ZIPPER HOLDING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This Application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0118965 (filed on September 3, 2024), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a zipper holding device capable of easily securing a zipper handle in order to safely maintain the locked state of the zipper.

In general, a zipper (slide fastener) is a device that allows two rows of interlocking chains to be fastened or unfastened by pushing or pulling a slider. Zippers are widely used in clothing, bags, shoes, pockets, tents, and the like. Recently, to improve convenience of use, a ring-shaped cord has been connected to the zipper handle, or a fixing tool has been attached to this cord.

For example, Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-2024-0000312 (2024 Feb. 20.) (Prior Art 1) discloses a cord loop (B) provided on a zipper for clothing. Specifically, Prior Art 1 shows a configuration in which a loop-shaped cord is connected to the zipper, and a cylindrical sleeve-type fixing tool made of metal material is crimped onto the joint of the cord, thereby finishing the joint so that it is not exposed to the outside and is not easily damaged by external impacts.

Since the cord in Prior Art 1 is exposed in a loop shape, it can easily get caught by contact with external objects or body movement. As a result, the cord may be pulled, which could unintentionally cause the zipper to open or close.

Such a problem could lead to very troublesome or dangerous situations depending on the object to which the zipper is applied.

Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1378649 (2014 Mar. 20.) (Prior Art 2) shows a configuration in which a loop-shaped cord is connected on a zipper, and a loop head integrally insert-molded at the end of the cord is further provided.

Therefore, the loop head can be used as a zipper handle, and by applying various color combinations or accents to the loop head, an accessory function and an aesthetically pleasing appearance can be provided.

However, in Prior Art 2 as well, since the loop-shaped cord is not fixed and remains exposed, unintended opening or closing of the zipper may occur due to contact with external objects, similar to Prior Art 1.

Accordingly, there has been a demand for a zipper that not only improves convenience of use by providing a loop-shaped cord but also maintains a secure locked state even when unintended contact with external objects occurs.

SUMMARY

The present invention aims to provide a zipper holding device that can prevent unintended operation of the zipper by securing the cord connected to the zipper while the zipper is in the locked state, thereby safely maintaining the locked state of the zipper.

The present invention aims to provide a zipper holding device in which a cord and an engaging member can be easily attached to and detached from a holder, making the operation of locking and unlocking the zipper very easy.

The present invention aims to provide a zipper holding device that can maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance by neatly fixing the cord and engaging member connected to the zipper.

To accomplish the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a zipper holding device including: an engaging member including a chamber formed therein, the chamber being configured to house a first magnet, the chamber having an inlet and an outlet formed at opposite sides thereof, wherein the outlet is tapered to gradually narrow toward the exterior; and a holder including a seating surface configured to receive the engaging member, a pair of support portions protruding from both sides of the seating surface, a plate-shaped fixing portion formed along an outer edge of the seating surface, and a second magnet embedded in a bottom surface of the seating surface, wherein the pair of support portions are gradually bent inward toward a front end to form an opening, and locking portions are formed at an upper side of the opening protruding toward each other.

The zipper holding device may further include a cord, both ends of which are fixedly received in the chamber, the cord being drawn out through the outlet to form a loop configured to connect to a zipper.

The locking portions may be configured to prevent the cord passing through the opening from being pulled upward and released.

The locking portions may be configured to prevent the engaging member from being disengaged upward when the cord is pulled while the engaging member is seated on the seating surface.

The chamber may include a step configured to prevent the first magnet from being released.

A stepped portion may be formed between the seating surface and the fixing portion, and an elastic groove may be formed on a bottom surface of the stepped portion to provide elasticity to the fixing portion.

The elastic groove may have a narrower width on the side where the locking portions are disposed than on other sides.

The support portions may be gradually inclined downward toward the rear end of the seating surface.

The locking portions may protrude inwardly from the upper ends of the support portions.

The inlet may be configured to receive both the first magnet and the cord, and the engaging member may further include a cap configured to close the inlet.

The upper and lower surfaces of the inlet may be outwardly flared, and a retaining projection may be formed at a middle portion of the chamber to prevent rearward movement of the first magnet.

The cap may include a projection, and the inlet may include a groove or hole configured to receive the projection of the cap.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the engaging member can be easily secured to the holder by placing it on the seating surface of the holder while the zipper is in the locked state, and the engaging member can remain stably fixed through engagement with components such as magnets and locking portions.

Accordingly, the engaging member and the cord are neatly arranged, allowing for the maintenance of an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and even in the event of external contact, unintended opening of the zipper can be prevented, enabling safe use of the zipper.

The advantages of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned advantages, and other advantages, which are not specifically mentioned herein, will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a zipper holding device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, as connected to a zipper.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an engaging member and a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the holder, the engaging member, and a cord according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the device in FIG. 3 viewed from another direction.

FIGS. 5A-5C are a perspective view, a front view, and a side cross-sectional view of the holder, respectively.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are an exploded perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of the engaging member, respectively.

FIGS. 7A-7C are a perspective view, an A-A sectional view, and a B-B sectional view of the engaging member, respectively.

