Patent Publication Number: US-6707989-B1

Title: Method and apparatus for providing baggage identification tags

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. The Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to vending devices and methods, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to a method and apparatus for providing baggage identification tags for travelers. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     It is common practice to provide identification tags for baggage. Baggage identification tags are useful for travelers to mark their baggage with information to assist in indicating ownership of the baggage and to provide information to allow the baggage to be returned to the owner in the event it becomes misplaced. Transportation terminals, such as airports, commonly require the baggage to be separated from the owner during transit or while passing through security points, thereby increasing the importance of a mechanism to properly identify the baggage. 
     Complimentary identification tags are commonly provided at transportation facilities such as airports. A traveler is required to write identifying information on the tags and attach the tags to the baggage prior to conveying the baggage to transportation personnel. The complimentary tags provided at the transportation facilities are often constructed of inexpensive material, such as paper and a thin elastic attachment strap, and are not configured for repeated use. Also, it is often difficult and time consuming for a traveler with multiple pieces of baggage to write the information on multiple tags. Moreover, the prior art identification tags may not be easily recognized, requiring individuals to look closely at the writing on the tags to distinguish one tag from another. 
     Other higher quality types of identification tags for baggage are available at retail establishments. However, the baggage identification tags are produced in a generic form and are not customized with a photo of the owner or other distinguishing information. Thus, additional proof may be required to verify that the identification tags belong to the owner. Moreover, the identification tags are not conveniently purchased and require the assistance of sales personnel to assist in purchasing the identification tags. Thus, the identification tags may not be available during all the hours a traveler may have need to purchase an identification tag. 
     Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,053 granted Jul. 6, 1999 to DeBrouse, discloses a passenger identification and baggage control system. A baggage tag is disclosed having a photo and other information used for transportation. However, the baggage tag is created by an airline agent rather than the traveler. Thus, the tag producing system does not allow a traveler to create a customized tag, and use of the tag producing system involves multiple people. Moreover, the baggage tag includes information, such as the date and flight number, and is therefore only intended for a single use. 
     Similarly, U.S. patent application Publication No. U.S. 2002/0126878 discloses a baggage tag having a picture of the traveler placed thereon for identification purposes. However, the method for providing the baggage tag involves the assistance of clerks and, the baggage tag is only intended for a single use. 
     Photo booths are known in the art for allowing a person to take a picture of him or herself, and quickly obtaining a copy of the picture. An example of such a photo booth is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,197 to Wain et al., granted Oct. 2, 2001, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The photo booth disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,197 discloses an automatic photo booth with an electronic imaging camera. However, the photo booth does not provide a mechanism for entering customized identification information, such as a name and address, to be placed on an identification tag. Moreover, the photo booth does not disclose a mechanism for dispensing identification tags or straps for attaching the identification tags to baggage handles. Photographs themselves are the only item that may be dispensed from the photo booths. 
     The prior art is thus characterized by several disadvantages that are addressed by the present invention. The present invention minimizes, and in some aspects eliminates, the above-mentioned failures, and other problems, by utilizing the methods and structural features described herein. 
     Thus, it would be an advancement in the art to provide a baggage identification tag that is easily produced and purchased, that includes a picture of the owner on the identification tag, and that can be reused repeatedly. It would be a further advantage to provide such a baggage identification tag that can be customized in a colorful and eye catching design so that the baggage identification tag is more easily identified. It would be an additional advantage to provide such a baggage identification tag that is made available all hours of the day and night at a location convenient for travelers to purchase. It would be yet a further advantage to provide a method for producing such an identification tag that allows the identification tags to be produced quickly without the assistance of a clerk or salesperson. It would be yet a further advantage to provide a method for providing baggage identification tags that allows identifying information to be placed on the tags in bold, clearly visible and legible writing, and that allows multiple tags to be created that are identical to each other. 
     The features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus for providing baggage identification tags; 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary baggage identification tag; 
     FIG. 3 is a back view of an exemplary baggage identification tag; and 
     FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart showing possible method steps associated with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed. 
     It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, as used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic view is shown of an apparatus or booth, indicated generally at  10 , for providing baggage identification tags. It will be understood that the booth  10  may be formed in various different configurations and sizes within the scope of the present invention. The booth  10  may be formed as an enclosure having a door or curtain for providing privacy, or the booth  10  may be open such that an interior portion of the booth  10  is visible from outside the booth  10 . The booth  10  may be configured to be installed at transportation stations, and other locations of high pedestrian traffic. The term transportation station, as used herein includes locations where travelers congregate, such as airports, bus terminals, and train stations for example. The booth  10  may also be installed at other locations, such as malls or other retail sales establishments, for example. Also, the booth  10  may be configured to be portable and the components of the booth  10  may be configured to be separated from each other. Alternatively, the booth  10  may be fixed in place with the components in fixed relationship with respect to each other. 
