EP3206197B1 - Securing device for objects - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a security device for objects that are prevented from being opened by two straps that cross them and intersect each other, according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

STATE OF THE ART

Electronic anti-theft systems have proven their worth to secure goods in shops against theft. Tags are attached to the goods to be secured, which can be detected by the electronics of the system via antennas usually arranged at the outlet of the shops. The tags are e.g. electrical resonant circuits with resonance frequencies in the radio frequency range (a few MHz).

For the security to work, the tags must be connected to the goods to be secured in such a way that unauthorized persons cannot remove them easily and unnoticed. For garments this is e.g. by inserting a needle through the fabric and securing the tip of the needle with a lock that requires special equipment to remove it. The day is housed in the needle head (hard tag) or in the lock. Small items can be stored in clear, lockable containers that hold the day inside. To secure goods that are sold in packaging such as boxes or the like, tags are used in housings that are attached to the packaging with tapes (or cables).

In one embodiment, the tapes are electrically conductive and are monitored for electrical continuity by electronics. If they are cut to remove the security device without authorization, the electronics generate an alarm. A mechanism is housed in the housing for winding and tensioning the tapes. Since this must not be voluminous, the adjustment range is of the belts, which limits their use on packaging in a certain size range.

In WO2008 / 009148 A security device is proposed for objects of the type mentioned at the beginning, which are strapped with simple, electrically non-conductive bands, as are used as standard in packaging technology. The tapes are made of stable plastic and are stretched around the packaging using a tensioning device, their ends being connected to form a closed loop by means of sealing sleeves or by welding. There are no restrictions on the size of the packaging. The securing device has two housing shells which can be locked together and in engagement with the straps. The device further comprises two cylindrical, rotatably mounted tensioning elements, each provided with a slot for the straps, which are prestressed by tensioning springs. When attaching the security device to the object, the tapes are guided through the slots of the tensioning elements. Closing and locking the two housing shells releases the clamping elements and the straps are additionally tensioned. These means for additional tensioning of the straps are coupled with an alarm. If the additional tension is lost, eg due to unauthorized cutting of the straps, the tensioning elements continue to rotate due to the tension springs and trigger an alarm.

With a suitable geometric arrangement, tapes can also be used to prevent the packaging from being opened. Often the content of the packaging is not checked when buying. It is not uncommon then when unpacking at home it turns out that the content does not meet expectations. This can be caused by the packaging being opened during transport, in the warehouse or in the sales shop and the goods contained therein removed and, at best, exchanged for another, but usually inferior product. Also, high-quality, expensive goods are often placed in the packaging of cheaper goods, so that only the lower price of the cheaper goods has to be paid at the checkout.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention has for its object to provide a security device of the type mentioned, which can be attached to objects such as larger packaging boxes so that they can not be removed unnoticed by them, which does not require complex mechanics and still ensures adequate protection.

According to the invention, this is achieved in such a safety device by the features of claim 1.

The means for generating an alarm include a mechanical and possibly an optical sensor. When closed, the mechanical sensor can detect contact with the object through the base plate and react to loss of contact with the object. It triggers an alarm in particular if the security device is removed from the object without authorization. The optical sensor, if present, emits light through the base plate when closed, can detect reflections of this light from the object through the base plate and can react to changes in these reflections. The optical sensor can thus also trigger an alarm if the security device is removed from the object without authorization.

When attaching the security device to the object by means of tapes, it could be possible to move the security device slightly on the object or to push a flat object between the security device and the object. The latter, for example, to prevent the mechanical sensor from reacting. However, the optical sensor would respond in each case.

The base plate and the cover can be movably connected to one another via a hinge for easier handling.

The optical sensor can be a reflex light barrier or an image sensor, which is preferably insensitive to ambient light. The light it emits is further preferably infrared light. But it can also be provided that the optical sensor reacts to ambient light, especially when the security device is lifted from the object.

The means for generating an alarm have a resonant circuit which can be detected by an electronic goods security system. The object to be secured can then, together with the security device according to the invention, that is to say without first removing it from the object, not simply removed from an area monitored by an electronic goods security system, such as a retail store. As soon as the electronic goods security system detects the resonant circuit in the security device according to the invention, it issues an alarm.

