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.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/616,431, filed Jul. 9, 2003, now abandoned, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to pouches and bags for luggage protection that provide tamper evidence. This invention relates to pouches and bags having intelligent means for labeling and tracking luggage. More specifically, this invention relates to intelligent luggage protection pouches and bags having means for labeling, tracking the luggage enclosed therein. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   On average, 10 billion dollars are spent in the United States on travel and travel-related goods and services. Estimated annual passengers during 2005 are 637 million in the U.S. and 1.2 billion in the world. The average passenger checks 1.7 pieces of luggage. Thus, in 2005, there will be over 2 billion pieces of luggage checked throughout the world. 
   Despite efforts by the airline industry, passengers continue to report incidents of luggage being mishandled by airport and/or airline personnel. For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported that American Airlines, the largest air-carrier in the United States, enplaned 6,595,558 passengers during August 2001 and received 30,006 complaints regarding mishandled luggage during that month, which is a rate of about 4.5 complaints per 1000 passengers. In August 2002, American Airlines enplaned 7,579,938 passengers and received 28,744 baggage related complaints, which is a rate of about 3.8 complaints per 1000 passengers. 
   Passengers place a high value on safeguarding the contents held within their luggage. Passengers are also desirous of protecting the structure and finish of their luggage. Passengers concerns about their luggage and the contents held therein, while present whenever and wherever passengers travel, are particularly common for passengers traveling by air. The bags of airline passengers are transferred and handled by a large number of unseen airport and airline personnel, making it likely that at least some bags will be damaged, stolen, or pilfering during their transit. It is also difficult for the owners of mishandled bags to determine when and where their bag was damaged, stolen, or pilfered. 
   Prior art locking devices are not effective for safeguarding the contents of a checked bag. While locks on luggage may be provided as a deterrent to theft and pilfering, they can be easily be broken and removed with little or no evidence drawing attention to the compromised condition of the luggage. When the passenger sees the damage, many hours and many hundreds of miles may separate the passenger from the time and location of the damage. 
   As the number of airline passengers increases both domestically and worldwide, there is an increasing volume of luggage that must be processed by the airports and airlines. However, the infrastructure for processing luggage at airports continues to be a weak point. For example, barcode tags on luggage are used for sorting bags, but there is no system for using the barcode tags to continuously track bags. Moreover, even for the routine task of sorting bags, the barcode tags are capable of a read-through rate of only about 70% to about 80%, meaning that baggage personnel must be heavily relied upon to make sure that the hundreds of bags passing by them every day are properly sorted. Unfortunately, these baggage personnel, who must be relied upon, may roughly handle or ransack the luggage that they are supposed to safeguard, especially since they usually work for low pay without competent supervision. 
   For security reasons, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is being introduced to increase the speed and accuracy of matching passengers with their luggage, which is referred to as positive passenger bag matching. However, positive passenger bag matching is concerned with security at the point of departure only. At the point of arrival, positive passenger bag matching cannot ensure that bags are not illicitly opened, or locate lost bags. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In light of the foregoing background, the basic purpose of the present invention is to provide the traveler with an affordable, convenient, and tamper-resistant luggage protection pouch complimented by intelligent means for providing identification and/or location. 
   An intelligent luggage protection pouch according to the present invention 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, 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. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of an intelligent luggage protection pouch according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-section view of the intelligent luggage protection pouch of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3A  is a detail perspective view of a tamper-resistant seal and a temporary seal for the main opening of the intelligent luggage protection pouch of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3B  is a detail perspective view of an alternative arrangement of a tamper-resistant seal and an overlapping temporary seal for the main opening of the intelligent luggage protection pouch of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3C  is a detail perspective view of an alternative arrangement of a tamper-resistant seal for the main opening of the intelligent luggage protection pouch of  FIG. 1   
       FIG. 4  is a detail perspective view of a luggage-handle opening in the intelligent luggage protection pouch of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  shows the contents of a luggage protection kit including the intelligent luggage protection pouch of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6A  is a plan view of a large suitcase surrounded by the intelligent luggage protection pouch of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6B  is a plan view of a small suitcase surrounded by the intelligent luggage protection pouch of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6C  is a plan view of a duffle bag surrounded by the intelligent luggage protection pouch of  FIG. 1 ; and 
       FIG. 6D  is a plan view of a carry-on tote bag surrounded by the intelligent luggage protection pouch of  FIG. 1 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   As used herein, the terms “baggage,” “bag,” and “luggage” are synonymous and refer to any container that may be used for holding goods, equipment, and belongings being transported. Types of luggage include, but are not limited to, large or “Pullman” suitcases, standard suitcases, garment bags, duffle bags, tote bags, and brief cases. The current invention may also be useful in protecting and securing cargo crates and/or cartons of commercial goods. 
