Waterproof Magnetic Zipper Stop That Snaps the Two Halves Together

The problem

A separating zipper - the kind on jackets, hoodies and sleeping bags - starts at a bottom stop made of a box on one tape and a pin on the other. The pin must be threaded into the box by hand before the slider can move. With cold fingers, gloves or one hand busy, this is the most annoying step of putting on a coat. Magnetic stops help, but an exposed magnet corrodes in rain, sweat and the washing machine.

The solution

The patent makes both halves of the stop magnetic and keeps the magnets dry:

1. The box half (1) is fixed to the first zipper tape (3); the pin half (2) to the second tape (4).
2. Each half is built from three parts: a fastener (11 / 21) that grips the tape, a magnet (12 / 22) and a round housing (13 / 23).
3. The magnet is placed in the housing’s cavity and the fastener is joined to the housing by ultrasonic welding. The housing walls are closed, and a sealing curved surface at the joint seals the cavity along its axis - the magnet is fully enclosed.
4. When the halves come close, the magnets attract and pull them into place.
5. An arm on the pin housing slides into a through groove in the box housing, and an insert block (2111) on the pin fastener drops into a slot (1111) in the box fastener. Together they form a firm stop.

Who it is for

• Outerwear and sportswear brands that want an easy-start zipper on jackets, ski wear, rain shells and kids’ coats, where gloves and small hands make threading hard.
• Adaptive-clothing companies designing garments for people with limited hand dexterity, arthritis or one-handed use.
• Zipper and trim distributors supplying garment factories that want a magnetic stop which survives laundering.
• Bag and outdoor-gear makers using separating zippers on sleeping bags, tent doors and detachable bag panels.

How it works

The main parts

Using it

1. Bring the pin near the box - the magnets pull the two halves together and line them up.
2. The stop locks - the arm enters the groove and the insert enters the slot.
3. Pull the slider up as with any zipper.
4. To open, run the slider to the bottom and pull the halves apart sideways against the magnets.

Applications

Kids’ jackets and school coats

Children can close their own coats without threading the pin - a strong selling point for parents and schools.

Ski, snowboard and winter work wear

Zips start with gloves on; the sealed magnets cope with snow and wet.

Rain shells and running jackets

Wet weather and frequent washing are exactly where an exposed magnet would rust.

Adaptive clothing

One-handed closing helps people with limited dexterity, a single usable hand or tremor.

Sleeping bags and outdoor gear

Separating zippers on sleeping bags and tent doors are often used in the dark; magnetic alignment helps.

Where it is less suitable

• Heavy-duty or high-tension zippers - very wide metal zippers on workwear or luggage may need a stronger mechanical stop.
• Medical-imaging environments - garments with magnets are not suitable for MRI settings.
• Lowest-cost basics - magnets and welding add cost over a standard plastic stop.