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Whitcomb L. Judson

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Inventor

The Resume

    (1836-1909)
    Invented the 'clasp-locker' (hookless fastener) from which the modern day zipper is derived
    Patented the device (August 29, 1893) and exhibited it at the World's Columbian Exposition (aka The Chicago World's Fair)
    Formed the Universal Fastener Company with businessman Colonel Lewis Walker to manufacture the device

Why he might be annoying:

    His invention was meant to help a friend with a stiff back be more able to fasten his shoes.
    Due to its complexity it took 22 months for a patent to be issued.
    While innovative the clasp-locker was looked at as more a curiosity than a practical tool.
    He died before his invention was widely accepted, used only for shoes, mailbags and tobacco pouches.
    After he died an employee of his company improved the design and the B.F. Goodrich company ordered them for its new rubber galoshes, renaming it the 'zipper.'

Why he might not be annoying:

    He came up with the idea from the lock stitch produced by a previous invention, the sewing machine.
    He had a mechanical mind and patented several other inventions involving motor and railway brake improvements.
    By the 1930's his invention caught on with the fashion industry, where author Aldous Huxley suggested the 'zippered fly.'
    Another of his inventions helped his son secure financial independence for life; the automobile cupholder.
    Converse, Texas named one of their high schools in his honor.

Credit: Scar Tactics


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 19 Votes: 84.21% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 15 Votes: 46.67% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 22 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 11 Votes: 54.55% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 21 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 21 Votes: 47.62% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 12 Votes: 58.33% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 12 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 18 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 28 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 57 Votes: 35.09% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 81 Votes: 46.91% Annoying
    In 2006, Out of 149 Votes: 43.62% Annoying