U.S. patent application number 10/925841 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-26 for bag including lockable member.
Invention is credited to Pam Volk, Vincent S. Volk.
Application Number | 20060016532 10/925841 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46321612 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060016532 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Volk; Pam ; et al. |
January 26, 2006 |
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.
Inventors: |
Volk; Pam; (Lake Forest,
IL) ; Volk; Vincent S.; (Lake Forest, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLC
P.O. Box 1135
Chicago
IL
60690-1135
US
|
Family ID: |
46321612 |
Appl. No.: |
10/925841 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10897451 |
Jul 22, 2004 |
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10925841 |
Aug 25, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
150/102 ;
150/108; 150/110; 190/118; 190/120 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/18 20130101;
A45C 13/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/102 ;
190/120; 190/118; 150/108; 150/110 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/10 20060101
A45C013/10; A45C 13/26 20060101 A45C013/26; A45C 13/18 20060101
A45C013/18; A45C 13/30 20060101 A45C013/30 |
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.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims
priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/897,451, filed Jul. 22, 2004, which is incorporated in its
entirety herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to apparatus and
methods for securing bags and, more particularly, to a bag
including a lockable handle.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] It is therefore desirable to provide a bag or container that
enables a user to secure the bag to another item.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] It is also desirable to provide a bag having a lockable
handle that includes several different types of locks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] In another embodiment, the body includes a front wall, a
rear wall side walls and a bottom wall which are connected
together.
[0015] In an embodiment, at least one cover is attached to at least
one of the walls.
[0016] In another embodiment, the lockable member includes a
suitable combination lock.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] In an embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the
body and the handle includes a reinforcer.
[0020] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer
includes a metal.
[0021] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer
includes a fabric material.
[0022] In an embodiment, a suitable pad lock is attachable to the
closing member, removable end and the body.
[0023] In an embodiment, the lockable member further includes a
removable lock that is attachable to the handle, the closing member
and the body.
[0024] 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.
[0025] In an embodiment, the lock defines a keyhole adapted to
receive a key.
[0026] In another embodiment, the lock includes a suitable
combination lock.
[0027] In an embodiment, a suitable pad lock is attachable to the
closing member, removable end and the body.
[0028] In an embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the
cover and the body includes a reinforcer.
[0029] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer
includes a metal.
[0030] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer
includes a fabric material.
[0031] In an embodiment, the lock further includes a removable lock
that is attachable to the handle, the closing member and the
body.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] In another embodiment, the method includes attaching a
reinforcer to at least a portion of at least one of the handle and
the body.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] In an embodiment, the lockable member includes a combination
lock.
[0043] In another embodiment, the lockable member defines an
opening, the opening being sized to receive a key which locks and
unlocks the lockable member.
[0044] In a further embodiment, the bag includes a removable lock
that is attachable to the securing member, the closing member and
the body.
[0045] 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.
[0046] In an embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the
body and the securing member include a reinforcer.
[0047] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer
includes a metal.
[0048] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer
includes a fabric material.
[0049] In an embodiment, a removable lock is attachable to the
securing member, the closing member and the body.
[0050] In another embodiment, the bag includes a handle connected
to the body, where the handle has a least one removable end.
[0051] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the handle includes
a reinforcer.
[0052] In an embodiment, the securing member includes at least one
tightener.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of including
a combination lock on the removable end of the handle.
[0064] 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.
[0065] In another embodiment, the method includes attaching a
reinforcer to a portion of at least one of the body and the
handle.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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
[0072] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one
embodiment of the bag of the present invention.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of another
embodiment of the bag of the present invention.
[0076] FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a further
embodiment of the bag of the present invention.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of another
embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag
includes a securable cover.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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.
[0102] 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.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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.
[0105] 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.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] 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.
[0111] 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.
[0112] 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.
[0113] 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.
[0114] 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.
[0115] 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.
[0116] 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.
[0117] 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.
[0118] 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.
[0119] 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.
[0120] 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.
[0121] 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.
[0122] 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.
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