US20060016532A1 - Bag including lockable member - Google Patents

Abstract

A bag having a body that defines an interior space and a receptacle. A closing member is connected to the body. The closing member is movable between a first position, which allows access to the interior space of the body, and a second position which prevents access to the interior space of the body. The bag includes a securing member attached to the body and a lockable member which is connected to the securing member. The securing member including the lockable member is adapted to secure and lock the closing member to the body when the closing member is moved to the second position to protect the bag and the items contained in the bag from being taken.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM
• This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/897,451, filed Jul. 22, 2004, which is incorporated in its entirety herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for securing bags and, more particularly, to a bag including a lockable handle.
• People use several types of bags, handheld bags, handbags or containers for carrying different personal items with them to a store, the beach, the pool and other locations. For example, women use purses to carry cosmetics, wallets, checkbooks and other personal and valuable items with them. Similarly, students use backpacks to carry books, homework and other items to and from school. Travelers carry clothes, passports and other similar items with them when they travel. These bags or containers contain valuable items that the person does not want to lose or have stolen. Therefore, to ensure that the items are not being removed or stolen from the person's bags, the persons must keep the bags with them at all times. In some situations, carrying the bags at all times becomes burdensome and makes some activities almost impossible.
• For example, if a person is at a relatively open area such as a pool or beach and the person has a bag such as a beach bag or purse, the person cannot leave their spot at the pool or beach without taking the bag with them for fear that the bag will be stolen or that one or more items from the bag will be stolen or removed by thieves or the like. The person must therefore carry the bag or purse with them to get food, go to the bathroom or to perform other activities such as playing volleyball. In addition, if the person wants to go in the water to swim, the person must have another person such as a spouse watch their bag while they are in the water. Otherwise, the person must place the bag as close to the water as possible to keep an eye on the bag. The additional burdens of watching the bag and carrying the bag makes carrying other items such as food trays or performing functions such as going to the bathroom more difficult.
• Thieves operate quickly and discretely. Therefore, a bag that is secured and locked to an object or at least secured and locked in a closed position is a less desirable target for a thief because the thief will have to spend too much time and effort to attempt to remove the bag or to remove the items from the bag. A thief is less likely to want to draw attention to themselves by trying to cut, pry or break into a secured and locked bag to remove the bag or remove the contents of the bag.
• Accordingly, it is desirable to have a container such as a handbag or bag which includes a handle that is securable and lockable to the body of the bag to simultaneously enable the bag to be secured and locked to another item or object such as a beach chair and also enable the container or bag to be secured closed so that personal items and valuable items cannot be removed from the bag. This enables the bag owners to temporarily leave the bag in a particular location without allowing thieves to easily take the bag or remove contents from the bag while the bag owner is away. The bag owner can then feel assured that the bag is safe while they perform other functions and activities.
• It is therefore desirable to provide a bag or container that enables a user to secure the bag to another item.
• It is also desirable to provide a bag having a handle that is securable to an object such as a chair to prevent the bag from being easily removed or stolen.
• Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a bag including a handle that enables the bag to be secured and locked in a closed position to prevent unauthorized persons from opening the bag and removing personal items and valuable items from inside the bag.
• It is also desirable to provide a bag having a lockable handle that includes several different types of locks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides a securable container such as a bag and method for securing containers such as bags, handbags, purses, luggage, beach bags, duffel bags, back packs and the like. The teachings of the present invention, however, are not dependent upon the handbags or bags being any particular type of bag, container or any other item which is used to carry personal items from one location to another location. The bags described herein are configured to securely hold one or more personal items while preventing the bag and any of the personal and valuable items contained inside the bag from being removed when the bag is secured to an object in a designated location.
• In an embodiment, the a bag of the present invention is provided where the bag includes a body defining an interior space and an opening. A closing member is connected to the body, where the closing member is movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space through the opening and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space through the opening. The bag also includes a handle connected to the body, where the handle has a least one removable end. The bag includes a securing member connected to the removable end of the handle and a lockable member connected to the body. The securing member engages the closing member and the lockable member to simultaneously lock the closing member and the securing member to the body when the closing member is in the second position.
• In an embodiment, the lockable member defines an opening, where the opening is sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.
• In another embodiment, the body includes a front wall, a rear wall side walls and a bottom wall which are connected together.
• In an embodiment, at least one cover is attached to at least one of the walls.
• In another embodiment, the lockable member includes a suitable combination lock.
• In an embodiment, the removable end of the handle includes a plurality of securing members each adapted to be received by the lockable member, where at least one of the securing members is insertable through the closing member to secure and lock the closing member and the removable end of the handle to the lockable member.
• In another embodiment, the closing member includes a zipper having a plurality of opposing mating dividers connected to the body and a zipper pull movably connected to each of the plurality of dividers, the zipper pull including a tab, wherein the tab enables the zipper pull to be moved between the first position and the second position.
• In an embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the body and the handle includes a reinforcer.
• In another embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a metal.
• In an embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a fabric material.
• In an embodiment, a suitable pad lock is attachable to the closing member, removable end and the body.
• In an embodiment, the lockable member further includes a removable lock that is attachable to the handle, the closing member and the body.
• A bag of another embodiment of the present invention is provided where the bag includes a body defining an interior space and a cover connected to the body. The cover is movable between an open position and a closed position. The open position allows access to the interior space of the body, and the closed position prevents access to the interior space of the body. The bag also includes a handle having at least one removable end and a securing member connected to the removable end of the handle. The bag includes a lock integrally connected to the body, where the securing member is secured to the cover and the lock to simultaneously secure and lock the cover in the closed position.
