Zipper with light-emitting device and container with the zipper

Abstract

A zipper includes a tape body including two zipper tapes each having an inner edge with a row of teeth. A stop includes a first end connected to distal ends of the rows of teeth and receives two first conductive plates. An end of one of the two first conductive plates is electrically connected to an electrode of at least one light-emitting element. A power connecting portion is electrically connected to another of the two first conductive plates and another electrode of the at least one light-emitting element. A slider is slidably disposed on the rows of teeth for engaging or disengaging the rows of teeth. The slider includes a second conductive plate configured to simultaneously contact with the two first conductive plates, causing electrical conduction to activate the at least one light-emitting element to emit light. A container with the zipper is also provided.

Claims

1. A zipper with a light-emitting device, comprising: a tape body including two zipper tapes each including an inner edge having a row of teeth, wherein a stop is coupled to the two zipper tapes and includes a first end connected to distal ends of the rows of teeth, wherein the stop includes a second end opposite to the first end of the stop, wherein the tape body further includes two first conductive plates received in the stop, wherein each of the two first conductive plates has a first end exposed outside of the first end of the stop, wherein each of the two first conductive plates has a second end located outside of the second end of the stop and received in a conduit of a connecting wire, wherein the second end of one of the two first conductive plates is electrically connected to an electrode of at least one light-emitting element, wherein a power connecting portion is electrically connected to the second end of another of the two first conductive plates and another electrode of the at least one light-emitting element; and a slider slidably disposed on the rows of teeth for engaging or disengaging the rows of teeth, wherein the slider includes a second conductive plate configured to simultaneously contact with the two first conductive plates, causing electrical conduction to activate the at least one light-emitting element to emit light.

2. The zipper with the light-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the two zipper tapes includes a waterproof material.

3. The zipper with the light-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tape body further includes a reinforced portion connected to the second end of the stop.

4. The zipper with the light-emitting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the reinforced portion is in a form of a sheet having a plurality of holes.

5. The zipper with the light-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the two first conductive plates received in the stop has a bend.

6. The zipper with the light-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end of each of the two first conductive plates is at an inner face side of the two zipper tapes.

7. The zipper with the light-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider includes a groove receiving the second conductive plate, and wherein the first end of the stop extends into the groove to provide press-fit therebetween.

8. The zipper with the light-emitting device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the groove includes an opening having a radial size which gradually increases outwards.

9. The zipper with the light-emitting device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the groove includes a pressing block extending towards the opening of the groove and is associated with the first end of each of the two first conductive plates, and wherein the second conductive plate is coupled to an outer face of the pressing block.

10. The zipper with the light-emitting device as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of two ends of the second conductive plate includes a hook, wherein the slider includes two lateral sides each having a lateral hole intercommunicating with the groove, and wherein each of the hooks extend through an associated one of the lateral holes and is hooked to a wall of the associated one of the lateral holes.

11. The zipper with the light-emitting device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first end of the stop includes two recessed portions recessed from a face thereof, wherein the first end of each of the two first conductive plates is exposed on a face of an associated one of the two recessed portions, wherein the second conductive plate includes two protrusions extending into the two recessed portions, respectively.

12. A container comprising: a body including a chamber having an opening for receiving and removing an object; and the zipper with the light-emitting device set forth in claim 1, wherein the zipper is coupled to two edges of the opening, wherein the power connecting portion is configured to be electrically connected to a power device, and wherein the at least one light-emitting element provides illumination for the chamber.

13. The container as claimed in claim 12, further comprising an upper cover for covering the opening of the body, and wherein the at least one light-emitting element is disposed on the upper cover to emit light towards the chamber.

14. The container as claimed in claim 13, wherein the connecting wire is embedded in an interlayer of the upper cover and is electrically connected to the at least one light-emitting element, and wherein the power connecting portion is embedded in an interlayer of the body.

15. The container as claimed in claim 12, wherein the body includes a side bag, and wherein the power connecting portion and the power device are received in the side bag.

