U.S. patent application number 12/371750 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-10 for hinged checkpoint-friendly laptop bag and method of using same.
Invention is credited to Marinus Bernard Bosma, Virginia Marie Bosma.
Application Number | 20090223845 12/371750 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41052489 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090223845 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bosma; Marinus Bernard ; et
al. |
September 10, 2009 |
Hinged Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag and Method of Using Same
Abstract
An X-ray-permeable bag is provided with a pair of hinged
compartments carried by a handle in side-by-side relationship but
are spread horizontally about a 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 its
accessories by utilizing a method that reduces the time required to
perform an inspection while maintaining the integrity of the
inspection process.
Inventors: |
Bosma; Marinus Bernard;
(Tipp City, OH) ; Bosma; Virginia Marie; (Tipp
City, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARINUS B. BOSMA
5125 STUDEBAKER ROAD
TIPP CITY
OH
45371-8728
US
|
Family ID: |
41052489 |
Appl. No.: |
12/371750 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29307709 |
May 7, 2008 |
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12371750 |
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29328103 |
Nov 19, 2008 |
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29307709 |
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61068722 |
Mar 10, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 ;
190/111; 190/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/02 20130101;
A45C 13/10 20130101; A45C 2003/008 20130101; A45C 13/30 20130101;
A45C 15/00 20130101; A45C 9/00 20130101; A45C 2013/306 20130101;
A45C 7/0054 20130101; A45C 2009/007 20130101; A45C 7/0045 20130101;
A45C 13/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 ;
190/111; 190/115 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00; A45C 3/00 20060101 A45C003/00; A45C 13/30 20060101
A45C013/30 |
Claims
1. A portable bag for hand-carrying 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 and comprising a safety strap to secure a
laptop computer in the event of a zipper failure; a shoulder strap
connected to at least one of said first and second compartments; a
hinge pivot to allow said first and second compartments to open
flat;
3. The portable bag in accordance with claim 1, wherein the hand
carrying element and the hinge element form a common structure.
4. The portable bag in accordance with claim 3, further comprising
at least two D-rings connected to each said compartment for hanging
from the shoulder strap.
5. The portable bag in accordance with claim 4, wherein said
shoulder strap is fastened to said D-rings for carrying said
portable bag.
6. The portable bag in accordance with claim 1, further comprising
an accessory pouch proximate at least one of said first and second
compartments for containing removable items.
7. 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.
8. The method in accordance with claim 7, including the additional
step of restoring said compartments to their carrying
condition.
9. The method in accordance with claim 8, wherein restoration is
effected gravitationally.
10. The method in accordance with claim 9, 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 U.S. design patent application, Ser. No.
29/307,709, filed May 7, 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.
[0003] The present application is a continuation-in-part
application of co-pending U.S. 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
[0004] The present invention relates to a carry-on travel bag and,
more particularly, to a laptop computer bag that allows X-ray
inspection of the laptop computer without removing it from the
bag.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 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 laptop computer 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] It would also be advantageous to provide a laptop computer
bag that allows a laptop computer to be scanned at airport
screening stations without having to be removed from its bag.
[0015] It would also be advantageous to provide a laptop computer
bag that protects the laptop computer from damage.
[0016] 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.
[0017] It would also be advantageous to provide a laptop computer
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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] It would also be advantageous to provide a multi-compartment
travel bag where one compartment is intended only for a laptop
computer.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] It would also be advantageous to provide a bag that can use
different accessory bags so that the user can reconfigure the
laptop computer bag and size thereof for different purposes, such
as to accommodate an overnight change of clothing along with laptop
computer accessories.
[0025] It would also be advantageous to provide a bag that when
folded open for X-ray screening does not exceed the standard
aperture size of the X-ray scanner by having restraining elements
holding the bags together.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a laptop computer bag with a plurality of openable compartments so
that the compartments can lie horizontally on the screening system
conveyor. One side of the bag 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 laptop computer bag thereby making it
readily recognizable by screening personnel as checkpoint friendly.
The way this laptop computer bag is used is to 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 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
[0027] 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:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inventive checkpoint
friendly laptop bag as it appears with the two compartments
partially separated.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the checkpoint friendly
laptop bag showing its major components including the first
compartment containing the laptop computer, second compartment and
shoulder strap.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bag fully flattened by
separating the compartments from each other.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a back view of the bag with hooks and loop
fasteners sewn to the fabric.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a right perspective view of the bag laid flat and
showing the way the two compartments are connected to each other
via the shoulder strap swivel clips and the handle grip; and
[0033] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the bag and a detailed
view of the method of connecting the compartments via the shoulder
strap swivel clip.
