Encapsulation device and zipper closure device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an encapsulation device (1) for cooperating with a zipper slider comprising a body having opposing lower and upper faces, with at least one lateral wall connecting them, said lateral wall having translational guide means configured to cooperate with two chains of said zipper, said encapsulation device (1) comprising: a first compartment (5), a second compartment (6), and a fastening member (7), the first compartment (5) cooperating with the second by means of the fastening member (7) so as to define a chamber (9) configured to house said body, said first and second compartments (5; 6) delimiting a passage (10) in said chamber (9) configured to allow the passage of the chains of said zipper. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Encapsulation device and zipper closure device. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of zipper closure devices. In particular, the invention relates to a device for encapsulating a zipper slider. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A zipper closure device is known, comprising a slider having a body die-cast in zamac, to which a gripping system in the form of a pull tab is attached by means of a bridge. The zamac body cooperates, via guiding means, with chains, typically made of aluminum, of the zipper. The pull tab may, for example, be made of aluminum.

[0003] When an object on which a zipper closure device is installed moves, for example, a wheeled suitcase, the swinging motion of the zipper pull can generate noise. Furthermore, the movement of the slider body, which engages with the zipper chains, causes vibrations in the zipper pull. In addition, the connecting bar between the pull and the slider body can easily deform. If a suitcase equipped with such a zipper closure device is locked with a padlock, for example, through the zipper pull, the simple deformation of the connecting bar can allow the suitcase to be opened. Thus, the known zipper closure device presents a security flaw in addition to being noisy and vibrating.

[0004] Multi-part zipper devices are also known, comprising a lower plate, an upper plate, and a pull tab connected by a fastening means and forming the slider body. These devices allow for easy replacement of the pull tab.

[0005] However, such devices also generate significant noise and vibrations on the pull tab of the device when in use.

[0006] The invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems by providing an encapsulation device configured to cooperate with a known zipper slider. This encapsulation device reduces the noise and vibrations generated by the movement of the slider body along the zipper chains, while also securing the closure of a bag on which the zipper device is located. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] More specifically, the invention relates to an encapsulation device for cooperating with a zipper slider. The slider comprises a body having a lower face, an upper face opposite the lower face, and at least one lateral wall connecting the lower face to the upper face. This at least one lateral wall of the body comprises translational guide means configured to cooperate with two zipper chains. The encapsulation device comprises a first compartment, a second compartment, and a fastening member. The first compartment cooperates with the second compartment by means of the fastening member to define a chamber configured to house the slider body. The first and second compartments define a passage within the chamber, the passage being configured to allow the passage of the zipper chains.

[0008] The first and second compartments, held in position opposite each other by means of the fastening element, define the chamber configured to house the slider. The zipper slider is thus encapsulated within the encapsulation device. When the slider is used along the zipper chains, the user moves the encapsulation device, which in turn moves the slider. Therefore, the slider can be made of one material and the encapsulation device of another. The materials can be chosen independently of each other to address different requirements.

[0009] Thus, a combination of different materials is possible, as is the choice of their color, for example. This makes it possible to determine the materials and / or surface treatments applied to each of the elements and / or the colors, so as to present a wide variety of possible encapsulation devices, capable of addressing a plurality of different technical problems and adapting to the specific needs of each user. In particular, the materials chosen for the compartments of the encapsulation device may differ from those used to make the slider intended to be housed in the chamber formed by the first and second compartments.

[0010] Advantageously, the first compartment and the second compartment each have a rim configured to cooperate with the side walls of said slider body and to block said slider body in translation.

[0011] The rim of each of the compartments allows the slider body to be locked inside the chamber, so that when the user uses the zipper, the drive of the encapsulation device along the chains drives the slider.

[0012] Advantageously, the fastening member comprises a gateway projecting from any one of the first or second compartment and cooperating with the other compartment, said gateway being configured to block in translation said slider body, and in which said fastening member further comprises a screw passing through a recess provided in said gateway, the screw being configured to hold the second compartment against the first compartment.