Conversely, the means for generating an alarm of the security device according to the invention can generate an alarm if the resonant circuit is excited by an electronic goods security system by the electromagnetic alternating field generated by it.

The lock is activated when and by closing the safety device. It should only be possible to solve it with a special tool, including a magnet opener, such as is used to open a hard tag of the type mentioned at the beginning, and, if necessary, also with a key.

The means for generating an alarm are activated when and by closing the safety device (in the sense of armed). An activation is of course not yet triggered by this activation. However, the means for generating an alarm can be designed so that they signal their activation by a flashing signal and / or an acoustic control tone.

The means for generating an alarm are deactivated when authorized opening, for which purpose a special magnetic opener or a key must preferably be used. Deactivation could also be provided electronically by remote control or by means of a deactivator plate. In this case, an alarm would also be triggered, for example, if the safety device was provided with one special magnetic opener or key is opened. If the safety device is opened by force, the means for generating an alarm should of course also be deactivated and an alarm triggered.

The means for generating an alarm can be designed to generate an alarm which is multi-level in terms of its intensity and / or duration. This can be used to trigger a warning pre-alarm when the safety device is lifted slightly from the object and / or when the safety device is only slightly moved on the object. This may be enough to deter the manipulator from further manipulation without causing general turmoil. In particular, an alarm can only be triggered at a lower than the highest alarm level if only the optical sensor (19) responds. Especially if this is set sensitively, this can already occur when handling the object with authorization.

The security device according to the invention is designed such that it can be attached to the object with two straps stretched around the object to be secured. This is achieved in that the base plate can be inserted between the straps and the object in the open state of the securing device and that the base plate and the lid can be locked in engagement with the straps by means of the lock when the securing device is closed. In the case of a sales box, the straps can be attached in such a way that the sales box cannot be opened, at least without causing major damage to it.

For a secure and firm guiding of the tapes, the base plate can have channel-shaped depressions and the cover can have a plurality of recesses into which the tapes can be inserted. In addition, the securing device can have means to prevent the base plate from slipping on the object to be secured, which can be possible when attached with tapes. This can e.g. a rubber layer or the like, which is arranged on the side of the base plate facing the object.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemässe Sicherungsvorrichtung an einem mit zwei Bändern umspannten Objekt unter a) in einer perspektivischen Ansicht und unter b) in einer Draufsicht;

Fig. 2

perspektivische Ansichten der Sicherungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 1 unter a) im offenen Zustand und unter b) im geschlossenen Zustand;

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht auf den Schnitt A-A aus Fig. 1b) unter a) im offenen Zustand und unter b) im geschlossenen Zustand;

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht auf den Schnitt B-B aus Fig. 1b) im geschlossenen Zustand;

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht auf den Schnitt C-C aus Fig. 1b) im geschlossenen Zustand;

Fig. 6

eine erfindungsgemässe Sicherungsvorrichtung, die um ein Kabel 50 gemäss einer ersten Ausführungsform erweitert ist, mit welchem Kabel sie sich mit noch einem anderen Objekt verbinden lässt; und

Fig. 7

eine andere Ausführungsform eines solchen Kabels.

The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment in connection with the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a security device according to the invention on an object spanned by two bands under a) in a perspective view and under b) in a plan view;

Fig. 2

perspective views of the safety device Fig. 1 under a) in the open state and under b) in the closed state;

Fig. 3

a view of the section AA Fig. 1b ) under a) in the open state and under b) in the closed state;

Fig. 4

a view of the section BB from Fig. 1b ) when closed;

Fig. 5

a view of the section CC from Fig. 1b ) when closed;

Fig. 6

a security device according to the invention, which is extended by a cable 50 according to a first embodiment, with which cable it can be connected to yet another object; and

Fig. 7

another embodiment of such a cable.

In the figures, identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols.

