Zipper Pulling Device

Abstract

A zipper pulling device for allowing a user to more easily zip up a dress or other similar garment. The zipper pulling device includes a rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the rod is telescopic such that it can be extended or retracted to a desired length. The first end comprises a magnet thereon that can be used to engage a metal zipper. The second end of the rod includes a hook thereon, wherein the user can alternately use the hook to engage the zipper. In this way, the user can grasp an end of the rod and pull the rod upward so that the hook or magnet temporarily engaged with the zipper pulls along the teeth of the zipper, allowing a user to more easily zip up a dress.

Claims

1) A zipper pulling device, comprising: an elongated rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the elongated rod has a telescopic configuration; the first end having a magnet disposed thereon, wherein the magnet is adapted to be temporarily affixed to a zipper; the second end having a hook disposed thereon, wherein the hook is adapted to be temporarily affixed to a zipper; the magnet connected to the elongated rod via a linkage; the linkage comprises a first ring interconnected with a second ring, wherein the linkage provides free rotation of the magnet relative to the elongated rod.

2) The zipper pulling device of claim 1, further comprising an extension mechanism disposed on the elongated rod and adapted to automatically extend and retract the elongated rod.

3) The zipper pulling device of claim 2, wherein the extension mechanism comprises a control adapted to be actuated by the user in order to control operation of the elongated rod.

4) The zipper pulling device of claim 1, wherein the elongated rod comprises a plurality of tubular sections slidably positioned within one another and adapted to extend and retract.

5) (canceled)

6) The zipper pulling device of claim 2, wherein the extension mechanism comprises a motor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] 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.

[0011] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the zipper pulling device in a retracted configuration.

[0012] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the zipper pulling device in an extended configuration.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the zipper pulling device.

[0014] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the zipper pulling device in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] 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 pulling device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for closing the zipper of a garment, such as a dress. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0016] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are shown perspective views of the zipper pulling device in a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, respectively. The zipper pulling device 21 comprises an elongated rod 22 having a first end 23 and a second end 24. The elongated rod 22 comprises a telescopic configuration so that it can be extended or retracted in length as desired by the user. The elongated rod 22 preferably comprises a plurality of tubular sections 28 that are slidably inserted within one another so that the elongated rod 22 can be extended and retracted to a desired length.

[0017] The first end 23 of the elongated rod 22 comprises a magnet 27 thereon, wherein the magnet 27 is adapted to temporarily engage a metal zipper. The magnet 27 is shown as connected to the first end 23 via a linkage 26 so that the magnet 27 can be positioned at various angles or orientations relative to the elongated rod 22 as required to connect the magnet 27 to a zipper. In this way, the user can hold the second end 24 of the elongated rod 22 while the magnet 27 is engaged to a zipper in order to pull the zipper along the teeth such that the user does not have to grasp the zipper itself.

[0018] The second end 24 of the elongated rod 22 comprises a hook 25 thereon. The hook 25 is configured to be inserted into a portion of the sliding member of the zipper so as to be temporarily secured thereto. In this way, the user can hold the first end 23 of the elongated rod 22 and can pull the rod so that the zipper is drawn along the teeth of the zipper.

[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the zipper pulling device. In the illustrated embodiment, the zipper pulling device 21 further comprises an extension mechanism 29 disposed on the elongated rod 22. Preferably, the extension mechanism 29 is positioned on the first end 23 of the elongated rod 22, however, in alternate embodiments the extension mechanism 29 is positioned on the second end 24. The extension mechanism 29 is adapted to cause the elongated rod 22 to automatically extend and/or retract. A control 30 is disposed on the extension mechanism 29, wherein the user may actuate the control 30 in order to cause the tubular sections 28 of the elongated rod 22 to extend or retract. The extension mechanism 29 may comprise a motor, spring, or an actuator depending upon the embodiment.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of the zipper pulling device in use. In operation, the user can extend the elongated rod 22 of the zipper pulling device 21. The user can temporarily secure the magnet 27 or the hook 25 of the zipper pulling device 21 to the slide fastener 42 of a zipper 41. The user can then hold a portion of the elongated rod 22 and move the rod 22 in an upward motion in order to draw the slide fastener 42 along the teeth 43 to close the zipper 41. This allows a user to more easily fasten the zipper 41 and eliminates the need for the user to have to hold the zipper 41 in his or her hand.

[0021] In embodiments having the extension mechanism, the user can secure the hook 25 to the slide fastener 42 of a zipper 41 and can hold the elongated rod 22 in an upright orientation. The user can then actuate the control on the first end of the elongated rod 22, such that the rod 22 retracts into a retracted configuration, drawing the zipper 41 along the teeth in the process. This eliminates the need for the user to pull the rod 22 or move his or her arm in order to close the zipper 41.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.