IDENTIFICATION TAG FOR LUGGAGE ARTICLE

Abstract

 A luggage tag (100) may include a rear frame (104), a front frame (102) pivotably connected to the rear frame and rotatable about a pivot axis (P) between first and second positions relative to the rear frame, and a securement element (220) defining a side opening (222). When the front frame is oriented in the first position, a dimension of the side opening may be reduced to limit removal of the luggage tag from a securement member. When the front frame is oriented in the second position, the dimension of the side opening may be increased to allow removal of the luggage tag from the securement member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to identification tags, and more specifically to identification tags for a luggage article.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Identification tags are known in the art. Some traditional identification tag arrangements are permanently secured to, or at least difficult to remove from, the attached article or device. Other traditional identification tag arrangements also cannot be personalized or customized based on user preference. Some traditional identification tag arrangements also require separate elements to attach the identification tag to an article or device.

[0003] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved luggage tag that addresses one or all of the above described problems and/or which more generally offers improvements or an alternative to existing arrangements.

[0004] Documents that may be related to the present disclosure include DE202011108235U1, GB1527263A, US3961431A, US4266354A, US5125505A, US5522163A, US6230879B1, US6671987B1, US6799389B2, US7347325B2, US7874087B2, US7882650B2, US8172270B2, US20090314595A1, US20090084012A1, and WO0219300A2.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a luggage tag, as described below and defined in the accompanying claims. The luggage tag includes a front frame pivotably connected to a rear frame and a securement element defining a side opening. By pivoting the front frame away from the rear frame, the side opening is uncovered to allow the luggage tag to be secured to an article or device, such as fitted onto a loop attachment of a strap. Pivoting movement of the front frame away from the rear frame may also open up a cavity for receiving an identification element or patch therein. The front frame can then be pivoted closed to close the side opening and secure the luggage tag to the device or article. The front frame may be pivotably mounted to the rear frame about a pivot axis extending parallel to the securement element and side opening. In some examples, the front frame may slide laterally relative to the rear frame, such as against a spring. In such examples, the front frame may be pivoted away from the rear only after first sliding the front frame relative to the rear frame. The front and rear frames may be releasably fixed together, such as by magnets or a spring.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a luggage tag. The luggage tag may include a rear frame, a front frame pivotably connected to the rear frame and rotatable about a pivot axis between first and second positions relative to the rear frame, and a securement element defining a side opening. When the front frame is oriented in the first position, a dimension of the side opening may be reduced to limit removal of the luggage tag from a securement member. When the front frame is oriented in the second position, the dimension of the side opening may be increased to allow removal of the luggage tag from the securement member. In one example, the securement element may have the shape of a hook.

[0007] Optionally, a cavity may be defined between the front and rear frames, in which to receive an identification element. When the front frame is positioned in the first position, the identification element may be retained in the cavity. When the front frame is positioned in the second position, the identification element may be removable from the cavity. The front frame may include an opening through which the identification element is visible at least when the front frame is positioned in the first position.

[0008] Optionally, the front frame may be releasably fixed in the first position. The front frame may be releasably fixed in the first position by a magnet or a spring.

[0009] Optionally, the securement element may be defined as part of the front frame. The securement element may include an end portion defining the side opening. The rear frame may include a protrusion that cooperates with the end portion of the securement element to selectively close the side opening when the front frame is positioned in the first position. The protrusion of the rear frame may engage the end portion of the securement element when the front frame is positioned in the first position.

[0010] Optionally, the securement element may extend adjacent to the tops of the front and rear frames. The securement element may extend a width direction of the luggage tag between left and right sides of the luggage tag. The securement element may extend the entire width of the top of the luggage tag between left and right sides of the luggage tag.

[0011] Optionally, the securement element may extend parallel to the pivot axis.

[0012] Optionally, the front frame may be pivotably connected to the rear frame by a pivot pin. The front frame may slide laterally along the pivot pin and relative to the rear frame between first and second lateral positions. In the first lateral position, the front frame may be limited from rotating to the second position. In the second lateral position, the front frame is free to rotate from the first position to the second position. The luggage tag may include a spring biasing the front frame to the first lateral position. When the front frame is positioned in the second lateral position and the second position, the front frame may be limited from moving to the first lateral position.

