Zip fastener and luggage

Abstract

A zip fastener includes two sliders for connecting elongate stringers, each slider having a pull tab. For improved security of the zip fastener the pull tabs can be interlocked with one another by a slide-and-turn action, turning one pull tab relative to the other about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the stringers. A luggage item includes a fastening device for locking the pull tabs together.

Claims

1. A zip fastener, comprising: first and second sliders disposed to slide lengthwise along a pair of stringers, the sliders being moveable relative to one another between a closed position wherein the sliders are adjacent one another, and an open position in which the sliders are spaced apart to open the zip fastener; first and second pull tabs, each on a respective one of the first and second sliders; a first coupling connecting the first pull tab to the first slider for rotation about a pivot axis extending substantially in the lengthwise direction of the stringers; and a second coupling connecting the second pull tab to the second slider for rotation about the pivot axis; the first pull tab having a female locking feature, and the second pull tab having a male locking feature that is complementary to the female locking feature such that with the sliders in the closed position, rotation of the first pull tab about the pivot axis engages the male and female locking features to interlock the first and second pull tabs in an interlocked position that prevents movement of the sliders to the open position, and wherein the first and second pull tabs each have a body elongated between opposing proximal and distal ends, openings are provided in each distal end, and the openings in the distal ends are in registration with one another in the interlocked position.

2. The zip fastener of claim 1 wherein the first pull tab includes a hook disposed between the proximal end and distal end of the first pull tab, a tip of the hook being spaced from the body of the first pull tab such that the female locking feature comprises a recess between the body and the tip of the hook, and wherein the male locking feature comprises a complementary portion of the body of the second pull tab such that the complementary portion of the male locking feature may be received in the recess of the female locking feature.

3. The zip fastener of claim 2 wherein opposing inner surfaces of the recess are substantially planar, and opposing outer surfaces of the complementary portion of the body received in the female locking feature are substantially planar.

4. The zip fastener of claim 3 wherein the first and second pull tabs have bodies of the same length, proximal ends of the same shape and distal ends of the same shape.

5. The zip fastener of claim 2 wherein each pull tab has a respective outermost surface disposed outermost when the first and second pull tabs are in their interlocked position, and a concavity in each outermost surface that bounds the complementary portion of the body received in the recess, such that in the interlocked position, said outermost surfaces are substantially aligned coplanar with a respective outer surface of the tip of the hook.

6. The zip fastener of claim 1 and further comprising: a first opening formed at a proximal end of the first pull tab; a second opening formed at a proximal end of the second pull tab; a first loop on the first slider extending substantially in the lengthwise direction and through the first opening to form the first coupling; and a second loop on the second slider extending substantially in the lengthwise direction and through the second opening to form the second coupling.

7. The zip fastener of claim 2 wherein the tip of the hook is sized or formed such that it cannot mistakenly be inserted into the recess.

8. The zip fastener of claim 2 wherein the first pull tab further includes a flange portion connecting the tip to the body, the flange portion extending from an edge of the body.

9. The zip fastener of claim 1 further comprising a detent for holding the male and female locking features in mutual engagement.

10. The zip fastener of claim 9 wherein the detent comprises a magnet received in an aperture in the male locking feature.

11. Luggage comprising at least one zip fastener as claimed in claim 1, and further including a fastening device for connecting the first and second pull tabs.

12. The luggage of claim 11, wherein the fastening device includes: a body fixed to the luggage, the body having at least one in portion having a projecting free end and an opposing fixed end, the in portion being configured to be received in the openings in the distal ends of the pull tabs; and a closure engaged with the body for sliding movement between a closed position in which the closure blocks the free end and an open position in which the closure is spaced apart from the free end.

13. The luggage of claim 12 wherein the body further comprises an opening positioned such that with the closure in the closed position, a shackle of a padlock extending through an aperture secures the closure.

14. The luggage of claim 12 wherein the at least one zip fastener comprises two zip fasteners, and the fastening device is fixed to the luggage between the two zip fasteners.

15. A zip fastener comprising: first and second sliders disposed to slide lengthwise along a pair of stringers, the sliders being moveable relative to one another between a closed position wherein the sliders are adjacent one another, and an open position in which the sliders are spaced apart to open the zip fastener; first and second pull tabs, each on a respective one of the first and second sliders; a first coupling connecting the first pull tab to the first slider for rotation about a pivot axis extending substantially in the lengthwise direction of the stringers; a second coupling connecting the second pull tab to the second slider for rotation about the pivot axis; a first opening formed at a proximal end of the first pull tab; a second opening formed at a proximal end of the second pull tab; a first loop on the first slider extending substantially in the lengthwise direction and through the first opening to form the first coupling; and a second loop on the second slider extending substantially in the lengthwise direction and through the second opening to form the second coupling, the first pull tab having a female locking feature, and the second pull tab having a male locking feature that is complementary to the female locking feature such that with the sliders in the closed position, rotation of the first pull tab about the pivot axis engages the male and female locking features to interlock the first and second pull tabs in an interlocked position that prevents movement of the sliders to the open position.

