The story of the zipper begins when Elias Howe, inventor of the sewing machine, received a patent in August 1851 for an "Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure." It didn't go much further beyond that, though, until 1893 when inventor Whitcomb Judson marketed a "Clasp Locker" device similar to the system described in the 1851 Howe patent, and eventually Whitcomb got credit for being the "inventor of the zipper." My tie looks rather ordinary but it has the special feature of zipping up!
My tie may appear to be very ordinary, but it contains a nice secret -- it is one of two "zipper" ties in my collection! Today (20 March) is the 106th anniversary of the patent awarded to Gideon Sundback for the "Separable Fastener." Today is also special as Sweater Day, honoring the birthday of Fred Rogers (1928-2003). My cardigan has buttons -- the ones he wore on Mister Rogers Neighborhood had zippers!
Happy Spring! And Happy Zipper Patent Day! Gideon Sundback (1880-1954), a Swedish-American electrical engineer, is most commonly associated with his work in the development of the zipper. He received a patent for the "separable fastener" on 20 March 1917. My striped tie is special because it is zippered, not tied! Today is Sweater Day, and "Won't You Be My Neighbor Day," honoring the birthday of Fred Rogers (1928-2003).
Gideon Sundback (1880-1954) was a Swedish-American electrical engineer, who is most commonly associated with his work in the development of the zipper. He received a patent for the "separable fasterner" on 20 March 1917. My striped tie is special because it is zippered, not tied! Also I am wearing a cardigan to celebrate Sweater Day, honoring the birthday (on 20 March) of "Mister" Fred Rogers (1928-2003). The history of the cardigan sweater is interesting!
