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Title:
COMPREHENSIVE LUGGAGE PROTECTION AND TRACKING SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/118870
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention is a comprehensive system for luggage protection, tracing and search of equipment and lost objects that provides a high-resistance, flexible and impermeable material, die-cut in different sizes and formats; one or more QR codes placed inside and a software associated to a technological application which allows contact between the person who lost the object and the person who found it, creating a large sharing social network for the tracking of objects worldwide, and an application designed specifically for the system, used on a smartphone.

Inventors:
ACOSTA FAVATI EDUARDO (UY)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2016/000091
Publication Date:
July 13, 2017
Filing Date:
January 04, 2016
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
ACOSTA FAVATI EDUARDO (UY)
International Classes:
G06Q10/08; B65D33/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2009063269A12009-05-22
Foreign References:
US20050005482A12005-01-13
US20020181667A12002-12-05
US20090319561A12009-12-24
US20080094216A12008-04-24
US7093699B22006-08-22
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Claims:
1. A comprehensive system for luggage protection, tracking and retrieving comprising:

a high-resistance, flexible and impermeable layer, die-cut in different sizes and formats and with self-adhesive parts ;

at least one QR code positioned on said die-cut layer;

at least one label attachable to said die-cut layer; and a software associated to a network for world level tracking .

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said software comprises a technological application allowing continuous tracking of any piece of luggage throughout an entire trip, from a departure airport to an arrival airport, by using information of an airlines' luggage management system.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the die-cut layer is in the shape and size of standard luggage.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the die-cut layer and accompanying labels are individually packaged.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the user wraps the die- cut layer on the luggage at any time and any place.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the materials used to manufacture the layer and label are recyclable.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the materials comprises a compound of high-density thermally bonded polyethylene with a superficial layer of polypropylene.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the materials comprises a compound of high-density polymer and a layer made of at least one of: bamboo and hemp fibers.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the die-cut layer's sealing portion comprises a dual-layer auto adhesive strip.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising an advertising medium included with the die-cut layer.

11. The system of claim 10, whereon said advertising medium includes customized designs.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said system provides anti-theft security measures so that the installed die-cut layer is only breakable with the aid of a sharp object. 13. A method for using the system of claim 1, comprising: a) removing the die-cut layer from its individual packaging;

b) attaching the die-cut layer to the luggage and securing the die-cut layer to the luggage with said self-adhesive portions; and

c) registering the QR code using the software on at least one of: a smartphone, a tablet and a computer.

14. A method for using the system of claim 13, wherein if the luggage is lost the following steps are taken:

d) informing the lost of the object on a social network system;

e) connecting without intermediaries the person who found the lost object with owner of the same; and

f) facilitating the shipment of the lost object to its owner, wherein the object is tracked all the time.

Description:
COMPREHENSIVE LUGGAGE PROTECTION AND TRACKING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is related to the technical sector of devices and smart packaging for the tracking of luggage and users. More specifically, it is a luggage protection system and a device linked to identification and tracking technological applications. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Luggage transport is a high-risk area for users, both in the wear and tear of the luggage and also due to the risk of loss. This problem occurs frequently in airports, seaports, train and bus stations, hotels and taxis with the loss of luggage and other objects in said means of transportation and/or terminals.

According to data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 21.8 million bags are lost each year, which represents a cost of around 2.200 million dollars to the airlines in administrative expenses in dealing with claims by passengers. Several attempts have been made in order to solve this issue during the past few years, but with no solution. Our position is that the solution lies in the combination of different physical, material and analog tools, in combination with a digital and computerized component. Thus, the present invention is a comprehensive luggage protection and tracking system that provides the solution to this problem. Within the framework of current industry advances in the area of security and communications, technological innovations which are geared towards luggage transportation, handling and tracing, thrive. A great part of this improvement originates in the use of technological tools which speed up connectivity and texting, improving luggage and packages identification and the use of mobile devices to facilitate the operation.

Solutions and applications are continuously being developed with interfaces which enable the tracing of luggage, being integrated to smartphones and tablets with existing applications. Several devices have been developed to facilitate the tracking and monitoring of luggage, from GPS technology to RFID, which is a remote data storage and recovery system that is used in devices called tabs, cards, transponders or tags. Some patent documents show RFID labels included in the wrappings (US 20080094216 Al- referred to in more detail below) . However, the majority of the tracking systems are planned and designed to facilitate the work of airlines and the staff responsible for handling the luggage and other objects during transportation and are not for use by the general public.

From the user's viewpoint, there is a need to have accurate and sufficient information regarding the location and preservation of their luggage. The user needs to know not only that the luggage will arrive at the correct destination, but also that the luggage and its main contents arrive in good condition. Another problem, which is present, is standardization of bags. Around the world, more than 3.300.000.000 million bags are transported through airports each year. It is estimated that 5% of those bags are plastic wrapped as the sole means of protection system. This alternative is uncomfortable when handling the luggage and does not provide any means for differentiating the bags, which causes confusion between users. It is important to create an alternative means of security and identification for luggage, bearing in mind their frequent loss which creates stressful situations for passengers, as well as high costs for transport and insurance companies, in addition to the time spent by the staff and customers involved in these situations .

There is, therefore, a perceived need for a solution as provided by our invention, which has no precedents in the current State of the Art, as we shall see below. Furthermore, the use of such a universally held implement such as a cell-phone makes our invention particularly user- friendly, attractive and accessible to the general public, not only in developed countries.

US 20080094216 Al discloses an invention relating to a product that can be used for wrapping any holding body (ie; box, luggage, container, loading truck, trailer, etc.) that must be secured and confirmed unopened, violated or modified between its place of origin and its destination. The material for wrapping the container includes a random distribution of stiff and/or flexible RFID or Rubee or Smart dot tags or equivalent tags on a flat wrapping material which may be polyethylene, plastic or any other material capable of containing such tags and being suitable for coating or wrapping a holding body. Any other similar tag devices being developed at the present time may also be used under specific application conditions as the case may be. As may be appreciated, this invention is a wrapping with smart tags, and there is no system by which the owner of a lost piece of luggage may track it. This invention resembles more a certified courier system than our invention .

The patent documents US7093699B2 and WO2009063269 (Al) illustrate luggage covers with front and side panels which are joined by zippers, buckles or adjustment clips. Unlike those, the current invention is a modern system of sealed wrapping without zippers, which avoids opening the bag and increases the protection of the objects within it. On the other hand, the present invention is disposable once the cover on the luggage has been used and removed. In this way, it is easier to use and it is not necessary to add weight to the luggage or assign a specific place to transport or to put away the cover. The present invention, aside from the resistance of the material it is made of, has an intelligent QR code system which facilitates the tracking of the bag in case of loss, as well as a varied array of designs which facilitate identification and differentiation of the luggage.

After having analyzed these existing systems, it can be seen that they do not have all the features proposed by this invention. The protection system designed sets out to help solve the existing problems of luggage loss and mislaid objects at airports, seaports, train and bus stations, hotels and taxis, both in means of transportation and in terminals, offering features which cover the need for safe and customized packaging, with QR codes printed on the product, which allow for identification by the owner and connect it to the person who finds the lost luggage. Also, the user will be able to track their luggage during the journey from the point of departure to the point of arrival by using the app designed for this purpose. Each product has the measurements of standard bag sizes. The users themselves adapt it to their luggage.

The product allows for individualization of each bag by having a printed design that is different from the rest, a space for each user to write what he/she wishes in order to help with identification and a mini wrapping added with different designs to be used as handles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures showing illustrative embodiments of the invention, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the wrappings for the different sizes of luggage .

FIG. 2 shows the wrapping procedure of the present invention .

FIG. 3 also shows the wrapping procedure of the present invention .

FIG. 4 shows the detail of the wrapping for small bags.

FIG. 5 shows the detail of the wrapping for medium bags. FIG. 6 shows the detail of the wrapping for large bags.

FIG. 7 shows the details of the wrapping with the location of self-adhesive strips and indications on wrapping and QR codes .

FIG. 8 shows different QR codes that can be included in the packing of the wrapping to be placed on other objects. FIG. 9 shows different examples of graphic designs to be used according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a diagram of the luggage tracking process according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows the APP start-up screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows the screens for the lost luggage and object identification and tracking system according to the present invention .

FIG. 13 shows the screens for Object and bag registration procedure .

