Luggage Security Device

Abstract

A luggage security device for use on luggage having a zipper including a first zip chain and a second zip chain with first and second zip sliders such that the zipper is sealed when the first zip slider is positioned adjacent the second zip slider. The device includes a zipper engaging portion that engages the first zip chain at a point on the zipper between the first and second zip sliders when the first zip slider is positioned adjacent the second zip slider and a slider engaging portion to engage with both the first and second zip sliders when the first zip slider is positioned adjacent the second zip slider. The slider engaging portion prevents movement of the first zip slider relative to the second zip slider and the zipper engaging portion prevents the first and second zip sliders from moving relative to the zipper.

1 . A luggage security device for use on luggage having a zipper including a first zip chain and a second zip chain with first and second zip sliders such that the zipper is sealed when the first zip slider is positioned adjacent the second zip slider, the device comprising:
 a zipper engaging portion that engages the first zip chain at a point on the zipper between the first and second zip sliders when the first zip slider is positioned adjacent the second zip slider; and   a slider engaging portion to engage with both the first and second zip sliders when the first zip slider is positioned adjacent the second zip slider;   wherein the slider engaging portion prevents movement of the first zip slider relative to the second zip slider and the zipper engaging portion prevents the first and second zip sliders from moving relative to the zipper.   
   
   
       2 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the zipper engaging portion comprises a portion of deformable sheet material to engage with the first zip chain by bending the sheet material around the first zip chain. 
   
   
       3 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the portion of deformable sheet material includes a metallic foil layer. 
   
   
       4 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the first zip slider includes a first loop, the second zip slider includes a second loop and the slider engaging portion engages through the first and second loops when the first zip slider is positioned adjacent the second zip slider. 
   
   
       5 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 4 , further comprising a body portion, a head portion and a neck portion joining the body portion and the head portion, wherein the head portion comprises the zip chain engaging portion and the slider engaging portion comprises a tongue portion that is passed through the first and second loops and secured to the body member by a sealing member. 
   
   
       6 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the tongue portion comprises a portion of the body portion and flexible between a position in which the tongue portion is in a plane of the body position and a position in which it is out of the plane of the body position and can be passed through the first and second loops, wherein the sealing member seals across the tongue portion and body portion after the tongue portion has been passed through the first and second loops. 
   
   
       7 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the tongue portion extends from the head portion and the body portion includes one or more apertures through which the tongue portion is passed, after passing through the first and second loops, wherein the sealing member secures the tongue portion to the body portion after passing through the or each aperture. 
   
   
       8 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein the body portion includes a hole such that the body portion is bent so the first and second loops are received in the hole and the slider engaging portion comprises a separate element received through the first and second loops preventing disengagement of the body portion from the first and second loops. 
   
   
       9 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the slider engaging portion comprises a padlock. 
   
   
       10 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the slider engaging portion comprises a cable tie. 
   
   
       11 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the body portion comprises a sheet of Nylon, the head portion comprises an aluminum sheet and the head portion and body portion are covered with a polyester lamination that forms the neck portion. 
   
   
       12 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the body portion is at least partially rectangular in shape and the head portion is at least partially circular in shape and said shape has a diameter equivalent to a width of the rectangular shape of the body portion. 
   
   
       13 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the sealing member comprises a sheet of material having an adhesive first side covered with a backing sheet such that removal of the backing sheet and folding the sealing member so the first side contacts both sides of the body portion secures the sealing member to the body portion and the tongue portion. 
   
   
       14 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the sealing member is constructed of a breakable material such that an attempt to remove the sealing member will result in fracturing of the sealing member. 
   
   
       15 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 14 , wherein the sealing member comprises an outer layer remote from the backing sheet and an inner layer, the outer layer being less flexible than the inner layer and a plurality of air pockets being provided between the outer and inner layers. 
   
   
       16 . A luggage security device in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the sealing member includes a signature panel to receive an identifying signature.