AU2010201766B2

AU2010201766B2 - Security Device

Info

Publication number: AU2010201766B2
Application number: AU2010201766A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Paul James Symons
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-05-01
Filing date: 2010-05-03
Publication date: 2012-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-03
Also published as: AU2010201766A1

Abstract

Abstract A security device for preventing theft of one or more items comprising a body having a first zone adapted to stow the one or more items and a second zone adapted to receive ballast material, wherein the first zone has at least one 5 armoured compartment adapted to contain the one or more items. A resting device for a human body comprising a body having at least one region adapted to receive ballast for preventing removal of the resting device and a resting surface adapted to receive part of a human body is also provided. * i ao

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Paul James Symons Actual Inventor Paul James Symons Address for service is: WRAYS Ground Floor, 56 Ord Street West Perth WA 6005 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: Security Device The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 -2 Security device Field of the Invention The present invention relates to security devices for securing valuables. The present invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily 5 solely, to secure valuables of persons engaging in activities at beaches or other recreational areas. Background Art Visitors to recreational areas such as beaches are often concerned for their personal items (valuables) while engaging in activities at the recreational 10 activities. Theft of unattended and unsecured valuables is not uncommon at recreational areas while owners of these items engage in swimming, walking, game or other activities at the beach. Various devices have been proposed and developed for stowing and securing 15 valuables carried by, for example, beach visitors. Metal security lockers have been made available at some larger more popular beach locations. However, the number of beach visitors generally exceeds the number of lockers available. Also, the lockers themselves are often located at remote locations from the beach shore which can be inconvenient for the locker user while on the beach shore. 20 Other beach security devices has been developed which utilize an auger or pitched-threaded member that, when screwed into the ground (typically sand), serves as an anchor attachment to which a security bag or box can then be securely fastened. While reasonable security is offered by such "screw" devices, 25 the devices themselves tend to be large, inconvenient to transport, and time demanding to secure and remove from, the ground. It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

-3 Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a security device for preventing theft of one or more items comprising a body having a first zone adapted to stow one or more items and a second zone adapted to receive ballast 5 material, the body comprises an upper surface and a bottom surface united by at least one side wall to enclose the first and second zones, each of the first and second zones covered by portions of the upper surface, the distance between the upper and bottom surface defining a height of the body, wherein the height of the body is relatively low facilitating loading of ballast material into the second zone. 10 Preferably, the portion of the upper surface covering the second zone has a perimeter which is substantially greater than the height of the body. Preferably, the body further comprises a partition located between the upper 15 surface and bottom surface to separate the first zone from the second zone. Preferably, any one of the upper surface and the at least one side wall comprise at least one zipper to provide access to the first zone and/or the second zone. 20 Preferably, the first zone comprises at least one armoured compartment adapted to contain the one or more items. Preferably, the security device comprises at least one locking post for fastening at 25 least one pull tab of the at least one zipper to hinder access to any one of the first and second zones. Preferably, the at least one locking post is adapted to secure a pad lock to avoid 30 removal of the pull tabs from the locking post.

-4 Preferably, the body further comprising a link having a first end attached to the security device and a second end being realisably adapted to be secured to the security device, wherein the security device is secured to a structure by surrounding the structure with the link prior to securing the second end of the link 5 to the security device. Preferably, the body further incorporates an assembly for retrievably storing the link. 10 Preferably, the second end of the link comprises a pin having an opening for attachment to the pad lock attached to any one of the at least one locking post. 15 Preferably, the link is adapted to releasably attach at least one item in order to secure the at least one item. 20 Preferably, the security device comprises releasable strap means. Preferably, the releasable strap means are released from the security device by applying a predetermined load on the strap means. 25 Preferably, the predetermined load is related to the weight of the security device when filled with ballast material. Preferably, the security device further comprising a motion-activated alarm system. 30 Preferably, the motion-activated alarm system is activated via an activation switch included in the stowage zone in order to avoid unauthorized deactivation of the alarm system.