[0013] The bridge coupled with the screw allows the first compartment to be held in position against the second compartment, while allowing passage for the zipper chains. The bridge also helps to prevent the slider body from moving within the chamber.

[0014] Advantageously, the encapsulation device includes a gripping means connected to and crimped to the first or second compartment. Such a gripping means is, for example, a pull tab.

[0015] The gripping means allows the user to guide the encapsulation device, and thus the slider, along the zipper chains. Furthermore, the crimping increases the security of the device.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the encapsulation device comprises a gripping means connected and crimped to the first compartment or the second compartment by means of a pivot joint or a ball joint.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first or second compartment comprises a projecting portion of one of its walls and includes a bridge-like passage, said encapsulation device comprising a gripping means including a pivot joint engaged in and cooperating with the passage such that the pivot joint axis is adapted to translate within the passage in a sliding connection. In particular, said portion projects from an upper wall of the first compartment, allowing the gripping means to be grasped.

[0018] Such a configuration allows the user to drive the encapsulation device and therefore the slider along the chains of the zipper while further limiting the noise generated by the movement of each of the parts, but also allows the encapsulation device to exhibit better resistance to fatigue.

[0019] For example, said encapsulation device is made of aluminium.

[0020] Aluminium has the advantage of being lightweight and strong. Aluminium is also malleable and can be anodized.

[0021] Advantageously, said encapsulation device is thus anodized.

[0022] Anodizing makes it possible to protect the encapsulation device against corrosion and scratches, for example, while allowing its aesthetics to be adapted according to the user's needs.

[0023] The invention also relates to a zipper closure device. This device comprises an encapsulation device as described above and a slider. The slider has a body having a lower face, an upper face opposite the lower face, and at least one lateral wall connecting the lower face to the upper face. This at least one lateral wall of the body has translational guide means configured to cooperate with two chains of the zipper. The encapsulation device houses the slider body in the chamber, with the lower face cooperating with the second or first compartment, and the upper face cooperating with the first or second compartment, respectively. This passage opens onto the translational guide means of the slider body.

[0024] Advantageously, the encapsulation device is made of aluminium and / or the slider is made of zamac.

[0025] Advantageously, the fastening member comprises a gateway projecting from any one of the first or second compartment and cooperating with the other compartment, said gateway being configured to block in translation said slider body, said gateway cooperating with said at least one lateral wall of the slider body. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and referring to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects and on which:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective representation taken from below and from the rear of the encapsulation device according to the invention, making visible the first and second compartments defining a chamber and delimiting a passage;

[0028] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective representation taken from above and from the front of the zipper closure device of the invention comprising the encapsulation device of [Fig.1] and a slider;

[0029] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the zipper closure device of Figure 2; and

[0030] Figure [Fig. 4] represents an alternative embodiment relating to the gripping means, which is arranged differently with respect to the encapsulation device according to the invention. The implementation of a gripping means as shown in [Fig. 4] is carried out without difficulty on a device according to the invention conforming, except with regard to said gripping means, to that shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0031] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to enable implementation of the invention; although not limiting, said figures serve in particular to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The invention relates to a zipper closure device 3 comprising an encapsulation device 1 cooperating with a zipper slider 2.

[0033] The slider 2 as shown in Figures 2 and 3 comprises a body 4, having a lower face 40, an upper face 41 and at least one lateral wall 42.

[0034] The lower face 40 is opposite the upper face 41, as shown in [Fig. 3]. Here, the body 4 comprises a plurality of lateral walls 42 connecting the lower face 40 to the upper face 4L

[0035] In particular, the body 4 may have a predominantly parallelepiped shape. Thus, the body 4 may here comprise four lateral walls 42 connected to each other and linking the upper face 41 to the lower face 40.

[0036] The cursor 2 further comprises translational guidance means 43.

[0037] In particular, two opposite walls of the four lateral walls 42 of the body 4 of the cursor 2 include the means for guiding in translation 43.

[0038] The translational guiding means 43 are configured to cooperate with two complementary chains (not shown) of the zipper 3.

[0039] In the example illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the translational guiding means 43 may comprise at least two slots. Each of the slots is configured to cooperate with a chain of the zipper.

[0040] The invention also relates to the encapsulation device 1 as shown in [Fig.1].

[0041] The encapsulation device 1 comprises a first compartment 5, a second compartment 6 and a fixing member 7.

[0042] The first compartment 5 cooperates with the second compartment 6 by means of the fixing member 7 so as to define a chamber 9.

[0043] Chamber 9 is configured to house the body 4 of the slider 2, as shown in [Fig.2].

[0044] The first compartment 5 and the second compartment 6 also delimit a passage 10 in the chamber 9.

[0045] The passage 10 is configured to allow the passage of the zipper chains so that the chains engage with the slider 2.

[0046] In particular, and as shown in the figures, the first compartment 5 has an upper wall 50 from which a rim 11 protrudes and the second compartment 6 has a bottom wall 60 from which another rim 11 protrudes.

[0047] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the upper wall 50 of the first compartment 5 and the bottom wall 60 of the second compartment 6 are mainly parallelepiped and each of the edges 11 extends around the perimeter of the upper wall 50 and the bottom wall 60 so as to define the chamber 9.

[0048] The passage 10 in the chamber 9 is then delimited by each of the edges 11 of the first compartment 5 and the second compartment 6. The passage 10 is configured to guide the chains of the zipper which engage with the slider 2.

[0049] Each rim 11 is thus configured to cooperate with the side walls 42 of the body 4 of the slider 2.

[0050] Each rim 11 is further configured to block the body 4 of the cursor 2 in translation.

[0051] The rim 11 of each of the compartments 5, 6 allows the body 4 of the slider 2 to be locked inside the chamber 9, so that when the user uses the zipper, the drive of the encapsulation device 1 along the chains also drives the slider 2.

[0052] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the fastening member 7 comprises a gateway 70 projecting from any one of the first compartment 5 or the second compartment 6, to the other compartment, respectively the second compartment 6 or the first compartment 5.

[0053] Here, the gangway 70 projects from the first compartment 5 to the second compartment 6, opposite the first compartment 5. In particular, the gangway 70 projects from the rim 11 of the first compartment 5 to the rim 11 of the second compartment 6.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a groove 71 is provided in the rim 11 of the second compartment 6. The groove 71 is configured to cooperate with the free end of the walkway 70. The groove 71 thus allows the first compartment 5 to be positioned against the second compartment 6.

[0055] Gateway 70 is configured to block the translation of the body 4 of the cursor 2.

[0056] The fastening member 7 further comprises a screw 72 passing through a threaded recess provided in the gateway 70.

[0057] In particular, a through-hole is provided in the second compartment 6, at the level of the groove 71. The screw 72 therefore passes through the through-hole and then through the hole in the gateway 70, so as to hold the gateway 70 in position in the groove 71 and thus the first compartment 5 against the second compartment 6.

[0058] The screw 72 holds the second compartment 6 against the first compartment 5.

[0059] The encapsulation device 1 further includes a gripping means 8.

[0060] The gripping means 8 is connected to any one of the first compartment 5 or second compartment 6. The gripping means 8 can for example be designated as a "pull tab".

[0061] Here, the grasping means 8 is connected to the first compartment 5.

[0062] In particular, the gripping means 8 can be crimped onto the first compartment 5.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the gripping means 8 can be connected to the first compartment 5 by means of a pivot joint.

[0064] The pivot joint includes an axis 80 cooperating with at least one orifice of the gripping means 8 and with at least one orifice of the first compartment 5. The axis 80 is, for example, a rod.

