WO2009113990A1

WO2009113990A1 - Luggage tag with engraved recessed insert

Info

Publication number: WO2009113990A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/008691
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian D. Sadow
Original assignee: Global Engraving, Ltd.
Priority date: 2008-03-11
Filing date: 2008-07-14
Publication date: 2009-09-17

Abstract

A first rigid planar luggage tag blank member includes a recess for receiving an engraved member in close-fitting relation to form a smooth co-planar upper surface and, optionally a second rigid planar member pivotally attached in a superposed relation to the blank member to permit the engraved member to be exposed when the second planar member is rotated.

Description

LUGGAGE TAG WITH ENGRAVED RECESSED INSERT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to luggage tags and inserts adaptable for flush mounting within the luggage tags to create the appearance of a unitary tag.

Background of the Invention

A typical luggage identification tag generally includes an open envelope or a sleeve, formed by securing two planar sheets of material joined along three common edges, forming a flat pocket with an open end. One of the materials is provided with a transparent window portion. A user generally inserts an identifier; generally a business card, into the envelope and the business card is visualized through the transparent window. It is also usual for the envelope to include a slot into which is looped a strap or the like, which acts to block the open end of the envelope to prevent removal of the card. The strap, in turn, is secured to the luggage. In some instances, the envelope is made primarily of leather, or a leather-like material.

In some instances, the envelope is metal. In all instances, it is readily apparent that the identification portion is an insert.

Privacy is often of concern, and for that reason, some luggage tags have a moveable flap on the envelope to cover the window until the flap is moved aside. Although, the envelopes are generally closed, they are not sealed and therefore the luggage tags are exposed, and susceptible to having the information distorted or rendered illegible by the elements since as luggage is often left exposed to the elements during periods when it is being handled in transit.

A more permanent and durable method of preserving identification information is through the use of engraved plates. They generally are metal plates, often of brass, which are engraved with identification information. The engraved plates are secured, either by a self- adhesive backing, or with the use of strongly bonding adhesive, directly to the surface of the luggage, (or other product, such as for example small electronics) to which it is affixed. As a result, the plate is susceptible of being displaced if struck. Moreover, given the customary method of affixation, an error in placement will result in a misaligned, but nonetheless, relatively permanent affixation. The engraved plate is not readily interchangeable between different pieces of luggage. Therefore, depending upon which member of a family is traveling, the identity of the person carrying the luggage may not match the identification on the luggage. This issue has become of greater significance in more recent times where a traveler's ability to identify his or her luggage for purposes of security checks makes it significantly more desirable for the indicia on the luggage to properly identify the person claiming possession of the luggage.

With these and other considerations in mind, many luggage manufacturers or makers of luggage tags, have sought to develop luggage tags made of more robust materials, such as metals and engraved luggage tags which can be removably mounted, for example, by providing holes for the inclusion of straps or clip-on devices.

Still others have suggested the use of metal luggage tags comprising two generally identically shaped members which are superimposed, one over the other and pivotally joined near one of their distal ends with a grommet so that the two sections can be pivotally opened and if desirable a cable can go through the grommet for attaching to the luggage and the identification indicia inscribed onto a surface of one of the sections, not unlike the signature surface on a credit card. Various shapes are used, such as rectilinear, oval and lozenge shape and the traveler can then identify his or her luggage by pivotally separating the two members and exposing the identifying information. This two-part metal identification tag is considered highly desirable, both in terms of its robust construction, and because of its greater perceived value. However, the metal tag is not readily adaptable to being engraved. In general, the metal used for the tag is attractive, but is a lesser expensive metal such as zinc, which does not readily lend itself to fine engraving. Moreover, the nature of the tag is that one member closely overlies the other in the secured closed position. As a result, an engraved tag can not be readily mounted between these members.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a metal luggage tag adapted to receive within at least one of the surfaces of a constituent member an engraved insert, configured to be substantially flush mounted and when assembled appears as an integral part of the luggage tag.

In accordance with one of the preferred embodiments, the luggage tag comprises two superimposed and pivotally joined metallic members. One of the metallic members has a recess with a depth substantially equal to the thickness of the engraved plate and a self- adhesive backing inserted therein. As well, the periphery of the recess will be substantially the same as the periphery of the engraved plate. As a consequence, the engraved plate with a self-adhesive backing, when inserted in the recess will not extend above the surface of the member, will appear to be an integral part of the member, and will be covered from view when the two members are in aligned juxtaposition. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the portion of the supporting member that is adapted to receive the engraved plate is on an exposed surface of the member which can be seen when the two members are in the closed aligned juxtaposition. In this manner, certain indicia will be readily visible. As well, if desired, additional information, for example, personal data can be provided within the confines of the juxtaposed members and thus covered from view.

