AU2021106557A4 - Access regulating device with locking mechanism to secure strap fastener from unauthorised access - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for regulating access to a strap fastener having straps, said device being comprised of an upper portion pivotally coupled to a lower portion between an open and a closed configuration, whereby an interior cavity for accommodating the strap fastener is formed between the upper and lower portions when in the closed configuration; a locking mechanism for selectably locking the upper portion to the lower portion when in the closed configuration for providing said access regulation; and a strap securing means for resiliently biasing the straps against the upper and/or lower portion(s) when in the closed configuration. 3/8 13' 16 13 10' 111 7 9F2' 15 10 17 g 11 12 FIGURE 3

Description

3/8

13'

16

13 10'

111

7

9F2' 15

10

17 g

11 12

FIGURE 3

ACCESS REGULATING DEVICE WITH LOCKING MECHANISM TO SECURE STRAP FASTENER FROM UNAUTHORISED ACCESS TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of luggage security and in particular means for locking bags. More particularly, the present invention relates to an access regulating device for a strap fastener of a bag to prevent an unauthorised entry into items inside the bag. The bag can be selected from, but not limited to, a luggage bag, a backpack, a laptop bag, a camera bag, a cycle bag.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Strap fasteners of varying shapes and sizes are common on bags used by travellers, backpackers, cyclists to name a few. These bags may contain valuable items, such as but not limited to laptop computers, cameras, wallets, in addition to clothing, toiletries etc.

[0003] Conventional bags used by travellers, backpackers and cyclists are made out of canvas or other non-rigid material having a collapsible shape. Bags used by backpackers are often carried on their back, while bags used by cyclists are carried on the front, rear, or side of a cycle. Entry to the main compartment of these bags is from the top, which is covered by a flap and connected to the body of the bag via one or more strap fasteners. To access the main compartment, a user simply releases the strap fasteners, upon which the flap can be moved to provide access to the pocket or to the interior of the bag.

[0004] Strap fasteners, often but not limited to buckles, clips etc. in different shapes and sizes, may or may not include a male and female portion attached to the ends of two separate straps connected to the flap and the body of the bag respectively, that couple and decouple to temporarily lock or provide access to the interior of the bag. Whereas the strap fasteners provide access to authorised people, including the wearer, the same strap fasteners provide easy access into the interior of the bag to thieves, pick pocketers, and other unauthorised users. The relative ease of coupling and decoupling the strap fastener on the bag which may contain valuable items may make the strap fasteners on bags a prime target for opportunist theft.

[0005] The strap fasteners cannot be locked in and of themselves, therefore are exposed to tampering and theft by the unauthorised users by simply decoupling the strap fasteners and accessing the interior of the bag. In addition to stealing valuable items, there is also the risk of criminals slipping illicit substances into the bag when out of view of the wearer due to the relative ease of decoupling the strap fasteners by the unauthorised user and accessing the interior of the bag, putting the wearer in danger of arrest and criminal prosecution.

[0006] The problem of unauthorised entry is worsened because even when the bag is worn, the strap fasteners are out of view of the wearer and visible to people walking behind the wearer, so the unauthorised person may open the bag and steal valuable items. Therefore, the bag may be vulnerable to tampering even when worn on the back of the wearer, as the strap fasteners are out of sight of the wearer.

[0007] The simplicity of the strap fasteners that cannot be locked in and of themselves and protect the bag and/or its contents may be a cause of stress to the wearer in crowded or unfamiliar settings where security and/or safety are a concern. Furthermore, increased security for travel safety at airports, train stations, bus depots etc. may add more stress to the wearer of such bags with strap fasteners as they may be unaware if their bag has been tampered with when out of sight. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to invent an access regulating device for the strap fastener with a locking mechanism to make it impossible to decouple the strap fastener and gain access to the interior of the bag by the unauthorised user.

[0008] Numerous attempts have been made in the prior art to impart lockability upon otherwise unsecured baggage.

[0009] The most basic solutions involve affixing a padlock or tamper evident seal to a strap buckle. For example in US Patent No. 7,895,719 B2 there is disclosed a security buckle having an aperture preconfigured in the female end of the buckle to receive the shackle of a padlock. The aperture is located adjacent where the male end of the buckle resiliently engages with the female end, such that when the shackle is inserted through the locked buckle, the male end interferes with the shackle and cannot be disengaged from the female end.

