Gripping Zipper Securing Ring

Abstract

A gripping zipper securing ring for use in securing a zipper includes a ring member having a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion for movement between open and closed configurations. The first portion includes a locking arm having a plurality of teeth. The second portion includes a locking receiver configured to selectively receive the locking arm therein. A release mechanism is situated in the locking receiver that is selectively movable between a locked configuration at which the locking arm is not removable from the locking receiver and a released configuration in which the locking arm is removable therefrom. The release mechanism includes a user operable release member with which to move the release mechanism between locked and released configurations.

1 . A gripping zipper securing ring for use in securing a zipper, comprising:
 a ring member having a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion for movement between open and closed configurations, said first portion including a locking arm having a plurality of teeth, said second portion including a locking receiver having a configuration complementary to that of said locking arm so as to selectively receive said locking arm therein; and   a release mechanism situated in said locking receiver that is selectively movable between an locked configuration that engages said locking arm teeth at a selected configuration and prevents removal of said locking arm from said locking receiver and a released configuration that disengages said locking arm teeth and allows said locking arm to be removed from said locking receiver.   
     
     
         2 . The gripping zipper securing ring as in  claim 1 , wherein:
 said ring member first portion includes a proximal end pivotally coupled to said ring member second portion and a distal end spaced apart from said first portion proximal end;   said lever arm is coupled to said distal end of said ring member first portion and includes a outward edge defining said plurality of teeth.   
     
     
         3 . The gripping zipper securing ring as in  claim 2 , wherein:
 said ring member second portion includes a proximal end pivotally coupled to said proximal end of said ring member first portion and a distal end spaced apart from said second portion proximal end;   said locking receiver is situated at said second portion distal end and defines a hollow interior area;   said locking receiver defines an inlet at a free end thereof and an outlet spaced from said inlet, said inlet and outlet being in operative communication with said interior area.   
     
     
         4 . The gripping zipper securing ring as in  claim 3 , wherein:
 said release mechanism includes a release member having an outer portion extending through an outer surface of said locking receiver and an inner portion extending into said locking receiver interior area, wherein said inner portion is normally biased to engage a respective one of said plurality of locking arm teeth; and   said release mechanism is configuration such that manual operation of said release member causes said outer portion to disengage from said plurality of teeth.   
     
     
         5 . The gripping zipper securing ring as in  claim 4 , wherein said ring member first and second portions are coupled together with a hinge. 
     
     
         6 . The gripping zipper securing ring as in  claim 1 , wherein said first and second portions include an annular configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The gripping zipper securing ring as in  claim 4 , further comprising a fastener coupled to said ring member first portion for attachment to said zipper. 
     
     
         8 . A gripping zipper securing ring for use in securing a zipper, comprising:
 a ring member having an annular first portion pivotally coupled to an annular second portion with a hinge for movement between open and closed configurations, said first portion including a locking arm having a plurality of teeth, said second portion including a locking receiver having a configuration complementary to that of said locking arm so as to selectively receive said locking arm therein; and   a release mechanism situated in said locking receiver that is selectively movable between a locked configuration that engages said locking arm teeth at a selected configuration and that prevents removal of said locking arm from said locking receiver and a released configuration that disengages said locking arm teeth and allows said locking arm to be removed from said locking receiver.   
     
     
         9 . The gripping zipper securing ring as in  claim 8 , wherein:
 said ring member first portion includes a proximal end pivotally coupled to said ring member second portion and a distal end spaced apart from said first portion proximal end;   said lever arm is coupled to said distal end of said ring member first portion and includes a outward edge defining said plurality of teeth.   
     
     
         10 . The gripping zipper securing ring as in  claim 9 , wherein:
 said ring member second portion includes a proximal end pivotally coupled to said proximal end of said ring member first portion and a distal end spaced apart from said second portion proximal end;   said locking receiver is situated at said second portion distal end and defines a hollow interior area;   said locking receiver defines an inlet at a free end thereof and an outlet spaced from said inlet, said inlet and outlet being in operative communication with said interior area.   
     
     
         11 . The gripping zipper securing ring as in  claim 10 , wherein:
 said release mechanism includes a release member having an outer portion extending outwardly through an outer surface of said locking receiver and an inner portion extending into said locking receiver interior area, wherein said inner portion is normally biased to engage a respective one of said plurality of locking arm teeth; and   said release mechanism is configuration such that user manipulation of said release member causes said inner portion to disengage from said plurality of teeth.