U.S. patent application number 12/400783 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-10 for hinged checkpoint-friendly trolley bag with removable laptop case and method of using same.
Invention is credited to Marinus Bernard Bosma.
Application Number | 20090223765 12/400783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41052455 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090223765 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bosma; Marinus Bernard |
September 10, 2009 |
HINGED CHECKPOINT-FRIENDLY TROLLEY BAG WITH REMOVABLE LAPTOP CASE
AND METHOD OF USING SAME
Abstract
An X-ray-permeable bag is provided with a hinged compartment
attached to a wheeled trolley bag by a zippered hinge in
side-by-side relationship but are spread horizontally about said
hinge for edge-to-edge placement on a conveyor belt so as to allow
separate X-ray inspection of the compartments without content
removal. In its preferred form, the bag permits separate scanning
of a laptop computer and the rest of the bags contents by utilizing
a method that reduces the time required to perform an inspection
while maintaining the integrity of the inspection process.
Additionally, the zippered hinge allows the compartments to be
separated so that they may be transported independently.
Inventors: |
Bosma; Marinus Bernard;
(Tipp City, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Marinus;Bosma
5125 Studebaker Road
Tipp City
OH
45371-8728
US
|
Family ID: |
41052455 |
Appl. No.: |
12/400783 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29328103 |
Nov 19, 2008 |
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12400783 |
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61068722 |
Mar 10, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/108 ;
190/110; 206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2013/306 20130101;
A45C 5/14 20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101; A45C 7/0045
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/108 ;
190/110; 206/320 |
International
Class: |
A45C 3/00 20060101
A45C003/00; B65D 85/00 20060101 B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A portable bag for transporting objects to and from an X-ray
station for flat inspection thereof, said bag comprising: distinct
first and second compartments which, when said portable bag is
hand-carried, being in a vertical side-by-side relationship and
functioning as a unitary carrier; a hand carrying element connected
to upper edge of at least one of said first and second compartments
when carried; and a hinge element adjacent to and aligned with said
carrying element, said hinge element enabling said first and second
compartments to be swung open to cause said compartments to lie in
edge-to-edge relationship about said hinge element when placed in
said X-ray station.
2. The portable bag in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least
one of said first and second compartments is X-ray permeable
comprising; at least one of said first and second compartments
being lined with padding; a hinge pivot to allow said first and
second compartments to open flat;
3. The portable bag in accordance with claim 2, further comprising
a zippered hinge connecting said first and second compartments.
4. A method for X-ray inspecting a laptop computer disposed in a
portable bag the steps comprising: a) providing a portable bag
having first and second compartments which, when said portable bag
is hand-carried, being in a vertical side-by-side relationship and
functioning as a unitary carrier; b) hinging said compartments
along their upper horizontal edges; c) spreading said first and
second hinged compartments to a horizontal condition; and d)
positioning said portable bag flat for X-ray inspection without
removing the contents thereof.
5. The method in accordance with claim 4, including the additional
step of restoring said compartments to their carrying
condition.
6. The method in accordance with claim 5, wherein restoration is
effected gravitationally.
7. The method in accordance with claim 6, including the step of
causing said compartments to grip on another upon restoration.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part
application of co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser.
No. 61/068,722, filed Mar. 10, 2008, for CHECKPOINT FRIENDLY LAPTOP
BAG, by Marinus Bernard Bosma and Virginia Marie Bosma, included by
reference herein and for which benefit of the priority date is
hereby claimed.
[0002] The present application is a continuation-in-part
application of co-pending United States design patent application,
Ser. No. 29/328,103, filed Nov. 19, 2008, for CHECKPOINT FRIENDLY
TROLLEY BAG WITH REMOVABLE LAPTOP CASE, by Marinus Bernard Bosma
and Virginia Marie Bosma, included by reference herein and for
which benefit of the priority date is hereby claimed.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a carry-on travel bag and,
more particularly, to a computer trolley bag that allows X-ray
inspection of the laptop computer without removing it from the
bag.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Over a quarter of all air travelers carry laptop computers
with them when they pass through airport or other screening
checkpoints. The requirement to remove the laptop computer from the
bag is a common complaint. Despite the inconvenience it poses to
passengers, it is a necessary requirement in order to ensure that
the scanned image and more particularly an X-ray scanned image of
the laptop computer is not further complicated by the superimposed
images of the rest of the bag's contents. If a computer trolley bag
were able to eliminate this requirement, it could lower passenger
stress levels, increase checkpoint throughput, and reduce the
number of claims received for laptop computers that have been
damaged during screening. Screening checkpoints are in public
buildings, airports; train stations and other forms of public
transportation and many private enterprises such as businesses,
military checkpoints and secure areas where there is a requirement
to understand the composition and content of articles carried by
someone into an area. Since screeners do not have time to re-screen
laptops in bags that do not offer scanning compatibility, the bag
must appear checkpoint friendly by its basic construction, instead
of signs, logos, colors, materials or markings. Some airlines
require additional fees for hold baggage so there is increasing
pressure on passengers to bring baggage on board which increases
the need for more efficient screening methods.
