GB2312831A - Security cover - Google Patents

Abstract

A security device comprises a cover 10 which is openable and designed to fit and close over a jacket draped on a back rest of a chair. The cover has a closure 12 that fits below a seat of the chair and surrounds a lower part of the jacket. The security device obscures the jacket, and other items hanging on the chair, and prevents items being removed from the jacket by pick-pockets. It may be of artificial fibre, paper or plastics material.

Description

SECURITY DEVICES The invention relates to security devices.

The invention relates more particularly to security device for personal use or use by individuals to protect valuable property that they normally carry with them about their persons. Embodiments of the invention have particular application in protecting wallets, handbags and the like and the contents thereof.

According to the invention there is provided a security device comprising a closed cover formed to fit loosely over and surround a back rest of a chair seat so as to obscure and envelope a jacket, handbag or the like already placed on or near the back rest.

The cover may have a closure which allows the cover to be opened to fit to the seat and holds the cover closed to envelope the back rest.

The cover preferably extends downwards beyond the chair seat to or near to the base of legs of the chair.

The cover may be made of many materials, including artificial fabric, paper or plastics material.

Security devices according to the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying isometric drawings in which : Figure 1 is an isometric view of one security device; Figure 2 is an isometric view of another security device; Figure 3 is an isometric view of a further security device; Figure 4 is an isometric view of a yet further security device; Figure 5 is a front view of a chair having a jacket hanging over a back of the chair; and Figure 6 shows the chair and jacket of Figure 5 with the security device of Figure 5 fitted over the jacket.

Referring to the drawings, in Figure 1 the security device comprises an envelope 10 open at one end. In Figure 2 the device has a flap 11 extending beyond the opening of the envelope 10. In Figure 3, the flap 11 extends laterally to form a closure or cover 12. In Figure 4, the envelope 10 can be opened up and is held closed normally by a VELCRO (trade mark) fastener 13. The cover 12 also has a fastener 13.

In Figures 5 and 6, a chair 14 and jacket 15 are shown with the jacket "made secure" by slipping the device of Figure 4 over the jacket and closing the envelope 10 and the flap cover 12 as shown. As can be seen the flap and cover 12 extend down to near the base of rear legs of the chair.

In use, the security device is used in any public place, typically a restaurant or eating place and customers may wish to remove their jacket or outer coat, and put down their handbag as applicable. Typically the customers will place them over a back rest of the chair 14. The security device is then placed over the back rest and over any articles on or adjacent the back rest. Preferably, the envelope 10 is openable: as shown in Figure 4, but could be simply a generally loose fit as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 without openings. Where closures are provided, the security device once fitted is then closed to envelope the articles and obscure them from view. More importantly, the cover once fitted and closed prevents any casual or unauthorised tampering with a jacket or handbag hanging on the back of the chair.

The described security devices are generally inoffensive or unobtrusive and can be made as relatively cheap throwaway items if preferred. Indeed, the security devices can be made up decoratively and/or used for advertising material. They also serve to improve hygiene if used only once, or washed between each use as appropriate.

In practical situations, especially where it is common for customers to remove jackets or top clothing, considerable petty crime evolves around removal of wallets and especially credit cards from jackets and handbags draped over chairs. The owners of this property are rarely disturbed by an experienced thief especially as the jacket is not being worn by him at the time his pockets are picked. Further, pockets are generally more easily picked when a jacket is draped over a chair back. The described security devices render the target areas for a thief not only obscure but also physically impossible to reach, without disturbing the diner, for grabbing a wallet, or other article from jacket pockets.

Present experience, especially in cosmopolitan areas, is that so-called "petty thieves" can inflict considerable financial damage by theft, of credit cards in particular, during lunch times. The card may be immediately made use of as other business, including shops, are open. This mis-use of the cards often takes place before the diner is even aware of any loss of his possessions. Whereas loss of credit cards may represent the greater financial burden on the diner, or indeed on society, the misplacement of identity cards, driving licences, keys and the like is also considerably inconvenient.

It will be appreciated that the described security devices, while serving their prime purpose for security, should not normally provoke any psychological resistance from either restaurant owners or customers. Some security systems or arrangements for example can give the customer an unwelcoming feeling and make dining a somewhat tense experience. Generally, the described security devices can be fitted by the customers themselves, because the procedure is so simple, and so restaurant staff need not be involved, thus enhancing security and eliminating any added temptation.

Claims (7)

1. A security device comprising a closed cover formed to fit loosely over and surround a back rest of a chair seat so as to obscure and envelope a jacket, handbag or the like already placed on or near the back rest.

2. A security device according to claim 1, in which the cover has a closure which allows the cover to be opened to fit to the seat and holds the cover closed to envelope the back rest.

3. A security device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the cover extends downwards beyond the chair seat to or near to the base of legs of the chair.

4. A security device according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the cover is made of artificial fabric.

5. A security device according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the cover is made of paper.

6. A security device according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the cover is made of plastics material.

7. Security devices substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.