GB2385516A

GB2385516A - A reinforced mouth opening for a bag

Info

Publication number: GB2385516A
Application number: GB0203972A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Billingham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-02-20
Filing date: 2002-02-20
Publication date: 2003-08-27
Also published as: GB0203972D0

Abstract

A bag 1 has a reinforced mouth opening, the reinforcement being provided by a strengthening member which comprises a flexible central portion 6 adapted to lie along one edge of the length 2 of the opening and two end portions 7,8, one at each end of the central portion, which extend along the depth 3 of the opening. The flexible central portion may be secured within a hollow in each of the end portions. The end portions may be tubular and may be deformable to adopt a chosen shape compatible with that of the bag. The end portions may originally be straight or L-shaped prior to deformation and may be fixed in the chosen shape by a setting compound held within their tubular cores and either the setting compound or a removably inserted component may act as a mandrel upon which the end portions are deformed so as to preserve their open hollow cross-section. The flexible portion may comprise a fibreglass or carbon-fibre rod, a monofilament element, a sprung-steel strip or a coil spring which may be adhered or otherwise secured to the other parts of the strengthening member. A method of reinforcing a bag opening with a strengthening member comprising a central flexible portion and two end portions comprises fixing the end portions at each end of the opening, locating the central flexible portion between these end portions and forming a seam over the end portions and the central flexible portion. The strengthening member is suitable for all types of bag but is especially suited for use with Gladstone bags.

Description

Bag The present invention relates to bags and more particularly to appropriate presentation of a mouth opening within a bag.

There is a requirement to provide robust bags and luggage in which to transport valuable equipment and other sundries. For example, it is necessary to transport photograph equipment including cameras such that the equipment is safely stored and protected whilst being conveniently extracted from the bag for use.

In order to gain access to the bag typically there will be a mouth or aperture in the bag which may be closed with a zip fastener or hook and fleece fastener or other suitable closure. However, as bags are generally made from flaccid materials, such as fabric or leather, it is desirable to reinforce these mouth or aperture parts of the bag for appropriate presentation during use. Such reinforcement will also help in presentation of the bag when displayed for sale.

Previously, steel wire or similar reinforcement has been used about the mouth seams of bags. Such wire reinforcement can become kinked and permanently deformed detracting from the appearance and effectiveness of the reinforcement. Any reinforcement must be light in order to be acceptable for bags and luggage in general.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a bag having an access aperture incorporating a strengthening component about an edge of that aperture, the strengthening component comprising end portions to hold a chosen shape for the edge and a flexible central portion between the end portions.

Preferably, the end portions are tubular. Furthermore, the central flexible portion is secured within the hollow of the tubular ends. Typically, the tubular ends are deformable to adopt the chosen shape. Advantageously, the tubular

ends will be originally straight or L-shaped prior to deformation. Normally, the tubular ends will be made from aluminium. Possibly, the tubular ends are fixed in the chosen shape by a setting compound such as resin which may be held within the hollow core of the tubular end. Where used, the setting compound or a removable component acts as a mandrel upon which the tubular ends are deformed to retain an open tubular cross-section. Advantageously, the tubular setting compound once set or another compound is located within the tubular end to reinforce that end.

Preferably, the flexible portion is a fibreglass or carbon fibre rod or monofilament element or sprung steel strip or coil spring. Preferably, the central flexible portion is adhered or otherwise secured to the remaining parts of the strengthening component.

Alternatively, in accordance with the present invention there is provided a method of reinforcing a bag aperture including fixing end elements to each end of the aperture, locating a central flexible portion between those end elements and forming a seam over the end elements and the central flexible portion.

Preferably, the end elements are deformed to a chosen shape after forming the seam. Advantageously, the end elements are fixed in the chosen shape by a setting step.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a bag; Fig. 2 is a schematic end view of a bag with an open aperture or mouth; and; Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a strengthening component.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic front perspective of a bag 1 in accordance with the present invention. Typically, bags in accordance with the present invention will be of a high quality and incorporate a so-called Gladstone type aperture or mouth which is closed by a zip or other appropriate closure 2 to protect and secure the contents of the bag 1. Such bags are used to carry photographic equipment and other high value items and will typically incorporate padding and several compartments. The present invention particularly relates to a bag 1 which incorporates a zip closure 2 extending across the bag 1. As shown this closure 2 can extend from one end of the bag 1 to the other. The bag 1 is generally made from relatively flaccid material such as leather or fabric such that the closure 2 is formed from respective opposed aperture edges which incorporate reinforcement. Reinforcement of the aperture or mouth edges maintains presentation of the bag 1 despite the flexible nature of the material from which the bag 1 is made. Typically, both sides of the closure 2 will be reinforced to facilitate presentation of the bag 1 in its closed state and also improve security through double reinforcement.

