WO2006095138A1

WO2006095138A1 - Security system

Info

Publication number: WO2006095138A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/000729
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy James Hazzard
Original assignee: H Young (Operations) Limited
Priority date: 2005-03-07
Filing date: 2006-03-01
Publication date: 2006-09-14

Abstract

A security system comprising a security case (10) having a base (30) and a lid (20), the lid (20) being movable with respect to the base (30) between an open and a closed position. First locking means (40) for releasably locking the lid (20) to the base (30) when the lid is in the closed position. A tether (50). Second locking means (200) for releasably securing the tether (50) to the security case (10). Means for releasably securing the tether (50) to a vehicle (300).

Description

SECURITY SYSTEM

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates to a security system.

Security cases are typically portable box-like items used to store and transport valuables. Security cases commonly comprise locking mechanisms for restricting access to the contents of the case. However, such a case by its very nature is portable and so may be picked up or removed by an unauthorised person. This problem is especially acute when the security case is being transported in a vehicle such as a car, van or lorry. It is a well known problem that vehicles are regularly broken into and their contents stolen. Modern security measures employed within vehicles, such as engine and steering wheel immobilisers are aimed at preventing the entire vehicle from being removed but it is often difficult to prevent access to the interior of a vehicle especially by an attack on the glass windows, which are designed to break safely and easily in the event of an accident. Once inside a vehicle, a thief may have practically free access to any part of the interior including the boot, and so even items left out of sight are not safe from theft .

If a locked case is left within a vehicle and that vehicle is broken into the thief could simply take the case away and force it open at his leisure. Nevertheless, despite these risks, it is still often necessary to transport a security case within a vehicle and it is not always convenient to remove the security case from the vehicle every time the vehicle is left unattended.

It is therefore desirable to provide a portable security system, which may be conveniently carried by hand but also secured when left unattended in a vehicle.

GB 2394171 describes a case that may be secured to another object whereby keyhole slots are made within the side of the case to receive a cable. The case must be opened before removing the securing cable .

Summary of the Invention

Against this background, there is provided, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a security system comprising: a security case (10) having a base (30) and a lid (20) , the lid (20) being movable with respect to the base (30) between an open and a closed position; first locking means (40) for releasably locking the lid (20) to the base (30) when the lid is in the closed position; a tether (50) ; second locking means (200) for releasably securing the tether (50) to the security case (10) ; and means for releasably securing the tether (50) to a vehicle (300) . This has the advantage that the security case may be secured to the interior of a vehicle and so protect the contents of the security case from theft.

Preferably, the second locking means are lockable and unlockable independently of the first locking means. The advantage of this feature is that the case itself does not need to be unlocked before removing the tether from the case .

Advantageously, the tether is provided at one end with a closed loop to enable the tether to be releasably secured to a vehicle. The advantage of this feature is that the tether may be passed around a fixed anchor point within the vehicle with the end of the tether passing back through the loop. The opposite end of the tether may then be locked to the security case. This has the advantage that it is not necessary to make any modification to the inside of the vehicle as the tether may simply be looped around an existing fixed part of the vehicle. Furthermore the tether does not need to be unduly long in this configuration.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the security system may further comprise a lug, the lug being arranged so that the lid may be secured to the base when in the closed position by engagement of the lug with the tether when the tether is secured to the security case by said second locking means. This arrangement increases the security of the system by ensuring that the lid is always locked to the base when the tether is locked to the case. Therefore, if the other locking means (the first locking means that releasably locks the lid to the base) is inadvertently left unlocked the case is still securely locked closed when the tether is engaged. This arrangement also increases security by adding a further locking means with which to secure the lid to the base. Preferably, the lug of the security system is attached to one of the lid and the base and said second locking means is provided on the other.

Alternatively, the lug may be attached at the front, the sides or the back of the case.

Preferably, the lug of the security case is provided with an opening which is adapted to receive the tether when the tether is secured to the security case by said second locking means. The tether can then pass through the wall of the case and into the opening in the lug and also into the tether securing lock. When the case is shut the opening in the lug aligns with the opening in the case and the opening in the tether securing lock so that the tether may pass through all three openings.