   Referring to the drawings and, in particular,  FIG. 1 , there is shown an intelligent luggage protection pouch according to the present invention, generally indicated as reference numeral  1 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , pouch  1  comprises a flexible, contiguous pouch body  5  having a contained interior space  8  adapted to hold a piece of luggage (not shown). Pouch body  5  is preferably substantially continuous and uninterrupted to prevent inadvertent loss of the contents from the interior space  8 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , pouch body  5  comprises first and second panels  10 ,  12 . Panel  10  has a larger surface area compared to panel  12 . Panels  10 ,  12  may be separately formed as individual panels and sealed along side edges  15 ,  16 , and bottom edge  17 . Alternatively, panels  10 ,  12  may be co-formed as a single sheet that is subsequently folded to create bottom edge  17  and sealed along side edges  15 ,  16 . Flap  14  is a portion of panel  10  that is not overlapped by panel  12 . An openable mouth  40  is defined between top edge  11  of panel  10  and top edge  13  of panel  12 . Openable mouth  40  communicates with the contained interior space  8  (see  FIG. 2 ). As shown, pouch  1  comprises panels  10 ,  12 , which are substantially square-shaped. However, pouch  1  may have any shape and construction suitable for securely surrounding luggage. For example, pouch body  5  may be a seamless film or constructed from three or more panels, for example, when pouch  1  has a double-walled construction or an expandable gusset. Pouch can optionally be provided with a pocket (not shown) for receiving documentation or other materials for identification, informational, or other purposes. The pocket would preferably be formed between panels  10 ,  12 . The pocket could be integrally formed with one of the panels  10 , 12 , or formed separately and attached to one of the panels  10 , 12  by an adhesive, thermal or solvent welding, or other attachment means. 
   Pouch body  5  is made of a material that is resistant to tears, punctures, abrasions, and inclement temperatures. In light of its intended use to securely surrounding luggage, pouch body  5  is preferably made of a material with a burst strength of at least about 100 lbs. (45 kg). For securing and protecting luggage, it has been found that overall tear resistance is more advantageous than puncture resistance. Preferred materials for a bag according to the present invention include polymeric materials. The material may be may be a thermoplastic polymer or copolymer comprised of polyethylene-based polymers, polystyrene, polypropylene, nylon, polycarbonate, or other similar materials. Useful polyethylene-based polymers include low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, metallocene, ethylene vinyl acetate, or other similar materials. A preferred material for wall  5  is co-extruded 3-ply polyethylene having a thickness of about 3 mil. The thickness of wall  5  may be about 1 mil to about 6 mil depending upon whether pouch  1  will be subject to light duty or heavy duty. Reinforcing materials such as Kevlar.RTM. and/or nylon fibers may be used in wall  5 . Wall  5  may comprise heat-shrink plastic (i.e., low-density polyethylene). 
   There are several methods that may be employed to form pouch body  5 . One approach is to form pouch body  5  in a single extrusion operation. A second approach uses adhesive, such as glue or tape, to form seams  15 ,  16 , and  17  of pouch body  5 . For example, panels  10 ,  12  may be joined by a liquid adhesive. After the liquid adhesive is applied, panels  10 ,  12  are pressed together until the liquid adhesive dries and/or cools to form seams  15 ,  16 , and  17 . A third approach involves the use of sonic and/or heat welding. For example, panel  10  may be fed from a first stock and panel  12  may be fed from a separate, second stock. In a sealing station, heating bars join panels  10 ,  12  along seams  15 , 16 , and  17 . 
   Pouch  1  may be made in multiple layers through coextrusion. In these multiple layered bags, there are at least three layers and can be more layers depending upon the functions desired. The coextrusion provides the advantageous feature of a dual slip property. For example, the layer intimate with the containment region of the bag, i.e., the layer that comes in contact with the luggage, may have a low coefficient of friction. This allows luggage to be easily loaded into the bag. On the other hand, the layer on the outside of the bag, that is, the layer which will come into contact with the baggage handlers, may be constructed with a high coefficient of friction to provide a tacky surface conducive to gripping and handling. In these arrangements, there is at least a middle layer that may be formed from a recycled or a virgin polyethylene material. The material for pouch  1  is also most preferably made from a combination of recycled and virgin materials, and is recyclable itself. 
   Pouch  1  has a shape and size adapted for surrounding the largest standard piece of luggage that is likely to be used by travelers. For example, in general, the dimensions (length+width+height) of an average piece of checked luggage add up to about 62 inches (157 cm). An average piece of checked luggage weighs about 70 lbs. (32 kg). The exterior dimensions (length+width+height) of an average piece of carry-on luggage add up to about 45 inches. An average piece of carry-on luggage weighs about 40 lbs. (18 kg). Pouch  1  is preferably of a shape and size to easily accommodate either of the foregoing average pieces of checked and carry-on luggage. More preferably, without including flap  14 , the dimensions of pouch  1  are about 40 inches by about 48 inches (about 100 cm by about 122 cm). Flap  14  is preferably about 5.5 inches (about 14 cm). 
   In order to securely surround a piece of luggage, the mouth  40  of pouch  1  must be closeable. The closure preferably forms a substantially hermetic seal preventing inadvertent loss of any contents from contained interior space  8 . Accordingly, the present invention provides that pouch  1  may comprise both a temporary sealing element and a permanent sealing element. Pouch  1  preferably comprises one or more sealing elements disposed adjacent to mouth  40  and adapted to close mouth  40 . Preferably, the one or more sealing elements are disposed on flap  14  such that, when mouth  40  is closed, the volume of the contained interior space  8  within pouch body  5  is substantially undiminished. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3A , pouch  1  preferably comprises sealing elements  20  and  30  on flap  14 . Sealing elements  20 ,  30  are either temporary or permanent sealing elements. If sealing element  30  is a temporary sealing element and sealing element  20  is a permanent sealing element, pouch  1  may be opened and closed as many times as needed using temporary sealing element  30  before permanent sealing element  20  is engaged to panel  12 . If both sealing elements  20 ,  30  are permanent sealing elements, after closing pouch  1  with sealing element  30 , pouch  1  may be unsealed by cutting or tearing flap  14  between sealing elements  20 ,  30 . To facilitate cutting or tearing of flap  14 , the area thereof between sealing elements  20 ,  30  may, for example, be relatively thinner or provided with a line of perforations. The sealing elements may be made from a variety of adhesive and non-adhesive materials, so long as it provides the function of enabling secure closure of mouth  40 . One preferred adhesive includes a double-coated clear polypropylene film tape having a 100% plastic film release liner. Different colors may be employed to identify different sealing elements. For example, sealing element  30  may be green if adapted as a temporary sealing element, and sealing element  20  may be red if adapted as a permanent sealing element. 
   Sealing element  30  is a strip about 0.75″ tall and extending completely along panel  10  between edges  15 ,  16 , and is disposed about 0.25″ from top edge  11 . Preferably, sealing element  30  is removeably covered by a non-adhesive, protective strip  31 . Sealing element  20  is a strip about 0.75″ tall extending completely along panel  10  between edges  15 , 16 , and is disposed about 3″ from top edge  11 . Preferably, sealing element  20  is removeably covered by a non-adhesive, protective strip  21 . The sealing elements may have any size, shape, and arrangement suitable for closing mouth  40  without unduly reducing the volume of the contained interior space  8  defined by pouch body  5 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3B , the two sealing elements may be overlapped if a sealing element strip  22  removeably covers a sealing element strip  32 . For example, sealing element strip  22  may be single-sided, low-adhesive tape with a backing material, such as high-density polyethylene, adapted to removeably adhere and completely cover a sealing element strip  32 . Sealing element strip  22  may be removed when the sealing element strip  32  will be used to permanently, securely seal mouth  40 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3C , the present invention contemplates an embodiment wherein the temporary sealable section comprises a reclosable mechanical closure such as, for example, a flexible tongue-and-groove closure (e.g., a Ziploc.RTM. closure). A first mechanical closure element  33  is provided on flap  14 , and a second mechanical closure element  34  adapted to releasably engage first mechanical closure element  33  is provided on panel  12  adjacent to edge  13 . For example, first closure element  33  may be a tongue-shaped element, and second closure  34  element may be a groove adapted to releasably engage the tongue-shaped first closure element  33 . First and second closure elements  33 ,  34  may be integrally formed with panels  10 ,  12 , or may be separately formed and attached by adhesive, welding, or other attachment means. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 3A , in a preferred form, sealing elements  20 ,  30  are both permanent or tamper-resistant sealing elements. Tamper-resistant sealing elements  20 , 30  are disposed on or within flap  14 , whereby the permanent sealing section can engage the outer surface of panel  12  when flap  14  is folded over to cover mouth  40 , thereby preventing access to contained interior space  8 . Permanent sealing elements  20 ,  30  may comprise, for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive such as double-sided tape, and are preferably covered with removable protective strips  21 ,  31 . Flap  14  is foldable between an open configuration, and a closed configuration. The preferred adhesive of permanent sealing elements  20 ,  30  adheres strongly to a contact portion of panel  12 , whereby attempts to detach permanent sealing sections  20 ,  30  or otherwise tamper with permanent sealing sections  20 ,  30  result in plainly observable damage or alteration of pouch body  5 , indicating potential damage or tampering. The contact portion for permanent sealing section  20  is preferably the outer surface of panel  12 . Alternatively, permanent sealing section  20  may be provided on the outer surface panel  12  and the contact portion is the surface of flap  14 . 