[0010] Variants on this approach exist that instead involve the aperture being preconfigured in the male end of the buckle. For example, in US Publication 2005/0055810 Al the aperture is located on the portion of the male end that is depressed to release the buckle, such that when the band of a tamper evident seal is inserted through the locked buckle, the male end cannot be disengaged without damaging the tamper evident seal.

[0011] There are also more nuanced approaches to providing a lockable interference between the two ends of the strap buckle. For example in UK Publication GB 2,266,337 A, there is disclosed a buckle having an integral hasp that extends from the female end beyond the male end then back through the buckle for receiving a padlock from the other side. An attempt to encode a lock combination into the strap buckle itself includes UK Publication 2,433,290 A. Disclosed therein is a buckle having buttons which must be pressed in the correct combination to disengage the two buckle ends.

[0012] Whilst seemingly straightforward, these solutions all suffer the drawback that either the lockable buckle must be sold with the baggage, or the straps must be retrofitted with suitable after-market alternatives. The latter can be a difficult exercise, particularly given that a narrower range of after-market buckles is generally available than the bespoke selections made by the original equipment manufacturers. Furthermore the integration of apertures for receiving external padlocks can leave the buckle vulnerable to damage during baggage handling.

[0013] More rugged solutions involve enclosing the entire buckle within a hard case. Disclosed both in US Patent 8,037,723 B2 and by 'PacSafe BuckleSafe', there is provided a hard case comprising two slidably engageable cover portions, male and female, that telescope one another until eyelets on each corresponding portions align for receiving a padlock. The hard case is provided with slots for receiving the straps and the buckle can be enclosed inside.

[0014] While an improvement on the prior art, these devices make for poor retrofits because smaller buckles can rattle about inside, and also the device much be disengaged from the buckle in order to access the contents of the bag. The two case portions provide for cumbersome usage, particularly as the eyelets must be aligned for receiving the padlock.

DISCLOSUREOFTHE INVENTION

[0015] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for regulating access to a strap fastener having straps, said device being comprised of: an upper portion pivotally coupled to a lower portion between an open and a closed configuration, whereby an interior cavity for accommodating the strap fastener is formed between the upper and lower portions when in the closed configuration; a locking mechanism for selectably locking the upper portion to the lower portion when in the closed configuration for providing said access regulation; and a strap securing means for resiliently biasing or fastening at least one of the straps against the upper and/or lower portion(s).

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an access regulating device for a strap fastener that comprise an upper portion and a lower portion having a top and bottom wall respectively, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are pivotally coupled between an open and closed configuration; a pair of slits provided in side walls of the upper portion and the lower portion, respectively to accommodate the ends of the straps of the strap fastener when the strap fastener is located within an interior cavity, wherein the interior cavity is configured to receive the strap fastener; a wire mechanism to press down on the straps when the strap fastener is received within the interior cavity; and an external or internal locking mechanism that prevents an unauthorised access to the strap fastener when the access regulating device is in the closed configuration.

[0017] Preferably, at least one of the upper and lower portions is provided with a pair of slits for accommodating the straps when the strap fastener is accommodated within the interior cavity.

[0018] Most Preferably, at least one of the upper and lower portions having a pair of slits is further provided with a pair of side walls in which the corresponding pair of slits is disposed.

[0019] Preferably, the strap securing means consists of a resilient member having a first end fixably connected to a first engagement portion of one of the upper and lower portions, and a second end being releasably engageable with a second engagement portion thereof, wherein in the closed configuration where the straps are accommodated in the device, the resilient member urges against the straps thereby resiliently biasing the straps against the respective upper or lower portion to secure the straps in place.

[0020] Preferably, the resilient member is formed of a length of wire. Most preferably, the length of wire is formed of metal or plastic.

[0021] Preferably, the length of wire includes a curved portion located between the first and second ends for preferentially contacting the strap when the device is in the closed configuration, when so engaged, the length of wire is oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the straps.

[0022] Preferably, the curved portion contacts the straps proximal to the central longitudinal axis of the straps.

[0023] Preferably, the length of wire includes a hook at or near the second end to releasably engage with the second engagement portion of the upper or lower portion.

[0024] Preferably, the first end of the length of wire is fixedly engaged with the first engagement portion of one of the upper or lower portions by way of a bolt passing through a receiving portion formed in the length of wire.

