GB2589536A

GB2589536A - An apparatus for receiving and securely storing parcels

Info

Publication number: GB2589536A
Application number: GB1909437.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Baile Darron; Llywellyn Green Adam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-07-01
Filing date: 2019-07-01
Publication date: 2021-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-01
Also published as: GB201909437D0; GB2589536A8; GB2589536B

Abstract

An apparatus for receiving and securely storing parcels at a location comprises a bag 20, a mounting arrangement 10 and a locking device 18. The bag has an opening for receiving at least one parcel. The mounting arrangement comprises a mounting portion 11, securing member 14 and guard portion 12. The mounting portion secures the mounting arrangement to a surface at the location. The securing member is attached to the mounting portion and is configured to be secured to the bag. The guard portion is moveable between an open position in which the opening of the bag is accessible, and a closed position, in which access to the opening of the bag is restricted. The locking device locks the guard portion in the closed position. The guard portion may be hingedly connected to the mounting portion. The guard portion may be pivotable about a longitudinal axis. In the closed position, a recess 16 may be provided between the mounting portion and the guard portion. The bag may be stored in the recess when empty. The bag may comprise at least one aperture 23 and the securing member may comprise a rod that is inserted through the bag’s aperture(s).

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR RECEIVING AND SECURELY STORING PARCELS

Field of the Invention

The present application relates to apparatus and devices for receiving and securely storing 5 parcels or packages. In particular, the present application provides an apparatus for reducing die risk of doorstop thefts of parcels or packages.

Background

The number of parcels and packages being delivered to homes around the world has rapidly increased over the last few years, mainly due to the increasing popularity of online retail. Many of these deliveries cannot be accepted in person, especially during standard working hours. In this situation it is very common for the parcel or package to be left on the recipient's doorstep, porch or in another non-secure location. These unattended parcels are an easy target for opportunistic thieves, so-called 'porch pirates'. It is estimated that millions of packages are stolen from outside homes each year, particularly over the festive season.

A known solution is to provide a secure container for receiving parcels, typically located on the porch or outside a user's door. The secure container can be locked by the delivery worker (e.g. by a padlock) when the parcel has been inserted into the box, to be unlocked at a later time by the owner. This reduces the likelihood of the parcel being stolen, as many thieves will not attempt to break into the container.

However, the container is a large permanent structure, as it must be big enough to receive parcels and either immovably fixed to the location or heavy enough to make movement unfeasible. It is therefore not a practical solution for people who live in apartments, have shared postal areas, or have limited space available. The use of these storage containers is also prohibited in buildings that have regulations regarding what can be placed in communal areas, or outside resident's doors.

It is also known to use bags rather than boxes or crates to guard parcels against theft. In use, the bags are secured to a surface, such as a wall or a door. When a parcel has been inserted into the bag the opening of the bag is closed, typically using a cable or fastener such as a zip, and the cable or fastener is locked in the closed position. An example of such an apparatus is shown in DE202016003575. Whilst the bags take up less space than permanent crates and can be stowed away when not in use, they arc generally less secure. For example, the opening of the bag can often be prised open, or the closure system can leave gaps through which smaller packages can be extracted.

An alternative solution is described in US patent 10076204. This describes a parcel guard with an expandable mesh basket receptacle for receiving and storing packages. One edge of the basket. is secured relative to a surface (e.g. a wall) via a base plate and the opposing edge of the basket is attached to an arm. When a parcel has been inserted into the basket the basket is closed by pivoting the aim to a closed position in which the arm is locked to the base plate. Whilst this closure system may be more secure than using a cable, the size of parcel which can be stored in the basket is restricted. In addition, the basket cannot be conveniently removed from the closure system.

There is therefore a need for an improved apparatus for receiving and storing parcels which is more secure and convenient, for the user.

