EASY RELEASING ZIPPER

Abstract

A fastening device is provided having a first magnetic aligning member comprising a first magnet and a female retention element, wherein the first magnetic aligning member is affixed to a first zipper track comprising a plurality of teeth; a second magnetic aligning member comprising a second magnet and a male retention element, wherein the second magnetic aligning member is affixed to a second zipper track comprising a plurality of teeth; and a sliding member. The sliding member slidably connects to the first zipper track, and lacks a locking pin.

Claims

1. A self-aligning zipper comprising: a first magnetic aligning member comprising a first magnet and a female retention element, wherein the first magnetic aligning member is affixed to a first zipper track comprising a plurality of teeth; a second magnetic aligning member comprising a second magnet and a male retention element, wherein the second magnetic aligning member is affixed to a second zipper track comprising a plurality of teeth; a sliding member slidably connected to the first zipper track, and wherein the sliding member lacks a locking pin; wherein the female retention element comprises a groove to receive the male retention element; and wherein the first magnet of the female retention element and the second magnet of the male retention element may be connected through attractive forces to ensure proper alignment of the first zipper track and the second zipper track.

2. The fastening device of claim 1 wherein the female retention element is selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal and a combination thereof.

3. The fastening device of claim 1 wherein the male retention element is selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal and a combination thereof.

4. The fastening device of claim 1 wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are grooved magnets.

5. An article of manufacture comprising the fastening device of claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a prior art sliding member of a self-aligning zipper with a locking pin.

[0015] FIG. 2 depicts a sliding member of a self-aligning zipper of the present invention, having no locking pin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first magnetic aligning member is affixed to one end of a first zipper track. The first magnetic aligning member comprises a first magnet and a female retention element. In an embodiment, the female retention element may be a plastic or metal casing which encapsulates the first magnet and further comprises a groove, a cavity, a hook and/or a notch. A sliding member 202 is slidably connected to the first zipper track (not shown), wherein the first zipper track comprises a plurality of teeth. A top stop may be positioned on the first zipper track at the end opposite to the first magnetic aligning member to prevent the sliding member 202 from detaching from the first zipper track. The first magnetic aligning member also acts as a bottom stop to prevent the sliding member 202 from detaching from the first zipper track.

[0017] A second magnetic aligning member is affixed to a second zipper track (not shown). The second magnetic aligning member comprises a second magnet and a male retention element. In an embodiment, the male retention element may a plastic or metal casing which encapsulates the second magnet and further comprises a protruding element that interlocks with the groove, cavity, hook and/or notch present on the female retention element. The second zipper track also comprises a plurality of teeth. A top stop may be positioned on the second zipper track at the end opposite to the second magnetic aligning member.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first lower magnetic aligning member and the second lower magnetic aligning member may also be connected through attractive magnetic forces from the first magnet and the second magnet. The first magnet and the second magnet may be disc, grooved or other shaped magnets.

[0019] A pull tab 203 is loosely attached to the sliding member 202. The pull tab may be plastic, metal or any combination thereof. Once the first and second magnetic aligning members engage via their female and male retention elements, the zipper tracks are properly pulled together and user can pull up on the tab to interlock the teeth on those zipper tracks, and closes the zipper.

[0020] Unlike prior art sliding member shown in FIG. 1, the sliding member of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 lacks a locking pin. Because the sliding member lacks a locking pin, when the user tugs apart the two zipper tracks, the sliding member will move down the zipper tracks, the interlocked teeth will unlock and the zipper tracks will separate, thereby opening the zipper and the garment. Consequently, the user need not pull down on the tab to open the zipper, but merely tug apart the zipper tracks, for example, by tugging apart the garment elements attached to those zipper tracks. This makes unfastening the self-aligning zipper easier for disabled persons, especially one-handed persons, as they do not have to grasp any tab.

[0021] In a one-way separating zipper, the single sliding member lacks a locking pin. In a two-way separating zipper, one or both sliding members lack a locking pin.

[0022] While preferred embodiments have been described, it is evident that many additional modifications, variations or alternative are apparent to the skilled artisan. The present application intends to embrace all of such modifications, variations or alternative which fall within the broad scope of the present invention.