Monitoring and security systems

• US 20040041708A1
• Filed: 08/27/2002
• Published: 03/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Mico Products, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Mico Products, Inc.
• Inventors: Greenwaldt, Mary
• Application Number:
  US10/228,589
• Publication Number:
  US 20040041708A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/571
• CPC Class Codes: B62H 5/20 indicating unauthorised use, e.g. acting on signalling devices alarm locks in general E05B45/00, e.g. alarm cable or chain lock E05B45/005
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1436 with motion detection

Abstract

The present invention portable security system for use with a movable article. The system includes a microcontroller. The system also includes a sensor, connected to the microcontroller, which sends a signal to the microcontroller when the article is moved. The security system further includes an alarm for alerting a user when the protected item is moved. Typically, the alarm includes an audio alarm and a visual alarm.

Claims

1. A portable security system, for use with a movable article, the security system comprising:

a microcontroller;

detection means, connected to the microcontroller, which sends a signal to the microcontroller when the article is moved; and

alarm means, connected to the microcontroller, for alerting a user when the article is moved.

2. The security system of claim 1, wherein the detection means comprises a motion sensor.

3. The security system of claim 1, wherein the detection means comprises a cord having a first end removably connected to the microcontroller and a second end attachable to a stationary article.

4. The security system of claim 3, wherein the alarm means alerts the user when the first end of the string is removed from the microcontroller.

5. The security system of claim 1, wherein the alarm means comprises a visual alarm and an audio alarm.

6. The security system of claim 5, wherein the visual alarm is a light-emitting diode.

7. The security system of claim 5, wherein the audio alarm is a piezoelectric alarm.

8. The security system of claim 1, further comprising:

a rigid housing which contains the microcontroller, the detection means, and the alarm means;

an activation means connected to the microcontroller for activating the security system; and

attaching means, located on an exterior of the housing, for attaching the security system to the movable article.

9. The security system of claim 8, wherein the attaching means is a metal brace.

10. The security system of claim 8, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of apertures to facilitate the alarm means and the activation means for use external to the housing.

11. The security system of claim 8, wherein the activation means is a button.

12. The security system of claim 8, wherein the activation means is a switch.

13. The security system of claim 12, wherein the switch is togglable by the user to one of three positions.

14. The security system of claim 13, wherein, when the security system is activated, the switch is toggled between the three positions in a predetermined order to deactivate the security system.

15. The security system of claim 1, further comprising:

wires connected to the microcontroller which are attachable to a motorized vehicle ignition.

16. The security system of claim 15, wherein, when the wires are attached to the motorized vehicle ignition, the security system is deactivated when the motorized vehicle ignition is started.

17. A portable security system, for use with a movable article which is commonly subject to theft, the security system comprising:

a microcontroller;

a motion sensor, connected to the microcontroller, which sends a signal to the microcontroller when the article is moved; and

an alarm, connected to the microcontroller, for alerting a user when the article is moved.

18. The security system of claim 17, wherein the alarm comprises a visual alarm and an audio alarm.

19. The security system of claim 17, further comprising:

a rigid housing which contains the microcontroller, the vibration sensor, and the alarm;

a switch connected to the microcontroller for activating the security system; and

a fastener, located on an exterior of the housing, for fastening the security system to the movable article.

20. The security system of claim 19, wherein the switch is togglable by the user to one of three positions.

21. The security system of claim 20, wherein, when the security system is activated, the switch is toggled between the three positions in a predetermined order to deactivate the security system.

22. The security system of claim 17, further comprising:

wires having a first end connected to the microcontroller and a second end which is attachable to a motorized vehicle ignition.

23. The security system of claim 22, wherein the security system is deactivated when the motorized vehicle ignition is started.