Summary

The present invention provides an apparatus for receiving and securely storing parcels at a location as defined in the appended claims.

hi a first aspect the invention provides, an apparatus for receiving and securely storing parcels at a location, comprising: a bag having an opening for receiving at least one parcel; a mounting arrangement comprising: a mounting portion configured to secure the mounting arrangement to a surface at the location; a securing member attached to the mounting portion, wherein the securing member is configured to be secured to the bag; and a guard portion configured to be moveable between an open position, in which the opening of the bag is accessible, and a closed position in which access to the opening of the bag is restricted; and a locking device configured to lock the guard portion in the closed position.

The guard portion may be configured such that, in the dosed position, it shields or blocks the opening of the bag.

The present invention provides numerous technical advantages over the known prior art.

Firstly, it is the mounting arrangement which is locked in a closed position to restrict access to the bag, rather than a closure or fastening device attached to the bag (such as a zip or cable) being locked in a closed position. The present invention therefore improves security, as the guard portion blocks access to the opening of the bag. Unauthorised individuals therefore cannot access the opening of the bag to attend to prise the bag open or attempt to fish smaller packages out of gaps in the opening.

Secondly, the bag is not directly attached the surface at the location by bolts or other mechanical fixings. Instead, the bag is connected to a securing member attached to the 20 mounting portion. Thus, an authorised user can detach the bag from the securing member without having to remove the mounting arrangement from the surface.

hi addition, the bag may only be connected to the mounting portion, rather than the mounting portion and the guard portion. Thus, the extent of movement of the guard portion may not 25 restrict or limit the opening of the bag, the size of the bag that can be used, or the size of parcel which can be inserted into the bag.

Further advantages will be described below in relation to further embodiments of the invention.

Optionally, the securing member is configured to be removably connected to the bag. Thus, without reducing the security of the apparatus, in the open position the bag can be removed from the securing member without having to remove the mounting arrangement from the surface. This conveniently allows the bag Lobe removed from the location when not in use, for example to be cleaned or replaced with a bag of a different size or type. This also allows the user to remove the bag from the mounting apparatus in order to insert a large parcel, and to carry the bag containing the parcel(s) into their home or other location, rather than having to laboriously remove each parcel from the bag at the fixed location.

Optionally the securing member is integral to, or fixedly attached to, the mounting portion. 10 Optionally, the guard portion is pivotably connected to the mounting portion.

The mounting portion may comprise a back plate configured to be mounted to a surface at the location and, optionally, one or more side plates. The side plates may be integral to the back plate.

Optionally, the guard portion is pivotable about a longitudinal axis such that in the open position the guard portion is raised relative to the closed position. Thus, the guard portion may be pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position. This may be preferable as it reduces the amount of space taken up by the apparatus compared to a guard portion which is pivotable about a transverse or vertical axis. In addition, by pivoting between a raised up and lowered position the guard portion does not limit the opening of the bag.

The guard portion may be connected to the mounting portion by at least one hinge. Optionally, the guard portion is connected to the mounting portion by two hinges disposed 25 at opposing ends of the guard portion.

Optionally, each hinge is obscured or covered such that the hinge(s) cannot be removed when the guard portion is in the closed position. Thus, each hinge may be a security hinge. This reduces the risk of the mounting arrangement being dismantled or tampered with to 30 gain access to the bag.

Optionally, in the closed position, a recess is provided between the mounting portion and the guard portion. The bag may be arranged to be stored in the recess when empty. For example, the bag may be configured to be rolled or folded into the recess when not in use. Thus, the bag is preferably stowed away and protected (or sheltered) inside the recess, and the delivery worker simply has to unlock the guard portion and unfurl the bag in order to insert a parcel therein. In some embodiments, it may only be necessary to remove the bag from the apparatus in order for it to be cleaned or replaced by a bag of a different size or type.

Optionally the opening of the bag comprises a proximal perimeter portion and a distal perimeter portion. The bag is reconfigurable between: an open state to receive a parcel in which the distal perimeter portion and the proximal perimeter portion are spaced apart; and a closed state in which the distal perimeter portion and the proximal perimeter portion are adjacent.