FIG. 8 is a sectional perspective view illustrating the interior with the engaging member and the cord assembled.

FIG. 9A is a side cross-sectional view, and FIG. 9B is a plan cross-sectional view, each illustrating the coupled state of the holder and the engaging member.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views illustrating an example of a backpack equipped with a zipper holding device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this process, the thicknesses of lines or the sizes of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation.

In addition, the terms described below are defined in consideration of the functions within the present invention, and they may vary depending on the intentions or customs of users or operators. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be interpreted based on the overall content of this specification.

The embodiments described below may be implemented in various different forms. To more clearly explain the characteristics of the embodiments, detailed descriptions of well-known matters in the relevant technical field familiar to those of ordinary skill have been omitted.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a zipper holding device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, as connected to a zipper, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an engaging member and a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. With reference thereto, a zipper holding device of the present invention includes a holder 30 and an engaging member 40. The zipper holding device is used by being connected to a zipper 20, and for this purpose, it may further include a cord 60.

The zipper 20 generally consists of a pair of coupling chains 21, a slider 22 that moves along the coupling chains 21 to engage or disengage them, and a zipper handle 23 provided on the slider 22.

One end of the cord 60 is connected in a loop shape to the zipper handle 23, and the other end is connected and installed on the engaging member 40.

The holder 30 is mounted on an object such as a bag or garment to which the zipper 20 is applied. It is arranged near the location where the slider 22 is positioned when the coupling chains 21 are in a locked state. The position where the engaging member 40 is seated on the holder 30 can be selected such that the zipper handle 23 and the cord 60 are fully extended.

The holder 30 includes a seating surface 31 having a size capable of accommodating the engaging member 40, and a pair of support portions 32 protruding from both sides around the seating surface 31.

The support portions 32 gradually bend inward toward the front, coming closer together to form an opening 33 at the front through which the cord 60 can pass.

On the upper side of the opening 33, the upper ends of the support portions 32 protrude toward each other to form locking portions 34. Accordingly, the locking portions 34 can prevent the cord 60 passing through the opening 33 from escaping upward.

The locking portion 34 may protrude not only toward each other but also inwardly from the support portions 32. Therefore, when the engaging member 40 is seated on the seating surface 31, the locking portion 34 covers the upper portion of the engaging member 40, thereby preventing the engaging member 40 from being easily disengaged upward even if the cord 60 is pulled.

The support portions 32 are formed to gradually slope downward toward the rear, thereby allowing the engaging member 40 to be easily inserted from the rear side.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the holder, the engaging member, and a cord according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the device in FIG. 3 viewed from another direction. FIGS. 5A-5C are a perspective view, a front view, and a side cross-sectional view of the holder, respectively. FIGS. 6A and 6B are an exploded perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of the engaging member, respectively. FIGS. 7A-7C are a perspective view, an A-A sectional view, and a B-B sectional view of the engaging member, respectively. FIG. 8 is a sectional perspective view illustrating the interior with the engaging member and the cord assembled.

With reference to FIGS. 3 through 8, the configuration of the holder, the engaging member, and the cord will be described in more detail.

The holder 30 has a thin plate-like fixing portion 35 formed along the outer edge of the seating surface 31. The fixing portion 35 may be formed to be stepped from the seating surface 31, and may be fixed to a portion of a backpack, garment, or other item by sewing, adhesive bonding, or other methods.

A recessed portion 36 is formed at the bottom of the seating surface 31, and a second magnet M2 is embedded in the recessed portion 36.

An elastic groove 37 may be formed between the fixing portion 35 and the recessed portion 36, on the outer side of the recessed portion 36. The elastic groove 37 provides elastic clearance between the fixing portion 35, which is fixed to a backpack, garment, or the like, and the seating surface 31, thereby minimizing the transmission of impacts applied to the engaging member 40 positioned between the seating surface 31 and support portions 32 to the fixing portion 35.

Accordingly, the fixing portion 35 can remain more securely attached.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the elastic groove 37 may have uneven spacing, and narrowing the spacing on the side of the locking portion 34, which may be subjected to a heavy load, allows adjustment of the resistance stress strength.

The engaging member 40 has a chamber 41 formed therein, with an inlet 42 and an outlet 43 formed on opposite sides.

The chamber 41 accommodates the cord 60 and a first magnet M1.

The outlet 43 is narrower than the inlet 42, with its sides tapering inward to prevent the cord 60 and the first magnet M1 housed inside the chamber from escaping.

Additionally, a step 44 may be formed inside the chamber 41 to prevent the first magnet M1 from escaping.

Although the step 44 may have a simple stepped shape, as shown in FIG. 8, it may alternatively be formed along the insertion path of the first magnet M1 from the inlet 42 and shaped to enclose the magnet, thereby enabling secure fixation.

The cord 60 and the first magnet M1 are inserted through the inlet 42. To facilitate this insertion, it is preferable that the upper and lower surfaces of the inlet 42 are outwardly flared and taper inward.

Knots 61 are formed at both ends of the cord 60 and inserted into the chamber, while a middle portion of the cord is drawn out through the outlet 43 to form a loop.

