Zipper repair tool

{
  "publication_number": "US9687049B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Zipper repair tool",
  "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.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A zipper repair tool, comprising: an upper handle having a recessed proximal region adapted for the reception of a user's thumb; a lower handle having a proximal end compartment therein, said proximal end compartment comprising a first plurality of sunken sections each configured to receive a sewing needle and a second plurality of sunken sections each configured to receive a spool of thread; a lower tapered jaw section including a flat section, whereby said lowered tapered jaw section is disposed at a distal end of said upper handle; an upper jaw having a bifurcated tip portion adapted for the reception of a zipper head, whereby said upper jaw is disposed at a distal end of said lower handle; a pivot point, whereby the upper and lower handles are pivotally attached to each other; an upper blade disposed on the upper jaw; a lower blade disposed on the lower tapered jaw section; and wherein said upper and lower blades form cutting shears configured to cross each other in a scissor action between an open and closed positon where the bifurcated tip portion engages the flat section in the closed position.",
    "2. The zipper repair tool of claim 1, wherein said distal end of said lower tapered jaw section opposing said bifurcated tip portion of said upper jaw comprises a planar surface forward of said lower blade of said lower tapered jaw section.",
    "3. The zipper repair tool of claim 1, further comprising a compartment door, the compartment door being hingedly attached to the proximal end compartment and configured to cover the first plurality of sunken sections and the second plurality of sunken sections of the proximal end compartment.",
    "4. The zipper repair tool of claim 1, wherein the closed position includes the bifurcated tip portion of the upper jaw resting flush against the flat section of the lower tapered jaw section."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "Field of the Invention\n\nThe 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.\n\nZippers 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.\n\nA 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.\n\nZippers 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.",
  "cpc": [
    "A44B 19/00",
    "B25B 7/00",
    "B25B 7/02",
    "B26B 17/00",
    "Y10T 29/5101"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "A44B 19/00",
    "B25B 7/00",
    "B25B 7/02",
    "B26B 17/00"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Belinda Dhubb"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2013-10-21",
  "publication_date": "2017-06-27",
  "grant_date": "2017-06-27",
  "priority_date": "2012-10-24",
  "application_number": "US-201314058351-A",
  "family_id": "50484006",
  "cited_by_count": 2,
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}