Patent Publication Number: US-8533918-B1

Title: Automatic zipper

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to zippers and more particularly relates to an automatic zipper. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Zippers are a common closure mechanism for fastening edges of a flexible material together. Articles of clothing often utilize zippers alone or in combination with other types of closure mechanisms so that a user can close an opening and/or secure the clothing on the user&#39;s body. For example, zippers are common on trousers, coats, and many other types of clothing. 
     However, some individuals may find it difficult to grasp the pull tabs on a zipper. For example, zipper pull taps may be very small and may be difficult to grasp for the average person. Additionally, even average or large zipper pull tabs may be difficult to grasp with arthritic fingers or fingers lacking average strength of feeling. Often, even if an individual is able to zip up a zipper, the individual may forget or the zipper may become unzipped during normal use. Individuals may find it embarrassing to be caught with their zippers not fully zipped. 
     SUMMARY 
     From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that enable easy and efficient zipping and unzipping of a zipper. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would maintain the zipper in a closed position when desired and reduce the chance that a user will zip the zipper. 
     The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available zippers. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for an automatic zipper that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
     An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for an automatic zipper. An apparatus includes a first placket tab and a second placket tab located on opposing sides of a zipper. The zipper includes a slider body. The apparatus also includes a zipper connector permanently coupling the slider body to an anchor location on the first placket tab. The zipper connector is substantially non-stretchable and has a length such that the zipper connector maintains the distance between the anchor location and the slider body to be substantially the same or less than the distance between the anchor location and the slider body in the closed position. 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a securing mechanism for selectively securing the first placket tab to the second placket tab at a location near the closed position of the slider body. In a further embodiment, the anchor location is at the same location as a portion of the securing mechanism. In yet another embodiment, the zipper connector is coupled to the first placket tab via a portion of the securing mechanism. In one embodiment, the zipper connector is flexible. In another embodiment, the zipper connector includes a non-stretchable cord. In a further embodiment, the zipper connector includes a lobster clasp. 
     A method of the present invention is also presented for opening and closing a zipper that includes a slider body and is on an article of clothing. The method includes separating, when the zipper is closed, a first placket tab from a second placket tab and folding the zipper. Separating the first and second placket tabs causes an elongate, non-stretchable zipper connector connecting the slider body to the first placket tab to draw the slider body toward the zipper&#39;s open position. The method further includes drawing, when the zipper is open, the first and second placket tabs together and straightening the zipper. Straightening the zipper causes the zipper connector to draw the slider body toward the zipper&#39;s closed position. 
     In one embodiment, the method includes permanently connecting one end of the zipper connector to the slider body. In a further embodiment, the method includes permanently connecting the other end of the zipper connector to an anchor location on a first placket tab located near the zipper&#39;s closed position. In one embodiment, the zipper connector has a length such that the zipper connector maintains the distance between the anchor location and the slider body to be substantially the same or less than the distance between the anchor location and the slider body in the closed position. 
     In one embodiment, the method further includes detaching a securing mechanism that selectively secures the first placket tab to the second placket tab. In a further embodiment, the method further includes attaching the securing mechanism to secure the first placket tab to the second placket tab. In one embodiment, the zipper connector secures the slider body in substantially the closed position when the securing mechanism is attached. In yet another embodiment, separating the first placket tab from the second placket tab and folding the zipper is performed in response to detaching the securing mechanism and attaching the securing mechanism is performed in response to drawing the first and second placket tabs together and straightening the zipper. 
     In one embodiment, the distance between the anchor location and the slider body is maintained at a length substantially equal to or less than the distance between the anchor location and the slider body in the closed position. 
     An article of clothing of the present invention is also presented. An article of clothing includes a first placket tab and a second placket tab located on opposing sides of a zipper. The zipper includes a slider body. The article of clothing also includes a zipper connector permanently coupling the slider body to an anchor location on the first placket tab. The zipper connector is substantially non-stretchable and has a length such that the zipper connector maintains the distance between the anchor location and the slider body to be substantially the same or less than the distance between the anchor location and the slider body in the closed position. 