When the guard portion is in the open position, the bag can be moved to the open state to allow a parcel to he inserted into the hag. The hag can then be reconfigured to the closed 15 state prior to locking the guard portion in the closed position.

Optionally, in the open state the proximal perimeter portion of the bag is mounted to the securing member.

Optionally, in the closed state the distal perimeter portion and the proximal perimeter portion of the bag arc mounted to the securing member. Thus, in the closed state both the proximal and distal perimeter portions of the bag may be mounted or connected to the securing member.

Optionally, when the bag is in the closed state and the guard portion is in the closed position, the guard portion is configured to sandwich (or press) the distal and the proximal perimeter portions of the bag between the guard portion and the mounting portion.

ht the closed position the guard portion may be configured to press the opening of the bag 30 against the mounting portion to close the bag.

hi some embodiments, when the bag is in the closed state and the guard portion is in the closed position, the guard portion is configured to form a seal along the length of the opening of the bag.

Optionally, when the bag is in the closed state and the guard portion is in the closed position, die proximal and distal perimeter portions of the bag are enclosed within a recess defined by the guard portion and the mounting portion. The opening of the bag may be completely sealed or encased within the mounting arrangement, which improves security.

Optionally, the bag is not connected to the guard portion. Although the guard portion may press against or contact the bag in the closed position it is preferred that the bag is not attached to the guard portion. Therefore, the movement of the guard portion does not restrict or define the extent of the spacing between the distal and proximal perimeter portions of the bag in the open state. This advantageously allows larger parcels to be easily inserted into the bag.

Optionally, the bag comprises at least one aperture and the securing member comprises a rod arranged to be inserted through the aperture. The aperture may be an eyelet. This allows the bag to be simply slid on and off the rod to mount and dismount the bag from the mounting 20 arrangement.

The securing member (or rod) may extend in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the mounting portion (or to the surface).

In other embodiments, the securing member may be a clip or fastener.

Optionally a first aperture is provided in a proximal perimeter portion of the bag and a second aperture is provided in a distal perimeter portion of the bag. The first and second apertures may be aligned such that the rod is arranged to be inserted through both the first 30 aperture and the second aperture.

Optionally, the guard portion comprises an opening or channel arranged such that, in the closed position, the opening or channel engages the rod. The rod may at least partially project through the opening or channel when the guard portion is in the closed position. Advantageously the opening or channel may allow the guard portion to press or sandwich the bag closer to the mounting portion (e.g. form a tighter seal). In addition, the locking device may be connected to the portion of the rod which projects through the opening or channel in order to lock the guard portion in the closed position.

The apparatus may further comprise a barrier member. In the closed position the guard portion may be configured to press the opening of the bag against the barrier member to close the bag.

The barrier member may be arranged such that in the closed position the proximal and distal perimeter portions of the bag are pressed together (sandwiched) between the guard portion and the barrier member.

Optionally, the barrier member (or backstop) may be a bar or elongate member. The barrier member may be attached to the mounting portion and/or the securing member.

In the closed position, the proximal perimeter portion of the bag may abut the barrier member and the distal perimeter portion of the bag may abut the guard portion and the proximal 20 perimeter portion of the bag.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a plurality of securing members attached to the mounting portion. The securing members may be spaced apart along the length of the mounting portion.

For example, the plurality of securing members may comprise a plurality of rods spaced along the length of the mounting portion. The bag may comprise a plurality of first apertures in the proximal perimeter portion and a plurality of second apertures in the distal perimeter portion. Each first aperture may be aligned with a second aperture to form a pair of apertures.

Each rod may be arranged to be inserted through one of the pairs of apertures to removably secure the bag to the mounting arrangement.

Optionally the locking device comprises an electronic lock, preferably a wireless electronic lock linked to a mobile app. In other embodiments the lock is a mechanical lock, such as a combination padlock.

The locking device may be arranged to lock the guard portion to, or relative to, the mounting Ht1011 iii the dosed position.

Optionally the bag comprises or consists of one or more of: a slash or tear resistant material; a waterproof material; and/or a material or fabric reinforced by glass, metal, Kevlar0, 10 Polypropylene or Polyamide fibres.