[0013] Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure. One of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components are not drawn to scale, which are presented as various examples of the present disclosure and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the disclosure, characterized in that:

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a luggage tag according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the luggage tag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top front exploded view of the luggage tag according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a bottom rear exploded view of the luggage tag according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a rear frame of the luggage tag of FIG. 1 according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a front frame of the luggage tag of FIG. 1 according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the luggage tag and showing the front frame slid laterally along the rear frame according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the luggage tag and showing the front frame rotated away from the rear frame according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the luggage tag and showing the front frame in a first lateral position according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the luggage tag and showing the front frame in a second lateral position according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the luggage tag connected to a strap according to some examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an additional luggage tag according to some examples of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the luggage tag of FIG. 12 and showing the front frame rotated away from the rear frame according to some examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a luggage tag is provided that is configured to be releasably secured to an article or device. The luggage tag includes front and rear frames, with the front frame moving relative to a rear frame. By moving the front frame relative to the rear frame, an opening is created to allow the luggage tag to be secured to an article or device, such as fitted onto a loop attachment of a strap. Pivoting movement of the front frame away from the rear frame may also open up a cavity for receiving an identification element or patch therein. The front frame can then pivot closed, and optionally slide laterally back, to close the opening and secure the identification element and luggage tag to the device or article. The luggage tag may include a securement element with the opening on one side. The front frame may be pivotably mounted to the rear frame about a pivot axis extending parallel to the securement element and opening. The front and rear frames may be releasably fixed together, such as by magnets or a spring in one example. Optionally, [add pivot here] the front frame may slide laterally relative to the rear frame and against a spring.

[0016] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an exemplary luggage tag 100 according to some examples of the present disclosure. The luggage tag 100 includes a front frame 102 and a rear frame 104 movably connected together. As described herein, the front and rear frames 102, 104, which may be referred to as first and second frames, respectively, are selectively positioned relative to each other to secure the luggage tag 100 to a device or article, such as to a luggage case, a backpack, a duffle bag, or a purse, among others. For example, the front and rear frames 102, 104 may be movable between open and closed configurations. In the open configuration, the front and rear frames 102, 104 may be positioned relative to each other to allow attachment of the luggage tag 100 to a device or article, as explained in detail below. In the closed configuration, the front and rear frames 102, 104 may be positioned relative to each other to limit removal of the luggage tag 100 from the device. In some examples, in the closed configuration, the front and rear frames 102, 104 may be positioned relative to each other to control attachment of the luggage tag 100 to a device. Depending on the particular application, the movement of the front frame 102 relative to the rear frame 104 between the open and closed configurations may be a single movement or a compound movement. For example, as explained below, movement between the open and closed configurations may be a compound motion. In particular, the front frame 102 may undergo two or more motions relative to the rear frame 104 in moving between the open and closed configurations. In some examples, the front frame 102 may undergo a single motion relative to the rear frame 104 in moving between the open and closed configurations.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the rear frame 104 may include many configurations. For instance, the rear frame 104 may include a body 120 with opposing front and rear surfaces 122, 124. The body 120 may be defined by opposing top and bottom edges 130, 132 and opposing left and right edges 134, 136. The top, bottom, left, and right edges 130, 132, 134, 136 may be linear or curve along their respective lengths. For instance, the top, left, and right edges 130, 134, 136 may be generally linear, with the bottom edge 132 curving along its length. In some examples, the rear frame 104 may include a recess 150 defined in the front surface 122, such as between the top, bottom, left, and right edges 130, 132, 134, 136. The recess 150 may be defined by a perimeter wall 152 extending adjacent to the top, bottom, left, and right edges 130, 132, 134, 136 of the body 120. At least portions of the perimeter wall 152 may extend parallel to an edge of the body 120. For instance, the perimeter wall 152 may extend parallel to at least the left and right edges 134, 136 of the body 120, parallel to the top, left, and right edges 130, 134, 136 of the body 120, parallel to the top, bottom, left, and right edges 130, 132, 134, 136 of the body 120, or otherwise.

[0018] With continued reference to FIGS. 2-4, the rear frame 104 may include an engagement structure 160 extending from the body 120. Depending on the particular application, the engagement structure 160 may extend from, or at least partially define, the top edge 130 of the body 120. In one example, the engagement structure 160 may extend from the top edge 130 adjacent to or at the intersection between the top edge 130 and a side edge (e.g., the right edge 136) of the body 120. As explained below, the engagement structure 160 of the rear frame 104 may be shaped to define various relative positions of the front and rear frames 102, 104. For instance, the engagement structure 160 may include a first element 164 at the top edge 130 of the body 120. The first element 164 may include first, second, and third surfaces 170, 172, 174. The first surface 170, which may be referred to as a front surface, may extend coextensively with or parallel to the front surface 122 of the body 120. The second surface 172, which may be referred to as a side surface, may be orthogonal to the first surface 170 and extend perpendicular to the front surface 122 of the body 120. The third surface 174, which may be referred to as a top surface, may be orthogonal to the first and second surfaces 170, 172 and extend parallel to the top of the body 120.

