Trunk for easy customs inspection

Abstract

There is disclosed a baggage apparatus for easy customs inspection. The baggage apparatus includes a trunk, a least one specific lock, a storage device, at least one customs inspection medium and a general lock. The specific lock is installed on the trunk and can be switched between a locking mode and an unlocking mode. The storage device is connected to the trunk. The customs inspection medium is stored in the storage device for switching the specific lock from the locking mode to the unlocking mode. The general lock is changeable between a locking mode and an unlocking mode in which the storage device can be opened so as to allow access to the customs inspection medium.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/942,841.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] 1. FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a trunk and, more particularly, to a trunk for easy customs inspection and, more particularly, to a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media.

[0004] 2. RELATED PRIOR ART

[0005] A trunk is often locked by a lock so that baggage will not be lost or stolen from the trunk. A lock may be installed on a trunk originally by a manufacturer or additionally by a user.

[0006] Such locks include key-driven locks and numeral locks. A numeral lock includes a plurality of numeral wheels. The numeral lock can be switched from a locking mode to an unlocking mode only after a correct combination of the numerals (or "code") of the numeral wheels is reached. A key-driven lock can be turned from a locking mode to an unlocking mode only after a right key is inserted and turned therein.

[0007] While traveling abroad, a person must have his or her trunk inspected by customs personnel for national security reasons. Since terrorists impose worsening threats, customs inspection is getting stricter. For example, U.S. customs requires travelers to turn their locks from the locking mode to the unlocking mode so that the customs personnel can open their trunks and inspect the trunks and their baggage in the trunks. In the case that a traveler forgets to a lock for a trunk from the locking mode to the unlocking mode, the customs personnel is authorized to pick the lock by force for inspecting the trunk and the baggage in the trunk. The lock will inevitably be damaged. A damaged lock is a loss of the property of the traveler and causes troubles for the traveler and might entail further loss of the property of the traveler.

[0008] In consideration of both of national security and personal security of property, some lock manufacturers provide a general key to the customs personnel. The idea is that the customs personnel can use the general key to turn all of the locks made by all of the lock manufactures from the locking mode to the unlocking mode. However, it is almost impossible to bring about this idea in the numeral locks. In detail, it is very difficult to combine a numeral lock with a key-driven lock and provide a general key for all of such combination-type locks.

[0009] The present invention is therefore intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide a trunk locked by a lock and equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media for allowing customs personnel to easily open the trunk without having to pick the lock by force.

[0011] According to the present invention, there is disclosed a baggage apparatus for easy customs inspection. The baggage apparatus includes a trunk, a least one specific lock, a storage device, at least one customs inspection medium and a general lock. The specific lock is installed on the trunk and can be switched between a locking mode and an unlocking mode. The storage device is connected to the trunk. The customs inspection medium is stored in the storage device for switching the specific lock from the locking mode to the unlocking mode. The general lock is changeable between a locking mode and an unlocking mode in which the storage device can be opened so as to allow access to the customs inspection medium.

[0012] Other objectives, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description referring to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention will be described through detailed illustration of twelve embodiments referring to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the storage device for customs inspection media shown in FIG. 1 in a closed position.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the storage device for customs inspection media shown in FIG. 1 in an open position.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a top view of the storage device for customs inspection media shown in FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional partial view of the storage device for customs inspection media taken along a line B-B shown in FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a top view of a storage device for customs inspection media according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a storage device for customs inspection media according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the storage device for customs inspection media shown in FIG. 7 in an open position.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the storage device for customs inspection media shown in FIG. 9 in an open position, showing a key set positioned in the storage device.

[0025] FIG. 11 is an enlarged exploded view of the key set shown in FIG. 10.

[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the key set in another position than shown in FIG. 10.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the key set in another position than shown in FIG. 12.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional partial view of a storage device for customs inspection media according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional partial view of the storage device for customs inspection medium in another position than shown in FIG. 14.

[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the storage device for customs inspection media in another position than shown in FIG. 16.

[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 19 is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 20 is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 21 is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 22 is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a trunk 10 is equipped with a specific numeral lock 1, a specific key-driven lock 13 and a storage device for customs inspection media according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The numeral lock 1 includes a plurality of numeral wheels 11 and a core 14. A button 12 is installed beside the numeral lock 1. The button 12 can be pressed only after the numeral wheels 11 are turned to a code or correct combination of numerals.

