ZA200707376B - A luggage protector and luggage security system - Google Patents

Description

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A LUGGAGE PROTECTOR AND LUGGAGE SECURITY SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION :

This invention relates to a luggage protector and a luggage security system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It often happens that luggage is tampered with during handling at airports and similar handling areas. Even though a bag may be locked this does not deter thieves. A lock may be simply forced open, and failing this the bag may be simply cut open. The loss to the owner of the bag includes the loss of stolen items as well as the damage to the bag.

There have been numerous attempts to overcome this problem which includes improved security and hard shell suitcases. These have not proved entirely successful and thieves still manage to find ways to steal from luggage, or the luggage itself.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a luggage protector that at least partly alleviates the above-mentioned problems.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of this invention there is provided a luggage protector securable to a luggage item, the luggage protector comprising: a flexible sheet having at least one security wire secured to it; an integrity sensor connected to the security wire, the sensor being able to test the integrity of the security wire; and a transmitter that can transmit an alarm signal in the event of failure of the integrity test. :

In an example embodiment, the sheet is manufactured from a resilient material and the security wire is manufactured from a high strength material.

In an example embodiment, the at least one security wire defines a convoluted web so as to cover substantially the entire area of the flexible sheet.

In an example embodiment, the luggage protector further includes a positioning determining device connected to the transmitter, so that the transmitter can also transmit a position signal and a unique identification signal.

In an example embodiment, the luggage protector further includes a receiver to enable the sensor to be selectively de-activated in response to the receiver receiving a security code signal.

In an example embodiment, the luggage protector further includes an input device, with the security code signal comprising a code received by means of the input device.

In an example embodiment, the sheet is shaped into a sleeve securable over the luggage item.

In an alternate example embodiment, the sheet is shaped into a bag that can securably receive the luggage item, the bag including closure means.

In an example embodiment, the closure means comprises a lockable lid.

In an alternate example embodiment, the closure means comprises a drawstring closure including a lock.

In an example embodiment, the drawstring closure includes a high strength wire that is also connected to the integrity sensor.

In yet a further example embodiment, the closure means includes a card reader operable with a card.

In accordance with a second aspect of this invention there is provided a luggage security system including a controller with at least one receiver and at least one luggage protector of the type defined above, the receiver configured to receive an alarm signal from the luggage protector transmitter.

In an example embodiment, the receiver can receive a position signal and an identification signal from the luggage protector transmitter.

In an example embodiment, the controller includes a database with data of planned travel paths of luggage in a luggage handling system, for the position signal and identification signal of an item of luggage to be compared to its planned travel path, and for the controller to determine the position of each item of luggage and for an alarm signal to be transmitted by a transmitter of the controller.

In an example embodiment, the controller alarm signal can be received by at least one mobile response unit.

In an example embodiment, the travel path of luggage can be determined from the destination of the luggage.

In an example embodiment, the unique identification signal can be received by a receiver connected to a display associated with a luggage collection point, and for a luggage identification code to be displayed on the display upon receipt of the unique identification signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example only and with reference to in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a luggage protector in the shape of a bag; and

Figure 2 is a diagrammatical plan view of an airport in which a luggage security system according to the invention is used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A luggage protector (1) is shown in Figure 1. The protector (1) is in the shape of a bag (2), which is securable over a piece of luggage, in this instance a suitcase (3). The bag (2) includes a security wire (4), shown only partly in Figure 1 for the sake of clarity, that : extends across the bag (2), an integrity sensor (5), and a transmitter (6). The security : wire (4) is connected to the sensor (5) and the sensor (5) is configured to test the integrity of the security wire (4). If the integrity test fails, the sensor (5) can instruct the transmitter (6) to transmit an alarm signal.

The bag (2) has a hinged lid (7) with a lock, which in this embodiment is a card reader (8) of which is accessible through a card slot (9) in the bag (2).

