Interlocking Zipper Pull Tabs for Luggage Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zipper locking systems for luggage cases are either cumbersome, require specialized or oversized sliders, or result in heavier locks that increase the overall weight of the luggage, compromising weight limits and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A luggage article with interlocking zipper pull tabs and a lock that uses a single zipper pull tab receiver to secure multiple zipper pull tabs, reducing the complexity and weight of the locking mechanism by allowing one pull tab to overlay and secure another, thereby utilizing a single lock to secure multiple zipper sliders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional zipper locking systems are used with multiple slots and pins/hooks for each zipper pull tab, then security is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate locking mechanisms (slots and pins/hooks for each zipper pull tab) into a single integrated lock body that secures all zipper pull tabs simultaneously. The lock body includes a single slot that receives engagement features from multiple zipper pull tabs, eliminating the need for multiple separate slots and pins/hooks.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock body is designed as a universal component that can secure multiple different zipper pull tabs through a single engagement mechanism. The single slot in the lock body accommodates engagement features from various zipper pull tabs, making the lock multi-functional rather than requiring separate locks for each zipper.
2Reliability
If conventional zipper locking systems with multiple pins or hooks are used, then security is improved, but the weight of the lock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heavy components (multiple pins or hooks) into a single lightweight lock body with one slot. This consolidation dramatically reduces the total weight of the locking mechanism while maintaining security through the integrated design that secures all zipper pull tabs simultaneously.
3Reliability
If oversized zipper sliders with locking devices are used, then security is improved, but the size of the zipper components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from the zipper slider itself and relocates it to a separate lock body. This allows the zipper sliders to remain small and conventional in size, while the security function is provided by the external lock mechanism that secures the zipper pull tabs after they are pulled through the single slot.
Data Source
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AI summary
A luggage article (100, 200, 300) with interlocking zipper pull tabs (146, 148, 246a, 246b) may include one or more opening lines (114, 134, 214, 234, 314) with zippers (130, 136, 230, 236, 330) positioned along peripheries of the opening lines (114, 134, 214, 234, 314). Each zipper (130, 136, 230, 236, 330) may include two zipper sliders (142, 144, 342) with associated zipper pull tabs (146, 148, 246, 346a, 346b). At least one of the zipper pull tabs (146, 246, 346a) may include an engagement feature (162, 362), and at least another of the zipper pull tabs (148, 246, 346b) may include an aperture (178, 378) sized to receive the engagement feature (162, 362) therethough. The engagement feature (162, 362) may be positioned through the aperture (178, 378) and into a zipper pull tab receiver (172, 372) on a lock (166, 366) attached to the luggage article (100, 200, 300) to secure both zipper pull tabs (146, 148, 246, 248, 346a, 346b) to the lock (166, 366). In some articles, four zipper pull tabs (146, 148, 246, 248) may be simultaneously secured to the lock (166) using two zipper pull tab receivers (172) on the lock (166).