Bag including lockable member

Abstract

A bag having a body that defines an interior space and a receptacle. A closing member is connected to the body. The closing member is movable between a first position, which allows access to the interior space of the body, and a second position which prevents access to the interior space of the body. The bag includes a securing member attached to the body and a lockable member which is connected to the securing member. The securing member including the lockable member is adapted to secure and lock the closing member to the body when the closing member is moved to the second position to protect the bag and the items contained in the bag from being taken.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for securing bags and, more particularly, to a bag including a lockable handle.

People use several types of bags, handheld bags, handbags or containers for carrying different personal items with them to a store, the beach, the pool and other locations. For example, women use purses to carry cosmetics, wallets, checkbooks and other personal and valuable items with them. Similarly, students use backpacks to carry books, homework and other items to and from school. Travelers carry clothes, passports and other similar items with them when they travel. These bags or containers contain valuable items that the person does not want to lose or have stolen. Therefore, to ensure that the items are not being removed or stolen from the person's bags, the persons must keep the bags with them at all times. In some situations, carrying the bags at all times becomes burdensome and makes some activities almost impossible.

For example, if a person is at a relatively open area such as a pool or beach and the person has a bag such as a beach bag or purse, the person cannot leave their spot at the pool or beach without taking the bag with them for fear that the bag will be stolen or that one or more items from the bag will be stolen or removed by thieves or the like. The person must therefore carry the bag or purse with them to get food, go to the bathroom or to perform other activities such as playing volleyball. In addition, if the person wants to go in the water to swim, the person must have another person such as a spouse watch their bag while they are in the water. Otherwise, the person must place the bag as close to the water as possible to keep an eye on the bag. The additional burdens of watching the bag and carrying the bag makes carrying other items such as food trays or performing functions such as going to the bathroom more difficult.

Thieves operate quickly and discretely. Therefore, a bag that is secured and locked to an object or at least secured and locked in a closed position is a less desirable target for a thief because the thief will have to spend too much time and effort to attempt to remove the bag or to remove the items from the bag. A thief is less likely to want to draw attention to themselves by trying to cut, pry or break into a secured and locked bag to remove the bag or remove the contents of the bag.

Accordingly, it is desirable to have a container such as a handbag or bag which includes a handle that is securable and lockable to the body of the bag to simultaneously enable the bag to be secured and locked to another item or object such as a beach chair and also enable the container or bag to be secured closed so that personal items and valuable items cannot be removed from the bag. This enables the bag owners to temporarily leave the bag in a particular location without allowing thieves to easily take the bag or remove contents from the bag while the bag owner is away. The bag owner can then feel assured that the bag is safe while they perform other functions and activities.

It is therefore desirable to provide a bag or container that enables a user to secure the bag to another item.

It is also desirable to provide a bag having a handle that is securable to an object such as a chair to prevent the bag from being easily removed or stolen.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a bag including a handle that enables the bag to be secured and locked in a closed position to prevent unauthorized persons from opening the bag and removing personal items and valuable items from inside the bag.

It is also desirable to provide a bag having a lockable handle that includes several different types of locks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a securable container such as a bag and method for securing containers such as bags, handbags, purses, luggage, beach bags, duffel bags, back packs and the like. The teachings of the present invention, however, are not dependent upon the handbags or bags being any particular type of bag, container or any other item which is used to carry personal items from one location to another location. The bags described herein are configured to securely hold one or more personal items while preventing the bag and any of the personal and valuable items contained inside the bag from being removed when the bag is secured to an object in a designated location.

In an embodiment, the a bag of the present invention is provided where the bag includes a body defining an interior space and an opening. A closing member is connected to the body, where the closing member is movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space through the opening and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space through the opening. The bag also includes a handle connected to the body, where the handle has a least one removable end. The bag includes a securing member connected to the removable end of the handle and a lockable member connected to the body. The securing member engages the closing member and the lockable member to simultaneously lock the closing member and the securing member to the body when the closing member is in the second position.

In an embodiment, the lockable member defines an opening, where the opening is sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.

In another embodiment, the body includes a front wall, a rear wall side walls and a bottom wall which are connected together.

In an embodiment, at least one cover is attached to at least one of the walls.

In another embodiment, the lockable member includes a suitable combination lock.

In an embodiment, the removable end of the handle includes a plurality of securing members each adapted to be received by the lockable member, where at least one of the securing members is insertable through the closing member to secure and lock the closing member and the removable end of the handle to the lockable member.

In another embodiment, the closing member includes a zipper having a plurality of opposing mating dividers connected to the body and a zipper pull movably connected to each of the plurality of dividers, the zipper pull including a tab, wherein the tab enables the zipper pull to be moved between the first position and the second position.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the body and the handle includes a reinforcer.

In another embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a metal.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a fabric material.

In an embodiment, a suitable pad lock is attachable to the closing member, removable end and the body.

In an embodiment, the lockable member further includes a removable lock that is attachable to the handle, the closing member and the body.

A bag of another embodiment of the present invention is provided where the bag includes a body defining an interior space and a cover connected to the body. The cover is movable between an open position and a closed position. The open position allows access to the interior space of the body, and the closed position prevents access to the interior space of the body. The bag also includes a handle having at least one removable end and a securing member connected to the removable end of the handle. The bag includes a lock integrally connected to the body, where the securing member is secured to the cover and the lock to simultaneously secure and lock the cover in the closed position.

In an embodiment, the lock defines a keyhole adapted to receive a key.

In another embodiment, the lock includes a suitable combination lock.

In an embodiment, a suitable pad lock is attachable to the closing member, removable end and the body.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the cover and the body includes a reinforcer.

In another embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a metal.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a fabric material.

In an embodiment, the lock further includes a removable lock that is attachable to the handle, the closing member and the body.

A method of securing and locking a bag is provided where the method includes the steps of providing a body defining an interior space and an opening, where the body includes a handle having two ends and a lockable member. At least one of the ends is removable from the body and the lockable member is adapted to receive the removable end of the handle. The next step includes moving a closing member from an open position to a closed position to prevent access to the interior space through the opening, where the closing member is adapted to receive at least a portion of the removable end of the handle. The next step includes locking the closing member and the removable end of the handle to the lockable member.