-5 According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a resting device for a human body comprising a body having at least one region adapted to receive ballast for preventing removal of the resting device wherein the at least one region 5 comprises a resting surface adapted to receive part of a human body. Preferably, the resting surface defines a head rest. Brief Description of the Drawings 10 The present invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a security device in accordance to a first embodiment of the invention. 15 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the interior of the security device in accordance to the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a security device in accordance to a second embodiment of the invention showing the security link in retracted position; 20 Figure 4 is a perspective view of a security device in accordance to the second embodiment of the invention showing the security link in extended position; Figure 5 is a detail view of figure 4 showing the security link; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a security device in accordance to a third 25 embodiment of the invention showing the security link in extended position.

-6 Detailed Description of Specific Embodiment(s) Referring to figure 2, the security device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of compartments defining a ballast zone 12 and 5 a stowage zone 20. Additionally, the security device 10 comprises strap means 40 for carrying of the security device. As shown in figure 2, the security device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention is of rectangular configuration comprising a bottom surface, sides 10 walls 35 and an upper surface 68. The stowage zone 20 and the ballast zone 12 are defined within security device 10. The upper surface 68 comprises a stowage surface 36 and a ballast surface 34. A zipper 18, located in the stowage surface, allows access to the interior of the stowage surface 36. Valuables may be inserted in stowage zone 20 by opening zipper 18. Access to the ballast zone 12 15 is provided via zipper 14. The zipper 14 extends along the side walls 35 surrounding the ballast zone 12. Referring to figure 2, the ballast zone 12 is located adjacent to the stowage zone 20. The stowage zone 20 is separated from the ballast zone 12 via a division: 20 such as partition 16. The ballast zone 12 is of greater extension than the stowage zone 12 and is adapted to receive ballast material (such as sand) so as to increase the weight of the security device 10. The ballast material may be introduced in the ballast zone 12 after zipper 14 is opened and ballast surface 34 raised (see figure 1). The proportion of the surface area covered by the ballast 25 zone 12 with respect to the height of the side walls 35 is such that the ballast zone 12 is easy to fill with ballast material. This is particularly true when the security device is resting on the ballast material. Referring to figure 1, zippers 14 and 18 include sliders having pull tabs 28 and 30, 30 respectively. The zippers 14 and 18 are arranged on security device 10 such that their pull tabs 22 and 26 join at a common location on the side walls 35. Pull tabs 22 and 26 are fastened to the security device 10 via a locking post 24. The locking post 24 is placed at the common location where pull tabs 28 and 30 join when -7 zippers 14 and 18 are closed. Pull tabs 22 and 26 comprise respectively openings 28 and 30 for letting through an outer end of locking post 24. Locking post 24 comprises an opening 32 for attachment of a pad lock 54 (see 5 figures 3 and 4). The shackle of the pad lock 54 is inserted in opening 32 after pull tabs 22 and 26 have been fastened to the locking post 24. The pull tabs 22 and 26 are secured between the side wall 35 and the shackle of the pad lock 54 impeding extraction of the pull tabs 22 and 26 from the locking post 24. This arrangement impedes pulling apart pull tabs 22 and 26 and opening of zippers 14 10 and 18, respectively. The security device 10 further comprises strap means 40. The strap means 40 are releasably attached to the security device 10 via attachment plates 38. As shown in figure 1, side walls 35 include attachment plates 38 onto which the ends of the 15 strap means 40 may be releasably attached to. Attachment plates 38 are located at opposing corners of the security device 10 allowing strap means 40 to extend from one side of the security device 10 to the other side of the security device 10 thus forming a shoulder strap or handle for carrying the security device 10. 20 The attachment plates 38 comprise attachment means that release the strap means 40 when a load greater than a predetermined value is applied to the strap means 40. The predetermined load is related to the weight of the security device when filled with ballast material. In this way the strap means 40 may be released from the security device 10, filled with ballast material, when the strap means 40 25 are pulled. The attachment means may comprise Velcro®or a releasable clip. According to a second arrangement, the security device 10 may comprise a retractable cord 50 (link) for securing valuables to the security device (see figures 3 and 4). For this, the security device 10 comprises a cord assembly (not shown) 30 for storing the retractable cord 50. The cord assembly is adapted to receive and deliver the retractable cord 50. An opening 52 of the security device 10 allows extraction of the cord 50 from the security device 10. Opening 52 is adapted to receive a locking pin 46 attached to the outer end of the cord 50. Pulling the end -8 48 of the locking pin 46 allows retrieval of the cord 50 from the cord assembly and out of the security device 10. The cord assembly may be located at any area within the security device 10 such that the cord 50 may be retrieved through opening 52. 5 As said before, the cord 50 may be used for securing valuables to the security device 10. This done by threading the cord 50 though any attachment means (for example openings) incorporated in the valuables prior to securing the locking pin 46 to the pad lock 54. Thereafter, locking pin 46 is secured to the locking post 24 10 via an opening 74 adapted to receive the shackle of pad lock 54. A further arrangement of the security device may comprise motion-detection means for activating an alarm system. The motion-detection means, together with the alarm system, is incorporated in the security device 10 such that the owner of 15 the valuables safeguarded in the stowage zone 20 of the security device 10 may be alerted to unauthorised tampering or removal of the security device. The motion-detection means is activated via an activation switch which may be located within the stowage zone 20. This impedes unauthorized deactivation of the motion-detection system. 20 Figures 3 to 6 show a second embodiment of the invention. The security device 10 according to the second embodiment is similar to the security device 10 according to the first embodiment and similar reference numerals are used to identify similar parts. 25 As shown in figure 3, the security device 10 comprises a bottom surface 70 covered by an upper surface 68. Rims 64 and 66 extend respectively along the periphery of each of the upper and bottom surfaces 68 and 70 of the security device 10. Rims 64 and 66 are jointed via zipper 72 defining the inner space of 30 the security device. The zipper 72 extends around the entire periphery of the security device 10. Alternatively, the zipper 70 may only extend around a section of the periphery of the security device 10. In other arrangements, rims 64 and 66 may comprise a plurality of zippers 72.

-9 Zipper 72 comprises a pair of sliders having pull taps 22 and 26. Zipper 72 may be opened by separating the sliders and closed by joining the sliders. Pull tabs 22 and 26 come together at a common location when zipper 72 is closed. A locking 5 post 24 is placed at the common location. The pull tabs 22 and 26 are fastened to the locking post 24 thus hindering separation of the pull tabs 22 and 26. This arrangement secures zipper 72 in the closed position. The upper surface 68 further comprises a flap 42. The flap 42 is attached to the 10 outer periphery of the upper surface 68 of the security device. The security device may be opened after opening zipper 72 and pulling flap 42 thus separating upper surface 68 from the bottom surface 70. The flap 42 is secured in a folded position covering the common location where the zipper pull tabs 22 and 26 meet. This impedes ingress of foreign material into a stowage zone 20 as well as access to 15 the zipper pull taps 22 and 26. The flap 42 is secured in the folded position by introducing locking post 24 into opening 44 of flap 42. Then, pad lock 54 may be attached to the locking post 24 for securing the flap 42 in folded condition between the rims 64 and 66. 20 The inside of the security device 10 is configured as the stowage zone 20 and the ballast zone 12. The ballast zone 12 is located adjacent to the stowage zone 20. As previously described with reference to the first embodiment, the ballast zone 12 is of a greater extension than the stowage zone 20 and is adapted to receive ballast material (such as beach sand) so as to increase the weight of the security 25 device. The ballast material is introduced in the ballast zone 12 once the upper surface 68 of the security device 10 is raised. The upper surface 68 is substantially greater than the height of the security device to allow an easy filling of the ballast zone 12 with ballast material. This is particularly true when the security device is resting on the ballast material. 30 The stowage zone 20 is separate from the ballast zone 12. A division such as partition 16 may separate the stowage zone from the ballast zone.