     The booth  10  may include photography means  12  for taking a picture. The photography means  12  may include any variety of cameras known in the art for taking pictures. For example, the photography means  12  may include a camera for taking still photographs using film or digital electronic technology. Also, the photography means  12  may include a type of video camera capable of taking moving pictures and allowing selection of a particular instant for printing or developing. The photography means  12  may be configured to take a still picture of a person or object in a picture taking zone. The photography means  12  may be concealed behind a reflective glass panel for protection. Moreover, the photography means  12  may be configured to allow a person to take a picture of him or herself without the assistance of another person. This allows the photography, means  12  to be operated conveniently and efficiently without the added cost and labor associated with a clerk or salesperson. 
     The booth  10  may also include means  14  for exchanging money. The money exchanging means  14  may include any of a variety of mechanisms known in the art for receiving money in various forms, such as cash, coins, or credit cards to operate the booth  10  and purchase items. The money exchanging means  14  may also include a mechanism for providing change and a receipt, as well as providing a display of the amount of money deposited. It will be understood that the money exchanging means  14  is depicted in schematic form in FIG. 1, and the money exchanging means  14  may be located in various different positions in the booth  10 . 
     The booth  10  may also include input means  16 . The input means  16  may be used for entering commands to operate the booth  10  and entering information, such as a name or address, to be included on an identification tag  15  as shown in FIGS. 2-3. The input means  16  may include a keyboard, keypad or any variety of buttons, knobs or switches to allow a user select available options provided in the booth  10 , and to enter identifying information. It will be understood that the term “keyboard” as referred to herein includes a device including a number of mechanical buttons or keys which may be pressed to input characters, including letters and numbers, into the input means  16 . 
     Display means  18  may also be provided in the booth  10  for providing information to a user of the booth  10 . For example, the display means  18  may provide instructions for operating the booth  10  as well as options available to be incorporated on the identification tags. Moreover, the display means  18  may be used to show sample images or images obtained from the photography means  12 . The display means  18  may be formed as a computer monitor or screen capable of depicting images based on electronic input. In another embodiment, the display means  18  may include instructions or images permanently depicted on the booth  10  without the use of an electronic device. It will be understood that any variety of visual depictions may be presented on the display means  18 . 
     The booth  10  may also include dispensing means  20  for dispensing the identification tag  15 . The dispensing means  20  may be formed in various different configurations and locations in the booth  10  within the scope of the present invention. For example, the dispensing means  20  may include a chute to allow the identification tag  15  to move under the force of gravity to be retrieved by the purchaser, as well as a receptacle for holding the identification tag  15 . The receptacle may also have a cover to prevent access to the inner workings of the booth  10 . 
     The dispensing means  20  may also include a mechanism for allowing the selection of one of a plurality of items or accessories for use with the identification tag  15 . For example, the identification tag  15  may include a strap  28  that may be provided in various different styles, sizes and colors. The dispensing means  20  may be configured to allow a purchaser to select one or more of a plurality of the straps  28  that may be purchased. It will be understood that the dispensing means  20  may have numerous different compartments for the items or accessories and the items may be dispensed together with the identification tag  15  or separate from the identification tag  15 . 
     The booth  10  may also include a seat  22  so that a person may be seated within the booth  10  to operate the booth and have his or her picture taken. The seat  22  may be formed integral with the booth  10  or it may be separable from the booth  10 . The seat  22  may be adjustable so that a person can adjust the seat  22  to a desired position within a picture taking zone for taking a picture. 
     The booth  10  may include fabrication means  24 , shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1, for placing pictures and other identification information on the identification tag  15 . It will be understood that the term “identification information” as used herein includes customized information entered by a person that may be unique to the person to assist in identifying an object. Accordingly, an infinite number of different combinations of characters or indicia may be included in the identification information as devised by a person. 
     In one embodiment, the fabrication means  24  may include a computer for receiving, storing, and manipulating input from the input means  16 . Also, the fabrication means  24  may include a mechanism for printing a picture and identification information on the identification tag  15 . Alternatively, the fabrication means  24  may include a mechanism for affixing a picture to the identification tag  15 . The fabrication means  24  may also include laminating means for covering a tag with a plastic covering to seal, protect and/or strengthen the identification tag  15 . It will be understood that any variety of mechanism for placing images and indicia on a tag may be used as part of the fabrication means  24  within the scope of the present invention. 