• In an embodiment, the lock defines a keyhole adapted to receive a key.
• In another embodiment, the lock includes a suitable combination lock.
• In an embodiment, a suitable pad lock is attachable to the closing member, removable end and the body.
• In an embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the cover and the body includes a reinforcer.
• In another embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a metal.
• In an embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a fabric material.
• In an embodiment, the lock further includes a removable lock that is attachable to the handle, the closing member and the body.
• A method of securing and locking a bag is provided where the method includes the steps of providing a body defining an interior space and an opening, where the body includes a handle having two ends and a lockable member. At least one of the ends is removable from the body and the lockable member is adapted to receive the removable end of the handle. The next step includes moving a closing member from an open position to a closed position to prevent access to the interior space through the opening, where the closing member is adapted to receive at least a portion of the removable end of the handle. The next step includes locking the closing member and the removable end of the handle to the lockable member.
• In an embodiment, the method includes positioning the removable end of the handle about an object before locking the securing member and the removable end of the handle to the lockable member.
• In another embodiment, the method includes attaching a reinforcer to at least a portion of at least one of the handle and the body.
• In an embodiment, the method includes locking and unlocking the closing member and the removable end of the handle to and from the lockable member using a key insertable into the lockable member.
• In another embodiment, the method includes locking and unlocking the closing member and the removable end of the handle to and from the lockable member using a combination settable on the lockable member.
• In a further embodiment, the method includes locking and unlocking the closing member and the removable end of the handle to and from the lockable member using a padlock.
• Another embodiment of a method of securing and locking a bag according to the present invention is provided where the method includes the steps of comprising providing a body defining an interior space, where the body includes a handle with at least one removable end and a zipper including a pull which is movable between an open position and a closed position. The pull includes a tab defining an opening adapted to receive the removable end of the handle, where the open position allows access the interior space of the body, and the closed position prevents access the interior space of the body. The next steps include moving the pull to the closed position and inserting a securing member connected to the removable end of the handle through the opening of the tab and into a lockable member attached to the body. The next step includes locking the pull and the securing member to the lockable member.
• In an embodiment, the method includes the step of locking the removable end of the handle to the lockable member includes inserting a key into the lockable member and moving the key to and from a designated position to lock and unlock the removable end of the handle to the lockable member.
• In another embodiment, the method includes locking the removable end of the handle to the lockable member includes adjusting at least one dial having indicia to a designated position on the lockable member to lock and unlock the removable end of the handle to and from the lockable member.
• In a further embodiment, the present invention is directed to a bag including a body defining an interior space and a receptacle. A closing member is connected to the body, where the closing member is movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space of the bag and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space of the bag. The bag further includes a securing member which is connected to the body, and a lockable member which is connected to the securing member. In this embodiment, the securing member engages the closing member and the receptacle to simultaneously lock the closing member and the securing member to the receptacle when the closing member is in the second position.
• In an embodiment, the lockable member includes a combination lock.
• In another embodiment, the lockable member defines an opening, the opening being sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.
• In a further embodiment, the bag includes a removable lock that is attachable to the securing member, the closing member and the body.
• In an embodiment, the closing member includes a zipper having a plurality of opposing mating dividers connected to the body and a zipper pull movably connected to each of the plurality of dividers, the zipper pull includes a tab, wherein the tab enables the zipper pull to be moved between the first position and the second position.
• In an embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the body and the securing member include a reinforcer.
• In another embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a metal.
• In an embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a fabric material.
• In an embodiment, a removable lock is attachable to the securing member, the closing member and the body.
• In another embodiment, the bag includes a handle connected to the body, where the handle has a least one removable end.
• In an embodiment, at least a portion of the handle includes a reinforcer.
• In an embodiment, the securing member includes at least one tightener.
• In an embodiment, the bag includes at least one release tab movably connected to the body, where the release tab is adapted to release the securing member from the receptacle.
• A bag of another embodiment of the present invention is provided where the bag includes a body defining an interior space and a receptacle, where the body includes a lock. The bag also includes a closing member connected to the body, where the closing member is movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space. The bag further includes a securing member connected to the body, where the securing member engages the closing member and the receptacle. In this embodiment, the lock is operable to simultaneously lock the closing member and the securing member to the receptacle when the closing member is in the second position.
• A bag of a further embodiment of the present invention is provided where the bag includes a body defining an interior space and a receptacle and a closing member connected to the body. The closing member is movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space. The bag further includes a handle connected to the body, where the handle has a least one removable end and includes a lockable member. The bag also includes a securing member connected to the removable end of the handle, where the securing member engages the closing member and the receptacle. The lockable member is operable to simultaneously lock the closing member and the securing member in the receptacle when the closing member is in the second position.
• In another embodiment, a method of securing and locking a bag is provided where the method includes the steps of providing a body defining an interior space and a receptacle and providing a securing member attached to the body, where the securing member includes a lockable member. The next step includes moving a closing member attached to the body from an open position to a closed position to prevent access to the interior space, where the closing member is adapted to receive at least a portion of the securing member. The method further includes the steps of engaging the securing member with the closing member and the receptacle and locking the securing member and the closing member to the receptacle using a lockable member.