[0019] In some examples, whether in addition to or as an alternative to the first element 164, the engagement structure 160 may include a protrusion 180. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the protrusion 180, which may be referred to as a post or column, may extend from the first element 164, such as from the third surface 174 of the first element 164. Depending on the particular application, the first element 164 and/or the protrusion 180 may be positioned at an edge of the body 120 such that the first element 164 and/or the protrusion 180 define a continuous side edge of the rear frame 104. As one example, at least portions of the first element 164 and/or the protrusion 180 may be positioned to define a continuous right edge 136 of the rear frame 104. As described more fully below, the first element 164 may limit relative movement between the front and rear frames 102, 104. In some examples, the first element 164 may at least partially define the relative movement between the front and rear frames 102, 104. As also more fully described below, the protrusion 180 may cooperate with at least a portion of the front frame 102 to define the closed configuration of the luggage tag 100.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the front frame 102 may include many configurations. Like the rear frame 104, the front frame 102 may include a body 190 with opposing front and rear surfaces 192, 194. The body 190 may be defined by opposing top and bottom edges 200, 202 and opposing left and right edges 204, 206. Like the rear frame 104, the top, bottom, left, and right edges 200, 202, 204, 206 may be linear or curve along their respective lengths. For instance, the top, left, and right edges 200, 204, 206 of the front frame 102 may be generally linear, with the bottom edge 202 curving along its length. In some examples, the front frame 102 may include an opening 210 defined through the body 190, such as framed by the top, bottom, left, and right edges 200, 202, 204, 206. Like the rear frame 104, the front frame 102 may include an engagement structure 216 extending from the body 190. The engagement structure 216 of the front frame 102 may couple with the engagement structure 160 of the rear frame 104 to secure the front and rear frames 102, 104 together and/or define at least one of the open and closed configurations of the luggage tag 100. Depending on the particular application, the engagement structure 216 of the front frame 102 may extend from, or at least partially define, the top edge 200 of the body 190. In one example, the engagement structure 216 may extend from the top edge 200 adjacent to or at the intersection between the top edge 200 and a side edge (e.g., the left edge 204) of the body 190.

[0021] In one example, the engagement structure 216 of the front frame 102 may include a securement element 220 defining a side opening 222 between the securement element 220 and another portion of the luggage tag 100. The securement element 220 may include many configurations suitable to secure the luggage tag 100 to an article or device. As one example, the securement element 220 may include a first portion 228, a shank 230 extending from the first portion 228, and an end portion 232 extending from the shank 230. In such examples, the side opening 222 may be defined between the end portion 232 and the top edge 200 of the body 190. The first portion 228 may be connected to the body 190, such as to the top edge 200 of the body 190. At least a portion of the shank 230 may be spaced from the top edge 200 of the body 190 to define a gap 234 therebetween. Depending on the particular application, the shank 230 may be linear or curve along its length. In some examples, the shank 230 may include curved and linear portions to provide a desired shape to the securement element 220 and/or to the gap 234. In some examples, at least a portion of the shank 230, such as a mid-portion, may extend generally parallel to the top edge 200 of the body 190. As shown, the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 may extend from a distal portion of the shank 230. In one example, the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 may extend towards the body 190, such as towards the top edge 200 of the body 190. In this manner, the securement element 220 may extend from the top edge 200 of the body 190, in a spaced relationship with the top edge 200 of the body 190, and back towards the top edge 200, such as defining a general hook shape, though other shapes are contemplated.

[0022] With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 may define the side opening 222 in combination with the body 190 of the front frame 102. For instance, the side opening 222 may be defined between the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 and the top edge 200 of the body 190. In such examples, the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 may cooperate with the protrusion 180 of the rear frame 104 to selectively close the side opening 222, such as shown in FIG. 1. For instance, the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 may at least partially engage the protrusion 180 to close the side opening 222. In one example, the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 may abut the protrusion 180 to close the side opening 222. As shown, the end portion 232 may include a stepped profile that mates with a corresponding stepped profile of the protrusion 180. In some examples, at least a portion of the protrusion 180 may be received within a recess defined on the end portion 232 of the securement element 220, or vice versa. In this manner, the complementary shapes of the end portion 232 and the protrusion 180 may limit movement of the end portion 232 relative to the protrusion 180. For instance, as described more fully below, the complementary shapes of the end portion 232 and the protrusion 180 may limit rotation of the front frame 102 away from the rear frame 104 absent a first lateral or axial movement of the end portion 232 away from the protrusion 180. In this manner, the complementary shapes of the end portion 232 and the protrusion 180 may create a first locking engagement

[0023] As described herein, movement of the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 away from the protrusion 180 may selectively uncover or otherwise open the side opening 222. As explained below, when the side opening 222 is uncovered, the securement element 220 may selectively engage a device or article to secure the luggage tag 100 thereto. For example, as explained below, a strap or other securing device may be received within the side opening 222 and the gap 234, and secured to the shank 230 of the securement element 220. Depending on the particular application, the securement element 220 may be a top hook extending a width dimension of the luggage tag 100. For instance, the securement element 220 may extend the entire width dimension between the left and right edges 204, 206 or partly between the left and right edges 204, 206 along the top of the luggage tag 100.

