AU2012100254A4 - A Flexible Utility Bag - Google Patents

Abstract

In alternative form, the present invention resides in a flexible utility bag including a base panel of abrasion resistant material, an internal bottom panel and a plurality of upstanding wall panels attached to the base panel other than on or through a lower surface of the base panel to define an internal volume, and a main flap for at least temporarily closing the internal volume, all component of the bag being manufactured from non-metallic material. .. . . . .. . . . . 00 m ....... ...

Description

TITLE: A FLEXIBLE UTILITY BAG TECHNICAL FIELD [00011 The present invention relates generally to bags and other devices adapted to carry articles, and particularly to tool bags and the like. BACKGROUND ART [0002] There are a variety of soft sided industrial strength bags available. Many of these bags however have metal reinforcing and/or fittings. One problem with these tags is that the amount of metal contained in the bag, whilst increasing the strength of the bag, also affects the scanning of the bag at airports and the like. [00031 There are numerous other problems with conventional tool bags, even heavy duty industrial strength bags which the present invention seeks to overcome. [00041 It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [00051 The present invention is directed to a flexible utility bag, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [00061 With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a flexible utility bag including a base panel of abrasion resistant material, an internal bottom panel and a plurality of upstanding wall panels attached to the base panel other than on or through a lower surface of the base panel to define an internal volume, and a main flap for at least temporarily closing the internal volume, the flap engaging temporarily with a closure portion provided on an upper periphery of the internal volume at either end of the internal volume and a closure portion on or adjacent an outer side of at least one of the wall panels, the bag provided with at least two flexible loop portions alignable when the main flap is in a closed position to receive a locking mechanism to lock the main flap in a closed condition. [00071 In alternative form, the present invention resides in a flexible utility bag including a base panel of abrasion resistant material, an internal bottom panel and a plurality of upstanding Z wall panels attached to the base panel other than on or through a lower surface of the base panel to define an internal volume, and a main flap for at least temporarily closing the internal volume, all component of the bag being manufactured from non-metallic material. [00081 In alternative form, the present invention resides in a flexible utility bag including a base panel of abrasion resistant material, an internal bottom panel and a plurality of upstanding wall panels attached to the base panel other than on or through a lower surface of the base panel to define an internal volume, and a main flap for at least temporarily closing the internal volume, wherein the base panel and upstanding wall panels are sufficiently rigid to be self supporting. [00091 In a further alternative form, the present invention resides in a flexible utility bag including a base panel of abrasion resistant material, and a plurality of upstanding wall panels attached to the base panel other than on or through a lower surface of the base panel to define at least one internal volume, at least one internal volume securable with at least zip fastener and a main flap for at least temporarily closing the internal volume, the main flap provided with at least one closure mechanism. [00101 According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the flexible utility bag of the present invention is a soft shell bag without any metal components. Therefore, any fasteners, closure mechanisms, strengthening or bracing components and the material of construction of the bag will preferably be non-metallic [00111 The flexible utility bag of the present invention will typically be manufactured from a suitable material such as a heavy grade vinyl with a high density polyethylene and/or a high molecular weight polyethylene base panel. Preferably, base panel extends partially up each of the ends and/or sides of the bag. The same material can also be used in interior compartment dividers if desired for additional strength, rigidity or resistance. The HDPE & /or UHMWPE base preferably provides an anti-wear base that is resistant to ultraviolet degradation, chemicals, oil, heat and is also vermin resistant. Other suitable materials could be used instead of or as well as the preferred materials. [0012] The utility bag of the present invention can be used for any purpose but will be particularly useful for carrying heavy tools or equipment and therefore is particularly well-suited for use as a tradesmen's work bag or similar. [00131 The base panel of the present invention will typically be abrasion resistant. Preferably, the base panel will extend at least partially up each of the side walls and/or end walls of the bag as well. [00141 Preferably, the base panel of the bag is stitched to the side walls of the bag and/or the internal bottom panel through the sides of the bag rather than through the bottom of the bag in order to relocate to the stitching above the portion of the bag which rests on the ground. This will result in the stitching not being exposed to abrasion from placing on rough surfaces and therefore may extend the working life of the bag. 100151 Typically, there will be multiple lines of stitching to attach the base panel of the bag to the remainder of the bag. Normally, at least two lines of stitching, one upper line and one lower line of stitching provided. Normally, the lines of stitching to attach the base panel are provided around all sides of the bag. [00161 The base panel of the bag of the present invention will typically be at least semirigid. The rigidity of the base panel is preferably provided due to the dimension of the material used with a thicker material providing a more rigid base panel and a thinner material providing a less rigid base panel. 100171 The internal bottom panel of the bag of the present invention is preferably located above the base panel of the bag. The internal bottom panel is typically fixed to one or more of the side panels of the bag as well as to the base panel, but preferably through the sides of the bag rather than through a portion of the bag which is exposed to a ground or other surface when the bag is properly placed thereon. [00181 The internal bottom panel of the bag is typically substantially planar. Any intermediate panel(s) of the bag of the present invention are preferably connected to the internal bottom panel. [00191 The internal bottom panel is preferably located above a portion of each side panel which preferably extends below the internal bottom panel. Typically therefore, a portion of the side panel extends substantially parallel to each of the internal bottom panel and the base panel of the bag and is sandwiched between the base panel and the internal bottom panel. [00201 The portion of the side panel which is sandwiched between the base panel and the internal bottom panel is typically oriented at an angle to the remainder of the upstanding wall panel. [00211 Each upstanding wall panel is preferably at least semi-rigid in order to be selfsupporting but will typically be less rigid than the base panel of the bag. Again, the degree of rigidity of the upstanding wall panels is preferably determined according to the thickness of the wall panels. [00221 The wall panels of the bag of the present invention will typically be designated as either a front or rear wall panel or an end wall panel of which there are typically two provided, one at either end of the bag. The bag of the present invention may have any three-dimensional shape however a generally rectangular bag is particularly preferred. Normally, the overall shape of the bag will be determined in large part by the shape of the end wall panels. 100231 Preferably, the rear panel of the bag also forms the main flap for closure of the bag. Normally, the rear panel will be sufficiently large in dimension to extend over three sides of the bag, namely the rear side (forming the rear wall panel and attached to each of the end wall panels and the base panel, across the top of bag and down the front of the bag terminating in a free edge somewhere over the height of the front panel of the bag. The rear panel will typically be a single panel of sufficient length to extend as discussed above. [00241 The rear panel, either externally or internally or only one or more portion thereof, may be padded in order to provide the user with increased comfort when carrying the bag. 100251 The rear panel is typically provided with at least one portion of at least one closure mechanism along one or more of the side edges, and/or free edge of the rear panel. The at least one closure mechanism may be a continuous closure mechanism such as a zipper or similar or alternatively, a hook and loop fastener which is preferred. Typically, one portion of the hook and loop fastener is provided on the main flap and a corresponding portion of the hook and loop fastener provided on another portion of the bag such that when the main flap is closed, the respective portions engage one another to retain the main flap in the closed condition. [0026] Other separated closure mechanisms may be provided in the alternative or as well as the substantially continuous closure mechanism. The separated closure mechanisms may be or include clips or similar. [00271 In a particularly preferred embodiment, a portion of the at least one closure mechanism is typically provided on or adjacent an upper portion of each end panel and/or on a forward surface of the front of the bag. The forward surface of the front of the bag may be the forward surface of one or more external pockets or alternatively, if no pockets are provided, may be an external surface of the front wall panel.

