Transparent carry-on case that contains moveable privacy shields

Abstract

Disclosed is an invention for a transparent carry-on case that contains moveable privacy shields. This invention will be constructed with an outer sturdy and transparent material, such as polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), clear dividing and storage units, and opaque shields for privacy. The purpose of this invention is to allow ease of passage through any facilities with security measures by utilizing a carrying case whose contents can be easily visualized for inspection and that can also provide privacy for personal items at other times.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention addresses heightened security measures introduced internationally due to terrorist threats. A number of international airports and other government facilities restrict the use and transportation of opaque cases and bags for security reasons. Some facilities go so far as utilize plastic bags for easy display of personal items. This invention will offer a novel utility of transporting personal belongings by adhering to security restrictions while also allowing contents to be shielded from prying eyes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention will serve as a carrying case that will be constructed from a transparent material. The transparency will provide ease of passage through any security measures, as may occur through airports, government buildings, or secure facilities, while moveable opaque shields/curtains will afford the owner a certain level of privacy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be a carrying case that provides easy compliance with security regulations, yet still affording the owner a certain level of privacy. To particularly address heightened security levels, the case will allow quick viewing of internal contents during screening, reducing wait times and complying with specific requirements that may prevent normal bags from entering the secure area.

The carrying case, which may resemble a briefcase, will be constructed out of a sturdy transparent material such as polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), etc.

Internally, the case will house several storage and/or divider units—namely folders and/or pockets. These units will also be transparent for external viewing, but will be composed of less rigid material than the case's exterior. Materials such as polyesters (PET), polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP) films can be utilized.

Also housed internally in the upper and lower areas of the carrying case will be rods and/or strings (two for each side of the case will be sufficient), which will support “shields” to provide privacy of the case's contents. The shields will be made of opaque fabric or flexible film, and will slide on the rods/strings for easy opening and closing. By shutting the shields, the case's contents will remain hidden from outside viewing. For general purposes, the shields can be simply solid colored or patterned. Brands or corporations can also print their logos on the fabric or films as a way of branding or sponsorship of the case for commercial purposes.

EXAMPLE

An owner of the product of this invention could bring this case for traveling through an airport with the shields closed for privacy purposes. However, upon traveling through airport security, the shields can be drawn open to allow for ease of content identification. Upon boarding the plane, shields can be drawn closed again to ensure privacy.

Claims

1. A carrying case comprising:

a transparent material hard exterior, a transparent interior panel of folders and/or pockets, and opaque shields on both sides of case to ensure privacy.

2. The case defined in claim 1 wherein:

said transparent exterior made of a durable material such as polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), etc.

3. The case defined in claim 1 wherein:

said interior panel made of transparent material that is less rigid as the exterior, consisting of several folders and/or pockets. Materials such as polyesters (PET), polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP) films can be utilized.

4. The case defined in claim 1 wherein:

said privacy shields on both sides of case will be constructed out of opaque fabric or flexible film and will be held in place by attaching to rods or strings located at in the upper and lower sections of the carrying case.

5. The privacy shields defined in claim 4 wherein:

said shields will be drawn open and closed by sliding on said rods or strings to provide privacy of the case's contents.