[0024] In some examples, the engagement structure 216 of the front frame 102 may include a wall 250 defining a recess 252. The wall 250 may be defined along the top edge 200 of the body 190 between the left and right edges 204, 206 of the body 190. In one example, the wall 250 may be defined by first and second wall portions 254, 256. The first wall portion 254 may at least partially define the front surface 192 of the front frame 102. For example, the first wall portion 254 may include an outer surface extending coextensively with at least a portion of the front surface 192 of the front frame 102. The second wall portion 256 may extend rearwardly from the first wall portion 254. The second wall portion 256 may at least partially define the rear surface 194 of the front frame 102. For instance, the second wall portion 256 may include an outer surface extending coextensively with at least a portion of the rear surface 194 of the front frame 102. In some examples, the second wall portion 256 may extend more rearwardly than the rear surface 194 of the front frame 102.

[0025] The first and second wall portions 254, 256 may include a respective width dimension between the left and right edges 204, 206 of the front frame 102. Depending on the particular application, the width dimensions of the first and second wall portions 254, 256 may be similar or differ. For example, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the width dimension of the first wall portion 254 may be greater than the width dimension of the second wall portion 256. In one example, the first wall portion 254 may extend the entire width between the left and right edges 204, 206. The width dimension of the second wall portion 256 may be less than the width between the left and right edges 204, 206. In some examples, both the first and second wall portions 254, 256 may extend from the left edge 204 of the front frame 102.

[0026] In such examples, the differing width dimensions of the first and second wall portions 254, 256 may define the recess 252. For instance, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the recess 252 may be defined at least partially by the first wall portion 254, the second wall portion 256, and the top edge 200 of the body 190. As explained more fully below, the recess 252 of the front frame 102 may receive the first element 164 of the rear frame 104. For instance, receipt of the first element 164 within the recess 252 may define the closed configuration of the luggage tag 100. In such examples, movement of the first element 164 out of the recess 252 may allow the luggage tag 100 to move to its open configuration. In some examples, the wall of the front frame 102 may engage the first element 164 of the rear frame 104 in a plurality of engagements to define a plurality of positions of the front frame 102 relative to the rear frame 104, as explained below.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the front and rear frames 102, 104 may be sized and shaped complementary to each other. For instance, the body 190 of the front frame 102 and the body 120 of the rear frame 104 may be sized similar to each other such that when the luggage tag 100 is closed, the edges of the front and rear frames 102, 104 are in alignment. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom edge 202 of the front frame 102 may be aligned with the bottom edge 132 of the rear frame 104 to define a generally smooth and uninterrupted bottom when the luggage tag 100 is closed. The top, left, and right edges of the front and rear frames 102, 104 may be in similar alignment when the luggage tag 100 is closed.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the luggage tag 100 may include features facilitating personalization or identification of the luggage tag 100. For instance, the luggage tag 100 may include an identification element 270. The identification element 270 may be secured to at least one of the front and rear frames 102, 104. In one example, the identification element 270 may be secured between the front and rear frames 102,104. In such examples, the luggage tag 100 may include a cavity 272 defined between the front and rear frames 102, 104 in which to receive the identification element 270. The cavity 272 may be defined at least in part by the recess 150 defined in the front surface 122 of the rear frame 104. In such examples, the identification element 270 may be received at least partially in the recess 150 defined in the rear frame 104. The identification element 270 may be retained in the cavity 272 when the luggage tag 100 is closed. When the luggage tag 100 is opened, the identification element 270 may be removed from the cavity 272. As shown in FIG. 1, the identification element 270 may be visible through the opening 210 defined in the front frame 102 when the luggage tag 100 is closed. In other examples, however, the opening 210 of the front frame 102 may be eliminated such that the identification element 270 is visible only when the luggage tag 100 is opened. Also, the opening 210 may, in one example, be interpreted to include a clear panel, such as plastic, which creates a visual opening through which the identification element 270 is visible.

