Abstract:
A zipper operating device for closing or opening a zipper located at the back of a garment or where accessibility for manipulation is awkward, inconvenient or otherwise difficult. This zipper operating device can engage almost all zipper pull tabs, including those elongated pull tabs without voids or holes.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to a zipper operating device, and more specifically to a device for closing and opening a zipper located on the backside of a garment or otherwise located at position that is difficult to reach on a garment. 
         [0006]    2. Brief Summary of the Invention 
         [0007]    Historically, back closure zippers allow for a solid unbroken front to a garment that is more flattering on thinner or more fitted garments. As a result, designers typically favor the use of back closure zippers in dresses, formal wear, and garments that need a more fitted front appearance. The operation of such back closure zippers can prove difficult, however. 
         [0008]    Many users have avoided or struggled with garments including zippers in the back of the garment or with zippers located in other inconvenient or awkward places. The present invention is potentially useful for users including, but not limited to: 1) women traveling for work without the assistance of someone they trust to assist with the zipper&#39;s closure or opening while viewing the user&#39;s undergarments; 2) single women without the assistance of a trusted roommate or proximate friend or companion; 3) users with physical limitations such as arthritis, osteoporosis, rotator cuff injuries, back injuries or other physical limitations that impact range of motion; 4) users with limited dexterity or the ability to grasp and hold small objects such as the zipper pull; and 5) women whose husbands, spouses or significant others work late, are not around to assist every time they wear a garment with a rear zipper or zipper in an inaccessible or awkward location that needs opening or closing, or don&#39;t appreciate being woken up to render assistance for the early morning meeting or early morning departure for the airport. 
         [0009]    There exists in the marketplace a continuing need for a device that can be used with various types and sizes of zipper pull tabs or sliders, especially those that have no holes or apertures in their pull tab but instead have some type of opening between the pull tab and slider which makes it more difficult to attach an operating device to it. There also a need for a device that prevents detachment or dislodgement during the zipper operation process, as well as a device that is compact and can collapsed to be stowed discretely in a small clutch or other small purse or container that does not catch, tangle or snag the device or the storage devices (such as a small clutch or purse). This need is especially present for users with physical limitations including problems with dexterity or limited range of motion, which includes users that have arthritis, osteoporosis, rotator cuff injuries or other physical limitations that impact range of motion. 
         [0010]    In one aspect, the present invention includes an elongated member having first and second ends and a zipper engagement device affixed to the first end of the elongated member. The zipper engagement device typically includes first and second engagement structures that each include an engagement surface used to interface with a zipper structure. The engagement device typically also includes an engagement mechanism used to selectively direct the first and second engagement surfaces towards one another. In another aspect, the present invention can include a pin that can be extended through an aperture in a zipper pull tab, and for those pull tabs lacking an aperture, through the aperture created by the structure that connects the pull tab to the zipper slide. In another aspect, the present invention can include a friction enhancing coating that enhances the engagement between the engagement device and zipper structure. 
         [0011]    Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1A  shows an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1B  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  engaging a zipper structure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1C  shows a user operating the device shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
           [0015]      FIG. 1D  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  engaging another type of zipper structure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1E  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  engaging another type of zipper structure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1F  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  engaging another type of zipper structure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1G  shows additional views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 1H  shows additional views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1F . 
           [0020]      FIG. 2A  shows another embodiment of the present invention that includes a pin structure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2B  shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2A . 
           [0022]      FIG. 2C  shows the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  engaging a zipper structure and an example of a common zipper structure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2D  shows a user operating the device shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2E  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 2A  in use with a zipper structure that does not have an aperture in the pull tab. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2F  shows a top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2E . 
           [0026]      FIG. 2G  shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2E . 
           [0027]      FIG. 2H  shows another configuration of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2E . 
           [0028]      FIG. 3A  shows another embodiment of the present invention utilizing a tweezer configuration in an open position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3B  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 3A  in a closed position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5A  shows another embodiment of the present invention that employs a cam structure. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5B  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 5A  in an unlocked position. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  shows another embodiment of the present invention that employs a coil configuration. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7A  shows another embodiment of the present invention that employs friction enhancing coating. 