-10 According to a second arrangement, the stowage zone 20 may be adapted to receive a stowage compartment 56 as shown in figure 6. The stowage compartment 56 comprises a receptacle 62 having a lid 58. The receptacle 62 defines an inner space 60 in which valuables may be stored. The stowage 5 compartment 56 may be fabricated from metal, plastic, combinations thereof or any other materials. Alternatively, the compartment 56 may be flexible and made up of an armoured material (i.e. chainmail sheet). The stowage compartment 56 provides an additional security feature which is protecting the valuables from being removed from the security device 10 by cutting though the material that 10 comprises the stowage zone 20 of the security device 10. Referring to figure 5 and 6, the stowage compartment 56 comprises a locking post 24 for attachment of the pull tabs 22 and 26 of zipper 72. Locking post 24 extends perpendicularly from a side wall of stowage compartment 56. Figure 5 shows the 15 security device 10 in a closed position with the stowage compartment 56 positioned in the stowage zone 20 such that locking post 24 extends from the security device 10 and attaches pull tabs 22 and 26. The security device 10 according to the second embodiment may also comprise a 20 retractable cord 50 as previously described with reference to the first embodiment. A cord assembly adapted to receive and deliver the cord 50 may be located within compartment 56. For this the compartment 56 comprises an opening 76 (see figure 6) through which cord 50 may be retrieved when cord 50 is extracted during use of the security device. In this arrangement ,compartment 56 is located within 25 security device 10 such that opening 74 of compartment 56 coincides with opening 52 of the security device. 10. The retractable cord 50 is adapted for securing valuables that may not fit within the security device 10 (such as, for example, body boards, surf boards, among others). A releasable strap means 40 (see figure 1) as previously described with reference to the first embodiment may 30 also be provided for carrying of the security device 10. A further arrangement of the security device 10 according to the second embodiment of the invention comprises a motion-detection means for activating -11 an alarm system as previously described with reference to the first embodiment. The motion-detection means is activated via an activation switch which may be located within the stowage zone 20 or the stowage compartment 56. This impedes unauthorized deactivation of the motion-detection system. 5 The security device 10 and the straps means 40 may be manufactured with any type of materials usually used in the manufacture of bags. An example of such a material is Neoprene. The zippers may be made out of, for example, plastic, metal or combinations thereof. Alternatively, instead of using zippers as 10 closure means other type of closure means may be used such as, for example, Velcro type closure systems. The attachment plates for attaching the strap means may comprise Velcro® or releasable clips. 15 The cord 50 may be a chain, a cable or a wire made preferably of hardened materials so as to avoid easy rupture. The locking post 24 and the pin 46 are also made out of hardened materials so as to avoid easy rupture. The hardened materials may be preferably corrosion resistant materials. 20 In operation, the stowage zone and the ballast zone of the security device 10 may be filled with valuables and personal times such as towels, recreational equipment, suntan lotions, etc and the like. At the recreational location, such as a beach, the user opens the security device extracting the personal items from the 25 ballast zone and proceeds to fill it with ballast material such as sand. Due to the relative shallow configuration of the security device 10, the filling operation is easy to perform, typically with a few brisk arm sweeping movements. This is particularly true when the security bag 10 is resting on the beach and beach sand is used as the ballast material.. Thereafter, valuables may be stored in the stowage zone. 30 Unauthorised access to the valuable is prevented after closing the security device 10 and securing the pull tabs 22 and 26 of zippers (18 and 14 or 72) to the locking post 24. With the ballast weight within the ballast zone 12, the present invention and valuables are incapable of being stolen without extraordinary measures.

