U.S. patent application number 16/508235 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-05 for anti-theft carrying straps.
The applicant listed for this patent is Travel Caddy, Inc., d/b/a Travelon, Travel Caddy, Inc., d/b/a Travelon. Invention is credited to Donald E. Godshaw, Du Hai, Bryce Ryan Hickman, Jason Michael Kramer, Malea Reeves, Jaclyn Scott.
Application Number | 20200070474 16/508235 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69140327 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-05 |
![](/patent/app/20200070474/US20200070474A1-20200305-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200070474/US20200070474A1-20200305-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200070474/US20200070474A1-20200305-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200070474/US20200070474A1-20200305-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200070474/US20200070474A1-20200305-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200070474/US20200070474A1-20200305-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200070474/US20200070474A1-20200305-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200070474/US20200070474A1-20200305-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200070474/US20200070474A1-20200305-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200070474/US20200070474A1-20200305-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20200070474/US20200070474A1-20200305-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200070474 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Godshaw; Donald E. ; et
al. |
March 5, 2020 |
Anti-Theft Carrying Straps
Abstract
In various embodiments, a carrying bag is disclosed which
includes a one or more security panel assemblies comprising a first
flexible material layer and a polymeric fiber matrix, such as a
polymer fiber-based cut-resistant fabric, matrix or mesh. Various
carrying straps are disclosed which include a first flexible fabric
or webbing; and a second flexible fabric or webbing comprising a
polymeric fiber matrix. Additional polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns may be included in the security panel
assemblies and straps, such as cut-resistant monofilament and
multifilament fibers comprised of a polyethylene such as ultra high
molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), high-modulus polyethylene
(HMPE), or High Performance Polyethylene (HPPE), for example.
Inventors: |
Godshaw; Donald E.;
(Wilmette, IL) ; Kramer; Jason Michael;
(Greendale, IN) ; Hickman; Bryce Ryan;
(Schaumburg, IL) ; Hai; Du; (Uncasville, CT)
; Reeves; Malea; (Chicago, IL) ; Scott;
Jaclyn; (Arlington Heights, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Travel Caddy, Inc., d/b/a Travelon |
Elk Grove Village |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69140327 |
Appl. No.: |
16/508235 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62695994 |
Jul 10, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 2262/0253 20130101;
B32B 2439/00 20130101; B32B 2307/581 20130101; B32B 5/26 20130101;
B32B 7/09 20190101; B32B 2262/02 20130101; A45C 7/0068 20130101;
A45C 13/36 20130101; B32B 2262/101 20130101; A45C 2003/002
20130101; A45C 13/30 20130101; B32B 7/12 20130101; B32B 5/026
20130101; A45C 3/06 20130101; B32B 5/024 20130101; A45C 13/02
20130101; B32B 2262/0276 20130101; A45C 3/001 20130101; A45C 13/18
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B32B 5/26 20060101
B32B005/26; A45C 3/00 20060101 A45C003/00; A45C 3/06 20060101
A45C003/06; A45C 13/18 20060101 A45C013/18; B32B 5/02 20060101
B32B005/02; B32B 7/09 20060101 B32B007/09; A45C 13/30 20060101
A45C013/30; B32B 7/12 20060101 B32B007/12 |
Claims
1. A carrying strap comprising: a first flexible fabric or webbing;
and a second flexible fabric or webbing coupled to the first
flexible fabric or webbing, the second flexible fabric or webbing
comprising a polymeric fiber matrix, the polymeric fiber matrix
comprising at least one polymeric fiber arranged as a plurality of
polymeric fiber intersections or crossings, each fiber intersection
or crossing comprising at least two sections of the at least one
polymeric fiber abutting each other, the at least to one polymeric
fiber comprising at least one polymeric fiber, filament, cable,
thread or yarn.
2. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the at least one
polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn is cut-resistant
such that the carrying strap has a cut-resistance level to
withstand an applied cutting force up to 500 grams applied over 20
mm laterally across the carrying strap.
3. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the carrying strap has a
cut-resistance level to withstand an applied cutting force up to
3,000 grams applied over 20 mm laterally across the carrying
strap.
4. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the second flexible
fabric or webbing further comprises: a first flexible material
layer having a first side and a plurality of edges, the polymeric
fiber matrix arranged on the first side of the first flexible
material layer; and a second flexible material layer arranged
adjacent to the polymeric fiber matrix and coupled to the first
side of the first flexible material layer with a plurality of
stitches, or with an adhesive, or with both a plurality of stitches
and an adhesive, to form a security panel assembly.
5. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the at least one
polymeric fiber is a multifilament fiber, cable, thread or
yarn.
6. The carrying strap of claim 5, wherein the multifilament fiber,
cable, thread or yarn comprises at least one polymeric fiber,
filament, cable, thread or yarn and either or both at least one
carbon fiber or at least one metallic wire, fiber, filament, cable,
thread or yarn.
7. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the at least one
polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn comprises at least
one material selected from the group consisting of: aramid; liquid
crystal polymer; polyethylene; ultra high molecular weight
polyethylene ("UHMWPE") having a molecular mass between 3.5 and 7.5
million Daltons; high-modulus polyethylene ("HMPE"); High
Performance Polyethylene ("HPPE"); glass; nylon; polyester; and
combinations thereof.
8. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the polymeric fiber
matrix is comprised of a plurality of knitted or woven fibers,
filaments, cables, threads, or yarns to form the second flexible
fabric or webbing.
9. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the polymeric fiber
matrix comprises a mesh or netting having a plurality of bonded or
coupled polymeric fiber intersections or crossings.
10. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the polymeric fiber
matrix comprises a plurality of polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns arranged in a crossing or quilting pattern
on a first side of a first flexible material layer and extending on
a second side of the first flexible material layer or an
intervening flexible material layer.
11. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the at least one
polymeric fiber is a monofilament fiber, cable, or thread.
12. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the second flexible
fabric or webbing is coupled to the first flexible fabric or
webbing with a plurality of stitches, or with an adhesive, or with
both a plurality of stitches and an adhesive.
13. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing is tubular and further comprises a lumen, and
wherein the second flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within
the lumen.
14. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing has first and second lateral folds, and wherein
the second flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first
and second lateral folds.
15. The carrying strap of claim 14, further comprising: a third
flexible fabric or webbing coupled over the first and second
lateral folds of the first flexible fabric or webbing to enclose
the second flexible fabric or webbing between the first flexible
fabric or webbing and the third flexible fabric or webbing.
16. The carrying strap of claim 14, wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing further has first and second central folds over
the second flexible fabric or webbing.
17. The carrying strap of claim 16, further comprising: a third
flexible fabric or webbing arranged in between the second flexible
fabric or webbing and the first and second central folds of the
first flexible fabric or webbing to enclose the second flexible
fabric or webbing between the first flexible fabric or webbing and
the third flexible fabric or webbing.
18. The carrying strap of claim 14, further comprising: a plurality
of cut-resistant monofilament polymer fibers arranged within the
first and second lateral folds.
19. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing has a first lateral fold on a first lateral side,
wherein the second flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within
the first lateral fold; and wherein the carrying strap further
comprises: a third flexible binding coupled over the first flexible
fabric or webbing on a second lateral side to enclose the second
flexible fabric or webbing between the first flexible fabric or
webbing and the third flexible binding.
20. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing has a first lateral fold on a first lateral side
to form two layers of the first flexible fabric or webbing, wherein
the second flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first
lateral fold and wherein a plurality of stitches couple the two
layers of the folded first flexible fabric or webbing on the second
lateral side.
21. The carrying strap of claim 20, wherein each of the two layers
of the folded first flexible fabric or webbing have a lateral fold
on the second lateral side, wherein a plurality of stitches couple
the lateral folds of the two layers of the folded first flexible
fabric or webbing on the second lateral side.
22. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the second flexible
fabric or webbing has a form factor of a plurality of flexible
bindings, a first flexible binding of the plurality of flexible
bindings coupled over the first flexible fabric or webbing on a
first lateral side and a second flexible binding of the plurality
of flexible bindings coupled over the first flexible fabric or
webbing on a second lateral side.
23. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the second flexible
fabric or webbing has a first side and a second side and first and
second lateral edges, the first flexible fabric or webbing is
arranged on the first side of the second flexible fabric or
webbing; and wherein the carrying strap further comprises: a third
flexible fabric or webbing arranged on the second side of the
second flexible fabric or webbing and coupled to the first flexible
fabric or webbing laterally to the first and second lateral edges
of the second flexible fabric or webbing.
24. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the second flexible
fabric or webbing has a first side and a second side and first and
second lateral edges, the first flexible fabric or webbing is
arranged on the first side of the second flexible fabric or
webbing; and wherein the carrying strap further comprises: a third
flexible fabric or webbing arranged on the second side of the
second flexible fabric or webbing; a first flexible binding of a
plurality of flexible bindings coupled over the first and third
flexible fabrics or webbings on a first lateral side; and a second
flexible binding of the plurality of flexible bindings coupled over
the first and third flexible fabrics or webbings on a second
lateral side.
25. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing has a first lateral fold on a first lateral side;
and wherein the carrying strap further comprises: a third flexible
fabric or webbing offset laterally from the first flexible fabric
or webbing, the third flexible fabric or webbing having a second
lateral fold on a second lateral side; wherein the second flexible
fabric or webbing is arranged within the first lateral fold and the
second lateral fold.
26. The carrying strap of claim 25, wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing has a first lateral region and a second lateral
region, the third flexible fabric or webbing has a first lateral
region and a second lateral region, wherein the first lateral
regions of the first and third flexible fabrics or webbings are
coupled to a first side of the second flexible fabric or webbing
and the second lateral regions of the first and third flexible
fabrics or webbings are coupled to a second side of the second
flexible fabric or webbing to enclose the second flexible fabric or
webbing between the first flexible fabric or webbing and the third
flexible fabric or webbing.
27. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the second flexible
fabric or webbing has first and second lateral folds, and wherein
the first flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first
and second lateral folds.
28. The carrying strap of claim 27, wherein the second flexible
fabric or webbing further has first and second central folds over
the first flexible fabric or webbing.
29. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing has first and second lateral folds, wherein the
second flexible fabric or webbing has first and second lateral
folds and is arranged within the first and second lateral folds of
the first flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein the carrying
strap further comprises: a plurality of cut-resistant monofilament
polymer fibers arranged within the first and second lateral folds
of the second flexible fabric or webbing.
30. The carrying strap of claim 29, wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing further has first and second central folds over
the second flexible fabric or webbing.
31. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing has first and second lateral folds, wherein the
second flexible fabric or webbing has first and second lateral
folds and is arranged within the first and second lateral folds of
the first flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein the carrying
strap further comprises: a third flexible fabric or webbing coupled
to the folded first flexible fabric or webbing on a first side; and
at least one cut-resistant monofilament polymer fiber arranged
centrally between the first side of the folded first flexible
fabric or webbing and the third flexible fabric or webbing.
32. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing has first, second and third lateral folds to form
a first bottom layer, a second top layer, a third intermediate
layer and a fourth intermediate layer, wherein the second flexible
fabric or webbing is arranged within the first and second lateral
folds of the first flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein the
carrying strap further comprises: at least one cut-resistant
monofilament polymer fiber arranged centrally between the third and
fourth intermediate layers of the first flexible fabric or
webbing.
33. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing has first, second and third lateral folds to form
a first bottom layer, a second top layer, a third intermediate
layer and a fourth intermediate layer, wherein the second flexible
fabric or webbing is arranged within the third lateral fold of the
first flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein the carrying strap
further comprises: at least one cut-resistant monofilament polymer
fiber arranged centrally between the third and fourth intermediate
layers of the first flexible fabric or webbing.
34. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing has first, second and third lateral folds to form
a first bottom layer, a second top layer, a third intermediate
layer and a fourth intermediate layer, wherein the second flexible
fabric or webbing is arranged within the first, second and third
lateral folds of the first flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein
the carrying strap further comprises: at least one cut-resistant
monofilament polymer fiber arranged centrally between the third and
fourth intermediate layers of the first flexible fabric or
webbing.
35. A carrying strap comprising: a first flexible fabric or
webbing; and a cut-resistant polymeric fiber matrix extending
longitudinally along or within the first flexible fabric or
webbing, the polymeric fiber matrix comprising at least one
polymeric fiber arranged as a plurality of polymeric fiber
intersections, each fiber intersection comprising at least two
sections of the at least one polymeric fiber abutting each other,
the at least one polymeric fiber comprising at least one polymeric
fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn; wherein the first flexible
fabric or webbing and cut-resistant polymeric fiber matrix
collectively have a cut-resistance level to withstand an applied
cutting force up to 3,000 grams applied over 20 mm laterally across
the carrying strap.
36. The carrying strap of claim 35, wherein the polymeric fiber
matrix is woven or braided into the first flexible fabric or
webbing.
37. The carrying strap of claim 36, wherein the polymeric fiber
matrix comprises a plurality of warp cut-resistant polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns.
38. A carrying strap comprising: a first flexible fabric or
webbing; and a security panel assembly coupled to the first
flexible fabric or webbing, the security panel assembly comprising:
a first flexible material layer having a first side and a plurality
of edges; and a polymeric fiber matrix arranged on the first side
of the first flexible material layer, the polymeric fiber matrix
comprising at least one polymeric fiber arranged as a plurality of
polymeric fiber intersections or crossings, each fiber intersection
or crossing comprising at least two sections of the at least one
polymeric fiber abutting each other, the at least one polymeric
fiber comprising at least one polymeric fiber, filament, cable,
thread or yam; a second flexible material layer arranged adjacent
to the polymeric fiber matrix and coupled to the first side of the
first flexible material layer with a plurality of stitches, or with
an adhesive, or with both a plurality of stitches and an adhesive.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is nonprovisional of and claims priority to
and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/695,994, filed Jul. 10, 2018, inventors Donald E. Godshaw et
al., titled "Anti-Theft Carrying Bags and Carrying Straps", which
is commonly assigned herewith, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference with the same full force and
effect as if set forth in its entirety herein, and with priority
claimed for all commonly disclosed subject matter.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to various types of carrying bags
and, more particularly, to a cut or slash-resistant carrying bag
with a cut or slash-resistant security panel for carrying bags such
as purses, backpacks, messenger bags, briefcases, luggage, and so
on, and to cut or slash-resistant carrying straps which may be used
with such carrying bags.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Handbags, travel bags, purses, backpacks, messenger bags,
briefcases, waist packs, draw-string sacks, suitcases, luggage and
other types of carrying bags (individually and collectively
referred to as "bag(s)" or "carrying bag(s)") are often made from
flexible materials such as cloth, canvas, nylon, ballistic nylon,
leather and similar materials. Such bags typically include one or
more interior chambers through which access may be gained by an
opening in the top or side of the bag. Such bags also often include
a carry (or carrying) strap which is typically connected between
opposite sides of the bag. Additionally, such bags often also
include multiple side pockets with top and/or side access
openings.
[0004] On occasion, such bags are subject to theft or attempted
theft. For example, often a bag may be hung or supported by the bag
carrying (or carry) strap on a chair or a hook or the like. In such
circumstances, a thief may "snatch" the bag by grabbing the
carrying strap and departing. Another scheme that has been used by
thieves is to use a sharp instrument, such as a knife or box
cutter, to cut through the soft-sided material comprising the bag,
and thereby gain access to the contents which may be lifted through
the cut opening in the bag, or which may fall out from the cut
opening of the bag when a lower part of the bag has been slashed.
