WO1988004901A1

WO1988004901A1 - Container, such as a suitcase

Info

Publication number: WO1988004901A1
Application number: PCT/EP1987/000820
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franz Steppuhn
Original assignee: Franz Steppuhn
Priority date: 1987-01-01
Filing date: 1987-12-23
Publication date: 1988-07-14

Abstract

A container, such as a suitcase (10, 112), has pressure sensors (40, 42, 44, 46, 48) which are arranged on a dimensionally stable side, such as a support surface (18), and make or break the circuit of an alarm device depending on the pressure applied thereon.

Description

description

Container like a suitcase

The invention relates to a container such as a suitcase, bag or the like, preferably with at least one dimensionally stable side and a warning device.

A container in the form of a money transport case with warning device can be found in DE-GM 84 27 372. The warning device is connected to a security lock in such a way that it is activated when the security lock is opened without authorization. Furthermore, a transmitter is arranged in the case, which makes it possible to find the case even if it should be carried away without authorization. Corresponding devices for securing the container are structurally complex and particularly unsuitable for series production. In addition, appropriate cases must already be equipped with relevant warning devices during manufacture, since they form an integral part of these.

The object of the present invention is to design a warning device for standing containers in such a way that safe monitoring of the container is possible with structurally simple means is possible, it also being possible to subsequently equip the container with a corresponding warning device.

The object is essentially achieved in that pressure sensors are arranged in at least one dimensionally stable side, which interrupt or open a circuit depending on its pressurization, and in that a circuit is preferably arranged to open or close it.

An independent solution is also characterized in that a holder for pressure sensors is releasably attached to the container, which interrupt or open a circuit activating the warning device depending on the pressure it is subjected to.

Due to the inventive teaching, the ^'possibility is created using simple means, an unintended removal of the Behält- Nisses by activating a warning device with z. B. to make an acoustic signal noticeable. The weight of the container should be made suitable for this. If the container z. B. turned off, the pressure sensors interrupt the circuit activating the warning device. If the container were now raised, the weight of the container no longer acts on the pressure sensors, so that the circuit is closed. Normally z. B. indicate an acoustic or optical signal that the case has been included. To prevent this from happening when the owner picks up the container, the circuit can be controlled by the owner e.g. B. be interrupted by remote control. Alternatively, there is the option of directly at the

Warning device itself to switch the warning device on or off via a switch and / or a keyboard. The teaching according to the invention provides a high level of security, particularly for travelers, that the container such as suitcase, briefcase or the like cannot be removed in an uncontrolled manner; because it is often found that z. B. Passengers leave their briefcases next to the check-in counter and do not observe them during check-in. It is easy for thieves to steal the briefcase. Due to the design of the briefcase according to the invention, however, this is no longer possible, since when the container is lifted the warning device would emit in particular an acoustic signal such as a warning tone, so that the owner is made aware.

It is particularly advantageous, according to the inventor's own proposed content, that existing containers such as suitcases or briefcases can be retrofitted with the warning device according to the invention without the need for complex measures. So there is a possibility that a bracket such as. B. a rail is fastened as is screwed on, in order to fasten the warning device, which is formed as a unit, in a housing. In this case, axially displaceable projections proceed from the housing, which cooperate with the pressure sensors, which in turn interrupt or close the circuit of the warning device. In order to align the projections to the height of the feet of the container retrofitted with the warning device, that is to say that it protrudes above the latter, the projections, which are also referred to as contact feet, are designed to be interchangeable. Alternatively, the warning device can be "divided", i. H . that in particular the circuit technology see elements are arranged inside the container, and are connected via connecting elements such as pins to a part arranged on an outside, the z. B. has a receiver for a remote-controlled warning device and the elements influencing the pressure sensors. Of course, the entire warning system with accessories can also be borrowed Be attached to the container. Then only the pressure sensors or the elements actuating them, such as contact feet, have to be guided to the outside via recesses.

The warning device is preferably operated by remote control -z. B. activated by infrared or ultrasound. For this purpose, a reception window for a receiver is provided in a housing side of the warning device. Furthermore, a light display such. B. be inserted diode, which lights up when the warning device has been put into operation.