[00281 According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a portion of the at least one closure mechanism is provided down either end of a forward surface and/or across a portion of the forward surface corresponding to the position of the free edge when the main flap is closed. [00291 The rear panel may be provided with an internal pocket over at least the past of the internal surface of the rear panel. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, an internal pocket is provided on the rear panel from a border located at an upper portion of the rear wall of the bag to the free edge of the rear panel. 100301 Again, at least one closure mechanism is provided, preferably along the border of the internal pocket. The internal pocket is preferably closed on three sides thereof and the at least one closure mechanism is provided on the fourth side of the internal pocket. 10031] Preferably, the internal pocket extends over the entire surface of the rear panel from the border to the free edge. [00321 Any closure mechanism may be provided to at least temporarily close the internal pocket. [00331 The internal pocket may be provided with at least one transparent portion and according to a particularly preferred embodiment, one entire surface of the internal pocket may be formed of a transparent material. [00341 In a particularly preferred form, the bag is provided with at least two flexible loop portions alignable to receive a locking mechanism therethrough. Preferably, at least one flexible loop portion is provided on each side each of the main flap and/or free edge of the main flap. Typically, at least two flexible loop portions are provided on each side edge, a first loop portion adjacent an upper end of an end panel when the main flap is closed and a second loop portion on the side edge adjacent an end edge of the front panel of the bag when the main flap is closed. [0035] There may be more than one flexible loop portion provided on the free edge of the main flap. [00361 Each flexible loop portion will preferably be manufactured from any flexible yet strong material and securely attached to the respective portion to which it is attached. Preferably, the flexible loop portion will be manufactured of a woven material, typically more than one layer of woven material. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each loop portion may be manufactured from a substantially planar woven strap or similar which has been folded over and 0 stitched in order to form an elongate portion which is then attached to the respective components of the bag in order to form a loop. [0037] Typically, each loop portion extends laterally away from or stands proud of the portion to which it is attached. 100381 Each of the end wall panels of the bag of the present invention will typically have an upper edge provided with a second portion of a closure mechanism to engage with the first portion of the closure mechanism provided on the main flap. According to a preferred embodiment, the second portion of the closure mechanism is provided on a flexible flap which extends from, or adjacent too an upper edge of each end wall panel inwardly. [0039] Due to their flexibility, the preferred flap is movable to extend at least partially across or into the upper opening of the bag. When the flap with the second portion of the closure mechanism is substantially horizontal, the second portion of the closure mechanism aligns with the first portion of the closure mechanism when the main flap is closed. When the main flap is opened, the flaps can be folded upwardly or outwardly so as not to obstruct access to the internal volume of the bag. [0040] One or more internal or external pockets may be provided on or relative to an external and/or internal surface of any one or more of the wall panels. Where provided, these pockets are typically provided with full length flap closures in order to cover and close the pockets. Again, a suitable closure mechanism is provided to securely close the flap closure over the pocket, and a hook and loop fastener is preferred. [0041] Loop portions may be provided to lock any pockets which are not otherwise closed or obstructed by the main flap portion when it is closed. [0042] Loop portions are preferably provided on the side/end panels and/or a lower portion of the front panel and/or on any external pockets in order to align with the loop portions provided on the main flap. [0043] The bag of the present invention also preferably includes a padded shoulder strap, typically a sling type to be worn over one shoulder. The strap may be padded over its length, or only a portion may be padded. Further, the strap may be provided with a padded sleeve which is moveable over at least a portion of the length of the strap. [0044] It is preferred that the strap be provided with a non-slip or high friction shoulder pad to minimise the chance that a bag, even a heavily loaded bag, will slip when being carried. [00451 The strap can be adjustable both in length, attachment and/or configuration. For example, the strap may be capable of conversion allowing the bag to be worn as a backpack supported from both shoulders for freeing both hands. 100461 One or more pockets/compartments may be provided on the shoulder strap. [0047] There may be additional straps or similar provided on the shoulder strap to attach other useful items such as keys, air detectors, gas detectors and the like [00481 A larger travel bag may be provided that the utility bag of the invention can be placed into for security for travel. [00491 The preferred travel bag also has section for safety boots/footwear & other Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). [00501 The bag of the present invention may have one or more additional securable straps provided extending across or through the internal volume in order to prevent deformation of the walls of the bag when a heavy load is carried. [00511 Any or all of the pockets provided on the bag of the invention may be sealable pockets and appropriate sealing closure mechanisms can be provided. [00521 The bag of the present invention may be provided with built in LED light strips to provide light in low light conditions. There will preferably be built in flexible solar panels for providing electricity to power such LED lights as well as for other purposes such as charging phone, tablet, instruments or tools. [00531 The bag of the present invention may have an integrated or removable hydration pouch for containing liquid to drink. [00541 The bag of the present invention may have a cushioned flap which can be used as kneeling pads, seat cushion, or pillow. [00551 The bag may be provided with a built in, removable or fold out bunded section to lay small tools, items on such as nuts bolts to keep clean or stop falling through walkway mesh. This bunded section may be provided on a secondary flap which has a first portion attached within the bag and which can be deployed outside the bag on a surface. The secondary flap may 6 have a raised bund about the whole or part of the secondary flap. The secondary flap may be manufactured of any material but a strong and resistant material is preferably used. [00561 The utility bag is usually provided with size and depth adjustable pockets that can be altered to suit tool/consumables sizes. The pockets may be removable or relocatable to suit. 100571 Portions of the bag can be manufactured of heat resistant material to make parts of bag suitable for hot work. [00581 At least one internal volume of the utility bag is preferably securable with at least zip fastener and a main flap for at least temporarily closing the internal volume, the main flap provided with at least one closure mechanism. 100591 The at least one internal volume may be in the form of a closable internal compartment that is either permanently fixed within the utility bag or removable therefrom. [0060] Preferably, at least one upstanding sidewall is provided with a first zip portion along an upper edge with a second zip portion provided on a portion of a flap. The second zip portion may be provided on a secondary flap or on the main flap. [00611 The main flap will preferably cover the zip fastener when the main flap is closed. The main flap preferably closes over the zip fastener or a portion of the main flap may be deformable to selectively cover the zip fastener. [00621 According to this embodiment, the main flap is provided with provided with at least one closure mechanism. This closure mechanism is adapted to be a second securing configuration for the utility bag to increase security. The closure mechanism will normally be an elongate hook and loop fastening system as outline above or one or more straps with clips or similar to secure the main flap. [00631 Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [00641 The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00651 Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [00661 Figure 1 is a general view of an open utility bag according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [00671 Figure 2 is a cutaway view of a utility bag illustrated in Figure 1. [00681 Figure 3 is a crosssection of a utility bag according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0069] Figure 4 is a detail representation of one end portion of a utility bag according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [00701 Figure 5 is a view of the internal compartments of a utility bag according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [00711 Figure 6 is an end view of a utility bag according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 100721 Figure 7 is a view from above of an open utility bag according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [00731 Figure 8 is a view from above of an open utility bag according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention with an open internal compartment. [00741 Figure 9 is a view from above of an open utility bag as illustrated in Figure 8 with a closed internal compartment. [0075] Figure 10 is an isometric view of a utility bag according to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. [00761 Figure 11 is a front view of a utility bag as illustrated in Figure 10 showing a zip and clip securing arrangement in addition to the hook and loop fastener. [00771 Figure 11 is a front view of a utility bag as illustrated in Figure 10. [00781 Figure 13 is a front view of a utility bag according to yet a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 'U 100791 According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a flexible utility bag 10 is provided. [00801 The flexible utility bag 10 illustrated in the Figures includes a base panel 11 of abrasion resistant material, an internal bottom panel 12, an upstanding front panel 17, an upstanding rear panel 18 and a pair of upstanding end panels 13 attached to the base panel 1 other than on or through a lower surface of the base panel 11 to define an internal volume 14, and a main flap 15 for at least temporarily closing the internal volume 14. [00811 The flexible utility bag 10 is also provided with flexible loop portions 16 alignable when the main flap 15 is in a closed position to receive a locking mechanism (not shown) to lock the main flap 15 in a closed condition. 100821 According to the illustrated embodiment, the flexible utility bag is a soft shell bag without any metal components. 100831 An interior compartment divider 19 is provided across the long axis of the utility bag illustrated. According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, this divider is in the form of a pair of members which are attachable together at an upper region to form a closable pocket. 100841 The flexible utility bag 10 of the preferred embodiment is manufactured from heavy grade vinyl with a high density polyethylene and/or a high molecular weight polyethylene base panel. The HDPE & /or UHMWPE base preferably provides an anti-wear base that is resistant to ultraviolet degradation, chemicals, oil, heat and is also vermin resistant. [00851 As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 in particular, the base panel 11 extends partially up each of the ends and/or sides of the bag. 100861 As illustrated in Figure 2 in particular, the base panel 11 of the bag is stitched to the front, rear and end walls of the bag and the internal bottom panel 12 through the sides of the bag rather than through the bottom of the bag in order to relocate to the stitching above the portion of the bag which rests on the ground. This will result in the stitching not being exposed to abrasion from placing on rough surfaces and therefore may extend the working life of the bag. 100871 Two lines of stitching are used to attach the base panel of the bag to the remainder of the bag, one upper line of stitching 20 and one lower line 21 of stitching provided around all sides of the bag.

