Patent Publication Number: US-2016236836-A1

Title: Storage container with zipper closure

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/108,449, filed 27 Jan. 2015, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to containers and in particular to containers, e.g. bags, featuring a zipper closure. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Containers come in a variety of forms and are used for a variety of functions. One particular container features a zipper closure. A zipper closure on a storage bag is typically formed by two sides of interlocking plastic ridges. The zipper closure includes a slider that mates the ridges together as the slider slides in one direction along the zipper and separates the ridges, thereby opening the bag, when the slider slides in the opposite direction. 
     What is a required however, is a more secure arrangement for a zipper closure. 
     SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION 
     Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention 
     The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages: 
     the ability to secure a container featuring a zipper closure; and 
     provide a child-proof safety device to a zipper closure. 
     These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, there is provided a container including a zipper enclosure operated by a slider. A locking mechanism includes a body that receives the slider and a locking cap that engages the body and prevents the slider from being removed from the body while the locking cap is secured on the body. 
     In one embodiment, there is provided a locking mechanism for a container that is sealed by a zipper comprising a slider. The locking mechanism may comprise a body that receives the slider. A locking cap may engage the body and prevent the slider from being removed from the body while the locking cap is secured on the body. 
     In one embodiment, there is provided a container defining an internal volume accessed through an opening. Closure means may be provided for selectively closing the opening. Actuator means may actuate the closure means. Housing means may receive the actuator means and locking means may secure the housing means to prevent access to the actuator means. 
     In one embodiment, there is provided method for securing a container that is sealed by a zipper comprising a slider. A slider may slide in a closing direction until the slider is received in a housing. A locking cap may then be secured onto the housing to prevent the slider from exiting the housing. 
     The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is substantially a perspective view of one embodiment of the zipper arrangement including a locking cap; 
         FIG. 2  is substantially a perspective view of the zipper arrangement with the locking cap removed; 
         FIG. 3  is substantially a side view of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is substantially a perspective view of a bag including the zipper arrangement; 
         FIG. 5  is substantially a perspective view of a bag including the zipper arrangement with the locking cap removed; 
         FIG. 6  is substantially a schematic side view of a container having a top closure; 
         FIG. 7  is substantially a schematic top view the container of  FIG. 6  with the zipper partially open; and 
         FIG. 8  is substantially a schematic top view of the container of  FIG. 6  with the zipper fully closed and the slider secured. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     A generic container will typically include at least one panel that defines an internal volume. For example, for a plastic bag, two panels may be overlaid and joined around part of the overlying edges, e.g. by plastic welding, stitching, adhesives, etc., leaving an opening for accessing the internal volume. Alternatively, a single panel may be folded and adjacent edges sealed leaving an edge unsealed for providing access to the internal volume through the opening. Other containers, e.g. carry bags, hand bags, water resistant dry bags, etc, may be formed of panels of various fabrics and textiles that are stitched or otherwise joined into the desired shape. Still further, other containers, e.g. suitcases, luggage etc., may have frame elements that support textile or fabric panels or walls to provide the bag with additional strength and rigidity. The panels may be flexible, rigid, or a combination thereof. The present invention is applicable to a wide variety of containers that have an internal storage volume that is accessed through an opening. 
     Typically, a closure means such as a zipper is provided at the opening and used to selectively open and close the opening, thereby selectively providing access to the internal storage volume. The closure means operates by having a moving element means such as a slider traverse the closure means from one side of the opening to the other. When the moving element is at one end of the closure, the opening will be closed or sealed. When the moving element is at the other end of the closure, the opening will be fully open, thereby providing access to the internal volume of the container. 
     Many different forms of zipper or similar closure means exist in the art. One form of zipper closure is formed primarily from plastics and features interlocking ridges that are pressed together by a slider or similar moving element. Other closures feature interlocking teeth and may be formed of various materials including metals and plastics. Such closure means may include, without limitation, coil zippers, plastic molded zippers and metal zippers. The specific form of the closure mechanism is not particularly pertinent to the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in any bag or container that has a moving element that traverses the opening of the bag or container. Typically, the moving element will close or seal the opening as it traverses the opening from one end to the other, and open or unseal the opening as it traverses the opening in the opposite direction. The result is that when the moving element is at one particular end of the opening, the opening will be sealed. If the moving element is secured at this end so that it cannot be actuated, opening of the bag or container can be prevented. 