The protector (1) is manufactured from a resilient flexible material to deter attempts to force or cut it open.

The protector (1) also includes a positioning determining device, in this instance a GPS receiver (10). The transmitter (6) can thus also transmit a position signal from the GPS receiver (10). Also transmitted is a unique identification signal of the protector (1).

The protector (1) is preferably used in a luggage security system (11), typically on an airport (12). The system includes a controller (13) with a signal receiver (14). The receiver (14) is configured to receive signals from the protector (1), i.e. unique identification signals, position signals, and alarm signals.

The system (11) also includes a database with data of a planned travel path (15) of items of luggage protected by luggage protectors (1). The data is determined from the destination of luggage, which provides details on which flight and at what time a specific piece of luggage has to be there.

Each piece of luggage is identified by its unique identification signal, which makes it possible for the controller (13) to verify the position of each item of luggage.

In the event that an item of luggage is moved off its planned travel path (15), the position signal transmitted from the protector (1) used with the specific item of luggage will : disclose its new position to the controller (13), which upon comparison with the planned : travel path will establish the discrepancy and transmit an alarm signal.

The alarm signal will be transmitted to a remote mobile response unit, typically a security " guard with a mobile communications device such as a pager or mobile telephone, for appropriate action.

In the event that the bag (2) is forced or cut open, the security wire (4) has to be broken.

The sensor (5) will detect this, with the transmitter (6) transmitting an alarm signal to the controller (13). The controller (13) will be able to establish the position of the specific item of luggage from the position signal that is also constantly received from the protector (1), and from the unique identification signal received the controller (13) will be able to identify the item of luggage. In the same manner as before, the controller (13) will : then transmit an alarm signal to a mobile response unit, for appropriate action.

The resilient material from which the protector (1) is manufactured together with the built- in alarm system therefore provides an effective deterrent to theft of luggage or theft from luggage. Since the resilient material will delay a would-be thief in getting to the items he wishes to steal, and a security wire will be broken before access is gained to the contents of the luggage protected by the protector (1), the mobile response unit will have a better chance of catching the thief red-handed and apprehending him.

The protector (1) also includes a receiver (not shown) that allows it to be deactivated.

This is necessary for when the luggage is loaded onto a plane (16) where restrictions on communications might not allow the transmission of signals from the protector (1).

Deactivation is achieved by transmitting a security code signal to the protector (1) to shut it down. Transmission of this security code could be coordinated to coincide with closing of the luggage compartment door. In an example embodiment, the luggage protector (1) includes an input device (not shown), with the security code signal comprising a code received by means of the input device.

After the plane (16) has landed and the luggage compartment door is opened an activation signal is transmitted which reactivates the protector (1). Even though this will be at a different airport, the controller at such airport will receive the unique identification signal from the protector and compare it against its database. Its database will contain data on the specific protector (1) having received it from the original controller (13) owing to the fact that the destination of the luggage protected by the protector (1) is known.

If an item of luggage protected by a protector (1) is misplaced despite use of the system (11), and eventually surfaces at another airport equipped with a luggage security system according to the invention, the controller at such airport will receive the unique identification signal from the protector. Upon comparison with its database it will be established that the specific item of luggage is not destined for that airport which will cause an alarm signal to be transmitted. At the time that it is established that the piece of luggage is where it is not supposed to be, the controller automatically searches through an international database and locates the correct destination of the piece of luggage.

This allows the item of luggage to be retrieved and rerouted to its intended destination.

The protector and the luggage security system therefore allow a customer to collect a protector from an airport upon arrival. The customer is issued with a protector, which will typically be in the form of a bag, and a card key. The customer places his luggage item, or luggage items if space allows it, inside the protector and closes the lid, which automatically locks.

At this time the destination of the customer is also recorded and matched with the : luggage handling details of the specific airport, which reveals to the luggage security system what the intended travel path of the luggage is at the airport.