Yet another scheme that has been used by thieves includes various
types of pickpocketing, such as by unzipping a zipper in either a
stealth manner or while the bag's owner is distracted, and thereby
gaining access to the bag's contents while undetected by the bag's
owner.
[0005] Of additional concern are situations in which a bag may be
left unattended or in which the bag's owner may be inattentive or
distracted, for any period of time, including brief periods of
time. For example, people at a beach may carry their belongings in
a purse, a beach bag, a backpack, and so on, and desire to leave
the carrying bag on the beach while they swim, wade, splash or surf
in the water. In such circumstances, a person's attention is often
on their activities, and the carrying bag is not being observed at
all or most times, and such an unattended carrying bag is a prime
target for potential theft. In other circumstances, the owner of
the bag may be inattentive or distracted, such as intentionally
distracted by groups or teams of thieves or pickpockets.
[0006] While the bag is unattended or the attention of the owner is
diverted, moreover, a potential thief typically has considerably
more time in which to attempt to gain access to the contents of the
bag, especially compared with the much more rapidly occurring
grabbing, pickpocketing or slashing of a carrying bag.
[0007] Accordingly, a need remains for comparatively cut or
slash-resistant carrying bags, which are relatively easy and
comparatively inexpensive to assemble, which have comparatively
thin, non-bulky configurations, and which are light and flexible. A
need also remains for additional anti-theft features for carrying
straps and openings of bags, to prevent cutting through any strap
attached to the bag while nonetheless providing a comfortable and
wearable strap, and further to prevent typical "snatching" of bags,
to eliminate or diminish the potential for undetected access to the
contents of the bag, while nonetheless maintaining a comparatively
flexible and attractive style of the bag for the consumer.
SUMMARY
[0008] The representative embodiments provide comparatively cut or
slash-resistant carrying bags, which are relatively easy and
comparatively inexpensive to assemble, which have comparatively
thin, non-bulky configurations, and which are light and flexible.
The representative embodiments provide comparatively cut or
slash-resistant carrying straps, which are also relatively easy and
comparatively inexpensive to assemble, which are flexible and
comfortable, such as for wearing by a consumer without the strap or
parts of the strap digging in to the consumer's shoulder.
Representative embodiments include additional anti-theft features
for carrying straps and bags, to to prevent cutting through any
significant panels of the bag (including at or near the seams of
panels forming the bag), to prevent cutting through any strap
attached to the bag, to prevent typical "snatching" of bags, and
further to provide readily and easily usable locking capabilities
for straps, including while unattended, to eliminate or diminish
the potential for undetected access to the contents of the bag,
while nonetheless maintaining a comparatively flexible and
attractive style of the bag for the consumer.
[0009] In a representative embodiment, a security panel assembly
comprises: a first flexible material layer having a first side and
a plurality of edges; and a polymeric fiber matrix arranged on the
first side of the first flexible material layer, the polymeric
fiber matrix comprising at least one polymeric fiber arranged as a
plurality of polymeric fiber intersections or crossings, each fiber
intersection or crossing comprising at least two sections of the at
least one polymeric fiber abutting each other, the at least one
polymeric fiber comprising at least one polymeric fiber, filament,
cable, thread or yarn.
[0010] Such a representative security panel assembly comprise may
further comprise: a second flexible material layer arranged
adjacent to the polymeric fiber matrix and coupled to the first
side of the first flexible material layer. In such an embodiment,
the second flexible material layer is coupled to the first flexible
material layer with a plurality of stitches, or with an adhesive,
or with both a plurality of stitches and an adhesive.
[0011] In a representative embodiment, the security panel assembly
has a cut-resistance level to withstand an applied cutting force up
to 500 grams applied over 20 mm. In another representative
embodiment, the security panel assembly has a cut-resistance
resistance level to withstand an applied cutting force up to 3,000
grams applied over 20 mm.
[0012] In a representative embodiment, one or more portions of the
polymeric fiber matrix are not coupled to the first flexible
material layer and extend beyond one or more the edges of the first
flexible material layer or outside the periphery or circumference
of the first flexible material layer.
[0013] In various embodiments, the at least one polymeric fiber is
a multifilament fiber, cable, thread or yarn. For example, the
multifilament fiber, cable, thread or yarn may comprise at least
one polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn and either or
both at least one carbon fiber or at least one metallic wire,
fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn. Also for example, the
multifilament fiber, cable, thread or yarn may comprise a
combination of at least one first type of cut-resistant, polymeric
fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn and at least one second,
different type of polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or
yarn.
[0014] Also for example, the at least one polymeric fiber,
filament, cable, thread or yarn may comprise at least one material
selected from the group consisting of: aramid; liquid crystal
polymer; polyethylene; ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
("UHMWPE") having a molecular mass between 3.5 and 7.5 million
Daltons; high-modulus polyethylene ("HMPE"); High Performance
Polyethylene ("HPPE"); glass; nylon; polyester; and combinations
thereof.
[0015] In another representative embodiment, the polymeric fiber
matrix is comprised of a plurality of knitted or woven fibers,
filaments, cables, threads, or yarns to form the plurality of fiber
intersections or crossings.
[0016] In various embodiments, the polymeric fiber matrix has an
area smaller than first flexible material layer to provide at least
one tab or peripheral seam region of the first flexible material
layer. In another representative embodiment, the polymeric fiber
matrix is coupled to a plurality of strips of first flexible
material layers, the plurality of strips of first flexible material
layers extending beyond one or more edges of the polymeric fiber
matrix to form a plurality of tabs or seam regions.
[0017] In a representative embodiment, the polymeric fiber matrix
comprises a mesh or netting having a plurality of bonded or coupled
polymeric fiber intersections or crossings. in another
representative embodiment, the polymeric fiber matrix comprises a
plurality of polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns
arranged in a crossing or quilting pattern on the first side of the
first flexible material layer and extending on a second side of the
first flexible material layer or an intervening flexible material
layer.
[0018] In a representative embodiment, the polymeric fiber matrix
is coupled to the first flexible material layer with a plurality of
stitches, or with an adhesive, or with both a plurality of stitches
and an adhesive.
[0019] In a representative embodiment, a carrying bag comprises: an
exterior bag having at least one opening for access to an interior
of the exterior bag; and a plurality of security panel assemblies
arranged within the interior or coupled to the exterior bag, each
security panel assembly of the plurality of security panel
assemblies comprising a polymeric fiber matrix, wherein a first
security panel assembly and a second security panel assembly of the
plurality of security panel assemblies are coupled to each other
through at least one seam comprising one or more stitches through
each of the respective polymeric fiber matrices.
[0020] In a representative embodiment, each security panel assembly
of the plurality of security panel assemblies has a cut-resistance
level to withstand an applied cutting force up to 500 grams applied
over 20 mm. In another representative embodiment, each security
panel assembly of the plurality of security panel assemblies has a
cut-resistance level to withstand an applied cutting force up to
3,000 grams applied over 20 mm.
[0021] In a representative embodiment, each security panel assembly
of the plurality of security panel assemblies further comprises: a
first flexible material layer having a first side and a plurality
of edges; wherein the polymeric fiber matrix is arranged on the
first side of the first flexible material layer, the polymeric
fiber matrix comprising at least one polymeric fiber arranged as a
plurality of polymeric fiber intersections or crossings, each fiber
intersection or crossing comprising at least two sections of the at
least one polymeric fiber abutting each other, the at least one
polymeric fiber comprising at least one polymeric fiber, filament,
cable, thread or yarn.
[0022] In another representative embodiment, each security panel
assembly of the plurality of security panel assemblies further
comprises: a second flexible material layer arranged adjacent to
the polymeric fiber matrix and coupled to the first side of the
first flexible material layer. In various embodiments, the second
flexible material layer is coupled to the first flexible material
layer with a plurality of stitches, or with an adhesive, or with
both a plurality of stitches and an adhesive.
[0023] In a representative embodiment, at least one polymeric fiber
matrix of at least one security panel assembly of the plurality of
security panel assemblies is comprised of a plurality of knitted or
woven fibers, filaments, cables, threads, or yarns to form the
plurality of fiber intersections or crossings. In a representative
embodiment the polymeric fiber matrix has an area smaller than
first flexible material layer to provide at least one tab or
peripheral seam region of the first flexible material layer.
[0024] In a representative embodiment, the carrying bag may further
comprise: a carrying strap having a cut-resistance level to
withstand an applied cutting force up to 3,000 grams applied over
20 mm laterally across the carrying strap, the carrying strap
comprising: a first flexible fabric or webbing; and a second
flexible fabric or webbing coupled to the first flexible fabric or
webbing, the second flexible fabric or webbing comprising a second
polymeric fiber matrix.
[0025] In another representative embodiment, the carrying bag may
comprise an exterior bag having at least one opening for access to
an interior of the exterior bag and having a plurality of panels; a
plurality of security panel assemblies arranged within the interior
or coupled to the exterior bag, each security panel assembly of the
plurality of security panel assemblies coupled to a panel of the
plurality of panels and comprising a polymeric fiber matrix
comprising at least one polymeric fiber arranged as a plurality of
polymeric fiber intersections or crossings, wherein a first panel
coupled to a first security panel assembly of the plurality of
security panel assemblies and a second panel coupled to a second
security panel assembly of the plurality of security panel
assemblies are coupled to each other through at least one seam
comprising one or more stitches through each of the respective
polymeric fiber matrices.
[0026] In a representative embodiment, a carrying strap comprises:
a first flexible fabric or webbing; and a second flexible fabric or
webbing coupled to the first flexible fabric or webbing, the second
flexible fabric or webbing comprising a polymeric fiber matrix, the
polymeric fiber matrix comprising at least one polymeric fiber
arranged as a plurality of polymeric fiber intersections or
crossings, each fiber intersection or crossing comprising at least
two sections of the at least one polymeric fiber abutting each
other, the at least one polymeric fiber comprising at least one
polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn.
[0027] In a representative embodiment, the at least one polymeric
fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn is cut-resistant such that
the carrying strap has a cut-resistance level to withstand an
applied cutting force up to 500 grams applied over 20 mm laterally
across the carrying strap. in another representative embodiment,
the carrying strap has a cut-resistance level to withstand an
applied cutting force up to 3,000 grams applied over 20 mm
laterally across the carrying strap.
[0028] In a representative embodiment, the second flexible fabric
or webbing may further comprise: a first flexible material layer
having a first side and a plurality of edges, the polymeric fiber
matrix arranged on the first side of the first flexible material
layer; and a second flexible material layer arranged adjacent to
the polymeric fiber matrix and coupled to the first side of the
first flexible material layer with a plurality of stitches, or with
an adhesive, or with both a plurality of stitches and an adhesive,
to form a security panel assembly.
[0029] In a representative embodiment, the at least one polymeric
fiber is a multifilament fiber, cable, thread or yarn. In various
embodiments, the multifilament fiber, cable, thread or yarn
comprises at least one polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or
yarn and either or both at least one carbon fiber or at least one
metallic wire, fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn. In a
representative embodiment, the at least one polymeric fiber,
filament, cable, thread or yarn comprises at least one material
selected from the group consisting of: aramid; liquid crystal
polymer; polyethylene; ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
("UHMWPE") having a molecular mass between 3.5 and 7.5 million
Daltons; high-modulus polyethylene ("HMPE"); High Performance
Polyethylene ("HPPE"); glass; nylon; polyester; and combinations
thereof.
[0030] In various embodiments, the polymeric fiber matrix is
comprised of a plurality of knitted or woven fibers, filaments,
cables, threads, or yarns to form the second flexible fabric or
webbing. In various embodiments, the polymeric fiber matrix
comprises a mesh or netting having a plurality of bonded or coupled
polymeric fiber intersections or crossings. In various embodiments,
the polymeric fiber matrix comprises a plurality of polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns arranged in a crossing
or quilting pattern on a first side of a first flexible material
layer and extending on a second side of the first flexible material
layer or an intervening flexible material layer. In various
embodiments, the at least one polymeric fiber is a monofilament
fiber, cable, or thread.
[0031] In a representative embodiment, the second flexible fabric
or webbing is coupled to the first flexible fabric or webbing with
a plurality of stitches, or with an adhesive, or with both a
plurality of stitches and an adhesive.
[0032] In a representative embodiment, the first flexible fabric or
webbing is tubular and further comprises a lumen, and wherein the
second flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the lumen.
[0033] in another representative embodiment, the first flexible
fabric or webbing has first and second lateral folds, and wherein
the second flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first
and second lateral folds.
[0034] In a representative embodiment, the carrying strap may
further comprise: a third flexible fabric or webbing coupled over
the first and second lateral folds of the first flexible fabric or
webbing to enclose the second flexible fabric or webbing between
the first flexible fabric or webbing and the third flexible fabric
or webbing. In such a representative embodiment, the first flexible
fabric or webbing further may have first and second central folds
over the second flexible fabric or webbing.
[0035] in a representative embodiment, the carrying strap may
further comprise: a third flexible fabric or webbing arranged in
between the second flexible fabric or webbing and the first and
second central folds of the first flexible fabric or webbing to
enclose the second flexible fabric or webbing between the first
flexible fabric or webbing and the third flexible fabric or
webbing.
[0036] In a representative embodiment, the carrying strap may
further comprise: a plurality of cut-resistant monofilament polymer
fibers arranged within the first and second lateral folds.
[0037] In various embodiments, the first flexible fabric or webbing
has a first lateral fold on a first lateral side, wherein the
second flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first
lateral fold; and wherein the carrying strap further comprises: a
third flexible binding coupled over the first flexible fabric or
webbing on a second lateral side to enclose the second flexible
fabric or webbing between the first flexible fabric or webbing and
the third flexible binding.
[0038] In another representative embodiment, the first flexible
fabric or webbing has a first lateral fold on a first lateral side
to form two layers of the first flexible fabric or webbing, wherein
the second flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first
lateral fold and wherein a plurality of stitches couple the two
layers of the folded first flexible fabric or webbing on the second
lateral side. In such a representative embodiment, each of the two
layers of the folded first flexible fabric or webbing may have a
lateral fold on the second lateral side, wherein a plurality of
stitches couple the lateral folds of the two layers of the folded
first flexible fabric or webbing on the second lateral side.
[0039] In another representative embodiment, the second flexible
fabric or webbing has a form factor of a plurality of flexible
bindings, a first flexible binding of the plurality of flexible
bindings coupled over the first flexible fabric or webbing on a
first lateral side and a second flexible binding of the plurality
of flexible bindings coupled over the first flexible fabric or
webbing on a second lateral side.
[0040] In another representative embodiment, the second flexible
fabric or webbing has a first side and a second side and first and
second lateral edges, the first flexible fabric or webbing is
arranged on the first side of the second flexible fabric or
webbing; and wherein the carrying strap may further comprise: a
third flexible fabric or webbing arranged on the second side of the
second flexible fabric or webbing and coupled to the first flexible
fabric or webbing laterally to the first and second lateral edges
of the second flexible fabric or webbing.
[0041] In another representative embodiment, the second flexible
fabric or webbing has a first side and a second side and first and
second lateral edges, the first flexible fabric or webbing is
arranged on the first side of the second flexible fabric or
webbing; and wherein the carrying strap may further comprise: a
third flexible fabric or webbing arranged on the second side of the
second flexible fabric or webbing; a first flexible binding of a
plurality of flexible bindings coupled over the first and third
flexible fabrics or webbings on a first lateral side; and a second
flexible binding of the plurality of flexible bindings coupled over
the first and third flexible fabrics or webbings on a second
lateral side.
[0042] in another representative embodiment, the first flexible
fabric or webbing has a first lateral fold on a first lateral side;
and wherein the carrying strap may further comprise: a third
flexible fabric or webbing offset laterally from the first flexible
fabric or webbing, the third flexible fabric or webbing having a
second lateral fold on a second lateral side; wherein the second
flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first lateral
fold and the second lateral fold. In such a representative
embodiment, the first flexible fabric or webbing may have a first
lateral region and a second lateral region, the third flexible
fabric or webbing may have a first lateral region and a second
lateral region, wherein the first lateral regions of the first and
third flexible fabrics or webbings are coupled to a first side of
the second flexible fabric or webbing and the second lateral
regions of the first and third flexible fabrics or webbings are
coupled to a second side of the second flexible fabric or webbing
to enclose the second flexible fabric or webbing between the first
flexible fabric or webbing and the third flexible fabric or
webbing.
[0043] In another representative embodiment, the second flexible
fabric or webbing has first and second lateral folds, and wherein
the first flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first
and second lateral folds. In such a representative embodiment, the
second flexible fabric or webbing further may have first and second
central folds over the first flexible fabric or webbing.
[0044] In another representative embodiment, the first flexible
fabric or webbing has first and second lateral folds, wherein the
second flexible fabric or webbing has first and second lateral
folds and is arranged within the first and second lateral folds of
the first flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein the carrying
strap may further comprise: a plurality of cut-resistant
monofilament polymer fibers arranged within the first and second
lateral folds of the second flexible fabric or webbing. In such a
representative embodiment, the first flexible fabric or webbing
further may have first and second central folds over the second
flexible fabric or webbing.
[0045] In another representative embodiment, the first flexible
fabric or webbing has first and second lateral folds, wherein the
second flexible fabric or webbing has first and second lateral
folds and is arranged within the first and second lateral folds of
the first flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein the carrying
strap may further comprise: a third flexible fabric or webbing
coupled to the folded first flexible fabric or webbing on a first
side; and at least one cut-resistant monofilament polymer fiber
arranged centrally between the first side of the folded first
flexible fabric or webbing and the third flexible fabric or
webbing.
[0046] In various embodiments, the first flexible fabric or webbing
has first, second and third lateral folds to form a first bottom
layer, a second top layer, a third intermediate layer and a fourth
intermediate layer, wherein the second flexible fabric or webbing
is arranged within the first and second lateral folds of the first
flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein the carrying strap may
further comprise: at least one cut-resistant monofilament polymer
fiber arranged centrally between the third and fourth intermediate
layers of the first flexible fabric or webbing.
[0047] In another representative embodiment, the first flexible
fabric or webbing has first, second and third lateral folds to form
a first bottom layer, a second top layer, a third intermediate
layer and a fourth intermediate layer, wherein the second flexible
fabric or webbing is arranged within the third lateral fold of the
first flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein the carrying strap
may further comprise: at least one cut-resistant monofilament
polymer fiber arranged centrally between the third and fourth
intermediate layers of the first flexible fabric or webbing.
[0048] In various embodiments, the first flexible fabric or webbing
has first, second and third lateral folds to form a first bottom
layer, a second top layer, a third intermediate layer and a fourth
intermediate layer, wherein the second flexible fabric or webbing
is arranged within the first, second and third lateral folds of the
first flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein the carrying strap
may further comprise: at least one cut-resistant monofilament
polymer fiber arranged centrally between the third and fourth
intermediate layers of the first flexible fabric or webbing.
[0049] In a representative embodiment, the carrying strap may
comprise: a first flexible fabric or webbing; and a cut-resistant
polymeric fiber matrix extending longitudinally along or within the
first flexible fabric or webbing, the polymeric fiber matrix
comprising at least one polymeric fiber arranged as a plurality of
polymeric fiber intersections, each fiber intersection comprising
at least two sections of the at least one polymeric fiber abutting
each other, the at least one polymeric fiber comprising at least
one polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn; wherein the
first flexible fabric or webbing and cut-resistant polymeric fiber
matrix collectively have a cut-resistance level to withstand an
applied cutting force up to 3,000 grams applied over 20 mm
laterally across the carrying strap.
[0050] In such a representative embodiment, the polymeric fiber
matrix may be woven or braided into the first flexible fabric or
webbing. In another representative embodiment, the polymeric fiber
matrix comprises a plurality of warp cut-resistant polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns.
[0051] In a representative embodiment, the carrying strap may
comprise: a first flexible fabric or webbing; and a security panel
assembly coupled to the first flexible fabric or webbing, the
security panel assembly comprising: a first flexible material layer
having a first side and a plurality of edges; and a polymeric fiber
matrix arranged on the first side of the first flexible material
layer, the polymeric fiber matrix comprising at least one polymeric
fiber arranged as a plurality of polymeric fiber intersections or
crossings, each fiber intersection or crossing comprising at least
two sections of the at least one polymeric fiber abutting each
other, the at least one polymeric fiber comprising at least one
polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn; a second flexible
material layer arranged adjacent to the polymeric fiber matrix and
coupled to the first side of the first flexible material layer with
a plurality of stitches, or with an adhesive, or with both a
plurality of stitches and an adhesive.
[0052] Numerous other advantages and features of the present
invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the
claims and from the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0053] The objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be more readily appreciated upon reference to the
following disclosure when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to
identify identical components in the various views, and wherein
reference numerals with alphabetic characters and/or numeric
subscripts are utilized to identify parts or subparts of a
component or additional types, instantiations or variations of a
selected component embodiment in the various views, as further
indicated by textual context, in which:
[0054] Figure (or "FIG.") 1 is an isometric view of a typical purse
or shoulder bag incorporating various features of a representative
carrying bag embodiment.
[0055] Figure (or "FIG.") 2 is an isometric, partial cut-away view
of the typical purse or shoulder bag of FIG. 1 showing the
placement of a security panel assembly within or as part of the
exterior bag.
[0056] Figure (or "FIG.") 3 is an isometric view illustrating an
expandable gusset formed using a plurality of representative
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber-based embodiments of
security panel assemblies.
[0057] Figure (or "FIG.") 4 is an isometric view illustrating a
monofilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber used in
various embodiments of a security panel assembly and/or a carrying
strap.
[0058] Figure (or "FIG.") 5 is an isometric view illustrating a
first, woven type of multifilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn
or fiber used in various embodiments of a security panel assembly
and/or a carrying strap.
[0059] Figure (or "FIG.") 6 is an isometric view illustrating a
second, braided type of multifilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant
yarn or fiber used in various embodiments of a security panel
assembly and/or a carrying strap.
[0060] Figure (or "FIG.") 7 is an isometric view illustrating a
placement of a first flexible material (or material layer) on a
first mounting board.
[0061] Figure (or "FIG.") 8 is an isometric view illustrating a
placement of a first flexible material (or material layer) on a
second mounting board.
[0062] Figure (or "FIG.") 9 is an isometric view illustrating a
representative routing of a nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or
fiber on a first flexible material (or material layer) for a first
or second embodiment of a security panel assembly.
[0063] Figure (or "FIG.") 10 is an isometric view illustrating a
representative completed routing of a nonmetallic, cut-resistant
yarn or fiber on a first flexible material (or material layer) for
a first or second embodiment of a security panel assembly.
[0064] Figure (or "FIG.") 11 is a plan view illustrating another
representative completed routing of a nonmetallic, cut-resistant
yarn or fiber on a first flexible material (or material layer) for
a first or second embodiment of a security panel assembly.
[0065] Figure (or "FIG.") 12 is an isometric view illustrating
placement of an optional second flexible material (or material
layer) over a nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber routed on a
first flexible material (or material layer) for a second embodiment
of a security panel assembly.
[0066] Figure (or "FIG.") 13 is an isometric view illustrating a
second embodiment of a security panel assembly.
[0067] Figure (or "FIG.") 14 is cross-sectional view (through the
A-A' plane) of the second embodiment of a security panel assembly
of FIG. 13.
[0068] Figure (or "FIG.") 15 is a plan view illustrating a third
embodiment of a security panel assembly.
[0069] Figure (or "FIG.") 16 is cross-sectional view (through the
B-B' plane of the bag illustrated in FIG. 1) of a seam coupling two
second embodiments of a security panel assembly.
[0070] Figure (or "FIG.") 17 is plan view of a seam coupling two
second embodiments of a security panel assembly.
[0071] Figure (or "FIG.") 18 is an isometric view illustrating
placement of a nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber mesh or
netting on a first flexible material (or material layer) for a
fourth embodiment of a security panel assembly.
[0072] Figure (or "FIG.") 19 is an isometric view illustrating the
fourth embodiment of a security panel assembly having a
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber mesh or netting on a first
flexible material (or material layer).
[0073] Figure (or "FIG.") 20 is an isometric view illustrating a
fifth, quilted embodiment of a security panel assembly.
[0074] Figure (or "FIG.") 21 is a cross-sectional view (through the
C-C' plane) of the fifth, quilted embodiment of a security panel
assembly illustrated in FIG. 20.
[0075] Figure (or "FIG.") 22 is an isometric view illustrating a
sixth embodiment of a security panel assembly formed from knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0076] Figure (or "FIG.") 23 is a plan view illustrating seam
locations for a sixth embodiment of a security panel assembly
formed from knit, woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns
or fibers.
[0077] Figure (or "FIG.") 24 is a plan view illustrating a sixth
embodiment of a security panel assembly formed having tabs used in
forming seams.
[0078] Figures (or "FIGS.") 25-30 are plan views illustrating a
seventh embodiment of a security panel assembly formed from a first
flexible material (or material layer) having knit, woven, or spun
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers which is coupled to one
or more second flexible materials (or material layers).
[0079] Figures (or "FIGS.") 31-33 are plan views illustrating an
eighth embodiment of a security panel assembly formed from a
plurality of first flexible materials (or material layers) having
knit, woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers
which are coupled to a second flexible material (or material
layer).
[0080] Figures (or "FIGS.") 34 and 35 are plan views illustrating a
ninth embodiment of a security panel assembly formed from
selectively coating a first flexible material (or material layer)
with a nonmetallic, cut-resistant polymer or resin.
[0081] Figures (or "FIGS.") 36 and 37 are isometric views
illustrating a security panel assembly having knit, woven, or spun
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers arranged to span
multiple panels or sections of a carrying bag.
[0082] Figure (or "FIG.") 38 is an isometric view illustrating a
first embodiment of a carrying strap formed from knit, woven, or
spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0083] Figure (or "FIG.") 39 is a cross-sectional view (through the
D-D' plane) of the first embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated
in FIG. 38.
[0084] Figure (or "FIG.") 40 is an isometric view illustrating a
second embodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0085] Figure (or "FIG.") 41 is a cross-sectional view (through the
E-E' plane) of the second embodiment of a carrying strap
illustrated in FIG. 40.
[0086] Figure (or "FIG.") 42 is an isometric view illustrating a
third embodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0087] Figure (or "FIG.") 43 is a cross-sectional view (through the
F-F' plane) of the third embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated
in FIG. 42.
[0088] Figure (or "FIG.") 44 is an isometric view illustrating a
fourth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0089] Figure (or "FIG.") 45 is a cross-sectional view (through the
G-G' plane) of the fourth embodiment of a carrying strap
illustrated in FIG. 44.
[0090] Figure (or "FIG.") 46 is an isometric view illustrating a
fifth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0091] Figure (or "FIG.") 47 is a cross-sectional view (through the
H-H' plane) of the fifth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated
in FIG. 46.
[0092] Figure (or "FIG.") 48 is an isometric view illustrating a
sixth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0093] Figure (or "FIG.") 49 is a cross-sectional view (through the
J-J' plane) of the sixth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated
in FIG. 48.
[0094] Figure (or "FIG.") 50 is an isometric view illustrating a
seventh embodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0095] Figure (or "FIG.") 51 is a cross-sectional view (through the
K-K' plane) of the seventh embodiment of a carrying strap
illustrated in FIG. 50.
[0096] Figure (or "FIG.") 52 is an isometric view illustrating an
eighth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0097] Figure (or "FIG.") 53 is a cross-sectional view (through the
L-L' plane) of the eighth embodiment of a carrying strap
illustrated in FIG. 52.
[0098] Figure (or "FIG.") 54 is an isometric view illustrating a
ninth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0099] Figure (or "FIG.") 55 is a cross-sectional view (through the
M-M' plane) of the ninth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated
in FIG. 54.
[0100] Figure (or "FIG.") 56 is an isometric view illustrating a
tenth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0101] Figure (or "FIG.") 57 is a cross-sectional view (through the
N-N' plane) of the tenth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated
in FIG. 56.
[0102] Figure (or "FIG.") 58 is an isometric view illustrating an
eleventh embodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0103] Figure (or "FIG.") 59 is a cross-sectional view (through the
P-P' plane) of the eleventh embodiment of a carrying strap
illustrated in FIG. 58.
[0104] Figure (or "FIG.") 60 is an isometric view illustrating a
twelfth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0105] Figure (or "FIG.") 61 is a cross-sectional view (through the
Q-Q' plane) of the twelfth embodiment of a carrying strap
illustrated in FIG. 60.
[0106] Figure (or "FIG.") 62 is an isometric view illustrating a
thirteenth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0107] Figure (or "FIG.") 63 is a cross-sectional view (through the
R-R' plane) of the thirteenth embodiment of a carrying strap
illustrated in FIG. 62.
[0108] Figure (or "FIG.") 64 is an isometric view illustrating a
fourteenth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0109] Figure (or "FIG.") 65 is a cross-sectional view (through the
S-S' plane) of the fourteenth embodiment of a carrying strap
illustrated in FIG. 64.
[0110] Figure (or "FIG.") 66 is an isometric view illustrating a
fifteenth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarns or fibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0111] Figure (or "FIG.") 67 is a cross-sectional view (through the
T-T' plane) of the fifteenth embodiment of a carrying strap
illustrated in FIG. 66.
[0112] Figure (or "FIG.") 68 is an isometric view illustrating a
sixteenth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarns or fibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0113] Figure (or "FIG.") 69 is a cross-sectional view (through the
U-U' plane) of the sixteenth embodiment of a carrying strap
illustrated in FIG. 68.
[0114] Figure (or "FIG.") 70 is an isometric view illustrating a
seventeenth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarns or fibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0115] Figure (or "FIG.") 71 is a cross-sectional view (through the
V-V' plane) of the seventeenth embodiment of a carrying strap
illustrated in FIG. 70.
[0116] Figure (or "FIG.") 72 is an isometric view illustrating an
eighteenth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarns or fibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0117] Figure (or "FIG.") 73 is a cross-sectional view (through the
W-W' plane) of the eighteenth embodiment of a carrying strap
illustrated in FIG. 72.
[0118] Figure (or "FIG.") 74 is an isometric view illustrating a
nineteenth embodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit,
woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.
[0119] Figure (or "FIG.") 75 is a cross-sectional view (through the
X-X' plane) of the nineteenth embodiment of a carrying strap
illustrated in FIG. 74.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0120] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be
described herein in detail specific exemplary embodiments thereof,
with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be
considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention
and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific
embodiments illustrated. In this respect, before explaining at
least one embodiment consistent with the present invention in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and to the
arrangements of components set forth above and below, illustrated
in the drawings, or as described in the examples. Methods and
apparatuses consistent with the present invention are capable of
other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract included
below, are for the purposes of description and should not be
regarded as limiting.
