Intelligent luggage protection pouch

• US 20050278991A1
• Filed: 07/01/2005
• Published: 12/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/09/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: U-Wrap LLC
• Original Assignee: Albert Araujo
• Inventors: Araujo, Albert
• Granted Patent: US 7,207,154 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 40/6
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/06 Arrangements on packages concerning bar-codes
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 33/20 using pressure-sensitive adhesive
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 33/34 with special means for indicating unauthorised opening B65D33/2516, B65D33/2585 take precedence

Abstract

There is provided an intelligent luggage protection pouch according to the invention that is tamper resistant, easily identifiable, and inspection friendly (i.e. x-ray and canine searchable). The intelligent luggage protection pouch fully surrounds luggage, protects against damage to the surface of the luggage, withstands the weight of any luggage placed within it, and prevents loss of the contents of the luggage. The intelligent luggage protection pouch does not require specialized machines, tools, or knowledge. Preferably, the intelligent luggage protection pouch is disposable, environmentally friendly, and universally sized to accommodate luggage of almost any size and shape. The intelligent luggage protection pouch may be included in a kit.

Claims

1. An intelligent luggage protection pouch comprising:

a tear-resistant, flexible wall, defining a contained interior space;

a mouth disposed in the wall;

a reusable temporary seal for releasably closing the mouth;

a single-use, tamper-resistant seal for securely closing the mouth; and

means for identification selected from the group consisting of;

barcode, personal identification number, serial number, smart card, radio frequency identification card, electronic transmitter, ornamental design or shape, and any combination thereof.

2. The intelligent luggage protection pouch of claim 1, wherein the temporary seal consists essentially of a low-adhesive polymeric material.

3. The intelligent luggage protection pouch of claim 1, wherein the single-use, tamper-resistant seal consists essentially of a high-adhesive polymeric material.

4. The intelligent luggage protection pouch of claim 1, wherein the mouth is disposed along an edge of the wall, and wherein the temporary seal is disposed closer to the edge than the permanent seal.

5. The intelligent luggage protection pouch of claim 1, further comprising an aperture for a luggage handle.

6. The intelligent luggage protection pouch of claim 1, wherein the pouch is about 40 inches by about 50 inches.

7. The intelligent luggage protection pouch of claim 1, wherein the pouch has a burst strength of about 100 lbs.

8. An intelligent luggage protection pouch comprising:

a tear-resistant, flexible wall, defining a contained interior space;

a mouth disposed in the wall;

a first single-use, tamper-resistant seal for securely closing the mouth;

a second single-use, tamper-resistant seal for securely closing the mouth; and

means for identification selected from the group consisting of;

barcode, personal identification number, serial number, smart card, radio frequency identification card, electronic transmitter, ornamental design or shape, and any combination thereof.

9. The intelligent luggage protection pouch of claim 8, wherein the tamper-resistant seals consist essentially of a high-adhesive polymeric material.

10. The intelligent luggage protection pouch of claim 8, wherein the wall consists essentially of a 3-ply co-extruded polyethylene film.

11. The intelligent luggage protection pouch of claim 8, wherein the pouch is about 40 inches by about 50 inches.

12. The intelligent luggage protection pouch of claim 8, wherein the pouch has a burst strength of about 100 lbs.

13. The intelligent luggage protection pouch of claim 8, further comprising an aperture for a luggage handle.

14. An intelligent luggage protection kit comprising:

a) an intelligent luggage protection pouch comprising;

a tear-resistant, flexible wall defining a contained interior space;

a mouth disposed in the wall;

a reusable temporary seal for releasably closing the mouth;

a single-use, tamper-resistant seal for securely closing the mouth; and

means for identification selected from the group consisting of;

barcode, personal identification number, serial number, smart card, radio frequency identification card, electronic transmitter, ornamental design or shape, and any combination thereof; and

b) one or more items selected from the group consisting of;

additional luggage protection pouches, writing implements, user manuals, RFID card tags, and advertisements.

15. An intelligent luggage protection kit comprising:

a) an intelligent luggage protection pouch comprising;

a tear-resistant, flexible wall defining a contained interior space;

a mouth disposed in the wall;

a first single-use, tamper-resistant seal for securely closing the mouth;

a second single-use, tamper-resistant seal for securely closing the mouth; and

means for identification selected from the group consisting of;

barcode, personal identification number, serial number, smart card, radio frequency identification card, electronic transmitter, ornamental design or shape, and any combination thereof; and

b) one or more items selected from the group consisting of;

additional luggage protection pouches, writing implements, user manuals, RFID card tags, and advertisements.

16. A method of protecting luggage, which comprises the steps of:

providing an intelligent luggage protection pouch comprising;

a tear-resistant, flexible wall defining a contained interior space;

a mouth disposed in the wall;

a reusable temporary seal for releasably closing the mouth;

a single-use, tamper-resistant seal for securely closing the mouth; and

means for identification selected from the group consisting of;

barcode, personal identification number, serial number, smart card, radio frequency identification card, electronic transmitter, ornamental design or shape, and any combination thereof.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of inserting a piece of luggage into the intelligent luggage protection pouch.

18. A method of protecting luggage, which comprises the step of:

providing an intelligent luggage protection pouch comprising;

a tear-resistant, flexible wall defining a contained interior space;

a mouth disposed in the wall;

a first single-use, tamper-resistant seal for securely closing the mouth;

a second single-use, tamper-resistant seal for securely closing the mouth; and

means for identification selected from the group consisting of;

barcode, personal identification number, serial number, smart card, radio frequency identification card, electronic transmitter, ornamental design or shape, and any combination thereof.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of inserting a piece of luggage into the intelligent luggage protection pouch.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of securely closing the mouth of the intelligent luggage protection pouch with at least one of the tamper-resistant seals.