GB2306034A

GB2306034A - Alarm device for a container

Info

Publication number: GB2306034A
Application number: GB9516431A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jignesh Amin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-08-10
Filing date: 1995-08-10
Publication date: 1997-04-23
Also published as: GB9516431D0

Abstract

The device comprises an electrically conductive element, such as a mesh structure 4 or metal foil, associated with the shell of the container 2, eg a suitcase, rucksack, briefcase or box (wooden or cardboard) and an alarm device 6 connected to the element. A means 8 is provided for rendering the device operational. The alarm device is energised when the integrity of the conductive element is broken, eg by cutting or slashing.

Description

TITLE : SECURITY DEVICE FOR CONTAINERS FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates in a general sense to electronic security devices, and more specifically has an application in suitcases , luggage and the like.

BACKCROUND International travelling is now commonplace . One of the most popular modes of travelling is by' Aeroplane , During journeys by aeroplane , the current procedure with transporting the more substantial items of luggage for example suitcases, or rucksacks is before departure , to check-in the suitcases with the airline organisation providing the flight . from the departure terminal it is conveyed to the aeroplane and manually loaded by baggage handlers into an assigned storage quarter of the aeroplane . on arrival , the luggage is manually ferried off the aeroplane and handled onto a conveying system at the arrival terminal , from where it is collected by its owner.With the rise in International travel , there is an increasingly widespread problem of theft from suitcases , this theft commonly taking place while the luggage is in transit . It is now often happens that the suitcases or other baggages, during transit are slit with a knife and the contents of the baggage stolen or destroyed.

This type of robbery is also known to occur on trains and buses and in particular is a constant cause for concern amongst backpackers.

There are currently available many security devices aimed at preventing baggage theft. In general , such devices rely on an arrangement of mechanical components, for instance, padlocks and BACKGROUND (CONT) key, or combination locks, with the aim primarily on preventing a potential thief from forcing open along the standard line of opening. Thus known devices are wholly ineffective against stopping theft resulting from slashing or ripping of the suitcas , or rucksack AIMS OF THE INVENTION It is therefore one aim of the present invention to provide a security device for luggage and the like that protects the contents of the luggage from the theft and / or tampering.It is especially aimed at stopping theft arising from slashing of the luggage The present invention also seeks to provide a deterrent against theft and / or tampering of the luggage STATEMENT OF INVENTION Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention there is provided a security device for use with a container, comprising an electrically conducting element associated with the shell of the container , alarm means in electrical connection with the electrically conducting element , wherein the alarm means is actuable when the electrical integrity of the electrically conducting element is broken or tampered with In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrically conducting element comprises a mesh structure underlying the shell of the container.

Preferably , the container is an item of luggage such as a suitcase , or a rucksack , or a briefcase ( although it can also be a cardboard / wooden box) A major advantage of the present invention is that when a container is broken into it alerts those people in the vicinity of the container to the theft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINCS By way of example, the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which.

Figure 1 is an perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to figure 1 , there is illustrated an embodiment of the present invention , showing a suitcase 2 , a mesh structure 4 , an alarm system 6 , and the means for rendering the system operational 8 In this preferred form of the invention , the mesh structure 4 , forms a lining inside the outer cover of the suitcase . The mesh 4 is layered with the base panel of the case , the top flap panel of the case and the sides of the case, thus providing a completely insulated case.The mesh structure 4 is made from an electrically conductive material , and is electrically connected to and forms part of an electric circuit with , the alarm system 6 . to turn the security device on by virtual of the permanent circuit design the alarm system would be permanently active while in transit or alarmed by some external switching agent such as a security / combination card. However the invention is clearly not limited to this type of security agent.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS ( CONT) In a further embodiment of the present invention the mesh structure 4 is replaced with a metal foil that again forms an internal lining of the outer cover of the container and serves the same function as the mesh structure As an alternative to forming a discrete internal lining , the mesh or foil 4 could be made integral with the outer shell covering of the container.

In use , the alarm system of this security device is set off when the circuit forms it forms with the mesh or foil is broken . The circuit is configured such cutting or slashing into any of the panels of the case will brake the circuit , hence activating the alarm system 6 Also the alarm system can be trigged by standard opening using a conventional micro switch technique or a similar technique.

It is envisaged that the present invention will be compatible with existing airport and air authority security systems, and in particular will be be transparent to airport X-Rays machines

Claims

CLAIMS 1 A security device for use with a container , comprising an electrically conducting element associated , with the shell of said container, alarm means in electrical connection with said electrically conducting element , wherein said alarm means is actuable when the electrical integrity of said electrically conducting element is broken or tampered with.
2 A security device as in claim 1 wherein said electrically conducting means comprises a mesh structure.
3 A security device as in claim 1 wherein said electrically conducting means comprises a foil.
4 A security device as in any of the preceding claims wherein said container is any luggage item.
5 A security devise as in any of the preceding claims wherein said electrically conducting element forms a layer with said shell of said container.
6 A luggage item having an electrically conducting element forming a layer with the shell of said item, alarm means in electrical connection with said electrically conducting element, wherein said alarm means is actuable when the electrical integrity of said electrically conducting element is broken / tampered.
7 A security device substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing.