Uniquely numbered baggage split tag and system for handling baggage

Claim 1

An identification tag assembly of split construction primarily designed to identify a luggage piece during transport thereof, at least partially by a mechanically readable code, said tag assembly comprising: (a) a base including a first surface and a second surface, said first surface disposed to define a first exposed surface of said tag assembly, (b) a split construction comprising a plurality of tags supported on said base and secured to said second surface in aligned relation to one another so as to collectively define a second exposed surface of said tag assembly, (c) said plurality of tags comprising a first tag separable from said base and structured for removable positioning on an exposed surface of a passenger's luggage piece, a second tag separable from said first tag and removably positionable on the passenger's luggage piece in spaced relation to said first tag, and a third tag separable from said base and said first and second tags and structured for carrying with the passenger, (d) a first indicia means for identifying the luggage piece formed on said first tag and said second tag and structured to define coded indicia structured for mechanical reading thereof, (e) a second indicia means for identifying the luggage piece and formed on said third tag and at least one of said first and second tags, and (f) said first indicia means disposed and structured for mechanical reading thereof both when disposed, via said respective tags, on and off the luggage piece.

Claim 17

A method of identification and handling of baggage during transport thereof, preferably by commercial carrier, said method comprising the steps of: (a) assigning a uniquely numbered, pre-coded tag assembly to each individual baggage piece and optically scanning the tag assembly for assimilation of the pre-coded unique numbered information, (b) transmitting the pre-coded information to a first mini-computer facility for subsequent transmission and independently entering additional carrier identification information in the first mini-computer facility, (c) transmitting the pre-coded information and carrier identification information to the following locations: (1) a central computer facility, (2) a sortation computer facility, (3) a second mini-computer facility and the city - designation, (d) placing individual pre-coded tag portions of said tag assembly on the assigned individual baggage pieces at a plurality of locations thereon, (e) controlling and sorting individual baggage pieces through activation of the sortation computer facility by control of sorting equipment based at least in part on the carrier identification information, (f) transporting the baggage pieces to the intended city - designation and allowing baggage pieces to be claimed thereat, (g) verifying claim to the baggage pieces and optically scanning pre-coded information on the tag portions upon such verification, and (h) transmitting the pre-coded information from the second mini-computer facility to the central computer facility for purging of all computer facilities of the pre-coded information.