     In a further embodiment, the article of clothing is configured to be worn on and cover a portion of a user&#39;s body. In yet another embodiment, the article of clothing is substantially retained on the user&#39;s body when the zipper is closed and, when the zipper is open, the article of clothing is removable from the user&#39;s body. In one embodiment, the article of clothing includes trousers. In another embodiment, the article of clothing includes one of a shirt, a jacket, a coat, and a blouse. In yet another embodiment, the article of clothing includes one of a skirt and a dress. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
     These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a trousers with an automatic zipper in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a close up view of the placket of  FIG. 1  showing the components of an automatic zipper in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a zipper connector in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view illustrating the zipper connector of  FIG. 3  coupled to a slider body and a placket tab in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view illustrating another embodiment of a zipper connector in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a closable link in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for unzipping a zipper in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic block diagram illustrating another embodiment of a method for unzipping a zipper in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view illustrating the first and second plackets being separated in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a front view illustrating the first and second plackets being drawn together in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates trousers  100  that include an automatic zipper mechanism. The automatic zipper mechanism is located on the placket  102 . As given herein the term placket  102  is given to mean a slit or opening in an article as well as the material, mechanisms and structures surrounding the slit or opening. For example, the placket  102  is illustrated as an area surrounding an opening in a pair of trousers  100  as indicated by box  102 . In the depicted embodiment, the pair of trousers  100  includes a waistband  104 . In one embodiment, the placket  102  may be opened to increase the circumference of the waistband  104  and allow the trousers  100  to be put on or removed. When worn, the placket  102  may be closed to secure the waistband  104  at a smaller circumference so that the trousers  100  may remain in place on an individual. 
     Although  FIG. 1  depicts a pair of trousers  100 , an automatic zipper as disclosed herein may be applicable to any article that includes a zipper, for example articles of clothing, bags, or the like. However, for clarity and illustrative purposes the present disclosure discusses an automatic zipper mechanism in the context of articles of clothing, and more specifically, trousers. Other exemplary embodiments may include zippers on a blouse, shirt, jacket, coat, skirt, dress, footwear, or any other article of clothing. Yet other embodiments may include zippers on bags such as handbags, duffle bags, luggage, or the like. In light of the present disclosure one of skill in the art will recognize various modifications which may be desirable or necessary depending on the article on which an automatic zipper is located. For example, in other embodiments, a zipper mechanism or placket  102  may be opened or closed to gain access to an interior of a pocket, an enclosed cavity, or any article of clothing. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a close-up view of the placket  102  of the trousers  100  of  FIG. 1 . The placket  102  includes a number of components including a first placket tab  106 , a second placket tab  108 , securing mechanism  110 , zipper teeth  112 , a slider body  114 , a zipper pull tab  116 , and a zipper connector  118 . 
     The first and second placket tabs  106 ,  108  are graspable portions of material on either side of the placket  102 . The first and second placket tab  106 ,  108  may be located on opposing sides of a zipper. The first and second placket tabs  106 ,  108  are located in line with the waistband  104  and may present areas which are graspable to pull the waistband  104  towards a closed circumference. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second placket tabs  106 ,  108  include a securing mechanism  110  for securing the first placket tab  106  to the second placket tab  108 . The securing mechanism  110  includes a button on the first placket tab  106  and a corresponding slit in the second placket tab  108  to form a buttonhole. In other embodiments, the securing mechanism  110  may include any type of securing mechanism to secure the first placket tab  106  to the second placket tab  108 . Exemplary securing mechanisms  110  may include a button and button loop mechanism, a hook and eye mechanism, a button and buttonhole mechanism, a snapping button mechanism, a hook and loop mechanism (such as Velcro®), or the like. 
     The zipper teeth  112  include opposing sets of teeth on opposite sides of the opening or placket  102 . In one embodiment, the slider body  114  is slidable along the zipper teeth  112  to selectively release and secure the zipper teeth  112 . For example, as the slider body  114  is slid towards an open position (such as downward in the depicted embodiment) the slider body  114  separates the teeth  112  and opposing sides of the placket  102  are released from each other. In contrast, as the slider body  114  is slid towards a closed position (such as upward in the depicted embodiment) the slider body  114  secures the teeth  112  and opposing sides of the placket  102  are secured to each other. When the zipper teeth  112  are secured, opposing sides of the placket  102  are secured to each other and access through the placket  102  opening is limited. When the zipper teeth  112  are released, opposing sides of the placket  102  are free from each other and access through the placket  102  opening is not limited. 
     In one embodiment, the slider body  114  includes a zipper pull tab  116  that extends from the slider body  114  and provides a graspable surface to adjust the position of the slider body  114 , and thereby controls whether the zipper is closed or opened. For example, a user may grasp the zipper pull tab  116  to pull the slider body  114  upwards or downwards to selectively secure and/or release the zipper teeth  112 . The zipper pull tab  116  and other components of the zipper may be formed of a variety of materials. For example, the zipper teeth  112 , slider body  114 , and zipper pull tab  116  may be formed of one or more of a metal, nylon, a plastic, or the like. 
     The zipper connector  118  couples the slider body  114  to the first placket tab  106  at an anchor location. In one embodiment, the zipper connector  118  may be coupled directly to the slider body  114 . In another embodiment, the zipper connector  118  is coupled to the slider body  114  via the zipper pull tab  116 . The zipper connector  118  is connected to the first placket tab  106  at an anchor location. In one embodiment, the anchor location is a location on the first placket tab  106  near a closed position of the slider body  114 . For example, the closed position of the slider body  114  may be a position where most or substantially all of the teeth  112  have been secured by the slider body  114  and maintain the placket  102  opening closed. In one embodiment, the closed position and open position of the slider body  114  are located at substantially opposite ends of the teeth  112 . In one embodiment, the closed position of the slider body  114  is closer to the open position of the slider body  114  than the anchor location on the first placket tab  106 . 
     In one embodiment, the anchor location is the location of a portion of the securing mechanism  110 . For example, in the depicted embodiment, the zipper connector  118  is coupled to the button of the securing mechanism  110 . In other embodiments, the zipper connector  118  may be coupled directly to the first placket tab  106 , the second placket tab  108 , to the button hole, or the like. For example, the zipper connector  118  may be coupled to the fabric of the first placket tab  106  via one or more hooks, sewn thread, or any other mechanism. 
     In one embodiment, the zipper connector  118  permanently couples the slider body  114  to the first placket tab  106 . As used herein, the term permanently couple is given to mean that the zipper connector  118  is not removed during general use. For example, the zipper connector  118  may be permanently coupled in that, in one embodiment, it remains coupled to the slider body  114  and the first placket tab  106  during removing, putting on, wearing, and storing of an article of clothing. 
     In one embodiment, the zipper connector  118  is elongate and substantially non-stretchable. One of skill in the art will recognize that most all materials may stretch to some extent under tension. However, the zipper connector  118  may be non-stretchable in that it has a generally fixed maximum length that does not increase under the amount of tension encountered during use on a zipper. For example, the zipper connector  118  may be sufficiently strong and non-stretchable such that under the forces on the zipper connector  118  during zipping, unzipping, and/or wearing the zipper connector  118  has a substantially fixed maximum length. The zipper connector  118  may be flexible and allow for bending of the zipper connector  118 . For example, the zipper connector  118  may be flexible from a straightened position to a bent position similar to a non-stretchable cord, chain, or the like. One of skill in the art will understand that even though the zipper connector  118  is non-stretchable it may be fairly flexible due to give in linkages between components of the zipper connector  118 , how a fiber material is braided to form a cord, etc. 
