Product Security

• US 20080100457A1
• Filed: 05/31/2005
• Published: 05/01/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Gray Matter Alpha Limited
• Original Assignee: Gray Matter Alpha Limited
• Inventors: Gray, Andrew
• Application Number:
  US11/628,436
• Publication Number:
  US 20080100457A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.9
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0094 Mechanical aspects of remotely controlled locks electronic locks G07C9/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 45/005 Chain-locks, cable-locks or padlocks with alarms
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 67/32 Padlocks with pincer- like shackles
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/0005 using chains, cables or the like chain- or cable-locks of the padlock type E05B67/003; lockable clothing hangers or hanger racks E05B69/006
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/0017 Anti-theft devices, e.g. tags or monitors, fixed to articles, e.g. clothes, and to be removed at the check-out of shops
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2434 Tag housing and attachment details

Abstract

An apparatus and method for improving security are disclosed. The apparatus includes a case provided with an aperture, the aperture being closable by a clasp, the clasp being operable by a trigger which operates in response to a radio frequency (RF) signal.

Claims

1. A security apparatus comprising a case provided with an aperture, the aperture being closable by a clasp, the clasp being operable by a trigger which operates in response to a radio frequency (RF) signal.

2. A security apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the case may be releasably secured to an item.

3. A security apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is arranged to sense if it is within range of a given transmitter and in the event that the item is taken beyond the range of the transmitter then an alarm will sound from within the case.

4. A security apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a motion sensor.

5. A security apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus operates in a low power mode while not being moved.

6. A security apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a clasp or a cord that will be used to fix the case to an object.

7. A security apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the clasp or cord has an anti-force connection to the alarm system within the case.

8. A security apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is locatable by an individual to protect a single item.

9. A security system which comprises,

the security apparatus of claim 1;

and

a radio frequency transmitter.

10. A security system according to claim 9 wherein the system may be arranged to protect products within a retail environment where one transmitter may offer a ‘

safe zone signal’

to a plurality of receivers within secure cases.

11. A security system according to claim 9 wherein the signal transmitted by the transmitter may be received by a plurality of receivers within an area or ‘

safe zone’

.

12. A security system according to claim 11 wherein the security apparatus comprises an alarm and the receiver is controlled by a controller that is linked to at least one motion sensor and optionally at least one further sensor within the case that will allow the alarm to respond to a number of adverse experiences.

13. A security system according to claim 9 wherein the security apparatus comprises an alarm and if the receiver can still receive the transmission it will not operate the alarm.

14. A security system according to claim 13 wherein if the receiver misses one or more of the transmissions from the transmitter then it will activate the alarm.

15. A security system according to claim 14 wherein if the transmissions become weaker still, indicating that the item is being taken further away from the intended safe zone created by the output signal of the transmitter, then the alarm will enter full volume mode.

16. A security system according to claim 15 wherein the system is provided with a hand-held transmitter that will stop the alarm sounding.

17. A security system according to claim 9 wherein a clasp is provided that will go around an item to be protected.

18. A security system according to claim 9 wherein the security apparatus comprises an alarm and a further sensor is provided so that any flexing or forcing of the clasp will automatically put the alarm into full volume mode.

19. A security apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising attaching means for securely connecting the case to a product that it is intended to protect.

20. A security apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the attaching means takes the form of a steel cord that will be connected inside the case in such a way that should there be any attempt to pull the case away from the product, an alarm will operate at full volume.

21. A security apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the cord may have a variety of external ends in order to be connectable to a range of items.

22. A security apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the cord has a steel washer so that a secure fixing may connect it to an item, by means of a secure screw fixing.

23. A security apparatus according to claim 19 further comprising a spike and magnetic releasable cone, or a locking means.

24. A security apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a connection method which comprises a spring.

25. A security apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a biasing means which presses a collar securing one end of the cord onto a switch sensor.

26. A security apparatus according to claim 25 wherein if the cord is pulled then the force will compress the biasing means and the collar will lose contact with a sensor and operate an alarm at full volume.

27. A security apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising a key to unlock the clasp to disconnect the case from the product which it is intended to protect.

28. A security apparatus according to claim 27 wherein there is provided a lock operable to work with the use of a magnet within the body of the key.

29. A security apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the magnet in the key attracts a magnetic element within the lock so that only when the key is inserted will the latch of the lock be engaged and operate.

30. A security apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the magnet provides an extra level of security.

31. A security apparatus according to claim 30 wherein a key is required to open the clasp mechanically or a solenoid or motor may be used.

32. A security apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a controller that will recognise a specific release code.

33. A security apparatus according to claim 32 further comprising a key cover that will trigger an alarm prior to the key being inserted.

34. A security apparatus according to claim 33 wherein the alarm will not operate if it is deactivated by the correct code transmitted from a handheld transmitter with a specific code for that unit.

35. A security apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a printed circuit board (pcb) on which the electronic components are located.

36. A security apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the electronics components include a radio frequency receiver with an antenna, a programmable chip with the software that governs the operation of the device, a battery, a motion sensor and at least one switch that will operate in an open or closed way to monitor the use of the key.

37. A security apparatus according to claim 35 wherein further switches may be used to monitor stress on the cable connection into the case or wrenching of the clasp to detect an attempt at forced disconnection with the product that it is there to protect.

38. A security apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the clasp is operable to move from an open to a closed position, being held on a ratchet.

39. A security apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a spike is provided to go through material such as cloth so that the unit can be fixed to a wide range of products.

40. A security apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is adapted to fit a laptop, briefcase, handbag or the like and a user may keep the small transmitter on their person and the alarm unit on their property that is to be protected.

41. A method of securing an item comprising using the apparatus according to claim 1 or the system according to claim 9.

42-43. -43. (canceled)