In an embodiment, the method includes positioning the removable end of the handle about an object before locking the securing member and the removable end of the handle to the lockable member.

In another embodiment, the method includes attaching a reinforcer to at least a portion of at least one of the handle and the body.

In an embodiment, the method includes locking and unlocking the closing member and the removable end of the handle to and from the lockable member using a key insertable into the lockable member.

In another embodiment, the method includes locking and unlocking the closing member and the removable end of the handle to and from the lockable member using a combination settable on the lockable member.

In a further embodiment, the method includes locking and unlocking the closing member and the removable end of the handle to and from the lockable member using a padlock.

Another embodiment of a method of securing and locking a bag according to the present invention is provided where the method includes the steps of comprising providing a body defining an interior space, where the body includes a handle with at least one removable end and a zipper including a pull which is movable between an open position and a closed position. The pull includes a tab defining an opening adapted to receive the removable end of the handle, where the open position allows access the interior space of the body, and the closed position prevents access the interior space of the body. The next steps include moving the pull to the closed position and inserting a securing member connected to the removable end of the handle through the opening of the tab and into a lockable member attached to the body. The next step includes locking the pull and the securing member to the lockable member.

In an embodiment, the method includes the step of locking the removable end of the handle to the lockable member includes inserting a key into the lockable member and moving the key to and from a designated position to lock and unlock the removable end of the handle to the lockable member.

In another embodiment, the method includes locking the removable end of the handle to the lockable member includes adjusting at least one dial having indicia to a designated position on the lockable member to lock and unlock the removable end of the handle to and from the lockable member.

In a further embodiment, the present invention is directed to a bag including a body defining an interior space and a receptacle. A closing member is connected to the body, where the closing member is movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space of the bag and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space of the bag. The bag further includes a securing member which is connected to the body, and a lockable member which is connected to the securing member. In this embodiment, the securing member engages the closing member and the receptacle to simultaneously lock the closing member and the securing member to the receptacle when the closing member is in the second position.

In an embodiment, the lockable member includes a combination lock.

In another embodiment, the lockable member defines an opening, the opening being sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.

In a further embodiment, the bag includes a removable lock that is attachable to the securing member, the closing member and the body.

In an embodiment, the closing member includes a zipper having a plurality of opposing mating dividers connected to the body and a zipper pull movably connected to each of the plurality of dividers, the zipper pull includes a tab, wherein the tab enables the zipper pull to be moved between the first position and the second position.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the body and the securing member include a reinforcer.

In another embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a metal.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a fabric material.

In an embodiment, a removable lock is attachable to the securing member, the closing member and the body.

In another embodiment, the bag includes a handle connected to the body, where the handle has a least one removable end.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the handle includes a reinforcer.

In an embodiment, the securing member includes at least one tightener.

In an embodiment, the bag includes at least one release tab movably connected to the body, where the release tab is adapted to release the securing member from the receptacle.

A bag of another embodiment of the present invention is provided where the bag includes a body defining an interior space and a receptacle, where the body includes a lock. The bag also includes a closing member connected to the body, where the closing member is movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space. The bag further includes a securing member connected to the body, where the securing member engages the closing member and the receptacle. In this embodiment, the lock is operable to simultaneously lock the closing member and the securing member to the receptacle when the closing member is in the second position.

A bag of a further embodiment of the present invention is provided where the bag includes a body defining an interior space and a receptacle and a closing member connected to the body. The closing member is movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space. The bag further includes a handle connected to the body, where the handle has a least one removable end and includes a lockable member. The bag also includes a securing member connected to the removable end of the handle, where the securing member engages the closing member and the receptacle. The lockable member is operable to simultaneously lock the closing member and the securing member in the receptacle when the closing member is in the second position.

In another embodiment, a method of securing and locking a bag is provided where the method includes the steps of providing a body defining an interior space and a receptacle and providing a securing member attached to the body, where the securing member includes a lockable member. The next step includes moving a closing member attached to the body from an open position to a closed position to prevent access to the interior space, where the closing member is adapted to receive at least a portion of the securing member. The method further includes the steps of engaging the securing member with the closing member and the receptacle and locking the securing member and the closing member to the receptacle using a lockable member.

In an embodiment, the method includes the step of attaching a reinforcer to at least a portion of at least one of the securing member and the body.

In an embodiment, the method includes the step of locking and unlocking the closing member and the securing member to and from the body using a removable lock.

In an embodiment, the method includes the step of locking and unlocking the closing member and the securing member to and from the lockable member using a key insertable into the lockable member.

In an embodiment, the method includes the step of locking and unlocking the closing member and the securing member to and from the receptacle using a combination settable on the lockable member.

In another embodiment, a method of securing and locking a bag is provided where the method includes the steps of providing a body defining an interior space and a receptacle, where the body includes a lock. The method also includes the steps of providing a securing member connected to the body and moving a closing member connected to the body from a first position on the body to allow access to the interior space to a second position on the body to prevent access to the interior space. The next step includes engaging the securing member with the closing member and the receptacle. Next, the method includes the step of locking the securing member and the closing member in the receptacle using the lock on the body when the closing member is in the second position.

In a further embodiment, a method of securing and locking a bag is provided where the method includes the steps of providing a body defining an interior space and a receptacle and providing a securing member connected to the body. The next step includes providing a handle connected to the body, where the handle has a least one removable end, and where the removable end includes a lockable member. The next step includes moving a closing member connected to the body from a first position on the body to allow access to the interior space to a second position on the body to prevent access to the interior space. The next steps include engaging the securing member with the closing member and the receptacle and locking the securing member and the closing member to the receptacle using the lockable member when the closing member is in the second position.

In an embodiment, the method includes the step of including a combination lock on the removable end of the handle.

In an embodiment, the step of including a lockable member on the removable end of the handle further includes the step of including a lockable member defining an opening on the removable end of the handle, where the opening is sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.

In another embodiment, the method includes attaching a reinforcer to a portion of at least one of the body and the handle.

It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a container such as a bag which is securable and lockable so that the bag cannot be opened to remove items from the bag.