[0034] 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
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkpoint friendly laptop
bag as it appears with two compartments partially separated. In
normal use the first compartment 1 with the laptop therein is
parallel and against the second compartment 2. They are secured by
hook and loop fasteners 17. The hook and loop fasteners 17 keep the
two compartments 1, 2 joined together when the bag is carried
either by the handle 5 or shoulder strap 11. This view also shows
the shoulder strap 11 adjustable by an adjusting buckle 13 and with
its shoulder pad 14 attached to the laptop bag by means of the
first compartment D-rings 8 and the second compartment D-rings 7
via the shoulder strap 11 swivel clip 9. The second compartment 2
handle 4 is connected to the first compartment 1 via the
wrap-around padded handle 5, which is affixed to the first
compartment 2 handle 6. The padded handle 5 is permanently affixed
to the first compartment 1 handle 6.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a checkpoint friendly laptop
bag showing its major components including the first compartment 1,
second compartment 2 and shoulder strap 11. This view shows the
cleavage 26 between the two compartments which identify this laptop
bag as being able to cleave into a flattened aspect to give the
X-ray scanner a better view of the contents. In order for screening
authorities to recognize a checkpoint friendly carryon bag from one
requiring additional screening or emptying there is a readily
recognizable cleavage 26 between the first compartment 1 and the
second compartment 2. The logo 3 is prominently displayed on the
outer surface of the first compartment 1 and is highly X-ray
permeable by virtue of being constructed of X-ray permeable
material or embroidered of the same material as the bag. In the
case, of bags made of leather the logo 3 is embossed or debossed
into the leather to maintain X-ray permeability.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bag fully flattened by
separating the two compartments 1, 2 from each other. The hinge is
formed by a combination of D-rings 7, 8, swivel clips 9 and the
handle 5. This view also shows the logo 3 which identifies the
first compartment 1 and the shoulder strap 11 laying down but
remains invisible due to its X-ray permeable adjusting buckle 13,
swivel clips 9, shoulder pad 14 and webbing.
[0038] This view also shows a second compartment 2 that is compact
with a single zippered pocket 23 on the outside. This second
compartment 2 can be changed easily by removing and replacing it
with a variety of compartments designed for the needs of the user.
This allows this bag to be converted from a day trip bag to an
overnight bag to a weekend bag without compromising the ability for
the bag to maintain checkpoint friendliness.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a back view of the first compartment 1 bag with
hook and loop fasteners 17 sewn to the fabric. These fasteners
allow the first compartment 1 to cling to the second compartment 2
and keep them aligned and connected when not on the scanning belt.
The handle 5 has a connecting grip that is permanently attached to
this compartment allowing it to be used with a wide range of second
compartments. The D-rings 7 are permanently attached to this bag
via straps. Said D-rings 7 form the hinge along with the handle
6.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a right perspective view of the laptop bag laid
flat and showing the way the two compartments 1, 2 are connected to
each other via the shoulder strap 11 swivel clips 9 and the handle
grip 5. The shoulder strap 11 is shown lying on top of the first
compartment 1. The materials used in the construction of the
shoulder strap 11 are X-ray permeable and will not complicate the
X-ray image of the contents of the first compartment 1. The zipper
12 is around the perimeter of the compartment to stay clear of the
X-ray beam.
[0041] The large second compartment 2 is shown with an external
compartment 18. This is one of many possible second compartments 2.
There can only be one first compartment 1 because it has the
connecting handle grip 5 but there are many potential second
compartments 2. The second compartment 2 shown in this view has a
pouch 18 sewn on the side that big enough to store a weekend's
provisions for a traveler.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a laptop bag and a
detailed view of the method of connecting the compartments 1, 2 via
the shoulder strap 11 swivel clip 9. There is also a phantom view
of the laptop computer 23 showing how the laptop can be powered up
to show the security screening authorities that the article in this
side of the laptop bag is, in fact a functional computer, not a
bomb disguised as a laptop computer. Also shown is the cover 24
with the zipper 12 going along three sides to allow it to open
fully. The security strap 22 is shown in the closed position.
[0043] When folded on itself like this the second compartment 2
forms a platform for the laptop computer 23. The user can operate
the laptop computer 23 while leaving it in the bag. The second
compartment raises the laptop to a comfortable height and provides
for insulation from the heat of the laptop computer 23 during
operation.
[0044] To use this laptop bag the user cleaves the first
compartment 1 containing the laptop computer away from the second
compartment 2 by pulling them away from each other 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 5
or shoulder strap 11. The compartments 1, 2 will fall back together
gravitationally and cling to each other by the hook and loop
fasteners 17 between the compartments. There is no further action
required on the part of the user to restore the bag to the carry
configuration.
[0045] 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.
[0046] Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be
protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently
appended claims.
* * * * *
References