A zipper
By introducing a sliding structure of cone sleeve and clamping element into the zipper, combined with ball clamping and reset element, the problems of non-adjustable zipper rope length and weak anti-theft performance are solved, achieving convenient zipper rope adjustment and efficient anti-theft effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG ZHONGLI GRP
- Filing Date
- 2026-06-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing zippers have non-adjustable locking cord lengths, poor adaptability, and weak anti-theft performance, resulting in security vulnerabilities.
A zipper structure with a conical sleeve and a clamping element was designed. The conical sleeve slides in the channel, and the clamping element is driven by the lock cylinder mechanism to unlock and lock the zipper rope. The design of the ball clamping and reset element allows the zipper rope length to be adjusted in the locked state, and the anti-theft performance is improved by the cooperation of the stop groove and the stop part.
It enables convenient adjustment of the locking rope in the locked state and improves anti-theft performance, enhances locking stability and tensile strength, simplifies operation, and reduces manufacturing and assembly costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224496099U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lock technology, and in particular to a zipper. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the basic structure of most zippers with locking cords on the market typically includes a lock body, a lock cylinder, and a locking cord fixed to the lock body at one or both ends. In use, the user loops the locking cord around the object to be locked, then inserts the free end or the other end of the cord into the lock body. The lock cylinder mechanism then locks it, forming a closed locking ring that restricts the zipper's movement or prevents items from being opened.
[0003] However, in practical applications, such existing zippers have the following obvious technical drawbacks: 1. The lock rope length is not adjustable, resulting in poor adaptability. Existing zippers, once locked, cannot adjust the lock rope. This means users must precisely pre-adjust the rope's coverage area when locking. If the lock ring is found to be too loose after locking, it will leave space for pulling and slipping, preventing a tight lock. To tighten, the lock cylinder mechanism must be used to unlock and adjust the rope. This "one-lock-and-set" non-adjustability severely limits the zipper's versatility and convenience on objects of different sizes and shapes.
[0004] 2. Weak anti-theft performance and obvious security loopholes: The existing zippers have poor anti-theft performance. After locking, when the zipper rope is pulled hard, the zipper rope is easy to break off from the lock shell, which affects the locking of the item. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a zipper that allows for convenient and safe adjustment of the locking rope even when locked, thus securing the object and significantly improving physical anti-theft performance.
[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: A zipper includes a lock shell, a lock cylinder mechanism, and a zipper rope. One end of the zipper rope is connected to the lock shell, and the other end of the zipper rope is a locking end. The lock shell has a channel, and the locking end of the zipper rope passes through the channel. A conical sleeve is slidably provided in the channel. The locking end of the zipper rope extends into the conical sleeve and can slide relative to the conical sleeve. The conical sleeve has a clamping member for unlocking or locking the zipper rope. The channel has a clamping surface. The lock cylinder mechanism has a driving part and a stopping part. The driving part is used to push the conical sleeve to slide outward so that the clamping member unlocks the zipper rope. The conical sleeve has a stopping groove. The stopping groove has a gap relative to the conical sleeve when the stopping part slides outward in the axial direction of the conical sleeve. This gap is sufficient to cause the clamping member to release the locking of the zipper rope. The lock shell has a reset member. The reset member is used to drive the conical sleeve to reset inward. The clamping surface forces the clamping member to clamp the zipper rope to achieve locking.