[0005] Not carrying the laptop computer as carry-on baggage is the
most common solution to the problem of removing the laptop computer
from the bag for security screening. However, with business
travelers who want to get to their destinations and return quickly,
having to check baggage is an unnecessary burden on both time and
effort especially if the laptop computer is all that is being
checked. Also, checking a laptop computer subjects it to the wear
and tear caused by baggage handlers, conveyor belts, harsh baggage
hold environments and the potential to get lost. The traveler can
eliminate all this by carrying the laptop computer with them on the
flight. Also, they may use the laptop computer on board, making
their travel time more productive. Some airlines charge for hold
baggage which increases the need to bring the laptop with the
passenger.
[0006] There are several bags in the prior art with similar
utility. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,509,515; 5,947,241; 6,230,771 and
6,257,381 have two individual bags that are attached to each other
with fasteners but do not provide for the assemblage to be laid on
the X-ray scanner belt so that no obstructions are in the way of a
clear X-ray view of the contents. None of these inventions
specifically addresses security screening.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,371 is an attempt to ease security
screening by allowing the bag to be peered into via a false panel.
This invention does not require disassembly of the bag, but falls
short of being X-ray friendly.
[0008] The systems in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,293,635 and 6,637,563 are
based on the theory that being able to see the contents of a bag
visually is enough to clear it through security screening. If that
were the case there would be no need to have items X-rayed. A clear
bag will show the contents of the bag even if the contents are not
what they appear to be. So X-ray screening is still required for
these bags.
[0009] It is not enough to make the contents visible. In the case
of either of these clear bags, the laptop will still have to be
removed in order to clear security if there are other items in the
bag with it. Additionally, clear bags generally do not have a
cushioning capability to protect the laptop from shock. The
CarryClear.TM. laptop bag claims to have a clear cushioning
capability but no examples have been shown. Australian provisional
application, 2006/902437 discloses a clear laptop bag. The website
for the CarryClear.TM. apparatus (http://carryclear.com) describes
the product as being specifically designed for laptops and has some
clear padding to protect the laptop. Like all the other preceding
prior art, it does not address the suitability of X-ray
screening.
[0010] Another approach is an accessory for luggage called the
scanner bag (http://www.gadgetduck.com/goods/scannerbag.html) which
is a line of small bags that are attached to the luggage handle to
hold small items that normally would be placed in plastic open top
bins to go through the scanner. This item is not big enough to
neither hold a laptop nor provide means of ensuring that the laptop
is unobstructed if placed inside one.
[0011] None of the prior art addresses the relationship between the
design and X-ray screening which is the dominant technology for
determining the safety of the public. Most of the prior art makes
the assumption that being able to visually identify the contents of
bags is sufficient. Seeing what appears to be a laptop computer
through a transparent bag or a bag whose sides have been removed
does not ensure that the contents are not cleverly disguised as an
authorized item. Only by X-raying the articles and positively
identifying its interior components can security screeners ensure
no contraband. Therefore, despite having the items visible they
still require removal from the bag if there are wires, power
supplies, batteries, pens, keys or other items in the line of sight
of the X-ray screening apparatus.
[0012] It would be advantageous to provide a multi-compartment
travel bag the compartments of which are carried side-by-side but
are hinged for placement in end-to-end relationship on a belt for
ease of X-ray screening.
[0013] It would also be advantageous to provide a computer trolley
bag that allows a laptop computer to be scanned at airport
screening stations without having to be removed from its bag.
[0014] It would also be advantageous to provide a computer trolley
bag that protects the laptop computer from damage.
[0015] It would also be advantageous to provide a format for the
bag that is easily recognizable by airport security screening
personnel as "checkpoint friendly," a bag that allows the laptop
computer to remain inside during security screening.
[0016] It would also be advantageous to provide a computer trolley
bag that can display the keyboard and display of the laptop without
removing it from the bag for additional verification that the
article in the bag is a functional laptop computer.
[0017] It would also be advantageous to provide a bag that has a
laptop computer compartment so tightly fitting to the laptop that
it would be difficult, if not impossible, to put other items in the
bag with the laptop.
[0018] It would also be advantageous to provide a multi-compartment
travel bag where one compartment is intended only for a laptop
computer.
[0019] It would also be advantageous to provide a bag that can be
placed on and removed from the scanner belt without having to
unsnap and re-snap fasteners.
[0020] It would also be advantageous to provide a bag that can be
used as a work surface so that the laptop computer can be used
without removing it from the bag.
[0021] It would also be advantageous to provide a bag that enables
its easy deposit on and removal from a conveying belt through hand
placement and handle pick-up respectively.
[0022] It would also be advantageous to eliminate the need for bins
for containing laptop computers while scanning, as well as handling
such bins in manual returning them to the inlet end of the scanner
after each scanning cycle.
