  is an opposite side view of the second lower body of  FIG. 42 . On the opposite side of the second lower body  103  are a first u-clip receiver  4401  and a second u-clip receiver  4403  that are essentially holes that serve to retain the u-clip  4001 . These holes may be square, rectangular, circular, or other such shape that coincides with the structure of the u-clip  4001  to facilitate retention. In a similar manner, the first lower body  101  may employ a u-clip for magnet retention.  FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the first lower body having a receiver structure for a u-clip. A slot  4501  can be seen where the u-clip passes during assembly.  FIG. 46  is a side view of the first lower body of  FIG. 45 .  FIG. 47  is an opposite side view of the first lower body of  FIG. 45 . On the opposite side of the first lower body  101  are a first u-clip receiver  4701  and a second u-clip receiver  4703  that are essentially holes that serve to retain the u-clip  4001 . These holes may be square, rectangular, circular, or other such shape that coincides with the structure of the u-clip  4001  to facilitate retention. While the u-clip  4001  is depicted as being inserted from the side of each lower body, in some embodiments of the present invention it may be inserted from the bottom, top, or from an angle. 
         [0090]    Other techniques for magnet retention include a secondary part that is molded or formed with each lower body and folds over and snaps in place, either from the back or the front (contacting) surface of the magnet. In addition, in some embodiments of the present invention, each lower body may be made in multiple pieces, with the magnet inserted between or within the pieces and then each of the various pieces being joined together using an adhesive, a weld, a fastener, or the like. For example, the first lower body and the second lower body may be made in two pieces, with features such as a guide and a guide receiver used to facilitate joining of the two pieces. In  FIGS. 48-52 , an exemplary embodiment of such a multiple piece arrangement is shown.  FIG. 48  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the first lower body  101 . In  FIGS. 48 and 49 , some of the attributes of the first lower body  101  have been rounded to provide for a more aesthetically pleasing look. For example, the first extension  301  and the male retention element  117  afford rounded features, but are still in keeping with the spirit and broad scope of the present invention as described and envisioned herein.  FIG. 49  depicts an exploded view of the first lower body  101  of  FIG. 48  where a first section  4905  and a second section  4907  are depicted. The first section  4905  and the second section  4907  serve to retain the first magnet  127 , and may have additional features such as a guide  4901  and a guide receiver  4903  that act to join the first section  4905  and the second section  4907  together during assembly (final manufacturing). The guide  4901  may be a rail like structure that may have a beveled edge or several beveled edges to provide retention in the guide receiver  4903 . The guide receiver  4903  has features that are mates to the features on guide  4901 , such as chamfered inner surfaces to mate with and receive the chamfered or beveled edges of the guide  4901 . If the chamfer is angled outward with respect to the guide receiver opening, the two parts (the first section  4905  and the second section  4907 ) are held together when assembled. Other guiding structures such as the concentric raised feature shown on  4905  that mates with the magnet opening in the second section  4907  may also be employed in some embodiments of the present invention. In addition, catches, ridges or other retaining features may be employed in the guide, guide receiver, or mating surfaces of the first section and the second section to allow for retention and secure mating of each section during assembly and prior to application of additional joining techniques such as adhesives, heat or plastic welding. Once the first section  4905  and the second section  4907  are assembled with the first magnet  127  retained within the two sections, they may be further joined together using adhesives, fasteners, heat or plastic welding. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first magnet  127  is further adhered, to, fused, or bonded to either the first section  4905 , the second section  4907 , or both. 
         [0091]      FIG. 50  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the second lower body  103 . Similar to that of  FIGS. 48 and 49 , some of the attributes of the second lower body  103  have been rounded to provide for a more aesthetically pleasing look. For example, the second extension  119  and the female retention element  125  afford rounded features, but are still in keeping with the spirit and broad scope of the present invention as described and envisioned herein.  FIG. 51  depicts an exploded view of the second lower body  103  of  FIG. 50  where a first section  5105  and a second section  5107  are depicted. The first section  5105  and the second section  5107  serve to retain the second magnet  129  when assembled, and may have additional features such as a guide  5101  and a guide receiver  5103  that act to join the first section  5105  and the second section  5107  together during assembly (final manufacturing). The guide  5101  may be a rail like structure that may have a beveled edge or several beveled edges to provide retention in the guide receiver  5103 . The guide receiver  5103  has features that are mates to the features on guide  5101 , such as chamfered inner surfaces to mate with and receive the chamfered or beveled edges of the guide  5101 . If the chamfer is angled outward with respect to the guide receiver opening, the two parts (the first section  5105  and the second section  5107 ) are held together when assembled. Other guiding structures such as a concentric raised feature on  5105  that mates with the magnet opening in the second section  5107  may also be employed in some embodiments of the present invention. In addition, catches, ridges or other retaining features may be employed in the guide, guide receiver, or mating surfaces of the first section and the second section to allow for retention and secure mating of each section during assembly and prior to application of additional joining techniques such as adhesives, heat or plastic welding. Once the first section  5105  and the second section  5107  are assembled with the second magnet  129  retained within the two sections, they may be further joined together using adhesives, fasteners, heat or plastic welding. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second magnet  129  is further adhered to, fused, or bonded to either the first section  5105 , the second section  5107 , or both. 
         [0092]      FIG. 52  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the Self-Aligning Zipper where the zipper pull is not shown for clarity. The Self-Aligning Zipper  100  depicted in  FIG. 52  employs the first lower body  101  and the second lower body  103  depleted and described in  FIGS. 48-51 . A first zipper track  105  and a second zipper track  107  can be seen along with a slider body  113 . Of course a zipper pull such as the zipper pulls previously described and depicted herein would be attached to the slider body  113  in use, but has been omitted from  FIG. 52  for clarity. 
         [0093]    To operate the Self-Aligning Zipper, the two halves of the Self-Aligning Zipper are placed near each other such that the magnets in each of the two lower bodies attract each other and draw the two sides together. As the two lower bodies make contact, the alignment geometries such as the angled face, the male retention element and the female retention element form an aligned and proper fit of the two zipper halves, and the zipper pull is moved along the length of the zipper, causing closure of the zipper. 
         [0094]    It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the various objects of the present invention, a Self-Aligning Zipper. While the various objects of this invention have been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof. It is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fell within the spirit and broad scope of the present invention as defined by this specification, claims, and the attached drawings.