[0029] The identification element 270 may be any element configured to provide a visual indication to a user. For instance, the identification element 270 may be a patch formed from leather, nylon, canvas, polyester, or other material. The identification element 270 may include indicia facilitating user identification thereof. For example, the identification element 270 may include lettering, symbols, color schemes, or any combination thereof providing a unique and distinguishable feature to facilitate user identification. Depending on the particular application, the luggage tag 100 may include a plurality of interchangeable identification elements. For example, multiple identification elements may be provided with the luggage tag 100 in a kit. Additionally or alternatively, the user may obtain one or more additional identification elements to satisfy user preference. In such examples, a first identification element may be removed from the luggage tag 100 and replaced with a second identification element.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rear frame 104. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the front frame 102. FIG. 8 is an isometric view showing the front frame 102 rotated away from the rear frame 104. Referring to FIG. 8, the movement of the front frame 102 relative to the rear frame 104 is by, in this example, a pivoting movement. The front frame 102 may be pivotably connected to the rear frame 104 at a pivot axis P. In such examples, the front frame 102 may be rotatable about the pivot axis P between first and second positions relative to the rear frame 104. The first and second positions may define the closed and open configurations of the luggage tag 100, respectively. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1, when the front frame 102 is oriented in the first position relative to the rear frame 104, the luggage tag 100 may be closed. With continued reference to FIG. 1, when the front frame 102 is oriented in the first position, a dimension of the side opening 222 may be reduced to restrict removal of the luggage tag 100 from an device or article. For example, orienting the front frame 102 in the first position relative to the rear frame 104 may position the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 closely adjacent to, or in engagement with, the protrusion 180.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 8, when the front frame 102 is oriented in the second position relative to the rear frame 104, the luggage tag 100 may be opened. For example, when the front frame 102 is oriented in the second position, a dimension of the side opening 222 may be increased to allow removal of the luggage tag 100 from a device or article. In one example, orienting the front frame 102 in the second position relative to the rear frame 104 may disengage the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 from the protrusion 180. Additionally or alternatively, orienting the front frame 102 in the second position relative to the rear frame 104 may move the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 away from the protrusion 180 to define a space therebetween.

[0032] The pivot axis P may be defined in many ways. As one example, the pivot axis P may be defined by a hinge. The hinge may include many configurations arranged to allow selective positioning, such as in one example by rotation about the pivot axis P, of the front frame 102 relative to the second frame from fully closed to fully open. For example, the hinge may include any number or combination of a fabric strip, a strip of rubber, a piano hinge, a living hinge, spaced-apart discrete hinges, an articulating joint made of elastomeric material, or other suitable structures that allow relative movement between the front and rear frames 102, 104.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pivot axis P may be defined by a pivot pin 280 pivotably connecting the front frame 102 to the rear frame 104. The pivot pin 280 may be connected to the luggage tag 100 in many configurations. As one example, the pivot pin 280 may include a shaft 282 and an engagement portion 284 extending from a distal end of the shaft 282. The engagement portion 284 of the pivot pin 280 may be connected to the first element 164 of the rear frame 104. For instance, the engagement portion 284 of the pivot pin 280 may be received within a bore 290 defined at least partially through the first element 164 (see FIGS. 3 and 9). In some examples, the engagement portion 284 of the pivot pin 280 and/or the bore 290 within the first element 164 may be configured to limit rotation of the pivot pin 280 relative to the rear frame 104. For example, the engagement portion 284 of the pivot pin 280 may include a noncircular cross-section, such as rectangular, square, polygonal, or otherwise. In such examples, the bore 290 within the first element 164 may include a complementary cross-sectional shape to limit rotation of the engagement portion 284 therein. The engagement portion 284 of the pivot pin 280 may be releasably or fixedly secured within the bore 290 of the first element 164, such as by adhesive, heat or sonic welding, fasteners, corresponding retention features, interference fit, or the like. In one example, the end of the engagement portion 284 may be enlarged to engage a stepped or enlarging bore 290, such as by swaging or flaring the end of the engagement portion 284 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). In some examples, the engagement portion 284 of the pivot pin 280 may threadingly engage the first element 164 of the rear frame 104.

[0034] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a proximal end of the pivot pin 280 may be supported by a bearing structure of the rear frame 104. As shown, the bearing structure may be defined by a boss 300 extending from the top edge 130 of the rear frame 104. The boss 300 may define a bearing surface 302. In such examples, the shaft 282 of the pivot pin 280 may be rotatably received within the boss 300 and annularly supported by the bearing surface 302. In this manner, the pivot pin 280 may be supported to limit movement of the pivot pin 280 relative to the rear frame 104. As shown, the securement element 220 may extend parallel to the pivot axis P defined by the pivot pin 280.