Optionally, the lid may be hingeable with respect to the base between the open and closed positions.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, the lid maybe slideable with respect to the base between the open and closed positions. This allows a more simple construction for the case.

Preferably, the lid comprises a sleeve. Such a sleeve may enclose the base and so provide a more secure case.

Optionally, the base may be a drawer receivable in the sleeve. This allows close fitting of the lid with the base. Optionally, the first locking means may be provided by the tether passing through the sleeve and wherein the second locking means is arranged to secure the tether to the security case after the tether has passed through the sleeve. This allows the security case to be secured in the closed position and the tether to be secured to the security case in a single action. In this arrangement the tether may pass through an aperture in the sleeve and be secured by the lock, which is attached to the drawer. In this way the tether is only indirectly secured to the drawer via the lock. For instance, the lock may be secured to the bottom of the drawer instead of a side wall, which is no longer required. Alternatively, the lock may be secured to the opposite side wall of the drawer so that the tether passes through the drawer. Nevertheless, the tether, drawer and sleeve are secured together in the closed position. In this third embodiment the first locking means is provided by interference of the tether with at least the sleeve. The second locking means secures the tether to the case once the first locking means is engaged.

Optionally, the first locking means may be provided by the tether passing through the sleeve and into engagement with the drawer.

Optionally, the sleeve may have a first aperture and the drawer may have a second aperture arranged so the first and second apertures are aligned when the drawer and sleeve are in the closed position. The apertures allow a simple and secure construction of the security case. Optionally, the second locking means is mounted on the drawer and arranged to receive the tether when the first aperture, the second aperture and the second locking means are aligned. The first and second apertures are only aligned when the drawer is located within the sleeve. The aperture in the lock for receiving the tether is fixed to be aligned with the second locking means.

Advantageously, the first locking means and the second locking means are simultaneously releasable by a key. A single key and action allows the security case to be locked shut and locked to the tether, which may be secured to a vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a security system comprising: a security case having a drawer and a sleeve, the sleeve being slideable with respect to the base between an open and a closed position; a tether (50) ; locking means (40) for releasably locking the sleeve to the drawer when the sleeve is in the closed position and for securing the tether to the security case; and means for releasably securing the tether (50) to a vehicle (300) . The terms lid and sleeve are interchangeable and the terms base and drawer are interchangeable.

The present invention may be put into practice in a number of ways and a preferred embodiment will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a security case in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention and includes a lid, a tether and a tether securing lock;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a portion the security case of Figure 1, with the lid open and showing the tether disengaged from the tether securing lock;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the security case of Figure 1, secured by the tether to the inside of a vehicle

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a portion of a security case in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention with a base and a lid and with the lid open;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the security case of Figure 4 with the lid closed;

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the tether securing lock;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention, including a drawer and a sleeve;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the drawer of Figure 7 ; and

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the sleeve of Figure 8. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Figure 1 shows a security case 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The security case 10 is in the form of a briefcase which has a lid 20 and a base 30. The lid 20 is hingeably connected to the base 30 and moveable between an open position in which access may be gained to the interior of the security case 10 and a closed position in which such access is denied. Locks 40 secure the lid 20 to the base 30 in the closed position and prevent unauthorised movement of the lid to the open position. As will be understood by those skilled in the art many locks including combination locks or a key operated locks may be suitable for this purpose. In addition there is also provided a flexible tether 50, one end of which is adapted to be received within an aperture 80 provided in a side wall of the base 30 of the security case 10. Alternatively, the aperture may be provided in a wall of the lid 20.

Opposite this one end the flexible tether 50 is provided with a loop 100 so that the tether 50 may be threaded through the loop to form a noose. It will be understood that, the loop 100 must be large enough to allow one end of the tether 50 to be passed through it but small enough so that the security case 10 cannot pass through it.

The inside of the security case 10 contains a tether securing lock 200 (shown in Figure 2) . The lock 200 is secured to the security case 10 by suitable means. The tether securing lock 200 is aligned with an aperture 80 provided in the side wall of the security case 10 and is adapted to receive the non-looped end of the tether 50. To this end the non-looped end of the tether 50 may be provided with a rigid protrusion 90. When the protrusion 90 at the end of the tether 50 is inserted into an aperture 80 provided in the security case 10 it is retained in place by the tether securing lock 200. In this way the tether 50 is secured with respect to the security case 10.

A removable key 70 passes through a second aperture 60 provided in a wall of the base 30 of the security case 10. The second aperture 60 is aligned with a corresponding keyhole in the tether securing lock 200. The key 70 may be removed from the security case 10 and from the lock 200 within the security case 10. Turning the key 70, whilst the key is located within the keyhole, releases the protrusion 90 from the tether securing lock 200.

Figure 2 shows a cross section through the base 30 of the security case 10 where the protrusion 90 is received through aperture 80 and where the key 70 is received through the second aperture 60. In the embodiment shown the protrusion 90 is pointed with a waisted region 210. This allows the protrusion 90 to engage the tether securing lock 200 whether or not the key 70 is present. Once the protrusion 90 is engaged by the tether securing lock 200 the tether 50 is secured to the security case 10. The protrusion 90 may only be released from the tether securing lock 200 by turning the key 70. The skilled person will be familiar with such tether securing locks. One such lock may be a ball lock in which a steel ball is urged against the waisted region 210 of the protrusion 90 by a resilient member such as a spring. The tether 50 may be released by removing the tension in the resilient member by means of a mechanism operated by key 70 thereby disengaging the steel ball from the waisted region of the protrusion 90. The mechanism of such a lock is well known and so requires no further description. Other types of locks may also be used to releasably retain the tether 50 with respect to the security case 10 such as a padlock (in which case the tether 50 may be provided with a second loop at the end to be attached to the security case 10 instead of the protrusion 90) or a combination lock.

Figure 3 shows the security case 10 secured by the tether 50 to a fixed point in the boot of a car 300. A variety of fixed points may be used depending on the make and model of the car. Common fixed points include posts, or structures relating to the spare wheel including the spare wheel itself. As the tether 50 may be released from its engagement with the security case 10 the tether 50 may be left in the vehicle enabling the security case to be used as an ordinary briefcase. Furthermore, the security case lid 20 may be locked and unlocked to the base 30 independently of any locking and unlocking of the tether 50 to the security case 10. This is advantageous as it allows the security case 10 to be locked to the inside of the vehicle 300 without requiring exposure of the interior of the security case 10 which may alert potential thieves to the contents of the security case 10.

The construction of the security case 10 may be from any suitable materials such as metal, plastics or wood. Similarly, of the flexible tether 50 may also be of any suitable material or of a composite of materials such as spun steel wire and / or reinforced plastics. A method of securing a valuable item within a vehicle 300 using the security case 10 shall now be described. The locks 40 securing the base 30 to the lid 20 are unlocked and the lid 20 moved to the open position. The valuable item is deposited within the security case 10 and the lid 20 closed and secured to the base 30 by the locks 40.

The protrusion 90 is removed from the tether retaining lock 200 by turning the releasing key 70. The releasing key 70 is then also removed from the tether retaining lock 200. The tether 50 is wrapped around a fixed point in the vehicle 300 such as, for example a post. The protrusion 90 is passed through the loop 100 in the tether 50 to form a noose which is then tightened around the fixed point in the vehicle 300. The protrusion 90 is passed through the aperture 80 in the side wall of the security case 10 and into engagement with the tether retaining lock 200. The valuable item cannot be removed from the security case 10 without unlocking the locks 40 and the security case 10 cannot be removed from the vehicle 300 without unlocking the cable retaining lock 200. Even if the vehicle 300 is broken into whilst left unattended, the valuable item is now secure .

Figure 4 shows a security case 10 ' according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified this security case 10 ' is similar to the security case 10 according to the first embodiment and like features have been given the same reference numerals. The aperture 60 is located on the front of the case, which is the same wall of the case on which the case securing locks 40 are located. A lug 400 protrudes from the inner surface of the lid 20 towards the base 30 and is arranged so that when the lid 20 closes, the lug 400 fits within the closed security case 10 ' . The lug 400 is secured to the lid 20 by rivets 420. The lug 400 has a bore 410 and this is arranged so that when the lid 20 closes, the bore 410 aligns with the aperture 60 in the wall of the base 30. The bore 410 is large enough to accept the protrusion 90 of the tether 50.

Figure 5 shows the security case 10' with the lid 20 closed and the tether 50 engaged into the opening 60. The protrusion 90 also passes through the bore 410 (not shown in this figure) . As the lug 400 is attached to the lid 20 the lid 20 cannot be opened without removing the tether 50 from the security case 10'. Furthermore, the tether 50 cannot be removed from the security case 10' without turning the key 70.

Figure 6 shows the internal parts of a tether securing lock 200' including a lock body 600, cylinder lock 610, ball bearing 630 and spring 620. The tether securing lock 200' is similar to the well know mechanism of a ball lock, as described with respect to the first embodiment and so. this mechanism shall not be described again in detail. The lock body 600 has a receiving bore 650 arranged to accept the protrusion 90 of the tether 50. The mechanism includes a slot 640 in the body 600 intersecting the receiving bore 650. The slot 640 is arranged so that when the tether securing lock 200' is fixed within the security case 10' and the lid 20 is closed, the lug 400 fits within the slot 640. Furthermore, the bore 410 through the lug 400 aligns with the receiving bore 650 of the lock body 600. Therefore, with the protrusion 90 located within the receiving bore 650 and bore 410 of the lug 400, the lid 20 of the security case 10' will be locked shut.

The operation of the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to that of the first embodiment except that the locks 40 are not required to secure the lid 20 to the body 30 as this is achieved by the locking of the tether 50 to the case. However, additional security is achieved by using these locks 40 as well. Similarly, the security case 10 ' cannot be opened without first removing the tether 50 from the case using the key 70.

Figure 7 shows a security case 10 ' ' according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Common features to previous embodiments have been given the same reference numerals.

A drawer 30' is removably located within a sleeve 20' so that the sleeve 20' may enclose the drawer 30'. The sleeve 20' corresponds to the lid of previous embodiments and the drawer 30' corresponds to the base of previous embodiments. When the drawer 30' is enclosed by the sleeve 20' the contents of the drawer may not be removed. The drawer 20' comprises two short sides, two long sides and a base forming an open box. The sleeve 30' comprises a single extruded piece forming a box open at two opposing ends. A lip 700 on the drawer 30' allows the drawer 30' to be removed from the sleeve 20'. A lock 200' ' is mounted on one long side of the drawer 30' within aperture 60'. Lock 20O^{1 1} is similar to lock 200' and lock 200 previously described. A keyhole of lock 200 ' ' sits proud above aperture 60' . A slot 720 in one edge of sleeve 20' receives the lock 200' ' when the drawer 30' is fully located within the sleeve 20'.

The sleeve 20' has an aperture 80' for receiving the protrusion 90 of the tether 50. When the drawer 30' is fully located within the sleeve 20' aperture 80' is aligned with aperture 730 (not shown in Figure 7) . In this configuration the protrusion 90 may pass through aperture 80' in sleeve 20', through aperture 730 in drawer 30' and into aperture 650 (not shown in Figure 7) of lock 200' ', where it is releasably secured by the locking mechanism. Once located within these apertures, the tether 50 is locked to the case 10' ' and also locks the drawer 30' within the sleeve 20' so that items within the drawer 30' may not be removed .

Figure 8 shows the drawer 30'. Apertures 60' and 730 are shown in this figure. A further aperture 710 is used to permanently secure the lock 200' ^■ to the drawer by means of a screw or bolt. The drawer 30' may be a single injection- moulded piece formed from plastics or metal .

Figure 9 shows the sleeve 20'. Sleeve 20' may be formed from extruded plastics or metal .