• In an embodiment, the method includes the step of attaching a reinforcer to at least a portion of at least one of the securing member and the body.
• In an embodiment, the method includes the step of locking and unlocking the closing member and the securing member to and from the body using a removable lock.
• In an embodiment, the method includes the step of locking and unlocking the closing member and the securing member to and from the lockable member using a key insertable into the lockable member.
• In an embodiment, the method includes the step of locking and unlocking the closing member and the securing member to and from the receptacle using a combination settable on the lockable member.
• In another embodiment, a method of securing and locking a bag is provided where the method includes the steps of providing a body defining an interior space and a receptacle, where the body includes a lock. The method also includes the steps of providing a securing member connected to the body and moving a closing member connected to the body from a first position on the body to allow access to the interior space to a second position on the body to prevent access to the interior space. The next step includes engaging the securing member with the closing member and the receptacle. Next, the method includes the step of locking the securing member and the closing member in the receptacle using the lock on the body when the closing member is in the second position.
• In a further embodiment, a method of securing and locking a bag is provided where the method includes the steps of providing a body defining an interior space and a receptacle and providing a securing member connected to the body. The next step includes providing a handle connected to the body, where the handle has a least one removable end, and where the removable end includes a lockable member. The next step includes moving a closing member connected to the body from a first position on the body to allow access to the interior space to a second position on the body to prevent access to the interior space. The next steps include engaging the securing member with the closing member and the receptacle and locking the securing member and the closing member to the receptacle using the lockable member when the closing member is in the second position.
• In an embodiment, the method includes the step of including a combination lock on the removable end of the handle.
• In an embodiment, the step of including a lockable member on the removable end of the handle further includes the step of including a lockable member defining an opening on the removable end of the handle, where the opening is sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.
• In another embodiment, the method includes attaching a reinforcer to a portion of at least one of the body and the handle.
• It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a container such as a bag which is securable and lockable so that the bag cannot be opened to remove items from the bag.
• It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a bag which is securable and lockable to another object to prevent the bag from being stolen and to prevent items contained in the bag from being stolen.
• It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a bag that is simultaneously securable and lockable in a closed position and to an object so that owner of the bag can temporarily leave the bag without items in the bag or the bag itself being stolen.
• It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a bag that is simultaneously securable and lockable in a closed position and/or to an object using a lockable member which is attached to the bag and independent of the handle attached to the bag.
• It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a bag that is simultaneously securable and lockable in a closed position and/or to an object including a handle having at least one lockable end.
• Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
• FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the bag of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 where the strap is secured through the zipper to the body of the bag.
• FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 where the end of the strap is locked to the body of the bag.
• FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the bag of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the bag of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a suitable combination lock.
• FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a plurality of securing members.
• FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a securable cover.
• FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a integral handle which moves upward and downward in the body of the bag to secure and lock the handle to the body.
• FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the bag of the present invention where a suitable padlock is attached to the removable end of the handle, the closing member and the body of the bag.
• FIG. 11A illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the bag of the present invention including a combination lock and a padlock where the handle is not secured to the body of the bag.
• FIG. 11B illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the bag of the present invention including a combination lock and a padlock where the handle is secured to the body of the bag.
• FIG. 12 illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the bag of the present invention including a body having a combination lock which secures the handle to the body of the bag.
• FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a lockable member having a lock which is independently attached to the body of the bag and secures and locks the closing member in place using the lock.
• FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate another alternative embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a lockable member and a separate lock which are attached to the body of the bag for securing and locking the closing member.
• FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a handle having a lock at one end for securing and locking the closing member.
• FIGS. 16A and 16B are front perspective views of another alternative embodiment of the bag of the present invention where the bag includes a securing member which secures one end of the handle and the closing member of the bag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides an apparatus and method for securing different types of containers such as handbags or bags and specifically for securing the handles and/or zippers of such bags. The present invention may be employed to secure a strap, handle or other carrying device of a bag to the body of the bag to prevent the strap or handle from being removed from the bag or to prevent the bag from being opened and/or removed or stolen from a particular location. For example, the strap or handle can be secured to the body of the bag through the zipper or other closing member to prevent the zipper from being opened to gain access to the contents of the bag. It should be appreciated that the present invention may be used to secure any type of handheld bag or other type of bag such as purses, beach bags, tool bags, backpacks, luggage and the like.
• The handle or strap may also be attached around and secured and locked to a relatively stationary object such as the arm of a chair or a fence, and then through the zipper pull or tab of a zipper to secure the bag to the chair or fence and also secure the pull in a closed position. This enables the bag's owner to temporarily secure the bag and specifically, the contents of the bag so that the bag owner can temporarily leave the bag at that location. For example, a bag owner may secure the bag to the arm of a beach chair and to leave the beach to go swimming, go to the bathroom, get food or perform some other activity. In another example, the bag can be secured to the handle of a stroller when in a crowded area to prevent thieves from snatching the bag or taking items out of the bag such as the bag owner's wallet or checkbook when the owner is not looking. The present invention therefore enables users to secure their bags to a relatively immovable object such as a chair at a particular location or to movable objects such as strollers or shopping carts so that the user does not have to constantly keep an eye on the bag and so the user can leave the bag temporarily to perform other activities without having the burden of carrying their bag with them at all times.
• Referring now to FIGS.1 to3, one embodiment of a securable and lockable container of the present invention is generally illustrated by handbag orbag20.Bag20 includes abody22 and a strap or handle24 having two ends25aand25b. In an embodiment, theend25aof thehandle24 is connected to thebody22. Theend25amay be integrally formed with thebody22 or connected using any suitable attachment method. It should appreciated that either end25aor25bmay be secured or attached to thebody22. In this embodiment, end25bis removably secured to thebody22 as described in more detail below.Bag20 also includes a closing member such as azipper26 having azipper pull28. Atab30 is connected to thepull28 as shown inFIG. 1 and enables a user to grab and hold the tab to pull the tab and the zipper pull28 along thezipper26 to open and close the bag.
• Theend25bof thehandle24 includes a securing member such aspost34 having aslot36 which is connected to or integrally formed withend25b. Theslot36 engages a corresponding surface in areceptacle37 described below. Thepost34 may be any suitable post such as a metal post or a post made out of any other suitable material. Preferably, thepost34 is made of a material which cannot be easily cut, severed, broken or removed from thehandle24. In an embodiment, thepost34 is sized to fit through anopening32 defined by the handle ortab30 of thezipper pull28. Specifically, the zipper pull is pulled along thezipper26 until thetab30 is at one end of the bag which is adjacent to where theend25bof the handle orstrap24 is secured to thebody22. A lockable member or lock38 is attached to a surface of thebody22 of thebag20 and includes a receptacle or other opening for receiving thepost34. Thepost34 is inserted through theopening32 oftab30 and into thereceptacle37 or other opening of thelock38 to simultaneously secure and lock thetab30 and the post34 (which is attached to the removable end of the handle) to thebody22. In an embodiment shown inFIG. 1, a combination lock including dials39a,39band39cis used to secure and lock thepost34 to thebody22. It should be appreciated that any suitable lockable member or lock may be used to secure and lock theend25bof thehandle24 and the closing member to thebody22. A release tab orlever40 is movably connected to the body of the bag. Therelease tab40 is moved upward or downward to release thepost34 from thereceptacle37. Therelease tab40 causes the receptacle to hold or secure thepost34 to the body and thereby thehandle24 to thebody22 when thelockable member37 is in the locked or unlocked position. It should be appreciated that therelease tab40 may be any suitable tab or lever and may move in any suitable direction to release thepost34 from thereceptacle37.
• As shown inFIG. 2, thepost34 is inserted into and through theopening32 oftab30 of the zipper pull. Thepost34 is inserted through theopening32 until the post cannot be inserted any further into thereceptacle37 associated with thelock38. In an embodiment, each of thedials39a,39band39cof the lockable member ofcombination lock38 include indicia such as symbols or numbers. In this embodiment, when each of the dials are set to 0-0-0, as shown inFIG. 1, thepost34 is not locked to thebody22. When the numbers on thedials39a,39band39care set to any other combination such as 2-5-8 shown inFIG. 3 (which is not a designated unlocking combination), thepost34 is locked to thebody22. It should be appreciated that any suitable combination of indicia or symbols may be used to release or lock thepost34 to thebody22. Thus, in this embodiment, a user moves or rotates thedials39a,39band39cto scramble or otherwise hide the designated unlocking or release combination and thereby lock thepost34 to thebody22 after thepost34 is inserted into thereceptacle37 of thebody22. To release thepost36 from thebody22, the user moves or rotates thedials39a,39band39cto the designated unlocking combination (i.e., a combination including three numbers which the user will remember) to unlock thepost34 from thebody22. The user then presses or pushes the release lever ortab40 to release the handle from the body. It should be appreciated that thedials39a,39band39cof thecombination lock38 may include any suitable symbols, indicia, letters, numbers or any other suitable symbols.
• In an alternative embodiment, the lockable member is connected to theremovable end25bof the handle. The lockable member automatically locks the closing member and post to the body of the bag when the lockable member the post is inserted into a receptacle or similar opening defined by the body of the bag. The removable end of the handle and the closing member are unlocked from the body by unlocking the lockable member as described above. It should be appreciated that the lockable member may be connected to any suitable portion of the body of the bag or the handle or other part of the bag which enables the removable end of the handle and the closing member to be secured and locked to the body.
• In one embodiment, thepost34 and closing member are automatically locked to the lockable member or lock when the post is inserted into the lock. In this embodiment, the post and closing member are unlocked using one of the methods described above. By automatically locking the post and closing member to the body when the post is inserted into and secured to the lock, the present invention enables a user to always securely lock their bag before they leave it at a location. This embodiment prevents a user from accidentally or inadvertently forgetting to lock the bag.
• In one example, a user takes their bag to a beach. The user wants to go swimming but does not want to leave the bag unattended. Instead of searching for a locker, which could be far away, or worrying about the bag, the user removes theend25bof thehandle24 from the body of the bag and loops theend25baround the arm of their beach chair so that ends25aand25bare on opposite sides of the arm of the chair. Theend25bis then simultaneously secured and locked to the closing member and the lock connected to thebody22 of the bag the manner described above. This method therefore secures and locks thebag20 to the chair and also secures the bag in a closed position to prevent the bag from being opened while the bag is secured to the chair. It also prevents the bag from being easily stolen. The user can now leave the bag locked to the chair to go swimming without having to carry the entire bag with them to the water or without having to constantly watch the bag and worry about whether the bag or the contents of the bag will be stolen.
• Referring toFIG. 4, other types of closing members or closing devices may be employed by the present invention. For example, around post44 may be attached to theend25bof thehandle24 and inserted through a corresponding round receptacle or opening32 of thetab30 and to thecombination lock38 having settable dials39a,39band39cto secure thehandle24 to thebody22 of the bag. Therelease tab40 is moved to release thepost44 from thebody22. It should be appreciated that any suitable post, closing member (i.e., zipper), or other suitable closing devices or methods may be employed by the present invention.
• Referring now toFIG. 5, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated asbag50 where the bag includes a reinforcing mechanism, reinforcing member orreinforcer72 such as a metal wire or the like that adds to the security of the bag. InFIG. 5, thebag50 includes abody52 and a handle orstrap54 which has two ends55aand55b. Theend55ais connected to thebody52 using any suitable attachment method. Theend55bof thehandle54 is removably secured to thebody52 to enable a user to secure and lock the bag to another object or item such as a chair as describe above. In this embodiment, theend55bof thehandle54 includes a securing member or post64 which is inserted through anopening62 of the zipper pull58 to secure theend55band the zipper pull58 in place. In particular, thepost64 is inserted through theopening62 and into the lockable member orcombination lock66 having settable dials67a,67band67c. A release lever ortab68 secures and releases thepost64 from thebody52. The post64 (i.e., theremovable end55b) and the zipper pull58 are simultaneously secured to thelock66. The dials67a,67band67cof the combination lock are moved to lockpost64 in place. Alternatively, the post and zipper pull are simultaneously and automatically locked to thecombination lock66. This secures thehandle54 in place as well as prevents the zipper pull58 from being moved to openzipper56 and thereby gain access to the contents in thebag50.
