Security device for luggage, comprising a first external zip fastener and a second internal zip fastener

ES 2 561 817 T3

DESCRIPTION

A luggage security device comprising a first exterior zip fastener and a second interior zip fastener

The invention relates to a luggage security device comprising a first exterior zip fastener and a second interior zip fastener.

The invention is especially useful for improving the security of luggage equipped with a zip fastener.

The invention applies to luggage in general, to suitcases, to PC carriers, to various containers, to business accessories, to handbags, to backpacks and the like, equipped or not with rolling means.

Luggage equipped with zip fasteners offers insufficient protection against theft in the same way as those equipped with a padlock. Indeed, although luggage equipped with zippers is not visible by its owner and is handled by transport operators, zippers can be opened by the pressure of a pointed object or a point between the teeth of the zip fastener. The pressure thus effected between the teeth of the zip fastener makes it possible to push the teeth of the zip fastener downwards, move those teeth apart and away and disjoin them. After the separation of some teeth, it is possible to open the zip fastener by simple pulling in order to spread the chain opening over the whole of the zip fastener, thus allowing the suitcase or luggage to be opened. This operation carried out with moderate pressure leaves hardly any visible traces on the separated teeth. After examining the contents of the luggage and possibly the removal of a part, the operator closes the zip fastener again by means of a back and forth of the slider, without leaving traces.

The first purpose of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the known state of the art, proposing a new security device for luggage comprising a first exterior zip fastener and a second interior zip fastener.

Patent document US 6,223,349-B1 describes a closure means for the combination of water sports, in particular made of chloroprene rubber. This closure means cannot constitute a security device for luggage, due to the fact that the teeth of the outer zip closure can be easily separated by exerting external pressure with the help of a point or with a pointed tool on the zip closure. Exterior. Furthermore, the arrangement of the closure means includes the internal sealing layers and an intermediate gasket which is not suitable in order to be used in luggage that needs frequent opening or closing.

Patent document US 2,641,037 describes a sealing closure comprising an outer zip fastener and a second outer zip fastener. This sealing closure cannot constitute a security device for luggage, due to the fact that the teeth of the first outer zip fastener are opened by exerting pressure with the aid of a point or a pointed tool.

Patent document US 2008/0264815-A1 describes a gun container having a rigid outer surface. The weapon container has an outer zip fastener and lower sealing lips. This weapon container cannot be used as luggage that has a security device, due to the fact that the teeth of the single zip fastener do not resist the separation exerted with the help of a point or a pointed tool.

Patent document DE 19935380 A1 describes a zip fastener for weather-resistant clothing. This zip fastener cannot be used as a luggage security device, due to the fact that the teeth can be separated with the help of a point or a pointed tool.

Patent document US 2,166,885 describes an airtight receptacle. This airtight receptacle consists of a zip fastener associated with the combination of two internal elastic sealing bands. This device cannot be used as a luggage security device, due to the fact that the teeth of the zip fastener can be separated by means of a point or a pointed tool.

Patent document US 3,102,570 refers to the sealing means for a slide fastener. The combination of the sealing means and the zip fasteners do not make it possible to constitute a security device for luggage, due to the fact that the teeth of the outer zip fastener can be separated with the help of a point or a pointed tool and the Sealing means can then be dissociated before opening the second slide fastener by separating the teeth with the aid of a point or a pointed tool.

Patent document US 2,454,214 describes a closure consisting of two slide fasteners and intermediate sealing means. This closure cannot serve as a security device for luggage, due to the

ES 2 561 817 T3 fact that the teeth of the outer slide fastener can be separated by means of a point or a pointed tool.

Patent document US 1,734,434 describes a closure for the openings that must remain air, gas and water tight. This closure cannot serve as a security device for luggage, due to the fact that the teeth of the outer zip fastener can be separated by means of a point or a pointed tool.

Patent document WO 97/077 02 (SEO Chung Sil) describes a double watertight closure, in which the first outer closure does not consist of any teeth, but of two elongated strips provided for a watertight assembly.

A second purpose of the invention is to provide a luggage security device consisting of a first exterior zip fastener and a second interior zip fastener, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use and ergonomic.

