Most widespread fastening device

In 1893 Whitcomb Judson (USA) patented a Clasp Locker, the precursor of the modern zip fastener.  Gideon Sundback (Sweden) rose to the position of head designer at Universal, and after years of refinement he came up with the zip we know today in Dec 1913, registering a patent in 1917. Working with businessman Col. Lewis Walker, Judson launched the Universal Fastener Company to promote the device. The name 'zipper' comes from the B.F. Goodrich company, which renamed the device when it was added to their rubber boot range.