• In the illustrated embodiment, thebag50 also includes a reinforcing member or reinforcer such aswire72 which is positioned within or otherwise connected or attached to at least a portion of thehandle54 and at least a portion of thebody52. Thewire72 is preferably made of a suitable material such as a suitable metal or a strong fiber or fabric material which is difficult to cut, rip, sever or break. This prevents the bag and specifically the secured handle54 from being cut, broken or severed in any way to remove thebag50 from the object that it is secured to. Thereinforcer72 thereby makes cutting or otherwise removing the bag away from the object it is secured and locked to much more difficult. This embodiment further prevents a thief from quickly and easily taking the bag or from removing the contents of the bag. It should be appreciated that the reinforcer may include any suitable wire, fabric, or other lining device or material. Thereinforcer72 may be positioned in, manufactured or otherwise connected to a portion or all of the surfaces of thebody52 ofbag50. For example, thereinforcer72 may be sewn into or otherwise connected to all of the sides or surfaces of thebody52 to prevent thebody52 from being severed or otherwise cut to remove the bag from an object or to gain access to the contents in thebag50. In another embodiment, a substantial portion of the walls of thebody52 are lined with a suitable reinforcing material to further prevent unauthorized access into the bag. It should be appreciated that any suitable portion of thebody52 or thehandle54 may include the reinforcingmember72 or a reinforcing material.
• Referring toFIG. 6, another embodiment of the bag of the present invention is generally illustrated asbag100.Bag100 includes abody102 and ahandle104 including ends105aand105b. One end of thehandle104 such asend105ais secured to thebody102 as described above. Theend105bincludes apost114 which is secured throughopening112 defined bytab110 of zipper pull108 to secure the zipper pull108 in place. This secureszipper106 in a closed position. In this embodiment, the lockable member or lock118 is a suitable combination lock which enables a user to set a designated combination to release thepost114 from the lock. In an embodiment, the combination lock includes four rotatable devices or dials120a,120b,120cand120d. Each of thedials120a,120b,120cand120dinclude different indicia or symbols such as letters or numbers which combine to form the combination. The user sets the combination using thedials120a,120b,120cand120dthen rotates or moves the dials to scramble or hide the designated unlocking combination and lock thepost114 to the lock mechanism orcombination lock118. When the user desires to release thepost114 from thelock118, the user turns or moves at least one of thedials120a,120b,120cand120dto indicate the designated unlocking combination. It should be appreciated that any suitable number of dials and/or combinations of indicia may be employed.Release tab117 is moved to release thepost114 from thebody102 when thepost114 is unlocked.
• Referring now toFIG. 7, another embodiment of the bag of the present invention is generally illustrated asbag200. Thebag200 includes thebody202 and ahandle204. Thehandle204 includes a three securing members or posts206. Specifically, the securingmembers206 include prongs orextenders208a,208band208c. The securing members and specifically, the prongs are made of any suitable material such as metal. Thebody202 includes a number of receptacles such asreceptacles214a,214band214cwhich correspond in size and shape to extenders orprongs208a,208band208cto receive the prongs. In an embodiment theprongs208a,208band208care positioned above and adjacent to thereceptacles214a,214band214cand are inserted into the receptacles. At least one of the prongs such asprong208bis inserted through the opening213 defined bytab212 of zipper pull210 to secure the zipper pull in place. Theprongs208a,208band208care snap-fit or otherwise positioned inreceptacles214a,214band214cand secured in the receptacles using any type of securing mechanism or lock. Arelease lever218 is movably connected to thebody202 and is pressed or otherwise activated to release theprongs208a,208band208cfrom thereceptacles214a,214band214c. When theprongs208a,208band208care inserted into thereceptacles214a,214band214c, thedials217a,217band217care moved to hide the designated combination and lock the prongs to thebody202. The threeprong securing member206 provides another apparatus and method for securing thehandle204 to thebody202 and thereby enhances the security of the bag.
• Referring now toFIG. 8, in another embodiment, abag300 includes a flap or cover302 which covers theopening304 of the bag and is secured adjacent to theremovable end308 of thehandle306 and thelock310. The end of the handle can then be inserted through a corresponding opening defined by the end of theflap302 to secure theend308 of the handle and theflap302 to thelock310. It should be appreciated that the flap or cover may be any suitable type of flap or cover used to cover the opening of the bag to prevent the contents of the bag from being stolen.
• In a further embodiment, the lockable member includes a key-type lock310 which defines an opening orkeyhole312. The opening orkeyhole312 is formed into a suitable size and shape to receive a key314. In this embodiment, thehandle306 is secured to the body of the bag by inserting the post into the receptacle. In one aspect of this embodiment, the post is automatically locked to the body when the post is fully inserted into the receptacle. In another aspect of this embodiment, the post is inserted into the receptacle and then the key is turned a designated distance to lock the post to the body of the bag. To release the post from the body, the key314 is inserted into theopening312 and turned in one direction or the other. Then, the release tab orlever316 is moved to release the post from the receptacle defined by the body of the bag.
• Referring now toFIG. 9, in a further embodiment, abag400 includes ahandle402 which is a generally u-shaped handle. The handle is a single solid part or component such as a metal handle which moves or slides upward and downward within thebody404 of the bag as shown. To secure and lock thehandle402 to thebody404 of the bag, a user pushes down on thehandle402 to insert the securingmember406 through the zipper pull408 and to thelock410. To release thehandle402, the user unlocks the securingmember406 from thecombination lock410 by movingdials411a,411band411cto the designated combination. The user then moves therelease tab412 to release the post from the body of the bag. Then, the user lifts or pushes upward on thehandle402 to move the handle away from the body. Thehandle402 can then be re-engaged or moved downward to re-engage the lock to secure the handle in place to carry the bag. It should be appreciated that handle can be manufactured and made of any material such as a suitable metal or the like.