     In one embodiment, the zipper connector  118  has a length such that the anchor location on the first placket tab  106  is maintained at substantially a desired coupling distance from the slider body  114 . In one embodiment, the coupling distance is substantially the same as the distance from the slider body  114  to the anchor location when the slider body  114  is in a closed position. In one embodiment, the zipper connector  118  maintains the distance between the anchor location and the slider body  114  such that it is substantially permanently equal to or less than the coupling distance. Additionally, the zipper connector  118  may be coupled to the slider body  114  directly or via the zipper pull tab  116 . Thus, the length of the zipper connector  118  may depend on a desired coupling as well as whether the zipper connector  118  will be connected directly to a slider body  114  or to a zipper pull tab  116 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of a zipper connector  118  for coupling a first placket tab  106  to a slider body  114 . The zipper connector  118  includes cord  302  coupled to an eye  304  of a lobster clasp  306 . The cord  302  may be made from a variety of materials such as natural or synthetic fibers. Exemplary materials include linen, cotton, nylon, or the like. In one embodiment, the cord  302  may be made of materials and/or constructed such that it is substantially non-stretchable. For example, the cord  302  may experience little or no stretching in response to forces encountered during zipping, unzipping, and wearing trousers. In one embodiment, cord  302  that is substantially non-stretchable may help retain the anchor location on the first placket tab  106  and the slider body  114  at or less than a substantially fixed coupling distance. 
     The lobster clasp  306  may be any type of lobster clasp  306  known in the art. For example, any lobster clasp  306  used on jewelry or as a fastener in other fields may be used in various embodiments. The same or similar clasps may be referred to by other names such as a ring clamp, Bocklebee clasp, ring clasp, or other names. In the depicted embodiment, the cord  302  is coupled to the lobster clasp  306  through an eye  304  on the body of the lobster clasp  306 . The lobster clasp  306  also includes a lever  308  which can be manipulated to actuate a gate  310 . According to one embodiment, a spring biases the gate  310  up against an opposing portion of the lobster clasp  306  such that an object engaged by the hook portion will be retained within the hook. This may keep an object engaged by the lobster clasp  306  until the lever  308  is manipulated to retract the gate  310 . 
     The zipper connector  118  of  FIG. 3  is exemplary only. Considerable variation is possible and may be desirable in various embodiments. For example, the zipper connector  118  of  FIG. 3  may be used to retrofit a zipper of an existing article of clothing to operate as an automatic zipper. Other embodiments may be designed to be built into a zipper or as part of an article of clothing such that the article of clothing is sold with the zipper connector  118 . For example, the zipper connector  118  may be made so that it is physically difficult to remove and may include welded, fused, sewn, or molded parts. 
     Exemplary variations in the zipper connector  118  may include swapping the lobster clasp  306  and/or the cord  302  for one or more alternate parts. For example, the lobster clasp  306  and/or the cord  302  may be replaced, in some embodiments, with one or more links, rings, clasps, closable links, or the like. According to one embodiment, various parts that are used in jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or any other type of jewelry may be used to create the zipper connector  118 . In one embodiment, the zipper connector  118  may be ornamental and function as a piece of jewelry itself. One or more ornamental features may be included on the zipper connector  118  in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the zipper connector  118  may be formed to be very small and unnoticeable. For example, it may be desirable that the zipper connector  118  is largely not noticed by others when worn. Thus, there may be some motivation to make the zipper connector as small as possible while remaining the strength needed during operation. 
     The materials of the zipper connector  118  may be formed of a variety of materials. For example, metals, plastics, nylon, or other synthetic or natural materials may be used to make the zipper connector  118  or parts of the zipper connector  118 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the zipper connector  118  of  FIG. 3  coupled between a first placket tab  106  and a slider body  114 . The cord  302  is looped over a button that forms a portion of a securing mechanism  110 . Thus, the securing mechanism  110  acts as an anchor location. The cord  302  is coupled at one end to an eye  304  of the lobster clasp  306  while the other end is looped through and engaged by the hook and gate  310  of the lobster clasp  306 . The hook of the lobster clasp  306  is also coupled to the slider body  114  via a zipper pull tab  116 . 
     According to one embodiment, the zipper connector  118  is substantially non-stretchable such that the coupling distance  402  between the anchor location (the securing mechanism  110 , in the depicted embodiment) and the slider body  114  may be held substantially constant. A zipper pull tab  116  may not be used in all embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the zipper connector  118  may be coupled directly to the slider body  114  rather than to a zipper pull tab  116 . As will be understood by one skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure, the zipper connector  118  may have a length greater than the coupling distance  402  because it is looped back on itself. The length of the zipper connector  118  may vary considerably depending on the article of clothing to which it is attached and the distance between an anchor location and a slider body  114  as well as whether the zipper connector  118  is connected directly to the slider body  114  or to a zipper pull tab  116 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another example of a zipper connector  118  for coupling a first placket tab  106  to a slider body  114 . The zipper connector  118  includes a lobster clasp  306  similar to the zipper connector  118  of  FIG. 3 . However, rather than a cord  302 , the zipper connector  118  of  FIG. 5  includes a jump ring  502 , and a closable link  504 . The jump ring  502  couples the lobster clasp  306  to the closable link  504  using respective eyes  506 . 
     According to one embodiment, the jump ring  502  has a discontinuity which may allow the jump ring  502  to be deformed and removed from the respective. For example, the jump ring  502  may include a portion of wire which is shaped to form a circle. However, where the ends meet there is no connection or welding but rather the ends may be pried apart from each other to create a large enough gab to insert the jump ring into an eye  506  or other coupling feature. 
     The closable link  504  comprises a link which may be opened and closed to selectively engage another link, a securing mechanism  110 , or the like. According to one embodiment, a closable link  504  is any link which may be opened and closed without deformation of the link. The depicted closable link  504  comprises an eye  506  and a hinge point where the closable link  504  is allowed to pivot to open and close. Exemplary closable links  504  may include a variety of jewelry, or jewelry connectors. For example, earrings, connectors for necklaces and bracelets, or other connectors may be operable as closable link. In fact, some embodiments may use earrings which are available in the art to operate as closable links  504  on a zipper connector  118 . 
     The closable link  504  on the zipper connector  118  of  FIG. 5  includes an opening  508  where loops, securing mechanisms  110 , zipper pull tabs  116 , or other objects to be coupled to can be inserted. The opening  508  is shown substantially directly opposite the eye  506 . According to one embodiment, an opening  508  directly opposite an eye  506  may make it easier to couple the closable link  504  to another object, such as button, zipper pull tab  116 , etc. However, in some embodiments, an opening  508  opposite an eye  506  may increase chances that the zipper connector  118  will come free during use.  FIG. 6  illustrates one embodiment of a closable link  504  having an opening  508  on a side rather than opposite an eye  506 . According to one embodiment, even if the closable link  504  opens during use, the closable link  504  may still be retained on a securing mechanism  110  or slider body  114 . 
     Exemplary methods for use of a zipper connector  118  and/or automatic zipper will be illustrated in relation to  FIGS. 7-10 . Specifically,  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate exemplary methods  700 ,  800  and  FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate exemplary steps of the methods.  FIG. 7  illustrates a method  700  of opening and closing a zipper. The method  700  may be performed on the trousers  100  and/or placket  102  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The method  700  may also be performed on any article of clothing, bag, or other object that includes a zipper. 
     The method  700  begins and a first placket tab  106  is separated  702  from a second placket tab  108 . For example, a user may grip each of the placket tabs  106 ,  108  with respective hands and apply pressure to separate them. In one embodiment, the zipper is closed prior to separating  702  the first placket tab  106  from the second placket tab  108 . For example, the separating step  702  may be performed when the trousers  100  are on an individual and the zipper is closed. As a further example, the drawing together step  704  may be performed in response to the drawing together step  704 , which is discussed below. The separating step  702  may be performed in preparation for removal from an individual or putting the trousers  100  on an individual. 
     In one embodiment, as the zipper is separated  702 , the zipper is folded, or looped over such that the zipper is no longer substantially straight. In one embodiment, the folding of the zipper during separation  702  of the placket tabs  106 ,  108  is due, at least in part, to the non-stretchable nature of the zipper connector  118 . For example, a non-stretchable zipper connector  118  may keep the anchor location on the first placket tab  106  no greater than a coupling distance away from the slider body  114 . This may require that the zipper or a portion of the zipper teeth  112  be folded in order to allow, or force, the zipper to unzip. 
     In one embodiment, as the first placket tab  106  is separated  702  from the second placket tab  108  the zipper connector  118  is caused to draw the slider body  114  down toward an open position of the zipper. The tension on the zipper connector  118  between the first placket tab  106  and the slider body  114  as the placket tabs  106 ,  108  are separated may create a force in a direction that causes the slider body  114  to be drawn towards an open position. As the slider body  114  slides towards the open position the zipper teeth  112  are separated and the placket  102  opening is opened. 
