Zipper profile closing tool

Abstract

The disclosure relates to hand held closing tool for a zipper, typically but not necessary a double zipper, on a reclosable package or bag. The tool is used to manually close, and possibly lock the zipper. This may be used with vacuum or other bags. Various embodiments are disclosed including a pliers-type embodiment, a box-type embodiment and a book-type embodiment.

1 . A zipper closing tool comprising:
 first tool portion with a first end forming a first handle portion and a second end forming a first zipper engaging portion;   a second tool portion with a first end forming a second handle portion and a second end forming a second zipper engaging portion;   a pivot between the first tool portion and the second tool portion whereby moving the first handle portion toward the second handle portions resulting in movement of the first zipper engaging portion toward the second zipper engaging portion;   the first zipper engaging portion including first and second rollers; and   the second zipper engaging portion including third and fourth rollers.   
     
     
         2 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 1  wherein the pivot point is formed at a location between the first handle portion and the first tool portion and between the second handle portion and the second tool portion. 
     
     
         3 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 2  wherein a reciprocating pliers configuration is achieved. 
     
     
         4 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 3  wherein the pivot is achieved by passing a bolt through apertures in the first and second tool portions. 
     
     
         5 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 1  wherein the first and second rollers are journaled for rotation about respective first and second axes, wherein the first and second axes are parallel to each other. 
     
     
         6 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 2  wherein the third and fourth rollers are journaled for rotation about respective third and fourth axes, wherein the third and fourth axes are parallel to each other. 
     
     
         7 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 6  wherein the first and third rollers are opposed with respect to each other, and the second and fourth roller are opposed with respect to each other. 
     
     
         8 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 7  wherein the first, second, third and fourth rollers include channels for engaging a zipper. 
     
     
         9 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 8  wherein the first, second, third and fourth rollers include a channel for engaging a guide protrusion formed proximate to a zipper. 
     
     
         10 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 7  further including a biasing device for urging the first zipper engaging portion away from the second zipper engaging portion in the absence of force on the first and second handle portions. 
     
     
         11 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 10  wherein the biasing device is a coil spring with a first end engaging the first zipper engaging portion and a second end engaging the second zipper engaging portion. 
     
     
         12 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 11  further including a set screw passing through one of the zipper engaging portions for maintaining a minimum separation between the first and second zipper engaging portions. 
     
     
         13 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 11  wherein the first tool portion includes a first offset portion between the first handle portion and the first zipper engaging portion and the second tool portion includes a second offset portion between the second handle portion and the second zipper engaging portion. 
     
     
         14 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 13  further including a coil spring with a first end engaging the first offset portion and a second end engaging the second offset portion for urging the first zipper engaging portion away from the second zipper engaging portion in the absence of force on the first and second handle portions. 
     
     
         15 . A zipper closing tool comprising:
 a body with first and second rollers journaled for rotation about respective first and second axes which are parallel to each other;   a frame with third and fourth rollers journaled for rotation about respective third and fourth axes which are parallel to each other; and   wherein the frame is pivoted about a fifth axis on the body.   
     
     
         16 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 15  wherein the first and third rollers are opposed with respect to each other, and the second and fourth roller are opposed with respect to each other. 
     
     
         17 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 16  wherein the first, second, third and fourth rollers include channels for engaging a zipper. 
     
     
         18 . A zipper closing tool comprising:
 a first panel with first and second rollers journaled for rotation about respective first and second axes which are parallel to each other;   a second panel with third and fourth rollers journaled for rotation about respective third and fourth axes which are parallel to each other; and   wherein the first and second panel are in hinged relationship with each other.   
     
     
         19 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 18  wherein the first and third rollers are opposed with respect to each other, and the second and fourth roller are opposed with respect to each other. 
     
     
         20 . The zipper closing tool of  claim 19  wherein the first, second, third and fourth rollers include channels for engaging a zipper.