Child Resistant Locking Zipper

Abstract

This invention prevents the unwanted opening of a zipper. The invention comprises one or more grippers affixed to the zipper tape which engage the zipper pull tab and prevent movement of the zipper slider. The design and construction minimize shortcomings in other locks.

Description

FIELD

The present application relates to locking a zipper closed, in particular by affixing all lock components onto the zipper itself and by minimizing the number of components.

BACKGROUND

Zipper locks are in common use and are of two broad styles. The first modifies the article incorporating the zipper. The second style applies a removable external device to a portion of the zipper. Shortcomings in these locks derive from their purpose to prevent, rather than discourage, opening of the zipper. Specific shortcomings include multiplicity of parts, complex manufacture, complex operation, susceptibility to dirt and poor durability. The loose pull tabs and dangling components of extant locks can entangle other articles. The present invention addresses these deficiencies by modifying the zipper itself to prevent casual and accidental opening.

SUMMARY

Shortcomings in existing locks are addressed by adding one or two gripping pieces to a zipper of existing embodiment. The disclosed exemplary embodiments provide a child resistant locking zipper in which grippers integral to the zipper tape engage the zipper pull tab and prevent the zipper slider from moving. Manual manipulation of the grippers releases the pull tab, allowing the slider to move.

In one embodiment a pair of solid grippers is attached to the zipper tape on either side of the zipper teeth. Compressing the grippers together allows the zipper pull tab to engage them and become secured.

In a second embodiment a pair of grippers is formed of thin material. Compressing and deforming the grippers allows the zipper pull tab to engage them and become secured.

In a third embodiment a single gripper formed of thin material is specified. Compressing and deforming the gripper allows the zipper pull tab to engage it and become secured.

In all embodiments the number and location of grippers may be variable along the length of the zipper, allowing the zipper slider to be immobilized fully closed or in intermediate positions.

Further features, advantages and properties will become apparent from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present description, the teachings of the present device will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the complete invention according to a first embodiment in the unlocked position,

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the complete invention according to a first embodiment in the locked position,

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a gripping body component of the present invention depicted as a solid body,

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the complete invention according to a second embodiment in the unlocked position, and

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the complete invention according to a third embodiment in the unlocked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention of a child resistant locking zipper as described in the disclosure is best described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that other embodiments are plausible, as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, each applicable to a particular type of article closed by a zipper.

A first embodiment of the child resistant locking zipper 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The zipper lock 1 comprises a zipper 2 that consists of tape 2a, teeth 2b, a slider 2c and a pull tab 2d. Two grippers 3 are affixed to the zipper tape 2a spanning the teeth 2b. The grippers 3 are located laterally to provide clearance for the slider 2c to move freely along the length of the tape 2a. A gap 4 exists between the grippers 3. The eye 5 of pull tab 2d is sized to allow the gripper faces 3a to move into and out of the pull tab eye 5 when compressed against each other. The pull tab 2d is here depicted in the open orientation.

FIG. 2 depicts the first embodiment of the child resistant locking zipper 1 with the pull tab 2d in the locked orientation. Releasing compression from gripper tab faces 3a restores gap 4, restraining tab eye 5 by spring action of the grippers 3. With the pull tab 2d secured to the grippers 3 the slider 2c is unable to move along the zipper tape 2a, effectively locking the zipper 2 closed. Pull tab 2d thus immobilized is prevented from entangling with other objects.

The child resistant locking zipper 1 is released by simultaneously compressing the gripper faces 3a while lifting upwards on edge 6 of pull tab 2d. The simultaneous application of force in two distinct locations 3a and 6 requires conscious effort, thus defeating quick opening by a child, operation by pick pocket, and accidental opening by force along or perpendicular to the length of the zipper.

FIG. 3 depicts a gripper element 3 of the child resistant locking zipper 1. The gripper 3 consists of a base 3b integral with a flange 3c and extending from the flange 3c a tab 3d. The flange 3c offsets the tab 3d from the base vertically 3e and horizontally 3f. Extending from the flange 3c the tab 3d contains an angled face 3a and locking surfaces 3g. The base 3b provides a surface for affixing the gripper to the zipper tape 2a of FIG. 1. The offsets 3e and 3f are variably sized to provide horizontal and vertical clearance between the installed gripper 3 and the zipper teeth 2b of FIG. 1. The face 3a, tab 3d and locking surfaces 3g are variably sized to fit and mate with the specific zipper pull tab 2d of FIG. 1 to be locked. The locking features depicted by 3g are not restrictive in shape. Other embodiments are plausible, as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The salient features of gripper 3 apply to all embodiments of a gripper as depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5. Other embodiments are plausible, as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 4 depicts the second embodiment of the child resistant locking zipper 1 with the pull tab 2d in the open orientation with two alternate grippers 301 affixed to the zipper 2. Grippers 301 are fabricated of formed thin material. In all other respects the features of gripper 3 apply to gripper 301. The spring action of the thin material of the grippers 301 enhances the security of the lock between the gripper faces 301a and the slider tab 2d while minimizing the need to carefully control the dimensions of gap 4. All aspects of the operation of embodiment 1 apply to embodiment 2.

FIG. 5 depicts the third embodiment of the child resistant locking zipper 1 with the pull tab 2d in the open orientation and one gripper 302 affixed to the zipper 2. The single gripper 302 is fabricated of formed thin material. The slider pull tab 2d is applied to the gripper 302 by compressing faces 302a. The spring action of the thin material of the gripper 302 enhances the security of the locking surfaces 302b against the slider tab 2d. All other aspects of the operation of embodiment 1 apply to embodiment 3.

The child resistant locking zipper 1 of embodiment three is released by simultaneously pressing laterally on faces 302a while lifting upwards on edge 6 of pull tab 2d. The simultaneous application of force in two distinct locations 302a and 6 requires conscious effort, thus defeating quick opening by a child, operation by pick pocket, and accidental opening by force along or perpendicular to the length of the zipper.

The specific forms of the child resistant locking zipper are not restricted to the forms depicted in the Figures. Alternative forms of grippers 3, 301, and 302 include, but are not limited to, the method of attachment to the zipper tape 2a, the shape of the mating surfaces 3g, 302b and the overall form of the gripper as a solid, hollow or thin material. Other embodiments are plausible, as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5 depict the components necessary to lock the zipper in one location. In all embodiments the minimum number of grippers may be augmented by additional grippers along the length of the zipper, allowing the zipper to be locked in intermediate positions.

As depicted in the Figures, the present invention consists of one or two grippers affixed to a standard zipper. The shortcomings identified in existing zipper locks; multiplicity of parts, complex manufacture, complex operation, susceptibility to dirt and poor durability are thus addressed.

Claims

1. A child resistant locking zipper for deterring unauthorized and accidental access to the contents of an article consisting of a zipper, one or more grippers, slider and slider pull tab.

2. A child resistant locking zipper of claim 1, wherein the slider is prevented from moving by securing the slider pull tab to the grippers.

3. A child resistant locking zipper of claim 1, wherein the grippers are affixed to the zipper tape.

4. A child resistant locking zipper of claim 3, wherein the grippers are configured and positioned to avoid interference with the zipper slider.

5. A child resistant locking zipper of claim 1, wherein the grippers are solid bodies or formed of thin material.

6. A child resistant locking zipper of claim 1, wherein release of the pull tab from the gripping bodies requires manipulation in two mutually exclusive directions.

7. A child resistant locking zipper of claim 1, wherein multiple grippers located along the zipper can allow locking the slider in various positions.

8. A child resistant locking zipper of claim 1, wherein the pull tab is restrained to prevent it from entangling with other objects.