Joel Matlin Receives U.S. Patent for ZippyBack™
TORONTO, October 14, 2026 — Inventor and serial entrepreneur Joel Matlin has been granted U.S. Patent No. 12,757,958 for ZippyBack™, a patented, serialized wearable collectible that turns the back of any baseball cap into a display space. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued the patent, titled “Customizable Sliding Insert for Hat,” on October 13, 2026.
ZippyBack™ slides onto a cap’s back strap and displays a player name, number, team logo or personal message. Each piece is its own collectible, so fans can wear a different ZippyBack™ by game, by season, or by mood. It also fits the crown, visor or brim of a cap, and the message always sits right side up.
The patented design locks securely onto both plastic snap closures and thin cloth straps, so it stays in place without slipping. Each piece is serialized, making every ZippyBack™ a wearable collectible as well as fan gear.
“I’m thrilled,” said Matlin. “Fans have always put their team on the front of their cap. ZippyBack™ puts their player, their number or their own message on the back, and this patent protects the idea we’ve worked so hard to build.”
Matlin is no stranger to building companies. He founded AlarmForce, later sold to Bell, and Frisco Bay Industries, later sold to Stanley Black & Decker. ZippyBack™ is the flagship product of his current company, Zippy Brands Inc.
Additional world patents are pending.
Every ZippyBack™ collectible you buy directly funds NHLAA health, wellness, and transition programs, real support for the men who gave everything to the game. The legends didn’t stop mattering when the final whistle blew. Neither does your purchase. Be part of what keeps them supported.
About Zippy Brands Inc.
Zippy Brands Inc. is a Toronto-based company led by inventor Joel Matlin. Its products include ZippyBack™, the patented, serialized wearable collectible for baseball caps, and ZippyBelts. Learn more at ZippyBack.com.
Media Contact
Joel Matlin
Zippy Brands Inc.
joel@zippybrands.com