           [0035]      FIG. 7B  shows a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0036]      FIG. 7C  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 7A  in an open position. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7D  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 7A  in a closed position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8A  shows another embodiment in which the zipper engagement device is contoured to fit the shape of a zipper pull tab. 
           [0039]      FIG. 8B  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  shows another embodiment employing a shepherd&#39;s hook configuration. 
           [0041]      FIG. 10  shows another embodiment of the present invention that includes a decorative engagement device. 
           [0042]      FIG. 11  shows another embodiment of the present invention that mounts the engagement device to a flexible tape. 
           [0043]      FIG. 12A  shows another embodiment of the present invention that uses a jewelry clasp structure. 
           [0044]      FIG. 12B  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 12A  engaging a zipper structure. 
           [0045]      FIG. 13  shows a variety of zipper structures with which the present invention can be used. 
       
    
    
       [0046]    The drawings are shown for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , an embodiment of the present invention is shown. This embodiment includes a zipper engagement device  1000  and an elongated member  2000 . In one embodiment, zipper engagement device  1000  is a structure that engages a zipper pull tab  550 . However, zipper engagement device  1000 , as well as the other zipper engagement devices described herein, can also be configured, adapted, or otherwise used to engage other types of zipper pull tabs, zipper sliders, or other zipper structures that can be used to move a zipper, collectively referred to herein as a “zipper structure.”  FIG. 13  shows a variety of zipper structures with which the present invention can be used. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to use with only the zipper structures shown in  FIG. 13 , as it can be used in connection with a wide variety of zipper structures. 
         [0048]    In the embodiment shows in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  1 C, engagement device  1000  is configured in a manner similar to a conventional “alligator clip” in which a first engagement structure  1010 , commonly called an upper jaw, is hingedly affixed to a second engagement structure  1020 , commonly called a lower jaw. In the embodiment shown, a coil spring (not shown) is used to create a force that directs a first engagement surface  1015  towards a second engagement surface  1025 . Referring to  FIG. 1B , tab  1030  is depressed to direct engagement surfaces  1015  and  1025  away from one another, which in operation releases zipper engagement device  1000  from the zipper pull tab  550 , commonly called an open position. In operation, engagement surfaces  1015  and  1025  engage a zipper pull tab  550  or other zipper structure and form a frictional bond with the zipper structure, enabling a user of the present invention to move the zipper as desired. 
         [0049]    Still referring to  FIG. 1A , zipper engagement device  1000  is affixed to an elongated member  2000 . The end  2100  of the elongated member  2000  can be grasped by a user and used as a handle in which the user can operate the present invention to move a garment zipper as desired. In the embodiment shown, zipper engagement device  1000  is permanently affixed to member  2000 , but in alternate embodiments (not shown) zipper engagement device  1000  can be releasably affixed to member  2000 , which can permit additional engagement devices to be interchanged on member  2000 . In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 1 , elongated member  2000  is a telescoping rod with telescoping sections  2010 ,  2020 , and  2030 . Additional telescoping sections can be added as necessary. In this embodiment, elongated member  2000  can be extended to any length desired by the user, and in another embodiment, the desired length can be locked by rotating the sections  2010 ,  2020 , and  2030  using any one of a variety of conventional locking mechanisms such as rotational actuation of a split sleeve, a cam or eccentric action, or an other suitable locking mechanisms. In other embodiments (not shown), elongated member  2000  can be retractable in folding fashion similar to that of a foldable ruler. In one embodiment, member  2000  and its telescoping sections are flexible to permit the elongated member to flex during use. In one aspect, the member is flexible to allow arching and bending to gain traction in actuating the zipper while keeping the pull tab frictionally engaged in the engagement device so that the apparatus cannot be pulled off track or against the side of the zipper structure. In another embodiment, elongated member can be rigid. FIGS.  1 D,  1 E, and  1 F,  1 G, and  1 H show the use of the present invention in connection with a variety of zipper structures  500 A,  500 B, and  500 C. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 1C , the typical operation of one embodiment of the present invention in connection with a garment  200  is described. A user  100  typically: (1) enters the garment  200  with its zipper  510  open and facing forward (or by placement of the garment  200  and the zipper  510  in an accessible position); (2) engages the zipper pull tab  550  within the zipper engagement device  1000 , (3) extends the elongated member  2000  once the pull tab  550 , or other zipper structure, is engaged by the engagement device  1000 ; (4) creates a customized length for the elongated member  2000  by utilizing the plurality of telescoping sections  2010  and  2020  that extend and can be releasably locked into extension as needed based upon any one or more of the user&#39;s height or the length and position necessary to access the zipper&#39;s location; 5) returns the garment  200  to its intended direction, which frequently includes moving the zipper  510  back to the rear of the garment as it is frequently done in a dress or gown; 6) continues to grasp the elongated member  2000  while reversing or repositioning the garment  200 ; 7) holds the elongated member  2000  near the end proximate with the engagement device  1000  while the base end of the handle rests adjacent and aligned with the zipper  510  and zipper slide  500  (with the engagement device  1000  engaged to the zipper pull tab  550 ); 8) grasps the base of the elongated member  2000  with the user&#39;s other hand, which is accomplished by reaching around the user&#39;s neck, to pull elongated member  2000  upward; 9) allows the elongated member  2000  to ultimately span an effective range of motion typically from at least 90 degrees (mid-pull) to more than 180 degrees (at final zipper closure) from the elongated member&#39;s initial parallel position when completely adjacent to the zipper slide  500  and zipper teeth  510  (or the same effective range but in reverse when the device is being actuated to open the zipper), 10) gains traction by pulling the elongated member  2000  with frictional force in an upward lateral direction behind the user&#39;s head and towards the front of the user (over the user&#39;s shoulder or head); 11) completes the zipper&#39;s operation by engaging the zipper slide  550  with the zipper&#39;s terminal end  520 ;  12 ) disengages the zipper pull tab  550  from the engagement device  1000  with no damage or permanent changes to the garment&#39;s zipper or functionality; 13) collapses the elongated member&#39;s  2000  extended sections within the elongated member; and 14) stores the device in its collapsed state to avoid altering or enmeshing it with other objects to ensure the continued design, function or usability of the apparatus. To remove the garment, the foregoing procedure is carried out in reverse order. The foregoing description is intended for illustration only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The structure of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  is similar to the structure shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  1 C except that the embodiment of  FIG. 2A  also includes an engagement pin  1150 . In operation, referring to  FIG. 2C , engagement pin  1150  extends through an aperture  557  in the zipper pull tab  550 , creating a secure connection between engagement device  1100  and the zipper pull tab  550 . While pull tab  550  is the most common embodiment of a zipper pull tab and is commonly referred to as the YKK® pull tab, in operation, referring to  FIG. 2C , engagement pin  1150  extends through an aperture  557  in zipper pull tab  500 , creating a secure connection between the engagement device  1600  and the zipper pull tab  550  The length and diameter of pin  1100  can be varied as desired to fit a specific type of zipper structure. In one preferred embodiment, the pin is 5/16 inch in length and 1/16 inch in diameter. Referring to  FIG. 2B , which shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in side view in  FIG. 2A , lower engagement structure  1120  includes an aperture  1127  that receives pin  1150  when the upper engagement surface  1115  and lower engagement surface  1125  are proximate one another. Aperture  1127  is shown as a recess in structure  1020 , but it could also be an enclosed hole that receives pin  1100 . Instead of pin  1100 , a tang or any other structure suitable to interface with an aperture on the zipper structure may be used. 
