Advertising trays for security screening

Abstract

A system and device for use in a security area, and more particularly, a rack system and holding device for placing various objects that are processed through a security area are taught.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 a security scanning device through which objects may be passed, having a proximate end and a distal end,   a plurality of trays, and   a plurality of tray carts adapted to receive said trays,   wherein said plurality of said trays are provided in a first tray cart at said proximate end of said scanning device, and   wherein said trays are adapted to be passed through said scanning device at said proximate end, and   wherein said trays are received in a second tray cart after passing through said scanning device at said distal end of said scanning device, and   wherein said second cart is adapted to be relocated to said proximate end of said scanning device.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said scanning device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of a manual inspection station, an x-ray machine, a conveyor belt, and a particulate matter sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of said trays comprises nestable trays. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of substituting a third tray cart containing a plurality of trays for said first tray cart. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said tray cart comprises a roughly rectangular base having a bottom surface and a top surface, a plurality of wheels attached to said bottom surface, and a vertical positioning member attached to said top surface. 
     
     
         6 . A method comprising
 positioning a first tray cart containing trays at the proximate end of a scanning device through which objects may be passed, wherein said scanning device comprises a proximate end and a distal end,   removing a tray from said first tray cart,   passing said tray through said scanning device from said proximate end through to said distal end,   providing a second tray cart at said distal end of said scanning device,   receiving said tray passed through said scanning device in said second tray cart.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said scanning device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of a manual inspection station, an x-ray machine, a conveyor belt, and a particulate matter sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein a plurality of said trays comprises nestable trays. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said nestable trays further comprise exposed sides capable of displaying advertising. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein one or more of said tray carts is adapted to permit substantial visual inspection of a plurality of trays placed thereon. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said tray carts are adapted to be rollable. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising the step of repositioning said second tray cart from said distal end to said proximate end. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein a plurality of said trays are adapted to receive an item selected from the group consisting of a laptop computer, a video camera, a camera, a purse, a coat, a pair shoes, and an umbrella. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein a plurality of said trays are adapted to receive an item selected from the group consisting of a cell phone, a pager, a wallet, a set of keys, and a personal digital assistant. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein one or more of said tray carts comprises restraining walls that are substantially transparent. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein one or more of said tray carts comprises a tray platform further comprising a resilient member. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising the step of providing a third tray cart. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising the step of substituting a third tray cart containing a plurality of trays for said first tray cart. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus for use as a tray cart for securing a facility comprising
 a roughly rectangular base having a bottom surface and a top surface,   a plurality of wheels attached to said bottom surface of said base, and   a vertical positioning member attached to said top surface of said base,   wherein said vertical member comprises at least one approximately C-shaped tubular member having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end and said second end are connected to said base.   
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein said apparatus is adapted to receive two differentially sized stacks of trays. 
     
     
         21 . A tray for use in a security scanning system comprising,
 a base having a first surface and a second surface,   four containing walls extending approximately vertically from said base,   shock absorbing material on said first surface of said base, and   wherein said one or more of said walls displays a tag number.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said trays are adapted to display advertising on an interior bottom surface of said trays. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said trays are adapted to display advertising on an interior bottom surface of said trays. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of said trays are adapted to display a tag number. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said plurality of said trays are adapted to display a tag number.