     It will be appreciated that the booth  10  may include any combination of the features discussed above, and that not all of the features discussed above may be required for the booth  10  within the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the identification tag  15  is shown. The identification tag  15  may be formed in a rectangular shape or any other shape within the scope of the present invention. The identification tag  15  may include an opening  26  for receiving a strap  28 . The strap  28  may be formed of a durable material, such as leather, metal, plastic, fabric, or elastic material, for example. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the strap  28  may be formed having various different colors, sizes and styles within the scope of the present invention. For example, the strap  28  may be formed as a chain or cord. Also, the strap  28  and may include an attachment mechanism, such as a buckle  30 , so that the strap  28  may be removably attached to items such as a baggage handle. It will be understood that various different types of attachment mechanisms such as clasps, hook and loop connections, ties, or adhesives, for example, may be used within the scope of the present invention. 
     The identification tag  15  may include identifying or identification information, such as a name  32  and/or an address  34 , as shown in FIG. 3, which shows a back view of an exemplary embodiment of the identification tag  15 . It will be understood that the identifying information such as the name  32  and address  34  may be on either or both sides of the identification tag  15 . The identifying information may include any variety of markings or indicia within the scope of the present invention. 
     The identifying information may be placed on the identification tag  15  in a manner to be clearly visible with bold letters. Placement of the identifying information with the fabrication means  24  allows the writing to be clear and legible thus improving the reliability of the identification tags  15 . Moreover, the identification tags  15  may include decorative indicia  36 ,  38 , and/or written indicia  39 , and identifying colors that may be bright, eye catching colors that add to the attractiveness, identification characteristics, and noticeability of the identification tags  15 . It will be understood that the identifying colors may include any color selected by a person to assist in distinguishing the identification tag  15 . The decorative indicia  36 ,  38  may include any variety of figures such as flowers, patterns or other markings that add to the distinctiveness and aesthetic quality of the identification tags  15 . 
     Also, the decorative indicia  36 ,  38  or written indicia  39  may include advertising information such as a company or product name, logo, trademark or service mark. Thus, the identification tags  15  may be used to promote any variety of goods and/or services. Accordingly, the identification tags  15  may be useful for business entities, such as airlines, and it may be desirable for such business entities to supply or operate a booth  10 , or possibly support at least portion of the cost of the identification tags  15 . The written indicia  39  may be automatically provided on the identification tags  15 , or alternatively, the written indicia  39  may be selected from a plurality of options or entered/created by a person. 
     It will also be appreciated that the identifying information such as the name  32  and address  34  may be placed on the identification tags  15  using various different kinds of indicia or codes. Accordingly, it will be understood that the name  32  and address  34  as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, are schematic only, and any variety of indicia or codes may be represented by the name  32  and the address  34 . For example, in one embodiment of the identification tags  15 , identifying information may be placed on the identification tags  15  in the form of bar codes. The bar codes may be of any variety known in the art, including a series of bars having different widths, in which different patterns of the bars represent different information. The bar codes may be placed on the identification tags  15  in addition to or in place of the written name and address. A scanning device, as known in the art, may be used to read the identification information represented by the bar codes. It will be understood that the scanning device may be located at any of a variety of locations, including at the booth  10  or at locations separate from the booth  10 . For example, the scanning devices may be operated by airport baggage handlers or customer service representatives, to ensure that the baggage is handled and routed properly, and that the appropriate individual has possession of the baggage. 
     The identification tag  15  may be formed of various different materials, such as plastic, so as to be durable to withstand the wear encountered during travel. The identification tag  15  may thus be useful for repeated use and need not be replaced each time a person travels. 
     In use, the booth  10  may be placed in an area convenient for access by travelers, such as at an airport. A person may follow instructions for operating the booth  10  that may be displayed on the display means  18 . The display means  18  may provide information such as instructions for inserting money into the money exchanging means  14 ; the cost for obtaining the identification tags  15 ; the background designs or decorative indicia  36  and colors available for the identification tags  15 , and instructions for selecting a particular design; the sizes, styles and colors of straps  28  and other accessories available; optional font styles, sizes, colors and locations for the written identification information such as the name  32  and address  34  to be placed on the identification tags  15 ; instructions for taking a picture  40 ; and instructions for obtaining multiple identification tags  15 , for example. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary flow chart is shown of some of the possible method steps associated with the present invention. It will be appreciated that not all of the steps shown in FIG. 4 may be required and that the order of the steps may be rearranged. Moreover additional steps may be included within the scope of the present invention. 