The operation of the third embodiment shall now be described. An item to be secured is placed within the drawer 30' and the drawer is slid inside the sleeve 20'. The tether 50 is secured to an immovable part of the vehicle such as a post within the boot or a seat post . The tether may be secured by passing it around the post and threading the end of the tether 50 with the protrusion 90 through the loop 100 on the other end, as previously described. The protrusion 90 is secured to the case 10 ' ' by passing it through aperture 80' in sleeve 30', aperture 730 in drawer 30' and into aperture 650 in lock 20O^{1 1}, where it is locked in place. To remove the tether 50 from the case 10' ' the lock 200' ' is unlocked using key 70, as previously described in relation to the first and second embodiments. The drawer 30' is now free to slide in and out of the sleeve 20' .

As will be appreciated by the skilled person, details of the above embodiment may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

For example there may be any number of locks, including a single lock, securing the lid 20 to the base 30 of the security case. The tether may also be permanently affixed to the interior of the vehicle.

The lug 400 may be in the form of an open hook or a U- shaped member. Alternatively, the lug 400 does not require an opening or bore 410 as the same function may be achieved by a straight lug arranged at an angle to the lid 20 edge and adapted to intersect below the protrusion 90 once the tether 50 is attached to the security case 10'. The lug 400 may be secured to the security case 10' by any suitable means including a weld, solder or glue or may be incorporated into the case itself.

The lug 400 may be located on the base 30 instead of the lid 20. In this case, the aperture 60 and tether securing lock 200' should be located on the lid instead of the base 30.

The case may be provided in various sizes suitable for holding items such as laptop computers, satellite navigation devices, vehicle radios and radio lift-off panels, speed trap detectors, other electronic devices, money, spectacles and sun glasses.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A security system comprising: a security case (10) having a base (30) and a lid (20) , the lid (20) being movable with respect to the base (30) between an open and a closed position; first locking means (40) for releasably locking the lid (20) to the base (30) when the lid is in the closed position; a tether (50) ; second locking means (200) for releasably securing the tether (50) to the security case (10) ; and means for releasably securing the tether (50) to a vehicle (300) .

2. The security system of claim 1, wherein the second locking means (200) are lockable and unlockable independently of the first locking means (40) .

3. The security system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tether (50) is provided at one end with a closed loop (100) to enable the tether (50) to be releasably secured to a vehicle.

4. The security system of any previous claim further comprising a lug, the lug being arranged so that the lid (20) may be secured to the base (30) when in the closed position by engagement of the lug with the tether (50) when the tether (50) is secured to the security case (10) by said second locking means (200) .

5. The security system of claim 4 wherein the lug is attached to one of the lid (20) and the base (30) and said second locking means (200) is provided on the other.

6. The security system of claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the lug is provided with an opening which is adapted to receive the tether (50) when the tether is secured to the security case by said second locking means .

7. The security system of any previous claim, wherein the lid is hingeable with respect to the base between the open and closed positions.

8. The security system of claim 1, wherein the lid is slideable with respect to the base between the open and closed positions.

9. The security system of any of claims 1 to 3 or 8, wherein the lid comprises a sleeve.

10. The security system of claim 9, wherein the base is a drawer receivable in the sleeve.

11. The security system of claim 9, wherein the first locking means is provided by the tether passing through the sleeve and wherein the second locking means is arranged to secure the tether to the security case after the tether has passed through the sleeve.

12. The security system of claim 9, wherein the first locking means is provided by the tether passing through the sleeve and into engagement with the drawer.

13. The security system of claims 12, wherein the sleeve has a first aperture and the drawer has a second aperture arranged so the first and second apertures are aligned when the drawer and sleeve are in the closed position.

14. The security system of claim 13, wherein the second locking means is mounted on the drawer and arranged to receive the tether when the first aperture, the second aperture and the second locking means are aligned.

15. The security system of any of claims 8 to 14, wherein the first locking means and the second locking means are simultaneously releasable by a key.

16. The security system (10, 10', 10' ') of any preceding claim in combination with a vehicle (300) , the tether (50) being releasably secured to the vehicle (300) .