Security System

• US 20070241898A1
• Filed: 06/14/2007
• Published: 10/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/14/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Declan Comerford
• Original Assignee: Declan Comerford
• Inventors: Comerford, Declan
• Granted Patent: US 7,760,091 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/568.100
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/10 Illuminating devices on or for locks or keys; Transparent or translucent lock parts; Indicator lights
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 19/0005 Key safes E05B35/086 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 35/086 using a pair of interlocked keys, one of the keys being non-removable; key-storing devices from which only one key can be removed at a time
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2402 Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting mechanical aspects of the tags, e.g. related to locking E05B73/0017; RFID readers G06K7/00; RFID tags G06K19/00; access control systems G07C9/00; anti-theft control in point of sale systems G07G3/003; security seals G09F3/03
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 19/005 combined burglary and fire alarm systems
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 7/062 indicating emergency exits

Abstract

A security system for securing a set of keys comprises a housing having an external aperture for receiving a security tag which is attached to the keys, the aperture being associated with a locking mechanism which is operable by a keypad to secure the security tag in or release the tag from the aperture. A sensor monitors the presence of the security tag in the aperture, and an alarm is activated if the security tag is removed from the housing without releasing the locking mechanism. The security system eases the location of the keys in an emergency and also provides a straightforward security system for preventing the theft of house or vehicle keys or the like.

Claims

1. ) A security system comprising an electronic security device provided with a housing having an aperture for receiving a security tag which is to be attached to one or more keys, the aperture being associated with a locking means operable to secure the security tag in or release the tag from the aperture, a sensor to monitor the presence of the security tag in the aperture, and alarm means for generating a warning signal if the security tag is removed from the housing without operation of the locking means.

2. ) A security system as claimed in claim 1, in which the aperture is provided in an external housing of the system and arranged such that at least a portion of the key is mounted externally thereof.

3. ) A security system as claimed in claim 1, comprising means for monitoring an environmental condition in proximity to the housing and for actuating the alarm means if predetermined parameters for the monitored environmental condition are not met.

4. ) A security system as claimed in claim 3, in which said monitoring means is arranged to monitor for an environmental condition selected from noise, smoke, heat or carbon-dioxide levels.

5. ) A security system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a detector arranged to identify a security tag inserted into the aperture.

6. ) A security system as claimed in claim 1, in which said locking means is operated by a keypad which receives an input code to lock or disengage the security tag in or from the aperture.

7. ) A security system as claimed in claim 6, comprising means for illuminating said keypad when said warning signal is generated.

8. ) A security system as claimed in claim 6, comprising a detector arranged to identify a security tag inserted into the aperture, the input code for disengaging the security tag from the aperture being variable according to the identity of the security tag.

9. ) A security system as claimed in claim 8, comprising a plurality of apertures for receiving respective security tags, the input code for disengaging the security tag from each aperture being variable.

10. ) A security system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of apertures for receiving respective security tags.

11. ) A security system as claimed in claim 1, comprising one or more lights which are operable to illuminate the device when the warning signal is generated.

12. ) A security system as claimed in claim 1, in which said locking means is arranged to releasably secure the security tag in the aperture.

13. ) A security tag for a security system as claimed in claim 1.

14. ) A security tag as claimed in claim 13, comprising a fastening for attachment to a key.

15. ) A security tag as claimed in claim 14, in which said fastening can be released to release the tag from the key.

16. ) A security system comprising:

a security tag; and

an electronic security device comprising a housing having an aperture for receiving said security tag which is to be attached to one or more keys, the aperture being associated with a locking means operable to secure said security tag in or release the tag from the aperture, a sensor to monitor the presence of the security tag in the aperture, and alarm means for generating a warning signal if the security tag is removed from the housing without operation of the locking means.

17. ) A security system as claimed in claim 16, in which the security tag comprises a fastening for attachment to a key.

18. ) A security system as claimed in claim 17, in which said fastening can be released to release the tag from the key.

19. ) A security system as claimed in claim 18, in which the electronic security device is arranged to lock the security tag in a position in which said fastening cannot be released to detach the key from said tag.

20. ) A security system comprising a housing having an aperture for receiving a key, the aperture being associated with a locking mechanism operable to secure the key in or release the key from the aperture, a sensor to monitor the presence of the key in the aperture, and a signal generator that is operable to actuate a warning signal if the security key is removed from the housing without operation of the locking means.