TAMPER-EVIDENT BAG FOR PROTECTING LUGGAGE, ALLOWING INSPECTION AND RECLOSURE, AND METHODS

Abstract

A flexible bag for protecting luggage includes a bag that can secure the luggage, then be opened to allow for removal and inspection, then allow for reinsertion of the luggage, and finally be re-secured.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a flexible bag. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a tamper-evident bag useful for protecting items, such as luggage, and methods for making and using the same.

BACKGROUND

In recent times, there has been an increase in the amount of terrorist activities at airports. As bombs and plastic explosives become more sophisticated, smaller, and easier to conceal, there has been heightened concern about enhancing the safety of cargo, including luggage, loaded onto an airplane.

Another problem associated with checking luggage concerns its handling. If handled roughly, the luggage can sustain damage. At times, luggage contents including containers for holding liquid can break and leak over several pieces of luggage.

In our previous patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,330, incorporated by reference herein, we described a flexible bag that addressed these and other problems. A need exists, however, to allow for the TSA or other airport officials to be able to inspect the contents of luggage after it is checked, even if it is secured in the luggage protection flexible bag of U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,330.

Consequently, there is a need for a way to enhance the safety and protection of cargo, such as luggage, loaded onto an airplane. There is also a need for a way to ensure that checked luggage may be inspected and then re-secured. As explained herein, the solution is particularly well-suited for luggage. However, it should be understood that it is contemplated that items other than luggage can use this system.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes embodiments of a flexible bag for protecting items (such as cargo or luggage) that will allow for secured access and inspection of the items, such as luggage.

A flexible bag for protecting luggage is provided. The bag includes a bag surrounding wall including first and second opposing panel sections, first and second side edges, and a gusset at a first end to form a containment region between the first and second panel sections. A mouth is defined by the bag surrounding wall at a second end opposite to the first end. The mouth is movable from an open position to a closed position. The mouth provides access to the containment region when in the open position. A closure arrangement is at the mouth for securing the mouth in the closed position. The closure arrangement includes a first adhesive region. The first adhesive region includes a first adhesive strip extending between first and second seal regions. A flap arrangement is integral to the first panel section. The flap arrangement includes a plurality of flaps sealed to the first and second edges at the first and second seal regions. The flap arrangement is constructed and arranged to fold over the mouth, engage the second panel section and be secured thereto by the first adhesive region, and completely secure the mouth in the closed position closing all access voids to the containment region and completely enclose the first and second seal regions and the first adhesive strip. An inspection cut line is provided in at least one of the first and second panel sections. The inspection cut line extends at least partially between the first and second edges. The inspection cut line is located nearer the gusset than the closure arrangement. The inspection cut line is constructed and arranged to create an inspection opening in one of the first and second panel sections along the cut line and provide access to the containment region. A second adhesive region is held by one of the first and second panel sections. The second adhesive region includes a second adhesive strip adjacent to the inspection cut line constructed and arranged to allow closure of the inspection cut line by attachment by one of the first and second panel sections to the second adhesive strip.

In another aspect, a combination of luggage and a disposable, tamper-evident flexible bag for protecting the luggage is provided. The combination includes a piece of luggage and a flexible bag, as characterized above. The containment region holds the luggage between the first and second edges and over the gusset. The mouth is in a closed position. The flap arrangement includes a plurality of flaps sealed to the first and second edges at the first and second seal regions. The plurality of flaps are folded over the mouth and secured to the second panel section with the adhesive region to completely enclose the first and second seal regions and the adhesive strip to seal the mouth in the closed position closing all access voids to the containment region and the luggage. The inspection cut line is constructed and arranged to create an inspection opening along the cut line to provide access to the containment region and to the luggage, so that the luggage may be removed from the containment region and inspected. A second adhesive region is provided to allow for closure of the inspection opening by attachment of one of the first and second panel sections to the second adhesive strip.

