Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CUT-PROOF ANTI-THEFT BAG CONSTRUCTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to various types of carrying bags and, more
particularly, to security panel assemblies and methods of forming the same for
such bags.
Background of the Invention
[0003] In a principal aspect the present invention relates to a handbag,
purse, travel
bag or the like which incorporates construction features designed to preclude
access to the
interior of the bag by cutting though the sides of the bag.
[0004] Handbags, travel bags, purses and the like are often made from
flexible
materials such as cloth, canvas, 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 car strap which is
typically connected
between opposite sides of the bag. Additionally, such bags often also include
multiple side
pockets with side access openings.
[0005] On occasion, such bags are subject to theft. For example, often a
bag may be
hung or supported by the bag strap on a chair or a hook or the like. In such
circumstances, a
thief may "snatch" the bag by grabbing the strap and departing. Another scheme
that has
been used by thieves is to use a sharp instrument to cut through the soft
sided material
comprising the bag.
[0006] This provides access to the contents which may be lifted through
the cut
opening in the bag.
[0007] Issues of this nature have been addressed in various ways by
certain security
designs for soft sided types of bag constructions. For example, U.S. Patent
No. 6,026,662
entitled "Security Device for Luggage" issued February 22, 2000 teaches a
method for
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providing a metal mesh that is placed over a backpack in order to enhance the
security of the
soft sided backpack. A related patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,244,081 is entitled
"Security Device
for Luggage" issued June 12, 2001 discloses a security device in the form of a
netting with a
locking mechanism associated therewith. U.S. Patent No. 7,069,753 entitled
"Security
Luggage Bag" issued July 4, 2006 discloses the concept of placement of a wire
mesh within
the interior of a bag and further providing a draw cord made from a wire cable
to close the
top of the bag.
[0008] While such constructions have potential applicability to handbags,
they are
difficult to assemble, can be bulky and unattractive and may not provide
adequate security,
particularly with respect to handbags that have car straps associated
therewith. In view of
these and other challenges, the present invention was developed.
Summary of the Invention
[0008a] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a carrying bag
comprising: an
exterior bag having at least one opening for access to an interior of the
exterior bag; and a
security panel assembly extending within the interior of the exterior bag, the
security panel
assembly comprising: a first flexible material layer, the first flexible
material layer having
a plurality of edges forming a periphery; and a wire matrix coupled to the
first flexible
material layer, the wire matrix comprising: at least one wire having at least
two ends, the at
least one wire arranged as a plurality of wire crossings forming a plurality
of closed wire
shapes, each wire crossing comprising at least two sections of wire abutting
and crossing
over each other; and the at least one wire further arranged as a plurality of
curved portions
spaced apart from the periphery of the first flexible material layer with the
at least two ends
spaced apart from the periphery further than and closer to a center of the
first flexible
material layer than the curved portions of the wire matrix.
[0008b] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a carrying bag
comprising: an
exterior bag having at least one opening for access to an interior of the
exterior bag; a
security panel assembly extending within the interior of the exterior bag, the
security panel
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assembly comprising: a first flexible material layer, the first flexible
material layer having a
plurality of edges forming a periphery; and a wire matrix coupled to the first
flexible
material layer, the wire matrix comprising: at least one wire having at least
two ends, the at
least one wire arranged as a plurality of wire crossings forming a plurality
of closed wire
shapes, each wire crossing comprising at least two sections of wire abutting
and crossing
over each other, at least some of the plurality of closed wire shapes
comprising at least four
wire crossings of the at least one wire; and the at least one wire further
arranged as a
plurality of bent or curved portions spaced apart from the periphery of the
first flexible
material layer with the at least two ends spaced apart from the periphery
further than and
closer to a center of the first flexible material layer than the bent or
curved portions of the
wire matrix; and a second flexible material layer arranged between the
security panel
assembly and the exterior bag and stitched with the first flexible material
layer into the
exterior bag.
[0008c]
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a carrying bag comprising: an
exterior bag having at least one opening for access to an interior of the
exterior bag; a
flexible material lining within the interior of the exterior bag; a security
panel assembly
between the flexible material lining and the exterior bag, the security panel
assembly
comprising: a first flexible material layer, the first flexible material layer
having a plurality
of edges forming a periphery; and a wire matrix coupled to the first flexible
material layer,
the wire matrix comprising: a single wire having at least two ends, the single
wire arranged
as a plurality of wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes,
each wire crossing
comprising at least two sections of wire abutting and crossing over each
other, and at least
some of the plurality of closed wire shapes comprising at least four wire
crossings of the
single wire; and the single wire further arranged as a plurality of bent or
curved portions
spaced apart from the periphery of the first flexible material layer with each
end of the at
least two ends spaced apart from at least one edge of the plurality of edges
forming the
periphery further than and closer to a center of the first flexible material
layer than the bent
or curved portions of the wire matrix along the at least one edge; a second
flexible material
layer arranged between the security panel assembly and the exterior bag and
stitched with
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the first flexible material layer into the exterior bag; a first fastener
coupled to the first
opening and comprising a zipper having at least one zipper pull; a second,
manually-
releasable fastener coupled to the exterior bag and removably coupled to the
at least one
zipper pull; and a carrying strap comprising a substantially cut-resistant
metal cable.
[0008d] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a carrying bag
comprising: an
exterior bag having at least one opening for access to an interior of the
exterior bag; a first
flexible material layer extending within the interior of the exterior bag, the
first flexible
material layer having a plurality of edges; and a wire matrix coupled to the
first flexible
material layer, the wire matrix comprising: at least one wire having at least
two ends, the at
least one wire arranged as a plurality of wire crossings forming a plurality
of closed wire
shapes, each wire crossing comprising at least two sections of wire abutting
and crossing
over each other; and the at least one wire further arranged as a plurality of
curved portions
spaced apart from the plurality of edges of the first flexible material layer,
with each end of
the at least two ends spaced apart from the plurality of edges of the first
flexible material
layer further than the curved portions of the wire matrix.
[0008e] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method of forming a
security
panel assembly, the method comprising: mounting a first flexible material
layer to a fixture
so that the first flexible material layer is held to the fixture with a
surface of the first flexible
material layer facing upwardly, the first flexible material layer having a
plurality of edges
forming a periphery; arranging at least one wire having at least two ends in a
crossing
pattern above the upwardly facing surface of the first flexible material layer
to form a
plurality of wire crossings forming a plurality of closed wire shapes, each
wire crossing
comprising at least two sections of wire abutting and crossing over each
other, the crossing
pattern further comprising a plurality of bent or curved portions of the at
least one wire
spaced apart from the periphery of the first flexible material layer with each
end of the at
least two ends spaced apart from at least one edge of the plurality of edges
forming the
periphery further than and closer to a center of the first flexible material
layer than the bent
or curved portions of the wire matrix along the at least one edge.
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[0009] In another aspect, a security construction is provided having a
panel assembly
which, in one form, is placed within an exterior bag of the type fabricated
from generally
flexible material such as fabric, leather or plastic. The security panel
assembly is typically
positioned between the exterior layer of material forming the bag and an
interior lining as an
interior security panel assembly. The concepts associated with the interior
security panel
assembly may be utilized as a single interior panel assembly or as multiple
assemblies
associated with multiple pockets of the exterior bag. Further, the high
security bag may
include a cable or wire which is flexible and incorporated into or with the
elongate strap that
connects to sides of the bag. The wire or cable may include a carbineer which
is maintained
in a side pocket of the bag and may be released so that the car strap can be
placed around a
post or some other object so that it cannot be "snatched" easily. Security
clasps are also
provided on the zipper closures for the exterior bag.
[0010] The interior security panel assembly in one embodiment includes at
least first
and second layers of foldable material having at least one cut-resistant cable
or wire
positioned therebetween and stitched into place between the foldable first and
second
material layers, in one form, binding is provided around at least a portion of
the foldable
material first and second layers to further encapsulate the material layers
and the matrix of
wire or wires between those layers. In another preferred form, glue or
adhesive may be
incorporated between the layers to further retain the wire or wires in a fixed
position.
Additionally, the first and second layers of material are stitched together to
facilitate
maintenance of the matrix of wire or wires in a desired array between the
first and second
layers of material. The first and second layers of material are typically a
fabric, non-woven,
or plastic material which is foldable. The security panel assembly, which is
comprised of the
layers of fabric and the wire mesh matrix, may be fitted into the exterior bag
and positioned
intermediate the exterior material forming the bag and a liner material,
tacked in that
position and then stitched or otherwise attached to various seams or margins
of the bag.
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[0011] In another aspect, the security panel assembly can be provided
along the
exterior of a more rigid bag or container. In this form, the panel assembly
can be resiliently
flexible and thus also serve as a hinge between a rigid container base and a
pivotal cover
therefor. The security panel assembly can have a finishing cover thereon, such
as of fabric
material.
