GB2492423A

GB2492423A - Alarm system for preventing theft of portable or personal items

Info

Publication number: GB2492423A
Application number: GB1115087.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barry Duke
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-06-29
Filing date: 2011-09-01
Publication date: 2013-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2031-09-01
Also published as: IE20120297A1; GB201111019D0; GB2492423B; GB201115087D0

Abstract

An alarm system 10 is provided for preventing theft of portable items. The alarm system 10 comprises an alarm unit 12 and activation means 14. The activation means 14 may be a removable key which along with a cable 18 and loop 20 is configured to provide a link between the alarm unit 12 and a base location such as a userâ s belt, or a leg of a chair or table. Removal of the alarm unit 12 from the base location by more than a threshold distance causes removal of the key 14 from the socket 16 and as a result the alarm unit 12 issues an audio alarm signal. The alarm unit 12 may further comprise a disarming means which prevents the alarm unit 12 from issuing an alarm signal. The disarming means may comprise a removable key 22 which may be inserted into a socket 24 in the alarm unit 12. The alarm unit 12 may be located in or on an object to be protected such as a wallet or personal computer.

Description

Alarm System

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to alarm systems, especially alarm systems for preventing theft of portable or personal items.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides an alarm system comprising an alarm unit and activation means, the activation means being configured to provide a link between the alarm unit and a base location, and wherein, upon removal of said alarm unit from said base location by more than a threshold distance, said activation means is arranged to cause said alarm unit to issue an alarm signal, preferably at least an audio alarm signal.

Advantageously, the alarm unit includes, in addition to said activation means, disarming means for preventing said alarm unit from issuing said alarm, wherein said disarming means preferably comprises a removable key, the alarm unit being adapted to removably receive the removable key.

In preferred embodiments, the alarm unit comprises a socket for receiving said removable disarming key, said key preferably comprising an electrical connector for connecting to a corresponding electrical connector of said socket.

Preferably, said activation means comprises a removable key, the alarm unit being adapted to removably receive the removable key, the activation means further comprising a line connected to said removable key, said line being adapted for connection to said base location. In preferred embodiments, the alarm unit comprises a socket for receiving said removable activation key, said key preferably comprising an electrical connector for connecting to a corresponding electrical connector of said socket.

In alternative embodiments, said activation means comprises a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, one being located at said alarm unit, the other being located at said base location, the system being arranged to establish a wireless communication link between said alarm unit and said base location, wherein said activation means is arranged to cause said alarm signal to be issued in response to detecting, via said wireless communication link, that said threshold distance is exceeded. The activation means may be arranged to determine that said threshold distance is exceeded in any convenient manner. For example, said wireless transmitter and receiver may be configured such that said wireless communication link is not established when said alarm unit is separated from said base location by more than said threshold distance, said activation unit being arranged to determine that said threshold distance is exceeded by determining that said communication link is not established.

The preferred arrangement is such that, when said disarming means is activated, e.g. when said removable disarming key is received by the alarm unit, said alarm device is not activatable by said activation means irrespective of whether, for example, said removable activation key is present or it is determined that said threshold distance is exceeded by any other means (i.e. depending on the nature of the activation means). When said disarming means is de-activated, e.g. when said removable disarming key is removed from said alarm unit, said alarm device is activated in response to removal of said removable activation key from said alarm unit, or determining that said threshold distance is exceeded by any other means.

In preferred embodiments, said alarm unit typically comprises an electric circuit configured to activate an alarm device depending on whether or not the, or each, removable key is received by the alarm unit. The circuit may be configured to activate the alarm device depending on the respective setting of at least a first switch, and preferably also a second switch. The setting of the first switch may be determined by whether or not said removable disarming key is received by the alarm unit. In embodiments where said activation means comprises a removable key, the setting of the second switch may be determined by whether or not said removable activation key is received by the alarm unit. In embodiments where said activation means comprises a wireless transmitter and receiver, the setting of the second switch may be determined by whether or not said activation means detects, via said wireless communication link, that said threshold distance is exceeded.

One or both of said removable keys may comprise an electronically enabled card carrying electronic identification means, for example an integrated circuit card (ICC), or smart card. In such cases, the alarm unit may include verification means configured to recognise said electronic identification means in order to determine that a respective valid card is received by the alarm unit. The alarm unit is advantageously configured such that only a valid card can cause the unit to operate in the manner described above and in particular to disarm the unit.