FIG. 14 shows the screens for reporting loss of an object according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows the Notification screens according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows the screens for notification of found objects according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a startup screen for the "Mytrip" app according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows a detailed screen for the "Mytrip" app according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows examples of different types of advertising media according to the present invention. Throughout the figures, the same reference numbers and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like elements, components, portions or features of the illustrated embodiments. The subject invention will be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in view of the illustrative embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a comprehensive luggage protection, identification, tracking and tracing system, composed by covers or wrappings adapted to the different sizes of luggage, made of the latest technology materials and with an identification system linked to technological applications. It also has QR codes to be placed on other articles belonging to the traveler' s in order for them to be traced as well.

The present invention has the following advantages:

1. Provides care and protection of the bag or the packed object.

2. Provides bag security since it cannot be broken without a sharp object.

3. Allows for personalized identification 4. The product is self-installed by the user ("Protect it yourself" ) .

5. Provides object tracking. The product is associated with an application ("APP") for smartphones which contacts people who have lost their belongings with people who have found them, creating a sharing social network which contributes to the recovery of lost belongings.

6. Includes a "Track & Tracer" mobile APP that traces the checked luggage at airports. The APP connects with the database of the airlines, providing the location of the luggage during their trip. It can also be used for advertising purposes.

7. Provides an environmentally friendly product, as the material used to protect the luggage is recyclable.

PROTECTION + CARE + SECURITY + IDENTIFICATION

The present invention is an intelligent packing protection system for bags in their 3 standard sizes and luggage, by easily placing a highly resistant and impermeable die-cut wrapping, with a self-adhesive strip, made of recyclable material, for the passenger himself to wrap his bags. The material used in the present invention is impermeable, resistant, and recyclable and will only break with a sharp object. In a preferred embodiment it is made of high-density thermally bonded polyethylene with a surface layer of polypropylene, or any other material having the aforementioned characteristics, such as coextruded polyethylene or others.

The wrapping appears as a die-cut layer to be assembled in individual packages, in the 3 standard formats of luggage available in the market, which covers the minimum variables which exist in the different models: [S:20", M:25", L: 30"], as shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the wrapping process according to the present invention. This can be done with the bag standing vertical or in a horizontal position on its back in the 4 steps illustrated in the figures. The die-cut of the layer has spaces or apertures for the handholds, the wheels and handles to facilitate carrying it (taking into consideration the variations in size of the different models.) As shown in FIG. 7, instructions for wrapping are provided on the inner surface of the die-cuts of FIGS. 4-6.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment illustrating various QR codes that can be included in the packing of the wrapping to be placed on other objects that may be found if misplaced. Different types and sizes are provided for different objects (e.g. mobile phones, tablets, computers, glasses, etc . )

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealing mechanism is a double-sided self-adhesive strip or similar product, placed on the sides of the tabs of the duly identified product, as illustrated on FIG. 7, which makes it impossible to open just by hand and instead a sharp object is needed.

The present invention provides a quick procedure for a simple wrapping, as it does not require a machine or equipment for installation, it can be self-wrapped by the user without the need for third parties, unlike other products on the market. Moreover, wrapping can be done in less than 1 minute, facilitating the operation for the user, with the printed instructions placed on the packaging itself as shown in FIG.7.

The packaging has different visual indicia, image motifs and/or advertising space mainly provided for identification during the trips. The luggage can be customized endlessly since there are thousands of graphic designs that passengers can choose from, facilitating the location and identification of bags on the conveyer belt, by means of an identification system using graphic patterns as shown in FIG. 9.

APP LUGGAGE SEARCH AND RECOVERY + LUGGAGE TRACK & TRACER

An important aspect of the invention is that the system provides a technological application ("APP") for smartphones users that allows for registration of the wrapping in a database by simply reading a QR code. The "APP" allows users to report lost and found objects, effectively creating a social and sharing network that allows a user who reported an object as lost to contact another user who found it.

The aforementioned tracking system will be explained below: REGISTRATION - The user or passenger registers all the objects he/she wants through a simple QR code reading procedure as previously explained by using a smart mobile phone or a computer with a camera. The user/passenger is able to register the following objects at any time during their trip, whether at home, hotel or during check-in at the airport:

• bags including the wrapping and having the printed QR code ;

· mobile phones, tablets, notebooks, books, glasses, etc., on which the sticker with the QR code included with the wrap have been placed previously;

• luggage checked in at the airline, by entering the tag details of the airline, thus having access to information on the status of the checked in luggage; and

• any other object that has the QR code installed.