In both embodiments, the engraved plate(s) are so dimensioned, shaped and mounted so as to give the visual impression that the luggage tag and engraved plate are an integrated unit, custom designed for the traveler.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference will be made to the following written description of exemplary embodiments and the attached drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the luggage tag of the present invention in its open position;

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the luggage tag of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the luggage tag of Fig. 1 shown in closed position;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of an engraved plate made in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of one of the members of the luggage tag made in accordance with the present invention having an engraved plate seated therein; and

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of Fig. 5. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The embodiments shown, except with noted exception, are generally of the same construction and appearance. An exemplary luggage tag is one such as employed by the manufacturer of the well known Samsonite ® branded luggage. The luggage tag 10 generally comprises two members, 12, 14 pivotally secured by a grommet 16. A dimple 18 is provided near the distal end of one of the members, 14 so that when the members are brought into juxtaposition, the dimple 18 will be superimposed over the declivity 32 (Fig. 2). For a more positive securement, a spring mechanism (not shown) may be provided to releaseably lock members 12, 14 in their overlying aligned relationships. The luggage tag 10 in a closed position, is illustrated in Fig. 3.

Referring to Fig 1. and in accordance with the present invention, the member 14 includes a shaped recess 20, preferably dimensioned to be substantially centrally located within member 14. The recess 20 is of a depth equal to the thickness of the engraved plate with self-adhesive backing 22 intended is to be emplaced therein.

Recess 20 is dimensioned such that the engraved plate 22 is substantially an exact fit or otherwise received in close-fitting relation^ and once placed within the recess 20 gives an unbroken appearance and surface and will not become easily dislodged or shift position. As illustrated in Figs. 2, 5 and 6, both the luggage tag recess 20 and the engraved insert 22 are shaped and dimensioned such that the distal ends include a shape generally compatible with the shape of the luggage tag. Therefore, when the engraved plate 22 is inserted within the recess 20, the overall visual appearance is that of a single integrated unit, giving the impression that the entire luggage tag, not just the engraved plate, was custom engraved for the traveler. To assist in achieving this integrated appearance, preferably, the upstanding walls of the recess 34 are substantially at right angles to the base 36 of the recess 20 and the side edges 38 of the engraved plate are similarly at 90 degrees.

Preferably, the rear surface of the engraved plate 22 is provided with a self-adhesive material [not shown] so when the engraved plate, 22 is emplaced within the recess 20, it will be securely engaged with the bottom surface of the recess 20. Given the common dimensions between the recess and the engraved plates, proper placing and securing of the engraved plate is assured.

As shown in Fig. 5, in an alternate embodiment, the engraved plate 22 is seated in a recess provided on an exterior surface of 24 of the member 14. The luggage tag 30 of Fig. 5 thus has the traveler's indicia visible without having to pivotally separate the two members 30. If desired, an indicia receptive surface or recess and engraved plate could be provided as well on the opposite side 22 of the member 24. In this way, there would be other indicia on the outer surface that is exposed when the members are juxtaposed over each other, and on the inner surface that is not indicia. As a result, private information is secured within the confines of the superimposed and juxtaposed members of the luggage tag, thus maintaining a greater degree of privacy/security, but which nonetheless, permits ready identification of luggage, for example, our luggage carousel, without there being a public view of the private identification information of the owner. Although, the present invention has been described in connection with particular preferred embodiments, the invention is not to be limited thereby, but is to be determined solely by the scope of claims which follow:

Claims

What is Claimed Is:

1. A luggage tag comprising: at least one substantially elongated metal member, said member being of a rigid shaped

a recess in said member's surface adapted to receive an engraved plate therein, said recess being of a depth substantially equal to the thickness of the engraved plate, and said recess having a periphery substantially identical to the periphery of the engraved plate which is to be received therein .

2. The luggage tag of claim 1 further including at least one planar surface on said first member with said recess in said planar surface and further including a second member having at least a planar surface compatible with the planar surface;

3. The luggage tag as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first member and said second member are metal and are pivotally connected so as to permit the recess in the first member to be exposed when pivoting the members from a first position in which they overlie each other to a second open position;

4. The luggage tag of claim 1 further including: an engraved plate with self-adhesive backing having a periphery substantially identical to the periphery of said recess; and securement means for securing said engraved plate within the recess in the luggage tag.