Patent Grant
11589658
This invention relates to various types of carrying bags and, more particularly, to anti-theft constructions, security panel assemblies and methods of forming the same for carrying bags such as purses, backpacks, messenger bags, briefcases, luggage, and so on.
In a principal aspect the present invention relates to a handbag, purse, travel bag, backpack, messenger bag, briefcase, waist pack, suitcase, luggage or the like (individually and collectively referred to as “bag(s)” or “carrying bag(s)”) which incorporates construction features designed to preclude access to the interior of the bag by cutting though the sides of the bag, and other anti-theft constructions and designs to diminish or minimize theft of the carrying bag and its contents.
Handbags, travel bags, purses, other bags and the like are often made from flexible materials such as cloth, canvas, nylon, ballistic nylon, leather and similar materials. Such bags typically include one or more interior chambers through which access may be gained by an opening in the top or side of the bag. Such bags also often include a carry (or carrying) strap which is typically connected between opposite sides of the bag. Additionally, such bags often also include multiple side pockets with top and/or side access openings.
On occasion, such bags are subject to theft or attempted theft. For example, often a bag may be hung or supported by the bag carrying (or carry) strap on a chair or a hook or the like. In such circumstances, a thief may “snatch” the bag by grabbing the carry strap and departing. Another scheme that has been used by thieves is to use a sharp instrument to cut through the soft sided material comprising the bag, and thereby gain access to the contents which may be lifted through the cut opening in the bag. Yet another scheme that has been used by thieves includes various types of pickpocketing, such as by unzipping a zipper in either a stealth manner or while the bag's owner is distracted, and thereby gaining access to the bag's contents while undetected by the bag's owner.
Issues of this nature have been addressed in various ways by certain security designs for soft sided types of bag constructions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,662 entitled “Security Device for Luggage” issued Feb. 22, 2000 and the references cited therein teach a method for providing a metal mesh that is placed over a backpack in order to enhance the security of the soft sided backpack. A related patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,081 is entitled “Security Device for Luggage” issued Jun. 12, 2001 discloses a security device in the form of a netting with a locking mechanism associated therewith. U.S. Pat. No. 7,069,753 entitled “Security Luggage Bag” issued Jul. 4, 2006 discloses the concept of placement of a wire mesh within the interior of a bag and further providing a draw cord made from a wire cable to close the top of the bag. These prior art patents and the references cited therein are incorporated herein by reference. While such constructions have potential applicability to handbags and other types of bags, they are difficult to assemble, can be bulky, rigid and inflexible, unattractive, and may not provide adequate security, particularly with respect to handbags that have carry straps and zippers associated therewith.
These prior art assemblies utilize a crimped wire mesh which not only is difficult and expensive to manufacture, but also has a comparatively stiff, expandable cage-like structure with very limited flexibility, rendering these types of assemblies unsuitable for many types of bags, such as handbags, purses, waist packs, and so on. Such crimps are utilized to couple adjacent, non-crossing wires forming the mesh or cage-like structure, and in addition to creating unwanted stiffness and limiting movement of the wires, are also a potentially weak link in providing cut resistance, as such crimps may break, shear, or come off the mesh when subjected to cutting or pulling forces. In addition, such crimps are often raised or protruding, thereby causing additional and unwanted wearing of the bag at these crimp locations.
Accordingly, a need remains for comparatively cut-proof assemblies and constructions which may be utilized with a wide variety of bags, which are relatively easy and comparatively inexpensive to assemble, which have comparatively thin, non-bulky configurations, and which are light and flexible. A need also remains for additional anti-theft features for carry straps and zipper openings of bags, to prevent cutting through any strap attached to the bag, to prevent typical “snatching” of bags, and further to provide readily and easily usable locking capabilities for straps and zippers, to eliminate or diminish the potential for undetected access to the contents of the bag, while nonetheless maintaining a comparatively flexible and attractive style of the bag for the consumer.
Briefly, in one form, the present invention comprises a security construction having a panel assembly which, in one form, is placed within an exterior carrying bag of the type fabricated from generally flexible material such as fabric, leather or plastic. The security panel assembly is typically positioned between the exterior layer of material forming the bag and an interior lining as an interior security panel assembly. The concepts associated with the interior security panel assembly may be utilized as a single interior panel assembly or as multiple assemblies associated with multiple pockets of the exterior bag. Further, the high security bag may include a cable or wire which is flexible and incorporated into or with the elongate strap that connects to sides of the bag. The strap having the wire or cable may be further couplable to a locking carabiner or locking rectangular ring which may be released so that the carry strap can be placed around a post or some other object and relocked so that it cannot be “snatched” easily. Security clasps, additional locking carabiners, and other secondary closures are also provided on the zipper closures for the exterior bag as additional security features.
Representative embodiments provide numerous advantages. One such advantage is that the structure of the wire matrix of the representative security panel assemblies forms a plurality of closed wire shapes which do not require additional crimping for stability and therefore may be manufactured more economically. As an additional result, the wire matrix not only provides the desired level of security, but also does not have the potential weak link of crimping. The wire matrix, moreover, is smooth and continuous, without the raised bumps of the prior art which are palpable (and therefore undesirable by the consumer) and which cause unnecessary and undesirable wearing of the carrying bag.
The structure of the representative security panel assemblies with a wire matrix also allows a comparatively high degree of flexibility unavailable in the prior art. The plurality of uncoupled wire crossings forming the closed wire shapes of the wire matrix allow for a reasonable degree of rotation and or sliding of wire against wire within the various closed wire shapes, and serve to render the overall security panel assembly reasonably flexible and deformable while concomitantly providing the desired level of cut-resistance. This further allows the representative security panel assemblies to be utilized in a wide variety of carrying bags while simultaneously allowing a high degree of fashion and a desirable level of femininity in carrying bags designed for women, such as purses and shoulder bags.
The interior security panel assembly in one embodiment includes at least first and second layers of foldable material having at least one cut-resistant cable or wire positioned therebetween and stitched into place between the foldable first and second material layers. In one form, binding is provided around at least a portion of the foldable material first and second layers to further encapsulate the material layers and the matrix of wire or wires between those layers. In another preferred form, glue or adhesive may be incorporated between the layers to further retain the wire or wires in a fixed position. Additionally, the first and second layers of material are stitched together to facilitate maintenance of the matrix of wire or wires in a desired array between the first and second layers of material. The first and second layers of material are typically a fabric, non-woven, or plastic material which is foldable. The security panel assembly, which is comprised of the layers of fabric and the wire mesh matrix, may be fitted into the exterior bag and positioned intermediate the exterior material forming the bag and a liner material, tacked in that position and then stitched or otherwise attached to various seams or margins of the bag.
In another aspect, the security panel assembly can be provided along the exterior of a more rigid bag or container. In this form, the panel assembly can be resiliently flexible and thus also serve as a hinge between a rigid container base and a pivotal cover therefor. The security panel assembly can have a finishing cover thereon, such as of fabric material.
As another feature the wire cable that is associated with the carry strap may be fastened to the bag or to the security panel to thereby insure that the wire cable in the strap cannot be disengaged easily from the handbag itself. Further, clasps on the zipper pulls or fastener pulls for the opening to the bag lock or attach to the bag so that access openings cannot be easily opened.
In another aspect, a method for forming a security panel assembly is provided. The method can include holding a first layer of material in a substantially fixed position via mounting members and, in a preferred form, on a fixture via the insertion of mounting pegs of the fixture through openings of the material layer so that the mounting pegs project therethrough. Thereafter, a wire is routed around the pegs in a predetermined pattern. A second layer of material is then oriented so that openings thereof can be aligned with the mounting pegs and is placed onto the pegs so that they extend through the material layer openings. The layers are urged together so that adhesive therebetween is effective to hold the material layers and the wire therebetween securely relative to each other. While a single wire can advantageously be employed for forming the security panel assembly herein, it is manifest that the present method is not limited to a single wire and multiple wires can instead be secured between the material layers. Further, while the wire can be a metallic material, it could also be cut-resistant yarn material such as Vectran®. In addition, the material layers can be panels of flexible and foldable material, such as a fabric, non-woven or thin plastic material, and the panels can be of different material from each other such as use of a non-woven material for the first material layer or panel and a woven fabric material for the second material layer or panel.
The laminate of the material layers and wire or wires therebetween is then sewn to further secure the wire or wires permanently in place between the material layers. In this regard, the sewing can occur at random locations, as well as around the perimeter of the material layers. In addition, a connecting panel or panels such as in the form of wings or smaller tabs can be sewn to one or both of the ends and/or sides of the panel assembly for use in attaching the security panel assembly in a carrying bag.
As an alternative, the second layer of material need not include openings for being aligned with the mounting pegs. Rather, the layer of material can include notches such as V-shaped openings formed at the perimeter edge to be open thereto for being aligned with the mounting pegs. In this manner, the mounting pegs need not be fit into through openings in the second layer of material which translates to a decrease in assembly time for the security panel assembly herein.
Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a security type bag or handbag having a security carry strap wherein the external materials forming the bag may be a flexible, fabric material which is attractive.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a highly secure handbag which includes wires and cables that are incorporated therein, particularly within the interior chamber or chambers or pockets of the handbag to protect the contents of the bag and to prevent the cutting or slashing of the bag so as to secure access to the interior.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a highly secure handbag having a carry strap which may be easily detached and reattached and fastened in a secure manner around a post or a chair, or some other object to prevent the bag from being “snatched”. Another object of the invention is to provide a secure handbag construction which is reasonably priced, highly secure, with unobtrusive features and which is reasonably easy to assemble or manufacture.
A representative embodiment of a security panel assembly, for placement within an interior of a carrying bag, comprises: a first flexible material layer; a second flexible material layer coupled to the first flexible material layer; and a wire matrix arranged between the first flexible material layer and the second flexible material layer, the wire matrix comprising a plurality of wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each wire crossing comprising at least two sections of wire abutting but uncoupled to each other.
