CA2496009A1

CA2496009A1 - Security device

Info

Publication number: CA2496009A1
Application number: CA 2496009
Authority: CA
Inventors: David Zovic; Peter Padula
Original assignee: David Zovic; Peter Padula; 2049178 Ontario Inc.
Current assignee: 2049178 Ontario Inc
Priority date: 2005-02-03
Filing date: 2005-02-03
Publication date: 2006-08-03

Abstract

A security device and system for securing a piece of luggage having a locking means and consisting of a housing with two or more passageways defined therethrough and a security strap. The housing further consists of a pawl that projects into the two or more passageways. The security strap is adapted to be inserted into the locking means and the two or more passageways to engage with the pawl and securely link the housing to the piece of luggage.

Description

SECURITY DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of security, and more particularly to the security device for securing luggage at airports and other transportation facilities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The security of airports and other transportation facilities has become a significant area of concern in recent years. The handling and management of passenger luggage has often been at the root of these concerns. Presently, passengers intending to board an aircraft must deposit luggage and other baggage with airline staff at a check-in facility. Each piece of luggage is tagged with a sticker, hang-tag or the like at the check-in facility which corresponds to the destination of the passenger. The tagged luggage is then transferred through the airport to the hold of the a i rcraft.

[0003] In the course of transferring the luggage to aircraft, the contents of the luggage may be inspected by security personnel. Inspection usually involves, at a minimum, some form of electronic inspection, such as x-ray imaging. Sensors for detecting trace elements of explosives and/or drugs may also be employed. If the electronic inspection uncovers the possible presence of unauthorized contraband, the piece of luggage will be opened and subjected to a visual contents inspection.
During the course of transferring the luggage, the unsecured nature of the piece of luggage permits its contents to be altered, inter alia, by baggage handlers or other airport employees. The contents of unsecured luggage are vulnerable to theft, as well as the possible introduction of explosives, drugs or other contraband into the luggage.
(0004 In order to inhibit such theft and tampering, many passengers utilize locks to secure the contents of their luggage. As a result of the possible need for visual contents inspection, the passenger assumes the risk of the lock being forced open and damaged by security personnel. Following such visual inspection, the damaged lock cannot be resecured to the luggage and, thus, the contents of the luggage are vulnerable to theft and/or tampering. Conversely, other forms of locking devices may be repeatedly opened by security personnel with the knowledge of the owner of the piece of luggage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
l0 [0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a security system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the security system including a security device and a strap;
[0007] Figure 2 is a top plan view of the security device and strap of Figure 1;
[0008] Figure 3 is a view of the interior of the security device and strap of Figure 1;
[0009] Figure 4 is an end view of the security device and strap of Figure 1 showing the first and second passageways and the base portion of the strap;
[0010] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the strap of Figure 1;
[0011] Figure 6 is a top plan view of the pawl of Figure 3;
2s [0012] Figure 7 is a view of the structure of Figure 3 with the security strap inserted or threaded into the first passageway;
[0013] Figure 8 is a view of the structure of Figure 3 with the security strap advanced further through the first passageway;

[0014] Figure 9 is a view of the structure of Figure 3 with the security strap cut;
(0015] Figure 10 is side elevation view of the new security strap in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] Figure 11 is a side elevation view of the security device of Figure 1 with the new security strap inserted or threaded into the second passageway;
[0017] Figure 12 is a sectional view of the security device of Figure 11 along the section A-A showing the first and second passageways and the inlet;
[0018] Figure 13 is a view of the structure of Figure 3 with the new security strap inserted or threaded further through the second passageway;
[0019] Figure 14 is a view of the structure of Figure 3 with the new security strap inserted or threaded into the first passageway;
[0020 Figure 15 is a compilation of various top, side elevation and end views of the security system;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021) Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrates a security system 20 made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The security system 20 comprises a security device 22 and a disposable security strap 24, which are hereinafter described in detail with reference to the Figures.
[0022] Security device 22 includes a housing 26 formed of a cooperating housing cover 28 and a housing body 30. The housing cover 28 and the housing body 30 are each formed of plastic, and are sonically welded to one another in use. The housing 26 has two or more passageways defined therethrough. As shown in Figure 3 and 4, the device 22 is formed with a first passage way 34 and a second passageway 36 extending therethrough. The housing 26 may also define a viewing window (not shown).
(0023] Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5, a base portion 27 of security strap 24 is inserted into the housing 26 before the housing body 34 and cover 28 are sonically welded to one another. Alternatively, the base portion 27 of security strap 24 may be integrally formed with the housing 26. In a preferred embodiment the security strap 24 is made of a plastic material. The security strap 24 includes a generally elongate body 38 having a girth that is smaller in dimension than the passageways 34 and 36.
Body 38 includes an operative surface 40 and a backing surface 42 that extend from the housing 26 to a tail end 44. Operative surface 40 is provided with a plurality of inclined 5 ribs or serrations 46.
[0024] Security device 22 is shown in Figures 3 and 5 with the housing cover removed for clarity and to show a pawl 48 mounted on the interior of housing 26. Pawl 48 includes a first engagement surface 50 and a second engagement surface 52 that project into the first passageway 34 and the second passageway 36, respectively. The first and second engagement surfaces 50 and 52, respectively, are inclined substantially the same as the inclination of the ribs 46 of the operative surface 44 of the strap 24.
The first engagement surface 50 and the second engagement surface 52 are oppositely inclined.
[0025] As shown in Figure 3, housing 26 is adapted to contain a transponder 54 for locating the position of the piece of luggage within airports, as well as in the hold of the aircraft. The transponder 54 preferably utilizes radio frequency technology to communicate via radio frequency to a reader device. It is understood that any other suitable form of communication may be used in association with the transponder 54.
Also, housing 26 of the security device 22 is preferably formed from a material that permits the transmission or communication of radio frequencies from the transponder 54 to a reader device. A suitable material for the housing 26 includes, for example, plastic. The transponder 54 and associated radio frequency technology contemplated for use with the present invention are discussed in the attached five articles entitled:
~ Section 1: Introduction to RFID;
~ Section II: Low Frequency (LF) Passive RFID;
~ Section III: High Frequency (HF) Passive RFID;
~ Section IV: Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Passive RFID; and ~ Section: RFID Standards.

It is to be understood that the information contained in these five articles forms part of the description of the transponder 54 of the present invention.
[0026] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a device 22 is shown with housing cover removed for clarity and to show the use of the device. In use, body 38 of the strap 24 is passed through a hasp, zipper or handle, for example, on the piece of luggage (not shown). The strap 24 is then threaded tail end 44 first into first passageway 34. The strap 24 is typically secured by the check-in personnel. The smaller dimension of the elongate body 38 of the security strap 24 relative to the first and second passageway 34 and 36 renders this a relatively simple process.
[0027) As the security strap 24 advances through the first passageway 34, the first engagement surface 50 of the pawl 48 falls into the interdental spaces between the ribs 46 on the operative surface 40 of the strap 24 so as to arrest motion of the body 38 through the second passageway 36 otherwise than tail end 44 first. The housing and the pawl 48 thus form a linking means for receiving said strap 24 and, when in receipt of said strap 24, for securely linking longitudinally spaced-apart portions thereof.
[0028] After the security strap 24 has been passed through the first passageway 34, as shown in Figure 8, the contents of the luggage are secured. To remove or detach the security device 22 from the luggage, the passenger or security personnel must bisect or cut the strap 24. With the strap 24 cut, the tail end 44 may be removed from the first passageway 34, as shown in Figure 9. The base portion 27 and at least a portion of the strap 24 will remain attached to the housing 30 since it is integrally formed or sonically welded within the security device 22. By this design, the base portion 27 of the strap 24 extends from the housing 26 and acts as an indicator to the passenger that their luggage has been opened.
[0029] Following the visual inspection of the contents of the piece of luggage by the security personnel, the security device 22 may be resecured to the piece of luggage using a new strap 124. As shown in Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13, the new strap includes an enlarged head 56 and an elongate body 138 having a tail end 144.
The head 56 is greater in dimension than the first passageway 34. Strap body 38 and new body 138 are identical, except that the new strap is provided with the enlarged heard 56. Additionally, the new body 138 may be provided with a label or different colour to identifying the person who opened the luggage (i.e. check-in staff, security personnel andlor custom agents).
[0030] To resecure the security device 22, the body 138 of the new strap 124 is threaded tail end 144 first into an inlet 62 and through second passageway 36.
As the new security strap 124 advances through the second passageway 36, the second engagement surface 52 of the pawl 48 falls into the interdental spaces between a plurality of ribs 146 on an operative surface 140 of the new strap 124 so as to arrest motion of the body 142 through the second passageway 36 otherwise than tail end 144 first. At the same time, the enlarged head 56 of the strap 124 precludes passage of the head 56 through the inlet 62 of the second passageway 36.
[0031] The strap 124 is then passed through a hasp, zipper or handle, for example, on the piece of luggage (not shown). Tail end 144 is then threaded into the first passageway 34, as shown in Figure 14. The smaller dimension of the elongate body 138 of the security strap 124 relative to the first and second passageway 34 and 36 renders this a relatively simple process.
[0032] As the security strap 124 advances through the first passageway 34, the first engagement surface 50 of the pawl 48 falls into the interdental spaces between the ribs 146 on the operative surface 140 of the strap 124 so as to arrest motion of the body 138 through the first passageway 34 otherwise than tail end 144 first. The housing body 30 and the pawl 48 thus form a linking means for receiving said strap 124 and, when in receipt of said strap 124, for securely linking longitudinally spaced-apart portions thereof.

a [0033] After the security strap 124 has been passed through the second and first passageways 34 and 36, as shown in Figure 14, the contents of the luggage are resecured. To remove or detach the security device 22 from the luggage, the passenger or security personnel must bisect or cut the strap 124. With the strap 124 cut, the tail end 144 may be removed from the first passageway 34 since its retraction therefrom is no longer impeded by the enlarged head 56. The removal of the enlarged head 56 end of strap 124 from the second passageway is impeded by the enlarged head 56 and the second engagement surface 36 of the pawl 48. By this design, the enlarged head 56 end of the strap 124 remains in the second passageway 36 and acts as an indicator to the passenger that their luggage has been opened on a second occasion.
[0034] The security device 22 described herein is provided with the first and second passageways 34 and 36. It is understood that the security device 22 may have more than two passageways to enable the security device 22 to be opened and resecured several times during the course of transferring the piece of luggage to and from the aircraft.
[0035] The security system 20 can be used with any conventional piece of luggage that is of the type that has cooperating parts adapted to receive the shackle of a padlock or the like to permit the piece of luggage to be locked closed. For example, the security system can be used with a piece of luggage having a hasp; a piece of luggage having a zipper with dual pulls that can be locked together; or a piece of luggage that has a zipper with a single pull with a terminally positioned lug, in which case the zipper pull and the lug can be locked together. With the security strap operably received by the cooperating parts of such a piece of luggage (not shown), and said strap operably received by the linking means, the piece of luggage cannot be opened.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the method, a controlled supply of security packages (not shown) are provided to check-in personnel at an airport. Each package consists of a security device and a security strap as hereinbefore described.
The transponder 54 of the security device is provided with a unique permanent electronic indicia associated with the device, such as an encrypted code or serial number. The housing of the security device may also be provided with a permanent visual indicia that corresponds to the electronic indicia of the transponder. The package may also include a self-adhesive label bearing the permanent visual indicia for attachment to the boarding pass of the passenger.
[0037] One such package is provided for each piece of luggage checked by a passenger, and the check-in staff provides for the operable receipt of the security strap by the cooperating parts of the luggage and the linking means of the security device, whereby the piece of luggage cannot be opened. The label is affixed to the boarding pass of the passenger [0038] A controlled supply of security straps are provided to authorized persons, namely airport security personnel and customs agents. The security straps provided to security personnel and customs agents may be coloured differently, or may bear the names "Security" and "Customs", respectively. This will enable a passenger, for example, to determine whether their luggage has been opened after the check-in and, if 2o so, by whom.
[0039] In the event that security personnel or customs agents wish to visually inspect the contents of the piece of luggage, they can bisect or cut the strap and remove portions from the device, as indicated by the sequence of Figures 9 and 13, to permit access to the contents of the piece of luggage. After inspection has been completed, such persons can insert a new strap into the second passageway and then into the first passageway to secure to the luggage.
[0040] In situations where passengers are required to attend to claim their baggage (in contrast to self-serve luggage claim systems), the security system will be inspected by the airline personnel when the luggage to which it is affixed is to be transferred to the passenger. It will be evident that the boarding pass serves as a convenient luggage claim receipt to match a piece of luggage with its owner, since the indicia on the label on the boarding pass should match the indicia on the security device. Also, the transponder may also provide an electronic means for matching the 5 piece of luggage to the passenger. if it is evidence from such inspection that the indicia on the security device, the strap and the label match are the same as was applied at the check-in, the passenger and airline have good reason to believe that the bag has not been opened. If the indicia on the security strap does not match that of the security strap and label, the passenger and airline have good reason to believe that the bag has 10 been opened by authorized persons.
(0041] While a security strap herein is serrated or ribbed, in the manner of some conventional cable ties, it is understood that other configuration of the strap are possible, provided that suitable modification is made to the pawl or such other gripping mechanism as may be employed to provide the contemplated linking functionality. For example, the security strap could be provided with longitudinally spaced apertures, into which the pawl can engage upon the advancement of the security strap through one or more of the passageways.
(0042] While use of the security system is described in the context of a process wherein the baggage is inspected by airline personnel prior to return to the passenger, it will be evident that the tamper evidence functionality of the security system does not require such involvement of airline personnel. Further, it will be evidence that the security device provides a convenient mechanism to permit the passenger to identify his or her piece of luggage in a self-serve luggage claim system, by matching the number affixed to the boarding pass with the number on the security device.
[0043] Moreover, whereas the use described related to airline, it will be readily appreciated that the security device could be employed in other transportation systems wherein passengers are separated from their luggage. A further use of the security system is in hotels. It is commonplace for persons checking out of hotels to leave their luggage with the hotel for a period of time if their departure from the hotel is delayed. In such circumstances, a supply of security systems could be available at the front desk, and given to the persons checking out for affixation to the luggage. This would provide the departing guest with a measure of security that their bags had not been tampered with when in the custody of the hotel. This security would be even greater in circumstances where the luggage itself has no working lock mechanism.
[0044) It is hereinbefore specified that only the strap used with the security device is disposable (since it is broken after use, and thus not suitable for reuse).
It should be l0 understood that it is preferable that the security device be constructed in a low-cost manner, and used as a disposable product.
[0045] The present invention has been described with regard to specific embodiments. However, it will obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variants and modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A security device for securing a piece of luggage having a locking means, the security device comprising (a) a housing having two or more passageways defined therethrough and a pawl, wherein the pawl projects into the two or more passageways, and (b) a security strap adapted to be inserted through the locking means and the two or more passageways, wherein the security strap is adapted to engage with the pawl to securely link the housing to the piece of luggage

2 The security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing includes a radio frequency transponder for locating the position of the piece of luggage

3. The security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security strap is integrally formed within the housing

4. The security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security strap comprises a serrated, elongated body having a tail end and a girth that is sufficiently small to enable the security strap to be inserted and advanced along the two or more passageways.

5. The security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two or more passageways comprise a first passageway and a second passageway, and wherein the security strap is inserted into the first passageway and engaged by the pawl to secure the piece of luggage

6 The security device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the security strap may be bisected and removed from the first passageway, and wherein a new security strap may be inserted into the second passageway, the locking means and the first passageway to resecure the piece of luggage

7 The security device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the new security strap has an elongated head, serrated, elongated body having a tail end and a girth that is sufficiently small to enable the new security strap to be inserted and advanced along the two or more passageways

8 A security system for securing a piece of luggage having a locking means, said security system characterized by (a) a housing having two or more passageways defined therethrough and a pawl, wherein the pawl projects into the two or more passageways, and (b) a security strap adapted to be inserted into the locking means and the two or more passageways, wherein the security strap is adapted to engage with the pawl to securely link the housing to the piece of luggage

9 The security system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the housing includes a radio frequency transponder for locating the position of the piece of luggage The security system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the two or more passageways including a first passageway and a second passageway, and wherein the security strap is inserted into the first passageway and engaged by the pawl to secure the piece of luggage 11 The security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security strap may be bisected and removed from the first passageway, and wherein a new security strap may be inserted into the second passageway, the locking means and the first passageway to resecure the piece of luggage