Hinged Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag and Method of Using Same

Abstract

An X-ray-permeable bag is provided with a pair of hinged compartments carried by a handle in side-by-side relationship but are spread horizontally about a hinge for edge-to-edge placement on a conveyor belt so as to allow separate X-ray inspection of the compartments without content removal. In its preferred form, the bag permits separate scanning of a laptop computer and its accessories by utilizing a method that reduces the time required to perform an inspection while maintaining the integrity of the inspection process.

1 . A portable bag for hand-carrying objects to and from an X-ray station for flat inspection thereof, said bag comprising:
 distinct first and second compartments which, when said portable bag is hand-carried, being in a vertical side-by-side relationship and functioning as a unitary carrier;   a hand carrying element connected to upper edge of at least one of said first and second compartments when carried; and   a hinge element adjacent to and aligned with said carrying element, said hinge element enabling said first and second compartments to be swung open to cause said compartments to lie in edge-to-edge relationship about said hinge element when placed in said X-ray station.   
     
     
         2 . The portable bag in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first and second compartments is X-ray permeable comprising;
 at least one of said first and second compartments being lined with padding and comprising a safety strap to secure a laptop computer in the event of a zipper failure;   a shoulder strap connected to at least one of said first and second compartments;   a hinge pivot to allow said first and second compartments to open flat;   
     
     
         3 . The portable bag in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the hand carrying element and the hinge element form a common structure. 
     
     
         4 . The portable bag in accordance with  claim 3 , further comprising at least two D-rings connected to each said compartment for hanging from the shoulder strap. 
     
     
         5 . The portable bag in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein said shoulder strap is fastened to said D-rings for carrying said portable bag. 
     
     
         6 . The portable bag in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising an accessory pouch proximate at least one of said first and second compartments for containing removable items. 
     
     
         7 . A method for X-ray inspecting a laptop computer disposed in a portable bag the steps comprising:
 a) providing a portable bag having first and second compartments which, when said portable bag is hand-carried, being in a vertical side-by-side relationship and functioning as a unitary carrier;   b) hinging said compartments along their upper horizontal edges;   c) spreading said first and second hinged compartments to a horizontal condition; and   d) positioning said portable bag flat for X-ray inspection without removing the contents thereof.   
     
     
         8 . The method in accordance with  claim 7 , including the additional step of restoring said compartments to their carrying condition. 
     
     
         9 . The method in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein restoration is effected gravitationally. 
     
     
         10 . The method in accordance with  claim 9 , including the step of causing said compartments to grip on another upon restoration.