Securing device for objects

A securing device for attachment of an object (2) which is to be secured. The securing device has a housing with a base plate and a lid as well as an apparatus for generating an alarm when the securing device is removed from the object without authorization. The securing device has an open and closed state. In the closed state the base plate and the lid can be locked to one another by a lock. The apparatus for generating an alarm comprises a mechanical sensor and/or an optical sensor In the closed state the mechanical sensor can detect contact with the object by the base plate and can react to a loss of contact with the object. In the closed state the optical sensor emits light through the base plate, and can sense reflections of this light from the object through the base plate and can react to changes in these reflections.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage application of International Application No. PCT/CH2011/000134, filed on Jun. 7, 2011, which claims priority of Swiss application Ser. No. 00902/10, filed on Jun. 7, 2010, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a securing device for attachment to an object that is to be secured. The securing device has a housing with a base plate and a lid as well as apparatus for generating an alarm when the securing device is removed from the object without authorization. The securing device has an open and a closed state, and in the closed state the base plate and the lid can be locked to one another by a lock.

Description of the Prior Art

For securing goods in retail stores against theft, electronic goods securing systems have proven useful. In this method, tags, which are detectable by the system electronics, are attached to the goods to be secured, by antennas generally positioned at the exit of the retail store. The tags, for example, may comprise electrical resonance oscillating circuits with resonance frequencies in the radio frequency range (several MHz).

In order for the securing to function, the tags must be connected to the goods to be secured in such a manner that they cannot be removed easily and unobtrusively by unauthorized persons. For example, in the case of items of clothing this is accomplished in that a pin is stuck through the fabric and the tip of the pin is secured with a lock that requires special equipment to remove it. The tag is placed in the pin head (hard tag) or in the lock. Small articles can be placed in transparent, lockable containers, which contain the tag in their interior. For securing goods that are sold in cartons or the like, tags in housings are used, which are fastened to the packaging with belts (or cables).

In one embodiment, the belts are electrically conductive and are monitored for electrical continuity by an electronic system. If they are cut for unauthorized removal of the securing device, the electronics system produces an alarm. A mechanical system is placed in the housing for winding around and clamping the belts. Since this may not be as voluminous as might be desired, the displacement range of the belts is limited, which restricts their use to packaging in a certain size range.

In WO2008/0009148, a securing device is suggested for objects which are strapped with simple, electrically nonconductive belts, such as are standard for use in packaging technology. The belts are made of stable plastic and are clamped around the packages with a clamping device, wherein their ends are connected together into a closed loop using closure sleeves or by welding. There are no limitations with regard to the size of the packages. The securing device has two housing shells, which can be locked together and meshed with the belts. The device also contains two cylindrical, rotatably supported clamping elements, each provided with a slit for the belts and pretensioned with clamping springs. When the securing device is applied to the object, the belts are passed through the slit of the clamping elements. Through the closing and locking of the two housing shells, blocking of the clamping element is released and the belts are additionally tensioned. These apparatus for additionally tensioning the belts are connected to an alarm. If the additional tensioning is lost, e.g., by unauthorized cutting of the belts, the clamping elements turn further because of the clamping springs, thus setting off an alarm.

In the case of a suitable geometric arrangement, the belts can also prevent the package from being opened. Frequently the contents of the package are not checked during the sale. Not infrequently, then, when the item is unpacked at home, it is found that the contents do not meet expectations. This may happen because the package has been opened during transport, in storage, or in the retail store, and the goods contained therein removed, and in the best case replaced by a different and usually less valuable item. In addition, high-end, expensive goods are not infrequently placed in the packages of less expensive goods so the buyer only has to pay the lower price of the less expensive item at the cash register.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The invention has the objective of suggesting a securing device of the initially-mentioned type which can be applied to objects such as large packaging cartons in such a way that they cannot be removed from these without being noticed, which requires no expensive mechanical arrangements, and nevertheless guarantees adequate protection.

This is achieved according to the presently claimed invention in such a securing device. Here the apparatus for producing an alarm comprises a mechanical and/or an optical sensor. The mechanical sensor in the closed state can detect contact with the object and can react to loss of contact with the object. In particular, it emits an alarm if the securing device is removed from the object without authorization. In the closed state, the optical sensor emits light through the base plate, can detect reflections of this light from the object through the base plate, and can respond to changes in these reflections. The optical sensor likewise triggers an alarm if the securing device is removed from the object without authorization.

Depending on the method of applying the securing device to the object (e.g., by belts as is currently done) it might be possible to move the securing device somewhat on the object or to slip a flat article between the securing device and the object: the latter for example to prevent reaction of the mechanical sensor. However, if this were done, the optical sensor would respond.

For easier handling, the base plate and lid can be connected to one another movably over the hinge.