16. The container as claimed in claim 12, wherein the power connecting portion includes a coupler.

17. The container as claimed in claim 16, wherein the coupler is a USB connector.

18. The container as claimed in claim 12, wherein the power device is a portable charger.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinafter and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a conventional zipper with a light-emitting device.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional handbag with a light-emitting device.

(4) FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a first embodiment of a zipper according to the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of a connecting wire of the zipper of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the zipper of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6 is a side elevational view showing the zipper of the first embodiment according to the present invention in an electrical conduction state.

(8) FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a zipper of a second embodiment according to the present invention.

(9) FIG. 8 is a side elevational view showing the zipper of the second embodiment according to the present invention in an electrical conduction state.

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating use of the zipper according to the present invention on a container in an open state.

(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the container in a closed state.

(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another example of use of the zipper according to the present invention on a container in an open state.

(13) FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating use of the zipper according to the present invention on a handbag in a closed state.

(14) FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating use of the zipper according to the present invention on the handbag in an open state.

(15) In the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer”, “side” and similar terms are used hereinafter, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings, and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention, rather than restricting the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(16) With reference to FIG. 3, a zipper with a light-emitting device of a first embodiment according to the present invention includes a tape body 1 and a slider 2 slidable relative to the tape body 1.

(17) As shown in FIG. 3, the tape body 1 includes two zipper tapes 1a and 1b. Each of the two zipper tapes 1a and 1b includes a row of teeth 11 disposed on an inner edge thereof and made of rigid plastic material. The rigid plastic material can be a thermoplastic resin, such as polyamide, polyoxymethylene, etc., and optional additives and mixtures. The rigid plastic material is disposed on the inner edge of each zipper tape 1a, 1b by injection molding. The two rows of teeth 11 can engage with or disengage from each other. Each zipper tape 1a, 1b preferably includes a waterproof layer which can envelope the zipper tapes 1a and 1b by extrusion or injection of heated thermoplastic elastomer, providing the zipper tapes 1a and 1b with liquid-tight and airtight effect.

(18) The tape body 1 includes a stop 12. The stop 12 is preferably connected to distal ends of the rows of teeth 11 for stopping the slider 2. The outline of the stop 12 is not limited in the present invention. In this embodiment, the stop 12 is a parallelepiped. The stop 12 includes a first end 12a and a second end 12b opposite to the first end 12a. The stop 12 is connected to the distal ends of the rows of teeth 11 by the first end 12a. The stop 12 can be made of an elastomer. Preferably, the stop 12 is preferably formed by injection molding of a thermoplastic elastomer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or nylon, or synthetic rubber.

(19) Preferably, the tape body 1 further includes a reinforced portion 13 formed on the distal ends of the two zipper tapes 1a and 1b by injection molding of a thermoplastic elastomer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or nylon, or synthetic rubber. The reinforced portion 13 can be connected to the second end 12b of the stop 12. The reinforced portion 13 is used to fix the distal ends of the two zipper tapes 1a and 1b to prevent disengagement of the distal ends of the two zipper tapes 1a and 1b. In this embodiment, the reinforced portion 13 is in the form of a sheet having a plurality of holes H. When the reinforced portion 13 is bent, the plurality of holes H provide extension spaces for deformation of the reinforced portion 13.

(20) With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the tape body 1 includes a connecting wire 14 having opposite first end second ends. The first end of the connecting wire 14 is electrically connected to at least one light-emitting element 15, such as a tungsten light bulb, a fluorescent tube, an electroluminescent (EL) lamp strip or an LED. In this embodiment, the at least one light-emitting element 15 is an LED lamp strip. The second end of the connecting wire 14 is electrically connected to two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b). More specifically, the connecting wire 14 includes a conduit 141 covering the connecting wire 14 inside, and each of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) has a first end 162 and a second end 163 opposite to the first end 162. The second ends 163 of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) are located outside of a second end 12b of the stop 12 and received in the conduit 141 of the connecting wire 14. The second end 163 of one of the two first conductive plates 16a is electrically connected to an electrode of the at least one light-emitting element 15. The second end 163 of the other first conductive plate 16b can receive input of an electric current. The two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) can be made of a conductive material, such as copper, aluminum, etc. The present invention is not limited in this regard. The two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) are received in the stop 12. Each of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) can be in the form of a board. When the stop 12 is formed by injection, the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) are at least partially enveloped by the stop 12. Preferably, each of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) further has a bend 161 to provide a height difference, forming a non-planar board. Thus, the engaging area and the friction between each of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) and the stop 12 can be increased.

(21) Furthermore, each of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) has the first end 162 exposed outside of the first end 12a of the stop 12. In this embodiment, the first end 162 of each of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) is flatly flush with a face of the first end 12a of the stop 12 by bending. Thus, the first ends 162 of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) form two contacts for electrical connection. Preferably, the first end 162 of each of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) is at an inner face side of the two zipper tapes 1a and 1b. Thus, by isolation of the two zipper tapes 1a and 1b, the first end 162 of each of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) can be prevented from contacting with water or conductive external objects on the outer face of each of the two zipper tapes 1a, 1b.

(22) The tape body 1 further includes a power connecting portion 17 which can be any conventional electrical connector (not shown). The present invention is not limited to the form of the electrical connector. The power connecting portion 17 can be connected to a power source. Furthermore, the power connecting portion 17 is electrically connected to another of the two first conductive plates 16b and another electrode of the at least one light-emitting element 15.

(23) Still referring to FIG. 3, the slider 2 can be of any conventional structure. In this embodiment, the slider 2 includes a lower body 2a and an upper body 2b. Each of two lateral sides of the slider 2 further includes a slot 21 between the lower body 2a and the upper body 2b. Each row of teeth 11 is received in an associated slot 21. The slider 2 is movable on the rows of teeth 11 for engagement or disengagement of the rows of teeth 11. The lower body 2a and the upper body 2b of the slider 2 are on the inner face side and the outer face side of the zipper tapes 1a, 1b, respectively. The lower body 2a includes a second conductive plate 22 for electrical conduction of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b).

(24) With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the lower body 2a preferably has a groove 23 receiving the second conductive plate 22. The groove 23 is aligned with the stop 12. The groove 23 and the first end 12a of the stop 12 have corresponding outlines, such that the first end 12a of the stop 12 extends into the groove 23 to achieve press-fit therebetween. Preferably, the groove 23 includes an opening having a radial size which gradually increases outwards. Thus, the opening of the groove 23 can form a guiding portion 24, such that the first end 12a of the stop 12 can extend into the groove 23 along the guiding portion 24.

(25) The groove 23 includes a pressing block 25 extending towards the opening of the groove 23. A side of the pressing block 25 facing the opening of the groove 23 preferably forms a planar face. The pressing block 25 is associated with the first end 162 of each of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b). The second conductive plate 22 can be coupled to an outer face of the pressing block 25. Preferably, each of two ends of the second conductive plate 22 includes a hook 221 formed by bending. The lower body 2a includes two lateral sides each having a lateral hole 26 intercommunicating with the groove 23. Each hook 221 extends through an associated one of the lateral holes 26 and is hooked to a wall of the associated one of the lateral holes 26. Thus, the second conductive plate 22 can be fixed in the groove 23. A tool can extend through each lateral hole 26 to press against the associated hook 221 to thereby disengage the associated hook 221 from the wall of the associated lateral hole 26. This permits easy replacement of the second conductive plate 22. The slider 2 can further include a tab 27 for pulling the slider 2.

