Abstract:
The present invention describes a tool for fixing a zipper. The present invention resembles a pliers-like device and comprises a pair of pivotally connected handles that terminate in jaws. The jaws include a bifurcated end for the reception of a zipper head and a blade configured for severing a sewing thread. The handle of the tool includes an interior compartment having sunken sections formed therein for supporting sewing needles and threads used for repairing zippers and fabric items. This provides users with a convenient and quick way to fix a loose zipper, enables individuals to easily repair torn or frayed material, and prevents people from damaging the material around a zipper when trying to fix a loose example thereof.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/717,792 filed on Oct. 24, 2012, entitled “Carry-All Zipper Fixer-Upper.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to pliers. More specifically the invention relates to a pair of pliers adapted for receiving a zipper head, which further comprises a storage compartment within the tool handle configured for the storage of needles and thread therein. 
         [0003]    Zippers have been used for many years and provide closure to a variety of devices by using interlocking teeth. This style of closure is typically used to increase or decrease the size of an opening in a bag or clothing, to join together two sides of a jacket, or to attach or detach one portion of a garment from another. 
         [0004]    A zipper includes two parallel rows of teeth, top and bottom stops, a zipper head, parallel rows of tape, and a pull tab. The tape is placed on either side of the openings of a jacket, pair of pants, bag, or luggage and the teeth are secured thereon. The opening is closed and opened by pulling the pull tab and moving the zipper head along the rows of the teeth. A Y-shaped channel inside the sliding zipper head interlocks the two rows of teeth together or separates them depending on the direction the slider is pulled. In most cases, the zipper completely opens or closes an opening when the zipper is at its upper or lowermost position. 
         [0005]    Zippers are relatively simple devices that provide a closure to garments, however, when a zipper fails the garment is sometimes rendered unusable or at least un-securable. Common problems that arise include when the sliding zipper head becomes loosened or removed. A misalignment in the zipper head in relation to the teeth prevents the slider from properly interlocking the teeth, and prevents the sliding zipper head from joining the two sides together, thus preventing closure of the garment. 
         [0006]    When damage to a zipper head renders a garment unusable, the options are to repair or replace the garment, which can be very costly. There are several devices that attempt to repair a damaged zipper. These devices are provided in the form of hand tools having a pliers-like body and a special head portion. The head portion of the pliers is configured for holding the head of a zipper while the user either sews or clamps the zipper head in place. The drawback of these devices is that they often fail to provide a mechanism or compartment within the handle of the pliers that is configured for holding a needle and thread. Having a single device that contains a needle, thread, and pliers is desirable because all the tools are required for repairing a zipper and having them in one location prevents misplacement of the required tools. 
         [0007]    The present invention relates to a pliers-like device that is configured for repairing a zipper. The device includes a pliers-like body having a pair of hingedly attached handles that terminate in a pair of jaw sections. The jaw sections include a forked end for zipper head repair and a cutting edge for assisting in sewing repairs. The forked end is configured for holding a portion of a zipper head, and the blade portion of the head section is configured for cutting thread. The present invention differs from the known devices in that it provides a specialized compartment for the storing of the tools that are necessary for repairing a zipper. One of the handles includes an compartment that has sunken sections sized and configured for storing items such as threads and needles. The present invention serves to enable a person to have a device that is capable of providing all of the tools necessary repairing a zipper. 
       Description of the Prior Art 
       [0008]    Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to zipper repair devices. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to pliers-like devices that are adapted to hold a zipper section. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
         [0009]    Devices in the prior art largely relate to pliers-like devices that include jaws adapted for holding a zipper head, however, having only adapted jaws equipped on the pliers-like device is limiting. The present invention provides an improved device that further includes the accessories necessary to repair the zipper located within the handle of the zipper repair tool. 
         [0010]    One such device in the prior art is U.S. Design Pat. No. 152,927 to Stern, which illustrates a zipper repair tool, however, the zipper repair tool of Stern differs from that of the present invention in that it fails to provide a forked leading end and a compartment capable of storing a needle and thread. 
         [0011]    Another patent, U.S. Pat. No. 2,818,755 to Kahn teaches a zipper repair tool, and particularly to a tool for meshing a zipper incident to its repair where the zipper is provided with coextensive pressure-sealing ribs of rubber or similar material. When the zipper is to be meshed, the assembly is clamped downwardly on the top of the zipper with firm pressure, and the tool is pulled along the zipper, causing the zipper to mesh. However, while Khan teaches a zipper repair tool that is similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a forked end and further differs in that it fails to provide a storage compartment for needles and thread. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,218,696 to Dritz teaches a tool resembling a pliers-like device for removing a slider element from a zipper. In use, an offset is placed against the neck of the zipper slider and a wedge is placed between the track of the zipper and one of the wings of the zipper slider. When the jaws of the tool are brought together the wings of the zipper are pried apart and the zipper is removed. Although the tool of Dritz is similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a compartment within the handles of the tool that is configured for storing a needle and thread to facilitate the repair of the zipper. 