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Fig. 1a ) shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a security device 1 according to the invention, which is attached to an object 2, for example a sales box, spanned by two intersecting bands 3. The securing device 1 is shown in the closed state and in engagement with the two straps 3. The two bands 3 run through the safety device 1 and intersect in this. The securing device 1 is held on the surface of the object 2 by the tension of the bands 3. Fig. 1b ) shows a plan view of the securing device 1 and the object 2 spanned by the bands 3 Fig. 1a ).

In Fig. 2a ) the safety device 1 is off Fig. 1a ) shown in the open state in a perspective view. Fig. 2b ) shows the safety device 1 in the closed state. Of the object 2 is in Fig. 2a) and Fig. 2b ) each only shown a surface on which the tapes 3 cross. Fig. 3 shows the safety device 1 Fig. 1 alone in a view of the section along the section line AA Fig. 1b ) in the open state ( Fig. 3a ) and when closed ( Fig. 3b ). Fig. 4 shows the securing device alone in a view of the section along the section line BB Fig. 1b ) and Fig. 5 in a view of the section along the section line CC Fig. 1b ) each in the closed state.

The securing device 1 has a housing comprising a base plate 10 and a cover 11. Cover 11 and base plate 10 are movably connected to one another via a hinge 12. In the open state, the securing device 1 with the base plate 10 can be pushed between the surface of the object 2 and the straps 3 spanning the object 2, so that the straps 3 intersect in the middle of the base plate 10. The base plate 10 has two groove-shaped depressions 14 which also intersect to guide the bands 3. The lid 11 in the Fig. 2a ) still in the folded-back state, has cutouts 13 along its edge for the straps 3 running through the securing device 1. In addition, the cover 11 has a plurality of cylindrical projections 15 on the surface which faces the base plate 10 in the closed state. These projections 15, the function of which will be explained below, are arranged such that they lie in the region of the channel-shaped depressions 14 in the closed state of the securing device 1.

The cover 11 can be locked with the base plate 10 in the closed state of the securing device 1. The locking provided for this purpose comprises a hook-shaped slide 16 which can be moved in the cover 11 between two positions. The extended position of the slide 16 shows Fig. 3a ) while the safety device is open, while Fig. 3b ) shows the slide 16 in its inserted position in the closed state of the safety device. Here, the slider 16 engages in a recess 17 in the base plate 10 and engages under it with its hook-shaped end 18, the inner edge 19 thereof. This engaging occurs when the slider 16 closes the lid 11 starting from its extended position under an oblique angle Angle relative to the base plate 10 is pressed into the lid 11 as soon as it is in Engagement with the recess 17 has come and is present in it. A spring 20, which is otherwise arranged between the slide 16 and the cover 11, is also tensioned, which loads the cover 11 in the opening direction or the slide 16 into its extended position and the resistance of which must be overcome when the cover 11 is closed.

The opening of the lid 11 under the action of the spring 20 is in accordance with the closed state Fig. 3b however, prevented by a magnetic lock 21 provided in the cover 11. The lock 21 is of the type known from so-called hard tags. A thin pin 22 connected to the slide 16 is inserted into this lock 21 when the slide 16 moves into its inserted position, where it is prevented from moving back by spring-loaded balls. Cover 11 and base plate 10 are thereby automatically locked together when the cover 11 is closed in the closed state of the securing device, without further manipulation being necessary for this.

To release the lock, the balls of the lock 21 must be pulled away from the pin 22 by the force of a magnet to be applied to 23 against the action of a spring 24 acting on them, so that this is free and can be withdrawn from the lock 21. Under the action of the spring 20, the lid 11 jumps open automatically and the slide 16 in its extended position.

The means for generating the alarm are also essentially arranged in the cover 11. These means comprise a battery 25 (in Fig. 2a ) denotes 25 the battery compartment), electronics (PCB) 26, an acoustic signal transmitter (buzzer) 27, an optical signal transmitter (LED) 28 and a main switch 29. The latter is actuated by a pin 30 formed on the slide 16 and closes when the lid is closed 11 and inserted slider 16 the battery circuit. When the cover 11 is open and the slide 16 is extended, the battery circuit is interrupted by the main switch 29. The means for generating an alarm are thereby activated when the safety device is closed and deactivated when the safety device is opened.

