WO2010105297A1

WO2010105297A1 - Luggage lock

Info

Publication number: WO2010105297A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/000309
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cristian Andrei
Original assignee: Cristian Andrei
Priority date: 2009-03-18
Filing date: 2010-03-18
Publication date: 2010-09-23

Abstract

A locking device (100) has one or movable arms (104) that have one or more portions (112) configured to engage rings (140) on one or more closure elements (128) of a zipper (130). When attached to the closure element(s) (128) the locking device (100) is located generally in or parallel to the plane of the zipper and does not extend significantly above the general plane of the zipper and the locking device (100) is configured to allow the closure element(s) (128) to be engaged with and disengaged from the locking device (100) whilst the locking device (100) is located generally in or parallel to the plane of the zipper.

Description

Luggage Lock Field of Invention

This invention relates to locks and more particularly to luggage locks. The locks of the invention have particular use in securing the zippers of luggage, but are non limited to such uses.

Background

Many suitcases and bags have a clam-shell design in which one part of the suitcase, usually the top (when laid flat) is hinged along one side to the base of the case. A zipper extends around three sides of the perimeter to enable the top to be closed to the base. Suitcases are generally a rectangular prism with the zipper extending along the vertical side faces or along the junction of the side faces with the top face.

Typically the zipper will have two opposed closure elements that may be brought together at any point along the zipper to close the zipper. Opening is accomplished by moving the two closure elements to opposite ends of the zipper. To secure the case against unauthorised opening, a lock is usually attached to the two closure elements so preventing them being separated until the lock has been removed. Typically the closure elements each have a ring that overlaps with the ring of the other closure element and the shackle of a padlock is passed through the two rings. The body of the padlock is then positioned over the zipper.

There is little to protect any padlock attached to the closure elements, particularly as the padlock extends away from the general plane of the zipper. During handling, particularly at airports on luggage conveyors or carousels, it is possible for the padlock to catch on another object. If this happens the lock may be pulled from the zipper. In a worst case, the zipper itself is partially or totally destroyed and the content of the case may fall out of the case.

Summary of the Invention

In an attempt to overcome at least one of the disadvantages discussed above, the invention in one broad form provides a locking device that is located generally in the plane of the zipper and does not extend significantly above the general plane of the zipper.

In one broad form the invention provides a locking device adapted for use with a zipper on an item, the zipper having two sets of opposed teeth generally extending along a line locally in a first plane and at least one closure element that is movable along the teeth to engage or disengage the opposed teeth together, the or each at least one closure element having an aperture extending across the line of the teeth and extending perpendicularly to a first side of the teeth, the locking device including at least one movable free end portion adapted to pass through at least one aperture to secure the locking device to the closure element, wherein when attached to at least one closure element the locking device is located generally in or parallel to the plane of the zipper and does not extend significantly above the general plane of the zipper, and wherein the locking device is configured to allow the at least one closure element to be engaged with and disengaged from the locking device whilst the locking device is located generally in or parallel to the plane of the zipper.

The locking device may include at least one locking arm and said at least one locking arm may move between the open and closed positions by movement in a plane generally parallel to the first plane.

The locking device may include at least one locking arm locking arm having two free end portions.

The locking device may include two locking arms. The locking device may have at least one first free end portion adapted to engage a first closure element and at least one second free end portion adapted to engage a second closure element.

The locking device may have at least one first free end portion adapted to engage a first closure element and at least one second free end portion adapted to engage a second closure element, said first and second free end portions located adjacent longitudinal ends of the locking device, wherein the majority of the locking device is located between the closure elements.

The locking device may include first and second locking arms, each having first and second free end portions, the first end portions of each locking arm engaging the second end portion of the other arm in the closed position. The first and second end portions may overlap in the closed position.

The locking device may include at least one locking arm that moves between the open and closed positions by rotation.

The locking device may include two locking arms mounted for rotation about a common axis.

