Theft preventive apparatus and radio wave receiving signaling device

• US 5,959,532 A
• Filed: 04/18/1997
• Issued: 09/28/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kubota Corporation
• Original Assignee: Kubota Corporation
• Inventors: Nakajima, Mitsuhiko, Okumura, Hisakazu, Matukawa, Tatuji, Uchida, Kenji, Saito, Akira, Noma, Yasuhiro, Fujiuchi, Hiroyuki, Takatori, Shigeyoshi, Yao, Masayuki
• Primary Examiner(s): SWANN III, GLEN R
• Application Number:
  US08/776,500
• Time in Patent Office: 893 Days
• Field of Search: 340/571, 340/572.1, 340/572.3, 340/572.5, 340/572.7, 340/572.8, 340/572.9
• US Class Current: 340/572.3
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1454 Circuit arrangements thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1463 Physical arrangements, e.g. housings devices to prevent theft or loss of purses, luggage or hand carried bags A45C13/18

Abstract

A theft preventative apparatus is used to detect an attempted theft of an object and produce an audible alarm when an antenna (22) in the apparatus receives a radio wave signal from a transmitter (0). The apparatus can be deactivated using a bar-like releasing tool (K) inserted into the housing. Attempted theft can also be detected using a length of electrically conductive wire (3) securable to the object to be protected. The ends (30) of the wire are mounted to the housing. Disruption of the electrical path, such as by cutting the wire or removing one of the ends (30) from the housing, causes the audible alarm to be produced.

Claims

1. A theft preventive apparatus in which preliminary act detecting means (SD) for detecting a preliminary theft act is provided inside a box (2) to be attached to an object of theft prevention;

the box (2) accommodates therein alarm output means (AO) for outputting an alarm responsive to detection of a preliminary theft act by the preliminary act detecting means (SD), retaining means (VK) for retaining the alarm output means (AO) in an operative state thereof, and alarm releasing means (R) for stopping the operation of the alarm output means (AO);

an insertion hole (45) for a releasing operation is defined in the box (2) extending from an outer periphery thereof to the inside of the box; and

the alarm releasing means (R) is adapted to be placed into an alarm releasing state by means of a bar-like releasing tool (K) to be inserted into the insertion hole (45);

wherein the apparatus is characterized in that;

the retaining means (VK) is comprised of an electric retaining circuit to be set to the retaining state;

the alarm releasing means (R) is comprised of a retention releasing instruction switch for instructing a retention release to the electric retaining circuit (VK) in the form of an electric signal;

the preliminary act detecting means (SD) includes an antenna (22) disposed inside the box (2) for receiving a radio wave transmitted from a transmitter (O) installed at a predetermined site; and

the alarm output means (AO) outputs the alarm information based on a reception signal from the antenna (22).

2. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the releasing tool (K) includes a conductive rack portion (63) and the retention releasing instructing switch (R) is comprised of a pair of electric contact portions (47a), (47b) to be electrically connected responsive to contact with the rack portion (63) of the releasing tool (K).

3. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a non-conductive partitioning portion (45b) is provided between the electric contact portions (47a), (47b) with the partitioning portion projecting from a contact face of the electric contact portions (47a), (47b);

and

the releasing tool (K) defines a concave portion (63b) which comes into engagement with the partitioning portion (45b) while allowing contact of the rack portion (63) with the electric contact portion (47a), (47b).

4. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preliminary act detecting means (SD) includes an attachment tool (3) to be connected with the box (2) for attaching the box (2) to the object of theft prevention and an attachment/detachment detecting switch (SW) for electrically detecting attachment and detachment of this attachment tool (3) to and from the box (2);

the retaining means (VK) is set to the retaining state based on a detachment detection singal of the attachment/detachment detecting switch (SW); and

the alarm output means (AO) outputs the alarm information based on the detachment detection signal from the attachment/detachment detecting switch (SW).

5. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 4, wherein there is provided lock means (41), (42) for locking the attachment tool (3) under its attached state to the box (2);

and

the lock means (41), (42) is operated into a lock-releasing state by the releasing tool (K) inserted into the insertion hole (45).

6. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 1, wherein;

there is provided an attachment tool (3) for attaching the box (2) to the object of theft prevention;

this attachment tool (3) includes a pair of connecting portions (30,

     30) to be connected by being inserted into insertion holes (40a, 40b) of the box (2) for connection of attachment tool and an intermediate connecting portion (31) for interconnecting these connecting portions (30,

     30);

there are provided a pair of lock means (41,

     42) for locking the connecting portions (30,

     30) under inserted state inserted into the insertion holes (40a, 40b) for attachment tool connection;

lock releasing means (5) is provided to be switchable between a first releasing state for releasing one of the pair of lock means (41,

     42) and a second releasing state for releasing both of the lock means (41,

     42);

a bar-like releasing tool (K) which can be inserted into the insertion hole (45) for the releasing operation for operating the lock means (41,

     42) in association with the insertion thereof to the inside of the box (2) operates to provide the first releasing state in association with insertion by a first insertion amount and to provide the second releasing state in association with insertion by a second insertion amount.

7. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the releasing tool (K) includes a contact portion (s) for contacting the outer face of the box (2), a rack portion (63) projecting from the contact portion (s) to be inserted into the insertion hole (45) for the releasing operation, and a projection amount adjusting portion (W) for variably adjusting the amount of projection of the rack portion (63) from the contact portion (s).

8. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the releasing tool (K) includes a hand-held outer sleeve (61, 81, 82) co-extensively forming the rack portion (63), an inner sleeve (60) supported to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the rack portion (63) relative to the outer sleeve (61, 81, 82) while covering the rack portion (63) and having a leading end which constitutes the contact portion (s), an urging tool (65) for urging the inner sleeve (60) towards the leading end of the rack portion, and a restricting tool (64) for restricting a limit of retraction of the inner sleeve (60) towards the outer sleeve;

the projection amount adjusting portion (W) variably adjusts a restricting position of the restricting tool (64) in the moving direction of the inner sleeve.

9. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 8, wherein an adjusting cap (62, 83, 84) is threadably movable relative to the outer sleeve (61, 81, 82) in the longitudinal direction of the rack portion;

the restricting tool (64) is provided to be movable relative to the outer sleeve (61, 81,

     82) in the longitudinal direction of the rack portion and also to be urged in a direction away from the rack portion (63);

the adjusting cap (62, 83,

     84) includes a restricting portion (V) for restricting limit of movement relative to the outer sleeve (61, 81,

     82) in the direction toward the leading end of the rack portion in association with contact with the outer sleeve (61, 81,

     82);

the adjusting cap (62, 83,

     84) includes a first receiving portion (U1) for receiving the restricting tool (64) at the restriction position for the first releasing state when the restricting portion (V) is in contact with the outer sleeve (61, 81,

     82);

the adjusting cap (62, 83,

     84) includes a second receiving portion (U2) for receiving the restricting tool (64) at the restricting position for the second releasing state when the restricting portion (V) is moved away from the outer sleeve (61, 81,

     82) by an amount greater than a predetermined amount; and

the projection amount adjusting portion (W) effects the variable adjustment of the restricting position of the restricting tool (64) in association with a forward or reverse rotary operation of the adjucting cap (62, 83,

     84) rotary operating portion relative to the outer sleeve (61, 81,

     82).

10. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the releasing tool (K) comprises a rack portion (63), and wherein a restricting portion (t) provided to the outer sleeve (61, 81, 82) for restricting the limit of movement of the inner sleeve (60) toward the leading end of the rack portion (63) restricts the leading end of the rack portion (63) to a position exposed from the inner sleeve (60).

11. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the releasing tool (K) inserted into the insertion hole (45) for releasing operation operates the alarm releasing means (R) into the alarm releasing state.

12. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pair of connecting portions (30, 30) and the intermediate connecting portion (31) have electric conductivity;

and

the preliminary act detecting means (SD) detects the preliminary stealing act based on change of a conductive path formed when the connecting portions (30,

     30) are electrically disconnected from the box (2).

13. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the preliminary act detecting means (SD) includes an antenna (22) disposed inside the box (2) for receiving radio wave from a transmitter (O) installed at a predetermined site, and the detecting means detects a preliminary stealing act as the antenna (22) receives the radio wave from the transmitter (O).

14. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the releasing tool (K) is formed in a predetermined shape;

and

inside the insertion hole (45), there is provided insertion preventing means (IS) for preventing insertion into the insertion hole (45) of a fake operating tool having a shape other than the predetermined shape while allowing insertion into the insertion hole (45) of the releasing tool (K) having this predetermined shape.

15. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the insertion preventing means (IS) is comprised of a projection (45a), (45b) which projects from an inner wall portion of the insertion hole (45) into the inner space thereof as viewed in a longitudinal direction of the insertion hole (45);

and

the releasing tool (K) defines, in an outer face portion thereof, a concave groove (63a) into which the projection (45a), (45b) fits when the tool (K) is inserted into the insertion hole (45).

16. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the projection (45b) is formed at a further inside portion than the entrance opening of the insertion hole (45).

17. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a plurality of the projections (45a), (45b) are formed at different phases as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the insertion hole (45).

18. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of projections (45a), (45b) are formed at different longitudinal positions of the insertion hole (45).

19. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the projection (45a), (45b) is provided in the form of a projecting ridge extending along the longitudinal direction of the insertion hole (45).

20. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, inside the box (2), there are provided a battery (V) for driving the preliminary act detecting means (SD) and the alarm output means (AO);

and

auxiliary power supplying means (Va) charged by the battery (V) and driving the preliminary act detecting means (SD) and the alarm output means (AO) when power supply from the battery (V) is at least momentarily cut off.

21. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the alarm output means (AO) continuously outputs the alarm information even if the preliminary act detecting means (SD) makes no detection of preliminary stealing act, after the alarm output means (AO) has outputted the alarm information based on preliminary stealing act detection information of the preliminary act detecting means (SD).

22. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the preliminary act detecting means (SD) includes an attachment tool (3) to be connected with the box (2) for attaching the box (2) to the object of theft prevention, and an attachment/detachment detecting switch (24) for electrically detecting attachment and detachment of the attachment tool (3) to and from the box (2);

and

the alarm output means (AO) outputs the alarm information based on a detachment detection signal from the attachment/detachment detecting switch (24) as the preliminary act detection information.

23. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the preliminary act detecting means (SD) includes an antenna (AN) disposed inside the box (2) for receiving radio wave from a transmitter (O) installed at a predetermined site;

and

the alarm output means (AO) outputs the alarm information based on a reception signal of the antenna (AN)as the preliminary stealing act detection information.

24. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising checking means (H) for allowing the alarm output means (AO) to output the alarm information only when the preliminary stealing act detection information outputted from the preliminary act detecting means (SD) continues to exist for at least a predetermined time period.

25. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the preliminary act detecting means (SD) includes an attachment tool (3, 103) to be connected to the box (2) for attaching the box (2) to the object of theft prevention and an attachment/detachment detecting switch (SW) for electrically detecting attachment and detachment of the attachment tool (3, 103) to and from the box (2);

and

the alarm output means (AO) outputs the alarm information based on a detachment detection signal from the attachment/detachment detecting switch (SW) as the preliminary stealing act detection information.

26. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises an attachment tool (3) having, at opposed ends thereof, connecting portions (30) to be connected by being inserted into the insertion hole (40a, 40b) of the box (2) and having also a conductive intermediate connecting portion (31) for electrically interconnecting the connecting portions (30) at the opposed ends;

engaged portions (30a) are provided at the opposed connecting portions (30);

inside the box (2), there are provided engaging members (41,

     42) which can engage with the engaged portions (30a) at the connecting portions (30) inserted into the insertion hole (40a), 40b) and which are urged toward the engaging side;

the alarm output means (AO) disposed inside the box (2) electrically connected with the opposed connecting portions (30) are connected with the box (2) and outputting the alarm information based on a conductive path formed by the electrical connection becoming non-conductive; and

withdrawal of the connecting portions (30) inserted into the insertion hole (40a, 40b) is prevented by means of engagement between the engaged portions (30a) and the engaging members (41,

     42).

27. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 26, wherein inside the box (2), there is provided a conductive spring (44a, 44b) which is contacted with and pressed against an end of the connecting portions (30) inserted into the insertion hole (40a, 40b) for connection of the attachment tool, with the spring being connected by means of a receiving member (48a, 48b) electrically connected with the alarm output means (AO).

28. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the spring (44a, 44b) comprises a coil spring.

29. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 27, wherein, inside the box (2), there is provided engagement releasing means (D) for operating the engaging member (41, 42) into an engagement-released state;

the alarm releasing means (R) is operated into the alarm releasing state and the engagement releasing means (D) is operated into an engagement releasing state by means of said releasing tool (K) when it is inserted into the insertion hole (45) for releasing operation.

30. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the spring (44a, 44b) is provided with an urging force which moves the connecting portion (30) to the outside of the box in association with an operation of the engaging member (41, 42) toward the engagement releasing side.

31. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 1, wherein inside the box (2), there is provided a radio-wave receiving antenna (22) having a coil (22a), and a buzzer (21) having electric capacity;

the alarm output means (AO) causes the buzzer (21) to generate a sound when the receiving antenna (22) receives a sound generation instructing radio wave;

a resonance circuit being formed by connecting the buzzer (21) with the coil (22a) of the receiving antenna (22); and

a transmitter (O) for transmitting the sound generation instructing radio wave to the receiving antenna (22) is installed at a predetermined site.

32. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the alarm output means (AO) is constructed so as to cause the buzzer (21) to generate a sound responsive to detection of preliminary act by a preliminary theft act detecting means (SD).

33. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the alarm releasing means (R) disposed inside the box (2) comprises sound alarm releasing means (R);

and

said sound alarm releasing means (R) is operated into a sound alarm releasing state by means of the releasing tool (K) inserted into the insertion hole (45) defined to extend from the out face of the box to the inside of the box (2).

34. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 1, the alarm output means (AO) disposed inside the box (2) includes alarm information output means (AI) for outputting alarm information, and alarm controlling means (AC) for activating the alarm information output means (AI) into an alarm information outputting state;

the electric retaining circuit (VK) includes electric switching means (TR2) which is set to the retaining state by being switched over to a conductive state in response to an activating signal associated with an ON-operation of an activating switch (SW); and

there is provided noise preventing means (C3) for preventing a noise signal acting as the activating signal from being provided to an activation instructing unit (b) of the switching means (TR2) to which the activating signal is provided.

35. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 34, wherein a detecting portion (24'"'"') of the alarm controlling means (AC) for detecting a preliminary act and the activating switch (SW) are connected via a connecting line (LC);

and

a preliminary theft act is detected also when the activating switch (SW) is turned OFF.

36. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 34, wherein, when opposed ends of a conductive wire (31) for retaining the box (2) to the object of theft prevention are connected with the insertion hole (40a), (40b) of the box (2), the activating switch (SW) is turned ON by using the wire (31) as a conductive path.

37. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the retaining means (VK) includes power retaining switching means (TR1) for connecting and disconnecting a power supply line (LE) to the alarm controlling means (AC), the switching means (TR1) being rendered conductive in association with switchover of the switching means (TR2) to the conductive state;

and

the connecting line (LC) and the supply line (LE) are electrically connected with each other.

38. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the connecting line (LC) and the supply line (LE) are be connected with each other under zero electric resistance condition.

39. A theft preventive apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the switching means (TR2) comprises a switching transistor;

and

the noise preventing means (C3) comprises a capacitor interconnecting a base terminal (b) and an emitter terminal (e) of the switching transistor (TR2).

40. A radio wave receiving signaling device comprising:

a radio wave receiving antenna (22) having a coil (22a), an electrically capacitive buzzer (21); and

alarm output means (AO) for activating the buzzer (21) to generate sound when the receiving antenna (22) receives a sound generation instructing signal;

wherein the buzzer (21) and the entire or part of the coil (22a) of the receiving antenna (22) are connected to form a resonance circuit.