The warning device can preferably be arranged on a rail in the bottom area of a container. Alternatively, however, there is also the possibility of arranging the warning device on one side of the container in such a way that the projection influencing the pressure sensors extends in the direction of the feet of the container, that is to say parallel to these. This results, inter alia, in the advantage that the height of the projection does not have to be aligned with that of the feet, since it is only necessary to move the housing which accommodates the warning device to the container side in this way and then to fasten it when the effective contact surface of the projection over which the feet protrude.

If the coding device is present, it preferably has a keypad which is arranged flush in the surface of the container and preferably below a carrying handle. The coding device itself can be set using plug contacts. Of course, the coding device can also be fully electronic, with a memory being present. The keypad preferably has ten fields corresponding to the digits. B. Pressing three buttons in the correct order is sufficient to enter the code to interrupt the circuit. If more than three buttons are pressed, circuitry measures can be taken the warning device can also be put into operation so that the owner notices that an unauthorized person is tampering with the container.

The pressure sensors are preferably operatively connected to protrusions formed as feet from the base of the container, thereby ensuring a high level of functionality. Of course, other containers with z. B. dimensionally stable cover side or this opposite side these can be provided with pressure sensors in order to also secure a lying container against uncontrolled removal. Basically, it is sufficient that only one pressure sensor is influenced, as a result of which the circuit is interrupted.

The active and passive elements of the circuit are preferably below the coding device, ie the

Keypad arranged. This provides optimal protection for them. In addition, it is only required, the electrical supply between the pressure sensors and the elements between the container wall and ^'a covering said panel feed is performed like. In other words, it is possible with structurally simple means to design a container according to the invention. It is even possible to retrofit existing containers accordingly.

If a keyboard is available, the following should be noted. For example, this can be linked to electronic components in such a way that all the 'timer' functions result, in particular those which are known from an electronic multi-function digital clock. This gives the possibility that z. B. Flight times, dates and. a. can be saved so that this is indicated at a given time by a signal. Finally, the coding z. B. be mentioned on and off by IR and ultrasonic radiation. In this case there is no need for a keypad.

Further details, advantages and features of the invention result not only from the claims, the features to be extracted from them - by themselves and / or in combination - but also from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing.

Show it:

1 is a perspective view of a container designed according to the invention in the form of a briefcase,

Fig. 2 is a top view of the container according to Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3 is a plan view ^'of a second embodiment of a container according to the invention sForm formed,

Fig. 4 a section of a case bottom with detachably arranged warning device,

Fig. 5 is a bottom view of a case with a retractable warning device,

Fig. 6 is a side view of the bottom of a case with inserted warning device and

Fig. 7 a warning device arranged on the side of the case.

In fig. 1 shows a container in the form of a briefcase (10). However, this does not limit the teaching of the invention. Rather, it is applicable to any container, in particular travel containers. The

Briefcase (10) has, inter alia, a cover part (12), a bottom part (14), a carrying handle (16) and a base (18), which in turn has projections (20), (22), (24), (26) and (27) designed as feet. Below the handle (16) there is a keypad (28) which is connected to a coding device which forms part of an electrical circuit (30) which, in the exemplary embodiment, is arranged below the keypad (28) on the inner wall of the case (10) and is covered by a lining, not shown. The electrical circuit (30) is also connected via lines (32), (34) and (36) to pressure sensors (40), (42), (44), (46), (48) and (50), the Circuit is then prevented when the weight of the container (10) acts in particular on the pressure sensors present in one plane. In the exemplary embodiment, the electrical circuit (30) would be interrupted if the briefcase (10) stood on the feet (20), (22), (24), (26) and (27) or on the bottom side (52) would be filed.

The circuit can also be interrupted via the coding device (not shown), which in turn is set via the keypad (28). If the correct coding has been entered via the keypad (28), the circuit is also interrupted, so that a warning device which activates the circuit is not put into operation. If, on the other hand, the correct coding has not been entered, the warning device is put into operation, e.g. an acoustic signal is emitted by a sound generator (38), preferably also in the grip area, when the suitcase (10) is raised.

