Zipper assist device

Abstract

A zipper-assist device and methods for using the device for facilitating the process of zippering is described. In a preferred embodiment the zipper-assist device is a two-pronged device with a body part, a finger component, and at least one prong. The zipper-assist device is used to engage a zipper tab/flap or zipper head to open or close a zipper.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A zipper-assist device for manipulating a zipper having a zipper head and zipper tab connected to said zipper head, the zipper-assist device comprising: 
 (a) a substantially flat and rectangular body with a front and back end as well as right and left sides;    (b) at least one prong joined to the front end of the body used to engage the zipper head or zipper tab;    (c) and a finger component joined to the body for placement of one or more fingers.    
     
     
         2 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 3  wherein the slider has a spacer joined to said slider in order to lift the slider from the clothing or zipper.  
     
     
         3 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 1  wherein the device is composed of metal.  
     
     
         4 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 1  wherein the components of the device are composed of a combination of materials including metals and plastics.  
     
     
         5 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 1  wherein the body forms a compartment housing a slider used to help the device glide smoothly along the surface being opened or closed by the zipper.  
     
     
         6 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 7  wherein the slider has a spacer joined to said slider in order to lift the slider from the clothing or zipper.  
     
     
         7 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 1  wherein the finger component is ergonomic and fashioned to fit a finger including the thumb.  
     
     
         8 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 7  wherein the finger component is rotatable about a pivot point.  
     
     
         9 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 1  wherein the device has two prongs joined to the front end of the body spaced apart such as to engage a zipper head.  
     
     
         10 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 9  wherein the body forms a compartment housing a slider used to help the device glide smoothly along the surface being opened or closed by the zipper.  
     
     
         11 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 9  wherein the device is composed of metal.  
     
     
         12 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 9  wherein the device is composed of a combination of materials including metals and plastics.  
     
     
         13 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 9  wherein the body forms a compartment housing a slider used to help the device glide smoothly along the surface being opened or closed by the zipper.  
     
     
         14 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 13  wherein the slider has a spacer joined to said slider in order to lift the slider from the clothing or zipper.  
     
     
         15 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 9  wherein the finger component is ergonomic and fashioned to fit a finger including the thumb.  
     
     
         16 . The zipper-assist device according to  claim 15  wherein the finger component is rotatable about a pivot point.  
     
     
         17 . A method for using a zipper-assist device comprising the following steps: 
 (a) providing a zipper with zipper tab and zipper head;    (b) providing a zipper-assist device;    (c) placing a prong of the zipper through a hole in a zipper tab;    (d) placing a first finger in a fixed finger component;    (e) applying pressure to the finger component to move the zipper-assist to open or close a zipper.    
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17  wherein the finger component is rotatable.  
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 17  wherein a second finger is placed on the finger component opposed to the first finger.  
     
     
         20 . A method for using a zipper-assist device comprising the following steps: 
 (a) providing a zipper with zipper tab and zipper head;    (b) providing a zipper-assist device;    (c) placing a zipper head in between two prongs of the zipper-assist device;    (d) placing a first finger in a fixed finger component;    (e) applying pressure to the finger component to move the zipper-assist to open or close a zipper.    
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 20  wherein the finger component is rotatable.  
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 20  wherein a second finger is placed on the finger component opposed to the first finger.