[0007] Using the above technical solution, when the lock cylinder mechanism rotates in the unlocking direction, the driving part contacts the cone sleeve and pushes the cone sleeve to slide outward. The clamping part slides radially to unlock the lock rope, allowing the locking end to completely detach from the lock case and unlock the bundled items. After the locking end of the lock rope is inserted into the lock case and the lock cylinder mechanism is driven to rotate in the locking direction, the stop part will enter the stop groove. At this time, if there is a gap between the lock rope and the bundled items and it is not completely locked, the locking end can be pulled outward. Due to the cooperation structure between the stop groove and the stop part, the cone sleeve will move outward with the lock rope. After contacting the stop part on the inner wall of the stop groove, the cone sleeve stops sliding. However, at this time, the clamping part has completed radial sliding and will release the lock rope. The locking end of the lock rope can be pulled outward at will to adjust the size of the lock ring. After the adjustment is completed, the lock rope is released, the reset part will automatically reset the cone sleeve, and the clamping part will relock the lock rope, thereby obtaining a stable and safe lock rope state. The overall structure is compact, the operation is simple, and the security is high.
[0008] Further features of this invention: The lock cylinder mechanism includes a lock cylinder and a lock gate. The lock gate rotates synchronously with the lock cylinder. The lock gate is located in the channel and at the inner end of the cone sleeve. The lock gate is provided with the aforementioned driving part and stopping part. The driving part is a cam or push rod that pushes the cone sleeve when the lock cylinder mechanism is unlocked and rotated.
[0009] By adopting the above-mentioned further settings, a reliable conversion from rotary motion to axial push of the cone sleeve is achieved. The cam or push rod structure is simple and the transmission is direct. It can generate sufficient thrust and is not prone to failure, thereby improving the durability and unlocking reliability of the lock cylinder mechanism.
[0010] A further feature of this invention is that the stop groove is an annular groove formed on the outer wall of the cone sleeve, the stop part is provided with a stop block or a stop rod, and the distance between the two inner walls of the stop groove in the axial direction is greater than the thickness of the stop block or the diameter of the stop rod, so that when the stop part is located in the stop groove, the cone sleeve can slide axially a preset distance independently relative to the lock cylinder mechanism.
[0011] The above-mentioned further design allows the tapered sleeve to have a certain amount of free travel in the axial direction, so that the locking rope can be adjusted even in the locked state; at the same time, the design of the annular groove facilitates the assembly of the tapered sleeve, requiring only that the inner and outer ends be accurately positioned.
[0012] A further improvement of this invention is as follows: the clamping element is provided with ball bearings, the conical sleeve is provided with a through hole and a conical hole communicating with the through hole, the locking rope passes through the through hole, and the ball bearings are located in the conical hole. When the conical sleeve moves axially, the ball bearings move radially in the conical hole to lock or unlock the locking rope.
[0013] With the above-mentioned further configuration, after the locking rope passes through the conical sleeve, the ball rolls radially along the conical hole when the conical sleeve moves axially. Compared with the traditional inclined plane or claw clamping, the ball clamping has low friction, sensitive response, and extremely low damage to the surface of the locking rope. It also has a self-locking characteristic after locking and is easy to disengage when unlocking, which significantly improves the life of the locking rope and the reliability of repeated use.
[0014] A further improvement of this invention is that: three balls are provided and evenly distributed along the circumference of the conical sleeve, and three conical holes are also provided accordingly, with each ball located in the corresponding conical hole.
[0015] By adopting the above-mentioned further design, the clamping force of the ball bearings on the locking rope is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, avoiding the locking rope skewing, uneven force or local wear caused by single point or two point clamping. The three-point centering structure can also automatically center the locking rope, improving locking stability and tensile strength.
[0016] A further improvement of this invention is that each conical hole has a limiting piece at its small end to prevent the ball from detaching from the conical sleeve at the small end.
[0017] By adopting the above-mentioned further design, a limiting piece is set at the small end of the conical hole, which can effectively prevent the ball from falling completely into the through hole or even being lost due to gravity or vibration after the lock rope is unlocked and disengaged from the conical sleeve. This improves the reliability of the zipper in the unlocked state, avoids failure when locking next time due to misalignment or missing balls, and facilitates maintenance and transportation.
[0018] A further improvement of this invention is that the clamping surface is a conical surface.