The circuit (30) preferably has a delay circuit for activating the warning device, namely when the owner has lifted the case but has forgotten to enter the correct coding via the keypad (28). The coding itself can be set from the inside of the briefcase (10) using plug contacts. Of course, there is also the possibility of designing the coding to be fully electronic, that is to say to provide it with a memory.

The connecting lines (32), (34) and (36) run invisibly within the briefcase (10), namely between the inner wall and a lining such as lining covering them. As a result, when the case (10) is open it cannot be seen that it is provided with a warning device. The same applies to the keyboard (28), which can also be used to lock or open the locks (54) and (56) so that the hand case (10) looks like a conventional case from the outside, since the pressure sensors (40), (42), (44), (46), (48) and (50) are not recognizable from the outside.

To avoid damaging the keyboard (28), it is embedded flush in the surface from which the handle (16) extends.

In addition to the pressure sensors (40), (42), (44), (46), (48) and (50), the electrical circuit (30) can also be provided with a vibration detector, so that an alarm also breaks out, if the pressure sensors are pressurized, but the case is shaken by transport, unless the correct coding has been entered. This provides an additional safeguard against thieves who know the function of the warning device influencing the action of pressure, but cannot enter the correct coding in order to interrupt the electrical circuit.

In fig. 3 shows a further embodiment, for which the fig. 1 and 2 corresponding elements find the same reference numerals. A major difference, however, is that the coding is operated remotely using a Transmitter (58) takes place, so that the keypad according to Fig. 1 and 2 is unnecessary. Instead of this, a receiver (60) is arranged in the handle area. In addition, an optical or acoustic function display (62) can be provided to indicate whether the circuit is switched on or off via the coding. Finally, in addition to that of the display (62), there is the covered opening (38) for the acoustic warning signal.

Finally, it should also be mentioned that a button can be used to check the battery required for the circuit, so that e.g. by lighting up a diode it can be determined that the power supply is OK.

4 to 6, a preferred embodiment of the teaching according to the invention can be seen, in which at the

Bottom surface (100) of a container such as a case (112) is detachably attachable to a warning device arranged in a housing (114). So that the warning device or the housing (114) can be subsequently attached to the case base (100), a holder such as a rail (116) is screwed onto it, onto which the housing (114) can be pushed, as a comparison of FIG. 5 and 6 clarifies. The holder (116) preferably has V-shaped indentations on the long sides (118) and (120), into which projections (122) and (124) of the housing (114) which are shaped negatively in this way engage, in order to ensure secure fastening . From the bottom surface (126) of the housing (114) project axially displaceable projections (128) and (130) in the form of contact feet, the bottom surface (130) of which over the standing surfaces (132) and (.134) of the feet (136) and (138) of the case (100) protrudes. If the case (100) is now parked, a force acts on the projection (128), which causes an existing circuit in the housing (114) to be interrupted, which activates or interrupts the warning device. As long as a force acts on the projection (128), the circuit is interrupted, so that the warning device cannot emit an acoustic signal, for example. However, once the pressurization is omitted, the circuit is closed so that sound can preferably escape through an opening (140) provided on the bottom side (126).

5 indicated that two contact feet (128) and (130) cooperating with pressure sensors protrude from the bottom (126) of the housing (114), their function can of course also be performed by only one or more than two contacts feet are met.

In order to activate the warning device in the housing (114), a receiver is preferably provided in the housing which can be operated by remote control. The transmitter can be controlled through a window (144) embedded in a side wall (142) of the housing (114). This is shown in Fig. 4 illustrates an infrared or ultrasound emitting transmitter, the waves of which are aligned with the window (144) of the receiver. In addition to the window (144), a display in the form of a light-emitting diode (146) is also drawn in, by means of which the user of the case (100) is to be shown whether the warning device is switched on or not.

