Patent Application
20140116099
The present disclosure relates to a closure device according to the combination of features as disclosed herein below. Also described herein is a security bag according to the combination of features also as disclosed herein below.
The present closure device has been mainly developed for effectively securing objects contained inside a body, such as a bag, a backpack, a briefcase, a case, or the like. The present closure device can be however applied to other bodies and, in general, to hollow bodies adapted to receive objects therein.
The present closure device essentially includes an elongated member, such as a strip or a wire. This strip or wire is made of a resistant material such as metal or metal alloy. The strip of wire of a device described herein is intended to be passed through the object to be stored inside the hollow body and which is received therein. The strip or wire has at least two ends.
The closure device further includes at least one retaining device. This retaining device is intended to releasably hold at least one end of said elongated member (strip or wire) for securely holding the object to be stored inside the hollow body, such as a bag, a suitcase, a backpack, a briefcase, a case or the like, as stated above by way of non-limiting examples of possible applications in which the present closure device can be fitted.
The closure device described herein is particularly advantageous for effectively securing objects inside a body with great effectiveness, preventing them from being removed therefrom by an unauthorized person. Non-limiting examples of objects that can be stored safely with the present closure device may be a motorcycle helmet, a laptop, tools, and any other object, particularly of a certain value to the user, having a through opening through which said elongated member (wire, strip) of the present device can be passed. Of course if the object to be stored inside the body does not have such through opening, the object could have an accessory fixedly coupled thereto having such through opening for the passage of the strip or wire therethrough.
Bags, backpacks, suitcases, or the like (hereinafter referred to body or hollow body) are known which are provided with antitheft means. Such antitheft means are intended to prevent the interior of the body from being accessed by unauthorized persons, or for preventing the object stored inside from being removed therefrom by unauthorized persons.
In the first case, mesh type solutions are known such as those described in patent documents EP1285598, EP0878143 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,081. These solutions known in the art consist of a resistant metallic mesh surrounding or covering the bag, backpack, etc. The mesh has a locking device which prevents or at least hinders them from being opened by unauthorized persons and, therefore, prevents the interior of the bag or the like to be accessed by unauthorized persons. These solutions, however, result in that the use of the bag, backpack, etc. becomes cumbersome and uncomfortable for the user who has to fit the mesh in and to remove it from the bag or the like continuously during regular use.
In the second case, i.e., solutions based on providing means for preventing removal of the objects stored inside the body by unauthorized persons, the safety means of the object stored inside the bag, backpack, etc. are usually provided therewithin, unlike the above case, where the mesh was provided outside. For example, patent document U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,170 discloses a closure device in which the elongated member is a wire. Such closure device further includes a retaining member intended for releasably holding one end of the wire. The main disadvantage of this kind of devices is that they are complex and especially bulky. This disadvantage is mainly due to the fact that the retaining member includes a key mechanism therein. For this reason, this prior solution is not advantageous as a locking device for securing objects contained inside a body, especially if the body is a portable object that must be carried by the user, such as a bag, suitcase, briefcase, backpack, case or the like.
A safety closure device is therefore desirable which is effective, ensures safety of the object inside the body from unauthorized persons and, in turn, it is small in size, simple and cost effective without affecting or impeding the normal use of the body.
A closure device for securing objects contained inside of a body is disclosed in the following with which the aforementioned technical problems relating to the devices that have been used so far for the same purpose are at least partially overcome. As it will be set out hereinafter, the present closure device which will be described in the following not only effectively solves the above technical problems but it also provides a number of additional advantages.
As indicated above, the word ‘body’ or ‘hollow body’ as used herein is intended to define with no limitations a member having a space in its interior for storing objects. Such body can be, for example, a bag, a backpack, a suitcase, a briefcase, a case, or any similar object intended for storing objects in its interior. The ‘objects’ that can be stored inside the hollow body may be, for example, a helmet, a tool, a laptop, etc. The object that can be stored inside the hollow body has, formed therein or applied thereto, an area through which a strip or a wire can be passed through. In the case where the object is a helmet, for example, the area through which the strip or wire is passed through may be the area of the helmet shield.