[0038] The storage device for customs inspection media includes a case 20 formed on the trunk 10 and a cover 21 pivotally connected to the case 20. The case 20 is equipped with a general key-driven lock 9 for receiving a general key 90. Only customs personnel can legally hold the general key 90. Under the control of the key-driven lock 9 and the general key 90, the cover 21 can be lifted from the case 20 that defines a space 23 for receiving a mark unit 25 and a key 24. The mark unit 25 shows the code of the numeral lock 1. The key 24 can be inserted and turned in the key-driven lock 13.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 4A, the mark unit 25 includes a series of numeral wheels 251 installed on the case 20. The numeral wheels 251 show the code of the numeral lock 1 through windows 252 defined in the case 20.

[0040] Because of careless maneuvering of the trunk 10, the numeral wheels 251 of the mark unit 25 may unintentionally be turned into a wrong combination of numerals. To avoid this, a linking member 15 is used to restrain the numeral wheels 251 of the mark unit 25 by linking the numeral wheels 251 of the mark unit 25 to the button. The numeral wheels 251 of the mark unit 25 are restrained by the linking member 15 when the button 12 is not pressed.

[0041] However, a user is allowed to rotate the numeral wheels 251 of the mark unit 25. After turning the numeral wheels 11 of the numeral lock 1 to the code, the user can push the button 12 in a direction indicated by an arrow head A so as to drive the core 14 of the numeral lock 1 from a locking mode to an unlocking mode. While pushing the button 12, the user moves the linking member 15 from the numeral wheels 251 of the mark unit 25, thus releasing the numeral wheels of the mark unit 25.

[0042] The linking member 15 not only links the numeral wheels 251 of the mark unit 25 to the button 12 but also links a latch hook 91 of the key-driven lock 9 to the button 12. While pushing the button 12, the user moves the linking member 15 so as to pivot the latch hook 91 from the cover 21, thus unlocking the cover 21.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except that the linking member 15 includes a latch 151 for locking the trunk 10.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except that the mark unit 25 includes a card 250 instead of the numeral wheels 251. The card 250 records the code of the numeral lock 1. To receive, the case 20 defines a slot 253 and a series of windows 254 in communication with the slot 253. The digits of the code of the numeral lock 1 are observable through the windows 254.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment is like the first embodiment except for a few features. Firstly, there is provided a cartridge 200 instead of the case 20. Not like the case 20 formed on the trunk, the cartridge 200 is detachably attached to the trunk. Accordingly, the trunk includes a receptacle 201 for receiving the cartridge 200. Secondly, a key-driven lock 202 is installed on the trunk instead of the key-driven lock installed on the case 20. The key-driven lock 202 can be turned from a locking mode to an unlocking mode by the general key. FIG. 8 further shows the cartridge 200 includes a drawer 203 for receiving the mark unit 25 and the key 24. Additionally, a locating unit 256 is provided for controlling the movements of the drawer 203.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 9 through 13, there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except for a few features. Firstly, there is provided a specific key-driven lock 13 instead of the specific numeral lock of the first embodiment. Secondly, the trunk 10 is formed with a pouch 30 instead of the case. Thirdly, there is provided a cover 31 for closing the pouch 30 instead of the cover of the first embodiment for covering the case. Fourthly, the key-driven lock 9 is installed on the trunk 10 instead of on the case of the first embodiment. Fifthly, the mark unit of the first embodiment is omitted. Sixthly, there is used a key-retaining device 6 for retaining the key 24 to the trunk 10.