[0012] As another feature the wire cable that is associated with the car
strap may be
fastened to the bag or to the security panel to thereby insure that the wire
cable in the strap
cannot be disengaged easily from the handbag itself Further, clasps on the
zipper pulls or
fastener pulls for the opening to the bag lock or attach to the bag so that
access openings
cannot be easily opened.
[0013] In another aspect, a method for forming a security panel assembly
is
provided. The method can include holding a first layer of material in a
substantially fixed
position via mounting members and, in a preferred form, on a fixture via the
insertion of
mounting pegs of the fixture through openings of the material layer so that
the mounting
pegs project therethrough. Thereafter, a wire is routed around the pegs in a
predetermined
pattern. A second layer of material is then oriented so that openings thereof
can be aligned
with the mounting pegs and is placed onto the pegs so that they extend through
the material
layer openings. The layers are urged together so that adhesive therebetween is
effective to
bold the material layers and the wire therebetween securely relative to each
other. While a
single wire can advantageously be employed for forming the security panel
assembly herein,
it is manifest that the present method is not limited to a single wire and
multiple wires can
instead be secured between the material layers. Further, while the wire can be
a metallic
material, it could also be cut-resistant yarn material such as Vectran. In
addition, the
material layers can be panels of flexible and foldable material, such as a
fabric, non-woven
or thin plastic material and the panels can be of different material from each
other such as
use of a non-woven material for the first material layer or panel and a woven
fabric material
for the second material layer or panel.
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[0014] The laminate of the material layers and wire or wires therebetween
is then
sewn to further secure the wire or wires permanently in place between the
material layers. In
this regard, the sewing can occur at random locations, as well as around the
perimeter of the
material layers. In addition, a connecting panel or panels such as in the form
of wings or
smaller tabs can be sewn to one or both of the ends and/or sides of the panel
assembly for
use in attaching the security panel assembly in a carry bag.
[0015] As an alternative, the second layer of material need not include
openings for
being aligned with the mounting pegs. Rather, the layer of material can
include notches such
as V-shaped openings formed at the perimeter edge to be open thereto for being
aligned with
the mounting pegs. In this manner, the mounting pegs need not be fit into
through openings
in the second layer of material which translates to a decrease in assembly
time for the
security panel assembly herein.
[0016] Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a security type
bag or
handbag having a security carry strap wherein the external, materials forming
the bag may
be a flexible, fabric material which is attractive.
[0017] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a highly secure
handbag
which includes wires and cables that are incorporated therein, particularly
within the interior
chamber or chambers or pockets of the handbag to protect the contents of the
bag and to
prevent the cutting or slashing of the bag so as to secure access to the
interior.
[0018] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a highly secure
handbag
having a carry strap which may be easily detached and reattached and fastened
in a secure
manner around a post or a chair, or some other object to prevent the bag from
being
"snatched".
[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a secure handbag
construction
which is reasonably priced, highly secure, with unobtrusive features and which
is reasonably
easy to assemble or manufacture.
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[0020] These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention
will be set
forth in the detailed description which follows.
Brief Descriptions of the Drawings
[0021] In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made
to the
drawing comprised of the following figures:
[0022] Figure 1 is a side elevation of a typical handbag incorporating the
features of
the invention;
[0023] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the panel assembly of Figure 4 in
a folded
condition to form an interior security insert within the chamber formed by the
exterior bag;
[0024] Figure 3 is an isometric cut-away view showing the placement of the
folded
panel assembly of Figure 2 within the exterior bag construction of Figure 1;
[0025] Figure 4 is an isometric view of an interior security panel
assembly which is
fabricated and then inserted into an exterior bag and more particularly to the
inside chamber
of an exterior bag between the material forming the outside layer of the
exterior bag and a
lining of the exterior bag;
[0026] Figure 5 is an isometric view illustrating a first step in the
construction of the
interior security panel assembly of the type depicted in Figure 4;
[0027] Figure 6 is an isometric view of a future step in the construction
of the
interior security panel assembly;
[0028] Figure 7 is yet a further isometric view of an assembly step of the
interior
security panel assembly;
[0029] Figure 8 is an isometric view illustrating the continued steps of
manufacture
of the interior security panel assembly;
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[0030] Figure 9 is an isometric view of an additional manufacturing step
associated
with the interior security panel assembly;
[0031] Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are isometric views that
illustrate
continued steps in the manufacture of the interior security panel assembly in
serial order;
[0032] Figure 17 is an isometric view that illustrates the inclusion and
positioning of
a carbineer associated with the carry strap of the embodiment of the security
handbag of the
invention;
[0033] Figure 18 is an enlarged isometric view of the carbineer
construction of
Figure 17;
[0034] Figure 19 is an enlarged isometric view of a security clasp for a
zipper
mechanism;
[0035] Figures 20-24 are isometric views that illustrate steps in the
manufacture of
an alternative security panel assembly;
[0036] Figure 25 is an isometric view of the security panel assembly used
in a rigid
bag application;
[0037] Figure 26 is a sectional, schematic view showing the panel
assembly
extending up from the bottom of the bag frame along the cover members that
close the rigid
bag;
[0038] Figure 27 shows the pattern of the cut-resistant cable used in the
security
panel assembly;
[0039] Figure 28 shows reinforcement wire for the plates of the cover
members; and
[0040] Figures 29-36 are isometric views illustrating steps in the
manufacture of
another security panel assembly.
