Secured Suitcase

A weatherproof clear sleeve system with a high-impact polycarbonate panel protects luggage tags from environmental damage and accidental removal, ensuring visibility and integrity during transit, addressing the vulnerabilities of existing systems.

US20260114567A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-04-30CROUCH DAVID LLOYD
View PDF 4 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
CROUCH DAVID LLOYD
Filing Date
2024-10-30
Publication Date
2026-04-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current luggage identification systems, relying on paper or plastic tags, are vulnerable to environmental factors and physical damage, leading to misrouting and loss of baggage due to illegibility or detachment, with existing electronic solutions being inadequate in durability and cost.

Method used

An integrated, weatherproof clear sleeve system with a high-impact polycarbonate panel and sealing system is incorporated into luggage to protect airline destination tags, ensuring visibility and integrity throughout transit.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides durable protection against environmental damage and accidental removal, maintaining tag visibility for both manual and automated scanning, without additional maintenance or infrastructure changes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure US20260114567A1-D00000_ABST
    Figure US20260114567A1-D00000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A luggage identification protection system comprising an integrated transparent protective sleeve permanently incorporated into a suitcase's external surface. The system features a weather-resistant, optically clear viewing panel constructed from durable polymer materials, designed to protect and display airline destination tags while maintaining scanning visibility. The sleeve incorporates anti-fog coating and UV protection, with a multi-layer sealing system preventing environmental damage. Positioned at a standardized height and angle for optimal automated baggage scanning, the sleeve includes anti-static properties ensuring consistent tag visibility. The construction permits easy tag insertion while preventing accidental dislodgement during transit, maintaining structural integrity in typical air travel temperatures (−40° F. to 140° F.). This innovation reduces baggage misrouting caused by tag damage or illegibility, improving airline operational efficiency and decreasing lost luggage incidents.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] The air travel industry faces significant challenges with baggage handling and tracking. In 2023, approximately 36.1 million pieces of luggage were mishandled globally, resulting in substantial costs to airlines and inconvenience to travelers. Current luggage identification systems rely on paper or basic plastic tags that are vulnerable to environmental factors, physical damage, and accidental removal. These tags frequently become illegible or detached during transit, leading to misrouting and loss of baggage. Existing solutions, including electronic tracking devices and temporary tag protectors, have proven inadequate due to cost, complexity, or limited durability. Prior art includes various attempted solutions such as electronic tracking systems, and temporary protective covering, none of which have successfully addressed the core issue of maintaining tag integrity throughout the travel process.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention provides a novel solution to baggage identification protection through as integrated, permanent clear sleeve system built directly into luggage. This system comprises a weatherproof, optically clear viewing panel permanently incorporated into the suitcase's external surface, specifically designed to protect airline destination tags while maintaining optimal scanning visibility.

[0003] Key advantages include:

[0004] 1. Protection from environmental damage including moisture, temperature extremes, and physical wear.

[0005] 2. Maintained tag visibility for both manual and automated scanning systems.

[0006] 3. Prevention of accidental tag removal or displacement.

[0007] 4. Integration with existing airline baggage handling systems. 5. No additional electronic components for maintenance requirements.

[0008] This invention significantly reduces baggage mishandling through a simple, cost-effective, and durable solution that requires no modification to current airline procedures or infrastructure.2. DETAILED DESCRIPTIONStructure and Components1. Protective Viewing PanelMaterial: High-Impact polycarbonate

[0010] Thickness: 2.0 mm+0.1 mm

[0011] Dimensions: 6″×9″ viewing area

[0012] Optical Clarity: >92% light transmission of

[0013] Impact Resistance: 100 J minimum2. Sealing SystemPrimary Seal: EPDM rubber gasket

[0015] Secondary Seal: Silicone compression barrier

[0016] Water Resistance: IPX4 rating

[0017] Temperature Tolerance: −40 degrees to 140 degrees F *UV Protection: UV400 rating3. Integration MethodMounting Location: 15″+0.5″ from base

[0019] Orientation: 10-degree angle from vertical

[0020] Mounting System: Mechanical fastening with adhesive backup * Frame Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy 6061-T6Functional Features1. Tag ProtectionAccess slot with debris guard

[0022] Anti-static surface treatment

[0023] Multi-point retention system

[0024] Tamper-evident indicators2. Visibility EnhancementAnti-Fog Coating

[0026] Anti-Glare Surface Treatment

[0027] Optimal Scanning Angle DesignManufacturing Process1. Component PreparationSurface Treatment: Plasma Cleaning

[0029] Primer Application

[0030] Environmental Controls: 20 degrees Celsius+2 degrees Celsius, 50% RH2. Assembly SequenceFrame Mounting

[0032] Seal Installation

[0033] Panel Integration

[0034] Quality Verification3. DESCRIPTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS

[0035] FIG. 1(1) The telescopic extension that's attached to the handle that comes out of the back of the suitcase and locks in place for use.

[0036] FIG. 1(2) The Polycarbonate the suitcase is made out of FIG. 1(3) That is the Destination ticket viewing panel sleeve made out of high-impact polycarbonate plastic with an anti-fog coating with an optimal scanning angle design that is water resistant. FIG. 2(1) Is the suitcase telescopic handle that extends and retracts. FIG. 2(2) is the same as FIG. 1(1). FIG. 2(3) is the same as FIG. 1(2).

[0037] FIG. 2 (4,6,9) is the wheel housing that holds the wheel in place and allows them to rotate freely. FIG. 2(5,7,8) the 360-degree wheels that allow you to maneuver your luggage in any direction. FIG. 3(1) is the same as FIG. 2(1). FIG. 3(2) is the same as FIG. 1(1).

[0038] FIG. 3(3) Is the zipper lining compartment that is partially concealed that allows for additional storage space to separate items from the main packing. FIG. 3(4,5,6,7) Are storage areas to keep your valuables neat and organized.

Claims

1. A luggage tag protection system comprising:a. a suitcase body having an exterior surface;b. an integrated protective sleeve permanently affixed to said exterior surface;c. said protective sleeve comprising:i. a transparent, impact-resistant polycarbonate housing;ii. a magnetic closure system comprising complementary magnetic strips along opposing edges;iii. a weather-resistant seal around the perimeter of said housing;iv. an aperture sized to accommodate standard airline baggage tags;d. wherein said protective sleeve maintains the scanning integrity of an inserted baggage tag.

2. The luggage tag protection system of claim 1, wherein said protective sleeve further comprises:a. UV-protective coating on the transparent housing;b. anti-fog treatment on interior surfaces;c. raised protective edges extending above the surface of the housing.

3. The luggage tag protection system of claim 1, wherein said magnetic closure system comprises:a. neodymium magnets embedded within the edges;b. a waterproof magnetic strip covering;c. an audible engagement mechanism indicating secure closure.

4. The luggage tag protection system of claim 1, further comprising:a. a reinforced mounting system connecting the sleeve to the suitcase body;b. impact-resistant corners surrounding the sleeve;c. drainage channels to prevent water accumulation.

5. The luggage tag protection system of claim 1, wherein:a. said aperture dimensions measure:i. 4.5 inches in width;ii. 6.5 inches in length;iii. 0.25 inches in depth;b. said dimensions accommodate international airline baggage tag standards.

6. A method of protecting baggage tracking information comprising:a. providing a protective sleeve integrated into luggage;b. inserting a baggage tag into said sleeve;c. securing said tag using a magnetic close.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Bag with transparent compartment

    US11583048B2

  • Card holder protective of information bearing surface

    US20040148837A1

  • Card keeping arrangement

    US6050014A

  • Small article case

    US6848577B2