• Referring now toFIG. 10, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated which includes abag500 having abody501 and ahandle502 connected to the body. Thehandle502 includes afirst end505aand asecond end505b. Securing members or securingrings508aand508bare connected to each end of thehandle512. In this embodiment, oneend508bis removable from thebody501 to enable theend505bto be secured about another item such as a chair. Specifically, the closing member orzipper504 is pulled or moved until thetab506 is positioned adjacent to the securingring508bat one end of thebody501. Alock ring510 is connected to thebody501. The securingring508b, thetab506 and thelock ring510 are all positioned adjacent to each other so that a detachable lock such as thecombination lock514 may be used to secure the securingring508b, thetab506 and thelock ring510 together so that the bag may not be opened or the contents in the bag may not be removed. In particular, the U-shaped member511 of thelock514 is inserted through the securingring508b, thetab506 and thelock ring510 to hold these devices in place. Thecombination lock514 is locked. To release these devices, the user sets or indicates the designated combination on thecombination lock514 which opens the lock and releases the securingring508b, thetab506 and thelock ring510. The securingring508bis then suitably secured or attached to thebody501 of the bag by attaching the securingring508bto thelock ring510 or to any other suitable portion of thebody501. It should be appreciated that any suitable attachable lock such as a padlock may be used to secure the securingring508b, thetab506 and thelock ring510 together to lock and/or unlock theend505bof thehandle502 to thebody501.
• Referring now toFIGS. 11A and 11B, a further embodiment of the present invention which includes abag600 having abody601 and ahandle602 connected to the body where thehandle602 is securable to the body using locking device orlocking mechanism614 and/or asuitable padlock620. Specifically, thehandle602 includes afirst end605aand asecond end605b. Securing members or securingrings608aand608bare connected to each end of thehandle602. It should be appreciated that thebag600 may include one or a plurality of securing rings. In this embodiment, oneend605bis removable from thebody601 to enable theend605bto be secured about another item as described above. The closing member orzipper604 is pulled or moved until thetab606 is positioned adjacent to receptacle612 defined by thebody601 as shown inFIG. 11A. A post609, which is connected to theend605bof thehandle602, is inserted through an opening defined bypull tab606 ofzipper604 and into the receptacle612 to secure thehandle602 and zipper in place as shown inFIG. 11B. A lever or tab611 is moved or pressed to release the post609 from the receptacle612.
• Once the post609 is secured in the receptacle612, the handle can be locked in place by usinglock mechanism614 and/orpadlock620. Thelock mechanism614 is a combination lock including threedials618a,618band618c. As described above, the dials each include indicia which are set to a designated release or unlocking combination to unlock the post609. The designated combination may be any suitable combination. Alternatively, thehandle602 can be locked in place by using a suitable detachable lock such aspadlock620 as shown inFIG. 11B. Once securingring608b,tab606 andlock ring610 are all positioned adjacent to each other,combination lock614 is inserted through each of these components as shown inFIG. 11B to secure the securingring608b, thetab606 and thelock ring610 together. As a result thehandle602 is locked in place. It should be appreciated that handle602 andzipper604 may be secured and locked in place usinglock mechanism614,padlock620 or both thelock mechanism614 andpadlock620.
• Referring now toFIG. 12, another embodiment of the present invention is directed to abag700 having abody701 and ahandle702 connected to the body where thehandle702 is securable to the body using apadlock type lock709 connected to thebody701. In this embodiment, thelock709 includes adial710 having a plurality of indicia, where the dial is rotatably connected a side of thebody701. The lock also includes acurved securing member712 movably connected to the top side or surface of the body. Thehandle702 includes at least onering708 where the ring is connected to a removable end of the handle.
• To secure and lock the handle to the body, thering708 is placed around the securingmember712. The securing member is then pushed or pressed downward throughopening707 defined intab706 ofzipper704 and into a receptacle (not shown) defined in the top side of the body and the zipper to secure the securing member, closing member or zipper and handle to the body. Anindicator714 indicates one or more of the indicia on the dial to manually set a combination associated with the lock to unlock and release the securingmember712 from thebody701. Therefore, to unlock the securing member, closing member and handle, a user turns or rotates thedial710 to indicate the designated combination withindicator714. Once the designated combination is indicated, the securing member is unlocked and the user pushes or pressesrelease tab716 to release the securing member, closing member and the handle from the body. It should be appreciated that any suitable combination lock may be used to secure and lock the closing member and the handle to the body of the bag.
• Referring now toFIGS. 13A and 13B, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is directed to abag800 including abody801 and a lockable member orlockable strap816 which secures and locks the closing member such aszipper804 to the body. In this embodiment, thebag800 includes ahandle802 having two ends which are each attached to thebody801. The bag also has a closing member or closing mechanism such aszipper804 having azipper pull806 and atab808 connected to the zipper pull which enables a user to move the zipper pull in either direction along thezipper teeth810, which are attached to the body or the bag. In the illustrated embodiment, thebody801 defines a receptacle or opening814 which is sized to receive thepost822 of the lockable member orstrap816. Specifically, the lockable member orstrap816 includes aflexible body818 and thepost822 connected to theflexible body818. It should be appreciated that theflexible body818 may be made using elastic, nylon or any other suitable durable and flexible material. Thepost822 includes a lip orshoulder826 which prevents thezipper tab808 from moving up along theflexible body818. In this embodiment, a lock mechanism or lock820, which includes at least one dial orwheel824, is attached to theflexible body818. Each dial on the lock includes a plurality of indicia or symbols. As described above, a user sets a desired combination including the indicia for the lock using the dials. In the illustrated embodiment, thepost822 is inserted through the opening of thetab808 and into thereceptacle814 to secure thetab808 of the zipper pull806 to thebody801. The user than rotates or moves at least one of thedials824 of thelock820 to scramble the combination and lock thelockable member816 in place, which thereby locks the closing member in place. It should be appreciated that the lock may be a combination lock, a key lock, a padlock or any other suitable lockable member or lock. It should also be appreciated that the closing member may be any suitable closing member such as a zipper or other suitable closing device.
• As shown inFIGS. 13A and 13B, the post of the lockable member orstrap816 is inserted into thereceptacle814 until the post clicks or snaps into place inside thereceptacle814. The user then rotates or moves one or more of thedials824 of thelock820 onlockable member816 to lock the closing member or zipper in place as described above. To remove or unlock thelockable member816, the user rotates or moves thedials824 of thelock820 until the designated indicia or symbols are indicated on each of the dials (i.e., the desired combination) in a particular position. The user then pushes, pulls or presses therelease tab812 to disengage thepost822 from the receptacle. Next, the user pulls the post out from the receptacle and through the opening oftab808 of the zipper pull to release the closing member orzipper804 to enable a user to gain access to the interior of the bag.
• In one embodiment, the lockable member orstrap816 includes a tightening device ortightener828 which is attached to theflexible body818 of the lockable member and enables a user to tighten (i.e., remove the slack) from the lockable member or strap so that the strap tightly secures the closing member in place and thereby prevents thezipper804 from being moved to expose the interior of thebody801 of the bag. The tightening member ortightener828 may be any suitable tightening device such as the adjustment buckles or devices commonly found on child safety seat straps, backpack straps or any other suitable adjustable straps. Accordingly, this embodiment enables a user to secure and lock the closing member in place without having to secure and lock the handle to the body as well. It should be appreciated that one or more tighteners may be used to decrease the slack in the securing member.
