EP3964677B1 - Anti-theft device for luggage - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of anti-theft devices, in particular for luggage.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

In many situations, it can be useful to secure a piece of luggage to prevent it from being opened without authorization or even being moved without authorization.

An example where such securing is useful is that of the beach. For example, when a person wishes to bathe, they must leave behind their personal effects which may be valuable. It is possible to place these effects in a closed and locked bag to prevent it from being opened and searched. However, this does not prevent him from being carried away when he finds himself unsupervised.

Another situation is that of a traveler in transit. After his last night at the hotel, he may wish to leave his luggage to be able to move around town without having to carry it constantly. If his luggage can be closed (for example with a padlock), it is not impossible that it is carried away, either voluntarily or inadvertently, for example in the luggage room of the hotel.

Luggage (including lockable bags) therefore presents two problems. The first is to prevent theft by preventing it from being moved. The second is to prevent the opening of the luggage to prevent it from being searched.

In general, beach bags, sports bags, satchels and handbags etc. are rarely equipped with anti-theft security. There are many padlocks for luggage storage, but they only protect the closing of the luggage.

Regarding the security of the luggage itself, there are security chains or cables with lock or key, but they are imposing, too conspicuous and they do not secure the closure of bags or luggage.

The document DE3125C discloses an instrument for hanging garments in public places in a manner that prevents theft by placing an upper opening of a small clip around an object and pushing a lower opening through a buttonhole of the attached garment the object in question, then closing the instrument. The document DE4460C discloses a similar instrument with an arm bent downward in the shape of a hook for first hooking the garment in that bend, then placing the whole thing around the object. The document DE79653C discloses a device for hanging clothes by means of a lock device. The document US1439111 discloses a clutch pedal locking device for motor vehicles.

There is however still a need to improve the securing of luggage (including closable cases). The present invention falls within this context.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention relates to an anti-theft device according to claim 1.

According to embodiments, at least one of said at least one first and second parts is configured to cooperate with a linking element making it possible to link said device to said object.

According to embodiments, the closure mechanism comprises a rod configured to connect said at least one first and second parts.

Device according to the preceding claim, in which the said rod is fixed to the said at least one first part, the said rod being furthermore configured to be inserted, in the said first closed configuration, into an orifice present in the said at least one second part.

According to embodiments, in said first closed configuration, the at least one first and second parts form a figure eight.

According to embodiments, said closure mechanism is configured to cooperate with a pull tab of a zipper of said object to be secured.

• un bagage, et
• un dispositif antivol selon le premier aspect.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising:

• baggage, and
• an anti-theft device according to the first aspect.

According to embodiments, the luggage includes a storage area for said anti-theft device.

According to embodiments, the system further comprises a linking element for linking said piece of luggage and said device.

According to embodiments, the connecting element comprises an elastic zone.

According to embodiments, the connecting element comprises a zone for connecting textile hooks and loops to said device.

According to embodiments, the luggage comprises a zipper provided with a pull tab and in which said closing mechanism is configured to cooperate with said pull tab to keep said luggage closed.

FIGURES

• [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 illustrates a device according to embodiments in a closed configuration.
• [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 illustrates a device according to embodiments in an open configuration.
• [ Fig. 3 ] There picture 3 illustrates a context of use of a device according to embodiments.
• [ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 illustrates a closure mechanism of a device according to embodiments engaged in a closure of a piece of luggage.
• [ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 schematically illustrates a storage area of a device according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The devices according to embodiments can equip various types of luggage (beach bag, satchel, sports bags, backpack, handbag, etc.). They can make it possible to secure both the closure of these bags and their attachment to a fixed point such as, for example, street furniture or an anchor point to a wall or floor or the like.

Devices according to embodiments can for example make it possible to lock a closure, such as a zipper, of such luggage while allowing it to be hung on a post or a barrier for example.

In general, a device according to embodiments comprises at least two parts mounted to move relative to each other, for example by means of a hinge (for example a riveted hinge). The device can be attached to luggage. It further comprises a mechanism for linking the two parts, making it possible to link the two parts of the device together and to accommodate a mechanism for closing a piece of luggage (such as a zipper for example) to keep it closed. The device further comprises a locking mechanism for closing the device and locking the two parts together. By locking the two parts together, the locking mechanism also makes it possible to lock the link mechanism.