16. The zip fastener of claim 15 wherein the first pull tab includes a hook disposed between the proximal end and a distal end of the first pull tab, a tip of the hook being spaced from a body of the first pull tab such that the female locking feature comprises a recess between the body and the tip of the hook and the male locking feature comprises a portion on the body complementary to the female locking feature such that the complementary portion of the male locking feature may be received in the recess of the female locking feature, and wherein the tip of the hook is sized or formed such that it cannot mistakenly be inserted into the recess.

17. The zip fastener of claim 16 and further comprising a flange portion connecting the tip to the body, the flange portion extending from an edge of the body.

18. The zip fastener of claim 15 further comprising a detent for holding the male and female locking features in mutual engagement.

19. The zip fastener of claim 18 wherein the detent comprises a magnet received in an aperture in the male locking feature.

20. A zip fastener comprising: first and second sliders disposed to slide lengthwise along a pair of stringers, the sliders being moveable relative to one another between a closed position wherein the sliders are adjacent one another, and an open position in which the sliders are spaced apart to open the zip fastener; first and second pull tabs, each on a respective one of the first and second sliders, the first pull tab having a female locking feature and the second pull tab having a male locking feature that is complementary to the female locking feature; a first coupling connecting the first pull tab to the first slider for rotation about a pivot axis extending substantially in the lengthwise direction of the stringers; a second coupling connecting the second pull tab to the second slider for rotation about the pivot axis; and a detent for holding the male and female locking features in mutual engagement, the detent comprising a magnet received in an aperture in the male locking feature, wherein when the sliders are in the closed position, rotation of the first pull tab about the pivot axis engages the male and female locking features to interlock the first and second pull tabs in an interlocked position that prevents movement of the sliders to the open position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a zip fastener of a first embodiment of the invention in an open position;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the zip fastener of FIG. 1 in a closed position;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of pull tab of the zip fastener of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the pull tab of FIG. 3;

(6) FIGS. 5 and 6 are sections indicated by lines AA and BB in FIG. 4 respectively;

(7) FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c are pictorial views of a second embodiment of the zip fastener of the invention, showing the pull tabs separated, partially engaged, and interlocked respectively;

(8) FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c are pictorial views of a third embodiment of the zip fastener of the invention, showing the pull tabs separated, partially engaged, and interlocked respectively;

(9) FIG. 9 is a schematic side elevation of a zip fastener of a fourth embodiment of the invention in an open position;

(10) FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of the zip fastener of FIG. 7 in interlocked position;

(11) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fastening device for use with the zip fastener and a strap;

(12) FIGS. 12 and 13 are plan views of the fastening device of FIG. 11 in open and closed positions respectively;

(13) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a backpack fitted with a zip fastener and a first alternative fastening device of the invention;

(14) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a backpack fitted with a zip fastener and a second alternative fastening device of the invention shown in a closed position;

(15) FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view of the second fastening of FIG. 15 in an open position;

(16) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a backpack fitted with a zip fastener and a third alternative fastening device of the invention shown in a closed position;

(17) FIG. 18 is an end view of a latching member of the fastening device of FIG. 17, and

(18) FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a backpack fitted with a zip fastener and the fastening device of FIG. 17 shown in a closed position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(19) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a first embodiment of a zip fastener 20 generally comprises a first slider 10, and a second slider 11 both engaged with a pair of stringers 12, 13 which may be connected together by means of meshed teeth 14, in the well known manner. Additionally, two pull tabs 15, 16 are provided, one may be connected to each of the sliders, to allow for improved purchase for the user to pull the sliders 10, 11 along the stringers 12, 13. Relative movement between the sliders 10, 11 along the stringers 12, 13 opens and closes the zip fastener or, more specifically, opens and closes an opening 17 between the stringers 12, 13 and sliders 10, 11.

(20) A first coupling 200a connects the proximal end of the first pull tab 15 to the first slider 10, and second coupling 200b connects the second pull tab 16 to the second slider 11. The couplings 200a, 200b allow the pull tabs 15, 16 to rotate about a pivot axis 32 extending substantially in the lengthwise direction of the stringers 12, 13. The proximal ends of the pull tabs 15, 16 may be fixed to the sliders 10, 11 loop 30 fixed to a top plate 31, the loops 30 extending generally in the lengthwise direction of the stringers. The loops 30 and proximal end openings 24 in the pull tabs 15, 16 in which the loops 30 are received provide the two parts of the couplings 200a, 200b which, in addition to other movements, allows relative rotation between the sliders 10, 11 and the pull tabs 15, 16 about pivot axis 32.

