Zipper Disease

January 7, 2007 2:18 AM

What is "zipper disease?"

I came across this
http://www.jansport.com/js_faq.php?type=warranty
and it says

My zipper is broken and won't shut. Can I send it in?

While zipper failure is usually due to normal wear and tear, we will repair or replace any pack that has contracted "zipper disease". Please send your pack to our warranty service center.

I tried searching google, but I can't figure out what this "Zipper Disease" is.
Anyone know

posted by killa62 to clothing, beauty, & fashion (9 comments total)

I think it's just the Jansport people trying to be clever.
posted by Brittanie at 2:22 AM on January 7, 2007

It's where the zipper teeth spontaneously separate without being unzipped, thus allowing the items that were supposed to be safely zipped inside to come tumbling out in an uncontrollable rush.

Can refer to people (e.g. former Presidents) as well as luggage.
posted by flabdablet at 2:32 AM on January 7, 2007

In my experience, once a zipper fails once, it's never right again.

The 'base' end which is supposed to always be closed (even when most of the zipper is open) is no longer really closed, so any spreading force at that base end causes the whole affair to come unzipped. It really is kind of like a terminal illness, for zippers.
posted by blenderfish at 2:48 AM on January 7, 2007

Not terminal. It's fixable - I have done it. Look here.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 5:19 AM on January 7, 2007 [3 favorites]

My old schoolbag (which I got in 1974 and have used as a travelling bag ever since) really does have a terminal case of zipper disease now. The zip comes apart all by itself at any point where there's any kind of tension across it; it doesn't merely unzip from the wrong end.

Still, it lasted 30 years before giving out, which I reckon is pretty bloody good.
posted by flabdablet at 6:03 AM on January 7, 2007

jansport is really good about fixing or replacing bags where the zipper has given up the ghost. we did it a number of times 15-20 years ago. so send it in!
posted by noloveforned at 6:49 AM on January 7, 2007

Experts don't agree on what causes zipper disease, but it's a fly that spreads it.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 10:16 AM on January 7, 2007

groan
posted by etc. at 10:36 AM on January 7, 2007

My luggage store says zipper disease is cured by cleanning the zipper.
posted by Goofyy at 1:48 AM on January 8, 2007