The mechanical sensor can comprise a contact or end position sensor.

The optical sensor can comprise a reflected electric eye or an image sensor, which is preferably insensitive to ambient light. The light that it emits is furthermore preferably infrared light. However, it may also be provided that the optical sensor responds to ambient light when the securing device is lifted from the object.

The apparatus for generating an alarm preferably has a resonant oscillating circuit detectable by an electronic securing device for objects. The object to be secured then cannot be easily removed from an area, such as a retail store, monitored by an electronic object securing system before removing it from the object. As soon as the electronic object securing unit detects the resonant oscillating circuit in the securing device according to the invention, it will emit an alarm.

On the other hand, the apparatus for generating an alarm of the securing device according to the invention can generate an alarm if the resonant oscillating circuit is energized by an electronic goods securing system through the electromagnetic alternating current field generated thereby.

The lock is preferably activated during and by the closure of the securing device. It should be able to be undone only with a special tool, e.g., magnetically with a magnetic opener, such as is used for opening a hard tag of the initially-mentioned type, and/or mechanically with a key.

The apparatus for generating an alarm are preferably activated (in the sense of being armed) during and by the closure of the securing device. Naturally an alarm is not initiated by this activation. However, the apparatus for generating an alarm can be designed such that they signal their activation by a blinking signal and/or an acoustical control sound.

The deactivation of the apparatus for generating an alarm is done in the case of an authorized opening, preferably using a special magnetic opener or a key for this purpose. However, the activation may also be provided electronically by remote control or by a deactivator plate. In this case, an alarm, for example, would still be triggered if the securing device is opened with a special magnetic opener or key provided for this purpose. In the case of possible opening of the securing device, naturally, likewise the activation of the apparatus for producing an alarm would be suppressed, and an alarm would be produced.

The apparatus for producing an alarm may be designed to generate a multi-stage alarm in terms of intensity and/or duration. This can be used to set off a warning pre-alarm if the securing device is even slightly lifted from the object and/or if the securing device is only slightly shifted on the object. This may already be sufficient to deter the person performing the manipulations from continuing these manipulations without causing a general uproar. In particular, only an alarm at a level lower than the highest alarm stage may be triggered if only the optical sensor (19) responds. Especially if this is at a sensitive setting, this can take place even during authorized handling of the object.

The securing device according to the invention is preferably designed such that it can be attached to the object with a belt or several belts tensioned around the object to be secured. For example, this is accomplished in that in the open state of the securing device the base plate can be moved between the at least one belt and the object and that the base plate and the lid in the closed state of the securing device can be locked in contact with the at least one belt by the lock. In the case of a sales carton, the at least one belt can be attached in such a manner that the sales carton cannot be opened, at least without producing major damage to it.

For a secure and solid guidance of the at least one belt, the base plate can have at least one groove-like indentation and the lid, several recesses in which the at least one belt can be laid. In addition the securing device can have an apparatus to prevent slippage of the base plate on the object to be secured, which might be possible in the case of application with belts. This may for example be a rubber layer or the like disposed on the side of the base plate facing the object.

The securing device according to the invention could also be attached to an object to be secured using adhesive technology. For this purpose it would be possible to use an adhesive strip that has the characteristic that it loses its stickiness when stretched and can be removed from the object and the securing device without leaving residues. The adhesive strip should be covered by the base plate and contain a gripper for stretching it by a user, which is accessible only in the open state of the securing device.

The securing device according to the invention can also advantageously be designed such that it can be optionally attached to an object to be secured with belts or adhesive technology or a combination of the two methods. Finally the securing device can also have a two-strand cable as an additional apparatus for generating an alarm, wherein one end thereof is connected to a plug connection in the housing that is accessible only in the open state of the securing device, and the other end of which projects out of the housing and is provided with apparatus for attaching two additional objects. The apparatus for attaching additional objects in this case can comprise a further housing with a mechanical sensor which can detect contact with the further object through the additional housing and can react to loss of contact with the further object. The apparatus for attaching.

In the Figures, corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numbers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

FIG. 1a) shows, in perspective view, an embodiment of a securing device1according to the invention, which is attached to an object2, e.g., a sales carton, with two belts which cross one another. The securing device1is shown in the closed state and interacting with the belts3. The two belts3travel through the securing device1and cross within it. The securing device1is held on the surface of the object2by the clamping of the belts3.FIG. 1b) shows a top view of the securing device1and the object2fromFIG. 1a) clamped with the belts3.