Fig. 2 is a schematic end elevation of the bag 1 in an open state. The closure 2 has opened to form an aperture with edges 3,4 separated to allow access to the interior of the bag 1. As indicated previously the bag 1 is typically made from a flaccid material such as fabric or leather so there is a tendency for wall parts 5 of the bag 1 to collapse. The edges 3,4 facilitate presentation of the bag 1 despite the lack of structural strength of the walls 5.

Repeated use, opening and shutting of the bag 1 along with rough use can present significant deformation forces to the closure 2 and edges 3,4 of the bag 1. This can render the edges 3,4 permanently deformed with the result that the bag 1 is inappropriately presented and may look overly worn. Furthermore, with professional bags it will be appreciated that the compartments are sized to receive equipment such as cameras so that deformation may permanently alter the compartment to receive such equipment.

In accordance with the present invention the edges 3,4 are reinforced with a strengthening component. Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of a

strengthening component 6. The strengthening component 6 comprises deformable ends 7,8 with a central flexible portion 9 between them. The ends 7,8 are lightweight aluminium tubes between which the flexible central portion 9 is secured. The ends 7,8 are usually lightweight to meet the requirements of bags for portage and convenience.

The central portion 9 is formed from a typically solid rod of glass fibre or carbon fibre reinforced material. However, the central portion 9 could be made from a section of sprung steel or spring coil cable. The central portion 9 is chosen such that it does not permanently deform or kink and so retains its flexibility substantially until fracture upon excessive bending. Typically, such excessive bending is substantially beyond that possible within the bag 1 due to the constraints imposed by the material walls 5, seams formed at the edges 3,4 and anchoring at each end of the closure 2. In such circumstances, the central portion 9 will not retain any kinks or other distortions detrimental to the appearance of the bag 1 such that the chosen shape for that bag 1 is retained.

The ends 7,8 generally define the chosen shape. The ends 7,8 are generally deformable when a predetermined excess load is applied. This excess load will generally be greater than that typical for expected usage of the bag 1 such that the chosen shape is maintained. The ends 7,8 are deformable to the chosen shape when specifically worked to deform to that shape but will normally be resistant to inadvertent loading due to wear and rough usage.

Typically, in accordance with the present invention the strengthening member 6 will be introduced to the bag 1 either after the other components of that bag 1 have been assembled together or during fabrication of the components before assembly into the bag 1. The strengthening component 6 can be introduced by securing the ends 7,8 at either end of the aperture 3,4 and then securing the central flexible portion between these ends 7,8. Alternatively, the strengthening component can be made with the ends 7, 8 and central portion 9 prior to introduction to the assembled bag 1 or components of the bag 1. In any event, the strengthening component 6 will normally be sewn on a straight component into a seam and then bent after insertion to the desired

chosen shape.

The central flexible portion 9 is secured to the ends 7,8 by an adhesive, crimp or other suitable means. As can be seen in Fig. 3, distal ends of the central portion 9 enter the ends 7,8 for better location and coupling with those ends 7,8.

In order to adjust the shape of the ends 7,8 they can be bent with hand force or using an appropriate shaping tool. A mandrel can be placed in the ends 7,8 when in a tubular form in order to maintain a tubular cross-section in the ends during deformation. A tubular cross-section generally will retain its deformation better than a collapsed cross-section. The mandrel is then removed and the shaped ends then installed within the bag 1 or bag component part as described previously.

A setting compound can be loaded into the ends 7,8 such that the chosen shape determined by deformation of the ends 7,8 is retained once that compound is set. For example, a heat curable resin could be located in the ends 7,8 in order to retain the chosen shape. The settable compound in the ends 7,8 could be held captive in the core of the ends 7,8 until activated and then set.

Alternatively, in such circumstances, a two-part settable compound could be located in the ends 7,8 whereby the strengthening component 6 could be shaped by deformation of the ends 7,8 whereby the two compounds, one activating the other are mixed by the deformation process in order to create setting of the compound to the chosen shape.

The settable compound as described above in retaining the chosen shape will also reinforce the ends 7,8. Alternatively, reinforcing elements or compounds may be inserted into the ends 7,8 in order to retain the chosen shape and reinforce these ends 7,8.

In forming the strengthening component 6 typically respective straight lengths of aluminium tubing will be secured at either end of a flexible length of carbon fibre or glass fibre reinforced filament. These aluminium ends will then

be bent, with or without a mandrel centre to retain a tubular cross-section in order to assume the desired chosen shape for the strengthening component.

Typically, the flexible central portion between the ends will have a diameter in the order of 3 mm. The ends of the strengthening component 6 when hollow will have a core diameter similar to that of the central flexible portion to allow adhesion or crimp or other means of securing these ends to the central portion. The length of the ends 7,8 will be determined by the size of bag 1 and desired chosen shape required to be presented by the strengthening component 6 within the aperture edges of the bag 1 mouth.