In a representative embodiment, the wire matrix is comprised of a single wire routed in a predetermined pattern to form the plurality of wire crossings. The plurality of closed wire shapes may comprise, for example, at least one shape selected from the group consisting of square, rectangular, diamond, rhomboid, parallelogram, triangular, and combinations thereof. In a representative embodiment, the second flexible material layer is coupled to the first flexible material layer with a plurality of stitches having a pattern, such as a sawtooth or another pattern. In another representative embodiment, the second flexible material layer is coupled to the first flexible material layer with a plurality of stitches within one or more of the closed wire shapes of the plurality of closed wire shapes and without crossing the wire matrix, such as using a rectangular stitch pattern, a circular stitch pattern, a diamond stitch pattern, a bar tack stitch pattern; and combinations thereof.
In another representative embodiment, adjacent the periphery of the first flexible material layer, the wire matrix is arranged as a plurality of bent or curved portions spaced apart from the periphery of the first flexible material layer. For example, the wire matrix may be comprised of a single wire having a first end and a second end which are spaced apart from the periphery further than and closer to a center of the first flexible material layer than the bent or curved portions of the wire matrix. In addition, at least one polymeric cap may be coupled to the first end or to the second end of the single wire or to both the first end and the second end of the single wire.
In another representative embodiment, the security panel assembly may be comprised of a plurality of subpanels, each subpanel having a section of a plurality of sections of the wire matrix. For example, between adjacent subpanels of the plurality of subpanels, the wire matrix may be comprised of a single wire without any closed wire shapes. Such a security panel assembly may be foldable between adjacent subpanels into a closed or compressed configuration and into an open or expanded configuration, including to form a gusseted configuration.
A representative security panel may further comprise an adhesive coupling the second flexible material layer to the wire matrix and to the first flexible material layer, or at least one tab, flange or panel member for securing the security panel assembly within the interior of the carrying bag. Alternatively, the first flexible material layer and/or the second flexible material layer may further comprise a plurality of edges forming a plurality of tabs, flanges or panel members for securing the security panel assembly within the interior of the carrying bag.
In a representative embodiment, the security panel may be foldable into a box shape. For example, the security panel assembly may be foldable into a gusset to form an expansion panel of the carrying bag. As another example, the first flexible material layer, the wire matrix and the second flexible material layer may be configured in the form of an upper case “1” and foldable into a box shape, which may also include a plurality of pre-stitched flanges or panel members coupled to the second flexible material layer, each pre-stitched flange or panel member is disposed at a corresponding corner when the security panel assembly is folded into a box shape. As another example, the first flexible material layer and the second flexible material layer are each configured in a stellate pattern having a plurality of notches for folding the security panel assembly into a box shape.
In another representative embodiment, a security panel assembly may comprise: a first flexible material layer; a wire matrix comprising a plurality of wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each wire crossing comprising at least two abutting and uncoupled sections of wire; a second flexible material layer adjacent the wire matrix and coupled to the first flexible material layer with a plurality of stitches; and at least one flexible material flange coupled to at least one of the first or second flexible material layers to secure the security panel assembly within the interior of the carrying bag.
A security expansion panel is also disclosed. In a representative embodiment, a security expansion panel comprises: a first security panel assembly having a first lateral side and a first wire matrix; and a second security panel assembly having a first lateral side and a second wire matrix, the first lateral side of the second security panel assembly pivotably or rotatably coupled to the first lateral side of the first security panel assembly to provide an expanded state and an unexpanded state of the security expansion panel.
For example, the first security panel assembly may further comprise a first flexible material layer having a first side, and wherein the first wire matrix is arranged on the first side of the first flexible material layer, the first wire matrix comprising a plurality of first wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each first wire crossing comprising at least two sections of a first wire abutting but uncoupled to each other. Also for example, the second security panel assembly may further comprise a second flexible material layer having a first side, and wherein the second wire matrix is arranged on the first side of the second flexible material layer, the second wire matrix comprising a plurality of second wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each second wire crossing comprising at least two sections of a second wire abutting but uncoupled to each other. In a representative embodiment, the first wire matrix has a first width and the second wire matrix has a second width smaller than the first width.
In a representative embodiment, the second security panel assembly is pivotable or rotatable with respect to the first security panel assembly. For example, when the security expansion panel is in the open and expanded state, the second wire matrix overlaps or overlays the first wire matrix. Typically, the second security panel assembly is coupled to the first security panel assembly across or along a first lateral region of the first wire matrix. For example, when a second lateral side of the second security panel assembly has been pivoted or rotated to a position nonadjacent to the second lateral side of the first security panel assembly and the second security panel assembly is substantially parallel to the first security panel assembly, a first lateral region of the second wire matrix is positioned adjacent the first lateral region of the first wire matrix.
In a representative embodiment, the first security panel assembly further comprises a third flexible material layer adjacent to the first wire matrix and coupled with a plurality of stitches to the first flexible material layer, and wherein the second security panel assembly further comprises a fourth flexible material layer adjacent to the second wire matrix and coupled with a plurality of stitches to the second flexible material layer. In another representative embodiment, each of the first security panel assembly and second security panel assembly further comprise a plurality of tabs or flanges to couple the security expansion panel to a carrying bag, or may further comprise one or more releasable fasteners or hinges to couple the security expansion panel to a carrying bag.
In a representative embodiment, a security expansion panel may further comprise a third security panel assembly having a first lateral side and a third wire matrix, the first lateral side of the third security panel assembly pivotably or rotatably coupled to a second lateral side of the first security panel assembly. For example, the third security panel assembly may further comprise a third flexible material layer having a first side; and wherein the third wire matrix is arranged on the first side of the third flexible material layer, the third wire matrix comprising a plurality of third wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each third wire crossing comprising at least two sections of a third wire abutting but uncoupled to each other.
In a representative embodiment, a security expansion panel may further comprise a third security panel assembly having a first lateral side and a third wire matrix; and a fourth security panel assembly having a first lateral side and a fourth wire matrix, the first lateral side of the fourth security panel assembly pivotably or rotatably coupled to a first lateral side of the third security panel assembly; and wherein the third and fourth security panel assemblies are respectively longitudinally adjacent and overlapping the respective first and second security panel assemblies.
In another representative embodiment, a security expansion panel comprises: a first security panel assembly having a first lateral side, the first security panel assembly comprising a first wire matrix and a first flexible material layer having a first side, the first wire matrix arranged on the first side of the first flexible material layer, the first wire matrix having a first width; and a second security panel assembly having a first lateral side, the first lateral side of the second security panel assembly pivotably or rotatably coupled to a first lateral side of the first security panel assembly, the second security panel assembly comprising a second wire matrix and a second flexible material layer having a first side, the second wire matrix arranged on the first side of the second flexible material layer, the second wire matrix having a second width smaller than the first width of the first wire matrix.
In another representative embodiment, a security expansion panel comprises: a first security panel assembly having a first lateral side, the first security panel assembly comprising: a first flexible material layer having a first side; a first wire matrix arranged on the first side of the first flexible material layer, the first wire matrix comprising a plurality of first wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each first wire crossing comprising at least two sections of a first wire abutting but uncoupled to each other, the first wire matrix having a first width; and a second security panel assembly having a first lateral side, the first lateral side of the second security panel assembly pivotably or rotatably coupled to a first lateral side of the first security panel assembly, comprising a second flexible material layer having a first side; and a second wire matrix arranged on the first side of the second flexible material layer, the second wire matrix comprising a plurality of second wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each second wire crossing comprising at least two sections of a second wire abutting but uncoupled to each other, the second wire matrix having a second width smaller than the first width.
A substantially cut-resistant carry strap for a carrying bag is also disclosed, with a representative embodiment of a carry strap comprising: a first substantially cut-resistant cable; a second substantially cut-resistant cable; and a first flexible material having its length substantially greater than its width, having a central region extending longitudinally, having a first lateral region extending longitudinally along a first side of the central region and laterally wrapping around the first substantially cut-resistant cable to laterally enclose the first substantially cut-resistant cable, and having a second lateral region extending longitudinally along a second side of the central region and laterally wrapping around the second substantially cut-resistant cable to laterally enclose the second substantially cut-resistant cable.
In a representative embodiment, the first lateral region has a first lateral edge region and a first medial region adjacent the central region, the first lateral edge region coupled to the first medial region, and wherein the second lateral region has a second lateral edge region and a second medial region adjacent the central region, the second lateral edge region coupled to the second medial region. In a representative embodiment, the central region has a first thickness and the first and second lateral regions have a second thickness, the first thickness greater than the second thickness.
In another representative embodiment, the central region has a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein the first lateral edge region abuts the first side edge of the central region, and wherein the second lateral edge region abuts the second side edge of the central region. For example, the central region may have a first thickness and the first and second lateral regions may have a second thickness, the first thickness equal to or greater than twice the second thickness; alternatively, the central region and the first and second lateral regions may have substantially the same thickness. In a representative embodiment, wherein the first flexible material comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of: a woven fabric; a woven ballistic nylon fabric; leather; a nonwoven material; a woven webbing material having finished lateral edges; and combinations thereof.
In another representative embodiment, the carry strap may further comprise: a second flexible material having its length substantially greater than its width, the second flexible material folded along first and second lateral edges and coupled to a first side of the first flexible material. In another representative embodiment, the carry strap may further comprise: an end cap having a mating recess and coupled to an end of the first flexible material to enclose respective ends of the first and second substantially cut-resistant cables.
In another representative embodiment, a substantially cut-resistant carry strap may comprise: a first flexible material having its length substantially greater than its width, the first flexible material having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge along its length and having first and second lateral regions along its length; a second flexible material having its length substantially greater than its width, the second flexible material having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge along its length and having first and second lateral regions along its length, the second flexible material coupled to the first flexible material; and a first substantially cut-resistant cable longitudinally coupled to the first lateral edge or first lateral region of the first flexible material. In a representative embodiment, the first substantially cut-resistant cable longitudinally also may be further coupled to the first lateral edge or first lateral region of the second flexible material.
