GB2245022A - Security device and fitment - Google Patents

Abstract

The security device for locking an article such as a camcorder 10 to a shelf or to a fitment includes first and second parts 12, 20, Figure 1; 101, 102, Figure 11, one of which is enclosed within the other in use. The second part incorporates a resiliently biased latch member 35 (see figure 2 for details) which can only be released by a key actuating a lock 22 recessed within the second part 20. As shown, the first part 12 is screwed to the article. Figure 11 and also figure 10 illustrate security fitments. <IMAGE>

Description

SECURITY DEVICE AND FITMENT This invention relates to a security device and to a fitment there for.

It was particularly devised for use in retail outlets where expensive consumer goods such as video camera/recorders (camcorders) or still cameras are sold.

Such items are readily portable and have a high sale value so they are frequently the target for shop theft. Although the theft of individual items during retail opening hours can be limited, for example by connecting camcorders or the like to an alarm cable, there has hitherto been no satisfactory means of preventing large scale theft by smash and grab raids or by looters in the case of civil disturbance.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a security device enabling an article such as a camcorder to be secured to a shelf or display fitment in a manner such that it is released only by a keyholder.

In some instances it may be desirable to secure the article to a display fitment comprising one or more generally horizontal bars. From the point of view of the shopkeeper using the security device, this enables advantages to be achieved for example the product can be tilted relative to the horizontal so as to be advantageously displayed. The product can be arranged along the bar at any chosen spacing rather than being limited in spacing to the position of holes provided in a shelf.

Camcorders and expensive still cameras usually have an internally threaded socket in the base so that they can be fixed to a tripod.

According to the present invention there is provided a security device for fitment to an article, the device comprising a first part and a second part, the second part including an opening adapted to receive a projecting portion of the first part, the second part including a locking means having a resiliently biased latch member, having key-operable release means and being adapted to engage retaining means on said projecting portion, one of said first and second parts enclosing the other in use, whereby only the key-operable release means is accessible. Preferably, the second part encloses the first part in use.

The first part may be adapted to be secured to a socket on the article which it is intended to secure using the security device.

The resiliently biased latch member may be pivotally mounted.

Preferably it is so mounted that said key-operable release means are operated by clockwise rotation of a key.

The first part may have a projecting portion comprising a freely rotatable collar having recessed retaining means. The first part may further comprise an externally threaded stud adapted to co-operate with a screw thread of the socket of the article to be secured.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a security fitment for use with a security device as set out above, the fitment comprising an upper bracket unit and a lower bracket unit adapted to be secured to a fixed structure by primary fixing means, a pair of uprights mounted to respective upper and lower bracket units, one or more pairs of intermediate bearers captively mounted to the uprights, the bearers of the, or each pair respectively supporting a mounting bar extending between the uprights, the uprights being mounted to the upper and lower bracket units by upper and lower mounting means which, in use, conceal said primary fixing means, and either said upper or said lower mounting means being positively secured to the upright by key operable locking means.

A security device embodying the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an axial section view of a second part of the security device, Figure 2 is an end elevational view on the arrow 2 of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the first part of the security device, Figure 4 is an end elevational view of the first part shown in Figure 3, Figure 5 is a plan view of a sleeve incorporated in the second part of the security device, Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the sleeve of Figure 5, Figures 7, 8 and 9 are respectively plan, front elevational and side elevational views of a cam member of the second part, Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view, with parts omitted, of a security fitment, Figure 11 is an exploded vertical sectional view of a modified form of security device for use with the fitment of Figure 10.

Referring firstly to Figure 3 of the drawings, an article such as a camcorder to be protected is shown in chain-dotted outline at 10. The article has an internal screw-threaded socket which receives an externally screw-threaded stud 11 of a first or adaptor part generally indicated at 12. The first part has a central stem 13 with an integral driving formation 14. On this stem 13 is mounted a freely rotatable collar 15 of generally cylindrical form but having an annular groove 16 and a tapered conical point 17. A washer 18 and fixing screw 19 are secured to the stem 13 to locate and retain the collar 15.

