{
  "patent_number": "US 1219881",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How Gideon Sundback Invented the Modern Zipper",
  "original_title": "Separable fastener.",
  "summary": "The 1917 patent for the separable fastener that perfected the design of the modern zipper using interlocking teeth on two flexible tapes.",
  "what_it_does": "This patent describes a mechanism for joining two edges of fabric using a series of interlocking teeth mounted on flexible tapes. The device uses a sliding cam, or slider, to force the teeth together when moving in one direction and to pry them apart when moving in the other. By alternating the position of the teeth and using a specific spring-loaded locking mechanism, the fastener ensures that the teeth remain securely engaged even when under tension.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover non-interlocking fasteners like buttons, hooks, or snaps.",
    "Does not cover magnetic or adhesive-based fastening systems.",
    "Does not cover zippers that use continuous coils instead of individual metal teeth."
  ],
  "filed": "1914-08-27",
  "granted": "1917-03-20",
  "expires": "1934-08-27",
  "status": "expired",
  "holder": "Hookless Fastener Co",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/hookless-fastener-co",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Gideon Sundback",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/gideon-sundback"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 14,
  "tags": [
    "mechanical",
    "consumer_electronics"
  ],
  "abstract": null,
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/1219881/zipper-separable-fastener",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/1219881/zipper-separable-fastener/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US1219881",
  "relatedPatents": [
    {
      "patentNumber": "139121",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "How Levi Strauss Invented the Copper-Riveted Jean Pocket",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/139121/blue-jeans-riveted-levi-strauss"
    },
    {
      "patentNumber": "775134",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "How King Gillette Invented the Modern Disposable Safety Razor",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/775134/safety-razor-gillette"
    },
    {
      "patentNumber": "3349949",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "The Invention of the Modern Soda Can Pull-Tab",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3349949/pull-tab-pop-top-can"
    },
    {
      "patentNumber": "4750",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "How Elias Howe Invented the Modern Lockstitch Sewing Machine",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4750/sewing-machine-howe"
    },
    {
      "patentNumber": "1721530",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "How Jacob Schick Invented the Modern Magazine-Loading Safety Razor",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/1721530/schick-repeating-razor"
    }
  ]
}