The locking device may include at least one locking arm moves between open and closed positions by linear motion.

The locking device may include at least one locking arm including at least one free end portion.

The locking device may include: a body, and at least one locking arm mounted on the body for movement relative to the body between open and closed positions, at least one of the body and the or each at least one locking arm having at least one free end portion; wherein, in the closed position, at least the free end portion passes through the aperture and engages another part of the locking device, thereby securing the locking device and closure element together and in the open position, the free end portion and the said another part are separated by a sufficient gap that the said closure element may be removed from the locking device.

The respective other part may be a part of the body or a movable locking arm. The body may include at least one free end portion. The body may comprise a movable locking arm.

The or each locking arm may extend along the zipper along opposite directions from a central part of the body.

In the closed position, the or each free end portion may bear against a generally planar surface. In the closed position, the or each free end portion may be received in a respective recess or aperture in the respective another part.

The locking device may include at least one retaining member that extends underneath the other side of the teeth.

At least one retaining member may extend under one of the sets of teeth. At least one retaining device may comprise at least one L or T shaped leg. - A -

At least one retaining device may extend from the body.

The locking device may include at least one travel prevention member, the or each travel prevention member adapted to extend between adjacent teeth of the zipper. At least one travel prevention member may comprise a generally vertical flange.

At least one travel prevention member may comprise a flange having an angled edge.

The locking device may include an indicator that changes state when the device is moved along the zipper more than a predetermined amount after locking.

The indicator may include a follower that engages the zipper.

In another broad form the invention provides a locking device adapted for use with a zipper having two sets of opposed teeth generally extending along a line locally in a first plane and at least one closure element that is movable along the teeth to engage or disengage the opposed teeth together, the or each at least one closure element having an aperture extending generally along the line of the teeth and extending perpendicularly to a first side of the teeth, the locking device including: a body, and at least one locking arm mounted on the body for movement relative to the body between open and closed positions, at least one of the body and the or each at least one locking arm having at least one free end portion sized to pass through the closed aperture; wherein, in the closed position, at least the free end portion passes through the aperture and engages another part of the lock, thereby securing the lock and closure element together and in the open position, the free end portion and the said another part are separated and the said closure element may be moved from the locking device, wherein, the locking arm moves between the open and closed positions by movement in a plane generally parallel to the first plane.

The locking device may include two or more locking arms. The or each locking arm may have two portions, each having portions extending in opposite directions from a central part of body.

The respective other part may be a static part of the body or may be another movable locking arm. Preferably the or each locking arm moves between the open and closed positions by rotation. Preferably this is rotation about a common vertical axis. Alternatively the or each locking arm may move by rectilinear motion between the open and closed positions.

Preferably the free end portion(s) are located on the locking arm(s) but may be locked on the body.

The body may include a retaining plate, body or member that extends underneath the other side of the teeth.

The another part of the locking device may present one or more generally planar surfaces against which the or each of the free end portion(s) bear in the closed position. Alternatively the free end portion (s) may engage in a respective recesses or apertures in the respective another part.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a locking device according to a first implementation of the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the locking device according to a first implementation of the invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a locking device according to a second implementation of the invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a locking device according to a third implementation of the invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view from below of a fourth implementation of the invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of the fourth implementation of the invention. Figure 7 is a end view of the fourth implementation of the invention. Figure 8 is a side view of the fourth implementation of the invention.

Figure 9 is a plan view from below of the fourth implementation of the invention. Figure 10 is a plan view of the fourth implementation of the invention in use. Figure 11 is a side cross sectional view taken along line BB in figure 10. Figure 12 is a detail view of the area C in figure 11.

Figure 13 is a side view of the fourth implementation of the invention in use. Figure 14 is an end cross sectional view taken along line AA in figure 13. Figure 15 is a perspective view from above of a fifth implementation of the invention.

Figure 16 is a perspective view from below of a fifth implementation of the invention.