         [0052]      FIG. 2D  shows operation by a user  100  of the embodiment described in connection with  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C. The description for the operation of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  1 C is applicable to this embodiment as well. However, here the user  100  causes the pin  1150  to extend through an aperture  557  in zipper pull tab  550  when securing the engagement device  1100  to the zipper structure. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 2E ,  2 F,  2 G, and  2 H show another embodiment of the present invention in which pin  1150  is extended through the aperture created by structure  540  that connects pull tab  550 A to slider  500 A. This embodiment is useful when a pull tab, such as pull tab  550 A, does not have an aperture through which pin  1150  can be extended. The operation of this embodiment is similar to the operation described in connection with  FIG. 2D  except that pin  1150  extends through the aperture created by structure  540  rather than through the aperture  557  in pull tab  550 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2E ,  2 F, and  2 G, pull tab  550 A is at an angle of approximately 20 degrees to the longitudinal axis of engagement device  1100 , and may be at any other suitable angle and is not limited to approximately 20 degrees. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2H , the longitudinal axis of pull tab  550 A is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of engagement device  1100 . 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  4  an alternate embodiment of the present invention using a tweezer configuration is shown. In this embodiment, engagement device  1200  utilizes a tweezer structure. A slide  1250  is moved towards the outer end of device  1200  to direct the upper and lower engagement structures  1210  and  1220  from an open position, as shown in  FIG. 3A , to a closed position as shown in  FIG. 3B . The upper and lower engagement surfaces  1215  and  1225  are located at a greater distance apart in the open position when compared to the closed position. In the closed position, the upper and lower engagement surfaces are interfaced with a zipper structure for operation of the present invention. In an alternate embodiment as shown in  FIG. 4 , the tweezer configuration can further include a tang  1217  at the outer end of upper engagement structure  1210 . Tang  1217  can be used to interface with an aperture on the zipper structure to provide a more secure connection between the engagement device  1200  and zipper structure. Instead of tang  1217 , a pin or any other structure suitable to interface with an aperture on the zipper structure may be used. In addition, tang  1217  (or any other similar structure) can be positioned at an angle normal to (e.g., approximately ninety degrees) the longitudinal axis of the engagement structure. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , an alternate embodiment of the present invention using a cam structure is shown. In this embodiment, a cam  1310  operated by an arm  1320  engages a pull tab  600 . It should be understood that this embodiment can be used in connection with zipper pull tabs and other zipper structures having a variety of shapes and is not limited to use in connection with the shape of pull tab  600 . In  FIG. 5A , the engagement structure  1300  is in a “locked” position, as arm  1320  is directed in a closed position thereby causing cam  1310  to apply force against pull tab  600 , resulting in a frictional and mechanically limiting engagement between the engagement structure  1300  and the zipper pull tab  600 . In  FIG. 5B , the engagement structure  1300  is shown in an unlocked position. In operation, the zipper structure, such as a zipper pull tab  600 , is engaged by the cam  600  when in the locked position as shown in  FIG. 5A . The zipper pull tab  600  is released by placing the engagement device in an unlocked state, as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
         [0056]    In another embodiment of the present invention (not shown) magnets can be mounted to the outer facing surfaces of the first and second engagement structures. The magnets can be used to create both an attractive and repulsive force between the engagement structures depending upon the orientation of the magnets towards one another. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, engagement device  1400  is a resiliently coiled wire, similar in shape and design to the coil used on a cooking whisk such as a twirl whisk or French whisk. The coiling serving as the outer end  1410  of engagement device is typically of a reduced diameter when compared to the prior coil, and may contain a coating on the tip to prevent snagging. This thin tip  1410  can be thread through the smallest hole void or pull tab attachment piece. The outer end  1410  also is configured to abut again the prior coil, leaving a smaller gap when compared with the gap between prior coils. In operation, the outer end  1410  of engagement device  1400  is extended through an aperture in the zipper structure, thereby forming releasable engagement between the engagement device  1400  and zipper structure. The abutment of the outer end  1410  to the prior coil creates a secure connection to the zipper structure (not shown) in a manner similar to that of the connection make between a key and conventional key ring. This connection allows the outer end  1410  and the pull tab to be incorporated and housed within the center of the coiled wire to prevent dislodgement or unintentional detachment to allow for maximal engagement of the pull tab while preventing outer end  1410  from contact with the zipper structure or fabric proximally adjacent to the zipper structure. Engagement structure  1400  is typically flexible, which permits a wide range of motion to account for physical limitations of the user during operation of the present invention. 