In a representative embodiment, a carry strap may further comprise a first edge piping longitudinally coupled to the first lateral region of the first flexible material and to the first lateral region of the second flexible material and encasing the first substantially cut-resistant cable. In another representative carry strap embodiment, the first flexible material and second flexible material are laterally offset from each other to form at least one of the first or second lateral regions of the first flexible material and at least one of the first or second lateral regions of the second flexible material. For example, a carry strap may further comprise a second substantially cut-resistant cable longitudinally coupled to the second lateral edge or second lateral region of the second flexible material. Also for example, the first lateral region of the first flexible material may be wrapped around the first substantially cut-resistant cable and first lateral edge of the first flexible material is secured adjacent the first lateral edge of the second flexible material, and wherein the second lateral region of the second flexible material may be wrapped around the second substantially cut-resistant cable and second lateral edge of the second flexible material is secured adjacent the second lateral edge of the first flexible material.
In another representative embodiment, a carry strap may further comprise a second substantially cut-resistant cable longitudinally coupled to the second lateral edge or second lateral region of the first flexible material and to the second lateral edge or second lateral region of the second flexible material, and may also include a second edge piping longitudinally coupled to the second lateral region of the first flexible material and to the second lateral region of the second flexible material and encasing the second substantially cut-resistant cable.
In another representative embodiment, a substantially cut-resistant carry strap may comprise: a first flexible material having a first length substantially greater than a first width, the first flexible material having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge along its length, having first and second lateral regions along its length, and having a central region along its length in between the first and second lateral regions; a substantially cut-resistant cable longitudinally arranged on the central region of the first flexible material; and a second flexible material having a second length substantially greater than a second width, the second width smaller than the first width, the second flexible material coupled over the substantially cut-resistant cable and to the first central region of the first flexible material to secure the substantially cut-resistant cable between the second flexible material and the central region of the first flexible material.
Various carrying bags are also disclosed. In a representative embodiment, a carrying bag comprises: a substantially cut-resistant security panel assembly comprising a first flexible material layer having a first side, a wire matrix arranged on the first side of the first flexible material layer, and a second flexible material layer adjacent to the wire matrix and coupled to the first flexible material layer; an exterior bag having an inside chamber enclosing the security panel assembly, the exterior bag including at least one opening for access to the inside chamber of the exterior bag; a first fastener coupled to the at least one opening; and a second fastener removably coupled between the first fastener and the exterior bag, the second fastener having a first spring bias to a closed or locked configuration. For example, the second fastener may be coupled to the first fastener and removably coupled to a ring coupled to the exterior bag, or the second fastener may be coupled to the exterior bag and removably coupled to the first fastener. For example, the primary fastener may be a zipper, and the secondary fastener may be a clasp or a locking carabiner.
In a representative embodiment, the wire matrix comprises a plurality of wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each wire crossing comprising at least two sections of wire abutting but uncoupled to each other. For example, the wire matrix may be comprised of a single wire arranged in a pattern to form the plurality of wire crossings. In a representative embodiment, the second flexible material layer may be coupled to the first flexible material layer with a plurality of stitches, or with an adhesive, or with both a plurality of stitches and an adhesive.
In a representative embodiment, the wire matrix may be comprised of a metallic wire or cable, or substantially cut-resistant polymeric threads, fibers or yarn, or a woven or knitted fabric having a plurality of substantially cut-resistant polymeric threads, fibers or yarn.
A representative carrying bag may further comprise an expansion panel. In a representative embodiment, the expansion panel comprises: a second security panel assembly having a first lateral side and a second wire matrix; and a third security panel assembly having a first lateral side and a third wire matrix, the first lateral side of the third security panel assembly pivotably or rotatably coupled to the first lateral side of the second security panel assembly to provide an expanded state and an unexpanded state of the security expansion panel.
For example, the second security panel assembly further may comprise a second flexible material layer having a first side, wherein the second wire matrix is arranged on the first side of the second flexible material layer, the second wire matrix comprising a plurality of second wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each second wire crossing comprising at least two sections of a first wire abutting but uncoupled to each other; wherein the third security panel assembly may further comprise a third flexible material layer having a first side, and wherein the third wire matrix is arranged on the first side of the third flexible material layer, the third wire matrix comprising a plurality of third wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each third wire crossing comprising at least two sections of a second wire abutting but uncoupled to each other. Also for example, the second wire matrix may have a first width and the third wire matrix has a second width smaller than the first width. Typically, when the security expansion panel is in the open and expanded state, the second wire matrix overlaps or overlays the first wire matrix.
A representative carrying bag may further comprise a carry strap coupled to a third fastener, the third fastener removably coupled to the exterior bag, the carry strap comprising a first flexible material and a first substantially cut-resistant cable. Typically, the third fastener may have a second spring bias to a closed or locked configuration. For example, the third fastener may be a locking carabiner or a multi-glide locking snap hook fastener. In a representative embodiment, the first flexible material of the carry strap comprises a first webbing material having its length substantially greater than its width and having a first edge and a second edge along its length, and wherein the carry strap further comprises: a second webbing material having its length substantially greater than its width and having a first edge and a second edge along its length, the second webbing material coupled to the first webbing material; and wherein the first substantially cut-resistant cable is longitudinally coupled to the first edge of the first webbing material and to the first edge of the second webbing material.
In another representative embodiment, the carry strap further comprises: a second substantially cut-resistant cable; and wherein the first flexible material has a length substantially greater than its width, has a central region extending longitudinally, has a first lateral region extending longitudinally along a first side of the central region and laterally wrapping around the first substantially cut-resistant cable to laterally enclose the first substantially cut-resistant cable, and has a second lateral region extending longitudinally along a second side of the central region and laterally wrapping around the second substantially cut-resistant cable to laterally enclose the second substantially cut-resistant cable.
In another representative embodiment, the first flexible material of the carry strap has a first length substantially greater than a first width, the first flexible material having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge along its length, having first and second lateral regions along its length, and having a central region along its length in between the first and second lateral regions; wherein the first substantially cut-resistant cable is arranged longitudinally on the central region of the first flexible material; and wherein the carry strap further comprises: a second flexible material having a second length substantially greater than a second width, the second width smaller than the first width, the second flexible material coupled over the first substantially cut-resistant cable and to the first central region of the first flexible material to secure the substantially cut-resistant cable between the second flexible material and the central region of the first flexible material.
In a representative embodiment, the first flexible material of the carry strap comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of: a woven fabric; a woven ballistic nylon fabric; leather; a nonwoven material; a woven webbing material having finished lateral edges; polyester; polypropylene; acrylic; and combinations thereof.
In another representative embodiment, a carrying bag may comprise: a first substantially cut-resistant security panel assembly comprising a first flexible material layer having a first side, a first wire matrix arranged on the first side of the first flexible material layer, and a second flexible material layer adjacent to the first wire matrix and coupled to the first flexible material layer; an exterior bag having an inside chamber enclosing the security panel assembly, the exterior bag including at least one opening for access to the inside chamber of the exterior bag; and a flexible security expansion panel coupled to the exterior bag, the security expansion panel comprising an exterior flexible material cover and a second substantially cut-resistant security panel assembly. A representative carrying bag may further comprise: a first fastener coupled to the at least one opening; a second fastener removably coupled between the first fastener and the exterior bag, the second fastener having a first spring bias to a closed or locked configuration; and a carry strap coupled to a third fastener, the third fastener removably coupled to the exterior bag, the third fastener having a second spring bias to a closed or locked configuration, the carry strap comprising a first flexible material and a first substantially cut-resistant cable.
In another representative embodiment, a carrying bag may comprise: a first substantially cut-resistant security panel assembly; an exterior bag having an inside chamber enclosing the security panel assembly, the exterior bag including at least one opening for access to the inside chamber of the exterior bag; a flexible security expansion panel coupled to the exterior bag, the security expansion panel comprising an exterior flexible material cover and a second substantially cut-resistant security panel assembly; a first fastener coupled to the at least one opening; a second fastener removably coupled between the first fastener and the exterior bag, the second fastener having a first spring bias to a closed or locked configuration; and a carry strap coupled to a third fastener, the third fastener removably coupled to the exterior bag, the carry strap comprising a first flexible material and a first substantially cut-resistant cable.
In another representative embodiment, an expandable carrying bag may comprise: a main body component configured to form an interior compartment to hold the plurality of contents; a secondary body component at least partially coupled to the main body component on a first side and having one or more second sides removably couplable to the main body component to access and to enclose the interior compartment; and a flexible security expansion panel couplable to the main body component or to the secondary body component, the security expansion panel comprising an exterior flexible material cover and a security panel assembly. For example, the main body component and secondary body component may be comprised of a hard polymeric material or a flexible material. Also for example, the security panel assembly may be integrated with the exterior flexible material cover.
In another representative embodiment, an expandable carrying bag may comprise: a main body component configured to form an interior compartment to hold the plurality of contents; a secondary body component at least partially coupled to the main body component on a first side and having one or more second sides removably couplable to the main body component to access and to enclose the interior compartment; and a flexible security expansion panel couplable to the main body component or to the secondary body component, the security expansion panel comprising an exterior flexible material cover and a security panel assembly, the security panel assembly comprising: a first security panel subassembly having a first lateral side and a first wire matrix; and a second security panel subassembly having a first lateral side and a second wire matrix, the first lateral side of the second security panel subassembly pivotably or rotatably coupled to the first lateral side of the first security panel subassembly to provide an expanded state and an unexpanded state of the security expansion panel.
In yet another representative embodiment, an expandable carrying bag may comprise: a main body component configured to form an interior compartment to hold the plurality of contents: a secondary body component at least partially coupled to the main body component on a first side and having one or more second sides removably couplable to the main body component to access and to enclose the interior compartment; a flexible security expansion panel couplable to the main body component or to the secondary body component, the security expansion panel comprising an exterior flexible material cover and a security panel assembly; a first fastener coupled to the main body component and the secondary body component; a second fastener removably coupled between the first fastener and either or both the main body component and the secondary body component, the second fastener having a first spring bias to a closed or locked configuration; and a carry strap coupled to a third fastener, the third fastener removably coupled to either or both the main body component and the secondary body component, the carry strap comprising a first flexible material and a first substantially cut-resistant cable.
A method of making such a security panel assembly is also disclosed, with the method comprising: routing a first wire in a first predetermined pattern on a first flexible material layer; routing a second wire in a second predetermined pattern on a second flexible material layer; positioning the second material layer having the second wire in the second predetermined pattern to be substantially orthogonal to the first predetermined pattern; and coupling the positioned second flexible material layer having the second wire to the first flexible material layer having the first wire to form the security panel assembly.