-12 Moreover, by activating the motion detection alarm system any unauthorized removal of the security device may be detected. Personal items which, for example due to their size, may not be able to be stored 5 in the stowage zone may be secured to the security device via cord 50. For this the locking pin 46 is pulled out of the opening 52 and out of the security device 10 extending the cord 50 through the opening 52 and out of the security device 10. Then, cord 50 may be passed through, for example, openings made to the personal items and secured to the security device 10 by fixing the locking pin 46 10 to the locking post 24, as previously described. Alternatively, the security device 10 may be secured to a structure to avoid unauthorized removal. Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 15 Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed. By way of example, the stowage zone 20 may further comprise a removable secondary storage compartment which is easily inserted into and removed from the stowage zone 12. 20 In a further arrangement, several locking posts 24 and pad lock 54 may secure the pull tabs 22 and 26 to maintain the zippers 18 and 14 or 72 closed. In other arrangements, locking post 24 may located at any location of the security device for securing the locking pin 54 of the retractable cord 50 for securing valuable to 25 the security device. Moreover, any type of valuables may be stored within the security device. For example, personal items such as wallets, watches, mp3 players, cosmetics and sun tan lotions. Also, valuables that cannot be accomodated within the security 30 device 10 may be attached to the security device 10 via cord 50. These valuables may include items such as body boards, surf boards, umbrellas, beach chairs, eskies, and the like.

-13 The present invention may also be used as a resting device, such as a pillow. The extended ballast surface 34 provides a resting surface for, for example, a head of a user. This is accomplished by filling the ballast zone 12 with ballast material as much as required in order to provide comfort to the user when resting.. This is 5 particularly so owing to the shallow configuration of the security device 10. Also, the pillow-like shape may assist in rendering the security device less conspicuous when in use and thus less likely to attract unwanted attention. Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, 10 the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

1. A security device for preventing theft of one or more items comprising a body having a first zone adapted to stow one or more items and a second zone adapted to receive ballast material, the body comprises an upper 5 surface and a bottom surface united by at least one side wall to enclose the first and second zones, each of the first and second zones covered by portions of the upper surface, the distance between the upper and bottom surface defining a height of the body, wherein the height of the body is relatively low facilitating loading of ballast material into the second zone. 10

2. A security device according to claim 1 wherein the portion of the upper surface covering the second zone has a perimeter which is substantially greater than the height of the body. 15

3. A security device according to any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the body further comprises a partition located between the upper surface and bottom surface to separate the first zone from the second zone.

4. A security device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein any 20 one of the upper surface and the at least one side wall comprise at least one zipper to provide access to the first zone and/or the second zone.

5. A security device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first zone comprises at least one armoured compartment adapted to 25 contain the one or more items.

6. A security device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the security device comprises at least one locking post for fastening at least one pull tab of the at least one zipper to hinder access to any one of the 30 first and second zones. -15

7. A security device according to claim 6 wherein the at least one locking post is adapted to secure a pad lock to avoid removal of the pull tabs from the locking post. 5

8. A security device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body further comprising a link having a first end attached to the security device and a second end being realisably adapted to be secured to the security device, wherein the security device is secured to a structure by surrounding the structure with the link prior to securing the second end of 10 the link to the security device.

9. A security device according to claim 8 the body further incorporates an assembly for retrievably storing the link. 15

10.A security device according to claims 8 or 9 wherein the second end of the link comprises a pin having an opening for attachment to the pad lock attached to any one of the at least one locking post. 20

11.A security device according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the link is adapted to releasably attach at least one item in order to secure the at least one item.

12.A security device according to any one of the preceding claims the security 25 device comprises releasable strap means.

13.A security device according to claim 12 wherein the releasable strap means are released from the security device by applying a predetermined load on the strap means. 30

14. A security device according to claim 13 wherein the predetermined load is related to the weight of the security device when filled with ballast material. -16

15.A security device according to any one of the preceding claims the security device further comprising a motion-activated alarm system.

16.A security device according to claim 15 wherein the motion-activated alarm 5 system is activated via an activation switch included in the stowage zone in order to avoid unauthorized deactivation of the alarm system.

17.A resting device for a human body comprising a body having at least one region adapted to receive ballast material for preventing removal of the 10 resting device wherein the at least one region comprises a resting surface adapted to receive part of a human body.

18.A resting device according to claim 17 wherein the resting surface defines a head rest. 15

19. A security device for preventing theft of one or more items, the security device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

20 20.A resting device for a human body, the resting device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.