Compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin

Abstract

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an open-top stackable partitioned security checkpoint bin. The bin can include a collection of partitions, including a collection of large partitions for storing articles. The large partitions can include two large partitions at each end of the bin. The bin can also include a collection of small partitions for storing articles. The small partitions can separate the large partitions. Each partition includes one or more partition barriers for separating the partition from at least one of the other partitions. The bin also includes a bottom surface including a set of recesses. Each recess may be shaped to fit a corresponding partition barrier such that the bin can be placed on top of a second open-top stackable compartmented security bin, the partition barriers of the second open-top stackable compartmented security bin fitting inside the recesses.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent 61/638,654, entitled “Compartmented Airport Security Checkpoint Screening Bin,” filed Apr. 26, 2012.

DESCRIPTION

Compartmented Airport Security Checkpoint Screening Bin—similar in concept to the existing gray airport security checkpoint screening bins used by the Transportation Security Administration, however, rather than a basic single compartment bin, the compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin will be subdivided to provide compartments for each of the typical items requiring bin screening (e.g., laptops, phones, wallets, shoes, jackets, belts, etc.). The individual compartments will be labeled/marked with easy-to-follow instructions to facilitate passenger divestiture of items.

The Compartmented Airport Security Checkpoint Screening Bin is designed to replace airport security's existing single compartment bin with a multi-compartment bin with conspicuous and instructive labeling to significantly improve aviation security checkpoint throughput and enhance aviation security.

MOTIVATION

There have been numerous studies that document inefficiencies with the airport security checkpoint process (e.g., airline passenger security screening by the Transportation Security Administration). Specifically, common causes of these inefficiencies include passenger confusion regarding which items to remove from their bags/person for placement in the security bins, passenger confusion regarding proper orientation of items in the security bins, and bottlenecks/delays resulting from re-composure (e.g., re-packing and re-dressing). This patent application documents the concept and initial design and development of a new product, the compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin, which aims to address these security checkpoint inefficiencies. The compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin is envisioned to replace the existing single compartment bin with a multi-compartment bin with conspicuous and instructive labeling to decrease inspection time thereby substantially increasing security screening throughput. Specifically, the compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin will improve efficiency in the divestiture process by providing clear, real-time guidance (labeled compartments) to the traveler. The compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin will improve efficiency in the composure process by enabling the traveler to easily transport all belongings in a single bin to a composure area to facilitate re-packing and re-dressing while maximizing flow through the checkpoint. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, compartmentalizing bin contents will further standardize the screening process, which in turn will improve the accuracy of security screeners and overall system security.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view representation of a compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view representation of a compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side view representation of a compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a front view representation of a compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin is envisioned to replace the existing single compartment bin with a multi-compartment bin with conspicuous and instructive labeling to decrease inspection time thereby substantially increasing security screening throughput. Specifically, the compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin will improve efficiency in the divestiture process by providing clear, real-time guidance (labeled compartments) to the traveler. The compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin will improve efficiency in the composure process by enabling the traveler to easily transport all belongings in a single bin to a composure area to facilitate re-packing and re-dressing while maximizing flow through the checkpoint. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, compartmentalizing bin contents will further standardize the screening process, which in turn will improve the accuracy of security screeners and overall system security.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

This patent claims the utility of compartments in a security bin (also known as a security tray) with or without the instructive labeling.

Material of Bin: (List All Plastics that We Could Use)

The bin is produced out of any type of plastic including HDPE.

Material of Labeling

The labeling is used for instruction. It is made from any of the following materials: polypropylene, lexan, or vinyl.

Color of Bin

The compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin is available in any color. The attached examples are in grey but clear or any other color is claimed under this patent.

Size of Bin

The outside dimensions of the compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin are 30 inches×20 inches with a depth of 4.8 inches or any size that is similar to this. Another size is 20 inches×15 inches×4.8 inches.

Size of Compartments

The sizes of the compartments vary based on the luggage need of a security personal. The compartmented airport security checkpoint screening bin is symmetrical to allow for proper stacking of multiple bins.

Claims

1. An open-top stackable partitioned security checkpoint bin, the bin comprising:

a plurality of partitions comprising:

a plurality of large partitions for storing articles, the plurality of large partitions comprising a first large partition at a first end of the bin and a second large partition at a second end of the bin;

a plurality of small partitions for storing articles, wherein the plurality of small partitions separates the first large partition and the second large partition,

wherein each of the plurality of partitions comprises one or more partition barriers for separating the partition from at least one of the other partitions of the plurality of partitions; and

a bottom surface comprising a plurality recesses, wherein each of the plurality of recesses is shaped to fit a corresponding partition barrier such that the bin can be placed on top of a second open-top stackable compartmented security bin, the partition barriers of the second open-top stackable compartmented security bin fitting inside the plurality of recesses.

2. The bin of claim 1, wherein each partition of the plurality of partitions is affixed with a label, the label describing a type of article to be placed into the partition.

3. The bin of claim 2, wherein a label is marked to describe a corresponding partition as designated for one of electronics, wallets, watches, jewelry, personal hygience items, mobile phones, or clothing.

4. The bin of claim 2, wherein each label comprises of one of polypropylene, lexan, or vinyl.

5. The bin of claim 2, wherein each label comprises instructions for placing articles of the corresponding type into the partition.

6. The bin of claim 5, wherein the instructions for each label comprise instructions describing a proper orientation for articles to be placed into a corresponding partition.

7. The bin of claim 1, wherein the bin has a length of 30 inches, a width of 20 inches, and a depth of 4.8 inches.

8. The bin of claim 1, wherein the bin has a length of 20 inches, a width of 15 inches, and a depth of 4.8 inches.

9. The bin of claim 1, where the plurality of partitions are arranged symmetrically.

10. The bin of claim 1, wherein the bin comprises plastic.

11. The bin of claim 10, wherein the plastic comprises HDPE.