Dual button and zipper assist device

Abstract

A dual button and zipper assist device and a method for using the device for facilitating the processes of buttoning or zipping is described. In a preferred embodiment the button assist device is an independent element having a unitary body formed of preferably metal with a button hook and a connected open handle.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A button/zipper assist device for manipulating buttons and operating zippers comprising: 
 (a) an open-looped zipper component used for engaging zipper tabs and button tabs; and    (b) an onblongly looped button component used for engaging buttons;    (c) said zipper component and said button component joined together by a connector component, thereby providing assistance for buttoning and zipping functions performed by a user.    
     
     
         2 . The button/zipper assist device according to  claim 1  where the device is unitary.  
     
     
         3 . The button/zipper assist device according to  claim 1  wherein the device is segmented.  
     
     
         4 . The button/zipper assist device according to  claim 1  wherein the material composing the button component of the device is selected from the group consisting of metals, plastics, woods, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         5 . The button/zipper assist device according to  claim 1  wherein the material composing the button component of the device is selected from the group consisting of metals, plastics, woods, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         6 . The button/zipper assist device according to  claim 1  wherein the material composing the connector component of the device is selected from the group consisting of metals, plastics, woods, cork, stone and a combination thereof.  
     
     
         7 . The button/zipper assist device according to  claim 3  wherein the connector component of the device is semi-malleable and deforms under pressure from the user's fingers.  
     
     
         8 . The button/zipper assist device according to  claim 3  wherein the connector component of the device is made of cork.  
     
     
         9 . The button/zipper assist device according to  claim 3  wherein the connector component of the device has finger grooves.  
     
     
         10 . The button/zipper assist device according to  claim 9  wherein the finger grooves have rubber comfort points.  
     
     
         11 . The button/zipper assist device according to  claim 3  wherein the connector component contains an aperture.  
     
     
         12 . A method for using a button/zipper assist device comprising the following steps: 
 (a) providing a button and a button/zipper assist device having a connector component having an oblongly looped button component affixed to a first end of the device and an open-looped zipper component affixed to a second end of the device;    (b) providing providing a button and a corresponding button hole;    (c) inserting a finger in he substantially bent component of the zipper component of a button zipper assist device;    (d) inserting the button component through a button hole;    (e) engaging a button using the button component;    (f) pulling the button through a button hole; and    (g) disengaging the button to complete the buttoning process.    
     
     
         13 . A method for using a button/zipper assist device comprising the following steps: 
 (a) providing a button and a button/zipper assist device having a connector component having an oblongly looped button component affixed to a first end of the device and an open-looped zipper component affixed to a second end of the device; providing a zipper tab connected to a zipper head connected to a zipper;    (b) inserting a finger through the oblongly looped button component which serves a handle    (c) engaging the zipper tab by inserting the open-looped zipper component through a hole in the tab of a zipper    (d) applying a force such as to move the zipper head connected to the zipper tab such as to open or close a zipper, and    (e) releasing the zipper tab by removing the open-looped zipper component from the zipper tab hole.    
     
     
         14 . A method for using a button/zipper assist device comprising the following steps: 
 (a) providing a button and a button/zipper assist device having a connector component having an oblongly looped button component affixed to a first end of the device and an open-looped zipper component affixed to a second end of the device;    (b) providing a zipper tab connected to a zipper head connected to a zipper;    (c) using the connector component as a handle;    (d) holding the connector component of a button/zipper assist device with at least two fingers;    (e) engaging a zipper tab by inserting the open-looped zipper component through a hole in the tab of the zipper;    (f) applying a force such as to move the zipper head connected to the zipper tab such as to open or close the zipper.