Security system

• US 6,581,421 B2
• Filed: 03/01/2001
• Issued: 06/24/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sennco Solutions Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Sennco Solutions Incorporated
• Inventors: Chmela, John, Chmela, James
• Primary Examiner(s): Barrett, Suzanne Dino
• Application Number:
  US09/796,916
• Publication Number:
  US 20020162366A1
• Time in Patent Office: 845 Days
• Field of Search: 411/340, 411/34, 411/910, 411/999, 411/383, 411/395, 70/14, 70/18, 70/57, 70/58, 70/30, 70/49, 702/33, 403/291, 403/406.1, 248/551-552
• US Class Current: 70/58
• 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: F16B 23/0007 characterised by the shape of the recess or the protrusion engaging the tool F16B23/0069 and F16B23/0076 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 411/91 Antitamper means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/54 Flexible member is joint component
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/40 Portable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/435 Flexible shackle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/483 Flexible shackle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5009 For portable articles

Abstract

A security system for connecting a cable to consumer articles, such as cameras, and the like, to prevent unauthorized removal of the articles from a predetermined area while being displayed in retail establishments on open shelves. The system in its most basic form comprises a device including a security cable and a threaded fastener. The security cable is passed through the threaded fastener, and then the threaded fastener is attached into the body of the article. The threaded fastener head has a special configuration and cannot be removed without a special key, thereby preventing the unauthorized removal of the secured property. The threaded fastener also includes a circular borehole through the entire length of the threaded fastener to allow the cable to pass through the opening, and a step is provided inside the borehole to stop the cable from coming off the fastener. Optionally, a reel, an alarm, or a fastener cover can be added to the basic system to make more difficult the removal of the security cable from the article.

Claims

1. A threaded fastener for securing a cable having a cable stop to an article having a receptacle, said threaded fastener comprising:

an external threaded body having a longitudinal center axis;

a head disposed on one end of the external threaded body, the head having a longitudinal center axis and a borehole extending though the center axis of the head; and

a circular borehole extending through the center axis of the threaded fastener;

wherein the diameter of the borehole in the external threaded body is greater than the diameter of the borehole on the head, hereby forming a seat to prevent the cable stop from being removed from the threaded fastener.

2. A threaded fastener according to claim 1, wherein the head has a rounded profile and a pair of keyholes on the side of the head opposite to the threaded body.

3. A threaded fastener according to claim 1, wherein the threaded fastener is made from a hard strength plastic material selected from the group consisting of Nylon, Polycarbonate, polypropylene, and polyvinylchloride.

4. A threaded fastener according to claim 1, wherein the threaded fastener is made from a metal selected from the group consisting of steel, brass, bronze and aluminum.

5. A threaded fastener according to claim 1, further comprising a driving tool adapted for insertion in the keyholes.

6. A security system for connecting a cable to an article having a receptacle in the body comprising:

a security cable having a cable stop at the distal end; and

a threaded fastener including an external threaded body having a longitudinal center axis;

a head disposed on one end of the external threaded body, the head having a longitudinal center axis and a borehole extending though the center axis of the head; and

a circular borehole extending through the entire length of the fastener;

wherein the security cable is passed through the threaded fastener;

wherein the threaded fastener is secured into the receptacle in the article.

10. A security system according to claim 6, wherein the threaded fastener moves freely through the security cable.

11. A security system according to claim 6, wherein the threaded fastener is welded to the security cable.

7. A security system for connecting a cable to an article having a receptacle in the body comprising:

a security cable having a cable stop at the distal end; and

a threaded fastener including an external threaded body having a longitudinal center axis;

a head disposed on one end of the external threaded body, the head having a longitudinal center axis and a borehole extending though the center axis of the head; and

a circular borehole extending through the entire length of the fastener;

wherein the security cable is passed through the threaded fastener;

wherein the threaded fastener is secured into the receptacle in the article; and

wherein the head further includes a rounded profile and a pair of keyholes.

8. A security system for connecting a cable to an article having a receptacle in the body comprising:

a security cable having a cable stop at the distal end; and

a threaded fastener including an external threaded body having a longitudinal center axis;

a head disposed on one end of the external threaded body, the head having a longitudinal center axis and a borehole extending though the center axis of the head; and

a circular borehole extending through the entire length of the fastener;

wherein the security cable is passed through the threaded fastener;

wherein the threaded fastener is secured into the receptacle in the article; and

wherein the diameter of the borehole in the external threaded body is greater than the diameter of the borehole on the head, hereby forming a seat to prevent the cable stop from being removed from the threaded fastener.

9. A security system for connecting a cable to an article having receptacle in the body comprising:

a security cable having a cable stop at the distal end; and

a threaded fastener including an external threaded body having a longitudinal center axis;

a head disposed on one end of the external threaded body, the head having a longitudinal center axis and a borehole extending though the center axis of the head; and

a circular borehole extending through the entire length of the fastener;

wherein the security cable is passed through the threaded fastener;

wherein the threaded fastener is secured into the receptacle in the article; and

wherein the diameter of the external threaded body are the same as the diameter of the receptacle in the article.

12. A security system for connecting a cable to an article having a receptacle in the body comprising:

a reel comprising a housing defining an internal space;

a spool mounted for rotation within the internal housing space and a spring hub rotatably supported in the housing;

a security cable connected to the reel at one end and having a cable stop at the other end; and

a threaded fastener including an external threaded body having a longitudinal center axis;

a head disposed on one end of the external threaded body; and

a circular borehole extending through the entire length of the fastener;

wherein the security cable is passed through the threaded fastener;

wherein the threaded fastener is secured into the receptacle in the article.

13. The security system according to claim 12, wherein the reel further comprises an alarm.

14. The security system according to claim 12, wherein the head further includes a rounded profile and a pair of keyholes.

15. A security system according to claim 12, wherein the diameter of the borehole in the external threaded body is greater than the diameter of the borehole on the head, hereby forming a seat to prevent the cable stop from being removed from the threaded fastener.

16. A security system according to claim 12, wherein the diameter of the external threaded body are the same as the diameter of the receptacle in the article.

17. The security system according to claim 12, wherein the threaded fastener is made from a hard strength plastic material selected from the group consisting of Nylon, Polycarbonate, polypropylene, and polyvinylchloride.

18. The security system according to claim 12, wherein the security cable further comprises a threaded fastener cover to confine the security fastener.

19. A method for connecting a cable to an article having a receptacle in the body comprising:

providing an article having a receptacle;

installing a reel in the open shelf, wherein the reel comprises a housing defining an internal space, a spool mounted for rotation within the internal housing space, and a spring hub rotatably supported in the housing;

providing a security connected to the reel at one end and having a cable stop at the other end; and

providing a threaded fastener including an external threaded body having a longitudinal center axis;

a head disposed on one end of the external threaded body; and

a circular borehole extending through the entire length of the fastener;

passing the security cable through the borehole in threaded fastener;

tying the threaded fastener into the article by rotating the threaded fastener;

whereby the security cable attached to the article cannot be separated from the article, and the article to which the security cable is attached cannot be transported beyond a distance permitted by the length of the security cable.