Luggage locking and locating device

• US 6,522,253 B1
• Filed: 07/31/2000
• Issued: 02/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kermit Anthony Saltus
• Original Assignee: Kermit Anthony Saltus
• Inventors: Saltus, Kermit Anthony
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Huang, Sihong
• Application Number:
  US09/628,770
• Time in Patent Office: 932 Days
• Field of Search: 340/571, 340/568.1, 340/568.6, 340/572.1, 340/539, 340/825.49, 340/693.5, 340/815.45, 340/691.5, 340/691.4, 340/825.36
• US Class Current: 340/571
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 37/025 in padlocks
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/24 Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms

Abstract

A locating device for aiding a user in finding an object. The locating device includes a remote unit and a tag unit. The remote unit is retained by the user and includes a first processor for generating an alarm activation signal; a transmitter for transmitting the alarm activation signal; a sound alarm button and a light alarm button. The sound and light alarm buttons are manually activated for controlling the processor to generate the alarm activation signal. The tag unit is releasably secured to the object and includes a tag section and a locking section. The tag section includes identification information concerning the user and a cover for providing selective access to the information. The locking section includes a lock for releasably securing the tag unit to the object; a second processor; an alarm signal generator; and a receiver for receiving the alarm activation signal and activating the alarm generator to generate at least one of a visual and audible alarm signal. The visual and audible alarm signals may be identified at a distance of at least 30 feet from the tag unit. The audible signal may be a melodic tune readily recognized by the user.

Claims

1. A luggage locking and locating device for aiding a user in finding luggage, said locating device comprising:

a) a remote unit retained by the user, said remote unit including;

i) a first processor for selectively generating a visual or audible alarm activation signal;

ii) a transmitter connected to said first processor for transmitting the selected alarm activation signal; and

iii) means comprising a sound activation button and a light activation button for manually activating said first processor to select the alarm activation signal; and

b) a tag unit releasable secured to luggage, said tag unit including;

i) a cylindrical section having a lock for releasably securing said tag unit to said luggage, said cylindrical portion of said tag unit containing a speaker for issuing an audible alarm and light emitters on opposite sides of said cylindrical section for issuing a visual alarm;

ii) a flat tag section extending from said cylindrical section displaying identification information regarding the user and a removable layer for covering said identification information;

iii) said cylindrical section also containing a second processor and a receiver for receiving said alarm activation signal transmitted by said remote unit, wherein upon receipt of the selected alarm activation signal said second processor activates said speaker or light emitter to aid the user in locating said luggage.

2. The luggage locking and locating device as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for releasably securing is a combination lock.

3. The luggage locking and locating device as recited in claim 2, wherein light issued by said light emitters is visible at a distance of at least 30 feet.

4. The luggage locking and locating device as recited in claim 3, wherein said speaker is able to be heard at a distance of at least 30 feet from said tag unit.

5. The luggage locking and locating device as recited in claim 4, wherein said audible signal is a melodic tune.