This first part of the assembly is secured to a camcorder or other valuable article 10 by screwing the stud 11 firmly into the threaded socket provided in the article 10, using the fixed driving formation 14 as a purchase for a wrench. It will be appreciated that the collar 15 can spin freely on the stem 13.

Turning to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a second part of the security device is generally indicated at 20. It comprises a main body 21 within which is located a lock 22 of a type to be described later, secured by threaded engagement at 23. The second part is intended to be secured to a shelf for example in a retail outlet. For this reason, a threaded end cap 27 is provided, having an inwardly projecting annular flange 28. The shelf (not shown) is provided with an aperture in which the main body of the second part is inserted from below. The main body has an enlarged head 26. The threaded end cap 27 is added from above the shelf to secure the second part 20 in position. One or more spacer sleeves 24 is or are used to generate a gap 25 to ensure the correct positioning of the second part relative to the shelf.

Internally, the second part of the security device includes the lock 22, a cam member 30 shown in more detail in Figures 7-9, a latch member 35, and a sleeve 31 which is used to define a pivot position 32 for the latch member 35. The second part further includes a flanged collar 43 held in place within the main body 21 by a circlip 45 engaged in a suitable groove.

The annular flange 28 of the end cap 27 together with the flanged collar 43 define a restricted opening 29 in the assembled second part, which is dimensioned so as to receive the first part as a clearance fit.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the sleeve 31 includes a pal of limbs 33 which locate on a pair of flats (not shown) on the otherwise externally screw threaded body of the lock 22. The limbs therefore provide a location relative to the lock body.

The sleeve includes a pillar portion 34 defining the pivot point 32 which is spaced longitudinally from the lock 22 as seen in Figure 1.

The latch member 35 is pivotally mounted at the pivot point 32. The latch member 35 is best seen in Figure 2. It includes an arcuate cut-out 36 and an arm 37 which can swing arcuately about the pivot 32. The arm 37 is received in, and moved by, a slot 38 of the cam member 30 which is shown in more detail in Figures 7-9 of the drawings. To assemble the second part 20 of the security device, the lock body 22 is firstly screwed into the threaded bore 23 in the main body 21.

The cam member is then presented within the opening of the body 21. An aperture 39 in the cam member has a generally keyhole shape, the portion 40 being provided to engage a drive projection and an associated spring of the lock 22. The lock 22 is of a type known as a "slam lock" which is capable of latching operation but can only be unlatched by means of a key to rotate the barrel and the drive formation previously referred to.

The cam member 30 is attached so as to permit the spring and drive formation to locate in the part 40 of the opening 39.

A fixing screw 41 and spring washer 42 complete the subassembly.

The arrangement is such that the cam member 30 can rotate against a resilient bias provided by the spring of the lock 22.

After the lock 22 and cam member 30 have been assembled, the sleeve 31 is added, so that the limbs 33 locate on the flats of the lock, to define a position relative to the lock body 21. The latch member 35 is then pivotally mounted at 32 with its arm 37 in the slot 38 of the cam member 30.

The flanged collar 43 is then inserted and located against the shoulder 44 and retained in place by the circlip 45.

In order to use this embodiment of security device, a second part 20 is secured to a shelf as previously referred to. The first part 12 is secured to the article to be safeguarded.

The tapered conical portion 17 of the first part is inserted through the opening 29 defined by the flanged collar 43 and annular flange 28. This conical portion meets the arcuate cut-out 36 of the latch member 35 and pushes the latch member 35 aside, causing it to pivot about the point 32. The arm 37 in turn rotates the cam member 30 from its normal "at rest" condition relative to the lock 22. When the first part is inserted further, the latch member comes into alignment with the annular recess 16 and the arcuate cut-out drops into the recess under the pressure of the spring provided in the lock 22.

The article 10 is at the position shown in the chain-dotted lines in Figure 1 and all of the otherwise projecting parts of the first part of the security device are then enclosed within the second part and cannot be tampered with. The latch member 35 also cannot be manually displaced but can only be disengaged from the recess 16 by use of the key in the lock 22.

The article 10 can therefore be attached very easily to the second part 20 which is secured to the shelf without the need for a key but cannot be removed except by use of a key. This reduces the risk of smash and grab raids or looting in which thieves rely on speed to snatch as many valuable articles as possible before leaving the premises.