In order to retrofit a container such as the case (100) with the warning device arranged in the housing (100), it does not necessarily have to be arranged in the bottom area (112). Rather, as shown in Fig. 7 also the possibility of fastening the housing (114) on a side surface (150). Accordingly, an attachment, not shown, must be on the side, for. B. screwed to push the housing (114) in a manner as it is in connection with Fig. 5 and 6 has been described. However, the pressure sensor influencing the circuit or a contact foot (152) interacting with it is arranged on a narrow side. Otherwise, the function of the warning device differs according to that of Fig. 4 to 6. However, a light-emitting diode (158) and a sound outlet opening (160) are provided on the visible wide area (154) of a receiver window (156).

Advantage of the arrangement according to Fig. 7 it can be seen that the depth of the housing (114) or the length of the contact foot (152) does not have to be aligned with the free space between the bottom of the case and the bases of the feet. Rather, the housing (114) is only to be aligned and fastened to the holder in such a way that the contact surface of the contact foot (12) protrudes over the surfaces of the feet (162) and (164) in order to switch on the warning device as a function of the pressurization the contact foot (152), i.e. in

Depending on the weight of the case (112) to close or open. In a corresponding embodiment, a keyboard for coding and decoding the warning device can also be provided on a side surface of the housing, which enables particularly simple and safe operation.

Claims

-IX-patent claims

1. Container (10, 112) such as suitcase, bag or the like, preferably with at least one dimensionally stable side and a warning device, characterized in that at least one pressure sensor (40, -42, 44, 46, _m 48, 50, 128, 130, 152) is arranged, which interrupts or opens a circuit (30) depending on its pressurization, and that the circuit has a coding device that closes or interrupts it.

2. Container according to preferably claim 1, characterized in that a holder (116) for at least one pressure sensor (128, 130, 152) is releasably attached to the container (112), which interrupt or open a circuit activating the warning device as a function of its pressurization .

3. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the holder (116) is preferably screwed to the container base (100) or to an intrinsically stable container side (150) and that the holder as a unit trained and arranged in a housing (114) warning device with the pressure sensors (128, 130, 152) and a signal transmitter (140, 160) such as speakers is attached.

4. Container according to claim 2, so that the holder is designed as a rail (116), which is preferably screwed to the container (112).

5. Container according to claim 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the housing optionally has axially displaceable projections (128, 130, 152) which on the

Pressure sensors act or are parts of them.

6. Container according to claim 5, so that the projections (128, 130, 152) designed as contact feet are arranged interchangeably.

7. Container according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the warning device for activating it has a remote-controlled receiver.

8. Container according to claim 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that preferably in the housing a

Functionality of the warning device recognizable display (146, 158) as LED is embedded.

9. Container according to claim 1 or 2, so that the coding device has a keypad (28, 128) which is preferably arranged flush in the surface of the container (10).

10. Container according to claim 9, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the keypad (28) is arranged below a carrying handle (16) of the container (10).

11. A container according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimensionally stable side (18) is the standing surface (18) of the container (10) provided with projections (20, 22, 24, 26, 27), the projections with the pressure sensors (40 , 42, 44, 46, 48) are in operative connection.

12. A container according to claim 11, so that further pressure sensors (50) are arranged in the cover side and / or the side (52) opposite this.

13. A container according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that in addition to the pressure sensors (40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 128, 130, 152) at least one vibration detector is provided.

14. A container according to claim 1, characterized in that an acoustic signal emitting element such as speakers is arranged in the region of the keyboard (28). tς

15. Container according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the coding device is set by plug contacts.

16. A container according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the coding device has an electronic memory.

17- Container according to claim 1, so that the active and passive components of the warning device are arranged below the keyboard (28), the leading to the pressure sensors (40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50)

Lines (32, 34, 36) run between the container wall and a covering covering this.

18.A container according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that at least part of the warning device such as. the circuit is arranged in the container.

19. A container according to claim 18, characterized in that the circuit is connected via connecting elements guided in recesses of the container to part of the warning device arranged on an outside of the container. ι6

20. Container according to claim 18, so that the warning device is arranged within the container, from which an element influencing the pressure sensor emanating from at least one opening provided in a container wall is emitted, which is preferably designed on the outside as a contact foot.