• Referring now toFIGS. 14A and 14B, another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated where abag900 includes abody901 and alockable member916 attached to the body. A lock such as acombination lock928 is attached to the body. Additionally, thebag900 includes ahandle902 having two ends which are attached to each side of thebody901 as shown inFIG. 14A. A closing member such aszipper904 includes azipper pull906 and a pull tab ortab908 which is connected to thezipper pull906. Thetab908 defines an opening for receiving apost920 of the lockable member. The zipper pull is adapted to travel along thezipper teeth910 attached to thebody901. A user can pull thetab908 in either direction to move the zipper pull906 in the corresponding direction. Thelockable member916 is attached to thebody901 of the bag and is sized to extend over the closing member of the bag. In particular, thelockable member916 includes aflexible body918 and apost920 which is attached to theflexible body918. To secure and lock the closing member orzipper904, the opening of thetab908 is positioned over the receptacle or opening926 defined by thebody901. Thepost920 is inserted through the opening of thetab908 and into the receptacle926 until thepost920 clicks or is otherwise secured in the receptacle. A collar, lip orshoulder922 is formed at the base of thepost920 to prevent thezipper tab908 from moving outward along theflexible body918 and away from thebody901 of the bag. Once thepost920 is secured to the receptacle926, the user rotates or moves one or more of thedials930a,930b,930cwhich are movably connected to thebody901 of the bag to scramble the opening combination for the lock.
• Referring toFIG. 14B, the lockable member is inserted through the opening defined by thetab908 of the closing member orzipper904 and into the receptacle926 (shown inFIG. 14a) of the body. To remove the zipper and enable a user to open the bag, the user rotates or moves thedials930a,930band930cof thelock928 to indicate the designated combination, designated opening combination or designated unlocking combination set by the user. Once unlocked, the user pulls, presses or pushes therelease tab924 to release the post of the lockable member from the receptacle. When the post is released from the receptacle, thepost920 is pulled out and away from thetab908 of thezipper904 to enable the user to move the zipper along the zipper track orteeth910.
• In the above embodiments, the securing member strap is attached or connected to one side of a bag. It should be appreciated that the securing member or strap may be attached to any suitable side of a bag or any suitable portion of a bag. For example, the securing member may be attached to a front side, rear side, left side, right side or any suitable side of a bag.
• Referring now toFIG. 15, a further alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated where abag1000 includes abody1001 and ahandle1002 which is attached to thebody1001 and includes a lock such as acombination lock1014. Specifically, a user moves or pulls thezipper1004 including azipper pull1006 andtab1008 towards one end of the bag which closes the zipper and prevents access to the interior of the bag. Once the opening defined by thetab1008 is positioned over a corresponding receptacle (not shown) defined by thebody1001. Apost1012 is attached to thehandle1002 and is inserted through the opening of thezipper tab1008 and into the receptacle defined by thebody1001. Once thepost1012 clicks or is secured in the receptacle defined by thebody1001, the user rotates or otherwise moves the dials of thecombination lock1014 on thehandle1002 to lock the closing member in place. It should be appreciated that the handle could be looped around a chair, fence or other object to secure the bag to the other object.
• When a user desires to open the bag and/or remove the bag, the user moves or rotates at least one of the dials of thecombination lock1014 to the designated combination or designed unlocking combination as described above. Once the post is unlocked from the receptacle, the user pushes, pulls or presses therelease tab1011 to release thepost1012 from the receptacle defined by thebody1001 of the bag and lift the end of thehandle1002 including thepost1012 away from the body. Removing thepost1012 releases thezipper1004 so the zipper can be moved to the open position to gain access to the interior compartment of the bag. It should be appreciated that any suitable lock or locking mechanism may be employed by the present invention.
• Referring now toFIGS. 16A and 16B, another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated where abag1100 includes abody1101 and ahandle1102 having at least one removable end. In this embodiment, thehandle1102 includesrings1112aand1112bconnected at each end of the handle. Theend including ring1112bis removable from thebody1101 of the bag by connecting and disconnecting thering1112bfrom abody ring1114 connected to thebody1101 of the bag. Any suitable connector or connection method may be employed to connect thering1112bto thebody ring1114. It should be appreciated that one or both sides or ends of thehandle1102 may be removable from thebody1101 of the bag. The closing member orzipper1104 is movably attached to a side of thebody1101. Specifically, a plurality ofzipper dividers1110 are attached to thebody1101. Thezipper1104 includes azipper pull1106 and azipper tab1108 which is connected to thezipper pull1106. Thezipper tab1108 includes a movable or depressible member orbutton1107 which includes a spring or spring member (not shown) which causes thebutton1107 to be biased away from the zipper pull. Therefore, when thebutton1107 is pressed or pushed downward and then released, the button moves or springs upward away from thezipper pull1106 back to its initial extended non-depressed position.
• In the illustrated embodiment, thezipper1104 removably connects to a securing member or securingstrap1109 attached to a side of thebody1101. The securing member or securingstrap1109 is made of a suitable flexible material as described above and includes alock member1116. Thezipper tab1108 is sized to slide through thelock member1116 when thebutton1107 is in the depressed or downward position. When thebutton1107 is fully inserted through thelock member1116, the button ortab1107 moves or springs upward or back to its initial position to secure thetab1108 with thelock member1116 by preventing thezipper1104 and more specifically, thebutton1107 from moving backward through thelock member1116 to prevent the zipper from disconnecting from the securingmember1109.
• As shown inFIGS. 16A and 16B, the securing member orstrap1109 is inserted through thering1112bof the removable end of thehandle1102 and is connected with thezipper1104 as described above. After thezipper1104 and the securingmember1109 are secured together, a suitable lock attached to thezipper1104 is locked to secure and lock the closing member or zipper, thehandle1102 and the securingmember1109 together. This prevents the zipper and/or the handle from being opened or removed from the bag. Thezipper1104 may include any suitable lock such as a combination lock, a key lock or any other suitable type of lock. It should be appreciated that the securingmember1109 may be inserted through the ring1112 of the removable end of the handle as shown inFIG. 16B or thezipper1104 may be inserted through thering1112band then secured to the securingmember1109. It should further be appreciated that the method of securing the zipper to the securingmember1109 may include any suitable securing mechanism, lock mechanism or lock.
• In an alternative embodiment, thezipper1104 and the securingmember1109 are not inserted through thering1112bof theremovable handle1102 but are secured and locked together to secure and lock the closing member ofzipper1104 in place to prevent a person from opening and accessing the interior of thebag1100.
• It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims (51)