Figure 17 is a partial sectioned perspective view from below of the fifth implementation of the invention.

Figure 18 is a partial sectioned perspective view from above of the fifth implementation of the invention.

Figure 19 is a perspective view from above of a sixth implementation of the invention. Figure 20 is a perspective view from below of a sixth implementation of the invention.

Figure 21 is schematic view showing the details of the arrangement of part of the fourth implementation.

Detailed Description of Implementations of the invention Referring to figures 1 and 2 there is shown a locking device 10 according to a first implementation of the invention. The locking device 10 is used to secure the closure elements 12a and 12b of a zipper 14 that in turn is holding the top 16 and base 18 of a case 20 together. In Figure 1 the locking device is shown unlocked. The locking device 10 comprises a base plate 22 (see figure 2) that sits beneath the zipper 14 when the two closure elements are drawn together.

Mounted on or integral with the base plate is a central body 23 having a conventional padlock cylinder into which a conventional padlock barrel 28 is located. The central body has two arms 24a, 24b that extend along and over the teeth of the zipper 14 and, when the closure elements are drawn close to the lock, overlap the rings 26a, 26b of the closure elements 12a, 12b, respectively. For clarity the arm 24b is not shown in figure 2.

The lock barrel 28 has two locking arms 30a, 30b that extend in opposite directions and overlap with the arms 24a, 24b. The locking arms 30a, 30b and generally "L" shaped, each having an inner portion 32 and an outer portion 34 extending at approximately 90 degrees to the inner portion. The free end 36 of each outer portion 34 is sized to pass through the rings 26a, 26b.

In the locked position the inner portions 32 of locking arms 30 are generally parallel to the zipper 14, the outer portions 34 are generally perpendicular to the line of the zipper 14 and pass through the rings 26 and bear against the arms 24. The closure elements 12 are thus secured to the locking device and cannot be separated. As seen in figure 2 the locking device does not extend significantly above the zipper and also does not present a surface that may be easily caught on a passing object.

The barrel 28 may locked and unlocked by key 38 and, when unlocked, rotated anticlockwise about its vertical axis to separate the locking arms 30 from the arms 24, as shown in figure 1. This withdraws the end portions 34 from the rings 26 of closure elements and allows the closure elements to be separated, thereby opening the zipper 14 and case 20.

In this implementation the free ends 36 of the locking arms 30 merely bear against the arms 24. If desired the arms 24 may be provided with recesses or apertures into which the free end portions 34 pass, thereby enhancing locking of the closure elements 12 to the locking device 10. The base plate 22 aids in positioning the locking device 10, securing the locking device in and to the case 20 and aids in preventing the locking device being deliberately or accidentally torn from the case. However, the base plate 22 is not critical and may be omitted if desired.

Referring to figure 3 there is shown a locking device 40 according to a second implementation of the invention. The locking device 40 has a central body 42 mounted on base plate 44. Mounted on the central body for rotation about a vertical axis are two "S" shaped arms 46 and 48. Each arm has portions 46a, 48a extending to one side of the central body in an opposed manner and portions 46b, 48b extending from the other side in an opposed manner. The free ends 50 of the opposed portions are sized to pass through the rings of the closure elements 12. In the unlocked state the two arms 46, 48 may be rotated about the vertical axis to a closed position in which the opposed free ends 50 contact or engage each other together to secure the closure elements 12 to the locking device 40, or an open position in which the free ends are separated to allow the closure elements 12 to be moved apart. The arms 46, 48 may be locked in the closed position, so preventing unauthorised opening. Referring to figure 4 there is shown a locking device 60 according to a third implementation of the invention.

The locking device 60 has a base plate 64. Mounted on the base plate 64 for rotation about a vertical axis are two "L" shaped arms 62. Each arm has portions 66 extending to one side of the central body and portions 68 extending from the end of portions 66 at about 90 degrees.