     According to one embodiment, the separation  702  of the placket tabs  106 ,  108  allows the zipper to unzip without the user touching the slider body  114  or zipper pull tab  116 . Unzipping without touching the slider body  114  or zipper pull tab  116  may make it simpler and faster to unzip a zipper. Additionally, unzipping without touching the slider body  114  or zipper pull tab  116  may make it easier to unzip the zipper because it may not be required to grasp a small zipper pull tab  116  in order to unzip the zipper. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the separation  702  of the first and second placket tabs  106 ,  108  on trousers  100 . The first placket tab  106  is shown being separated  702  from the second placket tab  108 . Arrows  902  and  904  illustrate exemplary direction of movement of the placket tabs  106 ,  108 . Hands or other objects that applying a force or tension to separate  702  the placket tabs  106 ,  108  are not shown for clarity. The zipper connector  118  is shown maintaining an anchor location at or less than a substantially fixed coupling distance. The first placket tab  106  is shown folded such that zipper teeth  112  are folded and not substantially straight. According to one embodiment, force in the direction of arrows  902 ,  904  may be applied until the slider body  114  is in an open position. 
     In one embodiment, the method  700  includes drawing  704  the first and second placket tabs  106 ,  108  together. For example, a user may grip each of the placket tabs  106 ,  108  with respective hands and apply pressure to draw  704  them towards each other. In one embodiment, the zipper is open prior to drawing  704  the first placket tab  106  toward the second placket tab  108 . For example, the drawing together step  704  may be performed in when the trousers  100  are on an individual and the zipper is open and may be performed to secure the trousers  100  on the individual. As a further example, the drawing together step  704  may be performed in response to the separating step  702 . The drawing together step  704  may be performed in preparation for storage or for securing the trousers  100  on the individual. 
     In one embodiment, as the first and second placket tabs  106 ,  18  are drawn  704  together, the zipper is straightened. In one embodiment, as the first placket tab  106  and the second placket tab  108  are drawn  704  together, the zipper connector  118  is caused to draw the slider body  114  toward a closed position. The tension on the zipper connector  118  between the first placket tab  106  and the slider body  114  as the placket tabs  106 ,  108  are drawn  704  together may create a force in a direction that causes the slider body  114  to be drawn up towards a closed position. As the slider body  114  slides towards the closed position the zipper teeth  112  are secured and the placket  102  opening is shut. 
     According to one embodiment, the drawing  704  together of the placket tabs  106 ,  108  allows the zipper to be zipped without the user touching the slider body  114  or zipper pull tab  116 . Zipping without touching the slider body  114  or zipper pull tab  116  may make it simpler and faster to unzip a zipper. Additionally, zipping without the additional step required to grab the zipper pull tab  116  may result in it being very difficult to forget to zip up a zipper. Additionally, zipping without touching the slider body  114  or zipper pull tab  116  may make it easier to zip the zipper because it may not be required to grasp a small zipper pull tab  116  in order to zip the zipper. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the drawing  704  together of the first and second placket tabs  106 ,  108  on trousers  100 . The first placket tab  106  is shown being drawn  704  towards the second placket tab  108 . Arrows  1002  and  1004  illustrate exemplary direction of movement of the placket tabs  106 ,  108 . Hands or other objects that applying a force or tension to draw  704  the placket tabs  106 ,  108  together are not shown for clarity. The zipper connector  118  is shown maintaining an anchor location on the first placket tab  106  at or less than a substantially fixed coupling distance. The first placket tab  106  is shown straightening such that zipper teeth  112  are approaching becoming substantially straight. According to one embodiment, force in the direction of arrows  1002 ,  1004  may be applied until the slider body  114  is in closed position. 