Removal of the article 10 from the security device can only be effected by the use of a key. Firstly, it is not possible to remove the threaded stud 11 from the article by use of the driving formation 14, because this is concealed within the second part of the security device and is not accessible to a wrench. Rotation of the article 10 relative to the shelf also cannot remove the threaded connection 11 because the stem 13 of the first part merely spins within the freely rotatable collar 15 and does not give any purchase to remove the screw threaded connection.

It is not possible to unscrew the cap 27 from the second part because the first and second parts are coordinated in length to eliminate any substantial travel of the cap 27 if an attempt is made to rotate it. The outside of the second part is relatively smooth and cylindrical so as to afford little purchase to a tool. The lock 22 is recessed within the body 21 of the second part. Any attempt to remove the lock using a screwdriver would involve turning the lock body anticlockwise. The lock is chosen so as to ensure that any turning of the lock body in an anti-clockwise direction forces the latch member 35 more closely towards the axis of the first part, biting firmly into the annular groove 16.

Referring to Figure 11 of the drawings, a second embodiment of a security device generally indicated at 100 comprises a first part generally indicated at 101 and a second part generally indicated at 102. The first part 101 is secured to an internally screw threaded socket of a camcorder 103 or similar article and is in every way identical to the first or adaptor part 12 of the first embodiment of the security device described above.

The second part 102 is intended for fitment to a captive horizontal bar 104 forming part of a fitment, to be described in relation to Figure 10. The second part therefore comprises an upper body part 105 and a lower body part 106, having cutouts 107, 108 respectively, adapted to conform to the external profile of the bar 104 which is preferably circular.

The upper and lower body parts 105, 106 are secured together and clamped to the bar by clamping screws one of which is shown at 109, access to which is gained through passageways 110. The upper body part also houses a lock 111 which may be of a type having a latch 112 which can be operated by pressing the externally accessible part of the lock 113 but which can only be released by means of a key (not shown). Alternatively, the lock may be arranged to be locked and unlocked by the key.

Such locks are generally known as "sliding door locks".

The lock 111 is located in position by means of external lugs (not shown) formed integrally with the lock body. The lock is housed between upper and lower mating parts 114 and 115 which are assembled and secured together by fastener means (not shown) to form the upper body part 105. The lock is further secured in position by a securing screw (not shown) received in a threaded opening 116 to ensure that the body is not capable of movement even allowing for possible manufacturing tolerances.

The upper and lower mating parts 105, 106 are held together by the clamping screws 109 so that the second part 102 of the assembly is captive on the bar 104. However it can be moved along the bar and it can also be rotated relative to the bar if the bar and the cutouts 107, 108 are circular. The second part is secured to the bar in the required position and orientation by means of a friction screw 117.

However before the camcorder is secured in place, the second part 102 of the security device is finished by the addition of an internally screw-threaded end cap 118 which prevents access to the clamping screws 109 and the fastener means securing the upper and lower mating parts 114 and 115 of the upper body part 105.

The first part 101 of the security device is inserted into the second part 102, and the lock 111 operated to engage the latch 112 of the lock, preventing the camcorder 103 from being removed without use of the key in the lock 111.

Unauthorised attempts to tamper with the security device and remove the camcorder are foiled because none of the clamping screws and fastener means is accessible. The only things which are accessible are the facia of the lock 111, which is fitted flush in the face of the upper body 105, the friction screw 117, and the end cap 118. Releasing the friction screw 117 merely enables the security device and camcorder to be moved along or rotated on the bar 104 and attempts to unscrew the end cap 118 merely act to close the first part 101 to the latch 112 of the lock 111. Access cannot be gained to the first part 101 of the security device because it is contained entirely within the second part and any attempt to unscrew the camcorder body 103 from the first part 101 is resisted because the outer portion of the first part is freely rotatable on its inner portion.

Turning to Figure 10 of the drawings, the fitment shown therein comprises an upper bracket unit 200 and a lower bracket unit 201, to which an upright 202 is mounted. It will be appreciated that two or more uprights are provided in each fitment but since they are identical, only one will be described.