The first magnet M1 is seated inside the chamber 41, wrapped by the cord 60, and the seated arrangement of the cord 60 and the first magnet M1 is clearly illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 8 and 9A-9B.

In this way, the cord 60, with knots 61 formed at its ends, wraps around the first magnet M1 and is accommodated inside the chamber 41, thereby allowing the cord 60 and the first magnet M1 to be more securely seated.

Additionally, a retaining projection 45 may be formed on either the upper or lower surface near the middle of the chamber 41, thereby preventing the first magnet M1 from moving toward the inlet 42.

After the cord 60 and the first magnet M1 are inserted, a cap 50 may be plugged into the inlet 42 to close the chamber 41.

The cap 50 may be shaped to closely conform to the shape of the inlet 42 and, when assembled, is configured to provide a sense of unity with the overall shape of the engaging member 40.

On the inner surface of the inlet 42 and the outer surface of the cap 50, features are provided to interlock and secure them together. A fixing hole 46 is formed at one end of the inlet 42, and a corresponding projection 51 is formed on the cap 50, which engage with each other to securely close the inlet 42.

Additionally, a guide groove 47 is formed in the insertion direction on another surface of the inlet 42, and a corresponding guide projection 52, projecting in the insertion direction, is formed on the cap 50, thereby facilitating initial insertion into the inlet 42. Coupling projections 53 are further formed on both sides of the guide projection 52, and corresponding coupling grooves 48 are formed on both sides of the guide groove 47, enabling a more stable engagement.

As a result of the smooth entry achieved by the guide groove 47 and the guide projection 52, the coupling grooves 48 and the coupling projections 53, together with the fixing hole 46 and the projection 51, are ultimately engaged through a slight press-fit, thereby ensuring tight and secure fixation.

To summarize the assembly process of the engaging member 40 and the cord 60, knots 61 are first formed at both ends of the cord 60. The middle portion of the cord 60 is then inserted into the inlet 42 and drawn out through the outlet 43 to form a loop.

At this stage, before the cord 60 is fully assembled with the engaging member 40, the zipper puller 23 is inserted through the loop portion of the cord 60.

Before the cord 60 is fully inserted, the first magnet M1 is pushed into the chamber 41 between the two knots 61. The first magnet M1 passes over the retaining projection 45 under slight pressure and is seated between the step 44 and the retaining projection 45, being securely held in place as it is wrapped on both sides by the cord 60.

Once the knots 61 are positioned inside the chamber 41, the cap 50 is fitted into the inlet 42 and held in place by the fixing hole 46 and the projection 51, thereby completing the assembly.

When the engaging member 40 is brought close to the seating surface 31 of the holder 30, it is immediately attracted and seated on the seating surface 31 by the magnetic force between the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2.

In particular, the support portion 32 of the holder 30 slopes downward toward the rear end, thereby allowing the engaging member 40 to be smoothly inserted.

Additionally, the rear end of the seating surface 31 may be inclined downward to form an inclined surface 38, thereby allowing the engaging member 40 to be inserted onto the seating surface 31 more smoothly.

The inclined surface 38 can facilitate the close attachment of the engaging member 40, which has a thicker rear end.

FIG. 9A is a side cross-sectional view, and FIG. 9B is a plan cross-sectional view, each illustrating the coupled state of the holder 30 and the engaging member 40. As shown, the engaging member 40 is seated on the seating surface 31 within the support portion 32, and the cord 60 extends toward the zipper 20 through the opening 33, which is oriented in the direction of the zipper 20.

When the zipper puller 23 or the cord 60 comes into contact with an external object and is pulled in the opening direction of the zipper 20, the engaging member 40 is drawn toward the opening 33 of the holder 30.

However, the front end of the engaging member 40 is caught by the support portions 32 located on both sides of the opening 33 and the locking portion 34 at the top, thereby preventing further pulling and stopping the zipper 20 from opening.

When attempting to open the zipper 20 while the engaging member 40 is seated in the holder 30, the engaging member 40 can be easily separated from the holder 30 by lifting its rear end. Thereafter, the zipper 20 can be opened as usual using the engaging member 40.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views illustrating an example of a backpack equipped with a zipper holding device according to the present invention. FIG. 10 shows the engaging member 40 in a separated state from the holder 30, whereas FIG. 11 shows the engaging member 40 seated within the holder 30.

Here, the zipper 20 is installed as a means for opening and closing the backpack 10, and the holder 30 is fixed to one end of the backpack 10, near the terminal end of the coupling chain 21 where the zipper 20 is in its locked state.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, when the engaging member 40 is separated from the holder 30, the slider 22 can be moved to open the zipper 20. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 11, when the engaging member 40 is seated in the holder 30, the slider 22 cannot be pulled, thereby preventing unintended opening of the zipper 20.

The above description is merely exemplary, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in various other forms without departing from the scope and essential features thereof. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not serve to limit the scope of the present invention.

The scope of protection sought by the present specification is not limited to the foregoing detailed description, but is defined by the following claims. It should be construed to include all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents.