Abstract:
There is disclosed a baggage apparatus for easy customs inspection. The baggage apparatus includes a trunk, a least one specific lock, a storage device, at least one customs inspection medium and a general lock. The specific lock is installed on the trunk and can be switched between a locking mode and an unlocking mode. The storage device is connected to the trunk. The customs inspection medium is stored in the storage device for switching the specific lock from the locking mode to the unlocking mode. The general lock is changeable between a locking mode and an unlocking mode in which the storage device can be opened so as to allow access to the customs inspection medium.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE  
       [0001]     The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/942,841. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. FIELD OF INVENTION  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to a trunk and, more particularly, to a trunk for easy customs inspection and, more particularly, to a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media.  
         [0004]     2. RELATED PRIOR ART  
         [0005]     A trunk is often locked by a lock so that baggage will not be lost or stolen from the trunk. A lock may be installed on a trunk originally by a manufacturer or additionally by a user.  
         [0006]     Such locks include key-driven locks and numeral locks. A numeral lock includes a plurality of numeral wheels. The numeral lock can be switched from a locking mode to an unlocking mode only after a correct combination of the numerals (or “code”) of the numeral wheels is reached. A key-driven lock can be turned from a locking mode to an unlocking mode only after a right key is inserted and turned therein.  
         [0007]     While traveling abroad, a person must have his or her trunk inspected by customs personnel for national security reasons. Since terrorists impose worsening threats, customs inspection is getting stricter. For example, U.S. customs requires travelers to turn their locks from the locking mode to the unlocking mode so that the customs personnel can open their trunks and inspect the trunks and their baggage in the trunks. In the case that a traveler forgets to a lock for a trunk from the locking mode to the unlocking mode, the customs personnel is authorized to pick the lock by force for inspecting the trunk and the baggage in the trunk. The lock will inevitably be damaged. A damaged lock is a loss of the property of the traveler and causes troubles for the traveler and might entail further loss of the property of the traveler.  
         [0008]     In consideration of both of national security and personal security of property, some lock manufacturers provide a general key to the customs personnel. The idea is that the customs personnel can use the general key to turn all of the locks made by all of the lock manufactures from the locking mode to the unlocking mode. However, it is almost impossible to bring about this idea in the numeral locks. In detail, it is very difficult to combine a numeral lock with a key-driven lock and provide a general key for all of such combination-type locks.  
         [0009]     The present invention is therefore intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in prior art.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0010]     It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide a trunk locked by a lock and equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media for allowing customs personnel to easily open the trunk without having to pick the lock by force.  
         [0011]     According to the present invention, there is disclosed a baggage apparatus for easy customs inspection. The baggage apparatus includes a trunk, a least one specific lock, a storage device, at least one customs inspection medium and a general lock. The specific lock is installed on the trunk and can be switched between a locking mode and an unlocking mode. The storage device is connected to the trunk. The customs inspection medium is stored in the storage device for switching the specific lock from the locking mode to the unlocking mode. The general lock is changeable between a locking mode and an unlocking mode in which the storage device can be opened so as to allow access to the customs inspection medium.  
         [0012]     Other objectives, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description referring to the attached drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The present invention will be described through detailed illustration of twelve embodiments referring to the drawings.  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the storage device for customs inspection media shown in  FIG. 1  in a closed position.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of the storage device for customs inspection media shown in  FIG. 1  in an open position.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the storage device for customs inspection media shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 4A  is an enlarged cross-sectional partial view of the storage device for customs inspection media taken along a line B-B shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a storage device for customs inspection media according to the second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a storage device for customs inspection media according to the third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of the storage device for customs inspection media shown in  FIG. 7  in an open position.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the storage device for customs inspection media shown in  FIG. 9  in an open position, showing a key set positioned in the storage device.  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged exploded view of the key set shown in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the key set in another position than shown in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the key set in another position than shown in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional partial view of a storage device for customs inspection media according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional partial view of the storage device for customs inspection medium in another position than shown in  FIG. 14 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 16  is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the storage device for customs inspection media in another position than shown in  FIG. 16 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 18  is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 19  is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 20  is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 21  is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 22  is a perspective partial view of a trunk equipped with a storage device for customs inspection media according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS  
       [0037]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , a trunk  10  is equipped with a specific numeral lock  1 , a specific key-driven lock  13  and a storage device for customs inspection media according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The numeral lock  1  includes a plurality of numeral wheels  11  and a core  14 . A button  12  is installed beside the numeral lock  1 . The button  12  can be pressed only after the numeral wheels  11  are turned to a code or correct combination of numerals.  
         [0038]     The storage device for customs inspection media includes a case  20  formed on the trunk  10  and a cover  21  pivotally connected to the case  20 . The case  20  is equipped with a general key-driven lock  9  for receiving a general key  90 . Only customs personnel can legally hold the general key  90 . Under the control of the key-driven lock  9  and the general key  90 , the cover  21  can be lifted from the case  20  that defines a space  23  for receiving a mark unit  25  and a key  24 . The mark unit  25  shows the code of the numeral lock  1 . The key  24  can be inserted and turned in the key-driven lock  13 .  
         [0039]     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 4 A, the mark unit  25  includes a series of numeral wheels  251  installed on the case  20 . The numeral wheels  251  show the code of the numeral lock  1  through windows  252  defined in the case  20 .  
         [0040]     Because of careless maneuvering of the trunk  10 , the numeral wheels  251  of the mark unit  25  may unintentionally be turned into a wrong combination of numerals. To avoid this, a linking member  15  is used to restrain the numeral wheels  251  of the mark unit  25  by linking the numeral wheels  251  of the mark unit  25  to the button. The numeral wheels  251  of the mark unit  25  are restrained by the linking member  15  when the button  12  is not pressed.  
         [0041]     However, a user is allowed to rotate the numeral wheels  251  of the mark unit  25 . After turning the numeral wheels  11  of the numeral lock  1  to the code, the user can push the button  12  in a direction indicated by an arrow head A so as to drive the core  14  of the numeral lock  1  from a locking mode to an unlocking mode. While pushing the button  12 , the user moves the linking member  15  from the numeral wheels  251  of the mark unit  25 , thus releasing the numeral wheels of the mark unit  25 .  
         [0042]     The linking member  15  not only links the numeral wheels  251  of the mark unit  25  to the button  12  but also links a latch hook  91  of the key-driven lock  9  to the button  12 . While pushing the button  12 , the user moves the linking member  15  so as to pivot the latch hook  91  from the cover  21 , thus unlocking the cover  21 .  
         [0043]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except that the linking member  15  includes a latch  151  for locking the trunk  10 .  
         [0044]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except that the mark unit  25  includes a card  250  instead of the numeral wheels  251 . The card  250  records the code of the numeral lock  1 . To receive, the case  20  defines a slot  253  and a series of windows  254  in communication with the slot  253 . The digits of the code of the numeral lock  1  are observable through the windows  254 .  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment is like the first embodiment except for a few features. Firstly, there is provided a cartridge  200  instead of the case  20 . Not like the case  20  formed on the trunk, the cartridge  200  is detachably attached to the trunk. Accordingly, the trunk includes a receptacle  201  for receiving the cartridge  200 . Secondly, a key-driven lock  202  is installed on the trunk instead of the key-driven lock installed on the case  20 . The key-driven lock  202  can be turned from a locking mode to an unlocking mode by the general key.  FIG. 8  further shows the cartridge  200  includes a drawer  203  for receiving the mark unit  25  and the key  24 . Additionally, a locating unit  256  is provided for controlling the movements of the drawer  203 .  