In cases where said activation means comprises a line connected to a removable key, the line is preferably electrically conductive (typically having an electrically insulating cover) and adapted to allow an electrical circuit to be completed between said removable key and said socket. The alarm unit is arranged to detect that said removable key is received only when said electrical circuit is completed. Optionally, the line may be incorporated into, or otherwise attached to, a strap (not shown) of a bag, e.g. a handbag or computer bag, such that the alarm device is activated if the strap is cut.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides an alarm device comprising: an alarm unit and an activation cable including a first key (in the preferred form of a Micro SD card or smart card), the alarm unit comprising: an alarm siren incorporated into an electric circuit; a first socket for receiving the key of the activation cable, the socket being associated with a first switch in the electrical circuit, the switch being open or closed depending on whether or not the key is inserted in the socket; a second socket for receiving a second key (in the preferred form of a micro SD card or smart card), the second socket being associated with a second switch in the electric circuit, the second switch being open or closed depending on whether or not the second key is inserted in the second socket, the electric circuit being configured such that the alarm siren is activated when both keys are absent from their sockets.

Preferably, in an activated mode of use, in which the disarming key is absent (or the disarming means is otherwise de-activated), the alarm activates when the activation key is removed (or the activation means otherwise activates the system by indicating that the threshold distance is exceeded).

Advantageously, the alarm unit is configurable into a disarmed mode by insertion of the second key into the second socket (or otherwise activating the disarming means).

In some embodiments, the alarm unit is incorporated into a substantially flat, card-like housing, e.g. a credit card sized housing.

The alarm unit is preferably also configured that the alarm will activate should the activation line be severed.

In use of the preferred embodiment, the alarm unit is located in or on an object to be protected (e.g. a wallet, a personal computing device or other item that is portable) and the free end of the activation line is connected to the base location, e.g. the user's belt or a desk top. When the disarming key is not present, if the object is removed from the base location, the key of the activation cable is pulled from its socket thereby activating the alarm. Because the siren is located in the alarm unit, then the object being stolen will emit the alarm sound.

From a second aspect the invention provides an alarm system comprising an alarm unit and activation means, the activation means comprises an electrically conductive line (typically having an electrically insulating cover) and adapted to allow an electrical circuit to be completed, the alarm unit being arranged to activate when said electrical circuit is broken. Optionally, the line may be incorporated into, or otherwise attached to, a strap (not shown) of a bag, e.g. a handbag or computer bag, such that the alarm device is activated if the strap is cut. The line is preferably connected to a removable key. A disarming key is preferably also provided, advantageously as described above.

Further advantageous aspects of the invention will be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of a specific embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an alarm system embodying the invention; and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an electric circuit suitable for use with the alarm device of Figures 1.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring now to Figure lof the drawings, there is shown, generally indicated as 10, an alarm system embodying the invention. The alarm system 10 comprises an alarm unit 12 and activation means, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a removable key 14, for example comprising a plug-like component or other insertable component. The alarm unit 12 is adapted to removably receive the key 14, e.g. by means of a corresponding socket 16. The activation means further comprises a line 18, e.g. a cable, connected to the key 14. The line 18 is adapted for connection to a base location. To this end, in the illustrated embodiment, the line 18 includes a loop 20 for connection to, for example, a user's belt or belt loop, or the leg of a chair or table or other base location.

Alternatively, the line 18 may include any other suitable anchoring device for this purpose (and where necessary a complementary anchoring device may be provided at the base location). Typically, the key 14 is provided at one end of the line 18, the loop 20 or other anchoring device being provided at the other. The length of the line 18 is selected to define a threshold distance from the base location beyond which an alarm is generated when the unit 12 is activated. To this end, the alarm unit 12 includes an alarm device 26, preferably an audio alarm device, e.g. a siren.

The line 18 provides a link between the alarm unit 12 and the base location. Upon removal of said alarm unit 10 from said base location by more than the threshold distance, the line 18 causes the key 14 to be removed from the socket 16. As is described in more detail hereinafter, the system is arranged such that removal of the key 14 causes said alarm unit to issue an alarm signal, preferably an audio alarm signal, unless the system 10 is disarmed.

The alarm unit 12 further includes disarming means for preventing the alarm unit from issuing the alarm signal. The disarming means preferably comprises a user operable key. In the illustrated embodiment, the disarming means comprises a removable key 22, for example a plug-like component or other removably insertable component. The alarm unit 12 is adapted to removably receive the key 22, e.g. by means of a corresponding socket 24.

The preferred arrangement is such that, when said key 22 is inserted in the socket 24, the alarm device 26 is not activated irrespective of whether or not key 14 is present in its socket 16. When the key 22 is removed from its socket 24, the alarm device 26 is de-activated when key 14 is in its socket 16 and activated when key 14 is removed from its socket 16.