[0023] It would also be advantageous to have a removable laptop
compartment to allow the carry of the laptop computer without
having to bring personal items such as would be stowed in a
suitcase with the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a computer trolley bag with a plurality of openable compartments so
that the compartments can lie horizontally on the screening system
conveyor. One compartment is for holding the laptop computer and
nothing else. The other side of the bag has provisions for stowing
objects that would otherwise obstruct a clear view of the laptop.
The laptop compartment can swing out in a way to present it for the
best aspect for X-ray scanning. The appearance of the bag with its
two compartments and the manner in which they swing away from each
other to lay flatly on the scanner belt distinguishes this laptop
bag from standard computer trolley bag thereby making it readily
recognizable by screening personnel as checkpoint friendly. The way
this computer trolley bag is used is to stow the retractable pull
handle, cleave the laptop compartment away from the rest of the
bag, lay the bag on the X-ray scanning platform whether a conveyor
or stationary and after X-ray scanning, lift the bag from the belt
by the handle grip or shoulder straps restoring the bag to the
pre-scanning configuration gravitationally.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] A complete understanding of the present invention may be
obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered
in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in
which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inventive checkpoint
friendly trolley bag with removable laptop compartment as it
appears with the laptop compartment partially separated.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the checkpoint friendly
laptop bag showing its major components including the first
compartment containing the laptop computer folded away from the
trolley bag and laying flat on the X-ray belt for security
screening.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the trolley bag in the
mobility configuration with the laptop compartment joined to the
rest of the bag.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the trolley bag showing the
laptop case both joined and separated in phantom view.
[0030] For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and
components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout
the Figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkpoint friendly
trolley bag with removable laptop case as it appears with the
compartments partially separated. In normal use the first
compartment 9 with the laptop therein is parallel and against the
second compartment 12. They are secured by hook and loop fasteners
5. The hook and loop fasteners 5 keep the two compartments 1, 12
joined together when the bag is carried either by the handle 13 or
when rolling on the wheels. This view also shows the pull handle 1
and extensible tubes 2 pulled out of the main body of the trolley
bag so the entire bag can be pulled along. This view also shows
D-rings 4 for carrying the trolley bag fully conjoined. This view
also shows the conjoined handle made up of strap 3, strap 11 and
cushioned wrap 13 which is affixed to strap 3. This view also shows
X-ray permeable printed on markings 6 and 8. This view also shows
hinge 10 which is collocated with strap 11.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a checkpoint friendly
trolley bag showing its major components including the first
compartment 9, second compartment 12 and pull handle 1 on top of
extension tubes 2. This view shows the hinge 10 between the
flattened aspect to give the X-ray scanner a better view of the
contents of the laptop computer the first compartment 9. In order
for screening authorities to recognize a checkpoint-friendly
carry-on bag from one requiring additional screening or emptying
there is a readily recognizable flat aspect between the first
compartment 9 and the second compartment 12. The logo 6 and 8 are
prominently displayed on the outer surface of the first compartment
9 and is highly X-ray permeable by virtue of being constructed of
X-ray permeable paint or embroidered of the same material as the
bag. In the case, of bags made of leather the logo 6 and 8 are
embossed or debossed into the leather to maintain X-ray
permeability. This view also shows trolley wheels 14 used to roll
the trolley bag in the mobility configuration.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bag in the mobility
configuration with the pull handle grip 1 fully extended on
extension tubes 2 coming out of the main body of the bag 12 and
locked in place. The trolley bag strap 3 is connected to the laptop
case 9 straps 11 by a wrap 13. The hinge 10 adjacent to the laptop
case strap 9 is in the fully conjoined position. This view also
shows the trolley bag D-rings 4 and laptop case 9 D-rings 7. This
view also shows identification markings 6 and 8.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the trolley bag with pull
handle grip 1 and handle extension tubes 2 in the fully extended
position. This view shows how the hinge 10 can disconnect to allow
the laptop case 9 to be separated and carried independently by
strap 11 or on the shoulder with shoulder straps connected to
D-rings 7.
[0035] To use the checkpoint friendly trolley bag with removable
laptop case the user cleaves the first compartment 9 containing the
laptop computer away from the second compartment 12 by pulling them
away from each other at the bottom away from the hinge and laying
the entire assembly flatly on the conveyor belt or scanner tray.
The assembly passes under the X-ray beam where it is inspected and
once the inspection is finished and the bag emerges from the
scanner the user lifts the bag from the scanner surface by either
the handle 13. The compartments 9, 12 will fall back together
gravitationally and cling to each other by the hook and loop
fasteners 5 between the compartments. The user then raises the
handle 1 to the extended position. There is no further action
required on the part of the user to restore the bag back to the
mobility configuration.
[0036] Since other modifications and changes varied to fit
particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent
to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered
limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and
covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute
departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
[0037] Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be
protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently
appended claims.
* * * * *
References