1 1 [00881 The base panel 11 of the bag is at least semirigid with the degree of rigidity determined due to the dimension of the material used with a thicker material providing a more rigid base panel and a thinner material providing a less rigid base panel. [00891 The internal bottom panel 12 of the bag of the present invention is located above the base panel of the bag. The internal bottom panel is typically fixed to the side panels of the bag as well as to the base panel, but through the sides of the bag rather than through a portion of the bag which is exposed to a ground or other surface when the bag is properly placed thereon as illustrated in Figure 3. [0090] The internal bottom panel 12 of the bag is substantially planar. Any intermediate panel(s) or compartment dividers 19 of the bag of the present invention can also be connected to the internal bottom panel 12. [00911 A lower portion of each end panel 13 extends substantially parallel to each of the internal bottom panel 12 and the base panel 11 of the bag and is sandwiched between the base panel 11 and the internal bottom panel 12. [00921 The portion of the end panel 13 which is sandwiched between the base panel 11 and the internal bottom panel 12 is therefore oriented at an angle to the remainder of the upstanding end panel 13. [0093] Each of the wall panels (front, rear and end panels) is at least semi-rigid in order to be self-supporting but will typically less rigid than the base panel 11 of the bag. Again, the degree of rigidity of the upstanding wall panels is preferably determined according to the thickness of the wall panels. [0094] The bag of the present invention may have any three-dimensional shape however a generally rectangular bag as illustrated is particularly preferred. [00951 According to the embodiment illustrated, the rear panel 18 of the bag also forms the main flap 15 for closure of the bag. The rear panel 18 is sufficiently large in dimension to extend over three sides of the bag, namely the rear side (forming the rear wall panel and attached to each of the end wall panels and the base panel, across the top of bag and down the front of the bag terminating in a free edge 22 somewhere over the height of the front panel of the bag as illustrated in Figure 2. The rear panel 18 of the preferred embodiment is therefore a single panel of sufficient length to extend as discussed above.

