A zipper (British English: zip or (rarely) zip fastener) is a commonly used device for

temporarily joining two edges of fabric. 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 daily use items.
Contents
[hide]
 1 Description
 2 History
 3 Types
o 3.1 Airtight / Watertight zippers
 4 Components
 5 Manufacturing
 6 Patents
 7 Alternatives
 8 See also
 9 References
 10 External links
Description
The bulk of a zipper consists of two strips of fabric tape, each affixed to one of the two
pieces to be joined, 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.[2] 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.
Some zippers have two sliders, allowing variation in the opening's size and position. In
most jackets and similar garments, the opening is closed entirely when one slider is at
each end. In most baggage, the opening is closed entirely when the two sliders are next to
each other at any point along the zipper.
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,
dress or skirt.
 attach or detach a separable part of the garment to or from another, as in the
conversion between trousers and shorts or the connection / disconnection of a
hood and a coat.
 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. If a zipper fails, it can either jam (i.e. get stuck) or partially break off.
Following are the factors on which the costing of zippers depend:
1. types of zipper
2. woven or knitted tapes
3. material
4. closure- metallic, coil, vizeon, invisible
5. composition-nylon, cotton, polyester
6. slider and pulley type
7. teeth size
8. open end/ close end zipper
9. cost also depends on how the zipper is sold – in roll form or
in piece form