Zipper - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.

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A zipper, zip, fly, or zip fastener, formerly known as a clasp locker, is a commonly used device for
binding the edges of an opening of fabric or other flexible material, like on a garment or a bag.[1] It is used
in clothing (e.g., jackets and jeans), luggage and other bags, sporting goods, camping gear (e.g. tents and
sleeping bags), and other items. Whitcomb L. Judson was an American inventor from Chicago who invented
and constructed a workable zipper.[2] The method, still in use today, is based on interlocking teeth. Initially, it
was called the hookless fastener and was later redesigned to become more reliable.[3]

The bulk of a zipper/zip consists of two rows of protruding teeth, which may be made to interdigitate, linking
the rows,[4] carrying from tens to hundreds of specially shaped metal or plastic teeth. These teeth can be either
individual or shaped from a continuous coil, and are also referred to as elements.[5] The slider, operated by
hand, moves along the rows of teeth. Inside the slider is a Y-shaped channel that meshes together or separates
the opposing rows of teeth, depending on the direction of the slider's movement. The word Zipper is
onomatopoetic, because it was named for the sound the device makes when used, a high-pitched zip.

In many jackets and similar garments, the opening is closed completely when the slider is at the top end.
Some jackets have double-separating zippers with two sliders on the tape. When the sliders are on opposite
ends of the tape then the jacket is closed. If the lower slider is raised then the bottom part of the jacket may be
opened to allow more comfortable sitting or bicycling. When both sliders are lowered then the zipper may be
totally separated.

Bags, suitcases and other pieces of luggage also often feature two sliders on the tape: the part of the zipper
between them is unfastened. When the two sliders are located next to each other, which can be at any point
along the tape, the zipper is fully closed.

Zippers may

increase or decrease the size of an opening to allow or restrict the passage of objects, as in the fly of
trousers or in a pocket.
join or separate two ends or sides of a single garment, as in the front of a jacket, or on the front, back or
side of a dress or skirt to facilitate dressing.
attach or detach a separable part of the garment to or from another, as in the conversion between trousers
and shorts or the connection or disconnection of a hood and a coat.
attach or detach a small pouch or bag to or from a larger one. One example of this is military rucksacks
which have smaller pouches or bags attached on the sides using one or two zippers.
be used to decorate an item.

These variations are achieved by sewing one end of the zipper together, sewing both ends together, or allowing
both ends of the zipper to fall completely apart.

A zipper costs relatively little, but if it fails, the garment may be unusable until the zipper is repaired or replaced
which can be quite difficult and expensive. Problems often lie with the zipper slider; when it becomes worn it
does not properly align and join the alternating teeth. With separating zippers, the insertion pin may tear loose
from the tape; the tape may even disintegrate from use. If a zipper fails, it can either jam (i.e. get stuck) or
partially break off.

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