Luggage identification system and method

Abstract

A luggage identification system and method. In one aspect, the invention is a luggage identification system comprising: a piece of luggage having an anchor that forms an opening; an elongate piece of fabric having a hook assembly and a loop assembly attached thereto; the elongate piece of fabric extending through the opening of the anchor of the piece of luggage; the hook assembly engaging the loop assembly thereby forming a fabric loop around the anchor and securing the elongate piece of fabric to the anchor.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of luggage identification, and specifically to the field of removable and re-useable luggage identification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Domestic and international travel continues to increase annually. Each year billions of dollars are spent by passenger carriers to sort, track and process passengers' bags. Yet, this is only part of the battle. Once the luggage arrives safely at its intended destination—be it an airport, bus station, train depot, or cruise ship terminal—the passenger must be able to quickly identify his or her own luggage from the myriad look-alike suitcases and trunks which are being simultaneously processed.

In the midst of the confusion experienced by frantic and exhausted passengers all seeking to collect their possessions promptly and to leave the luggage depot, mistakes happen. Misidentified parcels are often innocently taken away before its rightful owner realizes what has happened. Furthermore, crowded airports, bus stations, and train depots are ideal places for less scrupulous individuals to misappropriate fatigued travelers' luggage.

The luggage industry has been successful in refining their products to resist damage, protect travelers' possessions, meet carriers' guidelines as to shape and size, and to standardize the manufacturing processes. Consumers seek a durable product that resists the unavoidably rough handling experienced during travel, and one that does not show the marks and dirt inevitably associated with cargo holds, transport devices and the hands of luggage personnel. Consequently, most luggage, regardless of the manufacturer, are remarkably similar in shape, size and color, and are often only differentiated by subtle logos and design features not easily recognized at a distance, or even in close proximity.

In many cases, luggage may only be identified by a small textual I.D. tag attached by an elastic, plastic or leather strap. These tags are difficult to read quickly and can easily be lost during handling.

One method for identifying luggage that does not rely on traditional tags is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,959. In the '959 patent, adhesive labels are affixed to the wheel assembly of luggage so equipped. This provides a method for placing an identifying marker on an area of the luggage not likely to be damaged in use. However, it is of limited usefulness in identifying luggage in busy airports, bus stations, or train depots. When an identification label is restricted to the wheel, it requires that the luggage be in a specific position to present the adhesive label to the owner before it can be identified. Thus, if the luggage's wheel assembly is buried beneath other items (which is often the case due to the fact that the wheeled end is more heavily weighted and easily entangled with other articles) the identification labels are not visible. Furthermore, if the luggage is either intentionally or otherwise misappropriated, the identification label of the '959 patent is well below the line of sight requiring an observer to stare down at or near the floor to identify the missing luggage.

Another disadvantage of the identification system disclosed in the '959 patent is that it limited utility. Wheeled luggage still makes up only a minority of luggage used. Furthermore, the '959 patent requires that the wheels be relatively large and exposed on the luggage's exterior. Moreover, a growing majority of luggage manufacturers have integrated the wheel assembly into the luggage's chassis thus making it impossible to affix a label to the wheel.

Other luggage identification systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,065,343, 4,180,284 and 4,634,849 are intended for use by air carriers rather than luggage owners and rely on a plain black and white identifying label which requires close scrutiny by the luggage owner. These, identification systems assist luggage handlers in identifying, tracking, and routing passenger luggage using both manual and automated systems, but does not ease the burden on the weary traveler.

Moreover, many forms of existing luggage identification means, such as stickers, are not easily transferable from one piece of luggage to the next. Thus, if the user obtains new luggage, he/she must often purchase a new luggage identifier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a more reliable luggage identification system and method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a luggage identification system and method that is easy to use.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a luggage identification system and method that affords easy removal and securing.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a luggage identification system and method that is cost-effective to manufacture.