The means for generating the alarm further comprise a mechanical and an optical sensor. The mechanical sensor comprises a contact switch 31 in the cover 11 and a pivotable pushbutton 32 in the base plate 10, which interact when the safety device is closed. The button 32 is loaded by a spring so that it normally, as in the Figures 3 - 5 shown, protrudes downward over the base plate 10. If, on the other hand, the securing device is of the type Fig. 1 attached to an object 2 and thus with its base plate 10 under a contact pressure caused by the tensioned bands 3 in contact with the object 2, the button 32 is pivoted back by the object 2 into the base plate 10, whereby the contact switch 31 is actuated. The contact switch 31 thereby assumes a switching position from which the electronics 26 infer the presence of the object 2.

If the safety device is separated from the object 2 in the closed state after e.g. the strips 3 have been cut through, the button 32 swings out of the base plate, the contact switch 31 being actuated and thereby reaching a switching position from which the electronics 26 concludes that there has been no contact with the object and an alarm (acoustically via the buzzer 27 and / or triggered optically via LED 28). The contact switch 31 could also have several switching stages, so that only a slight lifting of the security device from the object merely results in a pre-alarm, e.g. a brief flashing of the optical signal generator (LED) 28, generated in the sense of a warning of further manipulation.

The optical sensor designed as a reflex light barrier is in Fig. 5 recognizable and has a light transmitter 33 and a reflected light receiver 34. It is preferably insensitive to ambient light in that the light transmitter 33 emits infrared light and the reflected light receiver 34 is only sensitive to infrared light.

When the safety device is closed, the light transmitter 33 emits light at an oblique angle through an opening 35 in the base plate 10. If the safety device in the manner of Fig. 1 is attached to an object 2, part of this light is reflected on the surface of the object 2 and reaches the reflected light receiver 34 through the opening 35. Against direct light from the light transmitter 33 the reflected light receiver 34 shielded. Depending on the nature of the surface in terms of brightness, color and / or gloss, but also depending on the distance to the surface, more or less reflected light will reach the reflected light receiver. In order to take account of the respective circumstances, the electronics first determine the intensity of the light received in each case after the securing device has been attached and closed on an object and store this as a reference value. Then it can react to changes in the received light intensity.

Such changes are to be expected in particular if the securing device is separated from the object, and a slight lifting of the securing device from the object in the area of the compliance of the object or the tapes may be sufficient. Detectable changes can also be caused when a flat object is pushed between the security device and the object, which has slightly different reflection properties, which will usually be the case. By inserting a flat object in the form of a stiff card between the security device and the object, someone could try to remove the security device from the object without the mechanical sensor triggering an alarm by swiveling the button 32 on the flat object when the security device is removed with the flat object is prevented from the base plate 10.

The optical sensor can also register changes that are produced by moving the security device on an object with a structured surface. To ensure that no alarms are triggered when the object is handled as intended, the securing device should be well fixed on the object with the straps and be as little displaceable as possible. In the present exemplary embodiment, therefore, the aforementioned cylindrical projections 15 are provided in the cover 11. In the closed state of the securing device, they press on the straps 3, which are guided along the trough-shaped depressions 14 of the base plate 10, and clamp them firmly, so that the securing device 1 cannot be moved along the straps 3. The cylindrical projections 15 can consist, for example, of an elastic material. To an undesirable shift To make the securing device 1 even more difficult relative to the surface of the object 2, the base plate 10 can also be provided with a rubber coating on the side facing the object 2.

On the other hand or in addition, it can be provided that an alarm is only triggered if the displacement exceeds a certain size in each case. The generation of an alarm or pre-alarm of lower intensity and / or duration, as described above for the mechanical sensor, could also be provided.

In an alternative embodiment, a light sensor can be used that is sensitive to ambient light. The light sensor could e.g. simply react to the difference in brightness that results when the safety device is lifted off the object.