[0065] As shown in [Fig.3], the axis 80 cooperates with an opening provided in a portion 81 of the first compartment 5 projecting from the upper wall 50 of the first compartment 5. In particular, the portion 81 projects from the upper wall 50 in a direction opposite to that of the rim 11. The axis 80 also cooperates with two openings provided at one end of the gripping means 8.

[0066] According to one variant, the gripping means 8 is connected to the first compartment 5 by means of a ball joint.

[0067] According to an embodiment shown in [Fig.4], the gripping means 8 can be connected to the first compartment 5 by means of a pivot sliding connection.

[0068] In particular, the gripping means 8 has an axis 80, similar to the axis of the previous embodiments described.

[0069] A portion 81, similar to the portion of the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1] to 3, protrudes from the upper wall 50 of the first compartment 5. In particular, the portion 81 protrudes from the upper wall 50 in a direction opposite to that in which the rim 11 protrudes.

[0070] Furthermore, a passage 12, for example an oblong passage as shown, is provided in the portion 81. The passage 12 is through. In other words, the portion 81 projecting from the first or second compartment forms a bridge.

[0071] The axis 80 of the gripping means 8 cooperates with the passage 12, so as to be able, on the one hand, to allow the gripping means 8 to pivot around the axis 80 and, on the other hand, to allow the axis 80 of the gripping means 8 to translate along the passage 12. The axis 80 is then engaged in the passage 12 forming a bridge and can translate in a sliding connection in this passage 12.

[0072] This embodiment allows for a further reduction in noise during the use of the zipper closure device 3, as well as improved fatigue resistance.

[0073] The encapsulation device 1 can be made of aluminium.

[0074] The encapsulation device 1 can be anodized.

[0075] In another embodiment, the encapsulation device 1 can be made of galvanized brass, stainless steel or stainless steel coated with a physical vapor phase deposition (known by the English acronym PVD).

[0076] As shown in [Fig.2], in the zipper closure device 3, the encapsulation device 1 houses the body 4 of the slider 2 in the chamber 9.

[0077] The shape of the first compartment 5 and the second compartment 6 corresponds mainly to the shape of the body 4 of the slider 2. The shape of each of the compartments is adaptable according to the shape of the body 4.

[0078] In particular, the lower face 40 of the body 4 of the slider 2 cooperates with the second compartment 6. The upper face 41 of the body 4 of the slider 2 cooperates with the first compartment 5.

[0079] The upper face 41 of the body 4 rests against the upper wall 50 of the first compartment 5 and the lower face 40 of the body 4 rests against the bottom wall 60 of the second compartment 6.

[0080] The passage 10 allowing the passage of the zipper chains and delimited between the first compartment 5 and the second compartment 6 gives access to the guiding means 43 of the body 4 of the slider 2.

[0081] According to another embodiment, the shape of the first compartment 5 and the second compartment 6 does not correspond to the shape of the slider body 4 2. In such an embodiment, it is the chamber 9 defined between the two compartments which corresponds mainly to the shape of the slider body 4 2.

[0082] Furthermore, in the zipper closure device 3, the gateway 70 is configured to block in translation the body 4 of the slider 2 and cooperates with at least one of the side walls 42 of the body 4.

[0083] When using the slider 2 along the zipper chains, the user moves the encapsulating device 1, which in turn moves the slider 2. Thus, the slider 2 can be in one material and the encapsulating device 1 in another. The materials can be chosen independently of each other to address different needs.

[0084] Furthermore, a combination of different materials is possible, as is the choice of their color, for example. This makes it possible to determine the materials and / or surface treatments applied to each of the elements and / or the colors, so as to present a wide variety of possible encapsulation devices.