         [0046]     Referring to  FIGS. 9 through 13 , there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except for a few features. Firstly, there is provided a specific key-driven lock  13  instead of the specific numeral lock of the first embodiment. Secondly, the trunk  10  is formed with a pouch  30  instead of the case. Thirdly, there is provided a cover  31  for closing the pouch  30  instead of the cover of the first embodiment for covering the case. Fourthly, the key-driven lock  9  is installed on the trunk  10  instead of on the case of the first embodiment. Fifthly, the mark unit of the first embodiment is omitted. Sixthly, there is used a key-retaining device  6  for retaining the key  24  to the trunk  10 .  
         [0047]     The key-retaining device  6  includes a shell  64  positioned in the pouch  30 , a reel  60  positioned in the shell  64  and a cable  62  wound on the reel  60 . The shell  64  consists of two halves  600 . The reel  60  can be rotated by the user and recovered when it is released from the user. The cable  62  includes an end tied to the reel  60  and an opposite end tied to the key  24 .  
         [0048]     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the trunk  10  is equipped with a general key-driven lock  9  for receiving a general key  90 , similar to the foregoing embodiments. When the key-driven lock  9  is changed by the general key  90  to an unlocking mode, a restricting member (not shown) connected with the key-driven lock  9  is moved through a channel  32  of the trunk  10  and an aperture  311  of the cover  31  so that the cover  31  can be opened. On the other hand, when the key-driven lock  9  is changed to a lock mode, the restricting member is moved to restrict any movement of the cover  31  through the channel  32  and the aperture  311 .  
         [0049]     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the key  24  can be inserted in any of the key-driven locks  13  and still connected to the trunk  10 . Because of the key-retaining device  6 , the key  24  will not be lost.  
         [0050]     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment is like the fifth embodiment except that the pouch  30  includes a pivotal floor  34  installed on the trunk  10  within the pouch  30 . As the pivotal floor  34  is pivoted from the tank  10 , there is exposed an opening  33  through which the pouch  30  is in communication with the trunk  10 . The user may tie the key  24  to the cable  62  from the interior of the trunk  10  and put little things into the pouch  30  from the interior of the trunk  10 .  
         [0051]     Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The seventh embodiment is identical to the sixth embodiment except for two features. Firstly, a specific numeral lock  1  is used instead of one of the key-driven locks  13 . Secondly, a tag  63  is tied to the cable  62  and the tag  63  shows the code of the numeral lock  1 .  
         [0052]     Referring to  FIG. 18 , there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The eighth embodiment is like the fifth embodiment except including a specific numeral lock  40  in addition to the specific key-driven lock  9 . The numeral lock  40  and the key-driven lock  9  are provided for opening the cover  31 . Furthermore, the key  90  is kept by the customs personnel and the code of the numeral lock  40  is confidentially provided to the trunk owner from a manufacturer. Accordingly, the cover  31  can be opened by both customs personnel and the trunk owner.  
         [0053]     Referring to  FIG. 19 , there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The ninth embodiment is identical to the fifth embodiment except installing the general key-driven lock  9  on the cover  31  instead of on the trunk  10 .  
         [0054]     Referring to  FIG. 20 , there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The tenth embodiment is like the eighth embodiment except installing the key-driven lock  9  and the numeral lock  40  on the cover  31  instead of on the trunk  10 .  
         [0055]     Referring to  FIG. 21 , there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The eleventh embodiment is like the fifth embodiment except for two features. Firstly, instead of the housing  64 , the cable  62  is connected to the pouch  30 . Secondly, instead of the cable  62 , the housing  64  is connected to the key  24 . The housing  64  is connected to the key  24  through a loop or ring.  
         [0056]     Referring to  FIG. 22 , there is shown a storage device for customs inspection media according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. The twelfth embodiment is like the eleventh embodiment except merging the housing  64  with the key  24 .  
         [0057]     The present invention has been described through the illustration of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art can derive variations from the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments shall not limit the scope of the present invention defined in the claims.