An article of luggage (2) is disclosed comprising a first portion ((4), (104), (204), (304), (404)), a second portion ((6), (106), (206), (306), (406)), the first and second portions being hingedly connected for movement between a closed position and an open position, and a zip fastener ((50), (150), (250), (350), (450)) for releasably securing the first portion ((4), (104), (204), (304), (404)) of the article of luggage to the second portion ((6), (106), (206), (306), (406)) of the article of luggage in the closed position to define an internal storage volume between the first and second portions of the article of luggage, in which the article of luggage further comprises retention means ((60), (160), (260), (360), (460)) in use extending across the zip fastener ((50), (150), (250), (350), (450)) and in part permanently secured to one of the first and second portions. It is an advantage that this construction allows for the first and second portions of the article of luggage easily to be zipped together while providing additional means to keep the first and second portions of the article of luggage together in the event of failure of the zip mechanism.

A method may include filling a first compartment with at least about 40 pounds of sand. A method may include securing one or more valuables in a second compartment. A method may include closing the second compartment. A method may include positioning the second compartment within the first compartment and closing, using a closure mechanism, the first compartment. A method may include at least partially crossing the closure mechanism with a lock mechanism to reduce manipulation of the closure mechanism to reduce access to the second compartment within the first compartment.

A method may include filling a first compartment with at least about 40 pounds of sand. A method may include securing one or more valuables in a second compartment. A method may include closing the second compartment. A method may include positioning the second compartment within the first compartment and closing, using a closure mechanism, the first compartment. A method may include at least partially crossing the closure mechanism with a lock mechanism to reduce manipulation of the closure mechanism to reduce access to the second compartment within the first compartment.

A security device includes a flexible rope of diameter in the range 10-25 mm comprising helically wound strands with collars clamping the rope at spaced locations therealong. The spacing between the collars is less than or substantially equal to the rope diameter, and each collar has a wall thickness in the range 5-15% of the rope diameter. The axial length of each collar is normally no greater than the rope diameter. The collars engage the rope with sufficient pressure to prevent substantial relative lateral movement of the strands at each location.

A security device includes a flexible rope of diameter in the range 10-25 mm comprising helically wound strands with collars clamping the rope at spaced locations therealong. The spacing between the collars is less than or substantially equal to the rope diameter, and each collar has a wall thickness in the range 5-15% of the rope diameter. The axial length of each collar is normally no greater than the rope diameter. The collars engage the rope with sufficient pressure to prevent substantial relative lateral movement of the strands at each location.

In various embodiments, a carry (or carrying) bag is provided that includes an interior, substantially cut-resistant security panel assembly with a matrix of wires secured between or on one or more flexible material layers. Also in various embodiments, the security panel assembly may be positioned intermediate the bag outside wall and a lining of the bag, and in other embodiments, may also take the form of an expansion panel. Second or secondary locking fasteners are also provided to lock first or primary fasteners to or within the carrying bag, to provide security for compartments and pockets. A strap with one or more security cables, and various locking fasteners, may be attached to the carry bag. Methods for forming such security panel assemblies, expansion panels, and carrying straps are also disclosed.

In various embodiments, a carry (or carrying) bag is provided that includes an interior, substantially cut-resistant security panel assembly with a matrix of wires secured between or on one or more flexible material layers. Also in various embodiments, the security panel assembly may be positioned intermediate the bag outside wall and a lining of the bag, and in other embodiments, may also take the form of an expansion panel. Second or secondary locking fasteners are also provided to lock first or primary fasteners to or within the carrying bag, to provide security for compartments and pockets. A strap with one or more security cables, and various locking fasteners, may be attached to the carry bag. Methods for forming such security panel assemblies, expansion panels, and carrying straps are also disclosed.

An elongate body adapted to bend in a single plane, comprises a rope extending within a succession of individual tubular elements closely spaced along the rope. Each element has on two opposite sides of the plane an extended section engaging a recess in its neighbouring element, the profiles of the section and recess allowing relative rotation of adjacent elements in said plane. The tubular elements thus form an exoskeleton around the rope which must be breached before the rope can be cut. The geometry of the tubular elements can be such that notwithstanding gaps, the rope cannot be readily accessed unless the exoskeleton is broken.

A method may include filling a first compartment with at least about 40 pounds of sand. A method may include securing one or more valuables in a second compartment. A method may include closing the second compartment. A method may include positioning the second compartment within the first compartment and closing, using a closure mechanism, the first compartment. A method may include at least partially crossing the closure mechanism with a lock mechanism to reduce manipulation of the closure mechanism to reduce access to the second compartment within the first compartment.

A method may include filling a first compartment with at least about 40 pounds of sand. A method may include securing one or more valuables in a second compartment. A method may include closing the second compartment. A method may include positioning the second compartment within the first compartment and closing, using a closure mechanism, the first compartment. A method may include at least partially crossing the closure mechanism with a lock mechanism to reduce manipulation of the closure mechanism to reduce access to the second compartment within the first compartment.