A method of making a security panel assembly is also disclosed, with a representative method comprising: routing a single wire in a predetermined pattern above a first, upwardly facing surface of a first material layer to form a wire matrix, the wire having first and second ends, the wire matrix comprising a plurality of wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each wire crossing comprising at least two sections of wire abutting but uncoupled to each other; and coupling a first side of a second material layer to the wire matrix and the first material layer to form the security panel assembly.
In a representative embodiment, the step of coupling further comprises applying an adhesive, which may consist of exposing a pre-applied adhesive on the first material layer or the second material layer. The step of coupling may further comprise applying downward pressure on the second material layer.
In a representative embodiment, the method may further comprise, prior to routing; the wire, mounting the first material layer to a fixture having a plurality of mounting members. The mounting members may comprise a plurality of mounting pegs or needles. The mounting step may further comprise fitting the plurality of mounting members into corresponding openings of the first material layer. The routing step may further comprise routing the wire in the predetermined pattern about the mounting members to form the plurality of wire crossings.
In a representative embodiment, the method may further comprise stitching the second flexible material layer to the first flexible material layer with a plurality of stitches having a predetermined pattern, such as a sawtooth pattern. In another representative embodiment, the method may further comprise stitching the second flexible material layer to the first flexible material layer using at least one stitch pattern within one or more of the closed wire shapes of the plurality of closed wire shapes and without crossing the wire matrix, such as using a rectangular stitch pattern, a circular stitch pattern, a diamond stitch pattern, a bar tack stitch pattern; and combinations thereof.
In a representative embodiment, the routing step may further comprise: routing the wire to form a plurality of bent or curved portions of the wire matrix adjacent and spaced apart from a periphery of the first flexible material layer; coupling a plurality of stabilizing anchors, each stabilizing anchor coupled to a bent or curved portion of the wire matrix; and/or routing the wire to space the first end and second end apart from the periphery further than and closer to a center of the first flexible material layer than the bent or curved portions of the wire matrix. In a representative embodiment, the method may further comprise coupling at least one polymeric cap to the first end or to the second end of the single wire or to both the first end and the second end of the single wire.
In another a representative embodiment, the routing step may further comprise routing the wire in the predetermined pattern to form a plurality of subpanels, each subpanel having a section of a plurality of sections of the wire matrix, and forming a single crossing between adjacent subpanels of the plurality of subpanels without any closed wire shapes. In a representative embodiment, the method may further comprise folding adjacent subpanels into a closed or compressed configuration or into an open or expanded configuration, or folding adjacent subpanels to form a gusseted configuration.
In another representative embodiment, the method may further comprise, prior to routing the wire, attaching a tab, flange or panel member on a second side of the first material layer, and/or attaching a tab, flange or panel member on a second side of the second material layer. In a representative embodiment, the method may further comprise, prior to coupling the second material layer, attaching a plurality of pre-stitched flanges or panel members on a second side of the second flexible material layer, in a position that when the security panel assembly is folded into a box shape, each pre-stitched flange or panel member is disposed at a corresponding corner.
In another a representative embodiment, the first flexible material layer further comprises a first plurality of edges, and the method may further comprise, using the first plurality of edges, forming a plurality of flanges or panel members for securing the security panel assembly within an interior of a carrying bag, including within center and bottom edge seams of the carrying bag. In another a representative embodiment, the second flexible material layer further comprises a second plurality of edges, and the method may further comprise: using the second plurality of edges, forming a plurality of flanges or panel members for securing the security panel assembly within an interior of a carrying bag, also within center and bottom edge seams of the carrying bag.
In a representative embodiment, the method may further comprise folding the security panel assembly into a box shape, and may also include riveting a plurality of sides of the folded security panel assembly to maintain the box shape.
In a representative embodiment, the method does not including crimping the wire matrix.
In another representative embodiment, the method may comprise: forming or attaching a tab, flange or panel member to a first material layer or to a second material layer; mounting the first material layer to a fixture having a plurality amounting members; applying an adhesive or exposing a pre-applied adhesive a first, upwardly facing surface of the first material layer; routing a single wire in a predetermined pattern about the mounting members and above the first, upwardly facing surface of the first material layer to form a wire matrix, the wire having first and second ends, the wire matrix comprising a plurality of wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each wire crossing comprising at least two sections of wire abutting but uncoupled to each other; applying downward pressure to couple a first side of the second material layer to the wire matrix and the first material layer to form the security panel assembly; and stitching the second flexible material layer to the first flexible material layer with a plurality of stitches having a predetermined pattern.
In another representative embodiment, the method may comprise: forming or attaching a tab, flange or panel member to a first material layer or to a second material layer; mounting the first material layer to a fixture having a plurality of mounting members; applying an adhesive or exposing a pre-applied adhesive a first, upwardly facing surface of the first material layer; routing a single wire in a predetermined pattern about the mounting members and above the first, upwardly facing surface of the first material layer to form a wire matrix having a plurality of bent or curved portions adjacent and spaced apart from a periphery of the first flexible material layer and further having a first end and a second end of the single wire spaced apart from the periphery further than and closer to a center of the first flexible material layer than the bent or curved portions, the wire matrix further having a plurality of wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each wire crossing comprising at least two sections of wire abutting but uncoupled to each other; coupling at least one polymeric cap to the first end or to the second end of the single wire or to both the first end and the second end of the single wire; applying downward pressure to couple a first side of the second material layer to the wire matrix and the first material layer to form the security panel assembly; and stitching the second flexible material layer to the first flexible material layer with a plurality of stitches having a predetermined pattern.
Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.
The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated upon reference to the following disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify identical components in the various views, and wherein reference numerals with alphabetic characters are utilized to identify additional types, instantiations or variations of a selected component embodiment in the various views, in which:
a and 19b are enlarged isometric views of a first embodiment of a security clasp for a zipper mechanism;
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail specific exemplary embodiments thereof, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment consistent with the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of components set forth above and below, illustrated in the drawings, or as described in the examples. Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract included below, are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Additional embodiments and examples of other types of carrying bags, such as a hard-backed, soft-sided travel bag 20A and a hard case (or hard shell) travel bag 20B, are illustrated and discussed with reference to
The zippers 24, 26, as examples of first or primary clasps or fasteners, include or are couplable to another type of security feature, namely, second or secondary clasps or fasteners 11, 12 respectively, as depicted in
Not separately illustrated in
Other types of secondary fasteners, in addition to clasps, requiring a manual release to free a zipper or other primary closure mechanism may also be utilized equivalently to the clasp or fastener 11, 11A, 12 for any of the various zippers 24, 26 or other forms of fasteners or closure mechanisms, such as any of the various locking carabiners 44, multi-glide locking snap hook fastener 501, or other locking rings 500, 500A, 500B illustrated herein, for example and without limitation. More particularly, any type or combination of fasteners, clasps or other closure mechanisms requiring at least two different steps to open a compartment or pocket is within the scope of the disclosure, such as a first step of manually releasing a clasp or fastener 11, 11A, 12, followed by a second step of unzipping or otherwise opening the compartment or pocket using a zipper 24, 26, for example and without limitation. This two-step operation, and frequently a two hand operation, to gain access to the contents within a compartment or pocket, significantly diminishes the potential for an unauthorized access without being detected by the consumer holding or wearing the bag 20, 20A-20E, such as when a consumer may be distracted or engaged in another activity in a crowded subway station or compartment, for example and without limitation.
Such additional secondary fasteners 11A, 44A are illustrated in
Referring to
Those having skill in the art will also recognize that any of the multi-glide locking snap hook fastener 501 (illustrated in
Not separately illustrated, the zippered openings 21, 21A and 27, 27A may include additional security features. For example, instead of having single row of zipper teeth along each side of the zippered opening 27, 27A or zippered opening 21, 21A, zippered openings 21, 21A and 27, 27A may include two or more rows or tracks of zipper teeth along each side of the zippered opening 27, 27A or zippered opening 21, 21A, such as a double track zipper available from Genmore Zipper Corp. of Taiwan and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,438,705, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
In addition, other types of fasteners or other closure mechanisms for pockets and other bag 20 openings are also within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to the illustrated zippers 24A, 24B, 26A, 26B, such as snaps, tabs, and buttons. In addition, the pocket fastener or closure mechanism, such as a zipper 24, 26, may be independent from or otherwise uncoupled to the secondary fastener, such as clasp or fastener 11, 12, during ordinary use. For example and without limitation, a clasp or fastener 11, 12 may be coupled to the exterior 23 of the bag 20, and utilized selectively by the consumer as a second, back up closure for a pocket 25 or top opening 21, such that a two-step operation is also required to gain access to the contents.
Another anti-theft, security feature is the carry strap 22, 22A-22H of bag 20, which includes an elongate, cut-resistant cable 38, which is sewn into or otherwise contained within or as part of the carry strap 22, 22A-22H, and which extends the entire length of the strap 22, 22A-22H. As a result of the incorporated cut-resistant cable 38, the carry strap 22, 22A-22H cannot be cut readily by a potential thief or mugger, who might otherwise quickly cut a carrying strap and run off with a purse, for example. For example, as illustrated in
In addition to securing a zipper closure, yet another anti-theft, security feature of the representative embodiments is the use of a locking carabiner 44, 44B, or multi-glide locking snap hook fastener 501, or hinged, locking (rectangular) ring 500, 500A, 500B to enable securing the bag 20, 20C, via carry strap 22, 22A-22H to a fixture, such as a chair or post, to diminish the possibility that a potential thief could quickly grab and run off with a purse, for example, when the consumer is seated at a restaurant or café (and might typically hang such a carrying bag on the back of a chair, for example). More particularly, referring to
In order to release the locking carabiner 44, 44B from loop 40 and open the locking carabiner 44, 44B, a rotatable socket 48 must be manually manipulated by rotating (loosening) it and allowing the pivotal arm (or gate) 50 of the carabiner 44, 44B to be moveable into an open position. Locking is effectively provided by tightening the rotatable socket 48 when the pivotal arm (or gate) 50 of the carabiner 44, 44B is in a closed position. This construction is shown in more detail in
Another variation, using hinged, locking rectangular ring 500, 500A, is illustrated in
Another variation, using a multi-glide locking snap hook fastener 501, is illustrated in
Referring to
The size of the opening or aperture 520 may be limited by the configuration or shape of the two C-shaped arms 502, 504, as illustrated in
Another variation of a hinged, locking rectangular ring is illustrated in
In contrast to a locking carabiner 44, 44A, 44B, the locking ring 500, 500A, 500B does not typically require a spring bias mechanism to be maintained in a closed position. Also in structural contrast to a locking carabiner 44, 44A, 44B, the opening or aperture 520 is on a (first) side of the locking ring 500, 500A, 500B directly opposite the (second) side having the pin 506, rather than being on the same side (and typically coupled to the carabiner gate), as would be the case with a locking carabiner 44, 44A, 44B.
