The invention relates to X-ray bins, and more specifically, to an apparatus for displaying an advertisement in an airport x-ray bin.
The security of airline terminals is an issue of increasing importance. One method of increasing security is to have airport personnel screen travelers entering the airport terminal. During the screening, the travelers pass through a magnetometer, commonly known as a metal detector. Security personnel simultaneously screen the carry-on possessions of the travelers utilizing an x-ray machine. To speed up the scanning process, a conveyer belt is used in tandem with the x-ray machine. Plastic bins are typically used to contain the possessions of the travelers while the conveyer belt carries the possessions through the x-ray machine. The bins provide protection and containment of the possessions. The bins are typically utilitarian, having little to no decorative features.
The screening process takes several minutes for each traveler. The traveler removes objects in his or her pockets. The traveler then places all carry-on items into the bin, and place the bin on the conveyer belt. The conveyer belt then carries the bin into the x-ray machine, when the contents of the bin are scanned. At the same time, the traveler walks through the magnetometer. Assuming that no metal is detected, and no suspicious materials are observed by the x-ray operator, the traveler collects the possessions from the bin. At this point, the traveler is free to proceed to the gate for departure.
This process is sufficiently slow that lines of travelers form while awaiting screening. The travelers typically wait in line for several minutes with little to view during their wait. A productive use of the time the travelers spend waiting and being screened has not been realized.
The bins are typically constructed of hard plastic. While the bins contain the possessions and protect the possessions from the conveyer belt and x-ray machine, the bins do not prevent the contents from being damaged when a traveler places the possessions into the bin or when the possessions rattle against the bin during use. Therefore, an apparatus to protect the possessions when they are being placed into the bin, and while they are in the bin is desired.
The present invention is defined by the following claims. The description summarized some aspects of the presently preferred embodiments and should not be used to limit the claims.
In one embodiment, an apparatus for displaying an advertisement or message is disclosed. The apparatus includes a substantially flat bottom wall and at least one side wall attached to the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the at least one side wall defines a portable container space. The apparatus also includes a surface layer for an advertisement or message. The surface layer is mounted atop said bottom wall within said container space by various structures.
In another embodiment, an apparatus for displaying an advertisement or message includes an airport x-ray bin having a bottom wall, a mat attached to said bottom wall by an adhesive, and an imageable layer operatively mounted on said mat.
In a third embodiment, an apparatus for displaying an advertisement or message includes a portable bin having a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls, a means for displaying an advertisement or message within said bin, and a means for operatively attaching said means for displaying an advertisement or message to at least one of said walls.
The presently preferred embodiment provides a new advertising space at airports and other locations utilizing security x-ray machines. The space is located within new or existing security x-ray bins. An advertising surface layer is interchangeably affixed to the bins. The advertising is viewed by numerous viewers during a typical day by making use of a utilitarian space that is present in a high traffic area and is presently not used.
Preferably, the bin 10 is open and lidless The bin 10 has interior dimensions that allow laptop computers, of any size, to lay flat on the bottom. The bin 10 is preferably made of a thick plastic. A thick plastic bin 10 provides a lightweight yet durable container. Furthermore, the bin 10 is preferably a shape that allows multiple bins 10 to be nestable. More specifically, the inwardly angled side walls 12 and end walls 14 allow one bin 10 to fit into another bin 10. As is well known to travelers, some bins are sufficiently large so that a suitcase or all manner of carry-on luggage containers will fit into the bin.
In the preferred embodiment, an apparatus displays an advertisement or message 24 within a bin 10, as shown in
In one embodiment, as shown in
Preferably, the first layer 28 serves as the surface for the advertisement or message 24. The advertisement or message 24 can be placed on the first layer 28 by any method known in the art, such as printing, silk-screening, painting, or other known methods.
As shown in
In yet another embodiment, as shown in
In an alternate embodiment, as shown in
Referring to
In this embodiment, a heavy gauge paper stock 48 or other portable, flat, printable surface serves as the surface for the advertisement or message 24. The heavy gauge paper stock 48 is located between the base 36 and the cover 38.
To insert the advertisement or message 24 into the bin 10, the heavy gauge paper stock 48 is placed into the base 36. The cover 38 is then mounted to the base 36 by inserting the tabs 42 into the slots 40. When pressure is applied to the cover 38, the cam surface 44 bends inward until the entire tab 42 is in the slot 40. At this point, the shoulder projection 46 engages the lower edge of the slot 40. Thereby affixing the cover 38 to the base. To remove or replace the advertisement or message 24, the cover 38 must be removed. To remove the cover 38, the side walls 12 are pressed inward, thereby forcing the tabs 42 inward. When the tabs 42 move sufficiently inward, the shoulder projections 46 disengage the bottom edges of the slots 40. This movement allows the tabs 42 to travel through the slots 40, and the cover 38 to be removed.
In another embodiment, as shown in
In yet another embodiment, as shown in
Presently, the sleeve 54 is affixed to the bottom wall 16 by an adhesive. In one embodiment, the sleeve 54 is affixed to the bottom wall 16 at only the closed end 58, allowing the open end 60 to bend in an upward direction.
In an alternate embodiment, the sleeve 54 is rigid and can be secured at the closed end 58 by brackets 62, thereby allowing the sleeve 54 to pivot. Preferably, tabs, similar to those disclosed in
In these embodiments, the open end is either bent or pivoted upward, and the heavy gauge paper stock 48 is inserted into the open end, with the message or advertisement 24 facing upward. The open end 60 is then returned to its original position, and the bin 10 is ready to use.
In another embodiment, the sleeve 54 is secured to the bottom wall 16 at both the closed end 58 and the open end 60 by a semi-permanent adhesive. In this embodiment, the sleeve 54 is detached from the bottom wall 16 of the bin 10. The heavy gauge paper stock 48 is inserted into the open end 60 of the sleeve. The sleeve 54 is then attached to the bottom wall 16 of the bin 10 with the adhesive.
Generally, the material used in the discussed embodiments must not interfere with the functionality of the X-ray machine. More specifically, the preferred materials utilized in the bins must have a negligible signature in an x-ray image. As discussed in the previous paragraphs, a preferred material is plastic.
Furthermore, existing security x-ray bins can be retrofitted with an apparatus to display advertisements and messages. For examples, existing bins can utilize embodiments utilizing adhesives with no modifications to the bin. Existing bins can also utilize embodiments that attach to the bin by tabs by creating slots in the bin. The slots can be created by drilling or cutting holes into the bottom wall of the bin. Similar, holes may be added to the existing bins to utilize embodiments that are attached by plastic screws or clips.
It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/656,613, filed on Feb. 25, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60656613 | Feb 2005 | US |