The elongated body of this closure device that is intended to be passed through the object contained therein may have various arrangements. Although it is preferred a strip or wire made of metal or of a suitable alloy, this is not limited to such arrangements and it may be a belt, a band or another elongated member made of a cut and/or tear resistant material.
This closure device further includes at least one retaining device. The retaining device is adapted for releasably holding at least one end of said elongated member for securing the object or objects contained inside a body.
According to an important aspect of the present closure device for securing objects, the retaining device may include a movable actuator. Such movable actuator, which is preferably arranged outside the hollow body, has a locking area. This locking area of the actuator has a shape matching the shape of a corresponding locking area of at least one end of the elongated member. Both the actuator locking area and the locking area of at least one end of the elongated member are such that when the actuator is in a locking position, the end of the elongated member is engaged in the retaining device, and when the actuator is in an unlocking position, said end of the elongated member can be disengaged from the retaining device, thus releasing the object.
This locking area of the actuator may have a protrusion, while the matching locking area of the end of the elongated member may have a recess for receiving said protrusion. This recess may be a through recess. However, other embodiments are not ruled out where the arrangement is reversed, i.e., the locking area of the actuator may have a recess, which may be a through recess, while the matching locking area end of the elongated member may have a protrusion intended to be inserted into said recess. Generally, the arrangements of the locking areas of the elongated member and the actuator may differ from the above described examples, provided that both are complementary and enable at least one locking position in which the end of the elongated member is securely locked in the retaining member and at least one unlocking position in which the end of the elongated member may be released from the retaining device.
This closure device may further include a device for locking the actuator in position for preventing it from being moved at least when it is in the locking position. Such a device for locking the actuator may be, for example, a block provided with a recess suitable to receive at least one portion of the actuator and an actuator locking member from preventing the actuator from being moved. The locking member can be actuated for example through a key. Other means or mechanisms for actuating the locking member alternative to the key operated lock are however not ruled out. The device for locking the actuator can be fixed anywhere outside the body (bag, suitcase, etc.). In one example in which the present closure device is applied to a bag intended for storing a motorcycle helmet, the block of the device for locking the actuator may be part of a part of the motorcycle, such as for example one bar end or any other suitable part.
It is also foreseen that the retaining device is so arranged that the actuator is concealed therein. This provides an advantageous aesthetic appearance to the body where it is mounted, while also avoiding protruding areas that may be annoying to the user. In one example, the retaining device may include a recess or cavity adapted to at least partially receive the actuator.
In the preferred embodiment of the present closure device, the actuator is a lever. This lever is sized and shaped for comfortable gripping by the user and it is rotatably mounted in the retaining device. This lever has a free end adapted for easy rotation by the user. The lever has an opposite end in which, or near which, the pivot point is provided relative to the retaining device. The matching locking area of the end of the elongated member is also in this opposite end.
According to a further advantageous feature of the retaining device, it may include at least two retaining parts. The two retaining parts can be coupled together. Specifically, such retainer parts can be fixed together through one or more screws and/or by welding. However, other suitable fastening means are not ruled out and it may be a fixed or releasable coupling.
The screws for mutual fastening of the two retaining parts can be covered by a number of individual lids (as many as screws) or by means of a single common lid concealing the screws simultaneously. In any case, the lids may be adapted to cover at least the heads of the screws.
The retaining parts of the retaining device described herein are suitably adapted so that the portion of the body is arranged between them when the assembly is assembled and ready for use. In the particular case in which the body is a bag, for example, one portion of a wall of the bag is between the two retaining parts when the assembly is assembled and ready for use, as indicated. As explained above, the two retaining parts can have a releasable coupling. This allows the two retaining parts to be disassembled from each other, for example, to wash the bag in a washing machine, to replace the retaining device, etc.
In some embodiments of the locking device, one end of the elongated member is permanently fixed to the retaining device while the other end of the elongated member is adapted to engage the retaining device and be releasably retained therein. However, in other embodiments it is foreseen that one end of the elongated member remains fixed on a wall of the body (instead of on the retaining device) while the other end of the elongated member is adapted to engage the retaining device and be releasably retained thereon. In other alternative embodiments, however, both ends of the elongated member could be releasably coupled to the retaining device. In general, it is foreseen that the closure device is such that it allows an object inside a bag, suitcase, case, briefcase, backpack or the like to be releasably and safely retained therein.
In advantageous embodiments, the present closure device may further include an alarm device. This alarm device can be provided with a device for outputting an audible and/or visual and/or other signal when the bag, suitcase or the like is opened or attempted to be opened by unauthorized persons. The alarm can be a pendulum alarm or the like, which detects any movement affecting the body. The device for outputting a signal can advantageously be combined, for example, with a tracking device, such as a GPS device. It is also foreseen that the alarm device can be armed, for example, when bringing the actuator toward the locking position. Alternatively or additionally, the alarm device can be armed when attaching one or both ends of the elongated member on the retaining device. Alternatively or additionally, the present closure device may further include a device for remotely arming/disarming the alarm. This can be done, for example, through a remote control suitably programmed for this purpose. Other options of the alarm device, such as a panic function that triggers a device for outputting a signal as desired by the user although the alarm device is not armed, for example, can be activated by this remote control.
The present closure device may further include a biasing element acting on the actuator. Such biasing element may be adapted, for example, to keep the actuator in the locking position. Where a sliding actuator is used, the biasing element may include a compression spring. Where a rotatably driven lever actuator is used, the spring element may be, for example, a torsion spring. However, other biasing means or mechanisms suitable for acting on the actuator are not ruled out.
The present closure device may further include a device for retracting the elongated member. Such retracting device is advantageous since it may allow the length of the elongated member to be reduced, taking up minimal space inside the body. Furthermore, said retracting device is also advantageous since it allows the stored object to be effectively held therein, limiting its movement within the body. In some embodiments it is foreseen that a housing is included adapted to receive the elongated member therein when not in use. This housing for storing the elongated member when not in use can be part of the retaining device or it may be formed separately therefrom, or it can be coupled to the hollow body. The elongated member retracting device may be received inside the housing.
Although the closure device described herein provides a high level of safety to the objects stored inside the body, in some cases it may be also provided with an auxiliary closure device. Such an auxiliary closure device could be provided within the body and may include an auxiliary lock capable of acting, for example, when inserting a key (which may be the same as that of the locking device of the lever) or other means or mechanisms such as an electronic fingerprint detection system, with a locking block movably disposed within the retaining device. This locking block can be slid from an unlocking position to a locking position where it is capable to retain in position at least one end of the strip that is at least partially inserted into the retaining device.
With this auxiliary closure device, one or both ends of the strip can be retained through both the lever and the auxiliary closure device. Thus, the strip can be locked both from the inside and from the outside the body. The advantage of this arrangement is clear, since a greater security is provided to the object stored inside the body without adding too much complexity to the assembly.
A security bag according to the combination of features included herein is also described. Specifically, the security bag may include a body adapted to store at least one object therein. The security bag disclosed herein may include at least one closure device such as that described above. However, embodiments in which the bag includes multiple retaining devices such as those described above are not ruled out.
Other objects, advantages and features of embodiments of the present closure devices and bodies to which they can be applied will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or by practice the present disclosure of such embodiments.
A number of particular embodiments of the present closure devices and the bodies to which they can be applied will be described below. These embodiments are given by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the drawings attached herein.
In such drawings:
a is a cutaway elevational view of a first embodiment of a closure device in which one of the ends of the elongated body, in this example a strip, can be releasably coupled to the retaining device while the other end of the strip is fixed to the same retaining device;
b is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view showing in detail the lever of the embodiment of the retaining device shown in
a is an exploded perspective view of the retaining device with the lever in an unlocking position showing the cover intended to cover the screws securing the two retaining parts;
b is a perspective view of the retaining device according to
a is a cutaway elevation view of one embodiment of an auxiliary closure device applicable to the closure device, the auxiliary closure device being shown in an unlocking position and the lever in an unlocking position;
b is a cutaway elevational view of the embodiment of the auxiliary closure device of the figure, the auxiliary closure device being shown in a locking position and the lever in a locking position;
Several example embodiments of a closure device for securing one or more objects contained inside a hollow body are described below. The embodiments that will be described below correspond to those where the closure device is applied to a briefcase for storing a tool therein (
The closure device illustrated by way of non-limiting example in
According to the accompanying drawings, the closure device 100 comprises an elongated member 110 having two ends 111, 112. In all the example embodiments included herein, the elongated member 110 shown in the figures is a cut and/or tear resistant metal strip. The metal strip 110 is designed to be passed through the object 300a, 300b that is inside the briefcase 200a or the bag 200b. Specifically, in the embodiment of the suitcase 200a the strip 110 is intended to be passed through the aperture 310a provided between the grip 315 and the body 300a of the tool 320, as shown in
The closure device 100 further includes a retaining device 400. The retaining device 400 is adapted for releasably holding either one of the ends 111 of the strip 110, the other end 112 of the strip 110 or both ends 111, 112 of the strip 110, in order to effectively and safely retain the object 300a, 300b that is contained inside the body 200a, 200b.
From the foregoing general arrangement, several advantageous embodiments are possible, as described below.
In a first embodiment of the closure device 100, the retaining device 400 is adapted for releasably holding only one end 111 of the strip 110, as shown in the embodiments of
In a second embodiment of the closure device 100, the retaining device 400 may be adapted for releasably holding both ends 111, 112 of the strip 110, as shown in the embodiments of
In a third variant, as shown in
In a third variant of the closure device, as shown in
As it can be seen in the figures, the retaining device 400 is formed by two retaining parts 410, 420 which can be coupled together. One part 410 of the retaining device 400 is intended to be fixedly mounted inside the briefcase 200a or the bag 200b, specifically in the wall 210 of the briefcase 200a or the bag 200b. The other part 420 of the retaining device 400 is intended to be fixedly mounted outside the briefcase 200a or the bag 200b. As indicated above, the inner part 410 of the retaining device 400 includes an opening 412 formed therein. The opening 412 is suitably sized and shaped to receive the end 111 of the strip 110. As also stated, in the embodiment in which the retaining device 400 is adapted for releasably holding both ends 111, 112 of the strip 110, as shown in
In a locking position, the end 111 of the strip 110 is releasably retained within the aperture 412 of the inner part 410 of the retaining device 400, as it will be described below. As indicated, there are embodiments in which, in said locking position, both ends 111, 112 of the strip 110 are releasably retained in corresponding openings 412, 412′ of the inner part 410 of the retaining device 400.
In an assembled position, the two retaining parts 410, 420 are coupled to each other so that a wall 210 of the briefcase 200a or the bag 200b is provided therebetween as it can be seen in the figures. The retaining parts 410, 420 are fixed to each other and to the wall 210 of the briefcase 200a or the bag 200b sandwiched therebetween, as stated above, through screws 430, 435. Said screws 430, 435 can be suitably covered by a lid 440, as shown in
The outer retaining part 420 has a groove 450 formed on a front outer wall thereof to receive the lever 500, as it can be seen in
The retaining device 400, formed by the retaining parts 410, 420 as explained above, further includes a movable actuator 500. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the movable actuator is a lever 500 which is rotatably mounted on the retaining part 420 outside the briefcase 200a or the bag 200b. According to the detail view in
Given the rotating nature of the lever 500 that is mounted on the outer retaining part 420, in some embodiments biasing element may be provided in order to move from a locking position to an unlocking position of one or both ends 111, 112 of the strip 110, and vice versa. The biasing element is not shown in the drawings, but they would be suitably adapted to hold the lever 500 in a locking position or in an unlocking position as required according to the design of the device. In the case where the actuator is a rotatably operated lever 500, as illustrated, the biasing element may be or include, for example, a torsion spring. Other options are possible, including those where there is no spring acting on the lever 500.
The locking area 504 of the lever 500 and the locking area 604 of the end 111 of the strip 110 are such that, when the lever 500 is in a locking position, as shown in
With the above described arrangement according to the examples shown and described herein, the rotating lever actuator 500 performs a locking function for the end 111 of the strip 100. In the embodiments shown, locking of the end 111 of the strip 100 occurs when the lever 500 is substantially parallel to the horizontal, or is substantially perpendicular to the wall 210 of the briefcase 200a or the bag 200b. In this locking position of the strip 100, it is prevented from being separated from the retaining device 400 by coupling the protrusion 505 that is formed in the locking area 504 of the lever 500 inside the matching recess 605 provided in the locking area 604 of the end 111 of the strip 110.
In order to hold the position of the lever 500 so that it is prevented to be rotated toward the unlocking position in an undesirable way, the closure device 100 is provided with a locking device 700. The locking device 700 holds the lever 500 in the locking position, preventing the lever 500 from being rotated. A general arrangement of the locking device 700 of the lever 500 is shown by way of non-limiting example in
In the embodiment of the locking device 700 of the lever 500 shown in
In addition to the movable actuator 500, the retaining device 400 which is described herein is provided with an auxiliary closure device 900. One embodiment of the auxiliary closure device 900 is shown in
Therefore, with the disclosed embodiment of the retaining device 400, having the auxiliary closure device 900 shown in
The embodiment described is not however limited to the auxiliary closure device 900 acting on the end 111 of the strip 110 when it is at least partially inserted inside the opening 412 of the retaining part 410 of the retaining device 400. Embodiments are envisaged in which either the auxiliary closure device 900 acts on the other end 112 of the strip 110 or the auxiliary closure device 900 acts on both ends 111, 112 of the strip 110.
Furthermore, the above described embodiment is also not limited to the auxiliary closure device 900 provided in the inner retaining part 410 of the retaining device 400 but the auxiliary lock 910 may be formed inside the outer retaining part 420 of said retaining device 400. On the other hand, said auxiliary closure device 900, which acts as a complement of the locking of the lever 500, alternative means could be used to actuate the sliding locking block 930 instead of a key, such as for example by fingerprint electronic activation, etc. and even it is foreseen that alternative electronic activation means of the sliding locking block 930 are activated remotely through for example a remote control.
With the auxiliary closure device 900 an enhanced security for the object 300a, 300b stored inside the briefcase 200a or bag 200b is advantageously achieved without increasing the whole complexity excessively. In any case, the auxiliary closure device 900 is optional.
Also in a variant of the closure device 100 that can be combined with any of those described above, the closure device 100 can be provided with an alarm device 800. The alarm device 800 may be provided with a suitable device for outputting a visual and/or an acoustic signal and/or a vibration signal when unauthorized personnel have been detected to attempt to access the briefcase 200a or the bag 200b. The alarm device 800 may be adapted to be armed in several ways. One way of arming the alarm device 800 may be, for example, by rotating the lever 500 into the locking position (in the examples shown, by rotating the lever 500 into the horizontal position). Another way of arming the alarm device 800 may be, for example, by coupling one or both ends 111, 112 of the strip 100 to the retaining device 400. In this embodiment, and according to one of the above described examples, the alarm device 800 would be armed when the end 111 of the strip 110 is inserted into the opening 412 of the inner retaining part 410 of the retaining device 400. Another way of arming the alarm device 800 could also be through a remote control 810. Other options of the alarm device 800, such as a panic function in which the alarm device can be armed by the user as desired, and/or to enable and/or to set up a tracking device, can be activated by said remote control 810.
Although only a number of particular embodiments and examples of this closure device 100 and body 200a, 200b to which it can be applied have been described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof are possible.
For example, a movable actuator in the form of a lever 500 rotatably mounted on the retaining part 420 outside the briefcase 200a or the bag 200b has been described herein. However, the movable actuator 500 may be a linear actuator movable between an unlocking position and a locking position of the strip 100. Moreover, although a hollow body 200a, 200b has been described which can be applied to said closure device 100 for storing an object 300a, 300b, of course the present closure device 100 is also effective for securely storing more than one object 300a, 300b inside the hollow body 200a, 200b, through which the same strip can be passed or by using several retaining devices 400 and several strips 100 as required according to the design.
The present disclosure covers all possible combinations of the particular embodiments described herein. The scope should not be limited by the particular embodiments described herein, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| P 201231657 | Oct 2012 | ES | national |