[0025] Most preferably, the locking mechanism includes a combination lock.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism includes two eyelets, each one disposed on the respective upper and lower portions for receiving the shackle of a padlock.

[0027] In this preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a TSA approved master lock.

[0028] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a tamper evident seal.

[0029] Preferably, the pivotal coupling is provided by means of a hinge.

[0030] Preferably, the device further including a clipping mechanism for securing the upper and lower portions together independently of the locking mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in relation to figures, wherein:

FIGS. la & lb show a schematic of a strap fastener.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic of a bag with a strap fastener.

FIG. 3 shows an access regulating device and its various components, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4a, 4b & 4c show a wire mechanism of an access regulating device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a locking mechanism configured internally within an access regulating device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a locking mechanism configured internally within an access regulating device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a wire mechanism configured for contacting a strap.

[0032] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention but rather illustrate certain attributes thereof.

[0033] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognise from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] As required, detailed embodiments of the systems and methods are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the systems and methods, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the systems and methods in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the systems and methods. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the systems and methods that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the systems and methods will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

[0035] Before any embodiments of invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0036] For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form "A/B" or in the form "A and/or B" or in the form "at least one of A and B" means (A), (B), or (A and B), where A and B are variables indicating a particular object or attribute. When used, this phrase is intended to and is hereby defined as a choice of A or B or both A and B, which is similar to the phrase "and/or". Where more than two variables are present in such a phrase, this phrase is hereby defined as including only one of the variables, any one of the variables, any combination of any of the variables, and all of the variables, for example, a phrase in the form "at least one of A, B, and C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).

[0037] It is to be understood that the term "comprises" and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article "comprising" (or "which comprises") components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components.

[0038] It is to be understood that the terms "user", "authorised user", and "wearer" are interchangeable.

[0039] It is to be understood that the terms "unauthorised person", "unauthorised user", "thief", and "pick pocketer" are interchangeable.

[0040] It is to be understood that the terms "unauthorised access", and "unauthorised entry" are interchangeable.

[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. la, lb & 2, a strap fastener 4 and a bag with the strap fastener 4 are shown. The strap fastener 4 comprises a strap 1 connected to a female portion 2 is attached on a flap 5 or a body 6 of the bag, and a strap 1' connected to a male portion 3 is attached on the flap 5 or the body 6 of the bag, wherein the male portion 3 is inserted to the female portion 2 while coupling as shown in FIG. 1b. Also, the strap fastener 4 attached on the bag in a coupled configuration is shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] Now referring to FIGS. 3, 4a, 4b & 4c, an access regulating device for the strap fastener 4 is shown with its various elements. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the access regulating device comprising: an upper portion 7 and a lower portion 8 having a top and bottom wall respectively, wherein the upper portion 7 and the lower portion 8 are pivotally coupled between an open and closed configuration via a hinge 9 secured with a pair of hinge pins 10, 10'; a pair of slits 11, 11' provided in side walls of the upper portion 7 and the lower portion 8, respectively to accommodate the ends of the straps 1, 1' of the strap fastener 4 when the strap fastener 4 is located within an interior cavity 19, wherein the interior cavity 19 is configured to receive the strap fastener 4; a clipping mechanism 12, 12' provided in the lower portion 8; a clipping mechanism 13, 13' provided in the upper portion 7; a wire mechanism 17 to press down on one of the straps 1, 1' when the strap fastener 4 is received within the interior cavity 19; and an external or internal locking mechanism that prevents an unauthorised access to the strap fastener 4 when the access regulating device is in the closed configuration.

[0044] In use, the upper and lower portions 7, 8 of the access regulating device may be moved to the open configuration and a coupled male and female portion of the strap fastener 4 may be inserted into the interior cavity 19, and the access regulating device may then be closed to restrict an access to the strap fastener 4. To access the strap fastener 4 again, the closed configuration of the upper and lower portions 7, 8 may be moved to the open configuration to reveal the interior cavity 19 and the strap fastener 4 residing within as shown in FIG. 3.

[0045] Further referring to FIGS. 4a, 4b & 4c, the device includes a strap securing means 17 , which in this embodiment is shown as a wire mechanism within or outside the access regulating device to clip, hook, snap, fasten or attach to at least one of the straps 1, 1' is connected at either of the side walls. The wire mechanism 17 comprises an affixed end 23 affixed to the side wall near the slit 11' in the lower portion 8 via a bolt 20, and a movable end 22 held in place with an attachment as known in the industry, such as but not limited to a hook 26. The wire mechanism 17 runs parallel to the slits 11, 11', and the movable end 22 presses down on/attaches to at least one of the straps 1, 1' when the strap fastener 4 is received within the interior cavity 19. The moveable end 22 may then be held in place with the hook 26 to affix the access regulating device to the straps 1, 'as shown in FIG. 4b. The wire mechanism 17 may be made up of material such as but not limited to metal or plastic.

[0046] The strap securing means 17 is shown in more detail in Figure 7. Again, the strap securing means 17 is shown in a preferred embodiment being a wire mechanism 17 that is provided with a curved portion 27 for preferentially contacting the strap 1 at a central position of the strap 1 when the wire mechanism 17 is engaged against the strap 1. The wire mechanism 17 is provided with a hook 26 at one end for engaging with one of the upper and lower portions 7, 8 to resiliently bias the wire mechanism 17 against the straps 1.

[0047] The strap securing means 17 consists of a resilient member having a first end fixably connected to a first engagement portion of one of the upper and lower portions, and a second end being releasably engageable with a second engagement portion thereof. When the an access regulating device is in the closed configuration, i.e. where the straps are accommodated in the device, the strap securing means 17 urges against the straps 1 thereby resiliently biasing the straps 1 against the respective upper or lower portion to secure the straps in place.

[0048] The strap securing means as shown in Figure 7 is formed of a length of metal or plastic wire. The length of wire 17 includes a curved portion 27 centrally located between the first and second ends of the wire. The curved portion 27 preferentially contacts the straps 1 when the device is in the closed configuration. In this way, when the strap securing means 17 is so engaged, it is oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the straps, and the curved portion 27 contacts the straps 1 proximal to the central longitudinal axis of the straps.

[0049] The strap retention means 17 is shown in a preferred embodiment of a length of wire. However, it is within the scope of this invention that alternate retention means could be used. Such alternate retention means could include a magnetic clasp, a flat plate that presses down on the straps, a flexible strap that can be pulled tight across the straps, for example.

[0050] In use, the abovementioned mechanism provides a range of advantages, which include, but not limited to: i) The access regulating device may remain affixed to the straps 1, 1' that is connected to either the female portion 2 or the male portion 3 of the strap fastener 4 when the access regulating device is in the open configuration and the strap fastener 4 separated to allow the authorised user entry into the bag, thereby not requiring the access regulating device to be stored separately, either within the bag or in the user's clothing pockets or being held in the user's hand etc. when the access regulating device is in the open configuration to give the authorised user entry into the bag. ii) The access regulating device may remain affixed to the straps 1, 1' that is connected to either the female portion 2 or the male portion 3 of the strap fastener 4 when the access regulating device is in the open configuration, thereby may reduce the risk of the access regulating device slipping out of a user's hand and/or losing or misplacing the access regulating device. iii) The access regulating device may remain affixed to the straps 1, 1' that is connected to either the female portion 2 or the male portion 3 of the strap fastener 4 when the access regulating device is in the closed configuration and remain in place irrespective of the shape or size of the strap fastener 4, thereby not moving and/or rattling when the strap fastener 4 is considerably smaller to the cavity space within the access regulating device.

[0051] Furthermore, the upper and lower portions 7, 8 of the access regulating device that controls the access to the strap fastener 4 may be locked using the external or internal locking mechanisms that must be released before the strap fastener 4 residing within the interior cavity 19 can be accessed.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the access regulating device may include a locking mechanism that is configured internally within the access regulating device, wherein the locking mechanism is a combination lock as shown in FIGS. 3 & 5. The combination lock comprising: a first portion 15 having a plurality of numbered rotating wheels 14 mounted to the lower portion 8 of the access regulating device, wherein a slit 18 is provided in the lower portion 8 to allow for the numbered wheels 14; and a second portion 16 mounted to the upper portion 7 of the access regulating device. The first and second portions 15, 16 of the combination lock are in adjacent alignment when the upper and lower portions 7, 8 of the access regulating device are in the closed configuration. In use, when the upper and lower portions 7, 8 of the access regulating device are moved to the closed configuration, the plurality of numbered wheels 14 which would be at a predetermined configuration (i.e. a combination lock code) may be rotated to a random combination of numbers to lock the access regulating device so that the upper and lower portions 7, 8 of the access regulating device cannot be moved to the open configuration, thereby regulating the access to the strap fastener 4 residing within the interior cavity 19 and securing the bag from the unauthorised entry. To open the access regulating device, the numbered wheels 14 may be rotated to the predetermined code to unlock the access regulating device allowing the upper and lower portions 7, 8 of the access regulating device to pivot to the open configuration to reveal the strap fastener 4 residing in the interior cavity 19 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0053] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the access regulating device may include a TSA-approved inbuilt combination lock as shown in FIG. 6. The TSA-approved inbuilt combination lock comprising a lock assembly 21 having a plurality of numbered rotating wheels 24 mounted to the lower portion 8 of the access regulating device, wherein a slit 25 is provided in the lower portion 8 to accommodate the lock assembly 21. The TSA-approved inbuilt combination lock gives authority to various federal agencies and other departments with an interest in travel and luggage safety and security to unlock the access regulating device, access and separate the strap fastener 4 located within the access regulating device, and open the bag to search the contents within the bag.