The base plate 64 includes hollow housings 70, each having an aperture 72 into which the free ends 74 of the portions 68 may pass. The portions 68 are sized to pass through the rings of the closure elements 12 of the zip (not shown) so that when inserted into the hollow section the end portions 68 retain the closure elements.

The end portions 68 have a notch or recess 76 on their inner surface. Located within the hollow portions 70 of base plate 64 are retaining pins 78. When the free ends 74 are inserted into the hollow housings 70, the retaining pins 78 engage in the notches 76 and prevent removal of the free ends until the pins 78 are moved away. The pins 78 are preferably biased toward the free end 80 of the housings 70. The pins 78 may be comprised of two lengths telescopically joined together and biased away from each other.

The other end 82 of the retaining pins 78 has a linear gear 83 that engages geared wheel 84, mounted on base plate 64 for rotation about a vertical axis. A barrel lock 86 or similar is provided to control rotation of the geared wheel 84. The geared wheel 84 may be connected directly to the barrel lock so that rotation of the lock causes the wheel 84 and retaining pins 78 to move between a locked position, as shown, and an unlocked position, in which the retaining pins are withdrawn from the notches 76. Alternatively, the lock 86 may be configured to prevent rotation of the gear wheel when locked and to allow rotation when unlocked. In this configuration the user would need to manually withdraw the pins by rotating the gear wheel. A locking device 100 according to another implementation of the invention is shown in figures 5 to 15. The locking device 100 includes a body 102 and a locking arm 104. The locking arm 104 includes rods 106 that are received in corresponding bores 108 in body 102. The locking arm 104 may be slid sideways relative to the body 102 by movement of the rods 106 in the bores 108 between an open position, shown in figures 5 and 6 and a closed position shown in figure 9. In the closed position the central portion of the locking arm 104 is preferably snug against the central portion of body 102.

Located at or adjacent the ends of the locking arm 104 are two rods 112 that extend toward legs 114 of the body 102. The legs 114 preferably have a corresponding recess 116 opposite each rod 112 and when the locking device is closed with the locking arm 104 adjacent the body 102, the free ends 118 of the rods 112 are received in the recesses 116. If desired the recesses 116 may be omitted with the free ends bearing against the legs 114, although this is not preferred. The recesses 116 may be through bores in the legs 114, although this is also not preferred.

As seen in figure 9 when the device is closed the central portion of the locking arm 104 is snug against the body 102 but there is a gap at the ends between the locking arm 104 and legs 114, which the rods 112 extend across, and into which the ring portions of zipper closure elements may be inserted.

As best seen in figure 21 , rods 106 have one or more notches 144. A conventional keyed cylinder pin-tumbler lock 110 includes arm 146 that rotates with the tumbler lock into and out of engagement with the notches 148 to allow or prevent movent in and out of the bores 108. Two sets of recess or notches 148 are provided to enable the locking arm to be locked at two different separations from the body 102 to allow for some variation in width of the closure elements. Preferably the ends of the rods 112 remain in the recesses 116 in the both locked positions. If desired there may be only one notch or more than two notches. Whilst notches are shown on both rods 106 only one rod 106 need be provided with one or more notches. In this implementation both the locking and unlocking of the rods 106 requires rotation of the pin tumbler lock 110.

Alternatively, the body 102 may include a spring loaded pin that engages a recess in one of the rods when the rod is depressed, preventing withdrawal of the rods 112 from the bores 108. The pin is withdrawn under the action of the conventional keyed cylinder pin-tumbler lock 110. When the tumbler lock 110 is unlocked, withdrawing pin, the rods are free to move within the bores 108. As an alternative the pin may be moved in both directions by the tumbler lock 110, i.e. the lock must be rotated to a lock position to secure the two parts in the closed position. If desired the tumbler lock 110 may be configured so that the key can only be removed from the locking device in the lock position. It will be appreciated that the examples of locking mechanisms given are not limiting and other mechanisms for securing the device in the closed position(s) may be used.