Optionally the bag is at least partially thermally insulated. The bag may comprise or consist of a thermally insulating material. Advantageously, this may allow food, drink and other goods which require a temperature controlled environment to be safely stored in the bag.

For example, the bag may comprise a pocket or compartment which is thermally insulated and configured to receive food, drink and other temperature-sensitive goods.

Optionally the guard portion and the mounting portion may comprise or consist of metal, 20 such as hardened steel.

Many variations in the way the invention may be performed will present themselves to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description.

The description which follows should not be regarded as limiting but rather, as an illustration only of one manner of performing the invention. Where possible any element or component should be taken as including any or all equivalents thereof whether or not specifically mentioned.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Illustrative embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to the present invention when secured to a surface at a location; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a bag for receiving one or more parcels according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows the bag of Figure 3 in use with a mounting arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows the apparatus of Figure 4 with the guard portion in the closed position; and Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an appm-atus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising an electronic locking device.

It will be appreciated that the figures are for illustrative purposes only and features are not 20 drawn to scale. Features which are common between the figures have been given the same reference number.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus for receiving and securely storing parcels according to an embodiment of the present invention when secured to a surface at a location. 25 In this example the surface 1 is a wall, such as the external wall of a property.

The apparatus comprises a mounting arrangement 10 and a bag 20 (not shown). The mounting arrangement 10 comprises a mounting portion 11 for securing the arrangement to the surface 1 and a guard portion 12. The mounting portion 11 comprises a back plate which 30 is bolted or otherwise secured to the surface 1.

hi this example shown in Figure 1, the bag may be removed from the mounting arrangement 10 as it is not is use, or the bag may be stored in a recess provided between the mounting portion 11 and the guard portion 12 (see Figure 2).

The apparatus, including the bag 20, is shown in more detail in Figure 2. The bag 20 comprises a plurality of apertures (eyelets) 23 along the perimeter of the bag opening. The bag 20 is formed of a tear-resistant waterproof material. Optionally, the bag is also configured to be theimally insulating, for example to allow food and drink to be safely stored in the bag.

A recess 16 is defined between the guard portion 12 and the mounting portion 11. In Figure 2 the bag 20 is shown in a rolled-up configuration. It may be preferred for the bag 20 to be stored in this configuration in the recess 16 when not in use. Alternatively, the bag 20 may be stored separately to the apparatus.

The guard portion 12 is pivotably connected to the mounting portion 11 by two hinges 13 disposed at opposing ends of the guard portion 12. The hinges 13 are preferably security hinges, such that they cannot be removed from the outside of the mounting arrangement 10. The guard portion 12 can be pivoted on the hinges 13 about the longitudinal axis of the mounting arrangement 10 between an open position (raised up) and a closed position (lowered).

hi Figure 2 the guard portion 12 is shown in the open position, which allows access to the recess 16. Disposed within the recess 16 are a plurality of securing members 14 attached to the mounting portion 11. In this example the securing members 14 consist of three rods spaced along the length of the mounting portion 11. The rods 14 project outwards substantially perpendicular to the surface 1 or the back plate of the mounting portion 11.

A barrier member 17 is attached to the mounting portion 11. In this example the barrier 30 member 17 is a bar having holes through which the three securing members 14 extend. The barrier member 17 is positioned to act as a backstop to ensure that the bag is tightly sealed when the guard portion 12 moved to the closed position. The function of the bather member 17 is described below in reference to Figure 4. It will be appreciated that the securing members 14 do not have to extend through the barrier member 17. For example, the harrier member 17 could comprise at least one bar positioned adjacent to the securing members 14.

The guard portion 12 comprises a plurality of openings or channels 15. The openings or channels 15 are arranged such that, when the guard member is pivoted to the closed position (see Figure 5) the rods 14 engage one of the openings or channels 15.