[0019] By adopting the above-mentioned further settings, the contact force between the clamping element and the clamping surface changes linearly when the cone sleeve slides in the channel, and the unlocking and locking process is smooth and shock-free.
[0020] A further feature of this invention is that the lock gate is provided with a connecting groove, and the end of the lock cylinder is provided with a connecting post. The connecting post and the connecting groove cooperate to achieve synchronous rotation of the lock gate and the lock cylinder.
[0021] With the above-mentioned further design, no additional fasteners are required during assembly, reducing manufacturing and assembly costs. The connecting column can be square, and the connecting groove is also square to ensure that the lock cylinder rotates synchronously with the lock gate.
[0022] A further improvement of this utility model is that the reset component is provided with a reset spring, and a positioning boss is provided in the channel. One end of the reset spring abuts against the positioning boss, and the other end abuts against the conical sleeve.
[0023] With the above-mentioned further design, the structure is simple, the cost is low, and the reset force is stable and reliable. The positioning boss provides a precise support surface for the spring, ensuring that the spring axis is consistent with the movement direction of the cone sleeve, and avoiding additional resistance caused by spring skew. The elastic force of the reset spring can be selected as needed, which can ensure that the cone sleeve returns to the locked position quickly and accurately when there is no external force. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a specific embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the locking rope being pulled outwards when in the locked state in a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention in an unlocked state according to a specific embodiment; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the present invention in a locked state; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the channel in a specific embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the conical sleeve according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the conical sleeve according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the locking gate of this utility model; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the lock cylinder in a specific embodiment of the present utility model.
[0025] In the diagram, 1. Lock housing; 11. Channel; 111. Clamping surface; 112. Positioning boss; 2. Lock cylinder mechanism; 21. Drive unit; 22. Stop unit; 23. Lock cylinder; 231. Connecting post; 24. Lock gate; 241. Connecting groove; 242. Extension piece; 3. Lock rope; 31. Locking end; 4. Conical sleeve; 41. Clamping piece; 42. Through hole; 43. Conical hole; 431. Limiting piece; 44. Stop groove; 5. Reset piece. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The technical solutions in this embodiment will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0027] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, forward, backward, etc.) in the description of this utility model are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.
[0028] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. In the description of this utility model, "a number" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0029] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0030] like Figure 1-9As shown, a zipper includes a lock housing 1, a lock cylinder mechanism 2, and a locking cord 3. The lock housing 1 comprises two separate housings connected by screws for easy disassembly and assembly of the internal structure. One end of the locking cord 3 is connected to the lock housing 1, and the other end is a locking end 31. The lock housing 1 has a channel 11, and the locking end 31 of the locking cord 3 passes through the channel 11. Preferably, the channel 11 extends through the lock housing 1 along its axial direction, and the locking end 31 of the locking cord 3 passes through the channel 11 and extends out of the lock housing 1 for easy operation. A conical sleeve 4 is slidably provided within the channel 11, and the locking end 31 of the locking cord 3 extends out of the channel 11. The locking cord 3 is inserted into the conical sleeve 4 and can slide relative to the conical sleeve 4. When the locking cord 3 passes through the channel, it also passes through the conical sleeve. The conical sleeve 4 is provided with a clamping member 41 for unlocking or locking the locking cord 3. The channel 11 has a clamping surface 111 that cooperates with the conical sleeve 4. The clamping surface 111 can be a conical surface or an arc surface. In this utility model, a conical surface is preferred. When the conical sleeve 4 slides in the channel 11, the clamping member 41 moves radially on the conical sleeve 4 to lock or unlock the