Only the customer has a card key that can open the protector, although there will be a backup facility through which a supervisor will be able to unlock a protector after the necessary identification verification has been done.

The customer then checks his luggage into the luggage handling system. From issuing the customer with the protector the luggage security system tracks the protector and confirms that it is on the correct travel path. The luggage is tracked until it is loaded on the plane and the luggage compartment door is closed, at which time the protector is deactivated by means of a coded signal triggered upon closure of the luggage compartment door. :

If at any time during the handling process the luggage is routed on the wrong travel path or the integrity test fails, an alarm signal is generated by the luggage security system and a response unit is despatched to investigate the incident.

It will be appreciated that there are other embodiments of the invention. lt is for instance possible to manufacture the protector in the form of a sheet or a sleeve. In the form of a sheet it may be stretched over a side of an item of luggage, such as a suitcase, and secured to the suitcase by stretching the edges of the sheet over the suitcase edges. In this way both sides of the suitcase may be covered.

If the protector is in the form of a sleeve it may be slipped over an item of luggage and the openings at the ends closed by drawstrings.

Claims (1)

1. em ee 9 CLAIMS

   1. A luggage protector securable to a luggage item, the luggage protector comprising: a flexible sheet having at least one security wire secured to it; an integrity sensor connected to the security wire, the sensor being able to test the integrity of the security wire; and a transmitter that can transmit an alarm signal in the event of failure of the integrity test.

   2. A luggage protector according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is manufactured from a resilient material and. the security wire is manufactured from a high strength material.

   3. A luggage protector according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one security wire defines a convoluted web so as to cover substantially the entire area of the flexible sheet. 4, A luggage protector according to any one of the preceding claims, which further includes a positioning determining device connected to the transmitter, so that the transmitter can also transmit a position signal and a unique identification signal.

   5. A luggage protector according to any one of the preceding claims, which further includes a receiver to enable the sensor to be selectively de-activated in response to the receiver receiving a security code signal.

   6. A luggage protector according to claim 5, which further includes an input device, with the security code signal comprising a code received by means of the input : device.

   7. A luggage protector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet is shaped into a sleeve securable over the luggage item. :

   8. A luggage protector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sheet is shaped into a bag that can securably receive the luggage item, the bag including closure means.

   9. A luggage protector according to claim 8, wherein the closure means comprises : a lockable lid.

   10. A luggage protector according to claim 8, wherein the closure means comprises a drawstring closure including a lock.

   11. A luggage protector according to claim 10, wherein the drawstring closure includes a high strength wire that is also connected to the integrity sensor.

   12. A luggage protector according to any ‘one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the closure means includes a card reader operable with a card.

   13. A luggage security system including a controller with at least one receiver and at least one luggage protector of the type defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, the receiver configured to receive an alarm signal from the luggage protector transmitter.

   14. A luggage security system according to claim 13, wherein the receiver can receive a position signal and an identification signal from the luggage protector transmitter.

   16. A luggage security system according to either claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the controller includes a database with data of planned travel paths of luggage in a luggage handling system, for the position signal and identification signal of an item of luggage to be compared to its planned travel path, and for the controller to determine the position of each item of luggage and for an alarm signal to be transmitted by a transmitter of the controller.

   16. A luggage security system according to claim 15, wherein the controller alarm signal can be received by at least one mobile response unit.

   17. A luggage security system according to either claim 15 to claim 16, wherein the travel path of luggage can be determined from the destination of the luggage.

   18. A luggage security system according to any one of claim 13 to claim 17, wherein the unique identification signal can be received by a receiver connected to a display associated with a luggage collection point, and for a luggage identification code to be displayed on the display upon receipt of the unique identification signal.

   19. A luggage protector securable to a luggage item, substantially as herein described and illustrated. :

   20. A luggage security system substantially as herein described and illustrated. DATED THIS 30" DAY OF AUGUST 2007 BOWMAN GILFILLAN (JOHN & KERNICK) FOR THE APPLICANT