WO2017060681A1

WO2017060681A1 - Security device

Info

Publication number: WO2017060681A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/053068
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Bradbury
Original assignee: Stacey (Europe) Ltd
Priority date: 2015-10-07
Filing date: 2016-10-03
Publication date: 2017-04-13
Also published as: GB201517688D0; GB2543070A

Abstract

A security device (10) for an item of merchandise (14), the device including a housing (26) to which the item (14) can be attached, and a sensor member (28) which in a unarmed state of the device (10) extends outwardly from the housing (26), the sensor member (28) being moveable into the housing(26), the device (10) being configured such that engagement of the device (10) on a surface (12) of the item (14) urges the sensor member (28) into the housing (26)which causes the device (10) to be armed, the device (10) being further configured such that movement of the sensor member (28) relative to the housing (26) and/or movement of the sensor member (28) out of the housing (26) disarms the device (10) and causes an alarm signal to be given.

Description

SECURITY DEVICE

Embodiments of the present invention relate to security devices. In particular they relate to security devices for protecting items of merchandise such as consumer electronics products.

It is common practice for retailers to provide demonstration models of relatively expensive merchandise such as consumer electronics products. Examples of such products include smart phones, tablet computers, cameras, radios, and MP3 players. A demonstration model allows a potential purchaser to closely examine the product and to test the operation of its features.

A working demonstration model, however, increases the possibility that the demonstration model will be stolen from the display area by an unauthorized person. As a result, demonstration models of consumer electronics products are typically protected by a security device that permits a potential purchaser to examine and test the product, while reducing the likelihood that the demonstration model will be stolen from the display area by an unauthorized person.

It is known to attach a security device in the form of an electronic sensorto a surface of a demonstration model. The electronic sensor is in turn fixed to a shop fitting, for instance by a cable within a metallic casing.

Such sensors may include a limit switch having a plunger operably engaged with the surface of the demonstration model. Operable engagement of the plunger with the surface arms the sensor whereas operable disengagement of the plunger from the surface disarms the sensor and triggers an alarm. Operable disengagement of the plunger from the surface would occur if the security device is lifted from the surface of the demonstration model. A problem with such known security devices is that lateral movement of the security device relative to the surface of the demonstration model does not operably disengage the plunger from the surface, and thus does not trigger the alarm. Additionally, an unauthorized person could for instance slide a thin piece of material, such as a business card, between the limit switch and the surface, such that the plunger operably engages with the surface of the material rather than the surface of the demonstration model. Using either method, in some instances, the security device can be slid laterally off the demonstration model without the alarm being triggered since the plunger remains operably engaged with the surface of the material. Although the alarm may ultimately trigger, this may not be until the unauthorized person has the demonstration model concealed, and thus the unauthorized person may be difficult to identify.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a security device for an item of merchandise, the device including a housing to which the item can be attached, and a sensor member which in a unarmed state of the device extends outwardly from the housing, the sensor member being moveable into the housing, the device being configured such that engagement of the device on a surface of the item urges the sensor member into the housing which causes the device to be armed, the device being further configured such that movement of the sensor member relative to the housing and/or movement of the sensor member out of the housing disarms the device and causes an alarm signal to be given.

In a first embodiment the sensor member may be configured to be moveable laterally to a limited degree relative to the housing, and lateral movement of the sensor member relative to the housing disarms the device and causes an alarm signal to be given. In a second embodiment the sensor member may be configured to be pivotally moveable to a limited degree relative to the housing, and pivotal movement of the sensor member relative to the housing disarms the device and causes an alarm signal to be given.

In the first embodiment the device may be configured such that lateral movement of the engaged device relative to the surface of the item causes lateral movement of the sensor member relative to the housing. In the second embodiment the device may be configured such that lateral movement of the engaged device relative to the surface of the item results in pivotal movement of the sensor member relative to the housing.

The device may also be configured such that movement of the engaged device away from the surface of the item results in movement of the sensor member out of the housing.

The device may include at least two limit switches having plungers, the device being armed when each respective plunger is operably engaged with the sensor member, and disarmed when at least one of the plungers is operably disengaged from the sensor member. The two limit switches may be fixed within the housing of the device.

In the first embodiment the device may be configured such that lateral movement of the sensor member relative to the housing causes a one of the plungers to operably disengage from the sensor member such that the device is disarmed and the alarm is activated.

In the second embodiment the device may be configured such that pivotal movement of the sensor member relative to the housing causes a one of the plungers to operably disengage from the sensor member such that the device is disarmed and the alarm is activated. The device may be further configured such that movement of the sensor member out of the housing causes both of the plungers to operably disengage from the sensor member such that the device is disarmed and the alarm is activated.