It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a bag which is securable and lockable to another object to prevent the bag from being stolen and to prevent items contained in the bag from being stolen.

It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a bag that is simultaneously securable and lockable in a closed position and to an object so that owner of the bag can temporarily leave the bag without items in the bag or the bag itself being stolen.

It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a bag that is simultaneously securable and lockable in a closed position and/or to an object using a lockable member which is attached to the bag and independent of the handle attached to the bag.

It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a bag that is simultaneously securable and lockable in a closed position and/or to an object including a handle having at least one lockable end.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the bag of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 where the strap is secured through the zipper to the body of the bag.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 where the end of the strap is locked to the body of the bag.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the bag of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the bag of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a suitable combination lock.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a plurality of securing members.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a securable cover.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a integral handle which moves upward and downward in the body of the bag to secure and lock the handle to the body.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the bag of the present invention where a suitable padlock is attached to the removable end of the handle, the closing member and the body of the bag.

FIG. 11A illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the bag of the present invention including a combination lock and a padlock where the handle is not secured to the body of the bag.

FIG. 11B illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the bag of the present invention including a combination lock and a padlock where the handle is secured to the body of the bag.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the bag of the present invention including a body having a combination lock which secures the handle to the body of the bag.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a lockable member having a lock which is independently attached to the body of the bag and secures and locks the closing member in place using the lock.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate another alternative embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a lockable member and a separate lock which are attached to the body of the bag for securing and locking the closing member.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a handle having a lock at one end for securing and locking the closing member.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are front perspective views of another alternative embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a securing member which secures one end of the handle and the closing member of the bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for securing different types of containers such as handbags or bags and specifically for securing the handles and/or zippers of such bags. The present invention may be employed to secure a strap, handle or other carrying device of a bag to the body of the bag to prevent the strap or handle from being removed from the bag or to prevent the bag from being opened and/or removed or stolen from a particular location. For example, the strap or handle can be secured to the body of the bag through the zipper or other closing member to prevent the zipper from being opened to gain access to the contents of the bag. It should be appreciated that the present invention may be used to secure any type of handheld bag or other type of bag such as purses, beach bags, tool bags, backpacks, luggage and the like.

The handle or strap may also be attached around and secured and locked to a relatively stationary object such as the arm of a chair or a fence, and then through the zipper pull or tab of a zipper to secure the bag to the chair or fence and also secure the pull in a closed position. This enables the bag's owner to temporarily secure the bag and specifically, the contents of the bag so that the bag owner can temporarily leave the bag at that location. For example, a bag owner may secure the bag to the arm of a beach chair and to leave the beach to go swimming, go to the bathroom, get food or perform some other activity. In another example, the bag can be secured to the handle of a stroller when in a crowded area to prevent thieves from snatching the bag or taking items out of the bag such as the bag owner's wallet or checkbook when the owner is not looking. The present invention therefore enables users to secure their bags to a relatively immovable object such as a chair at a particular location or to movable objects such as strollers or shopping carts so that the user does not have to constantly keep an eye on the bag and so the user can leave the bag temporarily to perform other activities without having the burden of carrying their bag with them at all times.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, one embodiment of a securable and lockable container of the present invention is generally illustrated by handbag or bag 20. Bag 20 includes a body 22 and a strap or handle 24 having two ends 25a and 25b. In an embodiment, the end 25a of the handle 24 is connected to the body 22. The end 25a may be integrally formed with the body 22 or connected using any suitable attachment method. It should appreciated that either end 25a or 25b may be secured or attached to the body 22. In this embodiment, end 25b is removably secured to the body 22 as described in more detail below. Bag 20 also includes a closing member such as a zipper 26 having a zipper pull 28. A tab 30 is connected to the pull 28 as shown in FIG. 1 and enables a user to grab and hold the tab to pull the tab and the zipper pull 28 along the zipper 26 to open and close the bag.

The end 25b of the handle 24 includes a securing member such as post 34 having a slot 36 which is connected to or integrally formed with end 25b. The slot 36 engages a corresponding surface in a receptacle 37 described below. The post 34 may be any suitable post such as a metal post or a post made out of any other suitable material. Preferably, the post 34 is made of a material which cannot be easily cut, severed, broken or removed from the handle 24. In an embodiment, the post 34 is sized to fit through an opening 32 defined by the handle or tab 30 of the zipper pull 28. Specifically, the zipper pull is pulled along the zipper 26 until the tab 30 is at one end of the bag which is adjacent to where the end 25b of the handle or strap 24 is secured to the body 22. A lockable member or lock 38 is attached to a surface of the body 22 of the bag 20 and includes a receptacle or other opening for receiving the post 34. The post 34 is inserted through the opening 32 of tab 30 and into the receptacle 37 or other opening of the lock 38 to simultaneously secure and lock the tab 30 and the post 34 (which is attached to the removable end of the handle) to the body 22. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a combination lock including dials 39a, 39b and 39c is used to secure and lock the post 34 to the body 22. It should be appreciated that any suitable lockable member or lock may be used to secure and lock the end 25b of the handle 24 and the closing member to the body 22. A release tab or lever 40 is movably connected to the body of the bag. The release tab 40 is moved upward or downward to release the post 34 from the receptacle 37. The release tab 40 causes the receptacle to hold or secure the post 34 to the body and thereby the handle 24 to the body 22 when the lockable member 37 is in the locked or unlocked position. It should be appreciated that the release tab 40 may be any suitable tab or lever and may move in any suitable direction to release the post 34 from the receptacle 37.