         [0013]    Yet another prior art example is U.S. Pat. No. 3,461,713 to Donath, which describes a pliers tool for restoring or freeing a deformed or jammed zipper. The device includes two jaws that curve inwardly toward each other, with each jaw being of a forked design. The Donath pliers are further provided with an adjustable gap stop for matching the jaw gap to the length of the zipper slide being repaired, however it lacks a compartment configured for the storage of needles and thread and its handle structure is divergent from that of the present invention. 
         [0014]    Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,839,949 to Miknich describes a zipper repair tool having a pliers-like body with a head configured for the reception of a zipper head. The jaws have a base portion and a bifurcated upper portion including a tip designed to fit over the grooves of a zipper guide. As the tool is squeezed, the teeth are forced into the grooves in order to adjust the groves of zippers quickly and easily. While the zipper repair tool of Miknich is similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a compartment within the handle of the pliers-like device that is configured for the storage of a needle and thread that are used to repair the zipper. 
         [0015]    The present invention provides a pliers-like tool that is utilized for repairing a zipper. The tool includes a pair of upper and lower pivotally connected handles that terminate in a jawed end comprising a forked section configured for the reception of a zipper head and blades configured for severing a zipper thread. The upper handle comprises a sunken area configured for reception of a thumb of a user, whereby the lower handle comprises a hinged section that comprises a storage compartment adapted for the reception of a needle and thread that can be used to facilitate repair of the zipper. The zipper repair tool of the present invention is distinguished from that of the prior art because the device incorporates all the equipment necessary to repair a zipper within its handle, and further includes a forked jaw and thread cutting blades. 
         [0016]    In view of the drawbacks of the prior art devices, it is shown that the prior art has several known setbacks and that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art and subsequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing zipper repair tools. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of zipper repair tools now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new tool that can be utilized for repairing zippers wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when a zipper repair tool is desired that comprises all the tools that are necessary for repairing a damaged zipper. 
         [0018]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved zipper repair device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0019]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a zipper repair device resembling a pliers-like tool that includes a hinged compartment configured for the storage of a needle and thread. 
         [0020]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a zipper repair device including pivotally connected handles that terminate in a jawed section 
         [0021]    A final object of the present invention is to provide a zipper repair device comprising jaw members configured for receiving a zipper head. 
         [0022]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 1A-1C  show side and overhead views of the zipper repair device of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 2A-2C  show side and perspective views of the opened jaws of the zipper repair device of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 3A-3C  show overhead and internal views of the lower handle portion of the zipper repair device of the present invention, and notably the compartment therein. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  shows a view of the present invention while in use repairing a zipper head. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the zipper repair device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a means for storing all the necessary components required to repair a zipper within a zipper repair device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1C  there are shown side and overhead views of the zipper repair device  10  of the present invention; whereby  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate side views and  FIG. 1C  illustrates an overhead view of the device  10 . The device  10  includes a pair of connected handles, comprised of a lower  15  and upper  25  handle that establish a plier-type or scissor type tool. The handles  15 ,  25  are securely attached at a pivot point  35 , while the distal ends of each handle terminate in a pair of jaws  20 ,  30  that are configured for the reception of a zipper head and for use as a pair of cutting jaws. 
         [0030]    The upper handle  25  crosses positions with the lower handle  15  at the pivot point  35 , while the upper handle  25  terminates in a lower jaw  30  and the lower handle  15  terminates at an upper jaw  20 . The lower jaw  30  includes a planar surface thereon and lower blade  31  section, wherein the blade  31  is adapted for severing a thread when the jaws are compressed together and the upper blade  21  section crosses the lower blade section in a shearing motion. As shown in  FIG. 1C , the upper handle  25  further comprises a sunken section  26  that is adapted to provide clearance for the blade sections, which are positioned along one side of each jaw and overlap one another to cut thread or other articles during a zipper repair. 