The user downloads the "APP" created for this purpose, registers the objects having the QR codes by means of a QR code reader that comes as part of the "APP" and then provides all the details of those objects into their personal account. All this information will be stored on a server for processing claims and reports from people who have found the object, and thus connect them for recovery purposes, while ensuring that the personal information is securely and privately maintained, as both parties will be anonymous and the overall information will be on the server as well as the courier service associated with the system.

LOSS - The user/passenger, upon detecting the loss of the objects, submits a report to the system and a claim is loaded onto the server. In order to make a claim, the user/passenger opens the "APP" and searches on his/her list of registered objects for the lost item, select the object and the system will automatically load this information onto the server and waits for someone to find it and report it. FINDING - when a person finds the bag or object, the person reads the QR code with a QR reader. If the person does not have a QR reader, it can be downloaded at no cost from any digital distribution platform for mobile applications. Once the QR code is read, the person will be taken to the "APP" for registration and advise that they have found the obj ect .

The system will notify the person whether the object has been reported as lost or not, and in any case, the person may inform that he/she found the object or bag, and the "APP" will send a message to that effect to the server. The system will calculate the shipping cost through a courier or express mail service associated with the system and will send the owner of the object a notification of the object being found along with the recovery cost (i.e., courier + recovery service)

NOTIFICATION, HANDOVER TO THE COURIER AND REWARD - The system will always notify the owner that an object has been found, even if they had not reported it as lost. The user/passenger will receive a notification that their object has been found and they will also be informed of the courier and recovery service costs. In the event that the user who lost the object accepts the courier and recovery service costs, he/she can also offer a reward to the person who has found their object.

Through the server, the system will inform the person who found the object whether the person who lost it is offering a reward or not and that the courier will pick the object at their domicile, with the pick-up being coordinated in advance. Once he/she has handed the object over to the courier, the reward will be transferred through any convenient money transfer system or an international money order system.

Accordingly, if the user wants to recover the luggage or personal objects, he/she will pay the amount due and the system will automatically coordinate with the courier service to collect the lost object and deliver it to the domicile of the owner of the object. The entire procedure is illustrated in FIG. 10.

As can be appreciated, the present invention provides a comprehensive protection system for lost bags, luggage and objects, which provides for identification of the owner from any part of the world. Moreover, the new application establishes a global Sharing Social Network through the "APP" which allows people to recover their lost objects in any part of the planet.

The system of the present invention also provides the inclusion of an adhesive kit with QR codes for the user to place on other valuable objects such as computers, watches, smartphones, tablets, handbags, etc. This kit is provided as a complement to the packing so that these objects can be registered in association with the user as well as shown in FIG. 8.

This product will help the aerospace industry (airlines and airports) by improving its luggage management systems because the more the system's user database grows, the more collaboration they will have for management of luggage handling. At the same time, the airport and airlines Lost and Found offices will be able to identify the owners of misplaced objects in the plane and airport terminals and offer to recover their belongings. Accordingly, the present invention is an intelligent wrapping system, not only because it protects the luggage from theft, breakage and being broken into, but it also has a system or technological application that helps in its recovery if is lost.

FIGS. 11-16 illustrate different screens of the "APP" that the users of the products will be able to use, to register the wrapping or the desired object through the printed QR codes, to report loss, to report finding and to access the bag tracking system (Track & Tracer) during the airplane trip. FIG. 11 shows the "APP" startup screen with the different options available to the user. At this screen the user will be provided with a "Login" button, a "My Stuff" button, "Lost" and "Found" buttons, "Notification" button and a "Menu" button. FIG. 12 shows the several screens for lost luggage and object identification and tracking system according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows the screens for the object and bag registration. A user touches a "My Stuff" button and will the directed to the appropriate registration screens where he/she will be able, without limitations, to:

· access the items list showing all the items previously registered into the system. The user can browse through the list or add a new item. Additionally, the user can send to print the list of items.

• register an item by using the QR code reader and providing a description of the item. A confirmation code shown in the screen also needs to be entered into a textbox area to confirm the addition.

• receive a confirmation of the item addition with all the related information which could also be send to print by the user.