The zippers for luggage must, in fact, be easy to open and close and, for this reason, cannot consist of thick teeth of injected plastic that open and close with difficulty and are subject to a fee of elevated breakage.

The zip fasteners commonly used for luggage are usually closures with small teeth, preferably in polyamide (Nylon, registered trademark), which open and close easily in a straight line in corners and curves, with a very low breakage rate.

A third purpose of the invention is to provide an improved security device for luggage, equipped with a first exterior zip fastener and a second interior zip fastener, in which the zip fasteners have tooth sizes and features close to those. which are usually used for luggage equipped with a single zip fastener.

The object of the invention is a luggage security device consisting of a first outer zip fastener comprising teeth and a second inner zip fastener comprising teeth, according to claim 1.

According to other alternative features of the invention:

the two zip fasteners consisting of teeth are superimposed with a displacement that ensures contact between the teeth under the effect of an external pressure;

the two zip fasteners consisting of teeth are substantially superimposed one on the other;

the free width of the first outer zip fastener comprising teeth is greater than the free width of the second inner zip fastener comprising teeth;

the free width of the first outer zip fastener comprising teeth is close to the free width of the second inner zip fastener comprising teeth;

the free width of the first outer zip fastener comprising teeth is slightly less than the free width of the second inner zip fastener comprising teeth;

the edges of the first outer zip fastener comprising teeth and of the second inner zip fastener comprising teeth are interlocked with each other to position them relative to each other;

the two zip fasteners consisting of teeth are controlled by a single slider means comprising two superimposed sliders;

- the two overlapping cursors are overlapping cursors with an offset;

- the two overlapping cursors are cursors exactly superimposed on each other;

- the single slider means consists of a first slider and a second slider in superposition integral with a bridge that supports a single chord.

The invention will be better understood through the description that follows, provided by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Figure 2 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Figure 3 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Figure 4 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Figure 5 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Figure 6 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Figure 7 schematically represents a perspective view of a single slider means of the

ES 2 561 817 T3 device according to the invention;

Figure 8 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of another single slider means of the device according to the invention;

With reference to Figures 1 to 8, identical or functionally equivalent elements are represented by identical reference numerals.

In figure 1, a first embodiment of the device according to the invention includes a first outer slide fastener 1 and a second inner slide lock 2.

The slide fasteners 1 and 2 are mounted on the edges 3a, 3b of a luggage wrap not shown in its entirety along assembly lines 4a, 4b.

The length of the curve defined by the midline of the outer zip fastener 1 comprised between the proximal mounting lines, here 4a, 4b, is called free width and is located by reference h.

The length of the curve defined by the midline of the second inner zip fastener 2 and comprised between the proximal mounting lines, here 4a, 4b, is called free width and is located by reference I2.

Each slide fastener 1 or 2 includes an alignment of pairs of cooperating teeth, 1a or 2a and the two mounting edges 1b or 2b of the corresponding teeth 1a or 2a.

When a pressure force is exerted with the aid of a point P or of a pointed tool on the teeth 1a of the outer zip fastener 1, the edges 1b flex and the teeth 1a come to bear on the teeth 2a of the second zip fastener interior 2.

The rigid support provided by the teeth 2a of the second inner zip fastener 2 prevents dislocation of the teeth of the outer zip fastener 1 under pressure from the point or the pointed tool P and prevents the penetration of the point P between the teeth 1a of the first outer zip fastener 1.

This security against break-in theft also results from the fact that the free width l1 of the first outer zip fastener 1 is similar to or greater than the free width l2 of the second inner zip fastener 2.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the slide fasteners 1 and 2 are substantially superimposed on one another.

In figure 2, a second embodiment of the device according to the invention is made up of elements identical to the elements described with reference to figure 1.

In this embodiment, the two slide fasteners 1 and 2 are superimposed with an offset d.

The displacement d is chosen by the person skilled in the art such that the teeth 1a and 2a of the slide fasteners 1 and 2 touch when external pressure is exerted on the outer slide fastener 1 with the help of a point P or of a pointed tool.