I4 [00961 The main flap 15 is provided with a first substantially continuous portion 23 of a hook and loop closure mechanism adjacent the side edges and free edge of the main flap 15 and a corresponding portion 24 of the hook and loop fastener is provided on another portion of the bag such that when the main flap 15 is closed, the respective portions engage one another to retain the main flap 15 in the closed condition. [00971 In a particularly preferred embodiment, a corresponding portion 24 of the closure mechanism is provided adjacent an upper portion of each end panel and on a forward surface of the front of the bag. The forward surface of the front of the bag may be the forward surface of one or more external pockets or alternatively, if no pockets are provided, may be an external surface of the front wall panel. [00981 According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 a corresponding portion 24 of the closure mechanism is provided down either end of a forward surface. 100991 Each of the end wall panels 13 of the bag of the present invention also have an upper edge provided with a corresponding portion 24 of a closure mechanism to engage with the first portion 23 of the closure mechanism provided on the main flap 15. The corresponding portion 24 of the closure mechanism is provided on a flexible flap 25 which extends from an upper edge of each end wall panel 13 inwardly. [001001 Due to their flexibility, the flexible flaps 25 are movable to extend at least partially across or into the upper opening of the bag. When the flexible flaps 25 with the corresponding portion 24 of the closure mechanism is substantially horizontal, the corresponding portion 24 of the closure mechanism aligns with the first portion 23 of the closure mechanism when the main flap 15 is closed. When the main flap 15 is opened, the flexible flaps 25 can be folded upwardly or outwardly so as not to obstruct access to the internal volume of the bag. {001011 The main flap 15 of the illustrated embodiment is provided with an internal pocket 26 over at least a part of the internal surface of the main flap 15. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, an internal pocket 26 is provided on the main flap 15 from a border located at an upper portion of the rear wall 13 of the bag to the free edge 22 of the main flap 15. [001021 A hook and loop closure mechanism is provided along the border of the internal pocket 26. The internal pocket 26 is closed on three sides thereof and the closure mechanism is provided on the fourth side of the internal pocket 26. [001031 The internal pocket 26 has a transparent wall and according to the illustrated 1. preferred embodiment, one entire surface of the internal pocket 26 is formed of a transparent material. [00104] The bag is provided with flexible loop portions 16 alignable to receive a locking mechanism therethrough. Preferably, a pair of flexible loop portions 16 is provided on each side each of the main flap 15, a first loop portion 16 adjacent an upper end of an end panel 13 when the main flap 15 is closed and a second loop portion 16 on the side edge adjacent an end edge of the front panel 17 of the bag when the main flap 15 is closed. [00105] Each loop portion is manufactured from a substantially planar woven strap or similar which has been folded over and stitched in order to form an elongate portion which is then attached to the respective components of the bag in order to form a loop. [00106] Each loop portion 16 extends laterally away from or stands proud of the portion to which it is attached. [00107] An external pocket 28 is provided relative to either end panel of the bag with full length flap closure 27 provided in order to cover and close the pockets 28. Again, a suitable closure mechanism is provided to securely close the flap closure 27 over the pocket, and a hook and loop fastener is preferred. [00108] Loop portions 16 may be provided to lock any pockets which are not otherwise closed or obstructed by the main flap portion when it is closed. [00109] Loop portions 16 are preferably provided on the side/end panels and/or a lower portion of the front panel and/or on any external pockets 28 in order to align with the loop portions 16 provided on the main flap 15. [00110] The bag of the present invention also preferably includes a padded shoulder strap 29, typically a sling type to be worn over one shoulder. The strap may be padded over its length, or only a portion may be padded. Further, the strap may be provided with a padded sleeve which is moveable over at least a portion of the length of the strap. [00111] The bag of the present invention has an additional securable strap 30 provided extending across or through the internal volume in order to prevent deformation of the walls of the bag when a heavy load is carried. [00112] Hi visibility strips 31 are provided on external surfaces of the bag.