In preferred embodiments, said alarm unit 12 comprises an electric circuit, an embodiment of which is shown schematically in Figure 2, each key 14, 22 comprising an electrical connector to it to be electrically connected to the circuit. The circuit comprises a controller 30 that is configured to detect whether or not the respective keys 14, 22 are in the respective sockets 16, 24, and to activate the alarm device 26 depending on whether or not the respective keys 14,22 are in the respective sockets 16, 24. For example, the circuit may comprise a first switch that is operable between first and second switch states (e.g. ON and OFF) by the presence or absence of key 22 in socket 24. The circuit also comprises a second switch that is operable between first and second switch states (e.g. ON and OFF) by the presence or absence of key 14 in socket 16. The controller 30 is configured to activate the alarm device 26 depending on the respective setting of the first and second switches. In particular, when the setting of the first switch indicates that key 22 is in socket 24, the controller 30 is configured not to activate the alarm device 26 (irrespective of the setting of the second switch). When the setting of the first switch indicates that key 22 is removed from socket 24, the controller 30 is configured not to activate the alarm device 26 when the setting of the second switch indicates that key 14 is in socket 16 and to activate the alarm device 26 when the setting of the second switch indicates that key 14 is not in socket 16. Hence, the alarm device is activated only when both keys 14, 22 are removed from their sockets 16, 24. The controller 30 may take any suitable form, e.g. a suitably programmed microprocessor or microcontroller, or a suitably configured logic circuit or other electronic circuit. Optionally, the controller 30 may be configured to cause a delay (e.g. of several seconds) before causing the alarm device 26 to activate.

An electrical power source 32, typically comprising one or more batteries is also provided.

One or both of the keys 14, 22 may comprise an electronically enabled card (for example an integrated circuit card (ICC) or smart card), or other electronically enabled insertable key, including electronic identification means, for example a suitable configured integrated circuit or other electronic identifier device. In such cases, the controller 30 includes verification means configured to recognise the electronic identifier carried by the key 14, 22 when inserted in the respective socket 16, 24. This controller 30 is further configured to determine the validity of received keys 14, 22 by recognising the respective electronic identifier. The controller 30 is configured such that only a respective valid key 14, 22 can cause the unit 12 to operate in the manner described above.

The line 18 is preferably electrically conductive (typically having an electrically insulating cover) and adapted to allow an electrical circuit to be completed between the key 14 and socket 16. The controller 30 is arranged to monitor the circuit and to determine that the key 14 is validly received only when said electrical circuit is completed. Hence, if the line 18 is cut, the controller 30 determines that the key 14 is not validly received and so the alarm device 26 is activated. Optionally, the line 18 may be incorporated into, or otherwise attached to, a strap (not shown) of a bag, e.g. a handbag or computer bag, such that the alarm device 26 is activated if the strap is cut.

In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the activation means may comprise a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, one being located in the alarm unit 12, the other being located at the base location. In use, the system 10 establishes a wireless communication link between the alarm unit 12 and the base location. The controller 30 is arranged to cause the alarm device 26 to be activated in response to detecting, via the wireless communication link, that the threshold separation distance is exceeded. The controller 30 may be arranged to determine that the threshold distance is exceeded in any convenient manner. For example, the wireless transmitter and receiver may be configured such that the wireless communication link is not established when the alarm unit 12 is separated from the base location by more than the threshold distance, the controller 30 being arranged to determine that the threshold distance is exceeded by determining that the communication link is not established.

In embodiments where the activation means comprises a wireless transmitter and receiver, the setting of the second switch may be determined by whether or not the controller 30 detects, via the wireless communication link, that said threshold distance is exceeded.

In use, the alarm unit 12 is located in or on an object to be protected, especially an object that is portable and therefore susceptible to being stolen. For example, the unit 12 may be located inside a wallet, purse, handbag, or a bag/case for valuable items e.g. a briefcase or computer case, or may be fixed (by any suitable conventional fixing means) to an item such as a computer or mobile phone. For such use, the unit 12 may conveniently be incorporated into a portable housing 40, especially one shaped and dimensioned to fit inside a wallet or the like, or to be unobtrusively fixed to the object to be protected. For example, the housing 40 may be substantially planar or flat, and conveniently substantially rectangular. Alternatively, the unit 12 may be integrally formed with the object to be protected, e.g. incorporated into a computer or other electronic device.

For embodiments including the line 18, the line 18 is connectable to a suitable base location, e.g. the user's belt,, a desk top or other fixed location. The line may be fixed to the base location by any suitable fixing means (e.g. loop, screw, rivet etc), which may be permanent or removable. If removable, a lock is preferably provided.

To arm the system 10, a user inserts the key 14 and removes the key 22.

Subsequently, if the object is removed from the base location, the key 14 is pulled from its socket thereby activating the alarm. Because the alarm device 26 is located in the alarm unit 12, then the object being stolen will emit the alarm sound. To disarm the system 10, the user inserts the key 22. This allows key 14 to be removed without activating the alarm.

For embodiments where the link with the base location is wireless, one or other of the wireless receiver or transmitter is located at the base location.

The system 10 is armed or disarmed respectively by removing or inserting key 22.