As seen in figures 5 and 7 to 9 the underside of the body 102 has an L shaped retaining member 120 that extends downwards from the underside of the body. The retaining member 120 includes a horizontal flange or leg 122 spaced from the underneath of the body 102 so that one run of zipper teeth may pass into the gap there between. The retaining member 120 serves to aid in retention of the device on the zipper. The opening preferably faces away from the locking arm 104.

A travel prevention member 124 extends between the underside of the body 102 and the retaining member 120. In this implementation the travel prevention member 124 comprises a flange which is located generally centrally between the longitudinal ends of the retaining member 120. In use the locking device 100 is opened and the closure elements 128 of a zipper 130 on an item of luggage 132 are separated to open the zipper and allow the locking device 100 to be placed between the two closure elements 128. The locking device 100 is placed between the two runs of the zipper and positioned so that one run is located in the gap defined by the body and the retaining member 120. The travel prevention member 124 is positioned between two adjacent teeth 134.

The two closure elements 128 are moved so that their lock rings 140 align with the rods 112 on the locking arm 104. The locking device 100 is then closed, with the rods 112 passing through the lock rings 140 and so securing the closure elements 128 to the locking device 100 and preventing their separation. Upon closure of the locking device the spring loaded pin secures the locking arm in the closed position.

The travel prevention member 124, located between zipper teeth 134 prevents movement of the locking device 100 along the zipper 130. Thus if the two runs of the zipper are accidentally or deliberately separated it is not possible for the locking device 100 and closure elements 128 to be moved along the zipper to re-engage the open sides of the zipper. The ability to prevent re-closure is becoming more important as the plastic spiral type zipper found on most luggage is relatively easy to open with a pointed instrument, such as a pen, and to be resealed by merely sliding the closure elements in the "reverse" direction along the opened portion. Thus it is relatively easy for material to be introduced into or remove from a "locked" bag and for the bag to appear untouched.

Whilst it is preferred that the retaining member 120 includes the travel prevention member 124, the travel prevention member 124 may be omitted.

More than one the retaining member 120 may be provided. Where multiple the retaining members 120 are provided they may extend under one or both sets of teeth. The retaining members 120 may be spaced along the zipper or be located adjacent or opposite to each other, particularly if extending in opposite directions under a different set of teeth. If desired the retaining member 120 may be a T shaped leg with two generally horizontal parts, each of which extends under opposed teeth.

If desired the body may be provided more than one travel prevention member 124 that in use is located between zipper teeth. These travel prevention members 124 may be associated with a retaining member 120 or may be "stand alone" protrusions that extend downwards from the body 102. Whilst the angled flange is preferred, the travel prevention member 124 may be of other forms. As an example the travel prevention member 124 may comprise a downwardly extending pin or rod. Thus the body may have one or more travel prevention members 124 and no retaining member(s). Where a device has multiple travel prevention members they may engage one or both teeth runs.

If desired both the retaining member 120 and the travel prevention member 124 may be omitted from the body 102. Whilst this allows the device 100 to be moved along a zipper when locked, there is no limitation on the thickness of the zipper with which it is used.

Although the implementation of figures 5 to 14 has a single locking arm with a two rod 112, the device may be configured with the single locking arm 104 split in two, as indicated by line 142 in figure 10, each with a single rod 112. Whilst the rods 112 are preferably mounted on the locking arm(s) it will be appreciated that they could be mounted on the body, with the locking arm(s) providing a recess into which the rods are received or a surface against which they bear.

In a similar manner the rods 106 may be secured to the body with the locking arm having recesses into which the rods slide. In such a configuration the pin tumbler lock 110 would need to be incorporated into the locking arm.