[0085] For example, it is possible to have a first compartment 5 in a first material and the second compartment 6 in a second material different from the first, or conversely, a first compartment 5 in the same material as the second compartment 6. The surface treatments of each of the compartments can also be identical or, on the contrary, different, as can their color. In particular, the materials used for the first and second compartments 5 and 6 may differ from the material of the slider intended to be housed in the chamber formed by said first and second compartments 5 and 6. Typically, such a slider is made of zamak. The first and second compartments 5 and 6 may, however, be made of aluminum, gold, or any other suitable material. Preferably, a malleable, durable, and high-quality material should be chosen, one that minimizes the noise of the slider, especially when it comes into contact with the chain.

[0086] Thus, the encapsulation device 1 according to the invention has the advantage of adapting to a plurality of different technical or aesthetic problems and of adapting to the specific needs of each user.

[0087] The encapsulation device 1 of the zipper closure device 3 can be made of aluminium and the slider 2 can be made of zamac.

[0088] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiment described above, in light of the information just disclosed to them.

[0089] In the detailed presentation of the invention given above, the terms used shall not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the embodiment set forth in this description, but shall be interpreted to include all equivalents which can be foreseen by a person skilled in the art by applying their general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

Claims

Demands

1. Encapsulation device (1) for cooperating with a zipper slider (2), said slider (2) comprising a body (4) having a lower face (40), an upper face (41) opposite the lower face (40), at least one side wall (42) connecting the lower face (40) to the upper face (41), said at least one side wall (42) of said body (4) comprising translational guide means (43) configured to cooperate with two chains of said zipper, said encapsulation device (1) comprising: • a first compartment (5), • a second compartment (6), and • a fastening member (7), the first compartment (5) cooperating with the second compartment (6) by means of the fastening member (7) so as to define a chamber (9) configured to house said body (4) of the slider (2),said first compartment (5) and said second compartment (6) defining a passage (10) in said chamber (9), said passage (10) being configured to allow the passage of the chains of said zipper, said encapsulation device (1) comprising a gripping means (8) connected and crimped to the first compartment (5) or to the second compartment (6) by means of a pivot joint or a ball joint, the slider (2) being in a first material, the first compartment (5) being in a second material different from the first material, and the second compartment (6) being either in the second material or in a third material different from the first and second materials.

2. Encapsulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second material is aluminum or gold and, where applicable, the third material is aluminum if the second material is gold, and gold if the second material is aluminum.

3. Encapsulation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first compartment (5) and the second compartment (6) each have a rim (11) configured to cooperate with the side walls (42) of said body (4) of the slider (2) and to block in translation said body (4) of the slider (2).

4. Encapsulation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening member (7) comprises a gateway (70) projecting from any one of the first compartment (5) or second compartment (6) and cooperating with the other compartment, said gateway (70) being configured to block in translation said body (4) of the slider (2), and wherein said fastening member (7) further comprises a screw (72) passing through a recess provided in said gateway (70), the screw (72) being configured to hold the second compartment (6) against the first compartment (5).

5. Encapsulation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device (1) is made of anodized aluminum.

6. Zipper closure device (3) comprising an encapsulation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a slider (2), said slider (2) comprising a body (4) having a lower face (40), an upper face (41) opposite the lower face (40), at least one side wall (42) connecting the lower face (40) to the upper face (41), said at least one side wall (42) of said body (4) comprising translational guide means (43) configured to cooperate with two chains of said zipper, the encapsulation device (1) housing said slider body (4) in said chamber (9), the lower face (40) cooperating with the second compartment (6) or the first compartment (5), the upper face (41) cooperating respectively with the first compartment (5) or the second compartment (6), said passage (10) opening onto the translational guide means (43) of said slider body (4) (2).

7. Zipper closure device (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the slider (2) is made of zamac.

8. Zipper closure device (3) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the fastening member (7) comprises a gateway (70) projecting from any one of the first compartment (5) or second compartment (6) and cooperating with the other compartment, said gateway (70) being configured to block in translation said body (4) of the slider (2), said gateway (70) cooperating with said at least one side wall (42) of the body (4) of said slider (2).

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