90. The Zipper

This next invention is every important to mankind. It freed men and women (mostly women) from laces, and multiple buttons. The zipper has given a new release on how dressing (and undressing) is performed in the morning, evening, and night. It also allows to keep things in rather than out. 

The zipper can be found on shoes, shirts, pants, jackets, camping tents, couches, and chairs. They main job is to keep fabrics and plastics close with dignity and keeping clothes on taut. Before the zipper, men, women, and children relied on laces, and cords to keep clothing closed. Not only were laces and cords used, buckles and buttons were used on clothing as fasteners. One important contribution from buttons is the name “coppers”, which is slag for policeman. The reason police are still called “coppers” is because of the copper buttons found on English Bobby's wore on their uniforms. 

Howe's design, 1851

The zipper, developed by Elias Howe (the inventor of the sowing machine) in 1851, which he called The Automatic Clothing Closure. it revolutionized the clothing industry giving tailors and hairdressers another option for fastening clothing and other textile items which benefited from the new fastener. Howes deign was much different from the the modern zipper, the concept was the same: being able to close clothes without effort. His design was composed of small clasps that came together with a small string that gave the fabric a gathered look. He didn't develop it any further than this simple design. 

Judson's Design, 1893

40 years later the inventor, Whitcomb L. Judson developed a clasp and hook that was used for shoes. 

Judson's design, 1893

It wasn't until Gideon Sundback developed a hook and oval with interlocking teeth in 1913, that protruded from type that was made of a heavy fabric given it strength to be easily sown into fabric.  It wasn't until 1917, that he developed the eye hook concept with small metal teeth. His last design is what we know today.  

Sundback design, 1917

Sundback design, 1913

The zipper can be made of a heavy plastic or of metal. The concept of the zipper is so simple, its a wonder that it had not been developed before 1851. Each side of the zipper is composed of a metal teeth with interlocks by a simple dimple and tooth that is closed and open by a key that forces both sides together. 

The dangers of the zipper is getting “the boys” zipped up in it for men, and women getting hair caught. An embarrassing aspect of the zipper is standing in front of a crowded room with your zipper down. 

The zipper is on the list at number 90.