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Magnetic Alternative to Zippers, Yea or Nay?

Evolve Enclosures takes aim at a well-entrenched mechanism

By Rain Noe - October 12, 2016

in Fashion Design

"Since it was patented in 1851 there hasn't been a major upgrade to the zipper-style enclosure," writes Evolve Enclosures. In my opinion, that's because the zipper is a fantastic design. In their opinion, however, it's due for an upgrade.

Take a look at what they've come up with:

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As someone conditioned to use zippers, these wouldn't work for me from a UX perspective. Particularly when it's cold outside, I'll momentarily unzip my jacket to a certain depth just to reach something in an inside pocket; I wouldn't want to open the whole thing every time. There are also times when I want my jacket just partially unzipped but not wide open. And I could totally see the jacket, if open, accidentally closing when I don't want it to as I move around.

While I don't have any demand for these as an able-bodied person, when the guy in the video imitates a person with one arm, it seems clear the system could benefit the differently-abled. It also seems useful as demonstrated in the woman's top, where the closure is in the back. Both of those categories seem like welcome improvements to what currently exists.

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One big question I have that neither the video nor the Kickstarter campaign page answers is, does one side automatically align with the other, and if so, how?

Lastly, would you use these, and in what instances do you see these being an improvement over zippers?

It's not clear if the project will be funded or not. While their target is a manageable $15,000, at press time they'd only garnered $1,386 in pledges. There are, however, 29 days left in the campaign.

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Mike Cheung

8 years ago

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I don't know, the guys in the video didn't have enough back arching to really sell it.

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Zipr Shift Klōs®

7 years ago

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Technically, we're a competitor. However, I love that someone else is disrupting zippers.

In Evolve's defense:
Pacemakers, credit cards, cell phones, etc. are made to NOT be affected by small magnets. They're generally not powerful enough thus demagnetization is extremely rare. You'd need the magnetic power of an MRI machine to have a great chance of demagnetization.
Also, coercivity matters: https://www.mooreandgiles.com/blog/2015/04/28/faq-will-the-magnets-on-some-wallets-demagnetize-my-credit-card/

The worst:
Won't pass ASTM D2061 standards for zipper tensile strength for use on clothing unless much larger and more powerful magnets are used.

Magnets are expensive. Evolve's zipper is likely $20+.

I think they could totally make millions selling to differently-abled people, Cosplay, costumes, pet attire, and dress up for kids though.
No small parts, easy on and off, the price might not matter so much.
It's safer for kids than current zippers. That's for sure.

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- Amna Rifky
  
  Zipr Shift Klōs®
  
  6 years ago
  
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  Hi @Zipr Shift Klos, came across your product a little while ago and have been trying to get in contact. Would love to try out some samples of your Zipr shift Klos! Please let me know!
  
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. JC

8 years ago

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Concerns
- Weight
- Accidental attachments
- Seal not continuous (wind can get in)
- Unnecessarily sticking to stuff like keychains, phones or other magnetic objects

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Ryan Langan

8 years ago

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I want to know how you put the damn thing in a washer or dryer without major issues.

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David Eyvazzadeh

8 years ago

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1) There are plenty of patents and applications out there surrounding this kind of tech. e.g. https://www.google.com/patents/US4399595?dq=magnetic+zipper+patent&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjNo_uN0NXPAhWq64MKHcU1CNwQ6AEIIzAB

2) This is hands down the most sexist kickstarter vid I've seen to date.

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Jason Pokines

8 years ago

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It looks like in one or two of the shots that their zipper is misaligned just a bit, maybe a quarter inch. I bet that their magnets are arranged in a tight, alternating, north-south/south-north pattern so that they mate only in one spot, but can jump alignment and still come together.

My concern is in regards to the strength of these magnets. Having a jacket bust open is less socially risky than say a dress or the fly of your pants. Likewise, I'd be worried about putting my phone in a pocket whose closure could not only damage the phone's circuits, but could be pulled open accidentally, dumping its expensive contents.

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Juan Cano

8 years ago

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The idea seems good although for some situations it seems it would just open up. I'd like to see how it works in situation where you put it through a beating. I like the front pockets on the jacket; I could see backpack pockets that way, easy to access, easier than velcro. Does it add a lot of weight?

I think their kickstarter campaign would do better if you could just buy the zippers. They're basically asking people to pay $129 for some jacket, and they're not selling the jacket, so it feels like you're paying $129 for a zipper. Now they're getting into selling fashion plus and unknown technology.

Not sure what you'd do with the zippers if you could buy them. Maybe you make a zipper-magnet that zips into your existing jacket and now it's magnets, like a conversion kit.

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