14 [001131 In the alternative form illustrated in Figures 6 to 13, the flexible utility bag includes an internal volume securable with at least zip fastener and a main flap for at least temporarily closing the internal volume, the main flap provided with at least one closure mechanism. 100114] At least one internal volume of the utility bag is preferably securable with at least zip fastener and a main flap for at least temporarily closing the internal volume, the main flap provided with at least one closure mechanism. [00115] According to this embodiment, the main flap is provided with provided with at least one closure mechanism. This closure mechanism is adapted to be a second securing configuration for the utility bag to increase security. The closure mechanism will normally be an elongate hook and loop fastening system as outlined above or one or more straps with clips or similar to secure the main flap. 100116] As illustrated in Figure 6, the bag has a zip fastener (not visible) with an edge portion of the main flap deformable to selectively cover the zip fastener when the zip (and the bag) is closed. The edge portion of the flap is deformed again to expose the zip fastener to open the bag. The edge portion is provided with an elongate hook and loop fastener mechanism. [00117] The utility bag illustrated in Figures 7, and 10 to 13 has a first zip portion of a zip fastener provided along an upper edge of the upstanding sidewalls and front wall of the bag with a second zip portion provided on a portion of the main flap. The main flap also has a pair of straps with clips or similar to secure the main flap. [00118] The at least one internal volume may be in the form of a closable internal compartment that is either permanently fixed within the utility bag or removable therefrom as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. The internal compartment is closed and then the main flap is closed over the internal volume and a pair of straps with clips or similar to secure the main flap. 1001191 The preferred embodiment of the utility bag will typically have a zip fastener and a hook and loop fastener for the main flap and may additionally have one or more straps to provide the bag with at least two and preferably three levels of securing the bag. [00120] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [00121] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" ID means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [001221 In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A flexible utility bag including a base panel of abrasion resistant material, an internal bottom panel and a plurality of upstanding wall panels attached to the base panel other than on or through a lower surface of the base panel to define an internal volume, and a main flap for at least temporarily closing the internal volume, the flap engaging temporarily with a closure portion provided on an upper periphery of the internal volume at either end of the internal volume and a closure portion on or adjacent an outer side of at least one of the wall panels, the bag provided with at least two flexible loop portions alignable when the main flap is in a closed position to receive a locking mechanism to lock the main flap in a closed condition.

2. A flexible utility bag including a base panel of abrasion resistant material, an internal bottom panel and a plurality of upstanding wall panels attached to the base panel other than on or through a lower surface of the base panel to define an internal volume, and a main flap for at least temporarily closing the internal volume, all component of the bag being manufactured from non-metallic material.

3. A flexible utility bag including a base panel of abrasion resistant material, an internal bottom panel and a plurality of upstanding wall panels attached to the base panel other than on or through a lower surface of the base panel to define an internal volume, and a main flap for at least temporarily closing the internal volume, wherein the base panel and upstanding wall panels are sufficiently rigid to be self-supporting.

4. A flexible utility bag including a base panel of abrasion resistant material, and a plurality of upstanding wall panels attached to the base panel other than on or through a lower surface of the base panel to define at least one internal volume, at least one internal volume securable with at least zip fastener and a main flap for at least temporarily closing the internal volume, the main flap provided with at least one closure mechanism.

5. A flexible utility bag as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an elongate wall panel of the bag also forms the main flap for closure of the bag.