As shown in FIG. 2, the post 34 is inserted into and through the opening 32 of tab 30 of the zipper pull. The post 34 is inserted through the opening 32 until the post cannot be inserted any further into the receptacle 37 associated with the lock 38. In an embodiment, each of the dials 39a, 39b and 39c of the lockable member of combination lock 38 include indicia such as symbols or numbers. In this embodiment, when each of the dials are set to 0-0-0, as shown in FIG. 1, the post 34 is not locked to the body 22. When the numbers on the dials 39a, 39b and 39c are set to any other combination such as 2-5-8 shown in FIG. 3 (which is not a designated unlocking combination), the post 34 is locked to the body 22. It should be appreciated that any suitable combination of indicia or symbols may be used to release or lock the post 34 to the body 22. Thus, in this embodiment, a user moves or rotates the dials 39a, 39b and 39c to scramble or otherwise hide the designated unlocking or release combination and thereby lock the post 34 to the body 22 after the post 34 is inserted into the receptacle 37 of the body 22. To release the post 36 from the body 22, the user moves or rotates the dials 39a, 39b and 39c to the designated unlocking combination (i.e., a combination including three numbers which the user will remember) to unlock the post 34 from the body 22. The user then presses or pushes the release lever or tab 40 to release the handle from the body. It should be appreciated that the dials 39a, 39b and 39c of the combination lock 38 may include any suitable symbols, indicia, letters, numbers or any other suitable symbols.

In an alternative embodiment, the lockable member is connected to the removable end 25b of the handle. The lockable member automatically locks the closing member and post to the body of the bag when the lockable member the post is inserted into a receptacle or similar opening defined by the body of the bag. The removable end of the handle and the closing member are unlocked from the body by unlocking the lockable member as described above. It should be appreciated that the lockable member may be connected to any suitable portion of the body of the bag or the handle or other part of the bag which enables the removable end of the handle and the closing member to be secured and locked to the body.

In one embodiment, the post 34 and closing member are automatically locked to the lockable member or lock when the post is inserted into the lock. In this embodiment, the post and closing member are unlocked using one of the methods described above. By automatically locking the post and closing member to the body when the post is inserted into and secured to the lock, the present invention enables a user to always securely lock their bag before they leave it at a location. This embodiment prevents a user from accidentally or inadvertently forgetting to lock the bag.

In one example, a user takes their bag to a beach. The user wants to go swimming but does not want to leave the bag unattended. Instead of searching for a locker, which could be far away, or worrying about the bag, the user removes the end 25b of the handle 24 from the body of the bag and loops the end 25b around the arm of their beach chair so that ends 25a and 25b are on opposite sides of the arm of the chair. The end 25b is then simultaneously secured and locked to the closing member and the lock connected to the body 22 of the bag the manner described above. This method therefore secures and locks the bag 20 to the chair and also secures the bag in a closed position to prevent the bag from being opened while the bag is secured to the chair. It also prevents the bag from being easily stolen. The user can now leave the bag locked to the chair to go swimming without having to carry the entire bag with them to the water or without having to constantly watch the bag and worry about whether the bag or the contents of the bag will be stolen.

Referring to FIG. 4, other types of closing members or closing devices may be employed by the present invention. For example, a round post 44 may be attached to the end 25b of the handle 24 and inserted through a corresponding round receptacle or opening 32 of the tab 30 and to the combination lock 38 having settable dials 39a, 39b and 39c to secure the handle 24 to the body 22 of the bag. The release tab 40 is moved to release the post 44 from the body 22. It should be appreciated that any suitable post, closing member (i.e., zipper), or other suitable closing devices or methods may be employed by the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as bag 50 where the bag includes a reinforcing mechanism, reinforcing member or reinforcer 72 such as a metal wire or the like that adds to the security of the bag. In FIG. 5, the bag 50 includes a body 52 and a handle or strap 54 which has two ends 55a and 55b. The end 55a is connected to the body 52 using any suitable attachment method. The end 55b of the handle 54 is removably secured to the body 52 to enable a user to secure and lock the bag to another object or item such as a chair as describe above. In this embodiment, the end 55b of the handle 54 includes a securing member or post 64 which is inserted through an opening 62 of the zipper pull 58 to secure the end 55b and the zipper pull 58 in place. In particular, the post 64 is inserted through the opening 62 and into the lockable member or combination lock 66 having settable dials 67a, 67b and 67c. A release lever or tab 68 secures and releases the post 64 from the body 52. The post 64 (i.e., the removable end 55b) and the zipper pull 58 are simultaneously secured to the lock 66. The dials 67a, 67b and 67c of the combination lock are moved to lock post 64 in place. Alternatively, the post and zipper pull are simultaneously and automatically locked to the combination lock 66. This secures the handle 54 in place as well as prevents the zipper pull 58 from being moved to open zipper 56 and thereby gain access to the contents in the bag 50.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bag 50 also includes a reinforcing member or reinforcer such as wire 72 which is positioned within or otherwise connected or attached to at least a portion of the handle 54 and at least a portion of the body 52. The wire 72 is preferably made of a suitable material such as a suitable metal or a strong fiber or fabric material which is difficult to cut, rip, sever or break. This prevents the bag and specifically the secured handle 54 from being cut, broken or severed in any way to remove the bag 50 from the object that it is secured to. The reinforcer 72 thereby makes cutting or otherwise removing the bag away from the object it is secured and locked to much more difficult. This embodiment further prevents a thief from quickly and easily taking the bag or from removing the contents of the bag. It should be appreciated that the reinforcer may include any suitable wire, fabric, or other lining device or material. The reinforcer 72 may be positioned in, manufactured or otherwise connected to a portion or all of the surfaces of the body 52 of bag 50. For example, the reinforcer 72 may be sewn into or otherwise connected to all of the sides or surfaces of the body 52 to prevent the body 52 from being severed or otherwise cut to remove the bag from an object or to gain access to the contents in the bag 50. In another embodiment, a substantial portion of the walls of the body 52 are lined with a suitable reinforcing material to further prevent unauthorized access into the bag. It should be appreciated that any suitable portion of the body 52 or the handle 54 may include the reinforcing member 72 or a reinforcing material.

Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the bag of the present invention is generally illustrated as bag 100. Bag 100 includes a body 102 and a handle 104 including ends 105a and 105b. One end of the handle 104 such as end 105a is secured to the body 102 as described above. The end 105b includes a post 114 which is secured through opening 112 defined by tab 110 of zipper pull 108 to secure the zipper pull 108 in place. This secures zipper 106 in a closed position. In this embodiment, the lockable member or lock 118 is a suitable combination lock which enables a user to set a designated combination to release the post 114 from the lock. In an embodiment, the combination lock includes four rotatable devices or dials 120a, 120b, 120c and 120d. Each of the dials 120a, 120b, 120c and 120d include different indicia or symbols such as letters or numbers which combine to form the combination. The user sets the combination using the dials 120a, 120b, 120c and 120d then rotates or moves the dials to scramble or hide the designated unlocking combination and lock the post 114 to the lock mechanism or combination lock 118. When the user desires to release the post 114 from the lock 118, the user turns or moves at least one of the dials 120a, 120b, 120c and 120d to indicate the designated unlocking combination. It should be appreciated that any suitable number of dials and/or combinations of indicia may be employed. Release tab 117 is moved to release the post 114 from the body 102 when the post 114 is unlocked.

Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the bag of the present invention is generally illustrated as bag 200. The bag 200 includes the body 202 and a handle 204. The handle 204 includes a three securing members or posts 206. Specifically, the securing members 206 include prongs or extenders 208a, 208b and 208c. The securing members and specifically, the prongs are made of any suitable material such as metal. The body 202 includes a number of receptacles such as receptacles 214a, 214b and 214c which correspond in size and shape to extenders or prongs 208a, 208b and 208c to receive the prongs. In an embodiment the prongs 208a, 208b and 208c are positioned above and adjacent to the receptacles 214a, 214b and 214c and are inserted into the receptacles. At least one of the prongs such as prong 208b is inserted through the opening 213 defined by tab 212 of zipper pull 210 to secure the zipper pull in place. The prongs 208a, 208b and 208c are snap-fit or otherwise positioned in receptacles 214a, 214b and 214c and secured in the receptacles using any type of securing mechanism or lock. A release lever 218 is movably connected to the body 202 and is pressed or otherwise activated to release the prongs 208a, 208b and 208c from the receptacles 214a, 214b and 214c. When the prongs 208a, 208b and 208c are inserted into the receptacles 214a, 214b and 214c, the dials 217a, 217b and 217c are moved to hide the designated combination and lock the prongs to the body 202. The three prong securing member 206 provides another apparatus and method for securing the handle 204 to the body 202 and thereby enhances the security of the bag.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in another embodiment, a bag 300 includes a flap or cover 302 which covers the opening 304 of the bag and is secured adjacent to the removable end 308 of the handle 306 and the lock 310. The end of the handle can then be inserted through a corresponding opening defined by the end of the flap 302 to secure the end 308 of the handle and the flap 302 to the lock 310. It should be appreciated that the flap or cover may be any suitable type of flap or cover used to cover the opening of the bag to prevent the contents of the bag from being stolen.

In a further embodiment, the lockable member includes a key-type lock 310 which defines an opening or keyhole 312. The opening or keyhole 312 is formed into a suitable size and shape to receive a key 314. In this embodiment, the handle 306 is secured to the body of the bag by inserting the post into the receptacle. In one aspect of this embodiment, the post is automatically locked to the body when the post is fully inserted into the receptacle. In another aspect of this embodiment, the post is inserted into the receptacle and then the key is turned a designated distance to lock the post to the body of the bag. To release the post from the body, the key 314 is inserted into the opening 312 and turned in one direction or the other. Then, the release tab or lever 316 is moved to release the post from the receptacle defined by the body of the bag.

Referring now to FIG. 9, in a further embodiment, a bag 400 includes a handle 402 which is a generally u-shaped handle. The handle is a single solid part or component such as a metal handle which moves or slides upward and downward within the body 404 of the bag as shown. To secure and lock the handle 402 to the body 404 of the bag, a user pushes down on the handle 402 to insert the securing member 406 through the zipper pull 408 and to the lock 410. To release the handle 402, the user unlocks the securing member 406 from the combination lock 410 by moving dials 411a, 411b and 411c to the designated combination. The user then moves the release tab 412 to release the post from the body of the bag. Then, the user lifts or pushes upward on the handle 402 to move the handle away from the body. The handle 402 can then be re-engaged or moved downward to re-engage the lock to secure the handle in place to carry the bag. It should be appreciated that handle can be manufactured and made of any material such as a suitable metal or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated which includes a bag 500 having a body 501 and a handle 502 connected to the body. The handle 502 includes a first end 505a and a second end 505b. Securing members or securing rings 508a and 508b are connected to each end of the handle 512. In this embodiment, one end 508b is removable from the body 501 to enable the end 505b to be secured about another item such as a chair. Specifically, the closing member or zipper 504 is pulled or moved until the tab 506 is positioned adjacent to the securing ring 508b at one end of the body 501. A lock ring 510 is connected to the body 501. The securing ring 508b, the tab 506 and the lock ring 510 are all positioned adjacent to each other so that a detachable lock such as the combination lock 514 may be used to secure the securing ring 508b, the tab 506 and the lock ring 510 together so that the bag may not be opened or the contents in the bag may not be removed. In particular, the U-shaped member 511 of the lock 514 is inserted through the securing ring 508b, the tab 506 and the lock ring 510 to hold these devices in place. The combination lock 514 is locked. To release these devices, the user sets or indicates the designated combination on the combination lock 514 which opens the lock and releases the securing ring 508b, the tab 506 and the lock ring 510. The securing ring 508b is then suitably secured or attached to the body 501 of the bag by attaching the securing ring 508b to the lock ring 510 or to any other suitable portion of the body 501. It should be appreciated that any suitable attachable lock such as a padlock may be used to secure the securing ring 508b, the tab 506 and the lock ring 510 together to lock and/or unlock the end 505b of the handle 502 to the body 501.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, a further embodiment of the present invention which includes a bag 600 having a body 601 and a handle 602 connected to the body where the handle 602 is securable to the body using locking device or locking mechanism 614 and/or a suitable padlock 620. Specifically, the handle 602 includes a first end 605a and a second end 605b. Securing members or securing rings 608a and 608b are connected to each end of the handle 602. It should be appreciated that the bag 600 may include one or a plurality of securing rings. In this embodiment, one end 605b is removable from the body 601 to enable the end 605b to be secured about another item as described above. The closing member or zipper 604 is pulled or moved until the tab 606 is positioned adjacent to receptacle 612 defined by the body 601 as shown in FIG. 11A. A post 609, which is connected to the end 605b of the handle 602, is inserted through an opening defined by pull tab 606 of zipper 604 and into the receptacle 612 to secure the handle 602 and zipper in place as shown in FIG. 11B. A lever or tab 611 is moved or pressed to release the post 609 from the receptacle 612.

Once the post 609 is secured in the receptacle 612, the handle can be locked in place by using lock mechanism 614 and/or padlock 620. The lock mechanism 614 is a combination lock including three dials 618a, 618b and 618c. As described above, the dials each include indicia which are set to a designated release or unlocking combination to unlock the post 609. The designated combination may be any suitable combination. Alternatively, the handle 602 can be locked in place by using a suitable detachable lock such as padlock 620 as shown in FIG. 11B. Once securing ring 608b, tab 606 and lock ring 610 are all positioned adjacent to each other, combination lock 614 is inserted through each of these components as shown in FIG. 11B to secure the securing ring 608b, the tab 606 and the lock ring 610 together. As a result the handle 602 is locked in place. It should be appreciated that handle 602 and zipper 604 may be secured and locked in place using lock mechanism 614, padlock 620 or both the lock mechanism 614 and padlock 620.

Referring now to FIG. 12, another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bag 700 having a body 701 and a handle 702 connected to the body where the handle 702 is securable to the body using a padlock type lock 709 connected to the body 701. In this embodiment, the lock 709 includes a dial 710 having a plurality of indicia, where the dial is rotatably connected a side of the body 701. The lock also includes a curved securing member 712 movably connected to the top side or surface of the body. The handle 702 includes at least one ring 708 where the ring is connected to a removable end of the handle.

To secure and lock the handle to the body, the ring 708 is placed around the securing member 712. The securing member is then pushed or pressed downward through opening 707 defined in tab 706 of zipper 704 and into a receptacle (not shown) defined in the top side of the body and the zipper to secure the securing member, closing member or zipper and handle to the body. An indicator 714 indicates one or more of the indicia on the dial to manually set a combination associated with the lock to unlock and release the securing member 712 from the body 701. Therefore, to unlock the securing member, closing member and handle, a user turns or rotates the dial 710 to indicate the designated combination with indicator 714. Once the designated combination is indicated, the securing member is unlocked and the user pushes or presses release tab 716 to release the securing member, closing member and the handle from the body. It should be appreciated that any suitable combination lock may be used to secure and lock the closing member and the handle to the body of the bag.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bag 800 including a body 801 and a lockable member or lockable strap 816 which secures and locks the closing member such as zipper 804 to the body. In this embodiment, the bag 800 includes a handle 802 having two ends which are each attached to the body 801. The bag also has a closing member or closing mechanism such as zipper 804 having a zipper pull 806 and a tab 808 connected to the zipper pull which enables a user to move the zipper pull in either direction along the zipper teeth 810, which are attached to the body or the bag. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 801 defines a receptacle or opening 814 which is sized to receive the post 822 of the lockable member or strap 816. Specifically, the lockable member or strap 816 includes a flexible body 818 and the post 822 connected to the flexible body 818. It should be appreciated that the flexible body 818 may be made using elastic, nylon or any other suitable durable and flexible material. The post 822 includes a lip or shoulder 826 which prevents the zipper tab 808 from moving up along the flexible body 818. In this embodiment, a lock mechanism or lock 820, which includes at least one dial or wheel 824, is attached to the flexible body 818. Each dial on the lock includes a plurality of indicia or symbols. As described above, a user sets a desired combination including the indicia for the lock using the dials. In the illustrated embodiment, the post 822 is inserted through the opening of the tab 808 and into the receptacle 814 to secure the tab 808 of the zipper pull 806 to the body 801. The user than rotates or moves at least one of the dials 824 of the lock 820 to scramble the combination and lock the lockable member 816 in place, which thereby locks the closing member in place. It should be appreciated that the lock may be a combination lock, a key lock, a padlock or any other suitable lockable member or lock. It should also be appreciated that the closing member may be any suitable closing member such as a zipper or other suitable closing device.

As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the post of the lockable member or strap 816 is inserted into the receptacle 814 until the post clicks or snaps into place inside the receptacle 814. The user then rotates or moves one or more of the dials 824 of the lock 820 on lockable member 816 to lock the closing member or zipper in place as described above. To remove or unlock the lockable member 816, the user rotates or moves the dials 824 of the lock 820 until the designated indicia or symbols are indicated on each of the dials (i.e., the desired combination) in a particular position. The user then pushes, pulls or presses the release tab 812 to disengage the post 822 from the receptacle. Next, the user pulls the post out from the receptacle and through the opening of tab 808 of the zipper pull to release the closing member or zipper 804 to enable a user to gain access to the interior of the bag.

In one embodiment, the lockable member or strap 816 includes a tightening device or tightener 828 which is attached to the flexible body 818 of the lockable member and enables a user to tighten (i.e., remove the slack) from the lockable member or strap so that the strap tightly secures the closing member in place and thereby prevents the zipper 804 from being moved to expose the interior of the body 801 of the bag. The tightening member or tightener 828 may be any suitable tightening device such as the adjustment buckles or devices commonly found on child safety seat straps, backpack straps or any other suitable adjustable straps. Accordingly, this embodiment enables a user to secure and lock the closing member in place without having to secure and lock the handle to the body as well. It should be appreciated that one or more tighteners may be used to decrease the slack in the securing member.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A and 14B, another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated where a bag 900 includes a body 901 and a lockable member 916 attached to the body. A lock such as a combination lock 928 is attached to the body. Additionally, the bag 900 includes a handle 902 having two ends which are attached to each side of the body 901 as shown in FIG. 14A. A closing member such as zipper 904 includes a zipper pull 906 and a pull tab or tab 908 which is connected to the zipper pull 906. The tab 908 defines an opening for receiving a post 920 of the lockable member. The zipper pull is adapted to travel along the zipper teeth 910 attached to the body 901. A user can pull the tab 908 in either direction to move the zipper pull 906 in the corresponding direction. The lockable member 916 is attached to the body 901 of the bag and is sized to extend over the closing member of the bag. In particular, the lockable member 916 includes a flexible body 918 and a post 920 which is attached to the flexible body 918. To secure and lock the closing member or zipper 904, the opening of the tab 908 is positioned over the receptacle or opening 926 defined by the body 901. The post 920 is inserted through the opening of the tab 908 and into the receptacle 926 until the post 920 clicks or is otherwise secured in the receptacle. A collar, lip or shoulder 922 is formed at the base of the post 920 to prevent the zipper tab 908 from moving outward along the flexible body 918 and away from the body 901 of the bag. Once the post 920 is secured to the receptacle 926, the user rotates or moves one or more of the dials 930a, 930b, 930c which are movably connected to the body 901 of the bag to scramble the opening combination for the lock.

Referring to FIG. 14B, the lockable member is inserted through the opening defined by the tab 908 of the closing member or zipper 904 and into the receptacle 926 (shown in FIG. 14a) of the body. To remove the zipper and enable a user to open the bag, the user rotates or moves the dials 930a, 930b and 930c of the lock 928 to indicate the designated combination, designated opening combination or designated unlocking combination set by the user. Once unlocked, the user pulls, presses or pushes the release tab 924 to release the post of the lockable member from the receptacle. When the post is released from the receptacle, the post 920 is pulled out and away from the tab 908 of the zipper 904 to enable the user to move the zipper along the zipper track or teeth 910.

In the above embodiments, the securing member strap is attached or connected to one side of a bag. It should be appreciated that the securing member or strap may be attached to any suitable side of a bag or any suitable portion of a bag. For example, the securing member may be attached to a front side, rear side, left side, right side or any suitable side of a bag.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a further alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated where a bag 1000 includes a body 1001 and a handle 1002 which is attached to the body 1001 and includes a lock such as a combination lock 1014. Specifically, a user moves or pulls the zipper 1004 including a zipper pull 1006 and tab 1008 towards one end of the bag which closes the zipper and prevents access to the interior of the bag. Once the opening defined by the tab 1008 is positioned over a corresponding receptacle (not shown) defined by the body 1001. A post 1012 is attached to the handle 1002 and is inserted through the opening of the zipper tab 1008 and into the receptacle defined by the body 1001. Once the post 1012 clicks or is secured in the receptacle defined by the body 1001, the user rotates or otherwise moves the dials of the combination lock 1014 on the handle 1002 to lock the closing member in place. It should be appreciated that the handle could be looped around a chair, fence or other object to secure the bag to the other object.

When a user desires to open the bag and/or remove the bag, the user moves or rotates at least one of the dials of the combination lock 1014 to the designated combination or designed unlocking combination as described above. Once the post is unlocked from the receptacle, the user pushes, pulls or presses the release tab 1011 to release the post 1012 from the receptacle defined by the body 1001 of the bag and lift the end of the handle 1002 including the post 1012 away from the body. Removing the post 1012 releases the zipper 1004 so the zipper can be moved to the open position to gain access to the interior compartment of the bag. It should be appreciated that any suitable lock or locking mechanism may be employed by the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A and 16B, another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated where a bag 1100 includes a body 1101 and a handle 1102 having at least one removable end. In this embodiment, the handle 1102 includes rings 1112a and 1112b connected at each end of the handle. The end including ring 1112b is removable from the body 1101 of the bag by connecting and disconnecting the ring 1112b from a body ring 1114 connected to the body 1101 of the bag. Any suitable connector or connection method may be employed to connect the ring 1112b to the body ring 1114. It should be appreciated that one or both sides or ends of the handle 1102 may be removable from the body 1101 of the bag. The closing member or zipper 1104 is movably attached to a side of the body 1101. Specifically, a plurality of zipper dividers 1110 are attached to the body 1101. The zipper 1104 includes a zipper pull 1106 and a zipper tab 1108 which is connected to the zipper pull 1106. The zipper tab 1108 includes a movable or depressible member or button 1107 which includes a spring or spring member (not shown) which causes the button 1107 to be biased away from the zipper pull. Therefore, when the button 1107 is pressed or pushed downward and then released, the button moves or springs upward away from the zipper pull 1106 back to its initial extended non-depressed position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the zipper 1104 removably connects to a securing member or securing strap 1109 attached to a side of the body 1101. The securing member or securing strap 1109 is made of a suitable flexible material as described above and includes a lock member 1116. The zipper tab 1108 is sized to slide through the lock member 1116 when the button 1107 is in the depressed or downward position. When the button 1107 is fully inserted through the lock member 1116, the button or tab 1107 moves or springs upward or back to its initial position to secure the tab 1108 with the lock member 1116 by preventing the zipper 1104 and more specifically, the button 1107 from moving backward through the lock member 1116 to prevent the zipper from disconnecting from the securing member 1109.

As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the securing member or strap 1109 is inserted through the ring 1112b of the removable end of the handle 1102 and is connected with the zipper 1104 as described above. After the zipper 1104 and the securing member 1109 are secured together, a suitable lock attached to the zipper 1104 is locked to secure and lock the closing member or zipper, the handle 1102 and the securing member 1109 together. This prevents the zipper and/or the handle from being opened or removed from the bag. The zipper 1104 may include any suitable lock such as a combination lock, a key lock or any other suitable type of lock. It should be appreciated that the securing member 1109 may be inserted through the ring 1112 of the removable end of the handle as shown in FIG. 16B or the zipper 1104 may be inserted through the ring 1112b and then secured to the securing member 1109. It should further be appreciated that the method of securing the zipper to the securing member 1109 may include any suitable securing mechanism, lock mechanism or lock.

In an alternative embodiment, the zipper 1104 and the securing member 1109 are not inserted through the ring 1112b of the removable handle 1102 but are secured and locked together to secure and lock the closing member of zipper 1104 in place to prevent a person from opening and accessing the interior of the bag 1100.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bag comprising: a body defining an interior space and a receptacle; a closing member connected to the body, the closing member being movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space; a securing member connected to the body; and a lockable member connected to the securing member, wherein the securing member engages the closing member and the receptacle to lock the closing member and the securing member to the receptacle when the closing member is in the second position.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the lockable member includes a combination lock.

3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the lockable member defines an opening, the opening being sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.

4. The bag of claim 1, which includes a removable lock that is attachable to the securing member, the closing member and the body.

5. The bag of claim 1, wherein the closing member includes a zipper having a plurality of opposing mating dividers connected to the body and a zipper pull movably connected to each of the plurality of dividers, the zipper pull including a tab, wherein the tab enables the zipper pull to be moved between the first position and the second position.

6. The bag of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the body and the securing member include a reinforcer.

7. The bag of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a metal.

8. The bag of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a fabric material.

9. The bag of claim 1, which includes a handle connected to the body, the handle having a least one removable end.

10. The bag of claim 9, which includes a removable lock that is attachable to the securing member, the closing member, the handle and the body.

11. The bag of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the handle includes a reinforcer.

12. The bag of claim 1, wherein the securing member includes at least one tightener.

13. The bag of claim 1, which includes at least one release tab movably connected to the body, the release tab adapted to release the securing member from the receptacle.

14. A bag comprising: a body defining an interior space and a receptacle, said body including a lock; a closing member connected to the body, the closing member being movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space; and a securing member connected to the body, wherein the securing member engages the closing member and the receptacle, and wherein, the lock is operable to lock the closing member and the securing member to the receptacle when the closing member is in the second position.

15. The bag of claim 14, wherein the lock includes a combination lock.

16. The bag of claim 14, wherein the lock defines an opening, the opening being sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.

17. The bag of claim 14, which includes a removable lock that is attachable to the securing member, the closing member and the body.

18. The bag of claim 14, wherein the closing member includes a zipper having a plurality of opposing mating dividers connected to the body and a zipper pull movably connected to each of the plurality of dividers, the zipper pull including a tab, wherein the tab enables the zipper pull to be moved between the first position and the second position.

19. The bag of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the body and the securing member include a reinforcer.

20. The bag of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a metal.

21. The bag of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a fabric material.

22. The bag of claim 14, which includes a handle connected to the body, the handle having a least one removable end.

23. The bag of claim 22, which includes a removable lock that is attachable to the securing member, the closing member and the body.

24. The bag of claim 22, wherein at least a portion of the handle includes a reinforcer.

25. The bag of claim 14, wherein the securing member includes at least one tightener.

26. The bag of claim 14, which includes at least one release tab movably connected to the body, the release tab adapted to release the securing member from the receptacle.

27. A bag comprising: a body defining an interior space and a receptacle; a closing member connected to the body, the closing member being movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space through the opening and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space through the opening; a handle connected to the body, the handle having a least one removable end, said removable end including a lockable member; and a securing member connected to the removable end of the handle, wherein the securing member engages the closing member and the receptacle, and wherein the lockable member is operable to lock the closing member and the securing member in the receptacle when the closing member is in the second position.

28. The bag of claim 27, wherein the lockable member includes a combination lock.

29. The bag of claim 27, wherein the lockable member defines an opening, the opening being sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.

30. The bag of claim 27, which includes a removable lock that is attachable to the handle, the closing member and the body.

31. The bag of claim 27, wherein the closing member includes a zipper having a plurality of opposing mating dividers connected to the body and a zipper pull movably connected to each of the plurality of dividers, the zipper pull including a tab, wherein the tab enables the zipper pull to be moved between the first position and the second position.

32. The bag of claim 27, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the body and the handle include a reinforcer.

33. The bag of claim 32, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a metal.

34. The bag of claim 32, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a fabric material.

35. The bag of claim 27, which includes a removable lock that is attachable to the handle, the closing member and the body.

36. The bag of claim 27, which includes at least one release tab movably connected to the body, the release tab adapted to release the securing member from the receptacle.

37. A method of securing and locking a bag comprising the steps of: providing a body defining an interior space and a receptacle; providing a securing member attached to the body, said securing member including a lockable member; moving a closing member attached to the body from an open position to a closed position to prevent access to the interior space, the closing member adapted to receive at least a portion of the securing member; engaging the securing member with the closing member and the receptacle; and locking the securing member and the closing member to the receptacle using a lockable member.

38. The method of claim 37, which includes attaching a reinforcer to at least a portion of at least one of the securing member and the body.

39. The method of claim 37, which includes locking and unlocking the closing member and the securing member to and from the body using a removable lock.

40. The method of claim 37, which includes locking and unlocking the closing member and the securing member to and from the lockable member using a key insertable into the lockable member.

41. The method of claim 37, which includes locking and unlocking the closing member and the securing member to and from the receptacle using a combination settable on the lockable member.

42. A method of securing and locking a bag comprising the steps of: providing a body defining an interior space and a receptacle, said body including a lock; providing a securing member connected to the body; moving a closing member connected to the body, from a first position on the body to allow access to the interior space to a second position on the body to prevent access to the interior space; engaging the securing member with the closing member and the receptacle; and locking the securing member and the closing member in the receptacle using the lock on the body when the closing member is in the second position.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein providing the body includes providing the body including a combination lock.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein providing the body includes providing the body including a lock defining an opening, the opening being sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lock.

45. The method of claim 42, which includes providing a removable lock that is attachable to the securing member, the closing member and the body.

46. The method of claim 42, which includes attaching a reinforcer to a portion of at least one of the body and the securing member.

47. The method of claim 14, which includes removing slack from the securing member using at least one tightener.

48. A method of securing and locking a bag comprising the steps of: providing a body defining an interior space and a receptacle; providing a securing member connected to the body; providing a handle connected to the body, the handle having a least one removable end, said removable end including a lockable member; moving a closing member connected to the body, from a first position on the body to allow access to the interior space to a second position on the body to prevent access to the interior space; engaging the securing member with the closing member and the receptacle; and locking the securing member and the closing member to the receptacle using the lockable member when the closing member is in the second position.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein including a lockable member on removable end of the handle includes the step of including a combination lock on the removable end of the handle.

50. The method of claim 48, wherein including a lockable member on removable end of the handle includes the step of including a lockable member defining an opening on the removable end of the handle, the opening being sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.

51. The method of claim 48, which includes attaching a reinforcer to a portion of at least one of the body and the handle.