The contact of the teeth 1a and 2a of the slide fasteners 1 and 2 provides a rigid support that prevents the dislocation of the teeth of the first outer slide seal 1 under the pressure of the tip or the pointed tool P.

The free width li of the first outer slide fastener 1 is similar to or greater than the free width l2 of the second inner slide fastener 2.

The invention also extends to variants not shown in which the free width of the first outer zip fastener 1 is close to or even slightly less than the free width of the second inner zip fastener 2, the essential thing being that the teeth of the outer zip fastener 1 come into contact with the teeth of the second inner zip fastener 2 when pressure is exerted with the aid of a point or a pointed tool on the outer zip fastener 1.

In figure 3, a third embodiment of the device according to the invention includes two slide fasteners 1 and 2.

Edges 1b and 2b are assembled in advance along lines 4 and 5, in order to position the first and second slide fasteners 1 and 2 relative to each other.

The assembly lines 4 and 5 of the two zippers can be placed on the outside or inside the fixing lines on the luggage wrap.

ES 2 561 817 T3

The slide fasteners 1 and 2 can be controlled individually, each one by its own slider, not shown.

In this example, the free width of the first outer zip fastener 1 is the length of its midline between the proximal mounting lines 4 and 5; the free width of the second outer zip fastener 2 is the length of its midline between the proximal mounting lines 4 and 5.

After having carried out the positioning of the slide fasteners 1 and 2 by fixing along the assembly lines of 4 and 5, preferably by sewing, then the assembly of the slide fasteners 1 and 2 is fixed in the walls 6 and 7 of a baggage along fixing lines 8 and 9.

If assembly lines 4 and 5 of the zip fasteners were placed on the outside of the fastening lines on the luggage wrap, the free width of the first outer zip fastener 1 will be the length of its midline between the lines proximal fixation 8 and 9; the free width of the second outer zip fastener 2 will be the length of its midline between the proximal fixing lines 8 and 9.

When pressure is exerted with the aid of a point or a pointed tool P on the first outer zip fastener 1, the teeth 1a come into contact with the teeth 2a of the second inner zip fastener 2 and are supported on them with the in order to resist the penetration of the tip or a pointed tool P and prevent dislocation.

In figure 4, a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention comprises a first outer slide fastener 1 and a second inner slide lock 2.

Each zip fastener 1 or 2 includes the teeth 1a or 2a cooperating with each other and the edges or edges 1b or 2b.

The edges or edges 1a of the first slide fastener 1 are preferably mounted on the edges or edges 2a of the second inner slide fastener 2, along the lines of positioning lines 4 and 5.

The assembly lines 4 and 5 of the two zip fasteners can be placed on the outside or inside of the luggage envelope, that is, between teeth 1a and 2a on one side and end 1b and 2b on the other side. .

The assembly made in this way is mounted on the edges 3a, 3b of a rigid luggage envelope by means of a protective lip 10a, 10b, preferably made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

In figure 5, a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention comprises a first outer slide fastener 1 provided with its teeth 1a and its edges 1b, a second inner slide fastener 2 provided with its teeth 2a and its edges or edges 2b.

The edges or edges 1b and 2b are preferably positioned and fixed to each other along the positioning lines 4 and 5.

The assembly lines 4 and 5 of the two zippers can be placed on the outside or inside the fixing lines on the luggage wrap.

The assembly made in this way is mounted on a flexible wall 3a, 3b of a flexible suitcase or luggage and also on an inner lining 11a, 11b of the flexible suitcase or luggage.

Due to the positioning resulting from the assembly along lines 4 and 5, the force exerted by a pointed tool P or a point on the teeth 1a of the outer zip fastener 1 brings the teeth 1a into contact with the support teeth 2a and prevents the penetration and separation of the teeth 1a under the effect of the tip or the pointed tool P.

The invention is applicable to all types of bags, luggage, various containers equipped or not with rolling, rigid or flexible means.

In figure 6, a sixth embodiment of the device according to the invention is particularly advantageous in its application to flexible or semi-rigid luggage.

The device includes a first outer zip fastener 1 with teeth 1a and edges or edges 1b, a second inner zip fastener 2 with teeth 2a and edges or edges 2b.