At least one of the securing members 14, preferably the central securing member 14, 10 comprises a through-hole 14a which, in the closed position, extends beyond the opening 15 in the guard portion 12. In this example, the locking device comprises a combination padlock 18 which, when the guard portion 12 is in the closed position (see Figure 5) is inserted through the through-hole 14a in the securing member 14, thereby preventing the guard portion 12 from being moved to the open position. The user would ideally provide the authorised combination required to unlock the padlock 18 to the delivery service in the delivery instructions when ordering a parcel. These types of locking device are well known and easy to use.

hi Figure 3 the bag 20 is shown removed from the mounting arrangement 10 in an open state in which a parcel could be inserted into the bag 20. Allowing the bag to be completely removed from the mounting arrangement 10 is more convenient, as it allows large parcels to be easily inserted therein. In addition, if the hag 20 was permanently secured at the location (e.g. as shown in Figure 1) then the user would have to mach in and remove all of the parcels from the bag, instead of just carrying the bag inside.

The bag 20 has an opening and comprises a distal perimeter portion 21 and a proximal perimeter portion 22. A first plurality of apertures 23a are disposed along the distal perimeter portion 21 and a second plurality of apertures 23b are disposed along the proximal perimeter portion 22. It will be appreciated the bag 20 does not have to he the shape shown in Figure 3, a rounded bag or sack could be used for example.

Once a parcel has been inserted into the bag 20, as shown in Figure 4, the bag 20 can be secured to the mounting arrangement 10 (when the guard portion 12 is in the open position). To do this the second plurality of apertures 23b in the proximal perimeter portion 22 of the bag are mounted onto the plurality of rods 14. To close the bag 20 the first plurality of apertures 23a in the distal perimeter portion 21 are also mounted onto the rods 14, thereby bringing the distal perimeter portion 21 adjacent to the proximal perimeter portion 22.

The guard portion 12 is then pivoted on hinges 13 to the closed position (see Figure 5) in which the guard portion 12 presses against the distal perimeter portion 21 of the bag. Thus, 10 in the closed position the distal and proximal portions 21, 22 of the bag are sandwiched between the guard portion 12 and the mounting portion 11.

ht the embodiment shown in Figure 2 a barrier member 17 is provided. When the bag 20 is inserted onto the securing members 14 the proximal perimeter portion 22 of the bag abuts the barrier member 17. The barrier member 17 prevents the proximal perimeter portion 22 from sliding to the back plate of the mounting portion 11. When the first plurality of apertures 23a in the distal perimeter portion 21 are also mounted onto the rods 14 and the guard portion 12 is moved to the closed position, the distal 21 and proximal 22 perimeter portions of the bag are pressed together, between the guard portion 12 and the barrier member 17, to seal the bag closed (see Figure 5). Thus the barrier member 17 ensures that there is no gap between the proximal and distal perimeter portions 21, 22 of the bag when the guard portion 12 is in the closed position.

The locking device 18 (e.g. the padlock shown in Figure 2) is then engaged to lock the guard 25 portion 12 in the closed position as shown in Figure 5, preventing or reducing the risk of an unauthorised person gaining access to the parcel stored in the bag 20.

Many different types of locking device could be used in the claimed invention. Instead of the mechanical locking device 18 shown in Figure 2, an electronic locking device may be used. In Figure 6 the locking device 18 is a wireless electronic lock. The electronic lock 18 may comprise a pin or hook which, when engaged, prevents the guard portion from being moved to the open position. This type of lock is well known.

The electronic lock 18 may be linked to an app provided on the user's mobile phone or other mobile computing device. When a user orders a parcel to be delivered they may provide the delivery service (e.g. in the delivery instructions) with a one-time authorisation code for the locking device 18, generated by the app. The delivery worker may then enter the one-time authorisation code into die locking device 18 to unlock the guard portion 12 and move it to the open position.