In another aspect, a method for protecting luggage and allowing inspection is provided. The method includes steps of providing a bag including a containment region and a mouth providing access to the containment region. The bag has a closed end opposite of the mouth. A piece of luggage is placed in the containment region of the bag by passing the luggage through the mouth. The mouth is completely sealed in a closed position to close all access voids to the containment region and thereby prevent access to the luggage. An inspection opening is created by opening the bag along an inspection cut line. The inspection cut line is nearer the closed end than the mouth. Next, there is a step of accessing and removing the luggage in the containment region through the inspection opening. There is a step of placing the luggage in the containment region of the bag by passing the luggage through the inspection opening. Next, there is a step of completely sealing the inspection opening in a closed position with the luggage secured within the containment region by using an adhesive strip adjacent the inspection opening. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one embodiment of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a flexible bag, according to the principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a fragmented, cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 of an embodiment of a flexible bag, according to the principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible bag, according to the principles of this disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a fragmented, perspective view of a corner of the FIG. 3 embodiment, according to the principles of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

In accordance with principles of this disclosure, a flexible bag for protecting luggage is provided. The bag has a containment region for holding a piece of luggage. The bag includes a tamper-evident closure arrangement. After the luggage is inserted in the bag, the closure arrangement completely seals the bag closed. There are no access voids. It is tamper-evident in that there is no way to access the luggage without obviously tearing or ripping the bag. If the luggage needs to be inspected, the bag has an inspection line that may be opened to allow the luggage to be removed from the bag, inspected, and placed back into the bag. The bag is then closed completely, having no access voids. It is tamper-evident in that there is no way to access the luggage without obviously tearing or ripping the bag.

One embodiment of a flexible bag according to the principles of this disclosure is illustrated generally at 10. Bag 10 includes a first panel section 12, and a second panel section 14. As illustrated in FIG. 2, first and second panel sections 12, 14 oppose each other and are joined by a gusset 16 at a first end 17. In a typical usage, gusset 16 would be oriented toward the bottom of bag 10. The bottom of the bag 10 is typically a closed end.

First and second panel sections 12, 14 are secured together along a first edge 18 and a second edge 20. In the particular illustrated embodiment, bag 10 is rectangular in shape, so first and second edges 18, 20 are opposite and parallel to each other. Gusset 16 (FIG. 2) extends between first and second edges 18, 20. Together, first and second panel sections 12, 14 form a containment region 22 (FIG. 3) which is bordered by first and second edges 18, 20 and gusset 16. Containment region 22 functions to hold and contain whatever is being inserted into the bag 10. As explained herein, bag 10 is particularly suited to containing luggage. However, it should be understood that it is contemplated that bag 10 can be used for holding other items as well.

A mouth 24 is defined by first and second panel sections 12, 14 at a second end 25. The second end 25 may be the end opposite to the first end 17 where gusset 16 is located. Mouth 24 is movable from an open position, illustrated in FIG. 2, to a closed position, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Mouth 24 functions to provide access to containment region 22 when mouth 24 is in the open position, FIG. 2.

In accordance with the principles of this disclosure, the flexible bag includes a tamper-evident closure arrangement at the mouth for securing the mouth in the closed position. One function of the tamper-evident closure arrangement is to ensure that a secure and tight closure is provided, which will prevent any unauthorized access to the contents in the containment region. In the particular embodiment illustrated, a tamper-evident closure arrangement 26 includes a first, or mouth, adhesive region 28 (FIG. 2) and a flap arrangement 30 (FIG. 2).

Adhesive region 28 may be secured in a way to result in a secure closure of the mouth 24. In the embodiment shown, the adhesive region 28 is secured to the flap arrangement 30. The nature of adhesive region 28 is such that once it connects flap arrangement 30 and the panel section 14, it may not be unsealed without ripping the bag. One particularly advantageous adhesive region 28 includes a mouth region adhesive strip 32 extending the entire length of the flap arrangement 30 from first edge 18 to second edge 20. Adhesive strip 32 is located a certain distance from the second end of bag 10 to define a band 50, FIG. 2, between adhesive strip 32 and the second end. One preferred adhesive strip includes a double sided tape, such as a double coated clear polypropylene film tape incorporating a 100% plastic film release liner. Such tape is available from International Tape Company of Windham, N.H.

Flap arrangement 30 may be integral to, that is a continuous part of, first panel section 12. Flap arrangement 30 is constructed and arranged to fold over mouth 24, engage against the second panel section 14 with the adhesive region 28, and completely secure mouth 24 in the closed position and close all access voids to containment region 22. That is, through the cooperation of flap arrangement 30 and adhesive region 28, bag 10 may be completely sealed shut preventing any and all access to the contents of bag 10. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the adhesive region 28 can be on the second panel section 14, instead of the flap arrangement 30. In the specific embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, flap arrangement 30 includes a first flap 34 sealed to first and second edges 18, 20 along first and second seal regions 36, 38 (FIG. 1) in the upper portion of bag 10. That is, first and second sealed regions 36, 38 are in the region of the bag in generally the upper one-fourth of the bag when the bag is oriented in a position as illustrated in FIG. 1. A first fold line 40 joins first flap 34 to the first panel section 12. In FIG. 2, first flap 34 pivots about first fold line 40 to permit first flap 34 to cover mouth 24, when a user moves the mouth to the closed position.

In the embodiment illustrated, flap arrangement 30 also includes a second flap 42 also sealed to first and second edges 18, 20 along first and second seal regions 36, 38. That is, second flap 42 overlaps first flap 34 and is sealed to first flap 34 along the first and second edges 18, 20. A second fold line 44 joins second flap 42 to first flap 34. Second flap 42 is constructed and arranged to be moveable across mouth 24 and unfold second fold line 44 to permit both first flap 34 and second flap 42 to cover mouth 24, when a user moves mouth 24 to the closed position.

Also shown in this particular illustrated embodiment, flap arrangement 30 further includes a third flap 46 overlapping the first flap 34 and the second flap 42. Third flap 46 includes a first side 46a and an opposite second side 46b. In this embodiment, the first side 46a holds the adhesive strip 32. Third flap 46 is sealed to the first and second flaps along first and second seal regions 36, 38. A third fold line 48 joins third flap 46 to second flap 42. Third flap 46 is constructed and arranged to pivot about third fold line 48 to permit first flap 34, second flap 42, and third flap 46 to cover mouth 24, when a user moves mouth 24 to the closed position. When the third flap 46 pivots about fold line 48, the first side 46a faces and is opposed to the second panel section 14. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first 34, second 42, and third 46 flaps resemble an accordion which is expandable from a substantially flat configuration to an expanded configuration. When flap arrangement 30 is used to secure bag 10 in the closed position, third flap 46 engages the second panel section 14, and adhesive region 28 (depicted on the first side 46a of third flap 46) secures the third flap 46 to the second panel section 14. Preferably, third flap 46 is adhered to adhesive strip 32 along the entire length between first edge 18 and second edge 20.

The closure arrangement 26 provides a complete closure and a blocking of any access voids to the containment region of the bag. One example of this is illustrated in FIG. 4. When closure arrangement 26 is used to seal bag 10 in its closed position, the first, second, and third flaps 34, 42, 46, are folded over mouth 24 to allow third flap 46 to engage adhesive strip 32 from first edge 18 to second edge 20. When engaged in this manner, flap arrangement 30 completely encloses first and second seal regions 36, 38, band 50, and adhesive strip 32. Therefore, all access to containment region 22 is blocked because there are no voids in the bag. Flap arrangement 30, when moved to the closed position, folds over first and second corners 52, 54. Because the first, second, and third flaps are sealed at first and second seal regions 36, 38, when third flap 46 is engaged to second panel section 14 with adhesive strip 32, there is no void or hole through closure arrangement 26 to containment region 22. This is advantageous, in that if there were voids, unauthorized access could still be gained to containment region by penetrating the voids.

In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the bag 10 includes an inspection cut line in at lease one of the first and second panel sections. As embodied herein, an inspection cut line 70 is included in the first panel section 12. The inspection cut line 70 extends at least partially between the first and second edges 18, 20. In preferred embodiments, the inspection cut line 70 extends completely between the first and second edges 18, 20. The inspection cut line 70, in the embodiment shown, is located nearer the gusset 16 than the mouth 24 and the closure arrangement 26. In the embodiment shown the inspection cut line 70 is located adjacent to the closed end 17 and the gusset 16. This location has advantages, in that the inspection out line 70 does not interfere with the closure arrangement 26 because it is spaced sufficiently apart from it. The inspection cut line 70 is constructed and arranged to create an inspection opening in whichever panel section it is located; in the embodiment shown, the second panel section 14, along the cut line 70 and provide access to the containment region 22.

In preferred implementations, the inspection cut line 70 is embodied as a visual indication, such as a printed mark 72 forming a straight line. There may be additional indicia printed that identifies the cut line 70 as the inspection cut line, with directions to the TSA (or other airport officials) on where to cut. It is contemplated that the cut line 70 can be cut with a scissors, razor, and the like. It is also contemplated that the inspection cut line 70 can be embodied as a perforation, or area of weakness, in which a separate sharp tool is not needed in order to create the inspection opening.

In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the flexible bag includes a second adhesive region held by one of the first and second panel sections. As embodied herein, a second adhesive region 76 is held by the same panel section that has the inspection cut line 70, in the example shown, the first panel section 12. The second adhesive region 76 includes a second adhesive strip 78. The second adhesive strip 78 is adjacent to the inspection cut line 70 and is constructed and arranged to allow closure of the inspection cut line 70 by attachment of the panel section which it is on (in this case, the first panel section 12) to the second adhesive strip 78. The nature of the adhesive region 76 is that once it is engaged with the panel section 12, it may not be unsealed without ripping the bag 10. One particularly advantageous adhesive region 76 includes the adhesive strip 78, extending at least partially, and preferably, the entire length from the first edge 18 to the second edge 20. One preferred adhesive strip 78 includes a double-sided tape, such as double coated clear polypropylene film tape incorporating a 100% plastic film release liner. Such tape is available from International Tape Company of Windom, N.H. The adhesive strip 78 includes a removable cover 80 (FIG. 2) to cover and then expose the second adhesive region 76, when the cover 80 is removed.

One application for a flexible bag in accordance with the principles of this disclosure is for protecting a piece of luggage. As illustrated in FIG. 3, bag 10 may be used to contain a piece of luggage 58. Luggage 58 is held by bag 10 within containment region 22, and is sealed shut with closure arrangement 26. FIG. 3 also shows the bag 10 after the inspection cut line 70 has been cut, to create an inspection opening, and then closed by the second adhesive region 76. In preferred arrangements, bag 10 is made of a transparent material, such that luggage 58 is easily identified through bag 10. Bag 10 may be in a variety of sizes in order to accommodate the various sizes of luggage 58. In certain preferred arrangements, adhesive strip 32 is color coded based upon the size of bag 10. This may be advantageous to the bag handlers at the airport when loading and unloading luggage into the cargo area of the airplane.

In operation, one method of using the bag of the principles of this disclosure is as follows: A piece of luggage to be protected from unauthorized access is provided. For example, an airline passenger at the check-in counter of an airport presents his luggage for checking

Next, a bag including a containment region and a mouth providing access to the containment region is provided. One preferred bag is of the type which is illustrated in the FIGS. at 10. Based upon the size of the luggage to be protected, the appropriate sized bag is selected. In certain preferred arrangements, the bag sizes are coded based upon the colors of the adhesive strips.

Next, the luggage is passed through the mouth of the bag and into the containment region. It is appropriately positioned, for example, resting over the bottom gusset and with the closure arrangement positioned well above the end of the luggage.

Next, the mouth is moved to the closed position, and is completely sealed to close all access voids to the containment region. Preferably, this step is accomplished by a flap arrangement such as that illustrated at 30 in FIG. 2, and folding the plurality of flaps over the mouth to completely close the mouth. In certain preferred arrangements, the adhesive strip used is double stick tape. In such arrangements, the protective cover for the adhesive strip should be removed in order to allow the flap arrangement to engage and stick to the adhesive strip across the bag. This step should then result in luggage being completely protected from unauthorized intrusion and from spills and leaks. It also protects the luggage from various abrasions and scuffs from rough handling.

