SECURITY BAG FROM A MESH MATERIAL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a security bag with a body comprised from a material made of a mesh of threads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Security bags are used for holding a content and providing authentication that the content has not been tampered with from the time it was sealed, for example security bags can be used to enclose a will, or for sending confidential documents. Additionally, security bags can be used to deposit money and valuables allowing the receiver to recognize if the content has arrived as originally sealed by the sender.

Typically, a security bag is provided in the form of an envelope with a security tape that is used to seal the bag. Once the security tape is applied even if the tape is removed markings are left on the envelope providing a clear indication that it had been previously sealed. Typically, the markings may be diagonal lines, specific words on the envelope or pieces of the tape that remain on the envelope and cannot be removed without tearing the envelope. If the security tape is opened it may either prevent resealing (e.g. tear or lose its adhesiveness) or display a clear message for example "opened" on the tape, so that the receiver will know that it has been tampered with.

In some cases the security bag is provided with a serial number (e.g. as a bar code or other form). The serial number can be provided to the recipient (e.g. by fax or email) to verify that the security bag sent is the same as the bag that arrived.

Typically, security tape provides protection against other physical attempts to open the bag or to remove the sealing tape for example the tape may show a message such as "tampered" if the enveloped is brought into access with temperatures above a certain value or below a certain value. Attempts to remove

the tape by using solvents to dissolve the glue can cause discoloration that leaves marks on the tape or bag.

U.S. patent application No. 4,483,018 to Whelan dated Nov. 13, 1984, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a high integrity tamper resistant container.

Some safe systems are equipped with an inking system, which releases ink or other dyes onto the contents of the safe if the safe is opened without authorization. Optionally, documents or monetary content is then rendered unusable and can be replaced if not stolen or at least tracked down more easily if stolen. The use of a security bag made from nylon or plastic prevents the ink from reaching the content of the security bag. Debatin GmbH (www.debatin.de ^' ) provides a security bag from a porous amorphous non-woven material which allows ink to reach the content of the bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of an embodiment of the invention relates to a security bag with a closure that gives indication if it is tampered and a body that is produced from a mesh of threads. The mesh of threads is produced from two or more surfaces of threads wherein the threads of each surface are directed substantially parallel to each other and the threads of adjacent surfaces are laid in a direction that forms an angle greater than zero (e.g. 45 degrees or 90 degrees) between the directions of the threads of other surfaces. In some embodiments of the invention, the mesh of threads is formed by interwoven surfaces. Alternatively or additionally the mesh of threads is formed by surfaces that are attached together, for example adhesively or by a heating process (e.g. hot melted). Optionally, the mesh of threads provides greater strength than non woven material so that a greater load can be transferred by a security bag of the same dimensions.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the distance between threads of a specific surface is greater than the thickness of the threads. As a result the combined area actually blocked by the mesh is less than 50% of the area covered by the mesh or even less than 25% of the area covered by the mesh. The low blocking quality of the mesh provides a greater level of transparency for the security bags and greater ability of the content transferred in the bag to absorb ink.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a mesh of 2 or 3 surfaces is used for creating security bags. Alternatively, a mesh of 4 or more surfaces is used.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the threads are formed from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester or nylon or other synthetic materials. Alternatively, other materials are used, for example cotton, linen or wool.

There is thus provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a mesh security bag, comprising: a sealable closure which seals the opening of the bag and provides indication if tampered with; a body produced from a material created from a mesh of threads;

wherein the mesh of threads comprises two or more surfaces, the threads of each surface are positioned substantially parallel to each other, and the threads of adjacent surfaces are positioned to form an angle greater than zero between the directions of the threads of the two surfaces.

Optionally, the angle formed between the directions of the threads of two of the surfaces is about 45 degrees. In some embodiments of the invention, the angle formed between the directions of the threads of two of the surfaces is about 90 degrees. Optionally, the direction of the threads of at least two surfaces is substantially the same. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the threads of some adjacent surfaces are interwoven. Optionally, the threads of some adjacent surfaces are adhesively attached. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the threads of some adjacent surfaces are attached using heat. Optionally, the distance between threads of a specific surface is greater than the thickness of the threads. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the percent of the area blocked by the threads of the mesh is less than 50% of the area covered by the mesh. Optionally, the percent of the area blocked by the threads of the mesh is less than 25% of the area covered by the mesh.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mesh comprises three surfaces. Optionally, the mesh comprises more than three surfaces. Optionally, the mesh is produced from polyethylene. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mesh is produced from polypropylene. Alternatively, the mesh is produced from polyester. Further alternatively, the mesh is produced from nylon. Optionally, the sealable closure is sealed with security tape. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the part of the sealable closure interfacing the mesh is produced from substantially the same material as the threads of the mesh. Optionally, reopening of the sealable closure causes the sealable closure to tear. In some embodiments of the invention, the sides of the body of the bag created from the mesh of threads are reinforced with an enclosing seal. Optionally, the mesh is produced from claf ^® .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. Identical structures, elements or parts, which appear in more than one figure, are generally labeled with the same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear, wherein:

Fig. IA is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a security bag, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. IB is a schematic illustration of a side view of a security bag, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a loaded security bag with a receipt that was removed, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a security bag deployed in a safe with inking ability, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an alternative security bag, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. IA is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a security bag 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. IB is a schematic illustration of a side view of security bag 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Security bag 100 allows transfer or safekeeping of confidential/valuable items by providing a receiver with the ability to determine if the contents remain intact as sealed or if an attempt has been made to tamper with the content.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, security bag 100 comprises a body 110 that is produced from a mesh material cut to a pre-selected size and folded over to form security bag 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the front side is shorter than the back side to accommodate a closure system 190 which is attached to the front side. Optionally, the size of the mesh used on the front side is between 1/2 to 4/5 of the size of the mesh used on the back side, however it may be larger or shorter. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sides of the front side and back side are attached together to form an enclosing bag. Optionally, the attachment is formed by adhesive means such as glue or adhesive tape or by heat (e.g. welding, hot melting) or by other means, for example staples. In some embodiments of the invention, the front and back sides of security bag 100 are attached forming a sharp side attachment line. Alternatively, pieces of the front and/or back side may be folded over to form a wide side connection between the front and back of security bag 100 as shown in Fig. IA. Optionally, an additional piece of material, for example from polyethylene or polypropylene, is used to form a wide side connection. In a similar manner the bottom of security bag 100 may be designed to end in a sharp line or with a wide area. Optionally, the bottom may be formed from the materials used to form security bag 100 or gusseted using the same or other material.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mesh material used for body 110 is produced from a mesh of threads. Optionally, the mesh of threads is produced from two or more surfaces of threads wherein the threads of each

surface are directed substantially parallel to each other and the threads of adjacent surfaces are laid in a direction that forms an angle greater than zero between the directions of the threads of the surfaces. In some embodiments of the invention, the angle between the directions of the threads of two surfaces is 45 degrees or 90 degrees. Alternatively, other angles may be used. Optionally, some surfaces may have threads directed in substantially the same direction as other surfaces.

In some embodiments of the invention, the mesh of threads is formed by interwoven surfaces (e.g. crisscrossed). Alternatively or additionally the mesh of threads is formed by surfaces that are attached together, for example adhesively or by a heating process (e.g. hot melted). Optionally, the mesh of threads provides greater strength than non woven material, which is formed from an amorphous mixture and not from an orderly layout of threads along the width and breadth of the material, therefore a greater load can be transferred by a security bag of the same dimensions as a non-woven material.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the distance between threads of a specific surface is greater than the thickness of the threads. As a result the combined area actually blocked by threads is less than 50% of the area covered by the mesh or even less than 25% of the area covered by the mesh. The low blocking quality of the mesh provides a greater level of transparency for the security bags and greater ability of the content transferred in the bag to absorb ink.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a mesh of 2 or 3 layers is used for creating security bags. Alternatively, a mesh of 4 or more layers is used.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the threads are formed from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester or nylon or other synthetic materials. Alternatively, other materials are used, for example cotton , linen or wool.

An example of a material which can be used as the mesh of security bag 100 is CLAF ^® fabric made from polyethylene such as manufactured by Atlanta Nisseki CLAF, Inc. of Georgia USA (www.clafusa.com).

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a closure system 190 is attached to body 110 of security bag 100 to provide a tamper proof closure for security bag 100. Optionally, the material of closure system 190 is from the same material as the body of bag 100 to provide better attachment between the closure system and the body of bag 100, for example a polyethylene bag body is attached to a closure system 190 from polyethylene.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, closure system 190 comprises an upper part 160 and a lower part 165. Upper part 160 and lower part 165 are attached to body 1 10 and define an opening for inserting content into bag 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a security tape 120 is attached to lower part 165 and provided with a removable protection strip 130 (e.g. silicone) on the rear side of security tape 120 so that it will not adhere to upper part 160 until protection strip 130 is removed and security tape 120 is attached thereto.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, security tape 120 provides tamper protection, for example by providing a message (e.g. "opened") that appears if it is removed and resealed. Alternatively or additionally, the security tape tears if removed so that a resealed tape would be torn in various positions. Optionally, the tape leaves telltale marks on the bag such that when opening a resealed bag the receiver would see remains of the previous sealing and be able to recognize that it had been resealed. In some embodiments of the invention, removal of security tape 120 once it has been sealed causes damage to closure system 190 and/or body 110.

In some embodiments of the invention, temperatures below or above a certain level cause security tape 120 to display a message (e.g. "tampered") or to harden and crack so that heat or cold can not be used to remove security tape 120 without leaving marks.

In some embodiments of the invention, security bag 100 is provided with a unique identifier 170, for example a serial number in bar code form or other forms. Optionally, security bag 100 comprises a tear off receipt 150, which

has a copy of the unique identifier 170 so that security bag 100 can be uniquely identified by the bearer of the receipt. As an example a person may deposit an envelope with a will in a safe deposit box, tear off the receipt and provide it to a benefactor. The benefactor is then able to later verify that the envelope is the correct envelope and the content has not been tampered with.

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a loaded security bag 200 with receipt 150 removed, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Optionally, in use the bag is filled with a content 210, protective strip 130 is removed and security tape 120 is fastened to upper part 160 of security bag 100. Optionally, receipt 150 is detached from the body of bag 100 to provide confirmation for the depositor or transmitter of bag 100.

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of security bag 100 deployed in a safe 300 with inking ability, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, safe 300 is provided with an ink outlet 310, which spreads ink onto the content of the safe if the contents of the safe are accessed unlawfully, for example if the safe is opened forcefully or there is an attempt to remove content without opening the safe by the methods designated by the manufacturer. Optionally, security bag 100 allows direct contact of the ink to the content of security bag 100 since it is comprised from a mesh of threads that leave a high percentage of the content uncovered. In many countries soiled bank notes can be replaced by a person that identifies himself to the authorities, or at least they can be tracked down more easily by publicizing that the soiled banknotes were stolen.

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an alternative security bag 400, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sides of body 110 are reinforced with an enclosing seal 410 to prevent the mesh pattern of the material forming body 110 from coming apart. Optionally, enclosing seal 410 extends along the entire length of the sides of the mesh material forming body 110. Alternatively, enclosing seal 410 may extend only along part of the length of the side of body

110. In some embodiments of the invention, enclosing seal 410 is folded over the edge of the mesh material to grasp both sides of the material. Alternatively, enclosing seal 410 may be folded over to grasp both sides of security bag 100 to reinforce the sides. Optionally, enclosing seal 410 is made from the same material as the body of bag 100, for example a polyethylene seal is used to enclose a bag with a mesh material body from polyethylene. In some embodiments of the invention, enclosing seal 410 is adhesively attached to body 110 or attached by a heating process.

It should be appreciated that the above described methods and apparatus may be varied in many ways, including omitting or adding steps, changing the order of steps and the type of devices used. It should be appreciated that different features may be combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features shown above in a particular embodiment are necessary in every embodiment of the invention. Further combinations of the above features are also considered to be within the scope of some embodiments of the invention.

Section headings are provided for assistance in navigation and should not be considered as necessarily limiting the contents of the section.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims, which follow.