The device may be configured such that engagement of the device on a surface of the item also causes engagement of the sensor member on the surface of the item. The sensor member may be engageable with the surface of the item by friction. The security device may be engageable with the surface of the item by way of an adhesive pad.

The sensor member may be held within the housing in a slot, and is moveable to a limited degree relative to the housing along the slot. In the first embodiment the sensor member may be slidably moveable along the slot. In the second embodiment the sensor member may be pivotally moveable through the slot. The sensor member may be at least generally T-shaped in cross sectional side view, with the stem of the T extendable outwardly from the housing, and opposite sides of the cross bar of the T engageable respectively with a one of the limit switches. In the first embodiment a first of the limit switches may be orientated to point in a first direction, and a second of the limit switches may be orientated to point in a second direction. The first and second directions may be directed away from one another, and may be inclined relative to each other, and may be perpendicular to each other.

In the second embodiment the limit switches may be orientated to point in the same direction. The sensor member may have an abutment surface against which the plungers of the first and second limit switches are operably engageable to arm the device.

In a cross sectional side view the abutment surface may include at least two separate abutment surfaces.

The plunger of the first limit switch may be operably engageable with a first of the abutment surfaces, and the plunger of the second limit switch may be operably engageable with a second of the abutment surfaces.

The device may be configured such that engagement of the limit switches with the respective abutment surfaces urges the sensor member to a rest position, in which rest position if the sensor member is also urged into the housing the device will be armed, but movement of the sensor member from the rest position will cause the device to be disarmed.

The alarm signal maybe audible and/or visual.

The security device may also include a mechanical clamp mountable to the item of merchandise.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of merchandise including a security device according to any of the preceding twenty one paragraphs.

The item of merchandise may be for example a smart phone, tablet computer, camera, radio, or MP3 player.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 is a perspective view from beneath of an item of merchandise engaged with a first security device according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view from above of the item and device of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a view from beneath of the item and device of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic sectional view along the line A to A of Fig. 3 showing the first security device in a first condition;

Fig. 5 is a similar view to Fig. 4 but with the first security device in a second condition; Fig. 6 is a similar view to Fig. 4 but with the first security device in a third condition;

Fig. 7 is a similar view to Fig. 4 but with the first security device in a fourth condition;

Fig. 8 is a view from beneath of the item and a second security device according to the invention;

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic sectional view along the line A to A of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic sectional view along the line B to B of Fig. 8 showing the second security device in a first condition;

Fig. 1 1 is a similar view to Fig. 10 but with the second security device in a second condition; Fig. 12 is a similar view to Fig. 10 but with the second security device in a third condition; and

Fig. 13 is a similar view to Fig. 10 but with the second security device in a fourth condition.

Figs. 1 to 3 show a first security device 10 engaged with a lower surface 12 of an item of merchandise 14, which in this instance is a smart phone. In Figs. 1 and 2 the devicel O includes a mechanical clamp 16 which is shown in use to be engaged with side portions 18 of the smart phone 14. The device 10 also includes a cable within a metallic casing 20 which connects the device 10 to a shop fitting and provides a power supply for the device 10. A second cable 22 connects the device 10 to the smart phone 14 providing a power supply to the smart phone 14 such that it can be operated by a user.

The device 10 is constructed essentially of plastics materials. The device 10 includes an adhesive pad 24 located on its upper side to securely locate the device 10 on the surface 12 of the smart phone 14. In some examples of the invention an adhesive pad is not required.

The security device 10 includes a housing 26, a sensor member 28 and two limit switches 30, 32 having respective plungers 34, 36.

The sensor member 28 is slidingly mounted extending through a slot 38 of the housing 26 and is moveable along the slot 38 relative to the housing 26. The sensor member 28 is substantially T-shaped in cross sectional side view, with the stem 46 of the T extending through the slot 38.

An abutment surface 40 is provided on the top of the cross bar of the T. The abutment surface includes first and second inclined surfaces 42, 44 located respectively at each end of the cross bar of the T. The first and second inclined surfaces 42, 44 are inclined towards each other, and extend substantially perpendicularly to each other. The plungers 34, 36 of the respective limit switches 30, 32 are each operably engageable with a one of the inclined abutment surfaces 42, 44 to arm the device 10. The two limit switches 30, 32 are fixed within the housing 26. A first of the limit switches 30 is orientated to point in a first direction, and a second of the limit switches 32 is orientated to point in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The plungers 34, 36 are operably engageable substantially perpendicularly with the respective inclined surfaces 42, 44.

