Anti-theft Zipper with Interlocking Pullers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional luggage locks and anti-theft zippers have gaps that allow potential thieves to access the contents, and users may forget to lock one of the zipper pullers, making the luggage vulnerable to theft.

Innovation Solution

An anti-theft zipper system with interlocking mechanisms, including first and second zipper sliders and pullers with engaging portions and locking rings, which are secured by a locking assembly to prevent movement and ensure both pullers are locked simultaneously, eliminating gaps and ensuring both are locked.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional luggage locks are used to lock zipper pullers, then the zipper pullers cannot be separated, but gaps remain between the pullers and lock allowing fingers or tools to reach inside

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-theft protectionVSAvoidgap between zipper sliders

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the two zipper pullers into a single integrated locking structure. When zipped, the two zipper sliders are locked together as one unit, eliminating the gap between them. This merging prevents thieves from inserting fingers or tools between separated sliders while maintaining the ability to fully secure the zipper.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If travelers lock one zipper puller on the luggage lock, then that puller is secured, but the other puller may be forgotten and remains unlocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking processVSAvoidcomplete locking assurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the locking operations of both zipper pullers into a single action. The integrated locking structure requires both zipper sliders to be secured simultaneously when the lock is engaged, eliminating the possibility of forgetting to lock one puller while locking the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If additional luggage locks are added to conventional luggage, then zipper pullers cannot be separated, but the locks add complexity to the luggage system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezipper securityVSAvoidnumber of locking components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple locking components into a single integrated locking structure that secures both zipper pullers simultaneously. This reduces the overall complexity by eliminating the need for separate locks for each puller while maintaining strong security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11457699B2Luggage lock and anti-theft zipper thereof

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 LEE SHU MING

AI summary

An anti-theft zipper includes a first zipper slider, a first zipper puller, a second zipper slider, and a second zipper puller. The first zipper puller has a first connecting end, a first locking end, a first locking ring, and a first engaging portion. The first connecting end is connected to the first zipper slider. The first locking ring is disposed on the first locking end. The first engaging portion is formed on the first zipper puller. The second zipper puller has components and configuration corresponding to those of the first zipper puller. The first engaging portion engages with a second engaging portion of the second zipper puller, preventing the first zipper puller and the second zipper puller from rotating and moving relative to each other. A luggage lock includes the anti-theft zipper and a locking assembly locking the first locking ring and a second locking ring of the anti-theft zipper.