   There are several potential methods of attaching the sealing sections described above to pouch body  5 . A first method is to form pouch body  5  and one or more sealing sections in a single extrusion operation. For example, referring to  FIG. 3A , the seals  20 ,  30  may be joined to pouch body  1  by a liquid adhesive. After the adhesive is applied, pouch body  5  and sealing sections  20 ,  30  are pressed together by a presser roll and a backing roll. A third approach involves the use of sonic and/or heat welding. For example, pouch body  5  may be fed from a first stock and closure elements  20 ,  30  are fed from respective second and third stocks. In a sealing station, the closure elements and pouch body  5  are welded together by a pair of heating bars. A fourth approach involves joining pouch body  5  to a relatively freshly extruded closure element. For example, pouch body  5  may be from a first stock and transferred to an extrusion station having a heated stock from which the closure element is transferred to pouch body  5 . If pouch  1  comprises a reclosable mechanical closure as shown in  FIG. 3C  with two or more releasably engagable components, such as mechanical closure elements  33 ,  34 , one or more of the releasably engagable components may be formed with pouch body  5  during a single extrusion operation. An alternative approach uses adhesive, such as glue or tape, to join the releasably engaging components to pouch body  5 . 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the present invention contemplates the provision of at least one handle-receiving aperture  50 ,  51 , or  52 , which are openings in pouch body  5  for the protrusion of the luggage handles. For the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 1 , handle-receiving apertures  50 ,  51 , and  52  take the form of discontinuities in respective edges  15 , 16 , and  17 , which discontinuities are roughly the size of the handle of an average piece of luggage. For easier access to the handle of luggage within pouch  1 , handle-receiving apertures  50 ,  51 , and  52  may be in the form of semi-oval notches. Handle-receiving apertures  50 ,  51 , and  52  may alternatively be rectangular, transverse openings, or simply slits in respective edges  15 , 16 , and  17 . Handle-receiving apertures  50 ,  51 , and  52  may have elastic collars that engage tightly around the base of the handle in a substantially watertight arrangement. In another alternative embodiment, pouch body  5  may have one or more brief lines of perforations adapted, when broken, to form handle-receiving apertures  50 ,  51 , and  52 . 
   Pouch  1  preferably comprises words and/or symbols, generally indicated as reference numeral  70 , for the user to easily and quickly identify his or her luggage. The words may be provided in multiple languages, and the symbols may be universally recognized signs. Pouch  1  may comprise instructions, directions, and warnings. Graphic designs and advertisements may be applied or imprinted on pouch  1 . In certain embodiments, pouch  1  comprises indicia, such as, for example, a printed or embossed design, which facilitates easier observation of tampering by attempted or actual detachment of sealing elements  20 ,  30 . For example, detachment of permanent sealing element  20  from a printed design provided on the contact portion will result in removal of at least a portion of the ink or other material forming the design from the contact portion. The provision of indicia comprising an intricate, regular pattern, such as for example a bulls-eye pattern or cross-hatching, will more readily indicate tampering. In certain embodiments of the present invention, pouch  1  includes indicia expressly showing where the bag is to be picked up and handled. This may include, for example, a colored mark such as arrows, rectangles, or other indicia at the ends of the bag to show where the bag may most easily be grasped. Other indicia may include arrows or other marks highlighting the perforation strip so that the passenger, when claiming his luggage, can easily identify where it is he is to rip the bag in order to access his luggage. The indicia may be designed with a variety of colors and patterns that, in combination with the structure of the bag, may provide a particularly ornamental or attractive appearance. 