FIG. 14 shows the screens for reporting loss of an object.

A user touches a "Lost" button and will the directed to the appropriate screens where he/she will be able, without limitations, to:

• select an item from the list of items previously registered into the system.

· enter all the information associated with the object and the loss occurrence including: date of loss, the country and city of loss and the specific place the object was lost. A confirmation code shown in the screen also needs to be entered into a textbox area to confirm the lost report.

• confirm the item reported lost, wherein a "Remove" button is also provided for allowing the user to remove the reported object from the list of lost items .

FIG. 15 shows the Notifications screens. A user touches a "Notification" button and will the directed to the appropriate screens where he/she will be able, without limitations, to:

• see a list of found items along with any information related to the object and location where the object was found. • see all the fees and costs related with the courier and the system service along with an option of providing a monetary reward to the person that found the object.

· select a monetary payment service to pay the fees associated with the service.

FIG. 16 shows the found objects screens. A person that finds an object will the directed to the appropriate screens where he/she will be able, without limitations, to:

• touch the "Found" button on the "APP" to access the QR code reader to scan the QR code installed on the object found. Alternatively, the person can use an external QR code reader and will be directed to the appropriate screen showing the object's related information/

• see all the information related to the object found including: the object's owner name, email, phone number and any social media information.

· login into the system' s "APP" or register into the system if the person is not a registered user. MYTIP: LUGGAGE TRACK & TRACER DURING AIRPLANE TRIP - AIRPORTS

According to an embodiment of the invention, the "APP" associated with the wrapping system can also be used for tracking of the bags that are checked-in at airports by consulting the airline luggage management database. Currently, airlines and airports have systems and databases for all the luggage they manage, so they know at all times where a passenger's bag is. The present invention provides a combined system (FIG. 17) that allows the passenger to access their luggage tracking and also know at all times where their bag is. By using the "APP" in his/her smartphone, a passenger will be able to scan the barcode or QR code on the tag placed by the airline on the bag during check-in. The system will link that tag to the bag wrapped with the product, and thus, the passenger will be able to access the same information as the airline on the status of their luggage and their flight.

As illustrated on FIG. 18, the system of the present invention also provides the following:

• bag information during check-in at the airport of departure • bag information during the handling process at the airport of departure

• bag information on a specific flight

• bag information during the handling process at the airport of arrival

• bag information on other specific flights or connecting flights

• bag information in luggage specific collection band

• Flight information (Timetables, status, etc.)

· Boarding gate information

• Boarding pass information

• Luggage claim strip information

• Data of interest for the passenger at their destination (weather - currency rate - local

· Local time - information on the country of destination)

• Transfer offers (taxi, buses, trains, hire car, etc.)

• Hotel offers

• Offers and suggestions of what to do at destination

All this complimentary information will enable the passenger to have everything that is necessary to travel comfortably and stress less. In other words, the present invention provides an "APP" that integrates all the available and necessary information in one single "APP".

ADVERTISING SUPPORT

The present invention provides a system that offers a medium for advertising as the wrapping can be printed in an offset quality as shown in FIG. 9. It is an advertising medium which generates more points of contact than other static advertising media (conventional billboards) as the users travel in places where there are possible clients for those objects, and without having to pay high costs at airports, seaports, train and bus stations and hotels for such media. As an advertising medium, it can be printed with different types of publicity as shown in FIG. 19 and provides a space for brands that want to be present all over the world at a low cost, as their brand will travel on every bus station, seaport, train, airport luggage collection band and hotel. The system of the present invention uses environmentally friendly materials such as: high-density thermally bonded polyethylene with a surface layer of polypropylene, coextruded polyethylene, bamboo or hemp and other materials with similar characteristics. The materials used in the present invention require low- energy consumption to be manufactured and the waste obtained in the production line can be recycled and reused. At the same time, the materials used are lighter than other materials, so they require fewer resources to be manufactured. The aim is to select manufacturers that have recycling management programs, and that have collection systems so that the materials used can be recycled into other usable materials. These materials can be burnt safely, as their burning creates water and dioxide. When disposed down a drain they would not leave waste as they are chemically inert and they do not contain binders, so they cannot filter into underground water.

Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to the foregoing exemplary embodiment, this embodiment does not serve to limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications are possible, without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.