As shown in Figure 5, the opening of the bag is completely enclosed within the recess 16 between the guard portion 12 and the mounting portion II in the closed position. A seal is formed across the total width of the bag 20 (or length of the perimeter portions 21,22) where the guard portion 12 engages the bag 20. Therefore, in comparison to many known devices, a potential thief cannot try to prise open the bag 20 or fish any smaller packages out of exposed gaps in the opening of the bag 20. This improves security.

It will be appreciated that when a delivery service arrives with a parcel the bag 20 may already be secured to the mounting arrangement 10 in the manner shown in Figure 5. Therefore, in order to insert a package, or a further package, into the bag 20 the guard portion 12 must be unlocked using the locking device 18 and moved to the open position.

The first plurality of apertures 23a in the distal perimeter portion 21 of the bag can then be slid off the rods 14, to the configuration shown in Figure 4. A parcel, or a further parcel, can then be inserted into the bag 20. The bag 20 can be then be closed and the apparatus relocked as described above.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

hi the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" and "comprises", and the like, does not. exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. In the present specification, "comprises" means "includes or consists or' and "comprising" means "including or consisting of". The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot he used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for receiving and securely storing parcels at a location, comprising: a bag having an opening for receiving at least one parcel; a mounting arrangement comprising: a mounting portion configured to secure the mounting arrangement to a surface at the location; a securing member attached to the mounting portion, wherein the securing member is configured to be secured to the bag; and a guard portion configured to be moveable between an open position, in which the opening of the bag is accessible, and a closed position in which access to the opening of the bag is restricted; and a locking device configured to lock the guard portion in the closed position.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the securing member is configured to be removably connected to the bag.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the securing member is integral to, or fixedly attached to, the mounting portion.
The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the guard portion is pi votabl y connected to die mounting portion.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the guard portion is pivotable about a longitudinal axis such that in the open position the guard portion is raised relative to the closed position.
6. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the guard portion is connected to the mounting portion by at least one hinge.
The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each hinge is obscured or covered such that the hinge(s) cannot be removed when the guard portion is in the closed position.
8. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein, in the closed position, a recess is provided between the mounting portion and the guard portion, wherein the bag is arranged to be stored in the recess when empty.
9. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening of the bag comprises a proximal perimeter portion and a distal perimeter portion, wherein the bag is reconfigurable between: an open state to receive a parcel in which the distal perimeter portion and the proximal perimeter portion are spaced apart; and a closed state in which the distal perimeter portion and the proximal perimeter portion are adjacent.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein in the closed state the distal perimeter portion and the proximal perimeter portion of the bag are mounted to the securing member.
11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein, when the bag is in the closed state and the guard portion is in the closed position, the guard portion is configured to: sandwich the distal and the proximal perimeter portions of the hag between the guard portion and the mounting portion; and/or form a seal along the length of the opening of the bag.
12. The apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein, when the hag is in the closed state and the guard portion is in the closed position, the proximal and distal perimeter portions of the hag are enclosed within a recess defined by the guard portion and the mounting portion.
13 The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the bag is not connected to the guard portion.
14. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein: the bag comprises at least one aperture; and the securing member comprises a rod arranged to be inserted through the aperture in the bag.
The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a first aperture is provided in a proximal perimeter portion of the bag and a second aperture is provided in a distal perimeter portion of the bag, wherein the first and second apertures are aligned such that the rod is arranged to be inserted through the first aperture and the second aperture.
16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the guard portion comprises an opening or channel arranged such that, in the closed position, the opening or channel engages the rod.
17. The apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 16, further comprising a barrier member, wherein the barrier member is arranged such that in the closed position the proximal and distal perimeter portions of the bag are pressed together between the guard portion and the barrier member.
18. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of securing members attached to the mounting portion.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the securing members are spaced apart along the length of the mounting portion.
20. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking device comprises an electronic lock.
21. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking device is arranged to lock the guard portion to, or relative to, the mounting portion in the closed position.
22. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the bag comprises or consists of one or more of: a slash or tear resistant material; a waterproof material; a material or fabric reinforced by glass, metal, Kevlar0. Polypropylene or Polyamide fibres; and/or a thermally insulating material.