[0121] Reference is made to the following patent applications and
issued patents, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference with the same full force and effect as if set
forth in their entirety herein (individually and collectively
referred to as the "related applications"): U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/879,194; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/879,149;
U.S. Pat. No. 9,655,424; 9,486,047; U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/484,472; U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,181; 9,854,890; 9,854,883; U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/641,173; U.S. Pat. No. 9,675,153;
and 9,681,716.
[0122] Various embodiments of security panel assemblies 100A-100J
are illustrated in the various Figures and discussed below and, as
a result, any reference herein to a security panel assembly 100
shall be understood to mean and include any and all of the various
security panel assembly and subassembly embodiments disclosed
herein, including without limitation security panel assemblies
100A-100J. Various embodiments of carrying straps 20A-20T are
illustrated in the various Figures and discussed below and, as a
result, any reference herein to a carrying strap 20 shall be
understood to mean and include any and all of the various carrying
strap embodiments disclosed herein, including without limitation
carrying straps 20A-20T illustrated and discussed below with
reference to FIGS. 38-75.
[0123] While various first, second, third, etc. material layers,
fabrics, webbings, etc., are illustrated and discussed herein, it
should also be noted that the usage of first, second, third, etc.
in the claims may differ and may not track the usage in describing
the Figures, e.g., depending upon and due to the ordering of the
claim elements. For example, the claims may refer to a first fabric
or webbing because it is listed as a first claim element, while the
detailed description may refer to it as a second fabric or webbing,
and vice-versa, particularly as the various embodiments may refer
to the same feature or element which is utilized in different
structures of the different embodiments. For example, the detailed
description may refer to a first webbing material 210 which does
not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 and to a second fabric or
webbing material 284 which does include a polymeric fiber matrix
125, while due to the ordering of claim elements, the claims may
refer to a first fabric or webbing material which does include a
polymeric fiber matrix and a second fabric or webbing material
which does not include a polymeric fiber matrix.
[0124] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a typical purse or shoulder
bag 50 incorporating various features of a representative carrying
bag 50 embodiment. FIG. 2 is an isometric cut-away view of the
typical purse or shoulder bag 50 of FIG. 1 showing the placement of
a security panel assembly 100 within the exterior of the bag 50 or
formed as part of the exterior material 40. FIG. 3 is an isometric
view illustrating an expandable gusset 70 formed using a plurality
of representative nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber-based
embodiments of security panel assemblies 100. Such one or more
security panel assemblies 100 are typically arranged along or as
part of the various panels forming the representative carrying bag
50 embodiment, such as along or as part of a front panel 35, a side
panel 45, a bottom panel 55, for example and without limitation. In
a representative embodiment, the one or more security panel
assemblies 100 are typically sewn, adhered, or otherwise coupled or
attached into one or more seams 60 which couple the various panels
together to form the representative carrying bag 50 embodiment. In
other representative embodiment, the one or more security panel
assemblies 100 are typically sewn, adhered, or otherwise coupled or
attached into or form part of the various panels which are then
coupled to form the representative carrying bag 50 embodiment.
[0125] As discussed in the related applications, in addition to
incorporating one or more security panel assemblies 100 and a
cut-resistant strap 20, the representative carrying bag 50
embodiment generally or optionally includes other security
features, such as locking zipper pulls 25 (for a zippered opening
22 to provide access to the interior 24 of the bag 50) and locking
snap hooks 30 coupling the strap 20 to the carrying bag 50. Such a
representative carrying bag 50 embodiment may have any selected or
desired form or style, including as shown at
https://www.travelonbags.com/anti-theft, such as a purse, a
backpack, a briefcase, a laptop or tablet case, a weekender bag, a
crossbody bag, etc., also for example and without limitation.
[0126] The various Figures illustrate nonmetallic, fiber-based
security panel assemblies 100 and nonmetallic, fiber-based carrying
straps 20. Instead of utilizing a metallic wire or cable to form a
wire matrix, for these representative security panel assemblies 100
and carrying straps 20, a non-metallic, substantially cut-resistant
polymer-based fiber, thread or yarn (individually and collectively
referred to as a "fiber") 110 is utilized, such as a Kevlar.RTM.
aramid fiber, thread or yarn available from DuPont of Wilmington,
Del. US, or a Vectran.RTM. liquid crystal polymer multifilament
fiber, thread or yarn available from Kuraray America Inc. of
Houston, Tex. US, or any of the various other non-metallic,
substantially cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns
described below or as otherwise known in the art, including ultra
high molecular weight polyethylene ("UHMWPE"), high-modulus
polyethylene ("HMPE"), High Performance Polyethylene ("HPPE"), for
example and without limitation. In addition, a security panel
assembly 100 also may include a substantially cut-resistant fabric
comprising a plurality of interwoven, spun, blown, or otherwise
embedded or linked, substantially cut-resistant polymer-based
fibers, threads or yarns 110. The various security panel assemblies
may also include spaced-apart fibers 110 forming a polymeric fiber
matrix 125 (illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, for example), and may be
interwoven with other types of threads, yarns or fibers, as
discussed in greater detail below.
[0127] FIG. 4 is an isometric view illustrating a monofilament
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 114 used in various
embodiments of a security panel assembly 100 and/or a carrying
strap 20. Such a monofilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or
fiber 114 is formed as a comparatively thick or larger diameter
cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns 110, for
example and without limitation.
[0128] FIG. 5 is an isometric view illustrating a first, woven type
of multifilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 112 used
in various embodiments of a security panel assembly 100 and/or a
carrying strap 20. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a representative
multifilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 112 is
comprised of a plurality of cut-resistant polymer-based fibers,
threads or yarns 110 which are woven together, optionally around a
core or cording 118. Such a core or cording 118 may be comprised of
any suitable material, such as any type of polymer, and may or may
not itself be comprised of one or more cut-resistant polymer-based
fibers, threads or yarns 110, for example and without
limitation.
[0129] FIG. 6 is an isometric view illustrating a second, braided
type of multifilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 116
used in various embodiments of a security panel assembly 100 and/or
a carrying strap 20. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a representative
multifilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 116 is
comprised of a plurality of cut-resistant polymer-based fibers,
threads or yarns 110 which are braided together. Any type of
weaving, braiding, spinning, blowing, etc. method may be utilized
to form any of the various multifilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant
yarn or fiber 112, 116, and any and all such variations are within
the scope of the disclosure.
[0130] It should be noted that any reference to cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116 should be understood to mean and include any one or
more of the cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,
threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, rather than all of the
various nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers 110, 112, 114,
and 116. The various Figures also illustrate the use of various
fabrics, webbings, or other flexible materials, which may or may
not include cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,
threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. As used herein, "fabric"
and/or "webbing" should be understood to mean and include any type
of woven or nonwoven flexible material, such as a flexible material
formed from weaving, braiding, spinning, blowing, etc. of any type
of natural or synthetic thread, yarn, or fiber, including any type
of natural or synthetic leather, suede, or sponge, for example and
without limitation, and any and all such variations are within the
scope of the disclosure.
[0131] In addition, this polymeric fiber matrix 125 may also be
included or embedded in the webbing utilized to form a
substantially cut-resistant carry strap. For such embodiments, the
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 is or are typically woven with the
other fiber material comprising the webbing during manufacture.
Also for such embodiments, an additional cut-resistant metallic
cable may not be required to provide the desired level of
security.
[0132] Combinations of different types of material may also be
utilized to form the various fibers 110. For example and without
limitation, a cut-resistant fiber 110 may be combined with metallic
or carbon fibers or threads, or elastic or rubber fibers or
threads, in any of various combinations, such as a combination of
steel and polymer.
[0133] Any type of weaving, braiding or knitting may be utilized,
and as illustrated in the various Figures, to form a security panel
assembly, a carrying strap, or a fiber 110. For example, a security
panel assembly may include a substantially cut-resistant, knitted
fabric comprising a plurality of abutting, knitted and
substantially cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns
110.
[0134] The various fibers 110 for the representative security panel
assemblies and carrying straps may be spaced-apart or abutting, and
may be interwoven with other types of threads, yarns or fibers
(including metallic fibers, wires, yarns or threads), creating a
substantially cut-resistant fabric or mesh having any type of
finish or weave to create any desired flexibility, stretchability,
texture, or other property of a fabric, for example and without
limitation.
[0135] In addition to the various substantially cut-resistant
polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns discussed above, the
substantially cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns
110 forming representative security panel assemblies and carrying
straps, may be comprised of a wide variety of materials and
compounds, including for example and without limitation:
polyethylene fibers, threads or yarns, such as ultra high molecular
weight polyethylene ("UHMWPE", e.g., a thermoplastic polyethylene
having a molecular mass between about 3.5 and 7.5 million atomic
mass units (Daltons), high-modulus polyethylene ("HMPE"), High
Performance Polyethylene ("HPPE"); glass fibers, threads or yarns;
nylon fibers, threads or yarns; Cuben Fiber (a laminated fabric
constructed from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
fiber monofilaments and polyester, PVF etc. films) ("CTF3"). The
resulting security panel assemblies 100 and carrying straps 20, and
cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns 110, may have
any desired level of cut-resistance or other properties to meet any
applicable standard, such as the American National Standards
Institute ("ANSI") cut level A1-A9 standards or the EN388 standard,
for various properties such as blade cut-resistance, abrasion
resistance, tear resistance, and puncture resistance.
[0136] For example and without limitation, in a representative
embodiment, the representative security panel assemblies and
carrying straps, may have the following specification: ISO
13997:1999 Blade Cut Resistance Level 5==31.5 Newton; ANSI/ISEA
2016 Blade Cut Resistance Level A5/A6=3007 grams/force (2200 grams
minimum); EN 388:2003 Tear Strength Level 4=518.2 Newton; EN
388:2003 Abrasion Resistance Level 4=more than 8,000 cycles, and EN
388:2003 Puncture Resistance Level 4=271.6 Newton. Various
substantially cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns
are available commercially, including Dyneema.RTM. (and Cubic Tech)
from Royal DSM N.V., The Netherlands and Stanley, N.C., U.S.;
Cut-Tex.RTM. PRO from PPSS Group, United Kingdom; and Spectra.RTM.
by Honeywell, Colonial Heights, Va., U.S. The security panel
assembly also may have any selected coating, such as a rubber or
polymer coating, for example and without limitation. In the various
illustrated embodiments, such nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or
fibers 110 may appear as yellow in color, and in some embodiments,
is also referred to as "fishing" lines or cut-resistant material
("CRM") filaments.
[0137] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, "cut-resistant"
for a security panel assembly 100 or fabric 200 means and includes
a capability to meet or exceed (equal or be greater than) the
American National Standards :Institute ("ANSI") ANSI/ISEA 105
(2016) cut level A2 within a predetermined distance interval of at
least 5 cm, i.e., to provide resistance to cutting by a moving
blade having an applied force up to 500 grams as the blade is moved
or attempted to be moved over or across a distance of 5 cm or more
within 10 seconds. For example, a security panel assembly 100 may
be initially punctured by a blade in areas of the security panel
assembly 100 in which there is no cut-resistant polymer-based
fiber, thread or yarn 110, but as the blade is moved, within 5 cm
of the point of puncture, the blade will encounter a resistance to
cutting which meets or exceeds ANSI/ISEA 105 (2016) cut level A2.
Continuing with the example, in a representative embodiment, the
movement of such a cuffing blade applied force up to 500 grams
generally will be stopped within such a 5 cm interval. A material
which is not considered particularly "cut-resistant", such as a
cotton fabric of a T-shirt for example, is capable of being cut by
a moving blade having an applied force less than 500 grams as the
blade is moved or attempted to be moved over or across a distance
of 5 cm or more.
[0138] For a carrying strap 20 to provide an anti-theft feature, it
need only provide resistance to cutting laterally across the strap
20, such that the strap 20 is not cut into two or more separate
pieces, which would enable it to be detached from the wearer's
shoulder or from a chair, for example. As used herein, unless
otherwise specified, "cut-resistant" for a carrying strap 20 means
and includes a capability to meet or exceed (equal or be greater
than) the American National Standards Institute ("ANSI") ANSI/ISEA
105 (2016) cut level A2 within a predetermined distance interval of
at least 5 cm laterally across the carrying strap 20, i.e., to
provide resistance to cutting by a moving blade having an applied
force up to 500 grams as the blade is moved or attempted to be
moved laterally (Le., perpendicular to its length or longitudinal
dimension) across the carrying strap 20 over or across a distance
of 5 cm or more within 10 seconds.
[0139] For example and without limitation, representative
embodiments of the security panel assembly 100 and carrying straps
20 meet or exceed ANSI/ISEA 105 (2016) cut level A4 or A5, for
example and without limitation, withstanding an applied force up to
1,500 grams or 2,200 grams respectively as the blade is moved or
attempted to be moved over or across a distance of 20 mm. For
example and without limitation, representative embodiments of the
security panel assembly 100 and carrying straps 20 meet or exceed
ANSI/ISEA 105 (2016) cut level A6, for example and without
limitation, withstanding an applied force up to 3,000 grams as the
blade is moved or attempted to be moved over or across a distance
of 20 mm.
[0140] The various cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or
yarns 110 utilized to form the representative security panel
assemblies and carrying straps and/or to form any of the protected
seams, may comprise a single strand or multiple strands, with any
selected thread count, which in turn may be twisted or braided, for
example and without limitation, such as "super braid", "extreme
braid", polyethylene-based filament lines such as braided lines of
Dyneema.RTM. and Spectra.RTM., fishing lines, and which also may be
coated, such as to have a slippery coating or film, such as a
silicone, plastic, other polymer, or wax coating, also for example
and without limitation.
[0141] The security panel assembly 100 may be configured to have
any desired shape or size, such as rectangular, square, circular,
trapezoidal, cuboid, rhomboidal, a parallelepiped, ovoid or
ellipsoid, or any and all other shapes and sizes, for example and
without limitation.
[0142] The substantially cut-resistant polymer-based fibers,
threads or yarns 110 may be comprised of any nonmetallic wire,
cable, fiber, thread or yarn, twisted or untwisted, braided or
unbraided, coated or uncoated, and any and all combinations of
metallic and nonmetallic wires, cables, fibers, threads or yarns.
For example and without limitation, substantially cut-resistant
polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns 110 may be combined with or
further comprised of one or more metallic (e.g., steel, titanium)
or polymeric fibers, wires, threads or yarns, or various
combinations of different materials, including any and all of the
various polymeric fibers, threads or yarns 110 discussed above, and
as may be combined in any of various ways, such as with metallic or
carbon fibers or threads, metal alloys, or elastic or rubber fibers
or threads, in any of various combinations, such as a combinations
of steel and polymer. In a representative embodiment, the
substantially cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns
110 are selected for a combination of flexibility and
cut-resistance, not just tensile strength, and may have any of
various compositions which may include multiple metallic or
nonmetallic wires, cables, fibers, threads or yarns, including
steel wires, cables, fibers, threads or yarns, such as configured
as twisted or untwisted 1.times.3, 1.times.7, 1.times.19,
3.times.7, 7.times.7, 7.times.19, 7.times.37, etc., wires, cables,
fibers, threads or yarns, for example and without limitation.