Referring to
As would be typical for any strap (e.g., a strap 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, and/or 22H), the flexible material forming the strap (such as flexible webbing material sides 527 and 528) has or have a length (longitudinal dimension) substantially greater than its width (lateral dimension). The flexible material forming the strap may have any of various thicknesses, as discussed in greater detail below, which may be a uniform or non-uniform thickness in the lateral dimension and also in the longitudinal dimension (e.g., thicker regions may be provided for shoulder padding, and so on, in a region of the strap, both in the longitudinal and lateral dimensions for that region of the strap 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, and/or 22H). It should be noted that for any and all embodiments of a strap 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, and/or 22H, the flexible material comprising the strap may be comprised of any of the flexible materials disclosed herein and their equivalents, such as leather, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, ballistic nylon, etc., for example and without limitation, and that any flexible material may also be utilized in place of any webbing, also for example and without limitation, and also for any of the various straps 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, and/or 22H. The flexible material may be one piece which is folded about its middle to provide the two sides 527 and 528, or may be comprised of two (or more) separate pieces of flexible material, such as two pieces of flexible webbing material having finished edges, for example and without limitation. In addition to providing added security by incorporating the cut-resistant cable 38, the edge piping 525 may also provide decoration and/or style to the carry strap 22A, 22B of the bag 20, 20C, 20D, 20E, which may also include decorative piping without a cut-resistant cable 38, for example and without limitation. As another variation illustrated in
Not separately illustrated, in addition to or in lieu of stitching, for example and without limitation, an adhesive or laminate may also be utilized to couple any of the various structures and components of any of the various carry straps 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, and/or 22H, such as to couple together flexible material sides 527 and 528, piping 525, etc. Accordingly, any and all means and mechanisms of attachment, such as stitching, adhesive, rivets, snaps, for example and without limitation, are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.
Additional structural and manufacturing advantages are provided by incorporating the cut-resistant cable(s) 38 along the edge(s) of the carry strap 22A, 22B, namely, the capability to fold the end of the cut-resistant cable(s) 38 into the middle or center of the carry strap 22A, 22B in the lateral dimension, illustrated in
The ends of the carry strap 22A, 22B are further finished as illustrated in
In another representative embodiment not separately illustrated, the cut-resistant cable 38 is simply maintained in between the flexible material sides 527 and 528, without separately anchoring the cut-resistant cable 38, such as without anchoring the cable 38 along the middle or the edges. For this configuration, the end of the cut-resistant cable 38 may also be folded toward the middle of the carry strap 22, as illustrated, and finished as discussed above for the carry strap 22A, 22B. Alternatively, rather than folding the ends, the carry straps 22A, 22B may also be finished as described below for carry strap 22C, using a substantially flat end cap 544.
As illustrated in
The flat end cap 544 is typically utilized with a strap 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, and/or 22H when the strap is utilized with a backpack or another bag 20 embodiment which will have an exposed and free end of a strap 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, and/or 22H. In other embodiments, such as illustrated in
As illustrated in
Each of the respective first and second side or lateral regions 563, 564 may also be described or conceptually divided into three regions extending longitudinally, respectively first and second medial regions 584A and 584B adjacent the central region 562, respectively first and second lateral regions 579A and 579B adjacent the respective edges 524 and 524, and respective middle regions 589A and 589B. As illustrated in
For the embodiment shown in
For the embodiment shown in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Referring again to
The security panel assembly 62 is fabricated in a manner which enables the bag 20, 20A, 20C, 20D, 20E to remain flexible, yet provides a significant amount of security by preventing cutting though the bag 20, 20A, 20C, 20D, 20E to the interior 60 of the bag 20, 20A, 20C, 20D, 20E for access to its contents. Specifically, the security panel assembly 62 is comprised of layers of flexible or foldable material which are stitched or otherwise attached together over a matrix of wires or cables of cut-resistant material, which can be synthetic (such as a polymer) or metallic, for example and without limitation. The security panel assembly is then positioned within the bag 20, 20A, 20C, 20D, 20E and maintained within the interior 60 of the bag 20, 20A, 20C, 20D, 20E. Thus, a chamber 60 is formed in the bag 20, and typically the security panel assembly is located or positioned between a lining 29 in that chamber 60 and the exterior fabric material 23 or other material defining the bag 20. In other representative embodiments, a security panel assembly may be provided in other or additional positions or locations, such as between a lining and an exterior part of a bag 20 defining an interior or exterior pocket or an expansion panel (815, 1400-1400B), for example and without limitation.
A wire, wires or a wire or fiber matrix (or matrices) will be referred to throughout this disclosure, and it should be understood that reference to a wire, fiber or wire matrix means and includes any type of metallic or nonmetallic wire, cable, fiber, thread or yarn. In various representative embodiments, such a wire can be an approximately 0.1 mm to an approximately 3.5 mm, or more specifically about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm, or more specifically about an approximately 0.6 mm, gauge or diameter cable-type wire comprised of many strands of metallic material to provide the resistance of the security panel assembly against being easily and/or quickly cut through. In other representative embodiments, the cable or wire can also be of any other cut-resistant material, such as a polymer and/or carbon fiber, such as a non-metallic, substantially cut-resistant polymer-based fiber, thread or yarn (individually and collectively referred to as a “fiber”), such as a Kevlar® aramid fiber, thread or yarn available from DuPont of Wilmington, Del. US, or a Vectran® liquid crystal polymer multifilament fiber, thread or yarn available from Kuraray America Inc. of Houston, Tex. US. Combinations of different types of material may also be utilized to form the various wires or fibers. For example and without limitation, a cut-resistant fiber may be combined with metallic or carbon fibers or threads, metal alloys, or elastic or rubber fibers or threads, in any of various combinations, such as a combination of steel and polymer.
In addition, a wide variety of metallic, nonmetallic, and hybrid metallic-nonmetallic matrices are illustrated and described in detail below. One of the common features among all of these various wire and fiber matrix embodiments is that each matrix (typically formed using a single length of wire (or fiber)) comprises a plurality of wire crossings or otherwise overlapping intersections which form a plurality of closed wire shapes as described in greater detail below. At many (if not all) of the plurality of wire crossings forming the matrix, the sections of wire are directly touching and abutting each other but are otherwise specifically uncoupled to each other, e.g., they are not crimped, soldered, brazed or otherwise connected at these intersections. Instead, the structural integrity of the matrix is maintained by being coupled to or in between first and/or second material layers, also as discussed in greater detail below. As a result, movement of the sections of wire at these wire crossings is much less restricted than in the prior art, allowing for considerable flexibility and deformation capability while concurrently maintaining the desired level of cut-resistant security.
A representative interior security panel assembly 62, and the various additional representative or exemplary security panel assemblies illustrated in the Figures and discussed below, may have virtually any shape or configuration, to accommodate any shape or configuration of a bag 20-20E or to accommodate other purposes, such as to reinforce and render cut-resistant expansion panels of a bag. For example and without limitation, many of the illustrated representative security panel assemblies are configured for subsequent folding, such as into a box shape, for insertion into the interior of a bag 20-20E, which may have any style, shape or configuration. Other illustrated configurations of a security panel assembly provide for additional folding, such as to compress a bag 20, 20A, 20C, 20D, 20E for shipment. Other shapes, styles and configurations are also within the scope of the disclosure. For example, a hard case suitcase (e.g., bag 20B) may have one or more flexible material expansion panels which may be unfolded and opened to provide for expansion between the two hard case sides of the bag, and an interior security panel assembly having a wire matrix or mesh (described below) may be shaped and configured to be incorporated within such flexible material expansion panels, as an additional security feature of a hard case bag.
Also for example and without limitation, the back side of a carrying bag 20, 20A, 20C, 20D, 20E may either be worn against a consumer's body and not accessible by an intruder or thief, or may be comprised of a shaped, molded material that is substantially cut-resistant. For such embodiments, an interior security panel assembly having a wire matrix or mesh also may not require a corresponding back side, for example, and instead may be defined by four sides, namely, front, lateral (or end) and bottom sides.
Alternatively, referencing
An exemplary security panel assembly 62 is depicted in greater detail in
The security panel assemblies described herein could also be used in a more rigid bag or container application. As shown in
The base 302 can be a metallic frame 312 having an open-top box or other configuration, and the cover 304 can include a pair of cover members 314 and 316 that cooperate to close the open-top of the box frame 312 when pivoted closed, and to provide access to the bag interior when pivoted open via security panel assemblies 300 extending along either side of the box frame 312 and along the cover members 314 and 316 to form living hinges therebetween.