(26) With reference to FIGS. 5, and 6, a user can connect the power connecting portion 17 with a power supply device (not shown), such as a battery or a portable charger. Then, the user can pull the tab 27 to move the slider 2. When the slider 2 reaches the stop 12, the first end 12a of the stop 12 extends into the groove 23, such that the second conductive plate 22 simultaneously contacts with the first ends 162 of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b), thereby causing electrical connection between the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b). Specifically, the groove 23 and the first end 12a of the stop 12 are coupled together by press-fit to provide reliable contact between the second conductive plate 22 and the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b). When the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) are in electrical connection with each other, an electric loop is formed between the at least one light-emitting element 15 and the power supply device. The electric current supplied by the power supply device activates the at least one light-emitting element 15 to emit light. When the slider 2 leaves the stop 12, an open circuit is formed between the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b), such that the electric current cannot flow, and the light of the at least one light-emitting element 15 is put out. Thus, by engagement and disengagement of the slider 2 and the stop 12, the at least one light-emitting element 15 is switched on and off. Since the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) are received in the stop 12, the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) will not wear due to frictional contact with the slider 2. Furthermore, reliable contact with the second conductive plate 22 can be provided even if the two zipper tapes 1a, 1b are bent.

(27) FIGS. 7 and 8 show a zipper with a light-emitting device of a second embodiment according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the first end 12a of the stop 12 includes two recessed portions 18 recessed from a face thereof. The first end 162 of each of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) is exposed on a face of an associated one of the two recessed portions 18, The second conductive plate 22 includes two protrusions 222 respectively extending into the two recessed portions 18 to contact with the first ends 162 of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b), thereby causing electrical conduction between the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b).

(28) FIG. 9 is an embodiment showing use of the zipper with the light-emitting device according to the present invention on a container in an open state. This embodiment incudes a container 3, a power source 4 received in the container 3, and the zipper with the light-emitting device mentioned above.

(29) In this embodiment, the container 3 includes a box body 31 and an upper cover 32. The box body 31 has a chamber S. The upper cover 32 can open or close the chamber S. Thus, an object can be placed into or removed from the chamber S via an opening 33. The power device 4 is embedded in the box body 31 and can be a power supply device, such as a dry battery, a solar battery, or a portable charger. The present invention is not limited in this regard. The zipper with the light-emitting device can be coupled to two edges of the opening 33. More specifically, the zipper tape 1a can be coupled to an edge of the opening 33 at the box body 31, and the other zipper tape 1b is coupled to an edge of the upper cover 32. The at least one light-emitting element 15 can be an LED lamp strip and can be disposed on the upper cover 32 to emit light towards the chamber S. The connecting wire 14 can be embedded in an interlayer of the upper cover 32 and is electrically connected to the at least one light-emitting element 15. Preferably, the power connecting portion 17 is embedded in an interlayer of the box body 31 and is electrically connected to the power device 4. Thus, the connecting wire 14 and the power connecting portion 17 are both received in the box body 31 to avoid exposure.

(30) When the slider 2 is pulled to the stop 12, the rows of teeth 11 of the two zipper tapes 1a, 1b do not engage with each other, such that the upper cover 32 can be opened. Furthermore, the second conductive plate 22 simultaneously contacts with the first ends 162 of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) to cause electrical conduction therebetween, as shown in FIG. 6. The at least one light-emitting element 15 emits light to illuminate the chamber S. Thus, even if in the darkness, the user can clearly see the chamber S of the box body 31 by the light. When the slider 2 is pulled to cause mutual engagement between the rows of teeth 11 of the two zipper tapes 1a and 1b, an open circuit is formed between the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b), as shown in FIG. 5. Thus, the electric current cannot flow, and the light of the at least one light-emitting, element 15 is put out. Since the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) are disposed on the inner faces of the two zipper tapes 1a, 1b, the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) are isolated from the outside. Furthermore, each of the two zipper tapes 1a, 1b can have a waterproof material to avoid short circuit of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) resulting from moisture outside of the container 3.

