The zipper was invented in 1913 by Gideon Sandback. This Blitz prototype is probably what it is in this case. The only reason I'm leaving this review is because this isn't one of those bad cases. This is a really good case, using the cheapest parts the most. I opened the box, took out the plastic case, opened the case, looked inside and the zipper broke. The lever is in the middle and I can't pull it left or right because the zipper's teeth aren't closed and it won't move. That's a disappointment considering how good this case actually is. But to be honest, if it broke before shipping, no one paid attention when they rolled off the assembly line.