More specifically, the wire netting 306 (also referred to as a wire matrix) extends and is captured between a pair of inner and outer metal plates 318 and 320 to form each cover member 314 and 316. These plates also can each have a reinforcement wire 321 that extends around their perimeter to provide rigidity thereto. Each wire netting 306 extends down along a corresponding side 322 and 324 of the frame 312 and around the bottom corners of the box frame 312 where it is secured at the bottom 326 of the frame 312. For this purpose, a metal plate 328 and a plastic plate 330 each substantially coextensive with the bottom 326 can be fixed thereto as by riveting to clamp and fix the bottom loops of the wire netting 306 therebetween, as shown in
A second layer 96, substantially identical to the first layer 90, is then prepared with adhered, spaced, parallel wires 98. Alternatively, one of the layers 90 and 96 can be fabric material while the other is a non-woven material. The second layer 96 is rotated 180° (i.e., turned or flipped over) relative to the first layer 90 and placed over the first layer 90 as depicted in
As the next step, illustrated in
Thereafter, a binding material 110 is provided at least along some of the boundary or edges 102 of the security panel assembly 62 as depicted in
Subsequently, as depicted in
Similarly, referencing
As in other representative embodiments discussed in greater detail below, the single pair of ends 202, 204 (or the other wire ends discussed below) for the wire 200 (248) of the wire matrix 215 may also be turned toward the center of the panel 208, so that the ends 202, 204 do not extend beyond the edges of the panel 208. A covering panel 210 (as a second material layer) may then be attached to the panel 208 having the wire matrix 215, such as through an adhesive, sewing, etc., to form the security panel assembly 206 having the embedded wire matrix 215. Not separately illustrated, but applicable to all embodiments of a security panel assembly (62, 206, 300, 400-400E, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100-1100C, 1300-1300D, and 1400-1400B) a second material layer (in any of the embodiments described herein) may also be laminated over the wire matrix 215 (also in any of the embodiments described herein, e.g., wire matrix 415) and first material layer (also in any of the embodiments described herein), typically in an in line assembly process by applying a laminate sheet as the second material layer and using a lamination process as may be known to those having skill in the art.
After the security panel assembly 206 is fabricated, it is incorporated into a bag 20-20E in the manner described previously for security panel assembly 62. The security panel assembly 206 is thus incorporated as a security layer having a wire matrix 215 within the bag 20.
The cable member 38 associated with the carry strap 22, 22A-22H also may be attached to the interior security panel assembly 62, 206 (or the other security panel assemblies disclosed herein) or as discussed above. The shape and configuration of the exterior bag 23 and the interior security panel assembly 62, 206 may be varied in accord with a design consideration. The inclusion of one or more interior security panel assembly 62, 206 within an exterior bag 23 may be adopted.
The steps for manufacture of an alternative, fourth embodiment of a representative security panel assembly 400 (
At this time the material layer 406 can have adhesive 422 such as a pressure sensitive adhesive material (422) applied to or exposed thereon on its upwardly facing surface 424. In one approach, the material layer 406 can include a covering sheet 426 made of a material that allows it to be readily removed from pre-applied adhesive 422 thereunder.
With the material layer 406 having adhesive 422 held on the mounting board 404, a cable or wire 428 can be dispensed from a wire fixture such as spooling mechanism 430 (
As can be seen in
As shown, the present method allows for use of a single wire 428 so that only two ends 432 and 434 need to be manipulated adjacent to one of the edges 412-418 so as not to be exposed therefrom, such as by projecting beyond any of the edges 412-418 or being too closely adjacent thereto. For example, referring to
Further, as an option, it can be seen that the wire ends 432 and 434 can be provided with a cap 439 thereon that can be of polymeric material (such as a PVC tube) to avoid having exposed ends of the wire 428 between the material layers 406 and 408, particularly when the wire 428 may be comprised of one or more metals or metallic alloys and the ends 432, 434 may be sharp or have sharp edges. This keeps the wire ends 432 and 434 from protruding and poking through the material layers 406 and 408. The leading end 432 can be capped before the wire 428 is routed around the pegs 410. After such routing is complete, the wire 428 can be cut to generate the second or trailing end 434 that is then capped. Manifestly, multiple wires could also be used as desired with additional wires being routed around the mounting pegs 410 in one or more predetermined patterns and secured to the surface 424 via the adhesive 422 in a manner similar to the routing of the wire 428, with the ends of these additional wires also bent back toward the center of first material layer 406 and capped. In this regard, the multiple wires need not be directly connected to each other with separate connector members or clips which would increase cost and potentially generate localized bumps in the security panel assembly 400 where the connectors are located. As such, the only increase in the thickness of security panel assembly 400 over that of the material layers 406 and 408 is due to the thickness of the wire 428 (singular and overlapping) secured therebetween.
In another representative embodiment, illustrated for example in
After the wire 428 is routed around the mounting pegs 410 and the wire ends 432 and 434 are capped, positioned and are placed on the adhesive 422 of the upwardly facing surface 424, the second material layer 408 is oriented so that its openings 436 are in alignment with the mounting pegs 410 so that the mounting pegs 410 can be received therethough, as shown in
Since it can be difficult to simultaneously fit multiple pegs 410 through corresponding openings 436, generally the material layers 406 and 408 have to be manipulated so that each opening 424, 436 is individually fit over a corresponding mounting peg 410 or only a few openings 424, 436 at a time are fit over corresponding pegs 410. Thus, in another form, it is contemplated that rather than having the openings configured to be through openings or apertures 436 that are spaced from the corresponding edges 438-444, notch openings 446 could be formed in the material layer 408 instead, as illustrated in
After the second material layer 408 is held to the mounting board 404 via either the mounting pegs 410 extending in and through the through openings 436 or in and through the notch openings 446, pressure is applied to the second material layer 408 either manually or via a hand held or other tool so as to generate secure a close or intimate contact between the second material layer 408, the wire 428, the adhesive 422 on the first material layer 406, and the first material layer 406 itself. After applying sufficient pressure across the second material layer 408, a laminate structure 448 is created with the wire 428 (forming wire matrix 451) secured and adhered between the adhered together first and second material layers 406 and 408, as shown in
The mounting members, such as in the form of pegs 410, can be embodied in many different forms, requiring only that they are capable of allowing the wrapping and/or routing of a wire 428 or other cut-resistant material, such as a polymeric fiber or a metallic wire, and may include, for example and without limitation, mounting members such as pegs, hooks, loops, needles, and pins. Continuing with the example, when the mounting members are implemented as needles or sharpened pegs 410, the material layers 406 and 408 do not require the separate formation of openings, holes, or apertures 420, 436; rather, the material layers 406 and 408 may simply be placed over the mounting members, which then directly pierce the flexible material of the material layers 406 and 408. Accordingly, for such an embodiment, first material layer 406 is placed over the mounting members (sharpened pegs or needles 410) with pressure, such that the sharpened pegs or needles 410 pierce and hold or secure the first material layer 406, an adhesive 422 may be applied, a wire 200, 428 is routed, followed by applying the second material layer 408 with pressure, such that the sharpened pegs or needles 410 also pierce the second material layer 408 and sufficient contact of the second material layer 408 is made to the wire 200, 428 and first material layer 406. This also significantly reduces any issues of the proper alignment of the openings, holes, or apertures 420, 436, as such openings, holes, or apertures 420 are automatically created. Depending upon the elasticity or flexibility of the first and second material layers 406, 408, any holes created by sharpened needles or pegs 410 are typically or sufficiently closed upon removal of the laminate structure 448 from the sharpened needles or pegs 410, and may be additionally secured by the adhesive 422.
The laminate 448 is then removed from the fixture 402 by lifting of the material layers 406 and 408 off of the mounting pegs 410, whereupon stitching in a sawtooth pattern 450 is applied as an option in a representative embodiment, such as by a sewing machine, with the stitches interconnecting the material layers 406 and 408 and further securing the wire matrix 451 (formed by wire 428) permanently in place between the material layers 406 and 408. The stitching 450 can be at any number of various locations along the laminate 448 as well as along the perimeter thereof corresponding to material layer edges 412-418 and 438-444. As shown, the stitching 450 extends along opposite long side edges 452 and 454 of the laminate 450 and along oblique lines that extend between the opposite shorter end edges 456 and 458 of the laminate 448. Other stitching patterns are illustrated in the various Figures and discussed below. In addition to stitching, other types of securing mechanisms may also be utilized equivalently to stabilize the laminate structure 448, such as rivets, staples, etc., to the extent necessary or advisable. For example, depending upon the adhesive 422 utilized, no additional stabilization may be needed.
Continuing with the example and referring to
As mentioned above, one of the common features among all of these various wire and fiber matrix embodiments described herein, including wire matrix 451, is that each matrix (typically formed using a single length of wire (or fiber)) comprises a plurality of wire crossings 453 or otherwise overlapping intersections which form a plurality of closed wire shapes (described in greater detail below). At many (if not all) of the plurality of wire crossings 453 forming the matrix, the sections of wire are directly touching and abutting each other but are otherwise specifically uncoupled to each other, e.g., they are not crimped, soldered, brazed or otherwise connected at these intersections. Instead, the structural integrity of the matrix is maintained by being coupled to or in between first and/or second material layers (e.g., 406, 408), also as discussed in greater detail below with reference to
In addition, other types of panel members can be connected to the security panel assembly 400, such as by stitching along any of the perimeter edges 452-458 thereof. Any number or size of panel members can be utilized which serve as bridge connectors to provide assistance for attaching and incorporating the security panel assembly 400 into a carrying bag 20 to be integrated therein as has been described herein. As shown, the panel members are in the form of opposite tab members 460 and 462, also typically comprised of a flexible material such as fabric, that are centrally connected along the shorter end edges 456 and 458 of the security panel assembly 400.
Referring to
An additional and equivalent embodiment of a security panel assembly 400E is illustrated in
Referring to
In addition to such various stitching patterns 450, 480, 482, and 484, such as the sawtooth pattern 450, less deterministic or pseudo-random or even whimsical stitching may also be utilized to secure the wire matrix 451 to a first material layer 406 or between a first material layer 406 and a second material layer 408. For example, a fabricator may use any stitching design of any kind, which does not need to be a predetermined pattern, but may be decided in the moment or even instantaneously, as the fabricator is assembling the wire matrix 451 to a first material layer 406 or between a first material layer 406 and a second material layer 408. In addition, the routing of the wire to form the wire matrix 451 may also be less deterministic or pseudo-random, provided adequate or reasonable coverage is provided for the security panel assembly, such as illustrated in
In addition, this fiber matrix 910 may also be included or embedded in the webbing (e.g., 527, 528) utilized to form a substantially cut-resistant carry strap 22, 22A-22H. For such embodiments, the cut-resistant yarn or fiber 905 is typically woven with the other fiber material comprising the webbing during manufacture. Also for such embodiments, an additional cut-resistant cable 38 may not be required to provide the desired level of security.