1. A bag comprising:

a body defining an interior space and a receptacle;

a closing member connected to the body, the closing member being movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space;

a securing member connected to the body; and

a lockable member connected to the securing member, wherein the securing member engages the closing member and the receptacle to lock the closing member and the securing member to the receptacle when the closing member is in the second position.

2. The bag ofclaim 1, wherein the lockable member includes a combination lock.

3. The bag ofclaim 1, wherein the lockable member defines an opening, the opening being sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.

4. The bag ofclaim 1, which includes a removable lock that is attachable to the securing member, the closing member and the body.

5. The bag ofclaim 1, wherein the closing member includes a zipper having a plurality of opposing mating dividers connected to the body and a zipper pull movably connected to each of the plurality of dividers, the zipper pull including a tab, wherein the tab enables the zipper pull to be moved between the first position and the second position.

6. The bag ofclaim 1, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the body and the securing member include a reinforcer.

7. The bag ofclaim 6, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a metal.

8. The bag ofclaim 6, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a fabric material.

9. The bag ofclaim 1, which includes a handle connected to the body, the handle having a least one removable end.

10. The bag ofclaim 9, which includes a removable lock that is attachable to the securing member, the closing member, the handle and the body.

11. The bag ofclaim 9, wherein at least a portion of the handle includes a reinforcer.

12. The bag ofclaim 1, wherein the securing member includes at least one tightener.

13. The bag ofclaim 1, which includes at least one release tab movably connected to the body, the release tab adapted to release the securing member from the receptacle.

14. A bag comprising:

a body defining an interior space and a receptacle, said body including a lock;

a closing member connected to the body, the closing member being movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space; and

a securing member connected to the body, wherein the securing member engages the closing member and the receptacle, and wherein, the lock is operable to lock the closing member and the securing member to the receptacle when the closing member is in the second position.

15. The bag ofclaim 14, wherein the lock includes a combination lock.

16. The bag ofclaim 14, wherein the lock defines an opening, the opening being sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.

17. The bag ofclaim 14, which includes a removable lock that is attachable to the securing member, the closing member and the body.

18. The bag ofclaim 14, wherein the closing member includes a zipper having a plurality of opposing mating dividers connected to the body and a zipper pull movably connected to each of the plurality of dividers, the zipper pull including a tab, wherein the tab enables the zipper pull to be moved between the first position and the second position.

19. The bag ofclaim 14, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the body and the securing member include a reinforcer.

20. The bag ofclaim 19, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a metal.

21. The bag ofclaim 19, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a fabric material.

22. The bag ofclaim 14, which includes a handle connected to the body, the handle having a least one removable end.

23. The bag ofclaim 22, which includes a removable lock that is attachable to the securing member, the closing member and the body.

24. The bag ofclaim 22, wherein at least a portion of the handle includes a reinforcer.

25. The bag ofclaim 14, wherein the securing member includes at least one tightener.

26. The bag ofclaim 14, which includes at least one release tab movably connected to the body, the release tab adapted to release the securing member from the receptacle.

27. A bag comprising:

a body defining an interior space and a receptacle;

a closing member connected to the body, the closing member being movable to a first position to allow access to the interior space through the opening and to a second position to prevent access to the interior space through the opening;

a handle connected to the body, the handle having a least one removable end, said removable end including a lockable member; and

a securing member connected to the removable end of the handle, wherein the securing member engages the closing member and the receptacle, and wherein the lockable member is operable to lock the closing member and the securing member in the receptacle when the closing member is in the second position.

28. The bag ofclaim 27, wherein the lockable member includes a combination lock.

29. The bag ofclaim 27, wherein the lockable member defines an opening, the opening being sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.

30. The bag ofclaim 27, which includes a removable lock that is attachable to the handle, the closing member and the body.

31. The bag ofclaim 27, wherein the closing member includes a zipper having a plurality of opposing mating dividers connected to the body and a zipper pull movably connected to each of the plurality of dividers, the zipper pull including a tab, wherein the tab enables the zipper pull to be moved between the first position and the second position.

32. The bag ofclaim 27, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the body and the handle include a reinforcer.

33. The bag ofclaim 32, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a metal.

34. The bag ofclaim 32, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcer includes a fabric material.

35. The bag ofclaim 27, which includes a removable lock that is attachable to the handle, the closing member and the body.

36. The bag ofclaim 27, which includes at least one release tab movably connected to the body, the release tab adapted to release the securing member from the receptacle.

37. A method of securing and locking a bag comprising the steps of:

providing a body defining an interior space and a receptacle;

providing a securing member attached to the body, said securing member including a lockable member;

moving a closing member attached to the body from an open position to a closed position to prevent access to the interior space, the closing member adapted to receive at least a portion of the securing member;

engaging the securing member with the closing member and the receptacle; and

locking the securing member and the closing member to the receptacle using a lockable member.

38. The method ofclaim 37, which includes attaching a reinforcer to at least a portion of at least one of the securing member and the body.

39. The method ofclaim 37, which includes locking and unlocking the closing member and the securing member to and from the body using a removable lock.

40. The method ofclaim 37, which includes locking and unlocking the closing member and the securing member to and from the lockable member using a key insertable into the lockable member.

41. The method ofclaim 37, which includes locking and unlocking the closing member and the securing member to and from the receptacle using a combination settable on the lockable member.

42. A method of securing and locking a bag comprising the steps of:

providing a body defining an interior space and a receptacle, said body including a lock;

providing a securing member connected to the body;

moving a closing member connected to the body, from a first position on the body to allow access to the interior space to a second position on the body to prevent access to the interior space;

engaging the securing member with the closing member and the receptacle; and

locking the securing member and the closing member in the receptacle using the lock on the body when the closing member is in the second position.

43. The method ofclaim 42, wherein providing the body includes providing the body including a combination lock.

44. The method ofclaim 42, wherein providing the body includes providing the body including a lock defining an opening, the opening being sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lock.

45. The method ofclaim 42, which includes providing a removable lock that is attachable to the securing member, the closing member and the body.

46. The method ofclaim 42, which includes attaching a reinforcer to a portion of at least one of the body and the securing member.

47. The method ofclaim 14, which includes removing slack from the securing member using at least one tightener.

48. A method of securing and locking a bag comprising the steps of:

providing a body defining an interior space and a receptacle;

providing a securing member connected to the body;

providing a handle connected to the body, the handle having a least one removable end, said removable end including a lockable member;

moving a closing member connected to the body, from a first position on the body to allow access to the interior space to a second position on the body to prevent access to the interior space;

engaging the securing member with the closing member and the receptacle; and

locking the securing member and the closing member to the receptacle using the lockable member when the closing member is in the second position.

49. The method ofclaim 48, wherein including a lockable member on removable end of the handle includes the step of including a combination lock on the removable end of the handle.

50. The method ofclaim 48, wherein including a lockable member on removable end of the handle includes the step of including a lockable member defining an opening on the removable end of the handle, the opening being sized to receive a key which locks and unlocks the lockable member.

51. The method ofclaim 48, which includes attaching a reinforcer to a portion of at least one of the body and the handle.

Images