[0035] To pivotably connect the front and rear frames 102, 104 together, the pivot pin 280 may be connected to the wall 250 of the front frame 102. For example, as best shown in FIG. 8, the second wall portion 256 of the front frame 102 may include a bore 310 defined therein to at least partially receive the pivot pin 280. As shown, the bore 310 may extend through the second wall portion 256 from the left edge 204 of the front frame 102 towards the right edge 206. Referring to FIG. 4, the bore 310 may be open to the bottom edge 202 such that the second wall portion 256 includes a slide wall 320 defining a slot 322 between the slide wall 320 and the body 190 of the front frame 102. The second wall portion 256 may also include an abutment wall 330 at least partially defining the recess 252. In such examples, the second wall portion 256 may include a rear opening 340 defined between the slide wall 320 and the abutment wall 330. In such examples, the pivot pin 280 may extend through the slot 322, through the rear opening 340, and through the abutment wall 330 to be connected to the first element 164 of the rear frame 104. As explained below, the slot 322, rear opening 340, and abutment wall 330 may define a keyed structure with the boss 300 of the rear frame 104 to define and limit movement of the front frame 102 relative to the rear frame 104.

[0036] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the luggage tag 100 showing the front frame 102 slid laterally along the rear frame 104. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the luggage tag 100 and showing the front frame 102 in a first lateral position relative to the rear frame 104. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the luggage tag 100 and showing the front frame 102 in a second lateral position relative to the rear frame 104. Referring to FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, the movement of the front frame 102 relative to the rear frame 104 is by, in this example, a lateral manner of movement. In one example, the front frame 102 may slide laterally along the pivot pin 280 and relative to the rear frame 104 between first and second lateral positions. The first and second lateral positions may be defined by the position of the front frame 102 relative to a side edge of the rear frame 104. For instance, in the first lateral position, the edges of the front frame 102 may be generally aligned with the edges of the rear frame 104. In the first lateral position, at least a portion of the engagement structure 160 of the rear frame 104, such as at least a portion of first element 164, may be positioned between the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 and the body 190 of the front frame 102 to close, fill, or otherwise cover the side opening 222. In the second lateral position, the front frame 102 may be moved out of alignment with the rear frame 104, such as moved away from the right edge 136 of the rear frame 104, though other configurations are contemplated. In the second lateral position, at least a portion of the engagement structure 160 of the rear frame 104, such as the first element 164, may be extracted or otherwise removed from between the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 and the body 190 of the front frame 102 to open or otherwise uncover the side opening 222.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, in the first lateral position, the front frame 102 may be limited from rotating to its second position relative to the rear frame 104. For example, when the front frame 102 is in the first lateral position, at least a portion of the boss 300 of the rear frame 104 may be positioned within the slot 322 and between the slide wall 320 and the body 190 of the front frame 102. In this position, the boss 300 may engage the slide wall 320 and/or the body 190 of the front frame 102 to limit rotation of the front frame 102 about the pivot axis P. In some examples, rotation of the front frame 102 about the pivot axis P may be further limited by receipt of the first element 164 within the recess 252 when the front frame 102 is positioned in its first lateral position. For instance, the first element 164 may engage the first wall portion 254, such as the first surface 170 of the first element 164 engaging a surface of the first wall portion 254, to limit rotation of the front frame 102 about the pivot axis P.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, the engagement between the end portion 232 of the securement element 220 and the protrusion 180 limit rotation of the front frame 102 about the pivot axis P. In these and other examples, rotation of the front frame 102 about the pivot axis P may be effectuated only after the front frame 102 is positioned in its second lateral position. In other words, the front frame 102 may rotate away from the rear frame 104 to open the cavity 272 and/or uncover the slide opening 222 only after the front frame 102 is slid laterally relative to the rear frame 104 to the second lateral position. In this manner, the front frame 102 may undergo two motions relative to the rear frame 104 to open the luggage tag 100 - a first lateral motion relative to the rear frame 104 and a second pivoting motion relative to the rear frame 104.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in the second lateral position, the front frame 102 may be free to rotate about the pivot pin 280 from its first position to its second position relative to the rear frame 104. For instance, movement of the front frame 102 relative to the rear frame 104 from the first lateral position to the second lateral position may slide the boss 300 of the rear frame 104 along the slot 322 until the boss 300 is received in the rear opening 340 of the front frame 102. In some examples, the front frame 102 may slide relative to the rear frame 104 until the boss 300 of the rear frame 104 engages the abutment wall 330 of the front frame 102 to define the second lateral position of the front frame 102. Once the boss 300 of the rear frame 104 is received in the rear opening 340 of the front frame 102, the front frame 102 may be rotated away from the rear frame 104 to the second position. Once the front frame 102 is rotated away from the rear frame 104 to the second position, the front frame 102 may be limited from moving to the first lateral position. For example, once the front frame 102 is rotated away from the rear frame 104 to the second position, the boss 300 of the rear frame 104 may engage the slide wall 320 of the front frame 102 to limit movement of the front frame 102 towards the first lateral position.

