The history of the zipper
In 1893, millions of people flocked to the World Fair in
Chicago. One of the items on display was the world's first patented zipper
and the machine used to manufacture it. The inventor, Whitcomb L. Judson,
called it the "clasp-locker". It was a complicated hook-and-eye
fastener.
Whitcomb launched the
Universal Fastener Company to manufacture this new device. The company
hired an electrical engineer who modified the original design. Gideon
Sundback renamed it the "separable fastener" in 1917. This device could be
used on shoes, clothing, leather goods and luggage for the convenience of
fastening with a single zip of the hand.
The term "zipper" was
used in 1923 when it became a household name. Today it is hard to imagine
life without the humble zip.
Yoshida Company Limited
is the largest zipper manufacturer in the world. The familiar initials YKK
on the zippers come from the owners name Mr. Yoshida Kogyo Kabushiki
Kaisha (or YKK for short). This Japanese company produces 200 miles of
zippers each day in 1,500 styles in 427 standard colors.
Care of
Zipper
The structure of a
zipper is the same as that of a precision instrument. Well cared for
zippers may outlast the rest of the bag. Here are a few tips on proper
care and usage that will ensure smooth gliding.
-
Make sure the
zipper is completely open before using the compartment.
-
This avoids
excessive force while taking something out or even putting an item
in.
-
Do not forcibly try
to close the zipper of a full bag. The stress may damage the
teeth.
-
If the zipper does
not move properly, apply a lubricant to the teeth and then move
the slider up & down a few
times.