Patent Grant
10180026
In general, examples of the concept of having a lock box that attaches to a fixed object are known. For example, it is known to provide an elongate cable lock that is wrapped around a secure pole or post and then the cable lock is secured to the storage container. In this type of locking container, one end of the cable may be fixed as part of the storage container while the other end is releasably retained in a locking mechanism or both ends may be locked in the storage container. The following patents and patent applications are illustrative of the known prior art in this area.
This invention relates to a self-contained flexible bag, safe, lockable container, or lock box for securing valuables and more particularly to a portable, lockable security bag that may be secured to a fixed object. It has long been known that when people are at a place of relaxation or recreation (beach, pool, camp, park, or other outdoor activity) people are concerned that their valuables are safe and secure. This invention is a simple way to secure valuables to a fixed object in a stylish, universal fit, with a specially designed lockable container. This invention will greatly reduce the worry a person has concerning the security of their valuables, such as when they go for a swim, wherein previously one would hide objects in sneakers or under a towel.
The present invention relates to a portable, lockable security bag such as a security box, self-contained safe, lockable container, portable security safe or similar device. The above examples are all similar in concept but lack the simplicity and features which are important elements which the present invention provides. Cable locks, Sliding trays, complex mounting mechanisms, multiple component assemblies, and materials subject to degradation are all embodied in the prior innovations. The present invention utilizes innovative features to solve the prior problems by providing a novel solution.
The traditional safe is used to store objects in such a way as to restrict access to these objects. Typically, safes are meant to be permanent objects which are highly impregnable except to users with access to the safe's inner contents by way of a key or knowledge of a combination. However, in order to keep the safe, and its contents, from being easily removed, traditional safes have been intentionally designed to be heavy, bulky, and difficult to move. In certain instances, individuals may desire to restrict access to objects, such as their wallet, keys, phone, firearm, or other items, while they are somewhere in which it would be impractical to bring a traditional safe.
Thus, one may desire to have a portable safe to store valuables while temporarily out of view of their valuables, such as when swimming, enjoying recreational activities, or relaxing on beach or pool lounge chairs. However, because it would be undesirable for the portable safe to be too portable while the user is using the safe to restrict access to the safe's contents, it is also desirable to provide a lockable storage container that is self-contained and removably attachable to a variety of other fixed or secure elements such as patio chairs, strollers, bikes or structural members. People commonly carry valuables such as cell phones, watches, wallets, glasses, room keys, etc. with them. When a person decides to do an activity where it is not convenient or where they cannot take all of their valuables with them, the person must decide what to do to make sure their valuables are not stolen when they are temporarily out of view of them.
Prior to this invention, one had to use a complex lock box with a chain or mounting brackets to store their valuables. Alternatively, locking boxes were placed on door knobs or were limited to use on the non-supporting areas of a specific type of chair, but did not have the flexibility to be secured to any desirable elongate object nor the space to store valuables from multiple people. Prior to this invention, there was no safe capable of true portability combined with the ability to attach to structural elements in a truly removable fashion. Without a portable safe, the only option is to hide valuables out of sight, such as under a towel, and hope the valuables are there when they return. Despite market demand, prior attempts to address this problem have fallen short as a result of a failure to address the problem in the novel manner disclosed herein. A simplified design of the type disclosed herein with innovative features exemplifies an invention that has been desired in the marketplace and is more fully described herein.