Figs. 4 to 7 are diagrammatic sectional views along the line A to A of Fig. 3 showing the security device 10 in a number of different conditions. Fig. 4 shows the device 10 in an out of use condition, separated from the smart phone 14. In the out of use condition of the device 10 the stem 46 of the sensor member 28 extends outwardly from the housing 26, and the sensor member 28 is operably disengaged from the plungers 34, 36 of each respective limit switch 30, 32. In this condition the device is in an unarmed state.

Fig. 5 shows the device 10 engaged with the surface 12 of the smart phone 14. In this condition of the device 10, an end 48 of the stem 46 of the sensor member 28 has been urged by the smart phone 14 towards the interior of the housing 26, causing both of the plungers 34, 36 to operably engage with the respective surfaces 42, 44 of the sensor member 28. In this condition the device is in an armed state.

Fig. 6 also shows the device 10 engaged with the surface 12 of the smart phone 14, but in this case there has been lateral movement of the device 10 relative to the surface 12 of the smart phone 14 such that the device 10 is now located further towards the right hand side of the smart phone 14, as shown in the drawing. It would be understood that the lateral movement could have been of the device 10 or of the smart phone 14.

The lateral movement of the device 10 relative to the surface 12 of smart phone 14 has resulted in lateral movement of the sensor member 28 relative to the housing 26. Due to friction between the end 48 of the stem 46 of the sensor member 28 and the surface 12 of the smart phone 14, the sensor member 28 initially does not move relative to the surface 12 of the smart phone 14, but instead the housing 26 moves relative to the sensor member 28 until the sensor member 28 abuts a first outer wall 50 of the slot 38.

The lateral movement of the sensor member 28 relative to the housing 26 has caused the plunger 36 of the second limit switch 32 to operably disengage from the second inclined abutment surface 44 of the sensor member 28. In this condition the device 10 is now in an unarmed state and an audible alarm signal is sounded. The plunger 34 of the first limit switch 30 has been pushed further into the first limit switch 30 by the first inclined abutment surface 42 but this has no effect on the functioning of the device 10.

Fig. 7 also shows the device 10 engaged with the surface 12 of the smart phone 14, but in this case there has been lateral movement of the device 10 relative to the surface 12 of the smart phone 14 such that the device 10 is now located further towards the left hand side of the smart phone 14, as shown in the drawing. It would be understood that the lateral movement could have been of the device 10 or of the smart phone 14.

The lateral movement of the device 10 relative to the surface 12 of smart phone 14 has resulted in lateral movement of the sensor member 28 relative to the housing 26. Again, due to friction between the end 48 of the stem 46 of the sensor member 28 and the surface 12 of the smart phone 14, the sensor member 28 initially does not move relative to the surface 12 of the smart phone 14, but instead the housing 26 moves relative to the sensor member 28 until the sensor member 28 abuts a second outer wall 52 of the slot 38. The lateral movement of the sensor member 28 relative to the housing

26 has caused the plunger 34 of the first limit switch 30 to operably disengage from the first inclined abutment surface 42 of the sensor member 28. In this condition the device is now in an unarmed state and an audible alarm signal is sounded. The plunger 36 of the second limit switch 32 has been pushed further into the second limit switch 32 by the second inclined abutment surface 44, but this has no effect on the functioning of the device 10.

Also a moving apart of the engaged device 10 of Fig. 5 away from the surface 12 of the smart phone 14 such that the device 10 moves to the condition shown in Fig. 4, causes movement of the sensor member 28 out of the housing 26.

This movement causes both of the plungers 32, 34 to operably disengage from the sensor member 28 such that the device 10 is disarmed and the alarm is activated.

Figures 8 to 13 show a second security device 1 10 according to the invention. Many features of the second security device 1 10 are similar to those previously described, and where features are the same or similar the same reference numerals have been used and these features will not be described further.

The security device 1 10 includes an alternative sensor member 128. The sensor member 128 is pivotally mounted to extend through the slot 38 of the housing 26 and is pivotally moveable along the slot 38 relative to the housing 26. As shown in Fig. 9, the sensor member 128 is pivotally mounted about a pin 1 14. Ends of the pin 1 14 extend through elongate openings 1 16 in either side of a cover 1 12. The elongate openings 1 16 extend upwardly substantially from the base of the cover 1 12 towards to middle section thereof. The sensor member 128 is slidingly moveable along the elongate openings 1 16.

The sensor member 128 is substantially T-shaped in cross sectional side view, with the stem 146 of the T extending through the slot 38. An abutment surface 140 is provided on the top of the cross bar of the T. The abutment surface includes first and second curved abutment surfaces 142, 144 located respectively at each end of the top of the cross bar of the T. The plungers 34, 36 of the respective limit switches 30, 32 are each operably engageable with a one of the curved abutment surfaces 142, 144 to arm the device 10. The two limit switches 30, 32 are fixed within the housing 26 and point in the same direction away from the interior of the housing.

Figs. 10 to 13 are diagrammatic sectional views along the line B to B of Fig. 8 showing the second security device 1 10 in a number of different conditions.

Fig. 10 shows the device 1 10 in an out of use condition, separated from the smart phone 14. In the out of use condition of the device 1 10 the stem 146 of the sensor member 128 extends outwardly from the housing 26, and the sensor member 128 is operably disengaged from the plungers 34, 36 of each respective limit switch 30, 32. In this condition the device is in an unarmed state.

Fig. 1 1 shows the device 1 10 engaged with the surface 12 of the smart phone 14. In this condition of the device 1 10, an end 148 of the stem 146 of the sensor member 128 has been urged by the smart phone 14 towards the interior of the housing 26, causing both of the plungers 34, 36 to operably engage with the respective curved abutment surfaces 142, 144 of the sensor member 128. In this condition the device is in an armed state.

Fig. 12 also shows the device 1 10 engaged with the surface 12 of the smart phone 14, but in this case there has been lateral movement of the device 1 10 relative to the surface 12 of the smart phone 14 such that the device 1 10 is now located further towards the left hand side of the smart phone 14, as shown in the drawing. It would be understood that the lateral movement could have been of the device 1 10 or of the smart phone 14.

The lateral movement of the device 1 10 relative to the surface 12 of smart phone 14 has resulted in a counter clockwise pivotal movement of the sensor member 128 relative the housing 26. The counter clockwise pivotal movement of the sensor member 128 relative to the housing 26 has caused the plunger 34 of the first limit switch 30 to operably disengage from the first curved abutment surface 142 of the sensor member 128. In this condition the device 1 10 is now in an unarmed state and an audible alarm signal is sounded. Fig. 13 also shows the device 1 10 engaged with the surface 12 of the smart phone 14, but in this case there has been lateral movement of the device 1 10 relative to the surface 12 of the smart phone 14 such that the device 1 10 is now located further towards the right hand side of the smart phone 14, as shown in the drawing.

The lateral movement of the device 1 10 relative to the surface 12 of smart phone 14 has resulted in a clockwise pivotal movement of the sensor member 128 relative the housing 26. The clockwise pivotal movement of the sensor member 128 relative to the housing 26 has caused the plunger 36 of the second limit switch 32 to operably disengage from the second curved abutment surface 144 of the sensor member 128. In this condition the device is now in an unarmed state and an audible alarm signal is sounded. The end 148 of the stem 146 of the sensor member 128 is rounded to allow it to roll on the surface 12 of the smart phone 14 as the sensor member 128 pivots clockwise or counter clockwise relative the housing 26. A moving apart of the engaged device 1 10 of Fig. 10 away from the surface 12 of the smart phone 14 such that the device 1 10 moves to the condition shown in Fig. 9, causes movement of the sensor member 128 out of the housing 26.

This movement causes both of the plungers 32, 34 to operably disengage from the sensor member 128 such that the device 1 10 is disarmed and the alarm is activated.

There is thus described a security device 10, 1 10 with a number of advantages. An alarm signal is given by the device 10, 1 10 whether there is movement of the security device 10 away from a surface 12 of an item 14 or whether there is a lateral movement of the security device 10, 1 10 relative to the surface 12 of the item 14. It would not therefore be possible to slide the security device 10, 1 10 laterally off an item 14 without an alarm signal being given. Accordingly, the device 10, 1 10 reduces the possibility that an unauthorized person could steal an item of merchandise 14 to which the device 10, 1 10 is mounted.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example instead of, or in addition to, an audible alarm being sounded, an alarm signal could instead be sent directly to a security guard. Alternatively or additionally a visual signal may be given, such as an LED light which may be flashing or constant. The device 10, 1 10 could be made of any suitable materials, and may be any appropriate size or shape. The device 10, 1 10 may be configured such that a certain degree of lateral movement relative to a surface 12 of an item 14 is permitted without an alarm being given, for instance to account for normal handling of the item 14 by a customer. Different sensors could be used to the limit switches described.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1 . A security device for an item of merchandise, the device including a housing to which the item can be attached, and a sensor member which in a unarmed state of the device extends outwardly from the housing, the sensor member being moveable into the housing, the device being configured such that engagement of the device on a surface of the item urges the sensor member into the housing which causes the device to be armed, the device being further configured such that movement of the sensor member relative to the housing and/or movement of the sensor member out of the housing disarms the device and causes an alarm signal to be given.

