Open Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need

This funding proposal is aimed to attract the military to a groundbreaking, modern day zipper: the Zipr Shift zipper. While the materials and fabrics used for military gear have advanced, there have been little to no advancements of the zipper closure systems required for their safety and lasting operation. Current zippers on the market form a joint that opens and closes in the same direction that they are stressed; thus, the elements will slide apart and break more easily. The Zipr Shift zipper differs from modern day zippers because it eliminates the teeth that form a weak, pressure sensitive joint that allow gases and water to escape from between their gaps. The Zipr Shift zipper is the new generation of zippers and it can be used on fashion items, on industrial bags, on space suits, on luggage, and on protective shelters.