     The person may be positioned on the seat  22  to have a picture taken following the instructions on the display means  18 . The person may insert money in the money exchanging means  14 , in the form of cash, coins, or credit cards for example, as indicated by reference numeral  50 . The person may select the number of identification tags  15  desired to be produced, as indicated at  52 . The configuration of the identification tag  15  may be determined by selecting the desired style, size, color, and shape of the identification tag  15 , as indicated at  54 . Similarly, the person may select the desired style, size, and color of the strap  28 , as indicated at  56 . Moreover, the person may select the text font, color, size and location for the text to be placed on the identification tag  15 , as indicated at  58 . Also, the desired decorative indicia  36  may be selected from a variety of colors, patterns, and or figures, as depicted at  60 , and a background for the picture may be selected  62 . It will be appreciated that the booth  10  may be configured to provide a default selection  64  such that if a person does not want to choose between a variety of options, a standard identification tag  15  may be created, or a standard style, decorative indicia  36 , color, font etc. may be provided. 
     The person may take a picture of him or herself, as indicated at  66 , without the assistance of another person, at any time of the day or night for which the booth  10  is accessible. The person may also enter identification information such as a name  32  and address  34  to be placed on the identification tag  15 , as indicated at  68 . In one embodiment, the identification information may be entered using a keyboard. However, it will be appreciated that sound recognition mechanisms may also be utilized to allow the person to enter information verbally into the input means. Moreover, a mechanism may be provided wherein information, such as a name, from a credit card used to purchase the identification tag  15 : may be automatically selected for placement on the identification tag  15 . 
     A single identification tag  15  or a plurality of identification tags  15  may be obtained  70  at a single time, such that if multiple identification tags  15  are desired, they can be obtained in a quick and efficient manner. The plurality of identification tags  15  may be formed in an identical manner, or different identification tags  15  may be created using the same picture  40  and different decorative indicia  36 . It will also be understood that different pictures  40  may be used with the same decorative indicia  36  such that a group of people may obtain a plurality of identification tags  15  each having different pictures  40 , yet still having common decorative indicia  36 . This may be particularly helpful for families or groups that may be traveling together to identify baggage that belongs to the group. 
     In one embodiment, the identification tag  15  may be dispensed with the strap  28  already attached. In another embodiment, the identification tag  15  may be provided separately from the strap  28 . In this embodiment, the strap may be inserted through the opening  26  and fastened around a baggage handle. It will be understood that the straps  28  may be attached to the identification tag  15  using various different mechanisms, such as using clips or fasteners for example. Also, embodiments of the identification tag  15  are possible, within the scope of the present invention, in which the strap  28  may be formed integral with the identification tag  15 , or in which the identification tag  15  may not include a strap at all. 
     It will be appreciated that the structure and apparatus disclosed herein is merely one example of a photography means, money exchanging means, input means, display means, dispensing means, and fabricating means, and it should be appreciated that any structure, apparatus or system which performs functions the same as, or equivalent to, those disclosed herein are intended to fall within the scope of a photography means, money exchanging means, input means, display means, dispensing means, and fabricating means, including those structures, apparatus or systems which are presently known, or which may become available in the future. Anything which functions the same as, or equivalently to, a photography means, money exchanging means, input means, display means, dispensing means, and fabricating means, falls within the scope of these elements. 
     In accordance with the features and combinations described above, a useful method of providing baggage identification tags includes the steps of: 
     (a) placing photography means at a transportation station, the photography means being configured for allowing a person to take a picture of the person without the assistance of another person; 
     (b) providing display means for displaying information to the person; 
     (c) providing input means for allowing the person to enter identification information to be placed on the identification tags; 
     (d) providing money exchanging means for allowing the person to purchase the identification tags; 
     (e) providing fabrication means for placing the picture and identification information on the identification tags; and 
     (f) providing dispensing means for dispensing the identification tags and straps to attach the identification tags to a baggage handle. 
     Those having ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate the advantages provide by the features of the present invention. For example, it is a feature of the present invention to provide a baggage identification tag that is easily produced and purchased, and that includes a picture of the owner on the identification tag. It is a further feature of the present invention to provide such a baggage identification tag that can be customized in a colorful and eye catching design so that the baggage identification tag is more easily identified. It is an additional feature to provide such a baggage identification tag that is made available all hours of the day and night at a location convenient for travelers to purchase. It is yet a further feature to provide a method for producing such an identification tag that allows the identification tags to be produced quickly without the assistance of a clerk or salesperson. It is still a further feature to provide a method for providing baggage identification tags that allows identifying information to be placed on the tags in bold, clearly visible and legible writing, and that allows multiple tags to be created that are identical to each other. 
     It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.