Zipper pull extender

• US 8,677,574 B1
• Filed: 07/20/2011
• Issued: 03/25/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 07/20/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Judy Thiessen, Ken Thiessen
• Original Assignee: Judy Thiessen, Ken Thiessen
• Inventors: Thiessen, Ken, Thiessen, Judy
• Primary Examiner(s): Sandy, Robert J
• Assistant Examiner(s): UPCHURCH, DAVID M
• Application Number:
  US13/186,887
• Time in Patent Office: 979 Days
• Field of Search: 244/29, 247/041, 294/3.6
• US Class Current: 24/429
• CPC Class Codes: A44B 19/262 Pull members; Ornamental attachments for sliders
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/2586 including pull tab attaching means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/50 Readily interlocking, two-part fastener requiring either destructive or tool disengagement

Abstract

A zipper pull extender to assist a user in gripping and operating zippers on clothing includes a durable sleeve body which slides over an existing zipper pull tab. A hollow interior portion of the body includes a spring with a hooked end which engages a zipper pull aperture when slid over the zipper pull tab. The sleeve also includes a small detachment aperture for receiving a removal tool. When inserted into the tool aperture, the tool presses against the spring to disengage the hooked end from the zipper pull aperture for removal of the zipper.

Claims

1. A zipper pull extender system comprising:

a generally rectangular body having a first end and an opposed second end, said body comprising a front surface and an opposed rear surface defining a hollow interior, said rear surface being parallel to said front surface;

an engaging aperture disposed at said second end of said body, said engaging aperture being defined by an opening between said front surface and said rear surface and configured to receive a pull tab of a zipper fastener within said interior;

a retaining spring having an end affixed to said front surface within said hollow interior proximate said first end of said body and a free end extending proximate said second end of said body, said retaining spring being parallel to said rear surface and configured to releasably engage said pull tab upon insertion of said pull tab into said hollow interior;

a tool aperture disposed through said rear surface of said body between said first end and said second end, said tool aperture being configured to provide access to said spring; and

,

a removal tool configured to be received by said tool aperture to deflect said spring and disengage said spring from said pull tab.

2. The zipper pull extender system of claim 1, wherein said spring comprises a hook proximate said free end;

wherein said hook extends toward said rear surface and is configured to be received by a zipper aperture disposed through said pull tab.

3. The zipper pull extender system of claim 2, wherein said hook comprises a downwardly angled protrusion directed toward said rear surface.

4. The zipper pull extender system of claim 1, wherein said removal tool further comprises:

a generally cylindrical pin suitably sized for insertion through said tool aperture; and

,

a handle affixed to an end of said pin.

5. The zipper pull extender system of claim 1, wherein said hollow interior is suitably sized to receive an entirety of said pull tab of a zipper fastener.

6. A zipper pull extender system comprising:

a generally rectangular body having a first end and an opposed second end, said body comprising a front surface, a spaced apart parallel rear surface, and a pair of opposing sidewalls defining a hollow interior;

an engaging aperture disposed at said second end of said body, said engaging aperture being defined by an opening between said front surface, said rear surface, and said opposing sidewall, said engaging aperture being configured to receive a pull tab of a zipper fastener within said hollow interior;

a retaining spring having an end affixed to an interior of said front surface within said hollow interior proximate said first end of said body and an opposed free end extending proximate said second end of said body, said retaining spring being parallel to said rear surface and configured to releasably engage said pull tab upon insertion of said pull tab into said hollow interior;

a separate tool aperture disposed through a said rear surface of said body between said first end and said second end, said tool aperture being configured to provide access to said spring; and

,

a removal tool configured to be received by said tool aperture to deflect said spring and disengage said spring from said pull tab.

7. The zipper pull extender system of claim 6, wherein said removal tool further comprises:

a generally cylindrical pin suitably sized for insertion through said tool aperture; and

,

a handle affixed to an end of said pin.

8. The zipper pull extender system of claim 7, wherein free end of said spring comprises a hook;

wherein said hook extends toward said rear surface and is configured to be received by a zipper aperture disposed through said pull tab.

9. The zipper pull extender system of claim 8, wherein said hook comprises a downwardly angled protrusion proximate directed toward said rear surface proximate said tool aperture.

10. The zipper pull extender system of claim 9, wherein said hollow interior is suitably sized to receive an entirety of said pull tab of a zipper fastener.