On this day: April 29

/on/april-29

1913 • neutral • 6 views

Patent filed for the first modern zipper mechanism

Early 20th-century workshop table with metal zipper teeth on fabric tape, a hand-operated slider, and simple machinery parts, circa 1910s.

On April 29, 1913, Gideon Sundback received a U.S. patent for an improved fastening device that became the basis for the modern zipper—an interlocking metal-toothed closure that replaced earlier, less reliable fasteners.

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1986 • neutral • 7 views

Nation Honors Challenger Crew After Tragedy

A wide view of a civic memorial scene in 1986 showing flags at half-staff, floral tributes laid at a public monument, and a small crowd gathered at a memorial service.

On April 29, 1986, national memorials and remembrances marked the loss of the seven-member Space Shuttle Challenger crew, remembered for their service and the impact of the disaster on U.S. space policy and public life.

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1992 • neutral • 5 views

Riot breaks out in Los Angeles after acquittal of officers in Rodney King beating

Damaged storefronts, burned-out vehicles, and debris on an urban Los Angeles street during the 1992 unrest; emergency vehicles and law enforcement are present at a distance.

On April 29, 1992, following a jury verdict acquitting four LAPD officers filmed beating Rodney King, widespread unrest erupted across Los Angeles, producing days of violence, arson, looting and a heavy response from police and the National Guard.

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