The portable, lockable security box of the present invention is specifically designed to store valuables at a variety of locations, such as the beach, pool or other recreation area. The unique, one of a kind security box of the present invention self-fastens to an elongate object, including a support member or bar such as on a lounge chair or stroller, a boat or golf cart safety rail, a secured rope, or even a bicycle frame. The security box includes at least a portion that opens up and can be closed over the bar of a lounge chair frame, stroller or other support element and can then be securely locked. Other possible uses include shopping carts, wheel chairs, ATVs, or on closet rods or any other item having a secure support member. In order to accommodate a support element, the security box ingeniously includes a versatile support cavity.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the support cavity is made up of an arcuate portion, a corner lip, and a straight portion on each of two side openings in the security box. In an example of one generally preferred form of the invention, the support cavity fits on a wide variety of support elements, such as a support with a diameter of approximately 2 inches. The support bar may be square or a round bar with a diameter of approximately 2 inches or less, such as lounge chair support bar frames or stroller frame. This unique security box is self-contained and completely portable. Unlike prior attempts to solve the problem addressed by the present invention, this security box does not require permanent fixation to the support element, such as being bolted on or screwed down, and does not require assembly, such as the insertion of a pivotable arm, cable or a pawl. The present invention is ideal for use at the beach, park or pool, wherein the security box can be filled with any valuables of allowable size that the owner would like to secure, enclosed over any elongate object that is part of the lounge chair, stroller or a structural member and then locked using the locking mechanism that comes with the lockable security box (ex. Integral Briefcase Lock) or even an external padlock. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism consists of an RFID arrangement where the owner is able to activate the lock by using an RFID chip on a bracelet or a key type card.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the security bag portion of the invention is formed of a flexible material which is preferably cut or tear resistant to resist attempts to cut the security bag from around the secure object or otherwise obtain access to the contents of the security bag. In this embodiment, the invention includes a top flap type member and a bottom component that are flexible. The top member may be wrapped around a secure object such as a support bar. The flap component includes a locking member that fits into a complementary lock member on the front surface of the bottom component such that the flap component is locked around the secure object. In this embodiment, the top of the bottom component includes the flexible security bag portion. The security bag portion includes a top member that may be zipped or otherwise closed so that when the flap component is locked around the support member, the interior of the security bag portion is not visible or accessible.
The present invention is designed to provide a level of security at the beach, park, or pool so that the owner can leave the stored items unattended and not have to worry about them as they would if the same items were left out in the open. This security box is a theft deterrent device which, if used properly, should decrease the probability that valuables are stolen at the beach, park or pool. It is submitted that a potential thief is less likely to attempt to break open the present invention and potentially draw attention to their activities rather than quickly search unattended towels and shoes that are likely hiding places for valuables. Additionally, the nature of the materials of the present invention do not allow the thief to see what, if anything is located in the portable, lockable security box, thereby further reducing the likelihood that a thief will target the lockable security box rather than searching for easier targets.
In a preferred form of the present invention, the security box is specifically designed to be temporarily affixed to lounge chairs by use of integral side openings which surround the elongate support bar on the back of a lawn or beach chair. Placing the security box on the back of a chair, wherein it would not be easily visible from the front of the chair, has aesthetic utility as well as providing an additional level of security due to the decreased visibility, especially if the chair were situated against a wall or sand dune. Furthermore, the exterior shape of one form of the lock box is generally a 3D ellipse, ovoid or bulbous shaped and has multiple rounded edges so as to not interfere with the operation of the device to which it is attached while maximizing the internal storage space. Furthermore, the top and bottom components of this embodiment are designed to close flush with each other, as opposed to one being larger than the other, which decreases the likelihood of a snag or injury by the user of the security box. The support cavity is configured with two versatile side openings to engage a variety of cross-sectional shapes of elongate support members to which it can attach. As described more fully below, the security box preferably includes a greater length between the side openings of the support cavity than the front to back dimension.
In an alternate form of the present invention, the security bag is a flexible member that is specifically designed to be temporarily affixed to lounge chairs by use of integral side openings which surround the elongate support bar on the back of a lawn or beach chair. Placing the flexible security bag on the back of a chair, wherein it would not be easily visible from the front of the chair, has aesthetic utility as well as providing an additional level of security due to the decreased visibility, especially if the chair were situated against a wall or sand dune. In this embodiment, the flexible security bag is a generally rectangular-shaped member that includes a plurality of loops and pockets on the exterior surface to allow the flexible security bag to be tied to a bike or other member while being transported to the desired location. The exterior pockets may also be used to transport a cell phone or other device during transport to the desired location. The security portion of this embodiment is preferably formed as part of the bottom component. The top surface of the security portion of this embodiment may be closed with a zipper or similar closure to prevent access or visibility to the contents of the security bag. The flexible flap component on the top component is sufficiently long to allow the flap component to be wrapped around nearly any commonly encountered support bar while still limiting the space between the flap component and the top surface of the security portion. The top end of the flap includes a lock element that complementarily fits into a lock component on the front exterior surface of the bottom component.
The present invention relates generally to a simplified, portable, universal fit, lockable container that attaches to a fixed object to store valuables. An embodiment of the present invention preferably includes a top component that connects to the bottom component by means of a hinge which has a built in support cavity that will fit a variety of different sized fixed objects such as the metal frame supports of a beach lounge chairs with an integral compartment that will store valuables such as cell phones, wallets, watches, glasses, room keys, and other valuables which is secured by an integrated lock The present invention includes a locking system under which the security bag is securely attached to a fixed object and is also releasably clasped or an RFID system is used which will prevent unauthorized entry to the lockable container when the user is swimming or enjoying recreational activities.
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The front surface 38 of the bottom component 30 includes at least a portion of the locking mechanism 60 thereon. As shown in
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As shown in the drawings, the bottom component 90 of this embodiment includes an inner surface 95 and an outer surface 97. In a preferred form of the present invention, the outer surface 97 of the bottom component 90 preferably includes a plurality of rings and/or mesh type pockets thereon the allow the user to secure the security bag to the strut of a bike, other means of transport or objects having an elongate support member prior to its use as a security bag and to carry cell phones or other items in an accessible manner during transport. Also as shown in the drawings, a handle type member 84 may extend from the top surface of the flap component 82 to provide the user with an element to grasp as the security bag 80 is transported.
As shown, the bottom component 90 has a generally rectangular or elongate lengthwise dimension between the side openings 86 and 87 and is preferably has a greater top to bottom distance than the distance between the front and back surface or the width dimension. It is anticipated that the security bag 80 may be constructed in a variety of configurations depending on the intended use of the security bag to store different valuables. The height of the bottom component 90 is generally chosen to provide sufficient interior volume to accommodate the majority valuables typically carried by beach, park or pool goers. As with the flap component 82, the bottom component 90 preferably includes a greater side or lengthwise dimension than the width dimension from the front to back to provide a bottom component which extends along and is oriented along the lengthwise dimension of an elongate support bar 70. A preferred form of the lockable security bag preferably has a general dimension of approximately 7 inches tall with a depth dimension from the front surface 93 to the back surface of about 3 inches by about 6 inches wide at the top and about 4 inches wide at the bottom. Although not shown, the side or corner edges of the bottom component 90 may include reinforcing wires or threads to further reduce the ability of a person to tear or penetrate the security bag 80 of this embodiment and the security bag 80 may be rectangular or square in general overall shape.
The front surface 93 of the bottom component 90 includes at least a portion of the locking mechanism 72 thereon. As shown, the clasp member 74 may extend forwardly from the inner surface 88 of the flap component 82 in a manner to allow the positioning of the clasp 74 into the recessed area 76 of the locking mechanism 72 to securely close the lockable security bag 80. As also described above, the locking mechanism 72 may also consist of a self-contained lock similar to the types of locks used for bicycles, storage units or similar devices. In this form of the locking mechanism 72, a combination lock type feature 78 controls the engagement of the clasp member 74 in the recessed area 76 and one or more buttons 79 may be manipulated to engage or release the clasp member 74. An example of a preferred form of the present invention, the bottom of the interior surface area of the bottom section 90 and zippered top closure 96 of the lockable security bag 80 may be approximately 60 square inches to securely accommodate phones, wallets, sunglasses etc. from the typical user.
In this alternate embodiment, the support bar 70 extends under the flap component 82 and above the top closure 96 of the bottom component 90 and through the side openings 86 and 87 to allow for the fixed object, such as the support bar 70, to center the gravitational pull of the bottom component 90 of the lockable security bag 80 and its contents to the middle of the invention eliminating lopsidedness. As shown in the drawings, this feature is accomplished through the flexibility and relative width of the flap component 82 as well as the preferably small amount of movement allowed along the inner surface 88 of the flap component 82. Because the lockable security bag 80 encloses around the support bar 70 and the support bar 70 has no free ends, the lockable security bag 80 is retained on the desired structure until the present invention is opened by the user. Similarly, because the components of the lockable security bag 80 are formed of a material that does not allow the contents of the bag to be visible therethrough and the top closure 96 of the bottom component 90 is closable, there is nothing visible through the side openings 86 and 87, the contents are not readily viewable without opening the lockable security bag.
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The bottom component 120 of this embodiment includes an inner surface and an outer surface 127. In a preferred form of the present invention, the outer surface 127 of the bottom component 120 preferably includes a plurality of rings and/or mesh type pockets thereon the allow the user to secure the security bag to the strut of a bike, other means of transport or objects having an elongate support member prior to its use as a security bag and to carry cell phones or other items in an accessible manner during transport. Also as shown in the drawings, a handle type member 114 may extend from the top surface of the flap component 112 to provide the user with an element to grasp as the security bag 110 is transported. Similarly, a handle or clip member 115 may be located on the back surface of the security bag 110 to allow the security bag to be clipped to a surface during transport. Additionally, the security bag may be readily rolled up to provide for convenient transport prior to use.
As shown, the bottom component 120 has a generally rectangular or elongate lengthwise dimension to maximize the storage of valuables therein. The bottom component 120 is located below the top flap component 112 and below the side openings 116 and 117. The bottom component preferably has a greater top to bottom distance than the distance between the front 123 and back surface 121 or the width dimension. It is anticipated that the security bag 120 may be constructed in a variety of configurations depending on the intended use of the security bag to store different valuables. The height of the bottom component 120 is generally chosen to provide sufficient interior volume to accommodate the majority valuables typically carried by beach, park or pool goers. As with the flap component 112, the bottom component 120 preferably includes a greater side or lengthwise dimension than the width dimension from the front to back to provide a bottom component which extends along and is oriented along the lengthwise dimension of an elongate support bar. A preferred form of the lockable security bag preferably has a general dimension of approximately 10 inches tall with a depth dimension from the front surface 123 to the back surface of about 3 inches by about 6 inches wide at the top and about 4 inches wide at the bottom. An example of a preferred form of the present invention, the bottom of the interior surface area of the bottom component 120 and top section 112 of the lockable security bag 110 may be approximately 60 square inches to securely accommodate phones, wallets, sunglasses etc. from the typical user. Although not shown, the side or corner edges of the bottom component 120 may include reinforcing wires or threads to further reduce the ability of a person to tear or penetrate the security bag 110 of this embodiment and the security bag 110 may be rectangular or square in general overall shape.
The front surface 123 of the bottom component 120 includes at least a portion of the locking mechanism 102 thereon. The locking mechanism 102 generally includes the clasp member 104 on the top flap component 112 and the recessed area of the lock 106, combination lock 108 and buttons 109 located on the front surface 123 of the bottom component. As shown, the clasp member 104 may extend forwardly from the inner surface 118 of the flap component 112 in a manner to allow the positioning of the clasp 104 into the recessed area 106 of the locking mechanism 102 to securely close the lockable security bag 110. As also described above, the locking mechanism 102 may also consist of a self-contained lock similar to the types of locks used for bicycles, storage units or similar devices. In the present form of the locking mechanism 102, a combination lock type feature 108 controls the engagement of the clasp member 104 in the recessed area 106 and one or more buttons 109 may be manipulated to engage or release the clasp member 104.
In this alternate embodiment, the support bar B extends under the flap component 112 and above the bottom component 120 and through the side openings 116 and 117 to allow for the fixed object, such as the support bar, to center the gravitational pull of the bottom component 120 of the lockable security bag 110 and its contents to the middle of the support bar and security bag 110 eliminating lopsidedness. As shown and described above, this feature is accomplished through the flexibility and relative width of the flap component 112 as well as the preferably small amount of movement allowed along the interior surface 111 of the flap component 112. Because the lockable security bag 110 encloses around the support bar and the support bar has no free ends, the lockable security bag 110 is retained on the desired structure until the locking mechanism 102 of the security bag 110 is opened by the user. Similarly, because the components of the lockable security bag 110 are formed of a material that does not allow the contents of the bag to be visible therethrough and the zippered closure 130 is closable, there is nothing visible through the side openings 116 and 117 and the contents are not readily viewable without opening the lockable security bag.
The present application is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending application Ser. No. 14/850,430 filed on Sep. 10, 2015 which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 14/253,338 filed on Apr. 15, 2014 which is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 13/413,017 filed on Mar. 6, 2012.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982813 | Jacobi | Dec 1934 | A |
| 3530919 | May | Sep 1970 | A |
| 5531082 | Wolk | Jul 1996 | A |
| 7086255 | Reason | Aug 2006 | B2 |
| 7422131 | Cohen | Sep 2008 | B2 |
| 9822578 | Peck | Nov 2017 | B2 |
| 20060016532 | Volk | Jan 2006 | A1 |
| 20140014009 | Crockwell | Jan 2014 | A1 |
| 20160053525 | McMurray | Feb 2016 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170234056 A1 | Aug 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14850430 | Sep 2015 | US |
| Child | 15478746 | US | |
| Parent | 14253338 | Apr 2014 | US |
| Child | 14850430 | US | |
| Parent | 13413017 | Mar 2012 | US |
| Child | 14253338 | US |
