Zipper Locking Hasp With Pivotally Joined Prongs
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zipper locking devices often require modification of the zipper slider or are obtrusive, failing to provide a secure and versatile solution for securing inline zippers on luggage and backpacks.
Innovation Solution
A hasp device comprising a pivotally joined plate and channel component with narrow prongs that fit through conventional zipper slider apertures, preventing slider movement, and aligned holes for a padlock shackle to secure the zipper when closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical capture technique is used to limit slider movement, then security is improved, but the zipper slider must be modified to accommodate the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into separate components: a hasp with prongs that can be inserted through existing slider apertures, and a separate locking mechanism. This allows the device to work with conventional zippers without modifying the sliders themselves, as the prongs are inserted through existing apertures rather than requiring new modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The hasp acts as an intermediary component between the slider apertures and the locking mechanism. The prongs on the hasp insert through the existing apertures in conventional sliders, providing a mechanical connection without requiring modification of the slider structure. This intermediary approach enables compatibility with standard zippers while still providing secure locking.
2Reliability
If a combination lock or key lock is combined with the slider movement limiting mechanism, then security is improved, but the lock becomes more obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the hasp structure itself. The hasp contains the prongs and the locking aperture, creating a compact integrated unit that attaches to the zipper pulls. This nesting approach keeps the locking components compact and less obtrusive compared to external lock combinations.
3Reliability
If zipper sliders are hidden beneath a cover, then security is improved, but physical access to the zipper pull tabs is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The hasp with prongs is attached to the zipper pulls before the locking action occurs. The prongs are inserted through the apertures in advance, and then the hasp is locked in place. This preliminary attachment ensures that the locking mechanism is already in position and cannot be easily removed, providing security while maintaining full access to the zipper pulls for opening and closing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A zipper locking hasp is described which adapts to most conventional zippers without modification to the zipper or to the movable slider parts of a zipper. The hasp is comprised of a plate component with prongs pivotally joined to a channel component. The plate component is fabricated having narrow prongs designed to fit through the conventional aperture present on most zipper sliders. In normal operation, when a zipper is closed, a pair of sliders is brought together along the zipper chain. When the hasp is open, the prongs formed by the plate are inserted through apertures in adjacent sliders which inhibits movement of each slider relative to one another. When the hasp is closed, holes provided in the plate and channel assembly are aligned. A shackle of a padlock can be inserted through the aligned holes keeping the plate and channel components mated locking the zipper.