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Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0041] Figure 1 is a front elevation of a typical handbag incorporating
security
features associated with the present invention. Handbag 20 includes a carry
strap 22 and is
defined by an exterior bag 23 configured, in the example, as a parallelepiped
construction of
a generally flexible material such as canvas, leather, flexible plastic
material and similar
materials. The exterior bag 23 may further include reinforcement features such
as ribs or
slats that are incorporated therein or PVC sheets that are incorporated on the
inside surface
or sewn to the inside of the material forming the exterior bag 23. Typically,
the exterior
bag 23 includes a top opening 21 which is accessible though a zipper or
closure mechanism
24. The exterior bag 23 may also include a side pocket 25 accessible through
an opening 27
with a zipper mechanism 26.
[0042] The zippers 24, 26 include a security feature as depicted in
Figures 1 and 19.
Thus, the zipper 26 includes a catch or tab 28 which may be inserted into a
loop 30 that is
attached to a base 32 affixed to the outer layer 34 forming the exterior bag
23. The catch 28
is mounted on a plate 35 by means of a pin 33. Plate 35 has a ring 31 attached
to zipper 26.
The catch 28 must be manually released by pivoting about pin 33 in order to
enable
movement and release from the loop 30. Thus, the zipper mechanisms 24, 26 are
effectively
locked to the bag 20 and require a manual release operation in order to enable
operation of
zippers 24, 26 to achieve access though zippered openings to the interior of
the bag 20.
[0043] The carry strap 22 of bag 20 includes an elongate cable 38 which is
sewn into
and extends the entire length of the strap 22. Strap 22 is attached to bag 20
at one end and to
a buckle 42 at its opposite end. The strap 22 also fits though buckle 42 and
forms a loop 40
though a carbineer 44. Strap 22 thus forms a loop 40 which enables, in
combination with a
buckle 42, adjustment of the length of the strap 22. The strap 22 may have one
end fastened
into the interior of the exterior bag 20 or to a buckle 45 in Figure 4
attached to a loop 47
affixed to bag 20. The opposite end of the strap 22 is attached to buckle 42.
The carbineer 44
is also attached to the bag 20 and slidably fits within a pocket 46 in the
side of the exterior
bag 20. In order to release the carbineer 44 from loop 40 and open the
carbineer 44, a
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rotatable socket 48 must be manually manipulated. This construction is shown
in more detail
in Figures 18 and 19 wherein the carbineer 44, which slidably fits into the
pocket 46 and
thus remains generally hidden during use, is released once the socket 48 is
unthreaded so
that a pivotal arc 50 of the carbineer 44 maybe manipulated to open the
carbineer 44 so that
the loop 40 of strap 22 may be fitted around a post such as a support of a
chair or post 52 as
depicted in Figure 17 to thereby retain the bag securely attached to the
chair. In other words,
the strap 22 is a security feature of the construction by enabling the
placement around a post
or some other object to prevent ease of snatching the bag 20.
[0044] Referring next to Figures 2-4 there is depicted the configuration
and
assembly of an interior panel security assembly 62 which is retained within
the bag 20. The
interior panel assembly 62 is fabricated in a manner which enables the handbag
20 to remain
flexible, yet provides a significant amount of security by preventing cutting
though the bag
20 to the interior 60 of the bag 20 for access of its contents. Specifically,
the interior security
panel assembly 62 is comprised of layers of foldable material which are
stitched together
over a matrix of wires or cables of cut-resistant material, which can be
synthetic or metallic,
for example. The panel assembly is then positioned within the bag 20 and
maintained within
the interior 60 of the bag 20. Thus, a chamber 60 is formed in the bag 20 and
typically
between a lining 29 in that chamber 60 and the exterior fabric material 23 or
other material
defining the bag 20.
[0045] Alternatively, referencing Figures 20-24 a single wire 200 could
be employed
that is routed along and across the material layers therebetween as by looping
thereof to
avoid having more than two ends 202 and 204 of the wire that need to be
addressed at an
edge of the panel assembly 206.
[0046] An interior security panel assembly 62 is depicted in greater
detail in
Figures 3 and 4. Referring to Figure 2 the interior security panel assembly 62
in the
embodiment depicted is comprised of a single panel having a profile that can
be described as
the profile of the Roman Numeral I. Other configurations, such as a T or U-
shape could also
be employed depending on the configuration of the bag and where the security
panel is
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needed for protection. The panel assembly 62 is, in this instance, comprised
of a single panel
which is foldable along fold lines 70, 72, 74 and 76. When so folded, the
panel assembly 62
defines generally the shape of a box as depicted in Figure 3. Thus, by folding
or shaping
along the fold line 70 as well as the lines 74 and 76, a box-like structure is
formed having a
bottom surface 80, opposite side surfaces 82 and 84 and end panels 86 and 88.
This box-like
assembly or box-like security panel assembly is formed during the
manufacturing operation
of the security handbag by tacking the panel 62 to the inside face of the
material forming the
exterior bag 23. Then a lining 29 may be placed over the panel assembly 62 and
material
forming the exterior bag 23. The layers of lining 29, panel 62 and exterior
bag 23 may then
be stitched together to form the bag 20. Adhesive may also be used to
facilitate assembly.
Preferably, stitching is used to form and create the bag 20. Lining 29 fits
against the outside
of the panel 62 to thereby encapsulate the panel assembly 62. The lining 29
and the exterior
material 23 forming the exterior bag 20. Of course, in the practice of the
invention, multiple
discrete security panels or panel assemblies 62 may be combined to provide a
composite
interior panel assembly. The embodiment depicted provides an easy and
preferred manner of
connecting the security panel or panel assembly 62 to the exterior bag 23. The
fold lines, for
example fold lines 70 and 72, insure that the security of the chamber or
interior 60 of the bag
20 is maintained since the wire matrix (as discussed hereinafter) is
continuous though the
fold lines and the step of forming the bag effectively insures that the panel
62 fits over
essentially all of the interior walls of the bag 20 and lines the chamber 60.
[0047] The security panel assembly described herein could also be used in
a more
rigid bag or container application. As shown in Figures 25-27, the security
panel assembly
300 is used to pivotally connect a lower container base 302 to cover 304. In
this regard, the
panel assembly 300 can form a living hinge-type of connection between the base
302 and
cover 304. As illustrated, the panel assembly 300 has a cut-resistant cable or
wire 306 that is
fanned into loops and crosses itself along its length so that only two ends
308 and 310 of the
wire 306 are present at an edge of the panel assembly 300.
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[0048] The base 302 can be a metallic frame 312 having an open-top box
configuration, and the cover 304 can include a pair of cover members 314 and
316 that
cooperate to close the open-top of the box frame 312 when pivoted closed, and
to provide
access to the bag interior when pivoted open via panel assemblies 300
extending along
either side of the box frame 312 and along the cover members 314 and 316 to
form living
hinges therebetween.
[0049] More specifically, the wire netting 306 extends and is captured
between a
pair of inner and outer metal plates 318 and 320 to form each cover member 314
and 316.
These plates also can each have a reinforcement wire 321 that extends around
their
perimeter to provide rigidity thereto. Each wire netting 306 extends down
along a
corresponding side 322 and 324 of the frame 312 and around the bottom corners
of the box
frame 312 where it is secured at the bottom 326 of the frame 312. For this
purpose, a metal
plate 328 and a plastic plate 330 each substantially coextensive with the
bottom 326 can be
fixed thereto as by riveting to clamp and fix the bottom loops of the wire
netting 306
therebetween, as shown in Figs. 25 and 26.
[0050] Figures 5-16 illustrate multiple steps and their sequence for the
formation of
the interior panel 62.