As a further means of generating the alarm, an electrical resonant circuit consisting of a coil and a capacitor is also present in the cover 11 of the present embodiment, which can be excited and detected by an electronic goods security system, such as is installed in many retail stores. The coil has a ferrite core, which is designated by 36. When the resonant circuit is excited, the electronics 26 triggers an alarm.

As explained, the lid 11 springs open under the action of the spring 20 when unlocking and the slide 16 into its extended position, the battery circuit being interrupted by the main switch 29. The safety device can then be removed from object 2 without an alarm being triggered.

The security device according to the invention is designed with regard to the stability of its parts in such a way that it resists attempts to break it open by force to a certain degree. As the weakest link that yields first, if at all, when trying to open it violently, the engagement of the hook-shaped end 18 on the slide 16 with the edge 19 is preferably provided. It can be provided, for example, that the hook-shaped end 18 slides over the edge 19 or breaks off the slide 16. The slide 16 remains in its inserted position in the cover 11 and with it the pin 30, so that the main switch 29 also remains in its position closing the battery circuit. This means that the means for generating alarms remain active. If the cover 11 is opened after such a violent breaking open, its distance to the object changes, which is detected by both the mechanical and the optical sensor, which then trigger an alarm.

Fig. 6 shows an extension of the inventive safety device of Fig. 1 around a cable 50, with which this can be connected to yet another object in order to additionally secure this, if necessary. With the safety device from Fig. 7 there is a two-wire cable 50, one end of which is provided with a plug 51 and is inserted with this plug 51 in the cover 11 of the housing into a plug-in base 52 provided there. In the closed state, when the cover 11 is locked to the base plate 10, said cable end with the plug connection consisting of plug 51 and plug base 52 is not accessible from the outside. As a result, the plug connection cannot be released in the closed state. The cable end in the cover 11 is also secured with several baffles to prevent it being pulled out in the closed state. Most of the cable 50 protrudes from the housing through one of the cutouts 13 and is provided with a plurality of spiral windings 53, so that its length can be flexibly adapted to the respective distance from the other object. At its free end, the cable 50 is provided with means for attachment to another object.

Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of such means in the form of a further, substantially smaller housing 54. In this there is a mechanical sensor which can detect contact with another object through the further housing 54 and react to loss of contact with the further object. This mechanical sensor can in turn be a contact switch with a button 55, which is loaded by a spring such that it normally protrudes slightly beyond the housing 54 on one side. The housing 54 is simply attached to a further object such as with an adhesive strip (not shown), in particular one of the type already described, with the side mentioned for example in Fig. 6 Object 60 shown glued, so that the button 55 is pushed back into the housing 54. The contact switch closes a circuit via the cable 50 and the plug connection 51, 52, which is connected to the above-described means for generating the alarm in the cover 11 of the safety device. If there is a loss of contact between the further housing and the further object, these means in the cover 11, when activated, generate an alarm of the type also described above. A suitable surface for being able to glue the housing 54 as described can be found on most objects find, which accommodates the fact that the housing 54 can be made relatively small, for example only 1 - 4 cm in length and / or width.

The embodiment according to comes without adhesive strips for attachment to another object Fig. 7 out. For this, however, the further object must have an opening or the like. An eyelet 56 is formed in FIG. 8 at the free end of the cable 50. The two wires of the cable 50 are electrically connected to one another in a sleeve 57 closing the eyelet 56. The cable 50 thereby in turn forms a closed circuit which is monitored for continuity by the alarm means in the cover 11. Cable 50 is connected to another object such as object 61 in Fig. 7 connected by its end provided with the plug 51 being passed through a suitable opening 62 in the object 61, subsequently being pushed through the eyelet 56 to form a closed loop 58 and finally being inserted into the plug base 52 in the cover 11 of the housing. An alarm is generated here by the alarm means in the cover 11 when the cable 50 is cut, for example, to remove the further object.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

