THE ZIPPER
The interaction we studied is zipping up and the problems this brings upon. Zippers are part of
our day life and not only during winter. We have zippers in jackets, bags, sweaters, boots or even
For that reason, we are going to give a brief introduction history of the ziipper.
- In 1893 Whitcomb Judson was recognized as the inventor of the zipper. However, at this time it was known as the “clasp locker” which was a complicated hook-and-eye shoe fastener. - Gideon Sundback, an electrical engineer, was hired to work for the Universal Fastener Company and was responsible for improving the 'Judson C-curity Fastener.' Therefore, Sundback designed the modern zipper in 1913. He increased the number of fastening elements from four per inch to ten or eleven and had two rows of teeth that could be pulled into a single piece by the slider. This was called the 'Separable Fastener' and the patent was issued in 1917. Furthermore, he also created manufacturing machine for this zipper and began making a few hundred feet of
- The name “zipper” came from the B. F. Goodrich Company
Types
The interaction we studied is zipping up and the problems this brings upon. Zippers are part of
our day life and not only during winter. We have zippers in jackets, bags, sweaters, boots or even
tents.
For that reason, we are going to give a brief introduction history of the ziipper.
History of the Zipper
- In 1893 Whitcomb Judson was recognized as the inventor of the zipper. However, at this time it was known as the “clasp locker” which was a complicated hook-and-eye shoe fastener. - Gideon Sundback, an electrical engineer, was hired to work for the Universal Fastener Company and was responsible for improving the 'Judson C-curity Fastener.' Therefore, Sundback designed the modern zipper in 1913. He increased the number of fastening elements from four per inch to ten or eleven and had two rows of teeth that could be pulled into a single piece by the slider. This was called the 'Separable Fastener' and the patent was issued in 1917. Furthermore, he also created manufacturing machine for this zipper and began making a few hundred feet of
fastener per day within the first year of operation.
- The name “zipper” came from the B. F. Goodrich Company
Types
Coil
- form the bulk of zipper sales
- Two basic types of coils are used: spiral and ladder
Invisible
Invisible
- the zippers' teeth are behind the tape and the tape and sliders colour matches the garments
Metallic
Metallic
– classic zipper
- The teeth are individual pieces of metal set on the zipper
- mostly found on jeans
Plastic-molded
- identical to metallic
- teeth are plastic instead of metal
- can be made in any color of plastic
Open-ended
- uses a "box and pin" mechanism to lock the two sides of the zipper into place
- often seen on jackets
Closed-ended
- closed at both ends
- often used in baggage
Problems with the Zipper
- Zippers getting jammed
- Fabric getting caught in the teeth causing it to be stock
- Hair getting caught in the zipper
- others have issues getting the zipper started on the track (putting the edges together).
There is a huge problem that we saw on each person: zippers need two hands to be done, without them you can struggle for minutes before you get to put the ends together.
There is a huge problem that we saw on each person: zippers need two hands to be done, without them you can struggle for minutes before you get to put the ends together.
How did zippers become popular?
- Zippers were featured in a 1930’s sales campaign where they were praised for promoting self-
- Zippers were featured in a 1930’s sales campaign where they were praised for promoting self-
reliance in children by making it possible for them to dress themselves in “self-help clothing”.
- In 1937 the zipper beat the button due to the support of French fashion designers in men’s
trousers
- Esquire magazine stated that the sipper was the “Newest Tailoring Idea for Men” and that it
would prevent any embaressing
Zipping up is pretty simple:
Zipping up is pretty simple:
Alternatives of the Zipper
Buckle, button, rack and pinion, safety pin, shoelace, snap fasteners, velcro
Pros & Cons taken from our observations
pros
- can prevent cold air from entering
- strong
- can be easier to do up than some of the alternatives
- many variations available
cons
- can jam a lot
- teeth can break
- hair may get stuck in the teeth
- fabric behind zipper may get stuck in teeth.
Conclusion
-Based on our observations, girls actually wore more zippers than guys, in a ratio of 4:1
-People had a very hard time trying to use a zipper with one hand.
-23% of people observed did not get “ziped up” on the first try.
-Zippers on bags, are typically coiled where it is a stronger zipper.
Note: due to an uploading problem, the video and the flow chart are in the power point presentations, unfortunally we were unable to upload it here.
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