Gideon Sundback was an engineer who significantly improved the design of the zipper. In 1917, he patented a more reliable and efficient version of the zipper, which featured interlocking teeth and a sliding mechanism. This innovation made zippers easier to use and more durable, leading to their widespread adoption in clothing and other products. Sundback's patent built upon earlier designs by Whitcomb Judson, who created the first zipper in the late 19th century. Sundback's work transformed the zipper into a practical fastening device, contributing to its popularity in fashion and manufacturing throughout the 20th century.