Low Profile Insect-Proof Closure for an Encasement

Abstract

A low-profile insect-proof closure is provided for an encasement of insect-impervious fabric. A zipper is provided for closing an opening in the encasement. The zipper is stitched to the encasement and has a zipper head, and a zipper track on a fabric zipper belt. A fabric backing panel is stitched to the encasement behind the zipper at a closure zone of the zipper. A finger-shaped insert is provided attached to the fabric backing panel. The insert, which is made of compressible elastomer, is arranged so as to physically block or apply pressure to the zipper head to keep the zipper head in closed position when the encasement is on the mattress. The insert has a width no greater than the width of the zipper belt and a thickness less than about 10 millimeters.

1 . A low-profile insect-proof closure for an encasement of insect-impervious fabric, the closure comprising:
 a zipper for closing an opening in the encasement, the zipper being stitched to the encasement and having a zipper head, and a zipper track on a fabric zipper belt, the zipper having a terminal end where the zipper track is approximately fully closed by the zipper head;   a fabric backing panel stitched to the encasement behind the zipper within a closure zone surrounding the terminal end; and   a finger-shaped insert made of compressible elastomer attached to the fabric backing panel and arranged within the closure zone but spaced away from the terminal end, such that the zipper head can be zipped to a position beyond the insert, wherein the insert acts to physically block the zipper head to keep the zipper head in closed position at the terminal end when the encasement is positioned on an article; the insert having a width no greater than the width of the zipper belt and a thickness less than about 10 millimeters.   
     
     
         2 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomer is thermoplastic rubber. 
     
     
         3 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the insert has a sloped approach. 
     
     
         4 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the insert has a textured or ridged upper surface. 
     
     
         5 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the insert has a non-snag surface. 
     
     
         6 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the insert has at least one rounded edge. 
     
     
         7 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the insert has a domed cross-section. 
     
     
         8 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the insert has a width less than about 20 millimeters. 
     
     
         9 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the insert has a length less than about 10 centimeters. 
     
     
         10 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is sized to fit between seams on the zipper belt. 
     
     
         11 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the zipper head has a cord loop, and the encasement has a button behind a stitch line of the closure zone, the loop attachable to the button to retain the zipper head in closed position. 
     
     
         12 . The closure of  claim 11 , wherein the cord loop is of an elastic cord, the loop being sized to stretch to fit over the button for secure closure.