The slide fasteners 1 and 2 are preferably positioned by mounting along two positioning lines 4 and 5 before being mounted on the flexible fabric 3a, 3b of a flexible luggage wrap.

ES 2 561 817 T3

Preferably, the outer and inner slide fasteners 1 and 2 are arranged substantially one above the other.

The engagement and disengagement of the teeth 1a, 2a of the two slide fasteners 1 and 2 are controlled by the movement of a single slider means 13.

However, the invention also encompasses the case of two slide fasteners having a low lateral offset less than two slide fastener tooth widths.

The vertical spacing measured between the teeth of the outer and inner slide fasteners is preferably less than the thickness of one and a half teeth of the slide fastener.

Thanks to the single slider means 13, the outer closure and the inner closure are simultaneously closed. After the complete closure of the luggage, a point or of the pointed tool P inserted between two teeth 1a does not allow the deviation of the teeth 1a and their disengagement capable of achieving an opening for theft with breakage of the suitcase or flexible luggage.

The locking and retention of the teeth 1a of the outer zip fastener by the support provided by the teeth 2A of the inner zip fastener thus prevents an operator from opening the suitcase or flexible luggage for theft with breakage.

The invention thus makes it possible to place directly under the outer zip fastener 1 and over its entire length an inner support constituted by the inner zip fastener 2 that prevents depression and uncoupling of a tooth 1a of the outer zip fastener.

This inner zip fastener 2 thus provides a support structure constituting a reinforcement and retention of the teeth 1a of the outer zip fastener.

The single central slider 13 comprises a first space cooperating with the teeth 1a of the outer slide fastener and a second space cooperating with the teeth 2a of the inner slide fastener.

The single slider 13 preferably comprises a gap between the two aforementioned spaces, preferably an intermediate pin 13a, the thickness of which is less than the thickness of a tooth 1a or 2a.

Thanks to the single central slider 13, the actuation of the outer slide fastener 1 and the actuation of the inner slide fastener 2 are simultaneous.

This simultaneity of actuation and cooperation of the respective teeth 1a and 2a further reinforces the reliability of the respective positioning of the outer and inner slide fasteners 1 and 2.

The use of a double-actuated central slider 13 makes it possible to reduce the space comprised in the closed position between teeth 1a and 2a, which still improves the effect of resistance to pressure of a P, obtained thanks to the support provided by teeth 2a inside zip closure.

In Figure 7, the single central slider 13 reproduces the shape of two prior art sliders superimposed one on top of the other with a single upper bridge 13b equipped with an eyepiece 13c intended to allow insertion of a lock such as a padlock.

The bridge 13b is shaped so as to cooperate with a single chord, not shown. By actuating this single cord, the user opens or closes the superimposed zip fasteners, performing the quick and easy manipulations identical to the manipulations performed on an unsecured suitcase of the Prior Art.

The invention can also be applied to a device comprising two slide fasteners of different sizes. In this variant, which is not represented and in the case of a single central slider, the slider will have a different shape in the upper half and on the lower half, the shapes being adapted to the different sizes of the slide fasteners.

In figure 8, another single central slider means 14 reproduces the shape of two overlapping prior art sliders with a transverse displacement d corresponding to a device of the kind described with reference to figure 2, in which the two slide fasteners 1 and 2 are superimposed with a transverse displacement d.

The invention is applicable to all variants of the devices obtained with the use of two prior art cursors superimposed with a displacement, regardless of the direction of this displacement. If the partial sliders are superimposed with a longitudinal displacement d, the single central slider corresponds to a device in which the two slide fasteners of the same size are overlapped with possibly a

ES 2 561 817 T3 longitudinal displacement. If the partial sliders are superimposed with an offset at an angle, the single central slide formed in this way corresponds to a device in which the two slide fasteners are superimposed one on the other with an offset corresponding to the transverse component of this offset at an angle.

The single central slider 14 of FIG. 8 includes a locking eyepiece 16 intended for the passage of an organ of the padlock type. The single central slider 14 of FIG. 8 can also contain two separation interfaces 15a, 15b, in the case of movement d close to the width of a tooth of the slide fastener.