Figures 15 to 18 show a locking device 150 according another implementation of the invention. The locking device 150 is configured substantially the same and operates substantially the same as the implementation of figures 5 to 14. The same numbers are used for similar parts. The device 150 lacks the retaining member 120 and the travel prevention member 124 and so able to be moved along the zipper when the two closure elements of the zip are locked to the device 150. The body 102 includes a wheel 152 mounted for rotation about a traverse axis. The wheel is located so as to be positioned generally along the centre line of the zipper when the device is mounted on the zipper. When the device is mounted on the zipper the wheel engages the top of the zipper teeth and movement along the zipper causes the wheel to rotate. If desired the wheel may be mounted on a pivoting arm that is biased downwards against the zipper to aid in ensuring rotation when the device 150 moves along the zipper. The body 102 includes an opening or window 154 with an indicator 156 located underneath. The indicator is movable between a first position and a second position. When the device is locked the indicator is at a first position. If the device 150 has been moved more than a predetermined amount along the zipper the indicator is moved to the second position, so indicating movement, as explained below. The portions under the window 154 in the first and second positions are preferably green and red but other colour combinations, markings or indicia may be used. The indicator 156 may indicate one of the two positions by a cut out or similar rather than the presence or absence markings etc.

If the wheel 152 rotates more than a certain predetermined amount it causes the indicator 156 to move from the first position to the second position. The predetermined amount is preferably in the order of 50 mm. Thus small movement of the device along the zipper that may be caused by bumps and knocks during normal handling will not cause the indicator to move to the second position. The predetermined amount is preferably less than the opening required in the zipper to insert or remove an item, hand or other object into or from the case. Thus if the zipper is opened and closed by moving the closure elements (and device 150) to recluse the zipper, the indicator 156 to move from the first position to the second position and so enable actual or possible tampering to be easily determined.

In the implementation shown the wheel 152 engages a coil spring 160. Rotation of the wheel 152 tensions the spring 160 by rotating one end. The other end engages the indicator 156. The indicator is held in position by a detent against the rotary tension applied by the springl 60. When the rotary tension in the spring exceeds a certain amount the resistance of the detent is overcome and indicator turns, displaying the red portion. Other mechanisms for causing movement of the indicator may be used. A magnetic clutch may be used. A mechanical odometer arrangement may be used, whereby a set rotation causes an indicator to rotate a set amount. Opening the device using the pin tumbler lock 110 resets the indicator 156 to the initial position.

Figures 19 and 20 show a locking device 170 according to a further implementation of the invention. The locking device 170 has a body 172 upon which two locking arms 174 and 176 are mounted for rotation about axis 182. The arms may rotate between a closed position, as shown in figure 19 and an open position, as shown in figure 20. The arms 174, 176 have free end portions 184a and 186a that overlap when closed and so form two continuous loops 178. The end portions 184a, 186a of the arms are sized to pass within the locking rings of zipper closures and the device operates in a similar manner to the figure 3 implementation, but with the ends overlapping rather than just abutting. Pin tumbler lock 180 enables the device to be locked in the closed position.

Whilst the implementations described utilise pin tumbler type locks it will be appreciated that other types of locks, such as combination locks, may be used.

Whilst the implementations shown and described provide a locking device that is separate from the zipper, it will be appreciated that the locking device could be incorporated into or permanently attached to one of the closure elements. In such a situation the locking device would only need a single movable arm that passes through a ring located on the other closure element.

Further, the locking device may be used with a zipper having a single closure element. The locking device may be permanently attached to the case at one end of the zipper. Alternatively the case may be provided with a loop to which the locking device may be attached. Whilst the implementations show the arms exposed it will be appreciated that the lock may include a body or shroud that encloses the arms and into which at lest the ring portions of the closure elements pass. By shrouding the arms and rings tampering is discouraged and the possibility that the arms are caught by a passing object is also reduced. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many obvious modifications and variations may be made to the implementations described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

