FASTENER FOR FIREFIGHTER TURNOUT GEAR

摘要

A zipper type fastener for protective clothing, such as a firefighter or first responder turnout jacket is disclosed. One or more open ends of the zipper may be connected to the protective clothing by a zipper extender that creates a grip area to allow a user to more easily grasp the zipper end component(s) and fasten the zipper.

主权项

1. A fastener for a protective garment, comprising:
a first zipper element connected to a first garment panel having a first closure edge, the first zipper element including a first length of teeth and having a first open-ended engagement end that includes an insertion pin, the first length of teeth separated from the first closure edge by a first separation distance; a second zipper element connected to a second garment panel having a second closure edge, the second zipper including a second length of teeth and having a second open-ended engagement end, the second length of teeth separated from the second closure edge by a second separation distance; a slider constructed and arranged to receive the insertion pin and to urge the first length of teeth and the second length of teeth into engagement with one another as the slider is moved along the second length of teeth away from the insertion pin; and wherein at least one of the first separation distance and the second separation distance is greater at the first open-ended engagement end and the second open-ended engagement end, respectively, than at points further away from the first open-ended engagement end and the second open-ended engagement end, respectively, to provide a grip area.