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 7A , another alternate embodiment is shown in which engagement device  1500  includes a first friction-enhancing coating  1517  on first engagement surface  1515  and a second friction-enhancing coating  1527  on second engagement surface  1525 . In one embodiment, friction enhancing coatings  1517  and  1527  is a memory foam that forms around a zipper pull tab  600 , or other similar pull tab that in some embodiments may lack a hole or aperture in the pull tab itself. In addition to memory foam, other friction enhancing materials can be used such as rubber, mild abrasives, silicone, gels, and other materials that increase the frictional engagement between the engagement device  1500  and zipper pull tab  600  and optionally deform around the contour of the pull tab  600  to provide a more secure connection between a zipper structure and the engagement device. This embodiment is especially useful in connection with zipper pull tabs that have irregular contour shapes, such as those frequently found on Ann Taylor® dresses, gowns, or other garments, as well as pull tabs that do not have apertures through which a pin can be extended but may have an opening or aperture in the connection of the pull tab to the zipper slider that can accommodate a pin. In addition, the use of such coatings can prevent the zipper pull tab from becoming scratched or otherwise damages during use of the present invention.  FIG. 7B  shows a top view of the embodiment first shown in  FIG. 7A . In addition,  FIG. 7B  shows how the zipper pull tab  600  is engaged by the engagement structure  1500  from a top view perspective. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 7C , the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7A  is shown in an open position in which the first and second engagement structures  1510  and  1520  are positioned in a direction away from one another to create a space in which zipper pull tab  600  can be positioned.  FIG. 7D  then illustrates engagement structures  1510  and  1520  in a closed position to create an engagement with zipper pull tab  600 . The first and second friction enhancing coatings are shown in engagement with pull tab  600 . The friction enhancing coating of this embodiment can also be used in connection with other embodiments described herein. 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 8A , an alternate embodiment is shown in which engagement device  1600  is shaped to fit the contours of zipper pull tab  600 . The side surfaces  1611  and  1613  of engagement structure  1610  are concaved inwards to mesh with the concaved shape of zipper pull tab  600 . The side surfaces (not shown) of engagement structure  1620  are likewise concaved inwards to mesh with the shape of pull tab  600 . The contoured shape of the engagement structures results in a more secure connection between the engagement device  1600  and zipper pull tab  600  because the concaved surface provide an additional engagement surface that prevents the zipper pull tab  600  from disengaging from the engagement device  1600 .  FIG. 8B  shows the first and second engagement structures in a closed position, thereby engaging pull tab  600 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , an alternate embodiment is shown in which engagement device  1700  is configured in a “shepherd&#39;s hook” design. The engagement device is generally shaped like a hook, and the outer end  1710  of device  1700  is inwards and then flared outwards, creating a more secure connection between the engagement device and zipper structure and making it easier to position the outer end  1710  through an aperture in a zipper structure (not shown). 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , an alternate embodiment is shown in which the engagement structure  1800  is shaped in decorative manner, here to resemble a fish. The structure and operation of the engagement structure  1800  is similar to the structure and operation of engagement structure  1100  as shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 C, and  2 D. In another embodiment (not shown) engagement structure  1800  may optionally omit pin  1810 , in which case engagement structure  1800  would operates in the fashion similar to that of engagement structure  1000  in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  1 C. The other engagement devices described herein also can be shaped in a decorative manner. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , the engagement device  1800  of the present invention (as well as any other engagement device) can use an elongated member made of a flexible material  3000  such as a fabric tape, cord, or other suitable flexible material. This flexible material  3000  can be coiled in a storage case  4000  in a fashion similar to that of a retractable measuring tape or other similar retractable devices. This retractable, flexible material  3000  can be selectively locked into a desired length, resulting in an operation similar to that of the locking, telescoping elongated member described above. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 12A , the engagement device  1900  of the present invention is structurally and operationally similar to a conventional jewelry clasp. As shown in  FIG. 12B , the latch  1910  can be selectively opened and closed to permit device  1900  to engage a zipper pull tab  550  through an aperture in the structure. 
         [0065]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications and variations may be made to the above disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The accompanying drawings also illustrate by way of example only—and not limitation—the principles of and preferred modes of applying these principles and are not necessarily to scale.