If the luggage is then selected by the TSA or other airport officials for inspection, the airport official will create an inspection opening by opening the bag along the inspection cut line. The inspection cut line is either opened by cutting, such as by using a scissors or knife; or if perforated or being made from a weakened area, by tearing along the cut line. The containment region is then accessed, and the luggage in the containment region is removed from the bag by pulling it through the inspection opening. The luggage is then inspected and placed back into the containment region of the bag by passing the luggage through the inspection opening. The inspection opening is then closed by completely sealing it shut by engaging the second adhesive region against the appropriate panel section. This can be done by removing the protective cover for the second adhesive strip to allow the adhesive region to engage against the panel section and create a seal, completely closing all voids and resecuring the luggage in the containment region.

Preferably, the luggage with the protective bag is then loaded into the cargo area of an airplane. The baggage handlers may look at the color of the adhesive strip to help gauge the size and assist in more efficient loading.

At the conclusion of the flight, the luggage in the protective bags is unloaded, and placed upon the luggage carousel. In preferred arrangements, the bag is transparent to aid passengers in claiming their luggage.

After the passenger finds his luggage, the passenger removes his luggage from the bag and disposes of the bag. Preferably, the bag is made from a recyclable material, so that the step of disposing of the bag includes placing it in an appropriate recycling bin.

Preferred materials for a bag according to the principles of this disclosure may include a polymeric material. This polymeric material may include a high density polyethylene, or a low density polyethylene. Suitable polyethylene is available from Nova Chemicals, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, or Lyondell Polymers, Houston, Tex.

In certain preferred arrangements, the bag may be made in multiple layers through coextrusion. In these multiple layered bags, there are at least three layers and can be more layers depending upon the functions desired. The coextrusion provides the advantageous feature of a dual slip property. For example, the layer intimate with the containment region of the bag, i.e., the layer which comes in contact with the luggage, may have a low coefficient of friction. This allows luggage to be easily loaded into the bag. On the other hand, the layer on the outside of the bag, that is, the layer which will come into contact with the baggage handlers, may be constructed with a high coefficient of friction to provide a tacky surface conducive to gripping and handling. In these arrangements, there may be a middle layer which may be formed from a recycled or a virgin polyethylene material.

It is found advantageous to construct the bag from materials which will be resistant to punctures, tears, and scuffs. Further, it is found advantageous to use a material which is conducive to adding printed indicia on the exterior of the bag. For example, in certain preferred arrangements, the bags include indicia expressly showing where the bag is to be picked up and handled. This may include, for example, a colored mark such as arrows, rectangles, or other indicia at the ends of the bag to show where the bag may most easily be grasped. Other indicia may include arrows or other marks highlighting the perforation strip so that the passenger, when claiming his luggage, can easily identify where it is he is to rip the bag in order to access his luggage. The indicia may be designed with a variety of colors and patterns which, in combination with the structure of the bag, may provide a particularly ornamental or attractive appearance. The material for the bag is also most preferably made from a combination of recycled and virgin materials, and is recyclable itself.

The adhesive regions may be made from a variety of materials, so long as it provides the function of enabling a secure and tamper-evident seal at the closure arrangement. In the preferred embodiment, the adhesive region includes the adhesive strip, which may take the form of double stick tape. For example, one preferred adhesive includes a double coated clear polypropylene film tape having a 100% plastic film release liner. One such preferred double stick tape is Product 536 Polypropylene-Plastic Liner available from International Tape Company of Windham, N.H.

In accordance with the principles of this disclosure, a method for constructing a flexible bag is provided. As embodied herein, one method for constructing the flexible bag of the type illustrated in the FIGS. includes, as a first step, providing a film of a polymeric material. This polymeric film preferably is an extruded high density polyethylene, or low density polyethylene. In other preferred arrangements, the film is provided by coextruding to provide a dual slip surface. The coextrusion may include multiple layers, with the most inner layer having a relatively low coefficient of friction in order to allow luggage to easily slip in and out of the bag, and the most outer layer having a high coefficient of friction to provide a desirable and advantageous gripping surface for baggage handlers. Layers in between the inner most and outer most layer may be coextruded from either virgin or recycled polyethylene.

The film may be pre-printed with indicia, including an inspection cut line.

Next, the film is folded over itself in order to form first and second opposed panel sections and a gusset region in between the first and second panel sections. Preferably, the first panel section is longer than the second panel section at an extended region. One preferred way of providing this extended region is by cutting the second panel section to remove a portion at the end and, thus, result in the first panel section being longer.

Next, the extended region of the first panel section is folded into a flap arrangement. For example, if constructing a bag resembling the bag illustrated in the FIGS., the extended region is folded into an accordion form to form first, second, and third flaps folded over each other.

Next, adhesive regions are provided on the bag for providing secured seals. One way of accomplishing this step is by applying one adhesive strip at the mouth end and at the opposite closed end. The adhesive strips can include a double stick tape, applied on the first side of the third flap and on the first panel section from the first end to the second end. This step of providing adhesive strips may include, in some preferred arrangements, applying a colored strip to the bag, based upon the overall dimensions of the bag.

Next, the first and second panel sections are heat sealed together along the first and second edges. This also includes heat sealing the first, second, and third flaps at their respective ends to the first and second edges at first and second seal regions.

After the bag is constructed in this manner, the bag may be stored in a suitable storage arrangement. For example, in some embodiments, the bag may be stored on a roll. Other bags would be rolled on top of each other, to result in one large roll of bags. In other embodiments, the bags are stored in a box. The bags are stacked on top of each other in the box, and are accessed from a dispenser box or may be distributed in a retail ready pack.

An example of one preferred bag has the following dimensions: a length from first end to second end (top to bottom) of 27″; a width from first edge to second edge of 34″; a flap arrangement from the top of the bag to the bottom edge of the flaps of 4″; a distance of 2″ from the top end of the bag to the adhesive strip; a width of adhesive strip of 1″; a gusset having a width of 8″; and a volume capacity of about 2.4 cubic feet.

It should be understood that other sizes of the bag can be used and are advantageous depending upon the particular application. It is also noted that the gusset does not necessarily have to be at the end opposite to the closure arrangement. Rather, the gusset can be along the sides. Furthermore, both of the sides can include gussets.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.

Claims

1. A flexible bag for protecting luggage, the bag comprising:

(a) a bag surrounding wall including first and second opposing panel sections, first and second side edges, and a gusset at a first end to form a containment region between the first and second panel sections;

(b) a mouth defined by the bag surrounding wall at a second end opposite to the first end; (i) the mouth being movable from an open position to a closed position; (ii) the mouth providing access to the containment region when in the open position;

(c) a closure arrangement at the mouth for securing the mouth in the closed position, the closure arrangement including: (i) a first adhesive region including a first adhesive strip extending between first and second seal regions; (ii) a flap arrangement integral to the first panel section; the flap arrangement including a plurality of flaps sealed to the first and second edges at the first and second seal regions; the flap arrangement being constructed and arranged to: fold over the mouth; engage against the second panel section and be secured thereto by the first adhesive region; and completely secure the mouth in the closed position closing all access voids to the containment region, and completely enclose the first and second seal regions and the first adhesive strip;

(d) an inspection cut line in at least one of the first and second panel sections, and extending at least partially between the first and second edges; (i) the inspection cut line being located nearer the gusset than the closure arrangement; (ii) the inspection cut line being constructed and arranged to create an inspection opening in one of the first and second panel sections along the cut line and provide access to the containment region; and

(e) a second adhesive region held by one of the first and second panel sections; the second adhesive region including a second adhesive strip adjacent to the inspection cut line constructed and arranged to allow closure of the inspection cut line by attachment of one of the first and second panel sections to the second adhesive strip.

2. The flexible bag of claim 1 wherein the second adhesive strip includes a removable cover to cover and then expose the second adhesive region, when the cover is removed.

3. The flexible bag of claim 1 wherein the inspection cut line is perforated.

4. The flexible bag of claim 1 wherein the inspection cut line includes a visual indicator on one of the first and second panel sections indicating where to cut the respective panel section.

5. The flexible bag of claim 1 wherein the bag surrounding wall comprises high density polyethylene.

6. The flexible bag of claim 1 wherein the bag surrounding wall comprises low density polyethylene.

7. In combination, luggage and a disposable, tamper-evident flexible bag for protecting the luggage, the combination comprising:

(a) a piece of luggage; and

(b) a bag including: (i) first and second opposing panel sections joined by a gusset at a first end; (ii) the first and second panel sections being sealed together along first and second opposite edges with the gusset there between, to form a containment region between the first and second panel sections and bordered by the first and second edges and the gusset; the containment region holding the luggage between the first and second edges and over the gusset; (iii) a mouth defined by the first and second panel sections at a second end opposite to the first end; the mouth being in a closed position; (iv) a closure arrangement at the mouth sealing the mouth in the closed position, the closure arrangement including: an adhesive region including an adhesive strip extending between first and second seal regions; and a flap arrangement integral to the first panel section;

the flap arrangement including a plurality of flaps sealed to the first and second edges at the first and second seal regions; the plurality of flaps being folded over the mouth and being secured to the second panel section by the adhesive region to completely enclose the first and second seal regions and the adhesive strip to seal the mouth in the closed position closing all access voids to the containment region and the luggage;

(d) an inspection cut line in at least one of the first and second panel sections, and extending at least partially between the first and second edges; (i) the inspection cut line being located nearer the gusset than the closure arrangement; (ii) the inspection cut line being constructed and arranged to create an inspection opening in one of the first and second panel sections along the cut line and provide access to the containment region; and

(e) a second adhesive region held by one of the first and second panel sections; the second adhesive region including a second adhesive strip adjacent to the inspection cut line constructed and arranged to allow closure of the inspection opening by attachment of one of the first and second panel sections to the second adhesive strip.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein:

(a) the inspection cut line is cut creating the inspection opening, and the second adhesive region is against the surrounding wall to block access to the containment region through the inspection opening.

9. The combination of claim 7 wherein the second adhesive strip includes a removable cover to cover and then expose the adhesive strip, when the cover is removed.

10. The flexible bag of claim 7 wherein the inspection cut line is perforated.

11. A method for protecting luggage and allowing inspection, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a bag including a containment region and a mouth providing access to the containment region; the bag having a closed end opposite of the mouth;

(b) placing a piece of luggage in the containment region of the bag by passing the luggage through the mouth;

(c) completely sealing the mouth in a closed position to close all access voids to the containment region, and thereby prevent access to the luggage;

(d) creating an inspection opening by opening the bag along an inspection cut line; the inspection cut line being nearer the closed end than the mouth;

(e) accessing and removing the luggage in the containment region through the inspection opening;

(f) placing the luggage in the containment region of the bag by passing the luggage through the inspection opening; and

(g) completely sealing the inspection opening in a closed position using an adhesive strip adjacent to the inspection opening.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein:

(a) the step of providing a bag includes providing a bag including: (i) first and second panel sections sealed together along first and second edges; (ii) a plurality of flaps sealed to the first and second edges at first and second seal regions; (iii) a mouth region adhesive strip extending between the first and second seal regions; and

(b) the step of completely sealing the mouth includes folding the plurality of flaps over the mouth to engage the adhesive strip and completely enclose: (i) the first and second seal regions; and (ii) the mouth region adhesive strip.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein:

(a) the step of creating an inspection opening by opening the bag along an inspection cut line includes cutting the inspection cut line.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein:

(a) the step of creating an inspection opening by opening the bag along an inspection cut line includes tearing a perforation in the inspection cut line.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein:

(a) the step of completely sealing the inspection opening in a closed position using an adhesive strip includes removing a cover over the adhesive strip to expose the adhesive.