subject: Security Zipper Pull [print this page] A security for a compartmented structure including at least one zippered compartment includes a two-slide zipper. The pulls are configured to interlock one another and to expose a security slot when engaged. Affixing a security product to the security when the pulls are interlocked maintains the zippered compartment closed and secured. The security product preferentially includes a cable to secure the security product to an object other than the compartmented structure when affixed to the security slot to prevent unauthorized movement of the compartmented structure.
In conventional fashion, zipper system 100 is used in compartmented structures, for example garment bags, camera cases, book bags, suitcases, and computer carrying cases. The list of uses, past present and future, of zipper system 100 is extensive. Movement of zipper slide 110 to the left, in FIG. 1, and away from zipper slide 115 results in opening zipper 105. Similarly, movement of zipper slide 115 to the right also opens zipper 105. Moving zipper slide 110 and zipper slide 115 towards each other closes zipper 105. Apertures 125 provide, when the zipper slides are close enough to each other, a structure by which a user may maintain zipper 105 in the closed position. A user may place the U-shaped bar of a padlock, for example, through both apertures when the zipper slides are proximate each other. Locking the padlock results in securing zipper 105 closed. While the zipper slides remain locked together, zipper 105 secures the contents against unauthorized access.
While such a system offers some protection against unauthorized access to the contents of a zippered compartment, it is possible for an unauthorized user to remove the entire compartmented structure while the zippered compartment remains locked. Thereafter, the unauthorized user may defeat the security system out of sight of any authorized user.
The present invention permits a user of a portable compartmented storage structure having a compartment secured by use of a zipper to both secure the compartment and secure the storage structure using the MICROSAVER.RTM. Security Lock, or other security product compatible with the Kensington.RTM. Security Slot standard. This solution permits those users having access to such a security product, such as those using the device in conjunction with a portable electronic device, to use the very same security product to secure the carrying case of the portable electronic device when the device is stored or ported inside the carrying case. Other users have the advantage of simply and efficiently securing any case using the same convenient security product.
According to one aspect of the invention, the security zipper includes a zipper having a first slide and a second slide; and a first zipper pull coupled to the first slide and a second zipper pull coupled to the second slide wherein the second zipper pull includes a pull-engaging slot for passing a distal end of the first zipper pull into and through the pull-engaging slot and wherein the first zipper pull includes a security slot at the distal end for receipt of a security device when the distal end extends into and through the pull-engaging slot of the second zipper pull.
The preferred embodiment of the invention also includes a method for securing a zipper of a compartmented structure, the zipper having a first slide and a second slide. The method includes the steps of passing a distal end of the first slide through a pull-engaging slot of the second slide to expose a security slot on the distal end of the first slide, the security slot including dimensions of about 3 mm by about 7 mm; and thereafter engaging a security device to the security slot wherein the security device includes a cable for attachment to an object other than the compartmented structure.
Reference to the remaining portions of the specification, including the drawing and claims, will realize other features and advantages of the present invention. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with respect to accompanying drawing. In the drawing, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
In conclusion, the present invention provides a simple, efficient cost-effective solution to locking compartmented structures. While the above is a complete description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. Only one pull requires a security slot and only one pull, the other pull, requires a pull-engaging slot.
In another alternate embodiment, a single slide zipper could be used with the present invention. Locating an engaging tab or a locking tab proximate an end of the zipper where the slide rests when the zipper is closed permits the engaging tab/locking tab to interlock appropriately with the zipper pull and to be used to thereby secure the zipper in the locked position using a security slot in one of the structures. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.