[0054] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the access regulating device may include a locking mechanism that is configured externally. The upper portion 7 and the lower portion 8 of the access regulating device may include an aperture to receive a hasp/shackle of a padlock. The aperture may be located in the walls of the upper portion 7 and the lower portion 8 of the access regulating device. When the access regulating device is in the closed configuration and the hasp/shackle of the padlock is inserted through the aperture in the upper and lower portions 7, 8, the upper and lower portions 7, 8 are prevented from being moved to the open configuration, thereby regulating the access to the strap fastener 4 residing within the interior cavity 19, and securing the bag from the unauthorised entry. To access the strap fastener 4 again, the padlock must be unlocked and removed from the aperture allowing the upper and lower portions 7, 8 of the access regulating device to pivot to the open configuration to reveal the strap fastener 4 residing in the interior cavity 19.

[0055] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the access regulating device may include a locking mechanism that is configured externally. The upper portion 7 of the access regulating device may include a tongue extending from an upper outer shell with an aperture. In like manner, the lower portion 8 of the access regulating device may include a tongue extending from a lower outer shell with an aperture. The apertures provided in the upper and lower tongue respectively, are in a linear alignment to receive the hasp/shackle of the padlock. When the access regulating device is in the closed configuration and the hasp/shackle of the padlock is inserted through the respective apertures, the upper and lower portions 7, 8 of the access regulating device are prevented from being moved to the open configuration, thereby regulating the access to the strap fastener 4 residing within the interior cavity 19, and securing the bag from the unauthorised entry. To access the strap fastener 4 again, the padlock must be unlocked and removed from the respective apertures, allowing the upper and lower portion 7, 8 of the access regulating device to pivot to the open configuration to reveal the strap fastener 4 residing in the interior cavity 19.

[0056] The variations of the locking mechanisms used to restrict the unauthorised access to the strap fastener 4 residing within the interior cavity 19 are not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The access regulating device and the locking mechanism add extra security to the strap fastener 4 as the unauthorised person would not have a key in case of the padlock, or the correct combination code in case of the combination lock, to unlock the access regulating device and get access to the strap fastener 4 residing within the interior cavity 19. The unauthorised person may either need to break open the access regulating device or guess the combination code, which would necessarily involve trial and error. This may take time and therefore deter the opportunistic thief from attempting to enter the bag. The access regulating device of the present invention is therefore beneficial for travel as it covers/envelops the entire strap fastener, therefore hiding the easily separable strap fastener that makes bags vulnerable to the unauthorised access. Furthermore, the access regulating device may also be used to cover/envelop the strap fastener 4 that is out of sight of the wearer when the bag is worn by the wearer, thereby no longer exposing the strap fastener 4 to thieves or pick pocketers in the vicinity of the wearer.

[0057] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an access regulating device for a strap fastener that comprise an upper portion and a lower portion having a top and bottom wall respectively, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are pivotally coupled between an open and closed configuration; a pair of slits provided in side walls of the upper portion and the lower portion, respectively to accommodate the ends of the straps of the strap fastener when the strap fastener is located within an interior cavity, wherein the interior cavity is configured to receive the strap fastener; a wire mechanism to press down on the straps when the strap fastener is received within the interior cavity; and an external or internal locking mechanism that prevents an unauthorised access to the strap fastener when the access regulating device is in the closed configuration. The external locking mechanisms may include but not limited to a padlock or a tamper indicative seal. The internal locking mechanisms may include a locking device built into the access regulating device, wherein the locking device includes but not limited to a combination lock, a fingerprint lock, a Bluetooth lock etc.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the access regulating device for the strap fastener further comprises a mechanism within or outside the casing to clip, hook, snap, fasten or attach to the strap, that is connected to either the male or the female portion of the strap fastener when the strap fastener is received within the cavity of the casing.