Combinations of different types of material may also be utilized to form the various fibers 905. For example and without limitation, a cut-resistant fiber may be combined with metallic or carbon fibers or threads, or elastic or rubber fibers or threads, in any of various combinations, such as a combination of steel and polymer.
Any type of weaving, braiding or knitting may be utilized, and as illustrated in
Referring to
The security panel assemblies 1100, 1100A-1100C may be utilized in any of the various illustrated embodiments, such as for a security panel assembly within a bag 20, 20A-20E. The security panel assemblies 1100, 1100A-1100C are particularly well-suited for use in any of the various expansion panels 815 (or 1400-1400B), discussed below.
The main body component 801 of the travel bag 20A may include other structural components, not separately illustrated, such as a rigid frame underneath the flexible material cover 811, a telescoping extendable towing handle, etc. The main body component 801 typically includes a plurality of panels, rectangular planar side wall panels 807 (only one of which is shown), a pair of opposite wall (top and bottom) wall panels, only one of which is shown as top wall panel 809, which together with the back 802, define or form a main body compartment, for carrying items and contents such as clothing, toiletries, etc. The secondary body component 803 may also include other structural components, such as a rigid frame, also not separately illustrated. The secondary body component 803 typically includes a front panel 805 utilized as a cover for the main body compartment. As illustrated, front panel 805 also includes external pockets 813, 814. Access to the interior of the travel bag 20A, i.e., access to the main body compartment, is through a front opening that is closed by front panel 805, which is joined at side edge 817 to the main body component 801, and can be opened and closed by undoing and doing up a zipper 808 along three sides (and possibly also, at least partially, on the side panel having side edge 817). As illustrated in the cut-away portion, each of the various top, bottom, side, and front panels 807, 809, 805 (and those not separately illustrated or visible in
As illustrated in
In a representative embodiment, the size of the travel bag 20A may be expanded by opening or unzipping zipper 810 and expanding the expansion panel 815 (or 1400-1400B). The expansion panel 815 may be integrated or continuous with the various flexible material layers comprising the travel bag 20A, or may be a separate panel which is stitched into or otherwise coupled (e.g., zipped, riveted, stitched) to the various flexible material layers or to an internal frame comprising the travel bag 20A, for example and without limitation. As illustrated in the cut-away view, and as illustrated in
The main body component 801A typically includes a plurality of panels, rectangular planar side wall panels 807A (only one of which is shown), a pair of opposite wall (top and bottom) wall panels, only one of which is shown as top wall panel 809A, which together with the back 802A, define or form a main body compartment, for carrying items and contents such as clothing, toiletries, etc. The secondary body component 803A may also include other structural components, such as a rigid frame, also not separately illustrated. The secondary body component 803A typically includes a front panel 805A utilized as a cover for the main body compartment. Access to the interior of the travel bag 20B, i.e., access to the main body compartment, is through a front opening that is closed by secondary body component 803A (and/or front panel 805A), which is joined at side edge 817A to the main body component 801A, typically using hinges or other similar rotatable or pivotable fasteners, and can be opened and closed by undoing and doing up latches (buckles or shackles) 818, typically along the side panel 807A (i.e., the side opposite the side with hinges). Not separately illustrated, the travel bag 20B also may include one or more security panel assemblies 62, 206, 300, 400-400E, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100-1100C, 1300-1300D, and 1400-1400B.
As illustrated in
In a representative embodiment, the size of the travel bag 20B may be expanded by opening latch (buckle or shackle) 819 and expanding the expansion panel 815 (or 1400-1400B). The expansion panel 815 (or 1400-1400B) may be a separate panel which is stitched into or otherwise coupled (e.g., zipped, riveted) to the various hard-sided exterior covers 833, 837 or to an internal frame comprising the travel bag 20B, for example and without limitation. As illustrated in in
In another representative embodiment, the security panel assembly (e.g., 62, 206, 300, 400-400E, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100-1100C, 1300-1300D, and 1400-1400B, and any of their variations) is integrated or combined with the flexible material cover 811, 811A to collectively form the expansion panel 815, and may further include a lining 29A. For example, any of the various security panel assemblies disclosed herein may be comprised of a cut-resistant yarn or other cut-resistant flexible material, as described above, which may be utilized to form a non-metallic wire matrix (e.g., any and all of the various wire matrices disclosed herein and their equivalents) incorporated into the security panel assembly. In a representative embodiment, the wire matrix of the security panel assembly is comprised of a cut-resistant yarn or fiber, such that the security panel assembly is coupled to, integrated or formed as part of the flexible material cover 811, 811A and is always coupled to or integrated on both sides 822, 824 of the travel bag 20A or, correspondingly, both sides 826, 828 of travel bag 20B. For such an embodiment, the expansion panel 815 is gusseted for expansion and readily foldable into the interior of the travel bag 20A, 20B when the travel bag 20A, 20B is not expanded.
In another representative embodiment illustrated in
Those having skill in the art will recognize that security panels 400A are utilized for purposes of illustration and example for the formation of expansion panel security panel assemblies 1400-1400B, and any of the security panels described herein may be utilized instead or in addition. As illustrated in
Referring to
It is important to note that the respective first lateral regions 902A and 902B are coupled together in such a way that the flange (or edge) area 466B (of the first lateral region 902B) of the second security panel 400A2 is coupled to the first security panel 400A1 in that part of the first lateral region 902A of the first security panel 400A1 which also includes a lateral region (or portion) 914 of the wire matrix 451A of the first security panel 400A1, as illustrated. This provides that in the open and expanded state of the expansion panel security panel assemblies 1400-1400B, the respective first and second wire matrices 451A and 451B overlap or overlay each other, illustrated as overlapping regions 908, and as illustrated in greater detail in the cross-sectional illustrations of
The expansion panel security panel assemblies 1400 and 1400A differ insofar as the orientation of coupling of the second security panel 400A2, and otherwise function identically, but with security panel assembly 1400 presenting a more finished appearance (with both flange regions 466 behind the security panel assembly 1400). The expansion panel security panel assemblies 1400 and 1400A may be utilized interchangeably and equivalently, particularly when covered on one side by an exterior covering 811, 811A and on the other side by an interior lining 29A, as previously discussed. The security panel assembly 1400B differs insofar as it includes additional security panels 400A chained or linked for additional lateral expansion, with additional third security panel 400A3 and fourth security panel 400A4, coupled or linked together to provide both expansion and compact folding (and illustrated in
It should also be noted that while not required, for purposes of symmetry, one of the security panels 400A is typically wider than the other, so that the same width is present on each side of the axis of rotation provided by the stitching or coupling 906. As illustrated in
In addition, as illustrated in
The expansion panel security panel assemblies 1400-1400B may be coupled within any of the bags 20, 20A-20E using any mechanism, such as stitching, rivets, zippers, snaps, etc., and any and all such fastening or coupling mechanisms are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure. It should be noted that when joined at respective first lateral regions 902A and 902B, the respective second lateral regions 904A and 904B are available to function as tabs or flanges, for example, for coupling as part of an expansion panel 815, in any of the bags 20, 20A-20E. Not separately illustrated, instead of being coupled through stitching 906 or rivets or grommets, for example, there are other mechanisms for coupling the first and second security panels 400A1, 400A2 to each other and to bags 20, 20A, 20B, such as by use of one or more hinges or other pivoting mechanisms, any and all of which are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.
Accordingly, the security panel assembly 62, 206, 300, 400-400E, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100-1100C, 1300-1300D, and 1400-1400B, used as part of or integrated with an expansion panel 815, may be coupled to the sides, compartments, or other remaining portion of the travel bag 20, 20A-20E in a wide variety of ways, any and all of which are within the scope of the disclosure. In addition, those having skill in the art will recognize that when an expansion panel 815 is included in a bag 20, 20A-20E, other security panel assemblies included in the bag 20, 20A-20E will have different sizes and configurations to accommodate the expansion, such as by having multiple security panel assemblies instead of one larger continuous security panel assembly, e.g., a first security panel assembly on a first side of a bag 20, 20A-20E, a second security panel assembly on a second, opposite side of a bag 20, 20A-20E, and with the expansion panel 815 located in between the first and second security panel assemblies.
For example, as illustrated in
In addition, regardless of assigned numbering in the Figures, any reference to a wire or wire matrix herein, should be understood to mean and include any of the other respective wires or wire matrices disclosed herein (unless specifically specified or excluded or the context otherwise requires), and any reference to a wire end should be understood to mean and include any of the other respective wire ends disclosed herein. For example and without limitation, a wire or wire matrix of any of the Figures may be metallic or non-metallic (e.g., a flexible polymeric fiber or yarn), or formed having a different configuration or shape, etc. (unless specifically specified or excluded or the context otherwise requires). Similarly, regardless of assigned numbering in the Figures, any reference to a first material layer or a second material layer should be understood to mean and include any of the other respective first and/or second material layers disclosed herein, including composition or material selection, also for example and without limitation. In addition, any of the various security panel assemblies may be utilized for incorporation into any carrying bag 20-20E or expansion panel 815, 1400-1400B, also for example and without limitation, and those having skill in the art will recognize that innumerable combinations, configurations and variations are available, any and all of which are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure.