[0143] For example and without limitation, forming a polymeric
fiber, thread or yarn 110 are a plurality of high modulus
polyethylene fibers such as UHMWPE or HPPE, with a center core, and
a plurality of strands (or roots) of it braided together around the
core, such as eight fibers around the core, typically formed using
a cable knitting machine or another twisting mechanism for the
braid. The amount of UHMWPE or HPPE in any of the polymeric fibers,
threads or yarns 110 may be varied as may be necessary or desirable
to meet any selected specification, and a representative embodiment
utilizes 100% UHMWPE, for example and without limitation.
Specialized cutters, as known in the art, are utilized to cut the
polymeric fibers, threads or yarns 110 or polymeric fiber matrix
125 to the desired length or size.
[0144] Additional wire cables or fibers may also be included in any
of the various straps, and polymeric fibers, threads or yarns 110
may be substituted for any specification of one or more wire cables
in any of the various straps, and vice-versa.
[0145] Those having skill in the art will recognize that additional
variations of the structure of representative security panel
assemblies and carrying straps are available, and all such
variations are considered equivalent and within the scope of the
disclosure, as disclosed in the patent applications described above
and incorporated herein by reference.
[0146] FIG. 7 is an isometric view illustrating a placement of a
first flexible material (or material layer) 406 on a first mounting
board 404. FIG. 8 is an isometric view illustrating a placement of
a first flexible material (or material layer) 406 on a second
mounting board 404A. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first flexible
material layer 406 has been placed on a mounting board or base 404
having a plurality of pegs (nails or needles) 410. The first
flexible material 406 has been placed within the area or region 414
defined by or enclosed by the pegs 410, such that none of the pegs
410 are inserted through the first material layer 406, but
peripherally surround the first material layer 406. As illustrated
in FIG. 8, the first flexible material layer 406 has been placed on
a mounting board or base 404A also having a plurality of pegs
(nails or needles) 410 but also having a plurality of pegs (nails
or needles) 412 which insert through the first material layer 406.
In addition, the mounting board or base 404A has additional pegs
410 which surround the periphery of, but do not pierce, the first
material layer 406.
[0147] FIG. 9 is an isometric view illustrating a representative
routing of a nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112,
114, or 116 on a first flexible material (or material layer) 406
for a first embodiment of a security panel assembly 100A. FIG. 10
is an isometric view illustrating a representative completed
routing of a nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112,
114, or 116 on a first flexible material (or material layer) 406 to
form a polymeric fiber matrix 125 for a first embodiment of a
security panel assembly 100A. FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating
another representative completed routing of a nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 on a first
flexible material (or material layer) 406 to form a polymeric fiber
matrix 125 for a first embodiment of a security panel assembly
100A.
[0148] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, the routing of a nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 on the first
material layer 406 forms a polymeric fiber matrix 125 for a first
embodiment of a security panel assembly 100A, in which the
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 has
a plurality of intersections (or crossings) 138. The nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 is routed over
the first material layer 406 (which also may have or be coated with
an adhesive or cement 132) around the various pegs 410 in a
predetermined pattern to form a polymeric fiber matrix 125. It
should be noted that the polymeric fiber matrix 125 spans a larger
area than the first material layer 406, resulting in portions or
loops 120 of the nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112,
114, or 116 extending beyond one or more edges 122, 124, 126,
and/or 128 of the first material layer 406. As discussed below, the
security panel assembly 100 formed this way does not require any
additional trimming of the margins (salvage portions or tabs) of
the first material layer 406. In addition, when incorporated into a
bag 50, the nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114,
or 116 may extend within and across any seams 60, providing added
security or protection.
[0149] A wide variety of predetermined patterns may be implemented
for the routing of the nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber
110, 112, 114, or 116, such as an oscillating pattern, in addition
to the patterns illustrated. In a representative embodiment, the
predetermined pattern is selected or implemented to create a
plurality of intersections (or crossings) 138, in which there are a
plurality of intersections (or crossings) 138 formed along or
spaced apart from each edge of the plurality of edges 122, 124,
126, and/or 128, together with a plurality of intersections (or
crossings) 138 within the interior of the polymeric fiber matrix
125 (i.e., the region spaced apart inwardly or closer to the
center).
[0150] In addition, as the polymeric fiber matrix 125 is formed by
a nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116
having ends 134, 136 which are not generally or sufficiently sharp
and therefore would generally not pierce portions of the bag 50,
the ends 134, 136 do not require any particular positioning or
coating within the security panel assembly 100A, and may extend
externally to the first material layer 406 (i.e., beyond the edges
122, 124, 126, and/or 128 of the first material layer 406) as
illustrated in FIG. 10 or which may be arranged on the first
material layer 406 (i.e., within the edges 122, 124, 126, and/or
128 of the first material layer 406) as illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0151] FIG. 12 is an isometric view illustrating placement of an
optional second flexible material (or material layer) 408 over a
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116
routed on a first flexible material (or material layer) for a
second embodiment of a security panel assembly 100B. FIG. 13 is an
isometric view illustrating a second embodiment of a security panel
assembly 100B. FIG. 14 is cross-sectional view (through the A-A'
plane) of the first embodiment of a security panel assembly 100B of
FIG. 13. As illustrated, an optional second material layer 408 has
been added over the polymer matrix 125, and has been stitched
through and to the polymer matrix 125 and the first material layer
406 (stitch lines 415). In the security panel assembly 100A, 100B,
the fiber matrix 125 extends to, at or over the edges 122, 124,
126, and/or 128 of the first material layer 406 and/or second
material layer 408, rather than being on spaced apart from the
edges 122, 124, 126, and/or 128 on the side closer to the center
412 of the first material layer 406. For example, the loops 120 of
the nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116
may extend over the edges 122, 124, 126, and/or 128 of the first
material layer 406, as illustrated.
[0152] The security panel assembly 100B differs from the security
panel assembly 100A only insofar as the security panel assembly
100B includes the optional second material layer 408. As the
security panel assembly 100A does not include the optional second
material layer 408, the polymeric fiber matrix 125 also may be
stitched or otherwise adhered to the first material layer 406 (such
as through stitch lines 415 or adhesive 132).
[0153] It should be noted that the first flexible material layer
406 and the optional second material layer 408 may be formed by
other components of the bag 50. For example, in a representative
embodiment, the security panel assembly 100A is coupled directly to
the exterior fabric or material 40 of the bag 50, such that the
exterior fabric or material 40 comprises or forms a second material
layer 408. The combination of the security panel assembly 100A with
the exterior fabric or material 40 then results in a security panel
assembly 100B in which the second material layer 408 comprises or
is formed by the exterior fabric or material 40, forming a security
panel assembly 100B which is integrated with or forms a panel of
the bag 50. Also for example, in a representative embodiment, the
security panel assembly 100A is coupled directly to the lining
fabric or material 42 of the bag 50, such that the lining fabric or
material 42 comprises or forms a second material layer 408. The
combination of the security panel assembly 100A with the lining
fabric or material 42 then results in a security panel assembly
100B in which the second material layer 408 comprises or is formed
by the lining fabric or material 42. Also for example, in a
representative embodiment, the first material layer 406 may be
comprised of the lining fabric or material 42 of the bag 50, and
the second material layer 408 may comprise the exterior fabric or
material 40, also forming a security panel assembly 100B which is
integrated with or forms a panel of the bag 50.
[0154] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating additional
representative nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber-based
embodiments of third security panel assembly 100C. As illustrated,
a nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116
has been routed over a first material layer 406, and is held in
place using a cross stitch or zig-zag lock stitch 422. The margins
or salvage portions 424 of the first material layer 406 are then
trimmed to form a security panel assembly 100C. No second material
layer 408 is utilized for this embodiment.
[0155] It should be noted that the polymeric fiber matrix 125
having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads
or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 can be penetrated, such as with a
sewing needle, without damaging the polymeric fiber matrix 125
having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads
or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, in contrast with metallic cables,
which can be broken or damaged when pierced. Also, the ends 134,
136 of the cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,
threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 are not sharp, also in
contrast to metallic cables, and do not require additional
protection from poking through a material layer or during
fabrication (e.g., to avoid cutting a person). Lighter weight
material layers may also be used to form the security panel
assemblies 100.
[0156] For the security panel assemblies 100, the ends of the
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming the polymer matrix 125 can be
unfinished, can be secured inward toward the center of the
respective security panel assembly 100, can be stitched or
otherwise secured into one or more seams 60 (discussed below), can
be additionally stitched into the material layer(s), or can be left
alone, such as extending out of the outer boundaries of the first
material layer 406 and/or optional second material layer 408 of the
security panel assembly 100. The edges of the security panel
assemblies 100 may be secured directly into a seam 60, and the
polymer matrix 125 does not require an offset from the seams 60 of
prior art metallic wire security panel assemblies. Additionally,
foam or other layers are not necessary to be inserted between the
security panel assemblies 100 and the material forming the exterior
40 of the carrying bag 50. Any adhesive within the security panel
assemblies 100 is also optional.
[0157] FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view (through the B-B'
plane of the bag 50 illustrated in FIG. 1) of a seam 60 coupling
two embodiments of a security panel assembly using stitching 61.
FIG. 17 is plan view of a seam 60 coupling two embodiments of a
security panel assembly, and shows the loops 120 extending out of
the security panel assemblies. FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate seams 60
coupling a plurality of representative nonmetallic, cut-resistant
yarn or fiber-based embodiments of security panel assemblies 100B.
For ease of explanation, the additional material layer from the
zipper 71 (of a gusset 70) is not separately illustrated in FIG.
16. If a security panel assembly 100A, 100C, 100D is utilized
instead, the optional second material layer 408 would not be
included in the seam 60. A highly novel feature of the
representative embodiments using security panel assemblies 100 is
that each security panel assembly 100 spans the seam 60 and is not
offset from the seam 60. Stated another way, the seam 60 is formed
by stitching through the polymeric fiber matrices 125 of the one or
more security panel assemblies 100 which are being joined. This is
a sharp contrast with the prior art, which would join a security
panel assembly in a seam only through the margins or salvage
portions 424, and provides additional and significant anti-theft
protection of the entire carrying bag, including the seam
regions.
[0158] FIG. 18 is an isometric view illustrating placement of a
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 mesh
or netting 150 on a first flexible material (or material layer) 406
for a fourth embodiment of a security panel assembly 100D. FIG. 19
is an isometric view illustrating the fourth embodiment of a
security panel assembly 100D having a nonmetallic, cut-resistant
yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 mesh or netting 150 on a first
flexible material (or material layer) 406. For the fourth
embodiment of a security panel assembly 100D, one or more
representative cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,
threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 have been pre-fabricated
into mesh or netting 150, and the mesh or netting 150 thereby forms
a polymeric fiber matrix 125. For example, the mesh or netting 150
may be formed or otherwise pre-fabricated by arranging one or more
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 in a predetermined pattern (such as an
oscillating pattern (as illustrated) or another such pattern), and
the yarns or fibers 110, 112, 114, or 116 are then bonded or
otherwise coupled to each other at each intersection 152 of the
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, such as through a heat treatment,
welding, molding, adhesive, etc., all for example and without
limitation. Depending upon the selected predetermined pattern, each
intersection 152 may be an intersection (or crossings) 138 of yarns
or fibers 110, 112, 114, or 116 or more simply may be adjacent
yarns or fibers 110, 112, 114, or 116 which are touching without
crossing. Any and all such methods of forming the mesh or netting
150 from a plurality of yarns or fibers 110, 112, 114, or 116 are
within the scope of the disclosure. The mesh or netting 150 may be
secured to a first material layer 406 (and/or a second material
layer 408), such as through stitching 415 or an adhesive 132, to
form a security panel assembly 100D, and may be utilized as a
security panel assembly 100 or within a carrying straps 20, as
illustrated in the various Figures.
[0159] FIG. 20 is an isometric view illustrating a fifth, quilted
embodiment of a security panel assembly 100E. FIG. 21 is a
cross-sectional view (through the C-C' plane) of the fifth, quilted
embodiment of a security panel assembly 100E illustrated in FIG.
20. The security panel assembly 100E comprises a first flexible
material layer 406 and/or optional second material layer 408 which
has or have been stitched through, such as in a quilting or
crossing pattern 130, by representative cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116,
with the patterned cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 thereby forming a
polymeric fiber matrix 125. In a representative embodiment, an
optional second material layer 408 may be included, as illustrated
in FIG. 21. For example, in a representative embodiment, the
polymeric fiber matrix comprises a plurality of polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns arranged in a crossing or
quilting pattern on the first side 407 of the first flexible
material layer 406 and on either a second side 409 of the first
flexible material layer 406 or an intervening flexible material
layer 411 such as the second material layer 408 as illustrated.
Also for example, in a representative embodiment, the first
flexible material layer 406 is formed from the exterior fabric or
material 40 of the bag 50, and the quilting or crossing pattern 130
formed by the stitching of the representative cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116 forms a decorative pattern. Also for example, in a
representative embodiment, the second material layer 408, if
included, is optionally formed from the lining 42 of the bag
50.
[0160] FIG. 22 is an isometric view illustrating a sixth embodiment
of a security panel assembly 100F. A security panel assembly 100F
is formed as a cut-resistant fabric 200 comprising a plurality of
interwoven, knit, spun, blown, or otherwise routed, embedded or
linked, cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads
or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix
125, generally having a greater density of cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
than the security panel assemblies 100A-100E. For the security
panel assembly 100F as illustrated, the cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
form a polymeric fiber matrix 125, and may be interwoven, knit,
spun, or blown with other types of threads, yarns or fibers,
including metallic, carbon, and threads which are not
cut-resistant. FIG. 23 is a plan view illustrating peripheral
locations or areas 155 of the security panel assembly 100F which
are utilized within a seam 60, with the seam location for the
security panel assembly 100F indicated using dashed lines 166, for
example and without limitation. FIG. 24 is a plan view illustrating
a sixth embodiment of a security panel assembly 100F formed having
one or more tabs 160 in any of various locations around the
periphery of the fabric 200 used in forming seams 60, such that a
tab 160 is included in the seam 60 to secure the assembly 100F in a
bag 50 or bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, and again with the
seam location for the security panel assembly 100F indicated using
dashed lines 166.
[0161] FIGS. 25-30 are plan views illustrating a seventh embodiment
of a security panel assembly 100G formed from a first flexible
material (or material layer) 406 having knit, woven, or spun
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125,
such as a cut-resistant fabric 200, which is coupled to one or more
second flexible materials (or material layers) 408, which is
generally not cut-resistant and otherwise is not required to
include any polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116. The one or more second flexible materials (or material
layers) 408 may be secured to a first flexible material (or
material layer) 406 having knit, woven, or spun cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125, such as through
stitching 415 or an adhesive 132 (not separately illustrated), to
form a security panel assembly 100G. In a representative
embodiment, the one or more second flexible materials (or material
layers) 408 may be separate one or more second flexible materials
(or material layers) 408 or may be embodied as the exterior fabric
or material 40 or lining 42.
[0162] One of the difficulties associated with using a
cut-resistant fabric 200 directly within a seam 60 is that such
cut-resistant fabrics 200 may tend to be thick or bulky, and may
distort the seam 60 or render the seam 60 less precise, which may
affect the style or desirability of the bag 50. The second flexible
materials (or material layers) 408 of the security panel assembly
100G, or parts thereof, are typically less thick and/or more
pliable than a cut-resistant fabric 200. Accordingly, in a
representative security panel assembly 100G, such a cut-resistant
fabric 200, as a first flexible material (or material layer) 406
having an embedded polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116, is coupled to one or more second flexible materials
(or material layers) 408 which are not cut-resistant. In
representative embodiments, as discussed in greater detail below,
portions of the one or more second flexible materials (or material
layers) 408 (one or more seam regions 170) are inserted (with other
materials, such as the exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) into
and stitched (or adhered) within seams 60 to secure the assembly
100G in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70.