These and other objects are met by the present invention, which in one aspect is a luggage identification system comprising: a piece of luggage having an anchor that forms an opening; an elongate piece of fabric having a hook assembly and a loop assembly attached thereto; the elongate piece of fabric extending through the opening of the anchor of the piece of luggage; the hook assembly engaging the loop assembly thereby forming a fabric loop around the anchor and securing the elongate piece of fabric to the handle.

In another aspect, the invention is a method of identifying luggage comprising: providing a piece of luggage having an anchor forming an opening; providing an elongate piece of fabric having a hook assembly and a loop assembly attached thereto; extending a first end of the elongate piece of fabric through the opening of the anchor until either the hook assembly or the loop assembly passes through the handle; and engaging the loop assembly to the hook assembly thereby forming a fabric loop around the anchor and securing the elongate piece of fabric to the anchor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an identification ribbon according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one end of the identification ribbon of FIG. 1 extended through an opening in a handle of a piece of luggage according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the identification ribbon of FIG. 1 secured to the handle of a piece of luggage according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a luggage identification ribbon 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The identification ribbon 10 is constructed of an elongated piece of fabric 11. Preferably, the elongated piece of fabric 11 is constructed of a flexible piece of fabric. Suitable fabrics include, without limitation, cotton, polyester, silk, nylon, leather or blends thereof. The elongate piece of fabric 11 has a length L and a width W.

In some embodiments of the invention it may be preferred that the length L of the elongated piece of fabric 11 be within the range of 14 to 18 inches, and most preferably about 16 inches. It may be further preferred that the width W of the elongated piece of fabric 11 be within the range of 1.5 to 2.5 inches, and most preferably about 2 inches. In other embodiments of the invention it may be preferred to control the dimension of the elongated piece of fabric 11 by controlling the ratio of the length L to the width W. In such embodiment, it may be preferable that the length-to-width ratio be within a range of 6-10 to 1 and most preferably be about 8 to 1

The elongated piece of fabric 11 can be a solid color or can comprise designs or embroidery. It is preferred that the elongated piece of fabric 11 be designed to be. visually distinct form the luggage to which it is attached.

The identification ribbon 10 further comprises a hook assembly 12 and a loop assembly 13 connected to the elongate piece of fabric. In the illustrated embodiment, both the hook assembly 12 and the loop assembly 13 are connected to the same side of the elongate piece of fabric. However, the invention is not so limited. In other embodiments of the invention it may be possible to locate the hook assembly 12 and the loop assembly 13 to opposite sides of the elongate piece of fabric 11.

The hook assembly 12 comprises a plurality of miniature hooks connected to a base material 14 that is adhered to the elongate strip of fabric 11. Similarly, the loop assembly 13 comprises a plurality of miniature loops connected to a base material 15 that is adhered to the elongate strip of fabric 11. The miniature hooks and loops of the assemblies 12, 13 are sized so that the hooks engage the loops when compressed together and separate when pulled apart. Such hook/loop assemblies are commonly referred to as Velcro and is of common knowledge in the art.

While the hook assembly 12 and the loop assembly 13 are adhered to the elongate piece of fabric 11, other means can be used to connect the assemblies 12, 13 to the elongate piece of fabric if desired. For example, other suitable means of connection include, without limitation, sewing, stapling, riveting, heat-welding, or suturing. In another embodiment, the miniature hooks and loops can be integrally formed into the elongate piece of material 11.

The hook assembly 12 is located near the end 16 of the elongate piece of fabric 11 while the loop assembly 13 is located near the middle of the elongate piece of fabric 11. The hook assembly 12 and the loop assembly 13 are separated by a distance D. As will become more apparent from the discussion below, the distance D is selected so that the elongate piece of fabric 11 can be looped around and secured to a handle, or other anchor, on piece of luggage. In some embodiments of the invention the distance D is preferably at least 5 inches, and most preferably about 6 inches.