[0059] The variations on the means for securing the strap are not limited to the illustrated embodiments. In other embodiments, the strap securing means is comprised of a helical spring disposed on at least one of the upper and lower portions for applying a resilient bias to the strap. In another embodiment the strap securing means is provided by at least one jaws for fastening the strap by means of friction to one of the upper and lower portions. In another embodiment a resilient foam is provided on at least one of the upper and lower portions for providing a resilient bias to the strap.

[0060] The present invention therefore provides the unitary theft prevention via the access regulating device that conceals the strap fasteners of different shapes and sizes and protects the bag from the unauthorised entry. The access regulating device may be made of material such as, but not limited to, metal, non-flexible plastic etc. Further, the access regulating device of the present invention may be used in relation to any object that uses the strap fastener of any shape or size.

[0061] Illustrated embodiments presented in this application are to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described / shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

[0062] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments above, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not limited to those embodiments, but may be embodied in many other forms, variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variation and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, components and/or devices referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features.

[0063] In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the word "comprising" is not intended to have the exclusive meaning of the word such as "consisting only of", but rather has the non-exclusive meaning, in the sense of "including at least". The same applies, with corresponding grammatical changes, to other forms of the word such as "comprise", etc.

[0064] Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

[0065] Any promises made in the present document should be understood to relate to some embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to be promises made about the invention in all embodiments. Where there are promises that are deemed to apply to all embodiments of the invention, the applicant/patentee reserves the right to later delete them from the description and they do not rely on these promises for the acceptance or subsequent grant of a patent in any country.

Claims (16)

1. A device for regulating access to a strap fastener having straps, said device being comprised of: an upper portion pivotally coupled to a lower portion between an open and a closed configuration, whereby an interior cavity for accommodating the strap fastener is formed between the upper and lower portions when in the closed configuration; a locking mechanism for selectably locking the upper portion to the lower portion when in the closed configuration for providing said access regulation; and a strap securing means for resiliently biasing the straps against the upper and/or lower portion(s) when in the closed configuration.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the upper and lower portions is provided with a pair of slits for accommodating the straps when the strap fastener is accommodated within the interior cavity.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein at least one of the upper and lower portions having a pair of slits is further provided with a pair of side walls in which the corresponding pair of slits is disposed.

4. A device according to claim 1 wherein the strap securing means consists of a resilient member having a first end fixably connected to a first engagement portion of one of the upper and lower portions, and a second end being releasably engageable with a second engagement portion thereof, wherein in the closed configuration where the straps are accommodated in the device, the resilient member urges against the straps thereby resiliently biasing the straps against the respective upper or lower portion to secure the straps in place.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the resilient member is formed of a length of wire.

6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the length of wire is formed of metal or plastic.

7. A device according to claim 5 wherein the length of wire includes a curved portion located between the first and second ends for preferentially contacting the strap when the device is in the closed configuration, when so engaged, the length of wire is oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the straps.

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the curved portion contacts the straps proximal to the central longitudinal axis of the straps.

9. A device according to claim 5 wherein the length of wire includes a hook at or near the second end to releasably engage with the second engagement portion of the upper or lower portion.

10. A device according to claim 5 wherein the first end of the length of wire is fixedly engaged with the first engagement portion of one of the upper or lower portions by way of a bolt passing through a receiving portion formed in the length of wire.

11. A device according to claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism includes a combination lock.

12. A device according to claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism includes two eyelets, each one disposed on the respective upper and lower portions for receiving the shackle of a padlock.

13. A device according to claim 12 wherein the locking mechanism includes a TSA-approved master lock.

14. A device according to claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism includes a tamper evident seal.

15. A device according to claim 1 wherein the pivotal coupling is provided by means of a hinge.

16. A device according to claim 1 further including a clipping mechanism for securing the upper and lower portions together independently of the locking mechanism.