Combination buttonhook and zipper puller

Abstract

A combination buttonhook and zipper puller having a tapered elongated portion can be inserted in buttonholes of different sizes to grasp buttons of different sizes for buttoning. A discontinuity in the outer periphery of the invention permits the tapered elongated portion to be formed in the shape of a hook for inserting into a zipper handle for raising or lowering a zipper.

1 . A combination buttonhook and zipper puller comprising: 
 a grasping ring;    an elongate portion having a periphery and being joined to said grasping ring;    said periphery of said elongate portion being formed of two corresponding and opposing strands;    one of said corresponding and opposing strands being shorter in length and extending part of the length of said elongate portion and having a terminus;    one of said corresponding and opposing strands being longer in length and extending the full length of said elongate portion to form an end portion and further extending from said end portion and having a terminus at a point near said terminus of said shorter corresponding and opposing strand;    said two corresponding and opposing strands being releasably joined near their said respective termini;    said periphery formed by said corresponding and opposing strands being tapered toward said end portion.    
   
   
       2 . The combination buttonhook and zipper puller of  claim 1  further comprising said grasping ring having an opening of sufficient dimension for a human digit to extend therethrough.  
   
   
       3 . The combination buttonhook and zipper puller of  claim 2  further comprising said grasping ring having an oval shape.  
   
   
       4 . The combination buttonhook and zipper puller of  claim 2  further comprising one or more internal supporting members.  
   
   
       5 . The combination buttonhook and zipper puller of  claim 2  wherein said grasping ring further comprises a holder for releasably retaining accessories upon said grasping ring.  
   
   
       6 . The combination buttonhook and zipper puller of  claim 2  wherein said corresponding and opposing strands comprise a first and second strand, the terminus of said first strand further comprising a seating channel; 
 said seating channel releasably receiving the terminus of said second strand such that, when said first and second strands are connected, said periphery of said elongate portion is smooth and continuous, and when said strands are not connected, said periphery forms a discontinuous opening between the termini of said first and second strands.    
   
   
       7 . The combination buttonhook and zipper puller of  claim 6  wherein, when said grasping ring is in a relaxed state, said terminus of said first strand is spaced apart from said terminus of said second strand, and when said termini of said first and second strands are connected, said grasping ring is in a state of tension.  
   
   
       8 . The combination buttonhook and zipper puller of  claim 7  further comprising said seating channel at said terminus of said first strand forming an arcuate surface having a partial circumference of not more than approximately 190 degrees, said seating channel receiving said terminus of said second strand and holding said terminus against tension applied by said grasping ring.  
   
   
       9 . The combination buttonhook and zipper puller of  claim 8  further comprising said terminus of said second strand having a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of said arcuate surface of said seating channel.  
   
   
       10 . A combination buttonhook and zipper puller comprising 
 a grasping portion and an elongated portion,    said grasping portion having an opening of sufficient size to receive a human digit,    said elongated portion having a periphery formed by two segments of a filament,    said segments being tapered and one of said segments forming a rounded end,    said segments being releasably joined near said rounded end such that, when said filaments are joined, said periphery forms a smooth, continuous surface, and when said filaments are not joined, said periphery becomes discontinuous and the portion of said filament segment comprising said rounded end forms a hook,    said grasping portion being deformable and resilient such that said segments of said filament may be joined and released when pressure is applied at opposite sides of said elongated portion.