While the hook assembly 12 is located near the end 16 of the elongate piece of fabric 11 and the loop assembly 13 located near the middle of the elongate piece of fabric 11, both the hook assembly 12 and the loop assembly 13 can be located at or near the ends 16, 17 of the elongate piece of fabric 11 if desired. Moreover, the position of the hook assembly 12 and the loop assembly 13 can be switched/altered if desired.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the process of connecting the identification ribbon 10 to a piece of luggage 20 so that a user can readily identify his/her luggage will be described in detail. First, a piece of luggage 20 having an anchor, such as a handle 21, is provided. The handle 21 forms an opening 22. While the invention is described as using a handle 21 as the anchor to which the identification ribbon 10 is secured, any anchor on the piece of luggage can be used, including without limitation, buckles, straps, zippers, hooks, loops, or any structure forming an opening.

Once the piece of luggage 20 is provided, the first end 16 of the elongate piece of fabric is extended through the opening 22 formed by the handle 21 until the hook assembly 12 passes therethrough. In other embodiments, the second end 17 can be extended through the opening 22 until the loop assembly 13 passes therethrough.

Once the hook assembly 12 is passed through the opening 22, it is bent upwardly around the handle 21, as indicated by the arrow. This motion is continued until the hook assembly 12 is aligned with the loop assembly 13. The hook and loop assemblies 12, 13 are then pressed together, thereby engaging one another and securing the identification ribbon 10 to the piece of luggage 20.

Referring to FIG. 3, when the hook assembly 12 and the loop assembly 13 are engaged as described above, the elongate piece of fabric 11 forms a fabric loop 19 that surrounds the handle 21. The fabric loop 19 prevents the identification ribbon 10 from sliding off the handle 21. To remove the identification ribbon 10 from the piece of luggage 20, the hook assembly 12 and loop assembly 13 are merely pulled apart until they disengage one another. This results in the identification ribbon 10 being able to be slid back out of the opening 22. The identification ribbon 10 can then be reused as desired.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As will be understood by those skilled in this art, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.

Claims

1. A luggage identification system comprising:

a piece of luggage having an anchor that forms an opening;

an elongate piece of fabric having a hook assembly and a fastener assembly attached thereto;

the elongate piece of fabric extending through the opening of the anchor of the piece of luggage;

the hook assembly engaging the loop assembly thereby forming a fabric loop around the anchor and securing the elongate piece of fabric to the anchor.

2. The luggage identification system of claim 1 wherein the elongate piece of fabric is made of material selected from a group consisting of cotton, polyester, silk, nylon, leather or a combination thereof.

3. The luggage identification system of claim 1 wherein the elongate piece of fabric is made of polyester.

4. The luggage identification system of claim 1 wherein the elongate piece of fabric has a length-to-width ratio within a range of 8 to 1

5. The luggage identification system of claim 1 wherein the elongate piece of fabric has a length of approximately 14 to 18 inches.

6. The luggage identification system of claim 1 wherein the elongate piece of fabric has a width of approximately 1.5 to 1.5 inches.

7. The luggage identification system of claim 1 wherein the hook assembly and the fastener assembly are sewn, adhered, stapled, heat-welded, sutured, or integrally formed into the piece of fabric.

8. The luggage identification system of claim 1 wherein the hook assembly and the fastener assembly are separated by a distance of 5 to 7 inches.

9. The luggage identification system of claim 1 wherein at least one the hook assembly or the fastener assembly is attached at or near an end of the elongate piece of fabric.

10. The luggage identification system of claim 9 wherein the other of the hook assembly or the fastener assembly is attached at or near a middle of the elongate piece of fabric.

11. The luggage identification system of claim 1 wherein the elongate piece of fabric is a color that is different than the piece of luggage.

12. The luggage identification system of claim 1 wherein the hook assembly and the fastener assembly are located on the same side of the elongate piece of fabric.

13. A method of identifying luggage comprising:

providing a piece of luggage having an anchor forming an opening;

providing an elongate piece of fabric having a hook assembly and a fastener assembly attached thereto

extending a first end of the elongate piece of fabric through the opening of the anchor until either the hook assembly or the loop assembly passes through the anchor;

engaging the loop assembly to the hook assembly thereby forming a fabric loop around the anchor and securing the elongate piece of fabric to the anchor.