Abstract:
A bag comprising a lockable pouch and a lockable handle is disclosed. The bag comprises a locking mechanism that secures the contents of the bag by securing a sliding fastener in place. In one embodiment, the handle and sliding fastener are both secured via a common key-operated mechanism. A handle that is removal at one end allows the handle to be placed around a stationary object as to secure the bag to that object while unattended. A single control is provided conveniently to release both the sliding fastener and the handle. The handle is comprised of a flexible yet strong material, such as a metal cable.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for securing bags and, more particularly, to a bag including a lockable handle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    People use several types of bags, handheld bags, handbags or containers for carrying different personal items with them to stores, beaches, pools, schools, hotels and many other locations. Similarly, students use backpacks to carry laptops, books, media players and other items to and from school. Travelers carry cash, credit cards, cameras, passports, mobile phones and other similar items with them when they travel. These bags or containers contain valuable items that the person does not want to lose or have stolen. Therefore, to ensure that the items are not being removed or stolen from the person&#39;s bags, the persons must keep the bags with them at all times. In some situations, carrying the bags at all times becomes burdensome and makes some activities almost impossible. 
         [0003]    For example, if a person is at a relatively open area such as a pool or beach and the person has a bag such as a beach bag, tote or purse, the person cannot leave their spot at the pool or beach without taking the bag with them for fear that the bag will be stolen or that one or more items from the bag will be stolen or removed by thieves or the like. The person must therefore carry the bag or purse with them to get food, go to the restroom or to perform other activities such as playing volleyball. In addition, if the person wants to go in the water to swim, the person must have another person such as a spouse watch their bag while they are in the water. Otherwise, the person must place the bag as close to the water as possible to keep an eye on the bag. The additional burdens of watching the bag and carrying the bag makes participation in activities or carrying items such as food trays more difficult. 
         [0004]    Thieves operate quickly and discretely. Therefore, a bag that is secured and locked to an object or at least secured and locked in a closed position is a less desirable target for a thief because the thief will have to spend too much time and effort to attempt to remove the bag or to remove the items from the bag. Thieves are less likely to want to draw attention to themselves by trying to cut, pry or break into a secured and locked bag to remove the bag or remove the contents of the bag. 
         [0005]    To alleviate the need to carry the bag during an activity, it is desirable to stow the bag in a secure manner. Balancing the need for security is also the need for convenience. The prior art bags are lacking in convenience. Therefore, what is desired, is an improved lockable bag that provides both security and convenience in regular use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention comprises a bag, having a sliding fastener, such as a zipper, and a handle comprising a strong cable. The bag provides the desired security and convenience by providing a bag that can quickly lock or unlock both the handle, and the sliding fastener. The present invention uses a plunger mechanism with a lip to lock the sliding fastener. This technique for locking a sliding fastener is known in the industry, and is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,267 to Nobles. While this technique is well suited for locking a sliding fastener, it does not serve to lock a handle. The present invention provides a means to lock both the handle and the sliding fastener. The user may elect to lock the sliding fastener, the handle, or both, depending on the use situation. For example, when carrying the bag, it may be desirable to lock the handle, but leave the sliding fastener unlocked for convenient access to the items contained within the bag. When leaving the bag unattended, it may be desirable to lock both the handle and the sliding fastener to secure the bag, as well as its contents. The handle may be arranged about an object to secure the bag to that object. For example, the handle may be secured around a rail, such as that provided by a fence post, to secure the bag to that rail while it is left unattended. The bag may be secured to a variety of stationary or non-stationary objects, including, but not limited to, a tree, a picnic table, beach umbrella, lounge chair, office desk, baby stroller and shopping cart, to name a few. With the bag of the present invention, the user is able to “lock and leave” the bag and enjoy time with family and friends. 
         [0007]    One embodiment of the bag of the present invention includes a unique locking mechanism which secures both a zipper as well as the bag. This embodiment uses a seven pin tumbler, a ⅛″ galvanized coated cable and a liner resistant to cutting and gouging, which makes the bag almost impossible to penetrate by ordinary means. The water-resistant material allows the contents of the bag to remain dry. The design of the zipper/cable locking mechanism is such that the zipper of the bag can remain unlocked allowing easy access to belongings while still maintaining the look of the bag with the shoulder strap in a locked configuration. A bag according to the present invention is well suited for secure transporting of valuables such as cash, credit cards, passports, mobile phones, cameras, computers and media players. 
         [0008]    The applications for the bag of the present invention are practically limitless, and include but are not limited to the following: vacation and business travel, water activities, children&#39;s activities including sports activities, shopping, activities involving babies, work, school and dorm room security and laptop security. These advantages, and others, will be apparent from the following detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (FIGs.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. 
           [0010]    Certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of “slices”, or “near-sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines which would otherwise be visible in a “true” cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity. 
           [0011]    In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, in some cases both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) may be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention in a fully locked configuration. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention in a handle locked configuration. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention in an unlocked configuration. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a top view of a lock housing. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  is a side view of a lock housing. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a lock housing. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of internal components of an embodiment of a lock housing. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of internal components of an alternative embodiment of a lock housing. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment  100  of the present invention in a fully locked configuration. The locking bag  100  comprises a handle  102 . Handle  102  is comprised of a strong, yet flexible material, such as a metal cable. In a preferred embodiment, the handle  102  is comprised of galvanized steel cable that is coated with plastic, or disposed within a fabric sleeve (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, a cable of ⅛ inch diameter is used. Handle  102  is secured to pouch  104 . Pouch  104  provides the storage capability of locking bag  100 . Pouch  104  has an interior space, and an opening (not shown). The pouch  104  is preferably made of a sturdy, water-resistant material, such as a water-resistant polyester fabric that is resistant to cutting and gouging. The material is preferably resistant to cutting and gouging as well. Optionally, one or more interior pockets  107  may be provided within pouch  104 . One or more of these interior pockets may be comprised of a waterproof plastic, providing contents contained therein protection from water damage. A lock  112  is used to secure the locking bag  100 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the lock is a multiple tumbler key-operated lock (key lock). In an exemplary embodiment, a seven pin tumbler lock is used. Shaft  110  is controlled by lock  112 . Shaft  110  (described in more detail in  FIG. 6 ) secures sliding fastener head  106  in place in a “sealing” position, serving to seal pouch  104 . In an exemplary embodiment, sliding fastener head  106  is a zipper head. A pull tab  108  is preferably used to move sliding fastener head  106  towards  102 A to open the pouch, and allow access to the interior of pouch  104 . Alternatively, sliding fastener head is moved towards  102 B to seal the pouch. Handle  102  has permanent end  102 A and removable end  102 B. Handle  102  is permanently secured to pouch  104  at permanent end  102 A, and is removable from pouch  104  at removable end  102 B. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment  100  of the present invention in a handle locked configuration. In this figure, shaft  110  is extended, as a result of operating lock  112 . With shaft  110  extended as shown, sliding fastener head  106  is free to move, hence allowing access to the interior of pouch  104 . Handle  102  remains locked, thereby allowing for convenient carrying of locking bag  100 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment  100  of the present invention in an unlocked configuration. In this figure, shaft  110  has been rotated from its position illustrated in  FIG. 2 . This causes removable end  102 B of handle  102  to be released from pouch  104 . In this view, handle pin  116  is visible. Handle pin  116  is secured to handle  102  by swaging, or other means to provide a strong attachment. In one embodiment, handle pin  116  comprises a plurality of detents as a means for securing handle pin  116  (and therefore removable end  102 B of handle  102 ) to pouch  104 . 
         [0024]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  5  show various views of a lock housing  120  in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 4A  is a top view of a lock housing,  FIG. 4B  is a side view of a lock housing, and  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a lock housing. Lock housing  120  is preferably secured in a reinforcing panel  131  that is folded and sewn around the lock to hold it in place. Lock housing  120  comprises pin port  122 . Pin port  122  receives handle pin  116  in order to secure handle  102  to pouch  104 . Lock  112  comprising key slot  126  is located between pin port  122  and shaft opening  127 . Fastener head slot  128  is used to secure sliding fastener head  106  in order to secure contents within pouch  104 .  FIG. 4B  illustrates that a portion of lock housing  120  is concealed by pouch  104 .  FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the lock housing  120 , showing a view of shaft  110  from above. To secure the contents of pouch  104 , sliding fastener head  106  is positioned in fastener head slot  128 , and under the head (see  FIG. 6  for more detail) of shaft  110 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of internal components of lock housing  120 . In this illustration, various parts of shaft  110  are illustrated in further detail. Shaft  110  comprises shaft head  152 , elongated portion  154 , and barrel paddle  156 . Lock  112  has engaging member  158  that engages shaft release mechanism  162 , which allows shaft  110  to extend in a “vertical” direction indicated by arrow U, to unlock the sliding fastener head  106 . Once extended, a user can rotate shaft  110  about its elongated axis by turning shaft head  152  with his hand. Turning shaft head  152  causes barrel paddle  156  to engage pin release mechanism  164 , which causes handle pin  116  to be released from pin housing  168  via a spring mechanism (not shown). For the sake of clarity, not all details of the engaging and releasing mechanisms are shown. However, mechanisms to engage and release a pin from a pin housing are known in the industry, and to one of ordinary skill in this art. 
         [0026]      FIG. 7  is a side view of an alternative embodiment  700  of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , except that handle  702  has cable  703  contained within handle  702 . The cable  703  is preferably sewn into the handle  702 , providing improved strength for the handle. Cable  703  extends into the interior of pouch  104 , and is secured to the interior of the pouch along side  104 A of the pouch  104 , then along the bottom of the pouch ( 104 B), and then travels upward, and secures to lock housing  120 . This provides for additional security by reinforcing the attachment of handle  702  to pouch  104 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of internal components of an alternative embodiment of a lock housing. In this embodiment, shaft  810  is operated similar to the operation of shaft  110  as described for  FIG. 6 . However, in this embodiment, handle pin  116  is oriented at a substantially right angle to the shaft  810 , and is secured within pin housing  868 . The shaft  810  is movable in the direction indicated by arrow V. Shaft  810  has shaft head  852  which secures a fastener head (not shown) in fastener head slot  828  when the present invention is in a locked configuration. 
         [0028]    It will be understood that the present invention may have various other embodiments. Furthermore, while the form of the invention herein shown and described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is not intended to illustrate all possible forms thereof. It will also be understood that the words used are words of description rather than limitation, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than solely by the examples given.