The invention described with reference to the various embodiments is by no means limited and, on the contrary, covers every modification of form and every variant of embodiment within the scope of the appended claims.

The invention also applies to a device obtained using two half sliders in different ways. In this variant, not shown, the slider has a different semi-slider shape for the left half and for the right half, in order to adapt to different zip fasteners, or it even has different shapes for each of the two semi-sliders.

The invention also applies to a device obtained using two half-sliders that include separation barriers for the displaced teeth. In this variant, not shown, the slider has a different barrier shape on the upper half and on the lower half, organized to reduce the pulling force.

Thanks to the invention, the fluidity and ease of opening and closing of a device with zip fasteners are similar to the fluidity and ease of opening and closing of a suitcase without security of the Prior Art and this both in the lines straight, such as curves and corners

A preferred method for assembling a device according to the invention comprises the following steps:

- Assemble the two slide fasteners in overlap, for example by sewing or by welding or gluing;

- Only then mount the set in superposition of the two zip fasteners on the suitcase, for example by sewing or by welding or gluing.

Thanks to an assembly method according to the invention, the two zippers have substantially the same length, which imposes a regular path with the single central slider despite the different curvatures in the different radii of the case.

Despite the difference in radius, the upper half course and the low half cursor actually travel the same distance. This prevents offsets in the path of the single center cursor.

Thanks to the preferred mounting method according to the invention, the teeth of the outer and inner slide fasteners are substantially aligned on the vertical axis of the final product and the two slide fasteners are closer to each other.

In order to facilitate cornering and to avoid a risk of premature belt wear due to increased corner friction, the unique central slider device is arranged to prevent slider “dipping” and braking and to compensate for the differences in the length of the two zippers when they are placed on a different radius. To this end, an increase in bandwidth or edge is provided in relation to the Prior Art, to increase the pitch of the cursor.

An increase in the size of the cord is also envisaged in relation to the prior art in order to facilitate the movement and advancement of the cursor.

Finally, a decrease in the height of the bridge of the slider and a positioning of the axis of the cord on the bridge is foreseen, allowing a large deviation in the rear part of the slider at the time of opening and in the front part of the slider at the time of closing. and allowing the cursor's center of gravity to be brought closer, to prevent “dip” and slider braking such that any additional pressure on the tip or pointed tool only reinforces the plating of the outer zip fastener against the interior zip fastener, thereby increasing the locking effect and resistance to theft with breakage.

The person skilled in the art can adapt the invention according to the variants not represented, with the intention of obtaining the support and locking effect of the teeth, providing resistance to theft with breakage.

The alignment of the slide fasteners may vary in the context of the present invention, the essential thing being to obtain the effect of the resistance to theft with break described in each of the modes of the represented embodiments.

ES 2 561 817 T3

The inner and outer zip fasteners can be identical or different, both in terms of their geometries and their materials for construction. The inner and outer zippers can be placed symmetrically or not, relative to each other. The teeth of the two zippers can be presented towards the outside or inside of the luggage.

Finally, the invention covers the embodiments using the devices with more than two superimposed sliders or with more than two superimposed sliders, for example three overlapped sliders or three overlapped sliders, with or without displacement.

Preferred embodiments utilize the inner and outer zip fasteners sewn in advance before being attached to the corresponding luggage wrap.

Any other supplementary means that allows the plating of the outer zip fastener against the inner zip and resists theft with breakage can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention; including a VELCRO (registered trademark) fastening against the inside zip fastener.

The invention also applies to a device obtained by superimposing two zipper closures of different sizes one on top of the other. In this variant not shown, the slider has a different shape for the upper half and for the lower half, in order to adapt to the two different sizes of zip fastener. This not represented variant of the device for differentiated zip fasteners is inexpensive and must be adapted to a curved contour and an easy and fast opening due to the different opening and closing speeds in the two zip fastener tapes to avoid folds in one. of the zip fasteners or a displacement of the path or a locking of the slider and the differences in dimensions and precision of the two sizes of zip fasteners that can impair the quality and fluidity of the slide at the time of closing and opening.