     Described below, is a security locking device for a container such as a bag, pouch, suitcase or the like having an opening and including a zipper or similar closure mechanism operatively associated with the opening and movable between an open and closed position. The zipper may be provided with a slider or similar moving element for actuating the zipper and a releasable lock attached to the bag covering the pull tab. A pull tab may optionally be secured to the slider to facilitate easier handling and operation of the slider. The releasable lock can be a circular lid that covers the zipper pull tab and is actuated by rotating the lid to a specific position that allows it to be removed exposing the pull tab. The cover can be reattached to the portion of the locking device once the pull tab is repositioned inside the locking device and rotated to prevent opening unless realigned. 
     Another embodiment may include a lid that must be pressed down when turning. By pressing down, the cap engages an inner sleeve that positions it in alignment with slots in the locking device on the bag allowing it to be removed. The cap can be replaced when the pull tab is underneath and then turned to prevent removal of the cap. 
     Another embodiment would be to attach the locking device around the top of the bag. The locking device would cover the pull tab and be opened as described above. 
     In  FIG. 1 , there is shown a zipper arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The zipper arrangement  10  includes a zipper  12  provided in a layer of the bag, e.g. a front face of the bag. The zipper arrangement  10  includes flanges  14 ,  15  that can be used to secure the zipper arrangement to the bag. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the upper flange  14  may be sealed or otherwise bonded to a back layer  108  of a plastic bag and the lower flange  15  can be sealed or otherwise bonded to a front layer  109  of the bag. The zipper arrangement  10  thus provides an upper join between the front and back layers as well as providing the opening between the front and back layers through which the internal volume of the bag can be accessed. Other means and configurations for securing the flanges to the container panels will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. In other embodiments, e.g. for other types of containers, particular containers made out of textile materials, the flanges  14 ,  15  may be fabric or other material that can be joined to the container panels through other means, such as by stitching. 
     The zipper  12  includes interlocking ridges shown in the interlocked, i.e. closed, configuration in  FIG. 1 . Shown at the left end of the zipper  12  is a locking arrangement of which a removable locking cap  18  is visible. The interlocking ridges are shown in more detail in  FIG. 3 . The zipper described herein includes an upper piece  14  and a lower piece  15 . At the bottom edge of the upper piece  14  there is a first series of ridges  141 ,  142  that extend inwards. Grooves are defined between the ridges. At the top edge of the lower piece  15  there is a second series of ridges  151 ,  152  that extend outwards from the lower piece  15 . Grooves are defined between the ridges  151 ,  152 . The upper piece  14  and lower piece  15  are brought into alignment with each other such that the ridges  141 ,  142  of the upper piece align with the grooves of the lower piece and vice versa. When pressed together, e.g. by the action of the slider, the ridges of one piece engage the grooves of the other piece. Formations at the distal ends of the ridges  141 ,  142 ,  151 ,  152  provide engagement between the opposed sets of ridges with each other such that significant force is required to separate the interlocking ridges from each other. The zipper arrangement  10  may include one ridge or multiple ridges. Other forms of zipper arrangements will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. The particular form of the interlocking closure is not considered pertinent to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  shows the zipper arrangement  10  with the locking cap  18  removed and  FIG. 3  shows  FIG. 2  in side view. Similarly,  FIG. 4  shows the zipper arrangement secured on a bag with the locking cap  18  in place while  FIG. 5  shows the bag and zipper arrangement with the locking cap  18  removed. A body of the locking arrangement includes a flange  17  for securing the body to the flanges  14 ,  15  and/or the bag panels. The body of the locking arrangement further includes a retention ring  20  which engages the locking cap  18 . When the body is secured to the bag, the retention ring overlies the zipper  12 . On the right hand side of the retention ring  20  as depicted, there is a notch or opening  22  in the retention ring  20 . The notch  22  has a dual functionality. A first function is to provide an alignment point for the locking cap  18 . An arrow, indent or similar marking on the outside of the locking cap can direct the user to rotate the locking cap to an alignment position. In the embodiment shown, the user is directed to align an arrow with the zipper. When the cap is in the alignment position and the user presses the cap against the notch, the cap  18  can be removed from the retention ring, thereby exposing the slider  28 . The cap may include an inward directed detente or similar (not shown) that allows the cap to be removed only when aligned with the notch  22 . As the cap  18  rotates on the retention ring  20 , the detente may be received in a groove  26  of the retention ring  20 . 
     As stated above, the retention ring  20  overlies the zipper  12 . The second function of the notch  20  is to allow the retention ring  20  to be disposed over the zipper  12  so that the slider  28  can move along the zipper  12  and into and out of the internal cavity of the retention ring. When the slider is moved into the retention ring  20 , the locking cap can be used to secure the slider within the retention ring and prevent access to the slider. The locking cap also hides the notch  22  when the locking cap is engaged on the retention ring. When the locking cap is removed, the slider can exit the retention ring through the notch  22  of the retention ring. 