(21) The pull tabs 15, 16 each have a body 28 generally elongated in the direction of long axis 201 between opposing proximal and distal ends, with openings 23 provided in each distal end. The pull tabs 15, 16 have complementary male and female locking features, exemplified in the first embodiment by a female locking feature in the form of recess 22 formed by a hook 21 on the first pull tab 15. The recess 22 receives a male complementary part 29 on the body of the second pull tab 16. In this manner when the zip is closed, as by moving the sliders 10, 11 from the separated position (shown in FIG. 1) to the position where they are adjacent one another, rotation of the first pull tab 15 about the longitudinal axis 32 to an interlocked position (shown in FIG. 2) interlocks the pull tabs 15, 16. This slide-and-turn action, whereby the pull tabs are pushed together, and one turned relative to the other about longitudinal axis 32, interlocks the pull tabs 15, 16 with one another, in which position they may be held against rotation about axis 32 by a detent (not shown in FIGS. 1-6). When thus interlocked the openings 23 in the distal ends are in registration with one another, such that a fastening device 25 (FIG. 2) passing through the distal end openings 23 prevents relative rotation between the pull tabs 15, 16 about axis 32. In this interlocked position, the engagement between the male and female locking features hinders separation of the sliders 10, 11 required to move them to their open position and the tabs 15, 16 are restrained to rotate together about the longitudinal axis 32, but are no longer able to rotate about a transverse axis. Of course, the pull tabs 15, 16 are also prevented from relative rotation about the fastening device 25 or the common axis of openings 23, owing to the engagement between the sliders 10, 11 and the stringers 12, 13.

(22) In preferred embodiments of the invention the first and second pull tabs 15, 16 are of like form, thus reducing the number of different parts making up the zip fastener. With particular reference to FIG. 3, the proximal end opening 24 in the proximal end and the distal end opening 23 in the opposing distal end both extend generally transversely through the elongate body 28. The hook 21 is located between the proximal and distal ends, and may project to one side of the main body 28, with which it may be integral. The hook 21 may include a flange portion 26 projecting transversely from the main body 28, and a tip 27 laterally spaced from the elongate body 28 to define the recess 22. The tip 27 of the hook 21 may have a convex or rounded form. The flange portion 26 may be tapered in the longitudinal direction between the main body 28 and the tip 27. The tip 27 and the female locking feature or recess 22 are preferably elongate, and may be elongated in a direction generally aligned with the longitudinal axis 201 of the pull tabs. The main body 28 may have a longitudinally stepped form, with a central section 29 offset transversely to a first side from the adjacent proximal ends, the hook 21 being offset to the first side of the central section 29.

(23) As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, opposing inner surfaces 202, 203 of the recess 22 are substantially planar, and opposing outer surfaces 204, 205 of the complementary portion 29 of the body that received in the recess 22 are substantially planar, and extend in the direction of long axis 201, or at an acute angle to the longitudinal axes 201.

(24) FIGS. 7a-7c illustrate a second embodiment which is generally like the first embodiment except the shape of the tip 21, which has a rectangular form with its long side generally aligned in the direction of the long axis 201. A detent for holding the male and female locking features in mutual engagement in the interlocked position (FIG. 7c) comprises a permanent magnet 207 received in an aperture in the male locking feature or body portion 29 of each of the pull tabs 115, 116. Each pull tabs 115, 116 has a respective outermost surface 208 disposed outermost when the first and second pull tabs are in their interlocked position, and a concavity 209 in each outermost surface 208. The concavity 209 bounds the complementary portion 29 of the body received in the recess 22, such that in the interlocked position, the outermost surface 208 is substantially aligned coplanar with a respective outer surface 210 of the tip 21 of the hook.

(25) In FIG. 7a, it can clearly be seen that both pull tabs 115, 116 are identical and are disposed on the zip fastener facing in opposite directions (180 apart about the longitudinal axis 201) such that their respective tips 21 face one another. The tips 21 of the hooks 21 are aligned transversely with reference to their respective longitudinal axes 201, such that the recesses 22 open transversely.

(26) FIGS. 8a-8c illustrate a third embodiment which is generally like the first embodiment except the shape of the tip 21, which has a generally semi-circular edge 211. A detent for holding the male and female locking features in mutual engagement in the interlocked position (FIG. 8c) comprises a permanent magnet 207 received in an aperture in the male locking feature or body portion 29 of each of the pull tabs 215, 216. Each pull tabs 215, 216 has a respective outermost surface 208 disposed outermost when the first and second pull tabs are in their interlocked position, and a concavity 209 in each outermost surface 208. The concavity 209 bounds the complementary portion 29 of the body received in the recess 22, such that in the interlocked position, the outermost surface 208 is substantially aligned coplanar with a respective outer surface 210 of the tip 21 of the hook.