[0051] Figure 5 depicts a first step which is the cutting and formation of
a first layer
90 of foldable material. The shape and configuration of the first layer 90 may
be that of the
Roman Numeral I as previously discussed or any desired shape associated with
the design of
the bag under construction. The layer 90 of material may be a fabric, plastic
sheet or other
foldable material. The choice of material is not necessarily a limiting
feature of the
invention. Wires 92 are then placed over the surface of the first layer 90 of
material. The
wires 92 may be retained in place by a glue or adhesive material 94. In this
manner, the wire
or wires 92 are secured against shifting relative to the material layer 90 so
as not to he
captured loosely between the material layers so that there is no need for
extra holding
devices such as crimps or the like to secure adjacent runs of the wire(s) to
each other. The
pattern of the wires 92 in the embodiment depicted is a series of spaced,
parallel wires which
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run diagonally across the surface of the layer 90. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate
in further detail
the placement of the glue or adhesive 94 on the saver 90 and the positioning
of the wires 92
on the layer 90 retained by the adhesive or glue material 94.
[0052] A second layer 96, substantially identical to the first layer 90,
is then
prepared with adhered, spaced, parallel wires 98. Alternatively, one of the
layers 90 and 96
can be fabric material while the other is a non-woven material. The second
layer 96 is
rotated 180 relative to the first layer 90 and placed over the first layer 90
as depicted in
Figures 8 and 9. Thus, the second layer 96, which includes wires 98, is fitted
over the first
layer 90 which includes wires 92. Again, the pattern of the matrix is not a
limiting feature.
The chosen matrix in this case is a series of crossed wires which have ends
100 that
terminate along a boundary 102, by way of example, of the panel layers 90 and
96.
[0053] As the next step, illustrated in Figure 10, the wires 98 and 92
are stitched into
position for retention in the desired position by means of a stitching with
nylon or thread
106, for example. The wires 92, 98 are retained substantially in position
between the layers
90 and 96 by means of the adhesive or glue 94 as well as the stitching 106.
[0054] Thereafter, a binding material 110 is provided at least along some
of the
boundary or edges 102 of the security panel assembly 62 as depicted in Figure
11. Thus, a
binding material 110 such as a PVC binding material or any other type of
somewhat flexible
binding material 110 is fitted over the edge boundary 102 of the panel
assembly 62 and
subsequently, upon being fitted, is folded over the boundary edge 102 as
depicted in
Figure 12. The folded binding 110 is then stitched along stitch line 112 to
form an edge of
the panel assembly 62. The use of a polyvinyl chloride binding 110 or a
similar material
insures that the ends 100 of wires 92 and 98 will not pierce or project
outwardly from the
panel assembly. Of course, the wires 92 and 98 are bendable or flexible and
thus may be a
light cable material or screen wire or some other material that is not easily
cut. Typically the
wires 92 and 98 are a metal wire such as 0.7mm or steel wire, but any material
which is
resistant to cutting can be utilized in the construction. Typically, the wires
92, 98 are in
parallel, spaced rows spaced 0.50 to 2 inches.
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[0055] Subsequently, as depicted in Figures 14 and 15 all of the panel
edges 102 are
bound so that the wires 92, 98 will not pierce or project undesirably from the
interior
security panel assembly 62. The binding 110 is thus preferably provided about
the entire
circumference of the interior panel assembly 62. In the illustration, the
panel assembly 62
has a square configuration rather than that of a Roman numeral I. However, the
configuration of the interior panel assembly 62 is not a limiting feature of
the invention.
[0056] Similarly, referencing Figures 20-24, the illustrated panels 208
and 210 can
have other configurations as previously discussed. Each of these panels has a
single wire,
wire 200 for panel 208 and wire 212 for panel 210, that is fixed as by
adhesive thereto. As
shown, these wires are looped adjacent the panel edges to avoid numerous free
ends of
multiple wires thereat instead only having the single pair of ends adjacent
one of the side
edges of each panel. Further, these wires cross themselves but because they
are adhered to
the associated panel, they do not require crimps or the like to hold the
adjacent wire portions
together to maintain the wire extending in a desired pattern along the panels.
[0057] After the security panel assembly 62 is fabricated, it is
incorporated into a
bag 20 in the manner described previously. The assembly 62 is thus
incorporated as a
security layer within the bag 20.
[0058] The cable member 38 associated with the strap 22 may be attached
to the
interior panel assembly 62. The shape and configuration of the exterior bag 23
and the
interior panel assembly 62 may be varied in accord with a design
consideration. The
inclusion of one or more interior panel assemblies 62 within an exterior bag
23 may be
adopted.
