Final answer:
Early zippers, initially patented as 'clasp lockers,' took decades to become widespread. The invention was novel for its time, representing a significant leap from primitive sewing techniques using bone, wood, and ivory needles to create form-fitting clothing from animal hides.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early zippers were composed of hooks and eyes attached to a cloth tape, serving as a simple fastening mechanism on clothing. Officially patented in 1893 as the "clasp locker," the zipper was considered a novel invention at its time, as indicated in Figure 3.10. However, it took several decades for the zipper to become widely used and recognized globally. Before the invention of the zipper, modern humans had to adapt to colder climates by creating new forms of clothing made from animal hides. They used sharp bone, wood, and ivory needles to sew pieces of hides into more sophisticated and form-fitting clothing, which was a significant advancement from the draping of hides used primarily for warmth.