(27) A fourth embodiment of a zip fastener is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and generally comprises a first pull tab 315 in which a female locking feature in the form of a concavity 121b is formed in the body intermediate between its proximal and distal ends, adjacent a male locking feature in the form of body portion 122b. Likewise, the second pull tab 316 has a female locking feature in the form of a concavity 121a adjacent a male locking feature in the form of body portion 122a. The pull tabs 315, 316 are interlocked in like slide-and-turn manner to the first embodiment, firstly sliding the sliders 10, 11 together to the closed position, before rotating one of the pull tabs 315, 316 relative to the other about the pivot axis 32 to mutually engages the male and female locking features, whereupon the second pull tab 316 crosses over from one side to the other of the pull tab 315 and body portion 122a is received in the concavity 121b, and the body portion 122b is received in the concavity 121a, to interlock the first and second pull tabs in an interlocked position that prevents movement of the sliders 10, 11 to their open position. Unlike the first embodiment, the pull tabs 315, 316 are different (i.e. right and left-handed).

(28) FIGS. 11-14 illustrate an alternative fastening device 125 for connecting the pull tabs, to a piece of luggage, such as a backpack 35 including the zip fastener 20 and with which fastening device 125 may be employed. The backpack 35 includes a security strap 36 which may be reinforced with metal threads, one longitudinal end of which is fixed to the backpack, as to the shoulder strap 37, and the opposing free end of which may be provided with a loop 38. If it is necessary to leave the backpack 35 the security strap 36 is used to secure it against opportunistic theft by locking around a fixed item such as a post, or a more massive item such as a piece of furniture. The fastening device 125 secures both this strap 36 and the pull tabs 15, 115, 215, 315, 16, 116, 216, 316.

(29) The fastening device 125 may comprise a body 41 formed of a U-shaped bar section 39 to the inside of which is fixed a web 40. Two elongate slots 42, 43 may be provided in the web 40, each slot extending from a respective mouth 46, 47 to a closed end 44, 45, each slot 42, 43 extending adjacent a respective pin portion 48, 49 having a projecting end adjacent the respective mouth 46, 47. A closure 50 may be in the form of a sleeve in which the body 41 is slidingly received for movement between a closed position (FIG. 11) in which the closure 50 closes the mouths 46, 47 and an extended position (FIG. 12) in which the closure 50 opens the mouths 46, 47. In use, with the closure 50 extended, the distal ends of the interlocked pull tabs can be entered through the mouth 46 before pin portion 48 is inserted into the distal end openings 23. The loop 38, or an end fitting on the strap 36, may likewise be entered through the mouth 47 before pin portion 49 is inserted into the loop or end fitting. An aperture 52 in the body 41 may be positioned such that with the closure 50 in the closed position a shackle 53 of a padlock 54 extending through the aperture 52 secures the fastening device 125. Abutments (not shown) may be provided to retain the closure 50 on the body 41.

(30) FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a fastening device 225 fixed to the backpack 35 and adapted for securely connecting both the pull tabs 15, 115, 215, 315, 16, 116, 216, 316 and the strap 36 to the backpack 35 via a single pin portion 60. The free end 61 of the pin portion 60 generally overlies a base member 62 fixed to the backpack 35, as by threaded fasteners 63. Also fixed to the base member 62 is a body section 141 projection next to, but spaced apart from the free end 61, so as to provide a mouth 80 through which the distal ends of the pull tabs and the end fitting 65 on the strap 36 may be entered with the closure 66 in its open position as shown in FIG. 16. The closure 66 may be mounted to the body section 141 to slide in grooves 67 on opposing sides, which may extend generally parallel to the pin portion 60. The closure 66 is shown in its closed, retracted position in FIG. 15, where outward movement may be blocked by a shackle (not shown) extending through an aperture 53 in the body section 141.

(31) FIGS. 17 to 19 illustrate a fastening device 325 fixed to the backpack 35 between zip fasteners 20a, 20b, for securing both zip fasteners 20a, 20b simultaneously. The fastening device 325 has like construction to the fastening device 225, but further includes a latching member 81 carried on the closure 66. The latching member 81 has a penannular form defining a slot 83. A nub 84 projects from its outer surface may be grasped by hand for turning the latching member 81. The latching member 81 is mounted on the closure 66 for rotation about axis 82 between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the slot 83 is aligned with the body portion 141, allowing the closure 66 to be freely opened and closed. To move the latching member 81 to its locked position the closure 66 is closed or retracted to the position shown in FIG. 17, and the latching member 81 is rotated such that end 86 projects into the mouth 80, blocking movement of the closure 66 to its open position. A security cable 90 having eyes 91 and 92 at opposing ends may be used to secure the backpack 35 to a pole 93 by using the eye 92 to form a loop about the pole 93, and locking the eye 91 in the fastening device 325.

(32) Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.