   Significantly, pouch  1  comprises means for unique identification including, but not limited to, at least one barcode (reference numeral  80 ), personal identification number (PIN) and/or serial number (e.g., an International Air Transport Association number), smart card, transmitter/transponder (reference numeral  90 ), such as an RFID card or Global Positioning System transmitter/transponder, special design shape, or any combination thereof. When used, the transmitter/transponder  90  would preferably be incorporated into pouch  1  or permanently affixed to pouch  1 . More preferably, pouch  1  comprises an RFID card  90  and at least one barcode  80 . RFID cards may be tracked or read without the need for line-of-sight between the RFID card and the tracking device or reader. Moreover, RFID cards may be continuously tracked when adapted as active transponders or active transmitters. RFID cards enjoy approximately 99% read-through, which virtually eliminates the need to “re-scan” the RFID card. Regarding barcodes, current technology for tracking and reading barcodes is very widespread and relatively inexpensive. While read-through for barcodes is only about 70%, barcodes do not require a potentially short-lived or expensive power-source. More importantly, the combination of an RFID card and at least one barcode provides means for identity authentication. An authentic identification would require matching both the correct barcode and the correct RFID, whereby the “right” RFID and the “wrong” barcode would clearly indicate tamper (i.e., that the initial pouch with the “right” barcode had been destroyed). 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , the present invention provides that pouch  1  may be included in a luggage protection kit. A luggage protection kit according to the present invention will include at least one of the afore-described luggage protection pouches  1 , along with other items adapted to be used in combination with a luggage protection pouch according to the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 5 , a preferred luggage protection kit according to the present invention includes a luggage protection kit container bag  100 , two luggage protection pouches  1 , a writing implement  102  (i.e., a felt-tipped marker), a cutter/opener (not shown), an instruction manual  104 , and an RFID card tag  105 . The RFID card tag  105  will preferably be adapted for external attachment to a piece of luggage that will be disposed within luggage protection pouch  1 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , RFID card tag  105  comprises a flexible loop that is useful for hitching the RFID card tag to the handle on a piece of luggage, although any suitable means may be used for attaching the RIFD card tag to a piece of luggage, including, for example, an adhesive or magnetic strip. In addition, the luggage protection kit may include goods and/or products, generally indicated as reference numeral  106 , that are related to the travel industry and intended to advertise and/or inform a traveler who purchases the luggage protection kit about travel insurance, calling cards, discount coupons, product samples, magazines, entertainment media, etc. 
   In a preferred method of use, contents are deposited in the interior region  8  of pouch  1 . Pouch  1  may be sealed by removing protective strip  31  and folding flap  14  over mouth  40  to engage sealing element  30  with panel  12 . If sealing element  30  is a temporary sealing element, additional contents can be deposited, or deposited contents can be removed from the interior region by selectively opening and resealing the temporary sealing element  30 . If sealing element  30  is a permanent sealing element, additional contents can be deposited, or deposited contents can be removed from interior space  8  by cutting flap  14 . Upon completion of the loading and/or inspection of the contents of pouch  1 , protective covering  21  over permanent closure element  20  is removed and flap  14  is folded over mouth  40  such that permanent closure element  20  contacts the surface of panel  12 . Subsequent attempts to access the contents or open permanent closure element  20  will evidence tampering. When it is desired to open the bag to access the contents, a portion of the bag is detached, for example, by tearing pouch  1  with a cutter/opener  103  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     FIG. 6A  is a plan view of a large suitcase  601  surrounded by intelligent luggage protection pouch  1 .  FIG. 6B  is a plan view of a small suitcase  602  surrounded by intelligent luggage protection pouch  1 .  FIG. 6C  is a plan view of a duffle bag  603  surrounded by intelligent luggage protection pouch  1 .  FIG. 6D  is a plan view of a carry-on tote bag  604  surrounded by intelligent luggage protection pouch  1 . 
   While the invention has been disclosed in preferred forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.