[0040] In some examples, movement of the front frame 102 relative to the rear frame 104 from the first lateral position to the second lateral position may move the first element 164 of the rear frame 104 out of the recess 252 of the front frame 102. Once the first element 164 is removed from the recess 252, the front frame 102 may be rotated away from the rear frame 104 to the second position. The front and rear frames 102, 104 may be sized and shaped to coordinate the timing of the boss 300 of the rear frame 104 being positioned within the rear opening 340 of the front frame 102 at or about the same time the first element 164 is removed from the recess 252. Once the front frame 102 is rotated away from the rear frame 104 to the second position, the first element 164 of the rear frame 104 and first wall portion 254 of the front frame 102 may further limit movement of the front frame 102 to the first lateral position. For example, once the front frame 102 is rotated away from the rear frame 104 to the second position, the first wall portion 254 may engage the second surface 172 of the first element 164 to limit movement of the front frame 102 towards the first lateral position.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 9, and 10, the front frame 102 may be biased to the first lateral position to close and/or maintain the luggage tag 100 in a desired position. For example, the luggage tag 100 may include a spring 350 biasing the front frame 102 from the second lateral position to the first lateral position. In one example, the spring 350 may be positioned between the boss 300 of the rear frame 104 and the abutment wall 330 of the front frame 102. In some examples, the spring 350 may be received at least partially within the bore 310 defined through the abutment wall 330 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0042] In such examples, movement of the front frame 102 to the second lateral position may compress the spring 350 between the boss 300 and the abutment wall 330, such as shown in FIG. 10. Depending on the particular application, the spring 350 may be received about the pivot pin 280. For instance, the spring 350 may annularly surround the shaft 282 of the pivot pin 280 within the bore 310 of the second wall portion 256 of the front frame 102. In some examples, the luggage tag 100 may include a collar or spacer 352 positioned between the spring 350 and the boss 300. In such examples, the spacer 352 may be positioned at least partially within the rear opening 340 when the luggage tag 100 is closed. Though shown as including a spring for biasing the lateral sliding movement of the front frame 102 to the first lateral position, the spring 350 is an optional feature and may be eliminated. In such examples, the spring 350 may be replaced with a simple screw securement fastening the front frame 102 in the first lateral position.

[0043] In addition to biasing the front frame 102 to the first lateral position, the spring 350 may limit movement of the front frame 102 from its second position to its first position. For instance, once the front frame 102 is rotated to the second position, the spring 350 may bias the boss 300 of the rear frame 104 against the slide wall 320 of the front frame 102 and/or the first wall portion 254 of the front frame 102 against the second surface 172 of the first element 164. In such examples, the friction created between the boss 300 of the rear frame 104 and the slide wall 320 of the front frame 102, and/or the first wall portion 254 of the front frame 102 and the second surface 172 of the first element 164, may allow the front frame 102 to remain in the second position absent a force moving the front frame 102 to the first position. Such configurations may facilitate interchanging, removal, and/or insertion of the identification element 270, among others.

[0044] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the luggage tag 100 connected to an exemplary securement member 360. The securement member 360 may be any element operable to secure the luggage tag 100 to a luggage article or other device. For instance, the securement member 360 may be a strap, a loop, a cord, or webbing, among others, attached or attachable to a device. The securement member 360 may be an element formed as part of the device or may be a separate element connectable with the device. For example, the securement member 360 may be formed integrally with the device, stitched to the device, or the like. In other examples, the securement member 360 may include an attachment portion 362 connectable with the device, such as by corresponding retention features, tying, looping, or the like. As shown in FIG. 11, the luggage tag 100 may be secured to the securement member 360. For instance, the securement member 360 may define a loop 368. The securement element 220 may be received within the loop 368 to secure the luggage tag 100 to the securement member 360.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the luggage tag 100 may include other features for convenience. For instance, the front frame 102 may be releasably fixed in the first position. As one example, the front frame 102 may be releasably fixed in the first position by one or more magnets 380. In such examples, each of the front and rear frames 102, 104 may include a magnet 380, such as positioned along the bottom of the luggage tag 100 adjacent to the bottom edges 132, 202 of the frames. Alternatively, one of the front and rear frames 102, 104 (e.g., the front frame 102) may include a magnet 380 that creates a magnetic pull between the magnet 380 and the other frame formed at least partially from ferromagnetic material. Additionally or alternatively, the front frame 102 may be releasably fixed in the first position by a biasing element, such as by the spring 350. The magnets 380 and biasing element described above are optional features and may be replaced by screws or other means for holding the front frame 102 closed in the first position.

[0046] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an additional luggage tag 600. Except as otherwise described below, the luggage tag 600 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be similar to the luggage tag 100 described above. As such, descriptions of like features are not repeated here, as they would be apparent to one skilled in the art in light of the description above. Additionally, the features described below may be incorporated into the luggage tag 100 described above.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, lateral movement of the front frame 102 relative to the rear frame 104 may be eliminated. For instance, the engagement structures 160, 216 of the front and rear frames 102, 104 may be such that the front frame 102 may be rotated between the first and second positions without sliding movement of the front frame 102 relative to the rear frame 104.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the securement element 220 may be defined as part of the rear frame 104. In such examples, the protrusion 180 may extend from the top edge 200 of the front frame 102 to selectively engage the securement element 220 and close the side opening 222. In one example, a portion of the front frame 102 may engage the rear frame 104 to define the second position of the front frame 102 relative to the rear frame 104. For instance, at least a portion of the top edge 200 of the front frame 102 may engage a portion of the securement element 220 to define the second position of the front frame 102 (see FIG. 13). In such examples, the front frame 102 may be rotated away from the rear frame 104 until the top edge 200 of the front frame 102 engages the securement element 220 of the rear frame 104.

[0049] The luggage tag 100 or 600 may be formed from a variety of materials and means. For example, the front and rear frames 102, 104 may be formed from a thermoplastic material (self-reinforced or fiber reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PTFE, among others. In some examples, the front and rear frames 102, 104 may be formed from aluminum or other similar metal. In addition, the front and rear frames 102, 104 may be formed from fiber reinforced epoxy, resin, or other similar material. The front and rear frames 102, 104 may be formed or molded in any suitable manner, such as by plug molding, blow molding, injection molding, extrusion, casting, or the like.

[0050] All relative and directional references (including: upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, back, vertical, horizontal, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the particular examples described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presently disclosed examples teach by way of example and not by limitation. Therefore, the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.

Claims

1. A luggage tag (100) comprising:

a rear frame (104);

a front frame (102) pivotably connected to the rear frame and rotatable about a pivot axis (P) between first and second positions relative to the rear frame;

a securement element (220) defining a side opening (222);

wherein when the front frame is oriented in the first position, a dimension of the side opening is reduced to limit removal of the luggage tag from a securement member (360); and

wherein when the front frame is oriented in the second position, the dimension of the side opening is increased to allow removal of the luggage tag from the securement member.

2. The luggage tag of claim 1, wherein:

a cavity (272) is defined between the front and rear frames in which to receive an identification element (270);

when the front frame is positioned in the first position, the identification element is retained in the cavity; and

when the front frame is positioned in the second position, the identification element is removable from the cavity.

3. The luggage tag of claim 2, wherein the front frame includes an opening (210) through which the identification element is visible at least when the front frame is positioned in the first position.

4. The luggage tag of any preceding claim, wherein the front frame is releasably fixed in the first position.

5. The luggage tag of claim 4, wherein the front frame is releasably fixed in the first position by a magnet (380) or a spring (350).

6. The luggage tag of any preceding claim, wherein the securement element is defined as part of the front frame.

7. The luggage tag of claim 6, wherein:

the securement element comprises an end portion (232) defining the side opening; and

the rear frame comprises a protrusion (180) that cooperates with the end portion of the securement element to selectively close the side opening when the front frame is positioned in the first position.

8. The luggage tag of claim 7, wherein the protrusion of the rear frame engages the end portion of the securement element when the front frame is positioned in the first position.

9. The luggage tag of any preceding claim, wherein:

the securement element extends adjacent the respective top of the front and rear frames; and

the securement element extends a width direction of the luggage tag between left and right sides of the luggage tag.

10. The luggage tag of claim 9, wherein the securement element extends the entire width of the top of the luggage tag between left and right sides of the luggage tag.

11. The luggage tag of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the securement element extends parallel to the pivot axis.

12. The luggage tag of any preceding claim, wherein the front frame is pivotably connected to the rear frame by a pivot pin (280).

13. The luggage tag of claim 12, wherein:

the front frame slides laterally along the pivot pin and relative to the rear frame between first and second lateral positions;

wherein in the first lateral position, the front frame is limited from rotating to the second position; and

wherein in the second lateral position, the front frame is free to rotate from the first position to the second position.

14. The luggage tag of claim 13, further comprising a spring (350) biasing the front frame to the first lateral position.

15. The luggage tag of claim 13 or 14, wherein when the front frame is positioned in the second lateral position and the second position, the front frame is limited from moving to the first lateral position.

Drawing