2. A security device according to claim 1 , in which the sensor member is configured to be moveable laterally to a limited degree relative to the housing, and lateral movement of the sensor member relative to the housing disarms the device and causes an alarm signal to be given.

3. A security device according to claim 2, in which the device is configured such that lateral movement of the engaged device relative to the surface of the item causes lateral movement of the sensor member relative to the housing.

4. A security device according to claim 1 , in which the sensor member is configured to be pivotally moveable to a limited degree relative to the housing, and pivotal movement of the sensor member relative to the housing disarms the device and causes an alarm signal to be given.

5. A security device according to claim 4, in which the device is configured such that lateral movement of the engaged device relative to the surface of the item results in pivotal movement of the sensor member relative to the housing.

6. A security device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the device is also configured such that movement of the engaged device away from the surface of the item results in movement of the sensor member out of the housing.

7. A security device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the device includes at least two limit switches having plungers, the device being armed when each respective plunger is operably engaged with the sensor member, and disarmed when at least one of the plungers is operably disengaged from the sensor member.

8. A security device according to claim 7, in which the two limit switches are fixed within the housing of the device.

9. A security device according to claim 8 when dependent on claims 2 or 3, in which a first of the limit switches is orientated to point in a first direction, and a second of the limit switches is orientated to point in a second direction.

10. A security device according to claim 9, in which the first and second directions are directed away from one another.

1 1 . A security device according to claims 9 or 10, in which the first and second directions are inclined relative to each other.

12. A security device according to claims 9 to 1 1 , in which the first and second directions are perpendicular to each other.

13. A security device according to claim 8 when dependent on claims 4 or 5, in which the limit switches are orientated to point in the same direction.

14. A security device according to claims 7 to 12 when dependent on claims 2 or 3, in which the device is configured such that lateral movement of the sensor member relative to the housing causes a one of the plungers to operably disengage from the sensor member such that the device is disarmed and the alarm is activated.

15. A security device according to claim 13 or claims 7 or 8 when dependent on claims 4 or 5, in which the device is configured such that pivotal movement of the sensor member relative to the housing causes a one of the plungers to operably disengage from the sensor member such that the device is disarmed and the alarm is activated.

16. A security device according to claims 7 to 15, in which the device is further configured such that movement of the sensor member out of the housing causes both of the plungers to operably disengage from the sensor member such that the device is disarmed and the alarm is activated.

17. A security device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the device is configured such that engagement of the device on a surface of the item also causes engagement of the sensor member on the surface of the item.

18. A security device according to claim 17, in which the sensor member is engageable with the surface of the item by friction.

19. A security device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the security device is engageable with the surface of the item by way of an adhesive pad.

20. A security device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the sensor member is held within the housing in a slot, and is moveable to a limited degree relative to the housing along the slot.

21 . A security device according to claim 20 when dependent on any claim dependent on claims 2 or 3, in which the sensor member is slidably moveable along the slot.

22. A security device according to claim 20 when dependent on any claim dependent on claims 4 or 5, in which the sensor member is pivotally moveable through the slot.

23. A security device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the sensor member is at least generally T-shaped in cross sectional side view, with the stem of the T extendable outwardly from the housing, and opposite sides of the cross bar of the T engageable respectively with a one of the limit switches.

24. A security device according to any of claims 7 to 23, in which the sensor member has an abutment surface against which the plungers of the first and second limit switches are operably engageable to arm the device.

25. A security device according to claim 24, in which in a cross sectional side view the abutment surface includes at least two separate abutment surfaces.

26. A security device according to claim 25, in which the plunger of the first limit switch is operably engageable with a first of the abutment surfaces, and the plunger of the second limit switch is operably engageable with a second of the abutment surfaces.

27. A security device according to claim 26, in which the device is configured such that engagement of the limit switches with the respective abutment surfaces urges the sensor member to a rest position, in which rest position if the sensor member is also urged into the housing the device will be armed, but movement of the sensor member from the rest position will cause the device to be disarmed.

28. A security device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the alarm signal is audible and/or visual.

29. A security device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the security device also includes a mechanical clamp mountable to the item of merchandise.

30. An item of merchandise including a security device according to any of the preceding claims.

31 . An item of merchandise according to claim 30, in which the item of merchandise is a smart phone, tablet computer, camera, radio, or MP3 player.

32. A security device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

33. An item of merchandise substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.