[0163] For the security panel assembly 100G, the one or more second
flexible materials (or material layers) 408 extend beyond one or
more edges 168 of the first flexible material (or material layer)
406, forming one or more seam regions 170. The one or more seam
regions 170 are inserted (at any selected or desired location
within the one or more seam regions 170, along with other
materials, such as the exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) into
and stitched (or adhered) within seams 60 to secure the assembly
100G in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70.
[0164] As illustrated in FIG. 25, the cut-resistant fabric 200 is
coupled, such as through stitching 415 or an adhesive (not
separately illustrated) to a plurality of strips of second flexible
materials (or material layers) 408A and 408B, which are illustrated
as extending laterally across the cut-resistant fabric 200 and
beyond the edges of the cut-resistant fabric 200 to form one or
more seam regions 170 having the form or shape of tabs 160A, 160B,
160C, and 160D. The tabs 160A, 160B, 160C, and 160D (as one or more
seam regions 170) are then inserted (at any selected or desired
location within the one or more seam regions 170, along with other
materials, such as the exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) into
and stitched within seams 60 to secure the assembly 100G in a bag
50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, such as along two opposite
sides or edges. For example and without limitation, tabs 160A and
160B are inserted and stitched (or adhered) into a first seam 60
and tabs 160C and 160D are inserted into a second seam 60.
[0165] As illustrated in FIG. 26, the cut-resistant fabric 200 is
coupled, such as through stitching 415 or an adhesive (not
separately illustrated) to a plurality of strips of second flexible
materials (or material layers) 408A, 408B and 408C, which are
illustrated as respectively extending laterally or longitudinally
across the cut-resistant fabric 200 and beyond the edges of the
cut-resistant fabric 200 to form one or more seam regions 170
having the form or shape of tabs 160A, 160B, 160C, 160D, 160E, and
160F. The tabs 160A, 160B, 160C, 160D, 160E, and 160F are then
inserted (at any selected or desired location within the one or
more seam regions 170, along with other materials, such as the
exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) into and stitched (or adhered)
within seams 60 to secure the assembly 100G in a bag 50, bag panel
35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, such as along four sides or edges. For
example and without limitation, tabs 160A is inserted and stitched
(or adhered) into a first seam 60, tabs 160B and 160D are inserted
and stitched (or adhered) into a second seam 60, tabs 160D is
inserted and stitched (or adhered) into a third seam 60, and tabs
160E and 160F are inserted and stitched (or adhered) into a fourth
seam 60.
[0166] As illustrated in FIG. 27, the cut-resistant fabric 200 is
coupled, such as through stitching 415 or an adhesive (not
separately illustrated) to a second flexible material (or material
layer) 408, which is illustrated as extending laterally and
longitudinally across the cut-resistant fabric 200 and beyond the
edges of the cut-resistant fabric 200 to form one or more seam
regions 170 having the form or shape of a periphery or salvage
portion 162. Respective portions of the periphery or salvage
portion 162, as one or more seam regions 170, are then inserted (at
any selected or desired location within the one or more seam
regions 170, along with other materials, such as the exterior
fabric 40 and/or lining 42) into and stitched (or adhered) within
seams 60 to secure the assembly 100G in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45,
55 or gusset 70, such as along any of four sides or edges, as
previously described.
[0167] As illustrated in FIG. 28, the cut-resistant fabric 200 is
coupled, such as through stitching 415 or an adhesive (not
separately illustrated) to a second flexible material (or material
layer) 408, which is illustrated as extending laterally and
longitudinally across the cut-resistant fabric 200 and beyond the
edges of the cut-resistant fabric 200 to form one or more seam
regions 170 having the form or shape of a periphery or salvage
portion 162 which further comprises one or more tabs 160A, 160B,
160C. Respective portions of the periphery or salvage portion 162
and/or tabs 160A, 160B, 160C, as one or more seam regions 170, are
then inserted (at any selected or desired location within the one
or more seam regions 170, along with other materials, such as the
exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) into and stitched (or adhered)
within seams 60 to secure the assembly 100G in a bag 50, bag panel
35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, such as along three sides or edges. For
example and without limitation, tab 160A is inserted and stitched
(or adhered) into a first seam 60, tab 160B is inserted and
stitched (or adhered) into a second seam 60, and tab 160C is
inserted and stitched (or adhered) into a third seam 60.
[0168] As illustrated in FIG. 29, the cut-resistant fabric 200 is
coupled, such as through stitching 415 or an adhesive (not
separately illustrated) to a second flexible material (or material
layer) 408 to form one or more seam regions 170 having the form
factor of a peripheral binding 164, which is illustrated as
extending along the periphery of the cut-resistant fabric 200 and
beyond the edges of the cut-resistant fabric 200 on three sides.
Respective portions of the peripheral binding 164, as one or more
seam regions 170, are then inserted (at any selected or desired
location within the one or more seam regions 170, along with other
materials, such as the exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) into
and stitched (or adhered) within seams 60 to secure the assembly
100G in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, such as along
any of the illustrated three sides or edges coupled to the
peripheral binding 164, as previously described.
[0169] As illustrated in FIG. 30, the cut-resistant fabric 200 is
coupled, such as through stitching 415 or an adhesive (not
separately illustrated) to a second flexible material (or material
layer) 408 having the form factor of a peripheral binding 164 which
further comprises one or more tabs 160A, 160B, 160C, which is
illustrated as extending along the periphery of the cut-resistant
fabric 200 and beyond the edges of the cut-resistant fabric 200 on
three sides. The peripheral binding 164 has a plurality of tabs
160A, 160B, 160C. Respective portions of the peripheral binding 164
and/or tabs 160A, 160B, 160C, as one or more seam regions 170, are
then inserted (at any selected or desired location within the one
or more seam regions 170, along with other materials, such as the
exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) into and stitched (or adhered)
within seams 60 to secure the assembly 100G in a bag 50, bag panel
35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, such as along three sides or edges. For
example and without limitation, tab 160A is inserted and stitched
(or adhered) into a first seam 60, tab 160B is inserted and
stitched (or adhered) into a second seam 60, and tab 160C is
inserted and stitched (or adhered) into a third seam 60.
[0170] FIGS. 31-33 are plan views illustrating an eighth embodiment
of a security panel assembly 100H formed from a plurality of first
flexible materials (or material layers) 406 having knit, woven, or
spun cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125,
such as a cut-resistant fabric 200, which is coupled to at least
one second flexible material (or material layer) 408, which is
generally not cut-resistant and otherwise is not required to
include any polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116. The one or more first flexible materials (or material
layers) 406 having knit, woven, or spun cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125, may be secured to a second
flexible material (or material layer) 408 such as through stitching
415 or an adhesive 132 (not separately illustrated), to form a
security panel assembly 100H. In a representative embodiment, the
one or more second flexible materials (or material layers) 408 may
be separate one or more second flexible materials (or material
layers) 408 or may be embodied as the exterior fabric or material
40 or lining 42.
[0171] In a representative security panel assembly 100H, a
plurality of cut-resistant fabrics 200, as a plurality of first
flexible materials (or material layers) 406 having an embedded
polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, is
coupled (such as through stitching or an adhesive) to one or more
second flexible materials (or material layers) 408 which are not
cut-resistant. In representative embodiments, as discussed in
greater detail below, portions of the one or more second flexible
materials (or material layers) 408 (one or more seam regions 170)
are inserted (with other materials, such as the exterior fabric 40
and/or lining 42) into and stitched (or adhered) within seams 60 to
secure the assembly 100H in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or
gusset 70.
[0172] For the security panel assembly 100H, the one or more second
flexible materials (or material layers) 408 also extend beyond one
or more edges 168 of the first flexible materials (or material
layers) 406, forming one or more seam regions 170. The one or more
seam regions 170 are inserted (at any selected or desired location
within the one or more seam regions 170, along with other
materials, such as the exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) into
and stitched (or adhered) within seams 60 to secure the assembly
100H in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70.
[0173] As illustrated in FIG. 31, a plurality of strips of first
flexible materials (or material layers) 406 having an embedded
polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, such as
a plurality of strips of a cut-resistant fabric 200, are coupled,
such as through stitching 415 or an adhesive (not separately
illustrated) to a second flexible material (or material layer) 408.
The plurality of strips of first flexible materials (or material
layers) 406 having an embedded polymeric fiber matrix 125 having
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 are illustrated as extending either
laterally and/or longitudinally across the second flexible material
(or material layer) 408 and within (i.e., not beyond) the edges 172
of the second flexible material (or material layer) 408. As a
result, the second flexible material (or material layer) 408 also
forms one or more seam regions 170 having the form or shape of a
periphery or salvage portion 162. FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate some
available variations, in which the plurality of strips of first
flexible materials (or material layers) 406 having an embedded
polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 are
illustrated as extending only laterally (FIG. 32) or the plurality
of first flexible materials (or material layers) 406 having an
embedded polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
are illustrated as having circular shapes (FIG. 33), such as
providing a decorative (e.g., sequin) effect when the plurality of
circles of first flexible materials (or material layers) 406 having
an embedded polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116 are applied to the exterior of the bag 50. Respective
portions of the periphery or salvage portion 162, as one or more
seam regions 170, are then inserted (at any selected or desired
location within the one or more seam regions 170, along with other
materials, such as the exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) into
and stitched (or adhered) within seams 60 to secure the assembly
100H in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, such as along
any of four sides or edges, as previously described.
[0174] FIGS. 34 and 35 are plan views illustrating a ninth
embodiment of a security panel assembly 100J formed from
selectively coating a first flexible material (or material layer)
406, in one or more selected areas or regions 176 of the first
flexible material (or material layer) 406 or across the entire
first flexible material (or material layer) 406, with a
nonmetallic, cut-resistant polymer, rubber, or resin 175. The
cut-resistant polymer or resin 175 may be selected to provide any
desired or selected flexibility, adherence, cut-resistance, and
other properties, and may be applied in any selected or desired
thickness, in any selected or desired shapes, in any selected or
desired regions 176, and in any selected or desired number of
layers or coatings, for example and without limitation. The first
flexible material (or material layer) 406 may include, for example
and without limitation, a periphery or salvage portion 162 (as
illustrated in FIG. 34) and/or one or more tabs 160 (as illustrated
in FIG. 35), as one or more seam regions 170, which are then
inserted (at any selected or desired location within the one or
more seam regions 170, along with other materials, such as the
exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) into and stitched (or adhered)
within seams 60 to secure the assembly 100J in a bag 50, bag panel
35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, such as along any of four sides or edges,
as previously described.
[0175] The cut-resistant polymer, rubber, or resin 175 may
comprise, for example and without limitation, any polymer,
polymeric precursor, rubber, or resin selected from the group
consisting of: natural and synthetic rubber materials; any type or
form of plastics; lacquers; vinyls and polyvinyls such as polyvinyl
pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl acetate (PVA),
polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylic acids, polyethylene oxides,
polyvinyl butyral (PVB); diethylene glycol, propylene glycol,
2-ethyl oxazoline; clays such as hectorite clays, garamite clays,
organo-modified clays; saccharides and polysaccharides such as guar
gum, xanthan gum; celluloses and modified celluloses such as
hydroxy methylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, propyl
methylcellulose, methoxy cellulose, methoxy methylcellulose,
methoxy propyl methylcellulose, hydroxy propyl methylcellulose,
carboxy methylcellulose, hydroxy ethylcellulose, ethyl hydroxyl
ethylcellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ethyl ether, chitosan;
polymers such as acrylate and (meth)acrylate polymers and
copolymers; glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycol,
polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols,
glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates; and combinations thereof.
[0176] FIGS. 36 and 37 are isometric views illustrating a security
panel assembly 100 having knit, woven, or spun cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116, forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125, arranged to span
multiple panels or sections of a carrying bag 50. Any of the
various security panel assemblies 100 may be utilized, and may be
utilized to include different selected combinations of features.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 36, the security panel assembly
100 includes peripheral bindings 164 and a lateral binding 174,
also forming one or more tabs 160, one or more of which can be seam
regions 170, which are then inserted (at any selected or desired
location within the one or more seam regions 170, along with other
materials, such as the exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) into
and stitched (or adhered) within seams 60 to secure the assembly
100 in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, such as along
any of four sides or edges, as previously described. Also for
example, as illustrated in FIG. 37, the security panel assembly 100
includes a peripheral binding 164, and further includes a double
layer of security panel assemblies 100 (in region 178), such as for
added protection.
[0177] FIG. 38 is an isometric view illustrating a first embodiment
of a carrying strap 20A formed from knit, woven, or spun
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125.
FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view (through the D-D' plane) of the
first embodiment of a carrying strap 20A illustrated in FIG. 38. As
illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39, carrying strap 20A comprises a
woven webbing 205 (i.e., a flexible, woven material having finished
lateral edges) in which one or more of the woven threads, fibers or
yarns of the webbing 205 are comprised of a nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116, such as the
illustrated warp threads. Stated another way, the cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125 are woven directly
into the webbing 205.
[0178] For the various carrying straps 20B-20T discussed below,
reference may be made to a fabric or webbing material which does
not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116. It should be noted that this feature is entirely
optional, such that a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 are not required in these fabric or
webbing materials (e.g., webbing 210, fabric or webbing 215, 220),
and any such fabric or webbing materials may be modified to include
a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
within the scope of the disclosure.
[0179] For the various carrying straps 20B-20T discussed below,
reference may be made to a fabric or webbing material which does
include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116. It should be noted that any such fabric or webbing
material which does include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, e.g., a second fabric or webbing
material 284, may be embodied as or may be comprised of a security
panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for example and
without limitation.
[0180] FIG. 40 is an isometric view illustrating a second
embodiment of a carrying strap 20B formed from routed, knit, woven,
or spun cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads
or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix
125. FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view (through the E-E' plane) of
the second embodiment of a carrying strap 20B illustrated in FIG.
40. As illustrated in FIGS. 40 and 41, carrying strap 20B comprises
a first webbing material 210 which does not include a polymeric
fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which is coupled
such as through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not separately
illustrated) to a second fabric or webbing material 284 which does
include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116. In a representative embodiment, the second fabric or
webbing material 284 may be comprised of a security panel assembly
100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for example and without
limitation. As illustrated, the second fabric or webbing material
284 (e.g., a security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric
200) has been at least partially wrapped in the lateral dimension
around its lateral edges 214 by a third fabric or webbing material
215 having lateral folds 216 and extending toward the center of the
strap 20B in between the second fabric or webbing material 284 and
the first webbing material 210. The third fabric or webbing
material 215 typically does not have, although it may have, a
polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. As an
option for this representative embodiment, additional
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, illustrated as
arranged laterally to the lateral edges 214 of the second fabric or
webbing material 284 and included within the lateral folds 216 of
the third fabric or webbing material 215. Additional variations of
this strap 20B structure are illustrated and discussed below with
reference to FIGS. 74 and 75.
[0181] FIG. 42 is an isometric view illustrating a third embodiment
of a carrying strap 20C formed from routed, knit, woven, or spun
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125.
FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view (through the F-F' plane) of the
third embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 42. As
illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43, carrying strap 20C comprises a
first fabric or webbing material 220 which does not include a
polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which is
coupled such as through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not
separately illustrated) to a second fabric or webbing material 284
which does comprise or include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. In a representative embodiment, the
second fabric or webbing material 284 may be comprised of a
security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for
example and without limitation. As illustrated, the second fabric
or webbing material 284 has been completely wrapped in the lateral
dimension around its lateral edges 214 by the first fabric or
webbing material 220 having lateral folds 218. As an option for
this representative embodiment, the first fabric or webbing
material 220 also includes central (or middle) folds 222, which are
also stitched (through stitching 212) to the second fabric or
webbing material 284. As another option for this representative
embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included,
illustrated as arranged laterally to the lateral edges 214 of the
second fabric or webbing material 284 and included within the
lateral folds 218 of the first fabric or webbing material 220.
[0182] FIG. 44 is an isometric view illustrating a fourth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20D formed from routed, knit, woven,
or spun cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads
or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix
125. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view (through the G-G' plane) of
the fourth embodiment of a carrying strap 20D illustrated in FIG.
44. As illustrated in FIGS. 44 and 45, carrying strap 20D comprises
a first fabric or webbing material 220 which does not include a
polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which is
coupled such as through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not
separately illustrated) to a second fabric or webbing material 284
which does comprise or include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. In a representative embodiment, the
second fabric or webbing material 284 may be comprised of a
security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for
example and without limitation. As illustrated, the second fabric
or webbing material 284 has been completely wrapped in the lateral
dimension on a first side 228 and around its lateral edges 214 by
the first fabric or webbing material 220 having lateral folds 218.
The carrying strap 20D differs from carrying strap 20C insofar as
the carrying strap 20D also includes a third fabric or webbing
material 215 arranged or coupled on a second side 230 of the second
fabric or webbing material 284. As an option for this
representative embodiment, the first fabric or webbing material 220
also includes central (or middle) folds 222, which are also
stitched (through stitching 212) to the third fabric or webbing
material 215 and to the second fabric or webbing material 284. As
another option for this representative embodiment, additional
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, illustrated as
arranged laterally to the lateral edges 214 of the second fabric or
webbing material 284 and included within the lateral folds 218 of
the first fabric or webbing material 220.
[0183] FIG. 46 is an isometric view illustrating a fifth embodiment
of a carrying strap 20E formed from routed, knit, woven, or spun
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125.
FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view (through the H-H' plane) of the
fifth embodiment of a carrying strap 20E illustrated in FIG. 46. As
illustrated in FIGS. 46 and 47, carrying strap 20E comprises a
first webbing material 210 which does not include a polymeric fiber
matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which is coupled
such as through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not separately
illustrated) to a second webbing material 235 (or a second fabric
or webbing material 284) which does include a polymeric fiber
matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. As an option for
this representative embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
may be included (not separately illustrated), such as arranged in
between the first webbing material 210 and the second webbing
material 235 and any intervening layers (not separately
illustrated). Any of the various first webbing material 210 and the
second webbing material 235 (or second fabric or webbing material
284) may also include (upward or downward) lateral folds (not
separately illustrated) extending toward the longitudinal center or
middle of the strap 20E. It should be noted that the first webbing
material 210 and the second webbing material 235 (or a second
fabric or webbing material 284) may have any of various
thicknesses, lengths, and lateral dimensions, in addition to those
illustrated, e.g., any of the first webbing material 210 and second
webbing material 235 (or a second fabric or webbing material 284)
may be thicker or thinner than the other, or wider or narrower than
the other, or having equal widths and/or thicknesses, for example
and without limitation.
[0184] FIG. 48 is an isometric view illustrating a sixth embodiment
of a carrying strap 20F formed from routed, knit, woven, or spun
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125.
FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view (through the J-J' plane) of the
sixth embodiment of a carrying strap 20F illustrated in FIG. 48. As
illustrated in FIGS. 48 and 49, carrying strap 20F comprises a
first fabric or webbing material 220 which does not include a
polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which is
coupled such as through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not
separately illustrated) to a second fabric or webbing material 284.
In a representative embodiment, the second fabric or webbing
material 284 may be comprised of a security panel assembly 100 or a
cut-resistant fabric 200, for example and without limitation. As
illustrated, the second fabric or webbing material 284 has been
partially wrapped in the lateral dimension around a first lateral
edge 214A by the first fabric or webbing material 220 having a
lateral fold 218. A third binding fabric or material 240 has a
lateral fold 242 which wraps around the second lateral edge 214B of
the second fabric or webbing material 284 and which further covers
the lateral regions 244A, 244B of the first fabric or webbing
material 220. The third binding fabric or material 240 (which may
or may not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116) is coupled through the stitching 212
to the second fabric or webbing material 284 and to the lateral
regions 244 of the first fabric or webbing material 220. As an
option for this representative embodiment, additional
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, illustrated as
arranged laterally to the lateral edges 214A, 214B of the second
fabric or webbing material 284 and included respectively within the
lateral fold 218 of the first fabric or webbing material 220 and
the lateral fold 242 of the third binding fabric or material
240.
[0185] FIG. 50 is an isometric view illustrating a seventh
embodiment of a carrying strap 20G formed from routed, knit, woven,
or spun cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads
or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix
125. FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view (through the K-K' plane) of
the seventh embodiment of a carrying strap 20G illustrated in FIG.
50. As illustrated in FIGS. 50 and 51, carrying strap 20G comprises
a first fabric or webbing material 220 which does not include a
polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which is
folded around and coupled (such as through stitching 212 (and/or an
adhesive, not separately illustrated)) to enclose a second fabric
or webbing material 284. In a representative embodiment, the second
fabric or webbing material 284 may be comprised of a security panel
assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for example and without
limitation. As illustrated, the second fabric or webbing material
284 has been partially wrapped in the lateral dimension on first
and second sides 228, 230 and around a first lateral edge 214A by
the first fabric or webbing material 220 having a lateral fold 218.
Adjacent the second lateral edge 214B of the second fabric or
webbing material 284, the lateral regions 244A, 244B of the first
fabric or webbing material 220 are coupled to each other, such as
through stitching 212. As an option for this representative
embodiment, the first fabric or webbing material 220 may also
include lateral folds 246 (illustrated using dashed lines), which
are also stitched together (through stitching 212) to enclose the
second fabric or webbing material 284.
[0186] As another option for this representative embodiment,
additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,
threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, illustrated
as arranged laterally to the lateral edges 214 of the second fabric
or webbing material 284 and included within the lateral fold 218
and/or within the coupled lateral regions 244 of the first fabric
or webbing material 220.
[0187] FIG. 52 is an isometric view illustrating an eighth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20H formed from routed, knit, woven,
or spun cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads
or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix
125. FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view (through the L-L' plane) of
the eighth embodiment of a carrying strap 20H illustrated in FIG.
52. As illustrated in FIGS. 52 and 53, carrying strap 20H comprises
a first webbing material 210 which does not include a polymeric
fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which is coupled
around its lateral edges 252A, 252B and lateral regions 254A, 254B,
such as through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not separately
illustrated), respectively to one or more second binding fabrics or
materials 250A, 250B, which second binding fabrics or materials 250
comprise or otherwise include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. For example, the second binding
fabrics or materials 250 may be comprised of a security panel
assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200. As illustrated, the
second binding fabrics or materials 250A, 250B respectively have
lateral folds 256A, 256B which respectively wrap around the lateral
edges 252A, 252B and lateral regions 254A, 254B of the first
webbing material 210. As an option, the second binding fabrics or
materials 250A, 250B may also have additional folds 251,
illustrated with dashed lines. As another option for this
representative embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
may be included, illustrated as arranged laterally to the lateral
edges 252A, 252B of the first webbing material 210 and included
respectively within the lateral folds 256A, 256B of the second
binding fabrics or materials 250A, 250B.
[0188] As another option for this representative strap 20H
embodiment, not separately illustrated, using the same illustrated
structure, the first webbing material 210 may include a polymeric
fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 (e.g., replaced by a
cut-resistant fabric or webbing 235), and the second binding
fabrics or materials 250 may or may not include a polymeric fiber
matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. For such an
embodiment, any of the various additional cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
may be omitted or included, optionally.
[0189] FIG. 54 is an isometric view illustrating a ninth embodiment
of a carrying strap 201 formed from routed, knit, woven, or spun
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125.
FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view (through the M-M' plane) of the
ninth embodiment of a carrying strap 201 illustrated in FIG. 54. As
illustrated in FIGS. 54 and 55, carrying strap 201 comprises a
first and second fabric or webbing materials 220A, 220B which do
not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116, which are coupled to each other (at lateral regions
244A, 244C and 244B, 244D) such as through stitching 212 (and/or an
adhesive, not separately illustrated) to enclose (e.g., to
sandwich) a third, core fabric or webbing material 260 which does
include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116. In a representative embodiment, the third, core fabric
or webbing material 260, which may be similar to or the same as the
second fabric or webbing material 284, may be comprised of a
security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for
example and without limitation. As an option for this
representative embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
may be included, such as arranged laterally to the third, core
fabric or webbing material 260 and in between the first fabric or
webbing material 220A and the second fabric or webbing material
220B and any intervening layers (not separately illustrated).
[0190] FIG. 56 is an isometric view illustrating a tenth embodiment
of a carrying strap 20J formed from routed, knit, woven, or spun
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125.
FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view (through the N-N' plane) of the
tenth embodiment of a carrying strap 20J illustrated in FIG. 56. As
illustrated in FIGS. 56 and 57, carrying strap 20J comprises a
first and second fabric or webbing materials 220A, 220B which do
not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116, which are respectively coupled (such as through
stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated)) to
first and second sides 262, 264 of a third, core fabric or webbing
material 260 which does include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. In a representative embodiment, the
third, core fabric or webbing material 260, which may be similar to
or the same as the second fabric or webbing material 284, may be
comprised of a security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant
fabric 200, for example and without limitation. The carrying strap
20J differs from the carrying strap 201 insofar as fourth binding
fabrics or materials 265A, 265B (which may or may not also comprise
a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116)
are included and which have respective lateral folds 268A, 268B
that respectively wrap around the lateral edges 292A, 292B of the
third, core fabric or webbing material 260, the respective lateral
edges 272A, 272C and 272B, 272D of the first and second fabric or
webbing materials 220A, 220B, and which further respectively cover
the lateral regions 244A, 244C and 244B, 244D of the first and
second fabric or webbing materials 220A, 220B. The fourth binding
fabrics or materials 265A, 265B are coupled through the stitching
212 to the third, core fabric or webbing material 260 and to the
lateral regions 244A, 244C and 244B, 244D of the first and second
fabric or webbing materials 220A, 220B. As an option for this
representative embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
may be included, such as arranged laterally to the third, core
fabric or webbing material 260 and enclosed within the lateral
folds 268A, 268B of the fourth binding fabrics or materials 265A,
265B.
[0191] FIG. 58 is an isometric view illustrating an eleventh
embodiment of a carrying strap 20K formed from routed, knit, woven,
or spun cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads
or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix
125. FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view (through the P-P' plane) of
the eleventh embodiment of a carrying strap 20K illustrated in FIG.
58. As illustrated in FIGS. 58 and 59, carrying strap 20K comprises
a first, tubular fabric or webbing material 280 having a central
lumen or channel 282. The first, tubular fabric or webbing material
280 generally is not required to and does not include a polymeric
fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. A second fabric or
webbing material 284 which does include a polymeric fiber matrix
125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,
threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 is arranged within the
central lumen or channel 282 of the first, tubular fabric or
webbing material 280. In a representative embodiment, the second
fabric or webbing material 284 may be comprised of a security panel
assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for example and without
limitation. While not required, but available as an option for this
representative embodiment, the first, tubular fabric or webbing
material 280 may be coupled such as through stitching 212 (and/or
an adhesive, not separately illustrated) to the second fabric or
webbing material 284. Also an option for this representative
embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included (not
separately illustrated), such as also arranged within the central
lumen or channel 282.
[0192] FIG. 60 is an isometric view illustrating a twelfth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20L formed from routed, knit, woven,
or spun cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads
or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix
125. FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view (through the Q-Q' plane) of
the twelfth embodiment of a carrying strap 20L illustrated in FIG.
60. As illustrated in FIGS. 60 and 61, carrying strap 20L comprises
a first and second webbing materials 210A, 210B which do not
include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116, which are coupled (such as through stitching 212
(and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated)) to each other and
to a third, core fabric or webbing material 260 which does include
a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116,
to enclose (e.g., to sandwich) the third, core fabric or webbing
material 260. In a representative embodiment, the third, core
fabric or webbing material 260, which may be similar to or the same
as the second fabric or webbing material 284, may be comprised of a
security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for
example and without limitation. As an option for this
representative embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
may be included, such as arranged laterally to the third, core
fabric or webbing material 260 and in between the first webbing
material 210A and the second webbing material 210B and any
intervening layers (not separately illustrated).
[0193] For this carrying strap 20L embodiment, the first and second
webbing materials 210A, 210B are offset laterally from each other,
in an offset arrangement partially described in the related
applications. The first webbing material 210A has a first lateral
edge 252A, a first lateral region 244A, a second lateral edge 252B,
and a second lateral region 254B. The second webbing material 210B
has a first lateral edge 252C, a first lateral region 254C, a
second lateral edge 252D, and a second lateral region 254D.
[0194] The first lateral region 254C of the second webbing material
210B has a lateral fold 276 which wraps around the first lateral
edge 292A of the third, core fabric or webbing material 260. The
second lateral region 254B of the first webbing material 210A has a
lateral fold 278 which wraps around the second lateral edge 292B of
the third, core fabric or webbing material 260. In this
arrangement, the first lateral edge 252C of the second webbing
material 210B is adjacent the first lateral edge 252A of the first
webbing material 210A on a first side 294 of the strap 20L, and the
second lateral edge 252D of the second webbing material 210B is
adjacent the second lateral edge 252B of the first webbing material
210A on a second side 296 of the strap 20L.
[0195] FIG. 62 is an isometric view illustrating a thirteenth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20M formed from routed, knit, woven,
or spun cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads
or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix
125. FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view (through the R-R' plane) of
the thirteenth embodiment of a carrying strap 20M illustrated in
FIG. 62. As illustrated in FIGS. 62 and 63, carrying strap 20M
comprises a first, filler material core 255 which does not include
a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
and a second fabric or webbing material 284 (which does include a
polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116). The
second fabric or webbing material 284 is folded or wrapped
laterally (lateral folds 261) around the first, filler material
core 255 and encloses the first, filler material core 255. The
second fabric or webbing material 284 is coupled, such as through
stitching 212 or an adhesive (not separately illustrated), to the
first, filler material core 255. In a representative embodiment, as
an option as illustrated, the second fabric or webbing material 284
also has central folds 257, creating a double layer of second
fabric or webbing material 284 on a first side 259 of the strap
20M, coupled to the first, filler material core 255 through
stitches 212 (or an adhesive, as previously described). As an
option for this representative embodiment, additional
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, such as arranged
laterally to the first, filler material core 255 and enclosed by
the second fabric or webbing material 284 and any intervening
layers (not separately illustrated).
[0196] It should be noted that the first, filler material core 255
may be comprised of any flexible material, such as any type of
fabric, any type of sponge, or any other type of compressible or
non-compressible material which will add thickness to the strap 20.
