GB2315174A

GB2315174A - Security insert for detachable-front style in-car entertainment units

Info

Publication number: GB2315174A
Application number: GB9619180A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stuart Lionel Swann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-07-06
Filing date: 1996-09-13
Publication date: 1998-01-21
Also published as: GB9619180D0; GB9614260D0

Abstract

A security insert 20 is to be secured releasably in and or to main unit 24 and or aperture 23 , when the detachable-front of the unit has been removed. It is provided with a holding tab 21 or by some such means to allow it to be fitted and removed as required. A suitable worded deterrent and or warning 22 is printed visibly on the front of the insert, for example "UNIT REMOVED FROM VEHICLE" (Figure 2).

Description

VEHICLE SECURITY DEVICE.

This invention relates to a Security Insert" for "Detachable-Front" Style In-Car Entertainment Units.

The insert is for use with all detachable-front style in-car entertainment units regardless of vehicle type and or installation.

Most in-car entertainment units comprise of compact-disc or cassette tape players, the majority having detachable-fronts to both prevent and deter the units theft from a vehicle.

With the detachable-front removed this then presents very little attraction to a potential thief who requires all of the unit, ie the main portion of the unit remaining in the vehicle as well as the detachable-front, for the unit to be of any use.

Unfortunately with the detachable-front removed model identification is still possible since there is still a compact disc or cassette "Port" visible on the front of the remaining main portion of the unit.

Since there is a considerable difference in cost between compact-disc, cassette tape and various other models of in-car entertainment unit, an opportunist thief may attempt entry to a vehicle to search for the detachable-front if the unit is identified as having considerable value, and in the hope that the vehicles owner has removed the detachable-front, but hidden it somewhere in the vehicle. The thief may also steal the main portion of the unit without the detachable front because he may already have a detachable-front, or he may want the main portion of the unit to strip down for spare-parts.

This invention comprises of a "Security Insert" which is to be secured releasably in and or to the main unit and or aperture when the detachable-front has been removed, thus covering the main unit aperture and preventing model identification by the remaining compact-disc/cassette port.

The said insert can be locked in and or to the main unit and or aperture to prevent access to the main unit fixing apparatus and it's possible removal, since this, as well as the port, is visible when the detachable-front has been removed.

The insert can also contribute in the prevention of dust and dirt ingress into the main unit and or aperture since it can also remain in and or covering the main unit aperture when the detachable-front has been removed.

The insert can be fitted with holding tabs or some such means so as to be fitted and removed as required.

A suitable warning device for example, a small light such as a light emitting diode (L.E.D) or the like can be fitted to the insert which can provide constant illumination and or flash intermittently to provide visual fitment of the insert especially at night and or can be used in conjunction with an alarm to show the alarm is armed and activated.

The insert can also be fitted with and or connected to an audible alarm which can be activated if unauthorized removal of the insert takes place and or upon unauthorized entry to the vehicle, but must be disarmed by some means before legitimate removal of the insert takes place and or upon legitimate entry to the vehicle.

A worded deterrent and or warning can be printed visibly on the front of the insert, for example :- " UNIT REMOVED FROM VEHICLE", which can also be illuminated at night.

A typical embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings Figure 1. illustrates how the "Security Insert" is fitted in and or to the main unit and or aperture when the detachable-front has been removed.

Figure 2. shows possible wording on the front of the security insert Referring to the drawing Figure 1 comprising in-car entertainment unit 24, showing detachable-front removed. With security insert 20, secured releasably in and or to the main unit 24, and or aperture 23, remaining port 25 is concealed from view.

The security insert is provided with a holding tab 21 or some such means, so as to be fitted and removed as required.

Figure 2. shows worded deterrent 22 on the security insert.

Claims

CLAIMS.

1. A security insert for detachable-front style in-car entertainment units comprising of an insert which is to be secured releasably in and or to the main unit and or aperture when the detachable-front has been removed.

2. A security insert as claimed in claim 1 wherein the insert prevents identification of the unit type by covering the remaining port after the detachable-front has been removed.

3. A security insert as claimed in Claim 1, and Claim 2 wherein the security insert is locked by some means in and or to the main unit and or aperture after the detachable-front has been removed thus preventing access to the main unit fixing apparatus and it's possible removal.

4. A security insert as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2, or Claim 3 wherein the insert prevents the ingress of dirt and dust into the main unit and or aperture when the detachable-front is not fitted and the unit being used.

5. A security insert as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2, Claim 3, or Claim 4 wherein the insert is fitted with holding tabs or some such means to allow it to be fitted and removed as required.

6. A security insert as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2, Claim 3, Claim 4, or Claim 5 wherein the insert is fitted with a small light such as a light emitting diode (L.E.D.) or the like which can provide constant illumination and or flash intermittently to provide visual fitment of the insert especially at night and or can be used in conjunction with an alarm to show the alarm is armed and activated.

7. A security insert as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2, Claim 3, Claim 4, Claim 5, or Claim 6 wherein the insert is fitted with and or connected to an audible alarm which is activated if unauthorized removal of the insert takes place and or upon unauthorized entry to the vehicle but must be disarmed by some means before legitimate removal of the insert takes place and or upon legitimate entry to the vehicle.

8. A security insert as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2, Claim 3, Claim 4, Claim 5, Claim 6, or Claim 7 wherein the insert has a suitable worded deterrent and or warning printed visibly on the front such as :- "UNLIT REMOVED FROM VEHICLE" which can be illuminated at night.

9. A security insert as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2, Claim 3, Claim 4, Claim 5, Claim 6, Claim 7, or Claim 8 wherein the insert is for use with all detachablefront style in-car entertainment units regardless of vehicle type and or installation.

10. A security insert substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.