Zippers or zips are commonly used devices for temporarily joining two edges of fabric. They are mostly used on garments but their function is more universal (on rucksacks, suitcases, sport equipments, camping tools.
Zipper consists of three parts - zipper and two strips of fabric tape, each affixed to one of the two pieces to be joined, carrying from tens to hundreds of specially shaped metal or plastic teeth. Teeth are bent at their end, which makes them firmer.
Ancestor of modern zipper was patented as an Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure in the U.S.A. in 1851. This invention couldn´t be utilized in practical use and that´s why it has been never introduced on market. Whitcomb L. Judson patented similar device, known as Clasp Locker for quicker fastening of shoes (1891). Really modern zippers have been appearing sice 1913 (patented 1917) and their creator was Gideon Sundback.