In a further alternative embodiment, the activation means comprises wireless switching means comprising a first wireless switch component locatable at the base location and a second wireless switch component provided on the alarm unit. The first and second wireless switch components are configured such that they maintain a wireless link between one another only when they are located less than a threshold distance apart. The arrangement is such that the wireless switch adopts a first state when the wireless link is established, and a second state when the wireless link is lost. The alarm unit is configured such that, when the switch adopts the first state, no alarm is generated, and that when the switch adopts the second state an alarm is generated. The wireless switch may conveniently comprise a magnetic switch, or electromagnetic switch, wherein first and second switch components establish a magnetic link, or electromagnetic link, between them provided they are less than a threshold distance apart. Alternatively, the wireless switching means may comprise co-operable transponder units, one being located on the alarm unit and the other being locatable at the base station.

In alternative embodiments, the user operable key is voice-operated, or operable in response to detecting an audio signal, or keypad operated, biometrically operated, and/or operable by some other wireless activation means, especially means capable of serving as a key (e.g. as a transponder, or by RFID or magnetically). In any case, the key may be co-operable with a switch in the alarm unit for disabling the alarm unit, similar to the second switch described above. By way of example, the user operable key may comprise a voice activated switch, a sound activated switch, a keypad activated switch, a transponder activated switch, a magnetically, or electromagnetically, activated switch and/or REID activated switch.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein, which may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS1. An alarm system comprising an alarm unit and activation means, the activation means being configured to provide a link between the alarm unit and a base location, and wherein, upon removal of said alarm unit from said base location by more than a threshold distance, said activation means is arranged to cause said alarm unit to issue an alarm signal, preferably at least an audio alarm signal.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alarm unit includes, in addition to said activation means, disarming means for preventing said alarm unit from issuing said alarm, wherein said disarming means comprises a user-operable key 3. An alarm system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said user-operable key comprises a removable key, the alarm unit being adapted to removably receive the removable key.4. An alarm system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the alarm unit comprises a socket for receiving said removable disarming key.5. An alarm system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said removable key comprises an electrical connector for connecting to a corresponding electrical connector of said socket.6. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said activation means comprises a removable key, the alarm unit being adapted to removably receive the removable key, the activation means further comprising a line connected to said removable key, said line being adapted for connection to said base location.7. An alarm system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the alarm unit comprises a socket for receiving said removable activation key, said key preferably comprising an electrical connector for connecting to a corresponding electrical connector of said socket.8. An alarm system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said alarm unit comprises an electric circuit configured to activate an alarm device depending on the respective setting of a first switch a second switch, the setting of the first switch being determined by the disarming means, and the setting of the second switch being determined by the activation means.9. An alarm system as claimed in claim 8 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the setting of the first switch is determined by whether or not said removable disarming key is received by the alarm unit.10. An alarm system as claimed in claim 8 or 9 when dependent on claim 6, wherein the setting of the second switch is determined by whether or not said removable activation key is received by the alarm unit.11. An alarm system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said activation means comprises a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, one being located at said alarm unit, the other being locatable at said base location, the system being arranged to establish a wireless communication link between said alarm unit and said base location, wherein said activation means is arranged to cause said alarm signal to be issued in response to detecting, via said wireless communication link, that said threshold distance is exceeded.12. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent on claim 3 or 6, wherein one or both of said removable keys may comprise an electronically enabled card carrying electronic identification means, for example an integrated circuit card (ICC), or smart card.13. An alarm system as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein said line is electrically conductive and adapted to allow an electrical circuit to be completed between said removable key and said socket, the alarm unit being arranged to detect that said removable key is received only when said electrical circuit is completed.14. An alarm system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the line is incorporated into, or otherwise attached to, a strap (not shown) of a bag.15. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the alarm unit is incorporated into a substantially flat, card-like housing.16. An alarm system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said user operable key is voice-operable, or operable in response to detecting an audio signal.17. An alarm system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said user-operable key is keypad operated, 18. An alarm system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said user-operable key is biometrically operated.19. An alarm system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said user operable key is operable by wireless activation means.20. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activation means comprises wireless switching means comprising a first wireless switch component locatable at the base location and a second wireless switch component provided on the alarm unit, the first and second wireless switch components being configured such that they maintain a wireless link between one another only when they are located less than a threshold distance apart, the arrangement being such that the wireless switching means adopts a first state when the wireless link is established, and a second state when the wireless link is lost, the alarm unit being configured such that, when the switch adopts the first state, no alarm is generated, and that when the switch adopts the second state an alarm is generated.21. An alarm system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the wireless switching means comprises a magnetic switch, or electromagnetic switch, wherein first and second switch components establish a magnetic link, or electromagnetic link, between them provided they are less than a threshold distance apart.</claim-text>