In an open configuration, the device makes it possible to accommodate both the luggage closing mechanism and a fixed point to which it is desired to attach the luggage. In a closed configuration, the link mechanism maintains the closing mechanism closed and encloses the fixed point so that it is not possible to open the luggage or separate it from the fixed point.

For example, the connecting mechanism is a rod (for example a metal rod), fixed to a first part of the device, which can be inserted into the slide of a zipper and which is housed in an orifice of the second part of the device. For example, the locking mechanism is a code or key lock.

Advantageously, in one manipulation, the closing of the locking mechanism is the whole device which secures the luggage both by closing the case or luggage and by fixing it in secure ways.

There figure 1 illustrates a device 15 according to embodiments. For example, it is made of a rigid alloy such as a ferrous alloy. Steel, aluminum, nickel or chromium are materials which it is possible to use according to embodiments. Such polymers are, for example, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) or ULTEM (sold by the company Sabic Innovative Plastics). For example again, it can be made of a very resistant plastic polymer.

As illustrated by the figure 1 , the device 15 according to this example is formed by two parts A and B connected by a connecting mechanism 2 , for example a hinge or any other pivot connection, for example using a rivet. The device 15 is closed by a locking mechanism 6 . In this example, the device 15 has a general eight (8) shape, each part A and B has a three (3) shape. The part joining the two loops of the figure eight includes a closing mechanism 4 . In this example, it comprises a rod 3 linked to part A and an orifice 5 linked to part B to receive the rod 3 . Other closing mechanisms can be envisaged. For example, instead of a rod, it is possible to provide a movable loop on part A which can be held stationary by an element of part B when the locking mechanism is closed.

The first loop of the eight defined by the part comprising the link mechanism 2 and the closing mechanism 4 makes it possible to link, or even to fix, the device to a piece of luggage that one wishes to secure, for example by means of a connection. The second loop of the figure eight defined by the part comprising the closing mechanism 4 and the locking mechanism 6 makes it possible to fix the device to a fixed point by encircling and enclosing this fixed point in the loop.

According to the embodiment illustrated, the first loop of the eight is of smaller dimensions than the second loop. The second loop has for example dimensions making it possible to encircle fixed points in sufficient situations to allow versatile use (for example by making it possible to encircle feet or posts of street furniture or the like). Other dimensional ratios are possible. The closure mechanism 4 can accommodate the closure of the luggage that we want to secure. For example, the rod 3 can be passed through the orifices of the pull tabs (or tongues) of the zipper of the luggage. Loops can have a circular shape. They can also have other shapes, for example elliptical. For example again, the loops can have triangular, rectangular or other shapes.

According to embodiments, the material in which parts A and B are formed is sufficiently resistant for anti-theft use, that is to say it can withstand attempts at sawing or any cutting, depending on the degree desired security and the anti-theft standards to be complied with. Materials can be totally rigid. It is also possible to envisage flexible materials. Thus, it is possible to facilitate the attachment to fixed points for example. This can also make it easier to store the device. According to embodiments, it is possible to produce the parts A and B in the form of chains of links in a material that is sufficiently resistant for the anti-theft use envisaged.

According to embodiments, parts A and B are covered with a material allowing dressing (colors, patterns, or other).

There figure 1 illustrates a device 15 according to embodiments in a closed configuration, that is to say that the locking mechanism 6 closes the second loop. The closing mechanism 4 closes the first loop. Rod 3 is engaged in orifice 5 . There picture 2 illustrates device 15 in an open configuration. In this configuration, parts A and B are separated from each other. The locking mechanism 6 opens the second loop. The closing mechanism 4 opens the first loop. Rod 3 is no longer engaged in orifice 5 . Parts A and B are held together by the link mechanism 2 . To switch from one configuration to the other, the locking mechanism is opened or closed and parts A and B are separated or brought together by operating the link mechanism (for example by rotating the parts A and B using the hinge).

There picture 3 , illustrates a context of use of a device according to embodiments. A piece of luggage 8 is closed and fixed to an anchor point 9 (for example a public bench) by means of a device 10 according to embodiments. The second loop of the device comprising the locking mechanism and the closing mechanism encircles and encloses a bar of the anchor point.

Baggage 8 includes a storage area 11, for example a storage pocket. For example, this pocket is sewn on the luggage (for example on the side of a closable bag as illustrated by the picture 3 ). The storage zone 11 makes it possible to accommodate the device 10 . Furthermore, the device 10 and the piece of luggage 8 are linked to each other by a link element 7 . For example, the link mechanism 7 is a rubber band. For example, this elastic is sewn to the bottom of the storage area on one side. For example, on a side not fixed to the luggage 8 , the connecting element 7 is provided with a means of fixing to the device 10 such as for example a mechanical fixing by hooks and textile loops (like those marketed under the brand Velcro ^® For example). The link mechanism and the storage area make it possible to place the device 10 discreetly in the luggage 8 and to take it out or store it according to the need for securing. As illustrated by the figure 5 , when the device 10 is not in use, it is placed entirely in the storage area 11 of the luggage 8 .

There figure 4 schematically illustrates the method of closing a piece of luggage 8 by means of a device according to embodiments. In the example illustrated, the luggage is closed by means of a zipper 11 . For example, this zipper is provided with one or more pull tabs (or tabs) 12 , 13 . For example, each pull tab is provided with a closing loop 14 . Each closing loop of one puller can engage with the closing loop of the other puller. To close the luggage, the rod 3 of the closing mechanism of the device according to embodiments is inserted into the closing loops of the pull tabs, once the latter have engaged one inside the other. If the zippers are not provided with loops, it is possible to use the holes present on the ends of the zippers instead. In the case where the zipper has only one pull tab, it is then possible to use an orifice of this pull tab in combination with a buckle or another fastening element present on the luggage.

The present invention has been described and illustrated in this detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented. Other variants, embodiments and combinations of characteristics can be deduced and implemented by those skilled in the art on reading this description and the appended figures.

To meet specific needs, a person skilled in the field of the invention may apply modifications or adaptations.

In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or other steps. The indefinite article "one" does not exclude the plural. The various characteristics presented and/or claimed can be advantageously combined. Their presence in the description or in different dependent claims does not in fact exclude the possibility of combining them. The reference signs should not be understood as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (12)

1. Anti-theft device (15) comprising :

   at least one first part (A) and at least one second part (B) linked together by a linking mechanism (2), said linking mechanism allowing a relative movement of said at least one first and second parts and the passage between a first closed configuration and a second open configuration,

   at least one locking mechanism (6) for locking said device in said first closed configuration, and

   at least one closing mechanism (4) configured to cooperate with a closure (11, 12, 13, 14) of an object (8) to secure and maintain said closure of said object in a closed position, when said device (15) is in said first closed configuration,

   wherein

   in said second open configuration, said at least one first and second portions allow the passage of an anchor point (9), and

   in said first closed configuration, said at least one first and second portions allow enclosure of said anchor point to hold said device (15) attached to said anchor point (9), characterized in that

   wherein

   in said first closed configuration:

   said first and second parts (A, B), the linking mechanism (2) and said closing mechanism (4) form a first loop, and

   said first and second parts (A, B), the closing mechanism (4) and said locking mechanism form a second loop.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least one first and second parts (A, B) is configured to cooperate with a connecting element (7) for connecting said device (10) to said object (8).
3. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said closing mechanism comprises a rod (3) configured to connect said at least one first and second parts (A, B).
4. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein said rod (3) is fixed to said at least one first part (A), said rod (3) being further configured to insert, in said first closed configuration, into a hole (5) present in said at least one second part (B).
5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, in said first closed configuration, the at least one first and second parts form a figure eight (8).
6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, said closing mechanism (4) is configured to cooperate with a pull tab (12, 13) of a zipper of said object to be secured.
7. System comprising:

   a piece of luggage (8), and

   an anti-theft device (10) according to any of the preceding claims.
8. A system according to the preceding claim, wherein said luggage (8) comprises a storage area (11) for said anti-theft device (10).
9. A system according to any one of claims 7 and 8, further comprising a connecting member (7) for connecting said luggage (8) and said device (10).
10. A system according to the preceding claim, wherein said connecting element (7) comprises an elastic zone.
11. A system according to any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein said connecting element (7) comprises a textile hook and loop connection area to said device (15).
12. The system of any one of claims 7-11, wherein said luggage includes a zipper with a pull tab and wherein said closing mechanism is configured to cooperate with said pull tab to hold said luggage closed.

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