         [0031]    Similar to the upper handle  25 , the lower handle  15  crosses paths with the lower handle  25  at the pivot point  35 . The lower handle  15  terminates in an upper jaw  20 , wherein the jaw  20  includes a forked end  23  and a blade  21  section. The forked end  23  is bifurcated and adapted for the reception of a zipper head therein, while the upper blade  21  is configured to mate against or cross over the lower blade  31  section in order to form shears or cutting blades. The blades enable the severing of a thread or similar sized item within the blades  21 ,  31  when the handles  15 ,  25  are pivoted towards each other. Additionally, the lower handle  15  includes a hinge  40 , whereby the hinge  40  facilitates the opening of a compartment door within the handle proximal end. Under the compartment door is a storage compartment for storing needles, thread, and other garment and zipper repair items. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-2C  there are shown side and perspective views of the opened jaws of the zipper repair device of the present invention, whereby  FIGS. 2A and 2B  display the side views and  FIG. 2C  illustrates the perspective view of the present invention. The jaws  20 ,  30  are opened by actuation of the lower  15  and upper  25  handles away from each other, which results in the handles rotating about the pivot point  35 . The upper jaw  20  is located at the end of the lower handle  15  and includes a jaw member  23  configured for receiving a zipper head, and a blade section  21  adapted for cutting a thread. The lower jaw  30  is located at a distal end of the upper handle  25  and includes a taper jaw section and a blade section  31  adapted to mate or overlap with the blade section  21  of the lower handle  15 , whereby the meeting of the blade sections  21 ,  31  is used for cutting or severing zipper threads. As shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 2C , the upper jaw  20  comprises a bifurcated section  23  adapted for the reception of a zipper head between the bifurcated jaw section  23 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3C  there are shown overhead and internal views of the lower handle  15 , wherein  FIG. 3A  shows the overhead view,  FIG. 3B  shows the sunken compartments within the handle  15 , and  FIG. 3C  illustrates the internal components within the lower handle  15 . 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 3A , there is shown an overhead view of the lower handle  15  of the zipper repair tool  10  of the present invention. The lower handle  15  includes a removable top portion  16  that is hingedly attached to the lower handle  15 , whereby the top portion  16  comprises a cutout  17  that can be lifted to facilitate the opening of the top portion  16  away from the lower handle  15 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3B  illustrates an overhead view of the lower handle  15 , wherein the top portion  16  is remove to better illustrate the internal views of the lower handle  15 . Within the lower handle  15 , there are shown a plurality of sunken internal sections  45  and  50 , whereby sunken sections  45  are configured for reception of needles and sunken sections  50  are configured for the reception of a plurality of threads. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 3C , there is shown a view of the components within the sunken sections  45  and  50  of  FIG. 3B . As shown the sunken sections  45  and  50  are sized and configured for the reception of  46  and thread  51  within sections  45  and  50  as shown in  FIG. 3B , respectively. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a view of the zipper repair tool of the present invention while in use. In use, the zipper repair tool  10  is adapted to replace a loosened or damaged zipper head  55 . The device resembles a pair of pliers, wherein the device  10  is capable of retaining a zipper head  55  within the bifurcated portion  23  of the upper jaw  20 . In order to replace the zipper head  55 , a user may clamp the bifurcated portion  23  of the upper jaw  20  down onto the surface of the zipper head. The user may then either tighten down on the zipper head  55  to further secure the zipper head  55 , or apply the use of the needle and thread to secure or replace the zipper head  55 . 
         [0038]    As shown in this preferred embodiment, the zipper repair tool  10  of the present invention includes a pair of lower  15  and upper handles  25  that extend and terminate at upper  20  and lower jaws  30  respectively, whereby the upper  25  and lower  15  handles cross each other at a pivot point  35  on the device  10 . The upper handle  25  includes a recessed area  26  adapted for the reception of a user&#39;s thumb and terminates in a lower tapered jaw  30 . The lower handle  15 , includes a top portion  16  that is hingedly attached  40  to the lower handle  15 , whereby the top portion  16  can be lifted by the pulling up on the cutout  17  of the top portion  16 . When removed, the top portion  16  reveals a compartment within the lower handle  15  that includes sunken sections  45  and  50  that are configured for the reception of a pair of needles  46  and a set of three threads  51 . It is contemplated that the sewing kit  46 ,  51 , can be utilized for repairing torn or frayed material. Additionally, the zipper repair tool  10  of the present invention includes a pair of blades  21 ,  31  that mate and form scissors adapted for the use of cutting the threads. 
         [0039]    The present invention is designed for those who wish to preserve their clothing. The zipper repair device  10  includes a pair of lower  15  and upper handles  25 ; wherein the interior compartment of the lower handle includes sunken areas  45 ,  50  configured for the reception of needles  46  and thread  51 . The storage compartments  45 ,  50 , can comprise different sizes of needles and differing sizes and colors of thread. Moreover, there may be differing amounts of sections capable of retaining the needle and thread. Furthermore, there may be different sized jaw members and bifurcated  23  portions to accommodate different sized zipper heads  55 . In this way, the present invention provides a tool that can be used to fix a loose zipper, as well as repair torn or frayed clothing. 
         [0040]    It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0041]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.