     The slider itself is shown most clearly in  FIG. 3 . The slider includes an inner slider piece  30  on the inside of the bag, an outer slider piece  32  on the outside of the bag and a pull tab  34  connected to the outer slider piece  32  by a stem  36 . The pull tab may include a large circular area that can be easily pushed with the thumb of the user and/or gripped and pulled as required. The inner slide piece  30  and the outer slider piece  32  together define a zipper cavity that is sized to receive the zipper. As the slider moves in a closing direction, e.g. right to left as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the inner slider piece  30  and outer slider piece  32 , having the zipper  12  received therebetween, squeeze the upper 14 and lower 15 parts of the zipper  12  together, causing the ridges  141 ,  142 ,  151 ,  152  to interlock, thereby closing the zipper. When the slider moves in an opening direction, left to right as depicted in  FIG. 1 , a stopper  39  located on the inner slider piece behind the zipper, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , engages at least one of the zipper pieces to separate the zipper. 
     Other than for the provision of the pull tab and stem, the slider may otherwise be a conventional slider and operate in a conventional manner for zipping and unzipping the zipper enclosure as the slider travels along the zipper. When the slider is moved back into the retention ring  20 , the locking cap may be re-secured to the retention ring  20 , thereby preventing movement of the slider. In this secured position, the retention ring and locking cap surround the slider so that access to the slider is prevented. In one embodiment, the locking cap  18  and/or retention ring  20  may include features that prevent the locking cap from being secured to the retention ring  20  unless the slider is within the retention ring  20 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the locking cap and retention ring may operate on a press-down release mechanism in which a spring mechanism requires the user to press the cap and turn simultaneously. 
     The components of the locking arrangement, e.g. the body, cap, etc. may be made from any suitable material, including any of a variety of plastics or metal. The specific materials used may be dependent on the size of the bag, the use of the bag, the materials of the bag, the type and materials of the zipper, the type and materials of the slider, etc. Specific materials may include, without limitation, polypropylene, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, ABS, nylon, polycarbonate, etc. Techniques for molding or otherwise forming the components of the locking arrangement will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. 
     The locking arrangement may be formed in isolation of the slider and zipper arrangement and supplied as a separate component to bag manufacturers. The locking arrangement may be attached to any suitable bag or container by securing the flange  17  to layers of the bag or any layers of the zipper at any point in the bag manufacture, including before or after the zipper and slider arrangement has been secured to the bag. 
     An alternative embodiment of a container is depicted schematically in  FIGS. 6 to 8 . In this embodiment, the container has panels and an opening at a top edge of the panels. The panels may be plastic, fabric or any suitable material and may be flexible, rigid or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the container may be a bag though other types of containers will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. The container  40  is shown in side view in  FIG. 6  and may have a first panel  401  and an opposite second panel  402  that are sealed at side edges and lower edge (not shown) to define an internal space or bag cavity  407 . Other methods and layer arrangements for forming a container will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. For example, a single layer may be folded to provide two opposing surfaces that define the internal cavity. Furthermore, the panels may be flexible or rigid and may provide a substantially two-dimensional container, e.g. a flat plastic bag, or may provide a more three dimensional container, such as a case, luggage, pouch, etc. 
     The top edge  43  includes a zipper enclosure  42  or similar mechanical interlocking fastener that when opened, provides access to the internal cavity  407  of the bag and when closed, closes access to the cavity  407 . Flanges of the zipper may be secured to the inside surfaces of the panels  401 ,  402  by suitable methods, such as plastic welding, adhesives, stitching, etc. depending on the material and construction of the container  40 . The zipper  12  is depicted as having a single interlocking ridge though other arrangements will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. The zipper  12  is closed by a slider  44 . 
     The locking mechanism may include a body  48  that is secured to the bag layers at one end of the bag opening, as shown more clearly in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The body  48  may have an opening that allows the slider to pass into the body. When the slider is located within the body, a child-proof cap  50  such as a press-type or screw-type child proof cap may engage with the body and at least partially cover the opening to prevent the slider within the body from being accessed. 
