Gideon Sundback was a Swedish-American engineer best known for his invention of the modern zipper. Born on April 24, 1880, in Sweden, he moved to the United States in 1905, where he worked for the Universal Fastener Company. His design improvements in the zipper made it more reliable and easier to use, leading to its widespread adoption in clothing and other products. Sundback's most significant contribution was the "Separable Fastener," patented in 1917. This design featured interlocking teeth and a slider, which allowed for easy opening and closing. His work revolutionized the fashion industry and contributed to the development of various items, including bags and tents.