(31) FIGS. 10 and 11 show another example of use of the zipper with the light-emitting element according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the container 3 further includes a side bag 34 disposed on an outer face of a side of the container 3. The power connecting portion 17 and the power device 4 are received in the side bag 34. The side bag 34 can have a sealing opening 35 to best store the power device 4 in the side bag 34. Preferably, the electrical connecting portion 17 includes a coupler 171 which can be a USB connector. The power device 4 can be a portable charger. Thus, the power connecting portion 17 can be rapidly coupled with or disconnected from the power device 4. When the power device 4 runs out of power, the user can easily remove the power device 4 from the side bag 34 via the sealing opening 35 for charging purposes or can replace it with another power device 4 with full power.

(32) FIGS. 12 and 13 show use of the zipper with the light-emitting element according to the present invention on a handbag. Specifically, the container 3 is a handbag in this embodiment and has body having an opening 33. The two zipper tapes 1a, 1b are coupled to two edges of the opening 33, The at least one light-emitting element 15 can be an LED lamp strip and is received in the chamber S. Preferably, the body of the container 3 further includes a side bag 34 having an interior intercommunicating with the chamber S. The coupler 171 of the power connecting portion 17 extends from the chamber S into the interior of the side bag 34. The power device 4 is received in the side bag 34, such that the power connecting portion 17 can be electrically connected to the power device 4 via the coupler 171. When the slider 2 is pulled to the stop 12, the second conductive plate 22 simultaneously contacts with the first ends 162 of the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) to cause electrical conduction therebetween, as shown in FIG. 6. The at least one light-emitting element 15 in the chamber S emits light to provide illumination. Thus, the user can clearly see the chamber S of the handbag by the light. Since the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) will not in frictional contact with the slider 2, wear is avoided. Furthermore, poor contact between the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) and the second conductive plate 22 resulting from bending of the two zipper tapes 1a, 1b is also avoided. Thus, the at least one light-emitting element 15 can emit light stably. When the slider 2 is pulled to cause mutual engagement of the rows of teeth 11 of the two zipper tapes 1a, 1b, an open circuit is formed between the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b), as shown in FIG. 5. Thus, the electric current cannot flow, and the light of the at least one light-emitting element 15 is put out. Since the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) are isolated from the outside, short circuit resulting from contact between the two first conductive plates 16 (16a, 16b) and a conductive external object outside of the container 3 is avoided.

(33) In view of the foregoing, in the zipper with the light-emitting device according to the present invention and the container with the zipper, when the slider is pulled to the stop, the at least one light-emitting element emits light to illuminate the chamber of the container. When the slider is pulled to cause mutual engagement between the rows of teeth of the two zipper tapes, the light of the at least one light-emitting element is put out. Furthermore, the slider can have a groove. The first end of the stop can extend into the groove to provide press-fit therebetween, assuring a stable circuit loop. Moreover, the two first conductive plates are received in the stop and are located on the inner face side of the two zipper tapes, and each of the two zipper tapes can have a waterproof material. Thus, erroneous conduction of the two first conductive plates resulting from contact with conductive external objects or moisture can be avoided. In addition, wear to the two first conductive plates 16 resulting from frictional contact with the slider can be avoided. Further, unreliable conduction resulting from bending of the two zipper tapes is also avoided.

(34) In view of the foregoing, in the zipper with the light-emitting device according to the present invention and the container with the zipper, when the slider is pulled to the stop, the at least one light-emitting element emits light to illuminate the chamber of the container. When the slider is pulled to cause mutual engagement between the rows of teeth of the two zipper tapes, the light of the at least one light-emitting element is put out. Furthermore, the slider can have a groove. The first end of the stop can extend into the groove to provide press-fit therebetween, assuring a stable circuit loop. Moreover, the two first conductive plates are received in the stop and are located on the inner face side of the two zipper tapes, and each of the two zipper tapes can have a waterproof layer. Thus, erroneous conduction of the two first conductive plates resulting from contact with conductive external objects or moisture can be avoided. In addition, wear to the two first conductive plates 16 resulting from frictional contact with the slider can be avoided. Further, unreliable conduction resulting from bending of the two zipper tapes is also avoided.

(35) Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to its presently preferable embodiments, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.