[0047] The key-retaining device 6 includes a shell 64 positioned in the pouch 30, a reel 60 positioned in the shell 64 and a cable 62 wound on the reel 60. The shell 64 consists of two halves 600. The reel 60 can be rotated by the user and recovered when it is released from the user. The cable 62 includes an end tied to the reel 60 and an opposite end tied to the key 24.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the trunk 10 is equipped with a general key-driven lock 9 for receiving a general key 90, similar to the foregoing embodiments. When the key-driven lock 9 is changed by the general key 90 to an unlocking mode, a restricting member (not shown) connected with the key-driven lock 9 is moved through a channel 32 of the trunk 10 and an aperture 311 of the cover 31 so that the cover 31 can be opened. On the other hand, when the key-driven lock 9 is changed to a lock mode, the restricting member is moved to restrict any movement of the cover 31 through the channel 32 and the aperture 311.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the key 24 can be inserted in any of the key-driven locks 13 and still connected to the trunk 10. Because of the key-retaining device 6, the key 24 will not be lost.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment is like the fifth embodiment except that the pouch 30 includes a pivotal floor 34 installed on the trunk 10 within the pouch 30. As the pivotal floor 34 is pivoted from the tank 10, there is exposed an opening 33 through which the pouch 30 is in communication with the trunk 10. The user may tie the key 24 to the cable 62 from the interior of the trunk 10 and put little things into the pouch 30 from the interior of the trunk 10.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The seventh embodiment is identical to the sixth embodiment except for two features. Firstly, a specific numeral lock 1 is used instead of one of the key-driven locks 13. Secondly, a tag 63 is tied to the cable 62 and the tag 63 shows the code of the numeral lock 1.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 18, there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The eighth embodiment is like the fifth embodiment except including a specific numeral lock 40 in addition to the specific key-driven lock 9. The numeral lock 40 and the key-driven lock 9 are provided for opening the cover 31. Furthermore, the key 90 is kept by the customs personnel and the code of the numeral lock 40 is confidentially provided to the trunk owner from a manufacturer. Accordingly, the cover 31 can be opened by both customs personnel and the trunk owner.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 19, there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The ninth embodiment is identical to the fifth embodiment except installing the general key-driven lock 9 on the cover 31 instead of on the trunk 10.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 20, there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The tenth embodiment is like the eighth embodiment except installing the key-driven lock 9 and the numeral lock 40 on the cover 31 instead of on the trunk 10.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The eleventh embodiment is like the fifth embodiment except for two features. Firstly, instead of the housing 64, the cable 62 is connected to the pouch 30. Secondly, instead of the cable 62, the housing 64 is connected to the key 24. The housing 64 is connected to the key 24 through a loop or ring.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 22, there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. The twelfth embodiment is like the eleventh embodiment except merging the housing 64 with the key 24.

[0057] The present invention has been described through the illustration of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art can derive variations from the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments shall not limit the scope of the present invention defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A baggage apparatus for easy customs inspection comprising: a trunk; a least one specific lock installed on the trunk, wherein the specific lock can be switched between a locking mode and an unlocking mode; a storage device connected to the trunk; at least one customs inspection medium stored in the storage device for switching the specific lock from the locking mode to the unlocking mode; and a general lock changeable between a locking mode and an unlocking mode in which the storage device can be opened so as to allow access to the customs inspection medium.

2. The baggage apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the specific lock is a key-driven lock.

3. The baggage apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the customs inspection medium is a specific key corresponding to the specific key-driven lock.

4. The baggage apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the specific lock is a numeral lock that can be switched from the locking mode to the unlocking mode after a code is reached.

5. The baggage apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the customs inspection medium is a mark unit for recording the code of the specific numeral lock.

6. The baggage apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the mark unit comprises a series of numeral wheels.

7. The baggage apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the mark unit comprises a card.

8. The baggage apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the storage device comprises a case formed on the trunk.

9. The baggage apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the storage device comprises a cover for covering the case.

10. The baggage apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the storage device comprises a cartridge detachably attached to the trunk.

11. The baggage apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the storage device comprises a drawer installed on the cartridge.

12. The baggage apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a retaining device for retaining the customs inspection medium on the trunk.

13. The baggage apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the retaining device is positioned in the storage device.

14. The baggage apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the storage device comprises a case formed on the trunk for storing the retaining device.

15. The baggage apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the storage device comprises a cover for covering the case.

16. The baggage apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the retaining device comprises a housing, a reel positioned in the housing and a cable wound on the reel.

17. The baggage apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the housing is attached to the trunk, wherein the cable is connected to the customs inspection medium.

18. The baggage apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the housing is connected to the customs inspection medium, wherein the cable is connected to the trunk.

19. The baggage apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the specific lock comprises a key-driven lock, wherein the customs inspection medium comprises a specific key corresponding to the specific key-driven lock, wherein the specific key is connected to one of the housing and the cable 20. The baggage apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the specific lock comprises a numeral lock that can be switched from the locking mode to the unlocking mode after a code is reached, wherein the customs inspection medium comprises a tag for recording the code of the specific numeral lock, wherein the tag is connected to one of the housing and the cable.