Referring to
After adhering the second material layer 610 or 610A over the I-shaped wire matrix 605 and first material layer 602, as illustrated in
As indicated above, the security panel assembly 600 may then be folded, such as into a box shape illustrated in
For the security panel assembly 700, the second material layer 610B or 610C (having pre-applied adhesive 422A) has pre-stitched flange or panel members 640, 642, 644 and 646 which are located or positioned such that following adhering the second material layer 610B or 610C over the I-shaped wire matrix 605 (formed by routing a wire 701 as illustrated) and first material layer 602, as illustrated in
Referring to
For the security panel assembly 800, the second material layer 690 or 690A (having pre-applied adhesive 422A) has pre-stitched flange or panel members 682, 684, 686 and 688 which are also located or positioned such that following adhering the second material layer 690 or 690A over the wire matrix 675 and first material layer 670, as illustrated in
After adhering the second material layer 690 or 690A over the wire matrix 675 and first material layer 670, as illustrated in
After folding the security panel assembly 800 into a box shape, the sides of the folded security panel assembly 800 may be secured to each other, such as by using rivets 702 (or grommets or snaps) and, as another option, a stabilizing bar or panel 704, 706 which may be comprised of any flexible or nonflexible material, such as any of the various woven or nonwoven materials as described above, such as fabric, leather, a polymer, etc., as illustrated in
Referring to
As illustrated in
A single wire 428 has been routed about the mounting pegs 410 in another, eighth predetermined pattern to also form a wire matrix 720 having capped ends 721, 722 which have been bent, curved or folded away from the periphery and toward the center of the first material layer 710, as illustrated. The predetermined pattern of the wire matrix 720 is designed to provide folding (bending or inflection) regions (or tracks) 722, 724, and 726 which are crossed usually only once (possibly twice) by the single wire 428. The wire matrix 720 not only has bent or curved portions 435 adjacent the periphery of the first material layer 710, but also adjacent to the folding regions 722, 724, and 726, so that when folded, there are no ends of the wires or other potentially sharp items which could pierce the first material layer 710 or second material layer 730 in the vicinity of the folding regions 722, 724, and 726. With this configuration of the wire matrix 720, particularly with the folding regions 722, 724, and 726 which are crossed generally just once by the single wire 428, the folding regions 722, 724, and 726 are significantly more bendable, with the result that the security panel assembly 900 is significantly more foldable and compressible, such as for storage or transport, or for use in an expansion panel 815.
Stated another way, the folding regions 722, 724, and 726, and the layout or configuration of the wire matrix 720, serve to divide a security panel assembly 900 into a plurality of integrated security subpanels (or sections) 750, 752, 754, and 756, for the illustrated configurations. The number and position of security subpanels and pre-stitched flanges or panel members which are utilized may be varied, and innumerable other configurations of security subpanels and pre-stitched flanges or panel members are available and may also be utilized, with both the number, position and configuration of security subpanels and pre-stitched flanges or panel members typically or generally selected to conform to or match the overall configuration of the bag 20-20E into which the security panel assembly 900 will be inserted and to match the selected locations within the bag 20-20E for attachment of the pre-stitched flanges or panel members, and any and all such selections and configurations of security subpanels and pre-stitched flanges or panel members are considered equivalent and within the scope of the disclosure. For example, security panel assembly 900 (
Second and third pre-stitched flanges or panel members 732, 734 are coupled to a first side 736 of the second material layer 730, such as by stitching or using an adhesive. Also as illustrated, the second, lower side 738 of the second material layer 730 may have pre-applied adhesive 422A, exposed by peeling back a cover sheet 742. Following adhering and attachment of the second material layer 730 over the wire matrix 720 and first material layer 710, the resulting security panel assembly 900 has a first pre-stitched flange or panel member 712 on its lower side, and second and third pre-stitched flanges or panel members 732, 734 on its upper side, as illustrated in
Also as discussed above, the wire matrix 720 may be secured or stabilized using any predetermined pattern, such as the triangular or sawtooth pattern 760 to form security panel assembly 900 as illustrated in
The security panel assembly 900 may then have any of a plurality of configurations, and may be folded into a first configuration and unfolded into second and third configurations, for example and without limitation. As illustrated, a security panel assembly 900 may have a flat, unfolded configuration illustrated in
All such configurations are within the scope of the disclosure. In addition, several additional configurations of a security panel assembly 900 may be particularly useful for use in an expansion panel 815. Referring to
Referring to
Using the first pre-stitched flange or panel member 712, the security panel assembly 900 may be coupled longitudinally, such as by stitching along the length of first pre-stitched flange or panel member 712, to the center 780 of the bottom panel of the bag 20. In a representative embodiment, the second and third pre-stitched flanges or panel members 732, 734 are coupled, such as through an adhesive, to the security subpanels 750 and 756, respectively, to provide support for retaining both the box and “W” configurations. In another representative embodiment, the second and third pre-stitched flanges or panel members 732, 734 are coupled, such as through an adhesive or stitching, to a lining, such as a lining of an expansion panel, also for example and without limitation. Not separately illustrated in
Referring to
As illustrated in
Neither of the first or second panels 1324, 1322 (1326) has a wire mesh or wire netting structure, as none of the first metallic wire or cable 1320 and second metallic wire or cable 1325 crosses itself or connects to another wire in the same plane. Once overlaid, the first and second panels 1324, 1322 (1326) form an asymmetrical grid pattern having a plurality of closed wire shapes formed in two different planes or layers which also cross each other in the two different planes or layers, thereby forming a wire matrix in combination in the two different planes or layers. While the patterned second metallic wire or cable 1325 is illustrated as substantially orthogonal or perpendicular (rotated ninety degrees) from the patterned first metallic wire or cable 1320, those having skill in the art will recognize that depending upon the selected patterns of the first and second wires 1320, 1325 (or 1350), any offset or rotation more than about thirty degrees to about forty-five degrees may be sufficient to form a grid pattern that will not allow the cutting instrument to cut any appreciable distance in the security panel assembly 1300-1300D, depending upon the selected or desired level of security; as a result, while about a 90° offset or rotation of the first and second panels 1324, 1322 (1326) to each other may be the simplest and possibly most effective orientation depending upon the selected wire pattern, “substantially orthogonal” as used herein should be understood to mean and include any offset of the first and second panels 1324, 1322 (1326) which is equal to or greater than about 30-45°, depending upon the selected wire patterns of the first and second panels 1324, 1322 (1326), and is only required to form an overall closed wire shape that will limit the distance or length that may be cut in the security panel assemblies 1300-1300D.
As another variation illustrated in a cut-away view in
As illustrated in a cut-away view in
For these embodiments illustrated in
Referring to
These hybrid metal-nonmetal security panel assembly embodiments, along with the nonmetal embodiments, are also particularly useful in expansion panel 815 embodiments as the various zig-zag patterns allow for expansion and compression (or folding) of the patterned wire 1320 when arranged in the longitudinal direction of a travel bag 20A or 20B, for example. More specifically, for each side of a travel bag 20A, 20B, the zig-zag arms 1339 of the first panel 1324 should be oriented longitudinally along the length of the expansion panel 815, with sides 1336 and 1338 oriented along the width of the expansion panel 815 and with sides 1332 and 1334 oriented along the length of the expansion panel 815. This arrangement or configuration of the security panel assemblies 1300-1300D provides that as the expansion panel 815 is expanded or contracted along its width (as illustrated in the various Figures for closed or expanded configurations), the zig-zag arms 1339 flex or accordion into larger or smaller triangles, respectively.
Not separately illustrated in
Other wire or fiber patterns may also be utilized equivalently for the security panel assemblies 1300-1300D. For example and without limitation, each arm 1339 could be rectangular, sinusoidal, or oval, in addition to triangular, and such patterns may be combined in the same panel 1322, 1324, 1326. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure.
Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, these embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the invention. In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of electronic components, electronic and structural connections, materials, and structural variations, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, components, materials, parts, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention. One having skill in the art will further recognize that additional or equivalent method steps may be utilized, or may be combined with other steps, or may be performed in different orders, any and all of which are within the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the various Figures are not drawn to scale and should not be regarded as limiting.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or a specific “embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment and not necessarily in all embodiments, and further, are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner and in any suitable combination with one or more other embodiments, including the use of selected features without corresponding use of other features. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular application, situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered part of the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the Figures can also be implemented in a more separate or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered inoperable in certain cases, as may be useful in accordance with a particular application. Integrally formed combinations of components are also within the scope of the invention, particularly for embodiments in which a separation or combination of discrete components is unclear or indiscernible. In addition, use of the term “coupled” herein, including in its various forms such as “coupling” or “couplable”, means and includes any direct or indirect structural coupling, connection or attachment, or adaptation or capability for such a direct or indirect structural coupling, connection or attachment, including integrally formed components and components which are coupled via or through another component.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”
All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
Furthermore, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should be considered only exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Combinations of components of steps will also be considered within the scope of the present invention, particularly where the ability to separate or combine is unclear or foreseeable. The disjunctive term “or”, as used herein and throughout the claims that follow, is generally intended to mean “and/or”, having both conjunctive and disjunctive meanings (and is not confined to an “exclusive or” meaning), unless otherwise indicated. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, “a”, “an”, and “the” shall not be limited to a single item or element and include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise and unless specifically disclaimed. Also as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, though specific claim language may include the word “between”, the interpretation of such a word shall not be limited to preclude extent of elements beyond boundaries of the example unless specific disclaimer is made or unless by virtue of prosecution the term is to be limited. The examples of the invention should therefore not be interpreted as limiting unless indicated as such.
The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention, including what is described in the summary or in the abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations, modifications and substitutions are intended and may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. Thus, while there has been set forth embodiments of the invention, the invention is to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents.
This application is a continuation of and claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/624,171, filed Jun. 15, 2017 and issued Aug. 27, 2019 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,390,592, which is a continuation of and claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/641,206, filed Mar. 6, 2015 and issued Jun. 20, 2017 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,681,716, which is a nonprovisional of and claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/949,452, filed Mar. 7, 2014, and further is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/559,086, filed Dec. 3, 2014 and issued May 23, 2017 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,655,424 B2, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/245,319, filed Sep. 26, 2011 and issued Jan. 6, 2015 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,181 B2, which is a continuation-in-part of prior International Application PCT/US10/028557, filed Mar. 24, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/410,123, filed Mar. 24, 2009, which are commonly assigned herewith, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference with the same full force and effect as if set forth in their entirety herein, and with priority claimed for all commonly disclosed subject matter.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20190350324 A1 | Nov 2019 | US |
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| 61949452 | Mar 2014 | US |
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| Parent | 14559086 | Dec 2014 | US |
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| Parent | PCT/US2010/028557 | Mar 2010 | US |
| Child | 13245319 | US | |
| Parent | 12410123 | Mar 2009 | US |
| Child | PCT/US2010/028557 | US |