The upper bracket unit 200 is secured by primary fixing means such as fixing screws (not shown) to the rear wall of a cabinet or other fixed abutment. It has a downwardly extending socket 203 rigidly secured for example by welding and this socket is capable of receiving a threaded portion 204 of a stepped upper end of the upright 202. An enlarged collar 205 surrounding this threaded assembly prevents access to the primary fixings (not shown) of the bracket unit 200.

One end of the bar 104 is rigidly secured by welding to a collar 206 which is slidable on the upright 202.

One or more slidable collars 206 can be provided these being held in any desired vertical position by friction screws (not shown). This arrangement can also be seen in Figure 11 of the drawings.

The lower bracket unit 201 has an upwardly facing socket 212 rigidly secured for example by welding and this socket 212 is capable of receiving a stepped portion 213 of the upright 202.

The lower bracket unit 201 is secured by primary fixing means such as fixing screws (not shown) to the rear wall of the cabinet or fixed abutment.

The lowermost end of the upright 202 is provided with a tapered lead in portion 207 and a waisted portion 208. The waisted portion can receive the bolt 209 of a lock 210 similar to the lock 111 described in relation to Figure 11. This lock 210 is housed in an enlarged housing 211 which again covers the primary fixings by which the lower bracket unit 201 is secured to the fixed abutment.

In an alternative form (not shown) the lowermost end of the stepped portion 213 of the upright 202 is extended to receive and pass through an enlarged collar similar to the collar 205, the collar being secured in position on the upright by securing means, for example a padlock, attached to the lowermost end of the upright. The enlarged collar again covers the primary fixings by which the lower bracket unit 201 is secured to the fixed abutment.

Thus, the fitment described provides exact location for the upper and lower ends of the uprights 202, thereby trapping the support bars 104 so that they themselves cannot be forced free in pursuance of a theft of articles displayed on them. The whole assembly is secured together by positive engagement of the lock 210 in the enlarged housing 211 or the securi of the enlarged collar to the upright 202. The housing or collar can, however, be removed to effect the rearrangement or dismantling of the fitment.

The security device has been described in relation to protecting camcorders from being stolen from a retail outlet but clearly could have many other applications. It will be appreciated that, although the articles described have had threaded sockets to receive the stud 11, the first part of the device could be permanently secured to the article for example by welding.

Claims (12)

1. A security device for fitment to an article, the device comprising a first part and a second part, the second part including an opening adapted to receive a projecting portion of the first part, the second part including a locking means having a resiliently biased latch member, having key-operable release means and being adapted to engage retaining means on said projecting portion, one of said first and second parts enclosing the other in use, whereby only the key-operable release means is accessible.

2. A security device according to claim 1 wherein the second part encloses the first part in use.

3. A security device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first part is adapted to be secured to a socket on the article.

4. A security device according to any preceding claim wherein the resiliently biased latch member is pivotally mounted.

5. A security device according to claim 4 wherein the latch member is mounted so that the key-operable release means are operated by clockwise rotation of a key.

6. A security device according to any preceding claim wherein the first part has a projecting portion comprising a freely rotatable collar having recessed retaining means.

7. A security device according to any preceding claim wherein the first part comprises an externally threaded stud adapted to cooperate with a screw thread of the socket of the article.

8. A security device according to claim 1 wherein the second part comprises first and second body parts having cut-outs adapted to conform to the external profile of a bar of a security fitment and attached together by fastener means concealed, in use, by the first part.

9. For use with a security device according to claim 8, a security fitment comprising an upper bracket unit and a lower bracket unit adapted to be secured to a fixed structure by primary fixing means, a pair of uprights mounted to respective upper and lower bracket units, one or more pairs of intermediate bearers captively mounted to the uprights, the bearers of the or each pair respectively supporting a mounting bar extending between the uprights, the uprights being mounted to the upper and lower bracket units by upper and lower mounting means which, in use, conceal said primary fixing means, and either said upper or said lower mounting means being positively secured to the upright by key operable locking means.

10. A security device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1-9 of the accompanying drawings.

11. A security device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 11 of the accompanying drawings.

12. A security fitment substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.