1-

Safety device

2nd

object

3rd

Tapes

10th

Base plate

11

cover

12th

hinge

13

Recesses

14

trough-shaped depressions

15

Ledges

16

Slider

17th

Recess

18th

hook-shaped end

19th

inner edge

20th

feather

21

magnetic lock

22

pen

23

Position for magnets

24th

feather

25th

Battery / battery compartment

26

Electronics (PCB)

27

acoustic signal generator (buzzer)

28

optical signaling device (LED)

29

Main switch

30th

Cones

31

Contact switch

32

Button

33

Light transmitter

34

Lens Flare Receiver

35

opening

36

Ferrite core

50

electric wire

51

plug

52

Socket

53

spiral turns

54

smaller housing

55

Button

56

eyelet

57

Sleeve

58

closed loop

60

another object

61

another object

62

Opening in the further object.

Claims (11)

1. Security device for objects (2) that are prevented from being opened by two intersecting strips (3) clamped around said objects, wherein the security device (1) has a housing with a baseplate (10) and a cover (11) and means for generating an alarm when the security device (1) is removed from the object (2) without authorization, wherein the security device (1) has an open and a closed state, wherein, in the closed state, the baseplate (10) and the cover (11) can be locked to one another by way of a locking mechanism, wherein the baseplate (10), in the open state, can be inserted between the intersecting strips (3) and the object (2), wherein the baseplate (10) and the cover (11), in the closed state, can be locked in engagement the stripes (3), wherein the two strips run through the security device (1) and intersect therein when the security device (1) is locked in the closed state, so as to engage with the two strips, wherein the security device (1), when it is locked in engagement with the two strips and in the closed state, is held on the surface of the object (2) by the tension of the strips (3), wherein the locking mechanism is activated by closing the security device and wherein the means for generating an alarm comprise a resonant oscillating circuit which can be detected by an electronic goods security system, characterized in that the means for generating an alarm comprise a mechanical sensor (31, 32) having a contact switch (31) that, in the closed state, can detect contact with the object (2) through the baseplate (10) and respond to a loss of contact with the object (2), in that the means for generating an alarm are activated when the security device is closed, in that the means for generating an alarm are deactivated when the security device is opened after the locking mechanism has been released, in that the locking mechanism comprises a slider (16) and a magnetic lock (21) and in that closing the security device comprises moving the slider (16) from a retracted position into an inserted position.
2. Security device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the baseplate (10) and the cover (11) are connected movably to one another by way of a hinge (12) .
3. Security device according to either of Claims 1 - 2, characterized in that the means for generating an alarm comprise an optical sensor (33, 34) that, in the closed state, emits light through the baseplate (10), can detect reflections of this light from the object (2) through the baseplate (10) and can respond to changes in these reflections.
4. Security device according to one of Claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the optical sensor is a reflex light barrier (33, 34) or an image sensor and is preferably insensitive to ambient light, wherein the light emitted thereby is further preferably infrared light.
5. Security device according to one of Claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the locking mechanism can also be released mechanically using a key.
6. Security device according to one of Claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the means for generating an alarm can be deactivated through remote operation or by way of a deactivator plate.
7. Security device according to one of Claims 1 - 6, characterized in that the means for generating an alarm are designed to generate an alarm that has multiple levels in terms of its intensity and/or duration.
8. Security device according to one of Claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the baseplate (10) has groove-shaped indentations (14) and/or the cover (11) has a plurality of recesses (13) into which the strips (3) can be laid.
9. Security device according to one of Claims 1 - 8, characterized in that said security device (1) has means (15) for preventing the baseplate (10) from slipping on the object (2) to be secured.
10. Security device according to one of Claims 1 - 9, characterized in that at the magnetic lock (21) a thin pin (22) connected to the slider (16) is inserted into this lock (21) when the slider (16) moves from its retracted position into its inserted position and is prevented from moving backwards there by spring-loaded balls and in which, in order to release the locking mechanism, the balls of the lock (21) are moved by the force of a magnet away from the pin (22) counter to the effect of a spring (24) acting thereon.
11. Security device according to one of Claims 1 - 10, characterized in that the means for generating an alarm generate an alarm when the resonant oscillating circuit is excited by an electronic goods security system.

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