Where desired, strengthening components can be made which combine deformable ends with several flexible portions divided by further deformable joints between these flexible portions or sections. Thus, the deformable ends and the deformable joints between flexible sections are deformed to the desired shape for a mouth aperture of a bag.

Generally, weight is a significant factor with luggage including bags.

Thus, aluminium and lightweight fibreglass or carbon fibre reinforced plastics are desirable in order to achieve low strengthening component weight.

However, in particular the ends could be made from a thermo settable plastic tube deformed appropriately to the desired chosen shape with a flexible central portion or portions therebetween. Where a suitably treatable material is available, the ends of a length of that material could be deformed and set to the desired chosen shape whilst a central portion or portions is retained in a flexible state through appropriate treatment or masking from treatment applied to the ends in order to render them deformed to the desired chosen shape.

Similarly, a length of tube could have retentively deformable inserts located at each end which are adhered to the tube, deformed and set to the desired chosen shape in order to provide the strengthening component with retentively deformable ends and a central flexible portion, where there is no insert.

It will be noted that the respective aperture edges 3,4 depicted in Fig. 2 hinge about a fabric hinge 10 provided by the material of the bag 1. Thus,

respective strengthening components 6 located in each of the edges 3,4 hinge about the fabric hinge 10 in order to open the bag 1 for access. With the present strengthening component 6 in each edge 3,4 a robust presentation of the bag is provided with sufficient stability to allow more convenient use of two-way zip pullers respectively with one zip puller extending from each end of the bag 1 to meet in the middle. Previously, such two zip puller arrangements were susceptible to kinking in the edges 3,4 due to the unsupported gap between the pullers acting as a weak point in the closure 2 bridge extending from one end of the bag 1 to the other. With such a weak point between the two zip pullers at a central location it will be understood that a load presented to the bag would angularly depress the closure 2 and previous wire reinforcement such that a permanent deformation and kink in that wire may result. Furthermore, easy deformation of the closure 2 at a point between two zip pullers affords less protection to the equipment held within the bag 1 due to the ready collapse of the bag onto that equipment. Provision of acceptable two zip puller bag would be advantageous by allowing access to the interior of the bag by displacement of one zip only.

Although the strengthening component 6 will usually be incorporated into both edges 3,4 where appropriate it will be understood that only one side of the aperture 2 may be reinforced with a strengthening component 6 in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention also allows deeper apertures or mouths to be provided in bags such that a closer approximation to a clam shell bag can be conveniently achieved for greater access to the interior of the bag.

Although the present invention has been described with regard to provision of a zip for the closure 2 it will be appreciated that other mechanisms can be used including hook and fleece fasteners, button closures and pressstuds.

The end 7,8 can be formed from drilled rod rather than tube. Thus, ends of each rod could be drilled completely through or sufficiently to accommodate

and secure a central portion of appropriately flexible material. Alternatively, the ends of a rod of flexible material could be drilled and then filled with a deformable component or substances so that the ends of the rod are deformable whilst the central portion remains flexible.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A bag having an access aperture incorporating a strengthening component about an edge of the aperture, the strengthening component comprising end portions to hold a chosen shape for the edge and a flexible central portion between the end portions.
2. A bag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the end portions are tubular.
3. A bag as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the flexible central portion is secured within a hollow of each end portion.
4. A bag as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the end portions are deformable to adopt the chosen shape.
5. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the end portions are originally straight or L-shaped prior to deformation to adopt the chosen shape.
6. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the end portions are fixed in the chosen shape by a setting compound held within a hollow core of the end portion.
7. A bag as claimed in claim 6 wherein the setting compound or a removable component acts as a mandrel upon which a respective end portion is deformed to retain an open hollow cross-section when deformed to the chosen shape.
8. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the setting compound once set or another compound is located within the end portion to reinforce that end.
9. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flexible portion is a fibreglass or carbon fibre rod or monofilament element or sprung steel strip or

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coil spring.
10. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the central flexible portion is adhered or otherwise secured to the remaining parts of the strengthening component.
11. A method of reinforcing a bag aperture including fixing end elements to each end of the aperture, locating a central flexible portion between those end elements and forming a seam over the end elements and central flexible portion.
12. A method as claimed in claim 11 wherein the end elements are deformed to a chosen shape after forming the seam.
13. A method as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the end elements are fixed in a chosen shape by a setting step.
14. A method as claimed in any of claims 11,12 or 13 wherein the end portions are originally straight or L-shaped prior to deformation to adopt the chosen shape.
15. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14 wherein a setting compound or a removable component acts as a mandrel upon which a respective end portion is deformed to retain an open hollow cross-section when deformed to the chosen shape.
16. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15 wherein the setting compound once set or another compound is located within the end portion to reinforce that end.
17. A bag substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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18. A method of reinforcing a bag aperture substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
19. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.