locking cord 3. The lock core mechanism 2 is provided with a driving part 21 and a stopping part 22. The driving part 21 is used to push the conical sleeve 4 to slide outward to clamp. The clamping member 41 unlocks the locking rope 3, thereby disengaging the locking end 31 of the locking rope 3 from the lock housing 1. The conical sleeve 4 is provided with a stop groove 44. The stop groove 44 has a gap relative to the conical sleeve 4 when the stop part 22 slides outward axially. This gap is sufficient to cause the clamping member 41 to release the lock rope 3. That is, the axial length of the stop part 22 is less than the axial length of the stop groove 44. When the stop part 22 is located in the stop groove 44, the conical sleeve 4 can slide outward relative to the stop part 22. When the stop part 22 is located in the stop groove 44, the inner and outer ends of the stop part can both have gaps with the inner wall of the stop groove, or the outer end of the stop part can have gaps. When the cone sleeve comes into contact with the inner wall near the outer side of the stop groove, and after the other inner wall of the stop groove comes into contact with the stop part, the cone sleeve stops sliding. However, at this time, the clamping member has unlocked the locking rope, and the locking rope can slide outward relative to the cone sleeve alone. The lock housing 1 is provided with a reset member 5, which is used to drive the cone sleeve 4 to reset inward. The clamping surface forces the clamping member 41 to clamp the locking rope 3 to achieve locking. When the lock core mechanism 2 rotates in the unlocking direction, the driving part 21 comes into contact with the cone sleeve 4 and pushes the cone sleeve 4 to slide outward. The clamping member 41 slides radially to unlock the locking rope 3, so that the locking end 31 can completely disengage from the lock housing 1 and unlock the bundled items.After the locking end 31 of the locking rope 3 is inserted into the lock housing 1 and the lock cylinder mechanism 2 is driven to rotate in the locking direction, the stop part 22 will enter the stop groove. At this time, if there is a gap between the locking rope 3 and the bundled item and it is not fully locked, the locking end 31 can be pulled outward. Due to the cooperation structure between the stop groove and the stop part 22, the cone sleeve 4 will move outward with the locking rope 3. After the inner wall of the stop groove contacts the stop part 22, the cone sleeve 4 stops sliding. However, at this time, the clamping member 41 has completed radial sliding and will release the locking rope 3. The lock allows for adjustment of the lock ring size by pulling the locking end 31 of the lock rope 3 outwards. After adjustment, releasing the lock rope 3 causes the reset component 5 to automatically reset the cone sleeve 4, and the clamping component 41 to relock the lock rope 3, thus achieving a stable and secure lock rope 3 state. The overall structure is compact, easy to operate, and highly secure. In the locked state, the lock rope 3 can only be pulled outwards to shrink the lock ring, but cannot be pulled inwards to expand it. This structure also improves the anti-theft performance of the zipper and prevents external forces from damaging the locking structure.
[0031] The lock cylinder mechanism 2 includes a lock cylinder 23 and a lock gate 24. The lock cylinder 23 is existing technology and can be a key lock cylinder 23 or a combination lock cylinder 23. The lock gate 24 rotates synchronously with the lock cylinder 23. The lock gate 24 is rotatably located within the channel 11 and at the inner end of the cone sleeve 4. The cone sleeve 4 is located between the lock gate 24 and the reset member 5. The lock rope 3 passes through the lock gate 24 and the cone sleeve 4. The lock gate 24 is provided with the aforementioned driving part 21 and stop part 22. The driving part 21 is a cam or push rod that pushes the cone sleeve 4 when the lock cylinder mechanism 2 rotates to unlock. In this utility model, the driving part 21 is preferably set as a cam to realize rotational movement. The reliable conversion of the axial push of the cone sleeve 4, the simple structure of the cam or push rod, the direct transmission, the ability to generate sufficient thrust and the resistance to failure, improve the durability and unlocking reliability of the lock cylinder mechanism 2; the lock gate 24 is provided with a connecting groove 241, and the end of the lock cylinder 23 is provided with a connecting post 231. The connecting post 231 and the connecting groove 241 cooperate to realize the synchronous rotation of the lock gate 24 and the lock cylinder 23. No additional fasteners are required during assembly, which reduces manufacturing and assembly costs. The connecting post 231 can be square, and the connecting groove 241 is also square to ensure that the lock gate 24 rotates synchronously when the lock cylinder 23 rotates.
[0032] The stop groove is an annular groove formed on the outer wall of the cone sleeve 4. The stop part 22 is provided as a stop block or stop rod. The distance between the two inner walls of the stop groove 44 in the axial direction is greater than the thickness of the stop block or the diameter of the stop rod. Thus, when the stop part 22 is located in the stop groove, the cone sleeve 4 can slide axially a preset distance independently relative to the lock cylinder mechanism 2. An extension piece 242 is integrally or fixedly provided on the lock gate 24. The stop part is integrally or fixedly provided on the extension piece 242, allowing the cone sleeve 4 to have a certain free stroke in the axial direction. Thus, the lock rope 3 can be adjusted even in the locked state. At the same time, the annular groove facilitates the assembly of the cone sleeve 4, requiring only that the inner and outer ends are accurately positioned.
[0033] The clamping element 41 is equipped with ball bearings. The conical sleeve 4 has a through hole 42 and a conical hole 43 communicating with the through hole 42. The locking rope 3 passes through the through hole 42, and the ball bearings are located in the conical hole 43. When the conical sleeve 4 moves axially, the ball bearings move radially in the conical hole 43 to lock or unlock the locking rope 3. After the locking rope 3 passes through the conical sleeve 4, the ball bearings roll radially along the conical hole 43 when the conical sleeve 4 moves axially. Compared with traditional inclined plane or claw clamping, ball bearing clamping has low friction, sensitive response, and minimal damage to the surface of the locking rope 3. It also has a self-locking characteristic after locking and is easy to disengage when unlocking, significantly improving the lifespan of the locking rope 3 and its reliability during repeated use. Specifically, there are three ball bearings evenly distributed along the circumference of the conical sleeve, and there are also three corresponding conical holes 43. Each ball bearing is located in its corresponding conical hole 43, so that the ball bearings clamp the locking rope 3. The tension is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, avoiding the deflection, uneven force, or local wear of the locking rope 3 caused by single-point or two-point clamping. The three-point centering structure can also automatically center the locking rope 3, improving locking stability and tensile strength. Each conical hole 43 has a limiting piece 431 at its small end to prevent the ball from detaching from the conical sleeve 4. The limiting piece 431 at the small end of the conical hole 43 can effectively prevent the ball from falling completely into the through hole 42 or even being lost due to gravity or vibration after the locking rope 3 is unlocked and detached from the conical sleeve 4. This improves the reliability of the zipper in the unlocked state and avoids failure during the next locking due to ball misalignment or missing balls. It also facilitates maintenance and transportation. The limiting piece is an annular piece with an inner diameter smaller than the diameter of the ball and an outer diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the small end of the conical hole. The limiting piece can be integrally formed in the conical hole.
[0034] The reset component 5 is equipped with a reset spring. A positioning boss 112 is provided within the channel 11. One end of the reset spring abuts against the positioning boss 112, and the other end abuts against the conical sleeve 4. Alternatively, the reset spring can extend partially into the conical sleeve 4. The conical sleeve 4 has an abutting surface inside, and the reset spring abuts against this surface. When the conical sleeve 4 slides outward, the reset spring is compressed. This design is simple, low-cost, and provides a stable and reliable reset force. The positioning boss 112 provides a precise support surface for the spring, ensuring the spring axis... The movement direction of the cone sleeve 4 is consistent with that of the cone sleeve 4 to avoid additional resistance caused by spring deflection; the elastic force of the return spring can be selected as needed to ensure that the cone sleeve 4 returns to the locked position quickly and accurately when there is no external force. A limiting boss can also be set at the outer end of the clamping surface 111 in the channel 11. When the outer end of the cone sleeve 4 abuts against the limiting boss, the cone sleeve 4 can no longer slide outward. After the cone sleeve 4 slides inward to contact the locking gate 24, the cone sleeve 4 can no longer slide. The sliding of the cone sleeve 4 is limited to prevent it from disengaging from the lock housing 1.
Claims
1. A zipper, comprising a lock housing (1), a lock cylinder mechanism (2), and a locking cord (3), wherein one end of the locking cord (3) is connected to the lock housing (1), and the other end of the locking cord (3) is a locking end (31), characterized in that, The lock housing (1) is provided with a channel (11), the locking end (31) of the lock rope (3) slides in the channel (11), a conical sleeve (4) is slidably provided in the channel (11), the locking end (31) of the lock rope (3) extends into the conical sleeve (4) and can slide relative to the conical sleeve (4), the conical sleeve (4) is provided with a clamping member (41) for unlocking or locking the lock rope (3), the channel (11) has a clamping surface (111), the lock cylinder mechanism (2) is provided with a driving part (21) and a stopping part (22), the driving part (21) is used for The cone sleeve (4) is pushed to slide outward so that the clamping member (41) unlocks the lock rope (3). The cone sleeve (4) is provided with a stop groove (44). The stop groove (44) has a gap between the stop part (22) and the cone sleeve (4) when the cone sleeve (4) slides outward in the axial direction. The gap is sufficient to cause the clamping member (41) to release the lock rope (3). The lock housing (1) is provided with a reset member (5). The reset member (5) is used to drive the cone sleeve (4) to reset inward. The clamping surface (111) forces the clamping member (41) to clamp the lock rope (3) to achieve locking.
2. The zipper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lock cylinder mechanism (2) includes a lock cylinder (23) and a lock gate (24). The lock gate (24) rotates synchronously with the lock cylinder (23). The lock gate (24) is rotatably located in the channel (11) and at the inner end of the cone sleeve (4). The lock gate (24) is provided with the aforementioned drive part (21) and stop part (22). The drive part (21) is a cam or push rod that pushes the cone sleeve (4) when the lock cylinder mechanism (2) is unlocked.
3. The zipper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The channel (11) is provided through the lock housing (1) in the axial direction, and the locking end of the locking rope (3) passes through the channel and extends out of the lock housing (1).
4. The zipper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The stop groove (44) is an annular groove opened on the outer wall of the cone sleeve (4). The stop part (22) is a stop block or a stop rod. The distance between the two inner walls of the stop groove (44) in the axial direction is greater than the thickness of the stop block or the diameter of the stop rod. So when the stop part (22) is located in the stop groove (44), the cone sleeve (4) can slide axially a preset distance independently relative to the lock core mechanism (2).
5. The zipper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The clamping member (41) is equipped with ball bearings. The conical sleeve (4) is provided with a through hole (42) and a conical hole (43) communicating with the through hole (42). The locking rope (3) passes through the through hole (42). The ball bearings are located in the conical hole (43). When the conical sleeve (4) moves axially, the ball bearings move radially in the conical hole (43) to lock or unlock the locking rope (3).
6. The zipper according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ball bearings are provided in three and are evenly distributed along the circumference of the conical sleeve (4). The conical hole (43) is also provided in three corresponding ways, with each ball bearing located in the corresponding conical hole (43).
7. The zipper according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each conical hole (43) has a limiting piece (431) at its small end to prevent the ball from disengaging from the conical sleeve (4) at its small end.
8. The zipper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The clamping surface (111) is a conical surface.
9. The zipper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lock gate (24) is provided with a connecting groove (241), and the lock cylinder (23) is provided with a connecting post (231) at its end. The connecting post (231) cooperates with the connecting groove (241) to achieve synchronous rotation of the lock gate (24) and the lock cylinder (23).
10. The zipper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The reset component (5) is provided with a reset spring. The channel (11) is provided with a positioning boss (112). One end of the reset spring abuts against the positioning boss (112), and the other end abuts against the cone sleeve (4).