     According to one embodiment, the zipper connector  118  used in the method  700  above is substantially non-stretchable. A non-stretchable zipper connector  118  may function better as movement of the first placket tab  106  may correspond to direct movement of the zipper slider body  114 . This may enable to more efficiently and effectively zip up a zipper or manipulate the placket tabs  106 ,  108  when a zipper is stuck or hung. In one embodiment, a non-stretchable zipper connector  118  may last longer because no elasticity must be maintained. In some embodiments, stretchable connectors may wear out quicker and lose their elasticity and thus fail to zip a zipper all the way closed. Additionally, a non-stretchable zipper connectors  118  may maintain a zipper in a closed condition during wearing of trousers  100  or other articles of clothing. For example, a stretchable zipper connector  118  may allow a slider body  114  to slide partially down during wearing, even if the wearer had initially pulled the slider body  114  to a closed position. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8  another method  800  for opening and closing a zipper is illustrated. The method  800  includes the steps  702 ,  704  of the method  700  of  FIG. 7  and may include any of the variations discussed above. Additionally, method  800  includes a plurality of additional steps  802  which may be included in some embodiments. The method  800  may be performed using trousers  100 , plackets  102 , 
     According to one embodiment, steps  802  and  804  may be included to mount a zipper connector  118 . In one embodiment, the method  800  may include permanently connecting  802  a zipper connector  118  to a slider body  114 . According to one embodiment, permanently connecting  802  the zipper connector  118  to the slider body  114  may include connecting the zipper connector  118  directly to the slider body  114  or to a zipper pull tab  116 . In one embodiment, the permanently connecting  802  the zipper connector  118  to the slider body  114  may include connecting the zipper connector  118  such that it cannot be removed without damage to the zipper connector  118  and/or a portion of the zipper. In another embodiment, permanently connecting  802  the zipper connector  118  to the slider body  114  may include mounting the zipper connector  118  and leaving the zipper connector  118  connected during zipping and/or unzipping of the zipper. In one embodiment, a lobster clasp  306 , closable link  504 , or other mechanism may be used that is easily manipulable for coupling and/or removal. 
     In one embodiment, the method  800  may include permanently connecting  804  a zipper connector  118  to an anchor location on a first placket tab  106 . According to one embodiment, permanently connecting  804  the zipper connector  118  to an anchor location on the first placket tab  106  may include connecting the zipper connector  118  directly to the first placket tab  106  or to a portion of a securing mechanism  110  on the first placket tab  106 . In one embodiment, permanently connecting  804  the zipper connector  118  to the anchor location on the first placket tab  106  may include connecting the zipper connector  118  such that it cannot be removed without damage to the zipper connector  118  and/or the placket and/or may require special tools. In another embodiment, permanently connecting  804  the zipper connector  118  to the slider body  114  may include mounting the zipper connector  118  and leaving the zipper connector  118  connected during zipping and/or unzipping of the zipper. In one embodiment, a lobster clasp  306 , closable link  504 , cord  302 , or other mechanism may be used that is easily manipulable for coupling and/or removal. 
     In one embodiment, the method  800  may include detaching  806  a securing mechanism  110 . For example, the securing mechanism  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  and  9 - 10  may be detached to release a first placket tab  106  from a second placket tab  108 . In one embodiment, the securing mechanism  110  is detached  806  prior to separating  702  the first and second placket tabs  106 ,  108 . For example, the securing mechanism  110  may be detached  806  in preparation for putting an article of clothing on or removing the article of clothing. In one embodiment, detaching  806  a securing mechanism  110  may include removing a button from a buttonhole or button loop, releasing a hook from an eye, or any other detaching  806  technique for any securing mechanism  110 . 
     In one embodiment, the method  800  may include attaching  808  a securing mechanism  110 . For example, the securing mechanism  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  and  9 - 10  may be attached  808  to secure a first placket tab  106  to a second placket tab  108 . In one embodiment, the securing mechanism  110  is attached  808  following drawing  704  the first and second placket tabs  106 ,  108  together. For example, the securing mechanism  110  may be attached  808  in preparation to secure an article of clothing on an individual or for storage of the article of clothing. In one embodiment, attaching  808  a securing mechanism  110  may include inserting a button into a buttonhole or button loop, engaging a hook in an eye, or any other attaching  808  technique for any securing mechanism  110 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.