The Claims

1. A locking device adapted for use with a zipper on an item, the zipper having two sets of opposed teeth generally extending along a line locally in a first plane and at least one closure element that is movable along the teeth to engage or disengage the opposed teeth together, the or each at least one closure element having an aperture extending across the line of the teeth and extending perpendicularly to a first side of the teeth, the locking device including at least one movable free end portion adapted to pass through at least one aperture to secure the locking device to the closure element, wherein when attached to at least one closure element the locking device is located generally in or parallel to the plane of the zipper and does not extend significantly above the general plane of the zipper, and wherein the locking device is configured to allow the at least one closure element to be engaged with and disengaged from the locking device whilst the locking device is located generally in or parallel to the plane of the zipper.

2. The locking device of claim 1 including at least one locking arm and said at least one locking arm moves between the open and closed positions by movement in a plane generally parallel to the first plane.

3. The locking device of claim 1 or claim 2 including at least one locking arm locking arm having two free end portions.

4. The locking device of claim2 or claim 3 including two locking arms.

5. The locking device of any one of claims 1 to 4 having at least one first free end portion adapted to engage a first closure element and at least one second free end portion adapted to engage a second closure element.

6. The locking device of any one of claims 1 to 5 having at least one first free end portion adapted to engage a first closure element and at least one second free end portion adapted to engage a second closure element, said first and second free end portions located adjacent longitudinal ends of the locking device, wherein the majority of the locking device is located between the closure elements.

7. The locking device of any one of claims 1 to 6 including first and second locking arms, each having first and second free end portions, the first end portions of each locking arm engaging the second end portion of the other arm in the closed position.

8. The locking device of claim 7 wherein the first and second end portions overlap in the closed position.

9. The locking device of any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein at least one locking arm moves between the open and closed positions by rotation.

10. The locking device of any one of claims 2 to 9 comprising two locking arms mounted for rotation about a common axis.

11. The locking device of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein at least one locking arm moves between open and closed positions by linear motion.

12. The locking device of any one of claims 2 to 11 wherein at least one locking arm includes at least one free end portion.

13. The locking device of any one of claim 1 to 12 including: a body, and at least one locking arm mounted on the body for movement relative to the body between open and closed positions, at least one of the body and the or each at least one locking arm having at least one free end portion; wherein, in the closed position, at least the free end portion passes through the aperture and engages another part of the locking device, thereby securing the locking device and closure element together and in the open position, the free end portion and the said another part are separated by a sufficient gap that the said closure element may be removed from the locking device.

14. The locking device of claim 13 wherein the respective other part is a part of the body or a movable locking arm.

15. The locking device of claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the body includes at least one free end portion.

16. The locking device of any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the body comprises a movable locking arm.

17. The locking device of any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the or each locking arm extends along the zipper along opposite directions from a central part of the body.

18. The locking device of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein, in the closed position, the or each free end portion bears against a generally planar surface.

19. The locking device of any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein, in the closed position, the or each free end portion is received in a respective recess or aperture in the respective another part.

20. The locking device of any one of claims 1 to 19 including at least one retaining member that extends underneath the other side of the teeth.

21. The locking device of claim 20 wherein at least one retaining member extends under one of the sets of teeth.

22. The locking device of claim 20 or claim 21 wherein at least one retaining device comprises at least one L or T shaped leg.

23. The locking device of any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein at least one retaining device extends from the body.

24. The locking device of any one of claims 1 to 23 including at least one travel prevention member, the or each travel prevention member adapted to extend between adjacent teeth of the zipper.

25. The locking device of claim 24 wherein the at least one travel prevention member comprises a generally vertical flange.

26. The locking device of claim 24 or claim 25 wherein the at least one travel prevention member comprises a flange having an angled edge.

27. The locking device of any one of claims 1 to 26 including an indicator that changes state when the device is moved along the zipper more than a predetermined amount after locking.

28. The locking device of claim 27 wherein the indicator includes a follower that engages the zipper.

29. A locking device, substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.