For any selected embodiment, as an option, the first, filler
material core 255 also may include a polymeric fiber matrix 125
having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads
or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116.
[0197] FIG. 64 is an isometric view illustrating a fourteenth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20N formed from nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarns or fibers. FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view
(through the S-S' plane) of the fourteenth embodiment of a carrying
strap 20N illustrated in FIG. 64. As illustrated in FIGS. 64 and
65, carrying strap 20N comprises a first, filler material core 255
which generally does not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125
having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads
or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, a plurality of cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116 which are arranged adjacent or next to the lateral
edges 258 of the first, filler material core 255, and a second
fabric or webbing material 290 (also which optionally does not
include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116). The second fabric or webbing material 290 may be
comprised of any flexible material, such as any type of fabric, any
type of sponge, leather, suede, etc. The second fabric or webbing
material 290 is folded or wrapped laterally (lateral folds 302)
around the first, filler material core 255 and the cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116 and encloses the first, filler material core 255 and
the cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. The second fabric or webbing material
290 is coupled, such as through stitching 212 or an adhesive (not
separately illustrated), to the first, filler material core 255 and
also secures the cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 in place. In a
representative embodiment, as an option as illustrated, the second
fabric or webbing material 290 also has central folds 304, creating
a double layer of second fabric or webbing material 290 on a first
side 306 of the strap 20N, coupled to the first, filler material
core 255 through stitches 212 (or an adhesive, as previously
described). As an option for this representative embodiment,
additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,
threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, such as
arranged above or below the first, filler material core 255 or
within the central folds 304 and enclosed by the second fabric or
webbing material 290 and any intervening layers (not separately
illustrated).
[0198] FIG. 66 is an isometric view illustrating a fifteenth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20P formed from nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarns or fibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers forming a polymeric
fiber matrix 125. FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view (through the
T-T' plane) of the fifteenth embodiment of a carrying strap 20P
illustrated in FIG. 66. As illustrated in FIGS. 66 and 67, carrying
strap 20P comprises a first fabric or webbing material 220 which
generally does not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, a second fabric or webbing material
284 which does include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, and a plurality of cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116 which are arranged adjacent or next to the lateral
edges 310 of the strap 20P. More specifically, the second fabric or
webbing material 284 is arranged underneath the first fabric or
webbing material 220, and both the second fabric or webbing
material 284 and the first fabric or webbing material 220 are
collectively folded laterally to form the lateral edges 310 of the
strap 20P, respectively having lateral folds 261 and lateral folds
218, with the cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,
threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 arranged within these
lateral folds, specifically within the innermost lateral folds, the
lateral folds 261. Not separately illustrated, the strap 20P may
also include additional filler material, such as a first, filler
material core 255 arranged within the interior of the strap 20P.
The first fabric or webbing material 220 and the second fabric or
webbing material 284 are folded or wrapped laterally around the
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 and enclose the cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116. The first fabric or webbing material 220 and the
second fabric or webbing material 284 are coupled, such as through
stitching 212 or an adhesive (not separately illustrated), to
secure the cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,
threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 in place. In a
representative embodiment, as an option as illustrated, the first
fabric or webbing material 220 also has central folds 222, creating
a double layer of first fabric or webbing material 220 on a first
side 308 of the strap 20P, coupled through stitches 212 (or an
adhesive, as previously described). As an option for this
representative embodiment, not separately illustrated, the second
fabric or webbing material 284 does not extend fully along the
second side 312 of the strap 20P (e.g., does not include a central
or middle portion 314, and instead includes centrally arranged
filler material), and is embodied instead in the form of two or
more lateral bindings which are respectively folded and wrapped
around the laterally-arranged cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 and
within the lateral folds 218 of the first fabric or webbing
material 220. As another option for this representative embodiment,
additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,
threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, such as
arranged centrally (in the middle) of the interior of the strap 20P
and enclosed by the first fabric or webbing material 220 and any
intervening layers (such as second fabric or webbing material 284,
not separately illustrated).
[0199] FIG. 68 is an isometric view illustrating a sixteenth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20Q formed from nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarns or fibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers. FIG. 69 is a
cross-sectional view (through the U-U' plane) of the sixteenth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20Q illustrated in FIG. 68. As
illustrated in FIGS. 68 and 69, carrying strap 20Q comprises a
first webbing material 210 which does not include cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116, which is coupled such as through stitching 212 (and/or
an adhesive, not separately illustrated) to a second fabric or
webbing material 284 which does include a polymeric fiber matrix
125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,
threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, and cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116 which are arranged centrally along the longitudinal
middle of the strap 20Q in between the first webbing material 210
and the second fabric or webbing material 284. In a representative
embodiment, the second fabric or webbing material 284 may be
comprised of a security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant
fabric 200, for example and without limitation. As illustrated, the
second fabric or webbing material 284 (e.g., a security panel
assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200) has lateral folds 261
and has been at least partially wrapped in the lateral dimension
around its lateral folds 261 by a third fabric or webbing material
215 having lateral folds 216 and extending toward the center of the
strap 20Q in between the second fabric or webbing material 284 and
the first webbing material 210, and secured through stitching 212
(and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated). The third fabric
or webbing material 215 typically does not have, although it may
have, a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116.
As an option for this representative embodiment, not separately
illustrated, additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included,
such as arranged within the lateral folds 261 of the second fabric
or webbing material 284.
[0200] FIG. 70 is an isometric view illustrating a seventeenth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20R formed from nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarns or fibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers. FIG. 71 is a
cross-sectional view (through the V-V' plane) of the seventeenth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20R illustrated in FIG. 70. As
illustrated in FIGS. 70 and 71, carrying strap 20R comprises a
first, filler material core 255 which generally does not include a
polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, and a
first fabric or webbing material 220 (also which optionally does
not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116). The first fabric or webbing material 220 is folded or
wrapped laterally (lateral folds 218) around the first, filler
material core 255, which are coupled such as through stitching 212
(and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated) to a second fabric
or webbing material 284 which does include a polymeric fiber matrix
125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,
threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, and cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116 which are arranged centrally along the longitudinal
middle of the strap 20R in between the first, filler material core
255 (and/or the first fabric or webbing material 220) and the
second fabric or webbing material 284. In a representative
embodiment, the second fabric or webbing material 284 may be
comprised of a security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant
fabric 200, for example and without limitation. As illustrated, the
second fabric or webbing material 284 (e.g., a security panel
assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200) has been at least
partially wrapped in the lateral dimension by a third fabric or
webbing material 215 having lateral folds 216 and extending toward
the center of the strap 20R in between the second fabric or webbing
material 284 and the first fabric or webbing material 220 (and/or
second fabric or webbing material 284), and secured through
stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated). The
third fabric or webbing material 215 typically does not have,
although it may have, a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. As an option for this representative
embodiment, not separately illustrated, additional cut-resistant,
polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112,
114, or 116 may be included, such as arranged within any of the
various lateral folds 218, 216.
[0201] As another option for this representative strap 20R
embodiment, not separately illustrated, using the same illustrated
folded structure of the first fabric or webbing material 220 and
the third fabric or webbing material 215, the first, filler
material core 255 may be replaced by a cut-resistant fabric or
webbing 235 or a cut-resistant second fabric or webbing material
284, for example and without limitation. As another option for this
representative strap 20R embodiment, not separately illustrated,
using the same illustrated folded structure of the first fabric or
webbing material 220 and the third fabric or webbing material 215,
the cut-resistant second fabric or webbing material 284 may be
omitted, for example and without limitation, while including the
centrally arranged cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. For such
embodiments, any of the various second fabric or webbing material
284 in other locations (such as wrapped within the folded third
fabric or webbing material 215) and/or cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
may be omitted or included, optionally.
[0202] FIG. 72 is an isometric view illustrating an eighteenth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20S formed from nonmetallic,
cut-resistant yarns or fibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun
nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers. FIG. 73 is a
cross-sectional view (through the W-W' plane) of the eighteenth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20S illustrated in FIG. 72. As
illustrated in FIGS. 72 and 73, carrying strap 20S comprises a
first, filler material core 255 which generally does not include a
polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, and a
second fabric or webbing material 284 which does include a
polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,
filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which
may be arranged in a plurality of locations within the strap 20S as
illustrated using dashed lines. In a representative embodiment, the
second fabric or webbing material 284 may be comprised of a
security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for
example and without limitation. A third fabric or webbing material
215 is folded or wrapped laterally (first lateral fold 216A
extending toward the center of the strap 20S, and second lateral
fold 216B) around the first, filler material core 255 and second
fabric or webbing material 284 (when included at the location next
to the first, filler material core 255), and folded again (third
lateral fold 216C also extending toward the center of the strap
20S) to form a plurality of layers of the third fabric or webbing
material 215, a first bottom layer 316, a second top layer 318, and
third and fourth intermediate layers 322 and 324. As an option,
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 are arranged centrally along the
longitudinal middle of the strap 20S in between the third and
fourth intermediate layers 322 and 324 of the folded third fabric
or webbing material 215, and/or within the lateral folds 216A,
216B, and/or 216C.
[0203] In a representative embodiment, the second fabric or webbing
material 284 may be arranged centrally, along the longitudinal
middle of the strap 20S, in any of a plurality of locations, such
as (1) in between the third intermediate layer 322 and the first
bottom layer 316 of the third fabric or webbing material 215; or
(2) in between the fourth intermediate layer 324 and the second top
layer 318; or (3) the second fabric or webbing material 284 may be
arranged in between the third intermediate layer 322 and the first
bottom layer 316 of the third fabric or webbing material 215 and
may further extend around (within lateral fold 216B) in between the
fourth intermediate layer 324 and the second top layer 318. The
first, filler material core 255, the second fabric or webbing
material 284, and the folded third fabric or webbing material 215
are secured through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not
separately illustrated). The third fabric or webbing material 215
typically does not have, although it may have, a polymeric fiber
matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. As an option for
this representative embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
may be included, such as arranged within any of the various lateral
folds 216A, 216B, 216C, as illustrated, for example and without
limitation.
[0204] As another option for this representative strap 20S
embodiment, not separately illustrated, using the same illustrated
folded structure of the third fabric or webbing material 215, the
third fabric or webbing material 215 may be replaced by a
cut-resistant fabric or webbing 235, for example and without
limitation. For such an embodiment, any of the various second
fabric or webbing material 284 and/or cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
may be omitted or included, optionally.
[0205] Such exchanges of any of the various cut-resistant and
non-cut-resistant fabric and webbing materials, and inclusion of
non-inclusion of cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 and/or a polymeric
fiber matrix 125, may be performed for any of the various straps
20, as necessary or desirable, to tailor the cut-resistance of the
strap 20 to any desired level, e.g., to an ANSI level A5, for
example. In addition, any of the fabric, webbing or other material
components straps 20 may include any additional lateral folds,
which may be upward folds or downward folds, extending toward or
away from the longitudinal center or middle of the strap 20, which
may also be coupled (such as through stitching or adhesive) to
other fabric, webbing or other material components straps 20.
[0206] FIG. 74 is an isometric view illustrating a nineteenth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20T formed from routed, knit, woven,
or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers. FIG. 75 is a
cross-sectional view (through the X-X' plane) of the nineteenth
embodiment of a carrying strap 20T illustrated in FIG. 74. As
illustrated in FIGS. 74 and 75, carrying strap 20T (as a variant of
the strap 20B structure) comprises a first fabric or webbing
material 220 which does not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125
having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads
or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which is folded (upward lateral
folds 218), wraps around and is coupled such as through stitching
212 (and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated) to a second
fabric or webbing material 284 which does include a polymeric fiber
matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,
cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. In a representative
embodiment, the second fabric or webbing material 284 may be
comprised of a security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant
fabric 200, for example and without limitation. As illustrated, the
second fabric or webbing material 284 (e.g., a security panel
assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200) has been at least
partially wrapped in the lateral dimension around its lateral edges
214 by the first fabric or webbing material 220 having lateral
folds 218 and extending toward the center of the strap 20T. A third
fabric or webbing material 215 which typically does not have,
although it may have, a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having
cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or
yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, has (downward) lateral folds 216. The
first fabric or webbing material 220 (through its lateral folds
218) is coupled such as through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive,
not separately illustrated) to the second fabric or webbing
material 284, and to the third fabric or webbing material 215
(through its lateral folds 216). As an option for this
representative embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric
fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116
may be included, illustrated as arranged laterally to the lateral
edges 214 of the second fabric or webbing material 284 and included
within the lateral folds 218 of the first fabric or webbing
material 220 or included within the lateral folds 216 of the third
fabric or webbing material 215.
[0207] Although the invention has been described with respect to
specific embodiments thereof, these embodiments are merely
illustrative and not restrictive of the invention. In the
description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as
examples of electronic components, electronic and structural
connections, materials, and structural variations, to provide a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. One
skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an
embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or more of
the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies,
components, materials, parts, etc. In other instances, well-known
structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or
described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of
the present invention. One having skill in the art will further
recognize that additional or equivalent method steps may be
utilized, or may be combined with other steps, or may be performed
in different orders, any and all of which are within the scope of
the claimed invention. In addition, the various Figures are not
drawn to scale and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0208] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment",
"an embodiment", or a specific "embodiment" means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment and not
necessarily in all embodiments, and further, are not necessarily
referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular
features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment
may be combined in any suitable manner and in any suitable
combination with one or more other embodiments, including the use
of selected features without corresponding use of other features.
In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
application, situation or material to the essential scope and
spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that other
variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present
invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of
the teachings herein and are to be considered part of the spirit
and scope of the present invention.
[0209] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements
depicted in the Figures can also be implemented in a more separate
or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered inoperable in
certain cases, as may be useful in accordance with a particular
application. Integrally formed combinations of components are also
within the scope of the invention, particularly for embodiments in
which a separation or combination of discrete components is unclear
or indiscernible. In addition, use of the term "coupled" herein,
including in its various forms such as "coupling" or "couplable",
means and includes any direct or indirect structural coupling,
connection or attachment, or adaptation or capability for such a
direct or indirect structural coupling, connection or attachment,
including integrally formed components and components which are
coupled via or through another component.
[0210] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0211] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document
conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
[0212] Furthermore, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures
should be considered only exemplary, and not limiting, unless
otherwise specifically noted. Combinations of components of steps
will also be considered within the scope of the present invention,
particularly where the ability to separate or combine is unclear or
foreseeable. The disjunctive term "or", as used herein and
throughout the claims that follow, is generally intended to mean
"and/or", having both conjunctive and disjunctive meanings (and is
not confined to an "exclusive or" meaning), unless otherwise
indicated. As used in the description herein and throughout the
claims that follow, "a", "an", and "the" shall not be limited to a
single item or element and include plural references unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise and unless specifically
disclaimed. Also as used in the description herein and throughout
the claims that follow, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on"
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example,
though specific claim language may include the word "between", the
interpretation of such a word shall not be limited to preclude
extent of elements beyond boundaries of the example unless specific
disclaimer is made or unless by virtue of prosecution the term is
to be limited. The examples of the invention should therefore not
be interpreted as limiting unless indicated as such.
[0213] The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the
present invention, including what is described in the summary or in
the abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. From the
foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations,
modifications and substitutions are intended and may be effected
without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of
the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with
respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is
intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover
by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the
scope of the claims. Thus, while there has been set forth
embodiments of the invention, the invention is to be limited only
by the following claims and equivalents.
* * * * *
References