     The body  48  includes two body sections  480 ,  490  disposed on either side of the bag. The two sections may be joined at the top by a top piece  495 . A slot between the sections  480  and  490  receives the top edge  43  of the bag including the zipper  42  and slider  44 . The first body piece  480  has a first body joining section  481  which is a flat section that is joined to the first bag layer  401 , e.g. through adhesive, welding, or other suitable fastening technique as will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. The body joining section  481  is secured to the outside surface of the first bag layer  401 . Towards an upper end of the body joining section  481  there is a first base piece  482  of the slider housing. The base  482  extends outward of the first body joining section  481  to an end. At the outer end of the base  482 , there is an upwardly extending first side wall piece  483  that defines a side perimeter of the slider housing and joins to the top piece  495 . At the trailing end of the body (left side as depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ), there may be a back wall that closes off the slider housing at the rear side. At the leading end of the body (right side as depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ), a shorter side wall or no side wall may be provided to leave an opening  497  for allowing the slider to pass into the slider housing. 
     Extending upward of the top piece  495  there is an upwardly extending flange  499 . The flange  499  may be circular in top view and be configured to mate with a cap  50 . 
     The second body piece is a mirror image of the first body piece and includes equivalent second body joining section, second base and second side wall. The second body piece is joined to the outside surface of the second bag layer in a similar manner to the securing of the first body piece. The second body piece opposes the first body piece so that the bases, sidewalls and rear walls of the first and second body pieces together define a slider body housing having an internal cavity that is sized and shaped to receive the slider  44 . The leading end of the combined housing defines an opening  497  through which the slider can enter as it slides along the zipper. 
     The upper flange  499  provides an arrangement for receiving and securing the cap. In one embodiment, the flanges  499  may have upper tabs for securing a press fit cap. In one embodiment, the flanges may be threaded for securing a similarly threaded cap. 
     In one embodiment, the cap may be a press-fit cap that must be pressed down when turning. By pressing down, the cap engages an inner sleeve that positions it in alignment with slots in the body  48  allowing it to be removed. The cap can again be replaced when the slider is underneath and turned to prevent removal of the cap. Other child proof cap arrangements, including caps requiring squeezing at appropriate locations, as described above, will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. 
     The cap may have a side wall that extends down from a top surface of the cap. When the cap is secured onto the body  48 , the cap side wall covers the opening  497  in the leading face of the slider housing to prevent access to the internal cavity of the slider housing. Thus, when the slider is within the slider housing and the cap is secured in place on the slider housing, access to the slider is prevented and the container is thus secured. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  depict top views showing the container  40  in use. In  FIG. 7 , the slider  44  is shown partially traversed along the zipper  42 . To the left of the slider, the zipper is separated and to the right of the slider the zipper is joined. Access to the internal volume of the container is provided through the separated portions of the zipper. The body  48  of the locking mechanism is shown with the cap  50  removed. As the slider  44  traverses to the left as depicted in  FIG. 7 , the slider will join the zipper, thereby increasing the length of the closed section. When the slider  44  reaches the housing, the slider enters the housing through an opening  497  in the leading edge of the body  48 . Once the slider  48  is within the body  48  of the locking mechanism, as depicted in  FIG. 8 , the zipper  42  is completely closed and the cap  50  can be secured on the body. 
     In one embodiment, the container may be of plastic, of which many types of suitable plastics are known. In one embodiment, the container may be of a fabric and may be reinforced with various fibers, e.g. kevlar, to prevent tearing of the bag fabric. The container may be flexible or rigid or a combination thereof. The particular formation and composition of the container is not considered to be pertinent to the present invention and thus no further description of the bag is considered necessary herein. 
     The locking mechanism will typically be formed of plastic, though other materials may be apparent to the person skilled in the art. 
     An advantage of the bags and locking mechanisms herein described is that when the slider is locked, it is completely surrounded by the body and cap of the locking mechanism and so cannot be accessed. Because the slider is isolated, it cannot be inadvertently operated. The use of a childproof cap or similar also prevents inadvertent operation of the locking mechanism so that accidently release of the locking mechanism, e.g. in transit in a suitcase, is also unlikely. 
     A further advantage is that no modification of the slider or the method of operating the slider is essential, though enhanced sliders such as described herein can be employed if desired. 
     In any of the embodiments described above, the locking cap and the body onto which the locking cap is secured may be provided with a hole or ring for receiving an additional locking device, such as a zip tie or padlock, that prevents the cap from being removed. In addition, the cap may include a tie, string, chain or similar that secures the cap to the container when the cap is removed to prevent the cap from being misplaced or lost. 
     In one embodiment, the cap may have a tamper evident breakaway feature, similar to a water/soda bottle cap to free it from the lower portion. 
     Throughout the specification, terms of orientation such as left, right, upper, lower, front, back are used. The terms are used for clear and concise reference to the drawings to aid in the understanding of embodiments as described and illustrated. Such terms are not to be considered limiting of the scope of the embodiments in any way. 
     Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.