[0059] The steps for manufacture of an alternative security panel
assembly 400
(Figure 36) will next be described with reference to Figures 29-36. A fixture
402 such as a
small handloom is provided for forming the security panel assembly 400. The
fixture 402
includes a mounting base or board 404 that is larger than the layers of
material 406 and 408
to be received thereon for forming the security panel assembly 400. The
mounting board 404
includes several mounting members in the form of pegs 410 that project
upwardly
CA 02845938 2016-09-02
therefrom. The mounting pegs 410 can be arranged in parallel rows with a first
pair of the
parallel rows corresponding to opposite parallel edges 412 and 414 of the
material layer 406
and the other or second pair of parallel rows being oriented to extend
orthogonal to the first
pair of rows and corresponding to the other pair of parallel edges 416 and 418
of the
material layer 406. Through openings, holes, or apertures 420 are formed along
and adjacent
to the edges 412-418 such that they can be aligned with the mounting pegs 410
for fitting the
mounting pegs 410 therethrough. In this regard, since the material layers 406
and 408 are
preferably of flexible material such as non-woven or fabric material, the
material layer 406
(as well as material layer 408 described more fully hereinafter) can be
stretched for fitting
the pegs 410 into and through its through openings 420. Figure 30 shows the
material layer
406 held to the mounting board 404 via the mounting pegs 410 extending through
the
openings 420.
[0060] At this time the material layer 406 can have adhesive 422 such as
a pressure
sensitive adhesive material exposed thereon on its upwardly facing surface
424. In one
approach, the material layer 406 can include a covering sheet 426 made of a
material that
allows it to be readily removed from preapplied adhesive 422 thereunder.
Figure 30 shows
the cover sheet 426 being pulled off from the material layer 406 so as to
expose the adhesive
422 on the material layer surface 424. As an alternative to the use of the
cover sheet 426, the
adhesive 422 could be exposed on the surface 424 by applying it directly to
the surface 424
of the material layer 406 as it is held on the mounting board 404 by the
mounting pegs 410.
[0061] With the material layer 406 held on the mounting board 404, a
cable or wire
428 can be dispensed from a wire fixture such as spooling mechanism 430
(Figure 31) so
that the wire 428 can be unwound and routed around the mounting pegs 410
projecting
above the material layer 406. The wire 428 can be an approximately 0.1 mm to
an
approximately 3.5 mm, and preferably an approximately 0.6 mm, gauge or
diameter wire of
metallic material to provide the security panel assembly 400 resistance
against being easily
and/or quickly cut through. Alternatively, the cable or wire 428 can also be
of a cut-
resistant, yarn material such as Vectran which is a high-performance
thermoplastic
multifilament yarn spun from a liquid crystal polymer.
16
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[0062] As can be seen in Figures 31-33, the wire 428 can be continuously
routed
around the pegs 410 in a predetermined pattern, such as the illustrated criss-
cross pattern
whereby the single length or piece of wire 428 forms a series of wire boxes
429 having their
sides oriented at an oblique angle to the perimeter edges 412-418 of the
material layer 406.
The pegs 410 are of sufficient length so that the wire 428 can be routed
tightly around the
pegs 410 in spaced relation to the material layer surface 424 and the adhesive
422 thereon.
This allows the wire 428 to be smoothly routed around the pegs 410 without
potentially
creating hang-ups during this process by contact with the adhesive material
422 thereunder.
[0063] As shown, the present method allows for use of a single wire 428 so
that only
two ends 432 and 434 need to be manipulated adjacent to one of the edges 412-
418 so as not
to be exposed therefrom such as by projecting beyond any of the edges 412-418
or being too
closely adjacent thereto. For example, referring to Figure 33 the wire 428 at
the ends 432
and 434 is bent back to extend toward the center of the material layer 406
with the ends 432
and 434 being secured to and on the upwardly feeing surface 424 adjacent the
end edge 416
of the material layer 406. This leaves only bent or curved portions 435 of the
wire 428
adjacent to the edges 412-418 and closed thereto. After the second material
layer 408 is
adhered to the first material layer 406 (as will be described hereinafter),
the edges of the
resulting laminate structure will be substantially sealed without multiple
pairs of wire ends
adjacent thereto. Thus, the security panel assembly 400 avoids the need to
have a protective
covering or binding along its perimeter edges that spans the covering layers
406 and 408 to
prevent access to multiple pairs of exposed metallic wire ends.
[0064] Further, it can be seen that the wire ends 432 and 434 can be
provided with a
cap thereon that can be of polymeric material such as a PVC tube to avoid
having exposed
metal ends of the metallic wire 428 between the material layers 406 and 408.
This keeps the
wire ends 432 and 434 from protruding and poking through the material layers
406 and 408.
The leading end 432 can be capped before the wire 428 is routed around the
pegs 410. After
such routing is complete, the wire 428 can be cut to generate the second or
trailing end 434
that is then capped. Manifestly, multiple wires could also be used as desired
with additional
wires being routed around the mounting pegs 410 and secured to the surface 424
via the
17
CA 02845938 2016-09-02
adhesive 422 in a manner similar with the wire 428 with the ends of these
additional wires
also bent back and capped. In this regard, the multiple wires need not be
directly connected
to each other with separate connector members or clips which would increase
cost and
potentially generate localized bumps in the security panel assembly 400 where
the
connectors are located. As such, the only increase in the thickness of
security panel
assembly 400 over that of the material layers 406 and 408 is due to the
thickness of the wire
428 secured therebetween.
[0065] After the wire 428 is routed around the mounting pegs 410 and the
wire ends
432 and 434 are capped and are placed on the adhesive 422 of the upwardly
facing surface
424, the second material layer 408 is oriented so that its openings 436 are in
alignment with
the mounting pegs 410 so that the mounting pegs 410 can be received
therethough, as shown
in Fig. 34. In this regard, the through openings 436 are located along and
adjacent to the
opposite side edges 438 and 440 and the opposite end edges 442 and 444 in a
manner similar
to the positioning of the openings 420 along the edges 412-418 of the first
material layer
406.
[0066] Since it can be difficult to simultaneously fit multiple pegs 410
through
corresponding openings 436, generally the material layers 406 and 408 have to
be
manipulated so that each opening 424, 436 is individually fit over a
corresponding mounting
peg 410 or only a few openings 424, 436 at a time are fit over corresponding
pegs 410.
Thus, in another form, it is contemplated that rather than having the openings
configured to
be through openings or apertures 436 that are spaced from the corresponding
edges 438-444,
notch openings 446 could be formed in the material layer 408 instead. These
notch openings
446 would open to the corresponding edges 438-444 and can have a V-shape for
locating the
mounting pegs 410 at or adjacent to the apex of the V-notch openings 446. This
allows for
the second material layer 408 to be quickly placed down onto the wire 428 for
being adhered
to the underlying first material layer 406 with multiple mounting pegs 410 or
all of the pegs
420 substantially simultaneously fit into the corresponding notch openings
446. In this
manner, assembly time for forming the security panel assembly 400, and
specifically for the
application of second material layer 408 onto the wire 428 can be
significantly reduced.
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[0067] After the second material layer 408 is held to the mounting board
404 via
either the mounting pegs 410 extending in and through the through openings 436
or in and
through the notch openings 446, pressure is applied to the second material
layer 408 either
manually or via a hand held tool so as to generate secure and intimate contact
between the
second material layer 408, the wire 428, the adhesive 422 on the first
material layer 406, and
the first material layer 406 itself after applying sufficient pressure across
the second material
layer 408, a laminate structure 448 is created with the wire 428 secured and
adhered
between the adhered together first and second material layers 406 and 408, as
shown in
Figure 34.
[0068] The laminate 448 is then removed from the fixture 402 by lifting of
the
material layers 406 and 408 off of the mounting pegs 410, whereupon stitching
450 is
applied as by a sewing machine with the stitches interconnecting the material
layers 406 and
408 and further securing the wire 428 permanently in place between the
material layers 406
and 408. The stitching 450 can be at random locations along the laminate 448
as well as
along the perimeter thereof corresponding to material layer edges 412-418 and
438-444. As
shown, the stitching 450 extends along opposite long side edges 452 and 454 of
the laminate
450 and along oblique lines that extend between the opposite shorter end edges
456 and 458
of the laminate 448. In addition, panel members can be connected to the
security panel
assembly 400 as by stitching along any of the perimeter edges 452-458 thereof
any number
or size of panel members can be utilized which serve as bridge connectors to
provide
assistance for attaching and incorporating the security panel 400 into a carry
bag to be
integrated therein as has been described herein. As shown, the panel members
are in the
form of opposite tab members 460 and 462 that are centrally connected along
the shorter end
edges 456 and 458 of the security panel assembly 400.
[0069] The specification and claims are intended to be interpreted broadly
with
respect to the scope and meaning of adjectives, adverbs and prepositions as
well as nouns
and verb forms. 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
19
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virtue of prosecution the term is to be limited. Articles are also not to be
limited and articles
such as "a" and "an" shall not be limited to a single item or element unless
specifically
disclaimed. The examples of the invention should therefore not be interpreted
as limiting
unless indicated as such.
[0070] Thus, while there has been set forth embodiments of the invention,
the
invention is to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents.