InFIG. 2a), the securing device1fromFIG. 1a) is shown in perspective view in the open state.FIG. 2b) shows the securing device1in the closed state. In each case only one surface, on which the belts3cross, of the object2is shown inFIG. 2a) andFIG. 2b).FIG. 3shows the securing device1fromFIG. 1in only one sectional view along the section line A-A fromFIG. 1b) in the open state (FIG. 3a) and in the closed state (FIG. 3b).FIG. 4shows the securing device only in a view of the section along line B-B fromFIG. 1b) andFIG. 5in a view and the section along the section line C-C fromFIG. 1b), in each case in the closed state.

The securing device1has a housing comprising a base plate10and a lid11. Lid11and base plate10are connected movably together over a hinge12. In the open state, the securing device1with the base plate10can be slid between the surface of the object2and the belts3encircling the object2, so that the belts3cross in the center of the base plate10. For guiding the belts3, the base plate10has two likewise crossing, groove-like indentations14. The lid11, shown still in the flapped-back state inFIG. 2a), along its edge has recesses13for the belts3that pass through the securing device1. In addition the lid11has several cylindrical projections15on the surface that faces the base plate10in the closed state. These projections15, the function of which will be explained below, are arranged such that in the closed state of the securing device1, they are located in the area of the groove-like indentations14.

The lid11is lockable with the base plate10in the closed state of the securing device1. The lock provided for this purpose has a hook-shaped slide16, which can be slid into the lid11between two positions. The extended position of the slide16is shown inFIG. 3a) in the open state of the securing device whileFIG. 3b) shows the slide16in its slid-in position in the closed state of the securing device. Here the slide16meshes in a recess17in the base plate10and with its hook-shaped end18meshes with the inner edge19thereof from below. This meshing from below occurs in that when the lid11is closed, the slide16, proceeding from its extended position, is pressed at an oblique angle relative to the base plate10into the lid11as soon as it has come into contact with the recess17and in front of it. In this process the spring20also disposed between the slide16and the lid11is clamped, which applies a force to the lid11in the direction of opening and then to slide16into its extended position, and the resistance of which is to be overcome upon closing the lid11.

However, in the closed state according toFIG. 3b, the opening of the lid11under the action of the spring20, is prevented by a magnetic lock21provided in the lid11. The lock21is of a type already known from so-called hard tags. Upon movement of the slide16into its pushed-in position, a slender pin22connected to the slide16is introduced into the lock21, where it is prevented from moving back by spring-loaded balls. Thus upon closing the lid11, the lid11and the base plate10are automatically locked together in the closed position of the securing device, without further manipulation being required.

To loosen the lock, the balls of the lock21must be pulled away from the pin22through the force of a magnet to be applied at23against the action of a spring24acting on it, so that this pin is freed and can be withdrawn from the lock21. Under the action of the spring20, the lid11automatically springs open and the slide16springs into its extended position.

The apparatus for generating the alarm are also essentially arranged in the lid11. These apparatus comprise a battery25(inFIG. 2a),25identifies the battery compartment), an electronic unit (PCB, circuit board)26, an acoustic signal generator (buzzer)27, an applicable signal generator (LED)28and a main switch29. The latter is actuated by a peg30formed on the slide16that, with the lid11closed and the slide16slid in, closes the battery current circuit. With the lid11open and the slide16extended, the battery power circuit is interrupted by the main switch29. The apparatus for generating an alarm are thus activated by the closure of the securing device and deactivated upon opening the securing device.

The apparatus for generating the alarm also comprise a mechanical and an optical sensor, wherein these may also be provided alternatively. The mechanical sensor comprises in the lid11a contact switch31and in the base plate10a pivotably arranged feeler32, which interact in the closed state of the securing device. The feeler32is spring-loaded in such a way that normally as shown inFIGS. 3-5it projects downward over the base plate10. On the other hand, when the securing device is placed on an object2in the manner ofFIG. 1and with its base plate10is in contact with the object2under a pressing pressure formed by the tension belts3, the feeler32is pivoted back by the object2into the base plate10, actuating the contact switch31. The contact switch31thus occupies a switching position from which the electronic device26deduces the presence of the object2.

If the securing device in the closed state is removed from the object2, for example after the belts3are cut, the feeler32pivots out from the base plate, whereupon the contact switch31is actuated and as a result achieves a switching position from which the electronic part26deduces a loss of contact with the object and emits an alarm (acoustic via the buzzer27and/or optical via the LED28). The contact switch31could also have several switching steps, so that a merely slight lifting of the securing device from the object generates only a preliminary alarm, for example brief lighting of the optical signal generator (LED)28, in the sense of warning against further manipulations.

The optical sensor, designed as a reflected electric eye, is recognizable inFIG. 5and has a light emitter33and a reflected light receiver34. It is preferably insensitive to ambient light, in that the light emitter33emits infrared light and the reflected light receiver34is sensitive only to infrared light.

In the closed state of the securing device, the light emitter33emits light at an oblique angle through an opening35in the base plate10. If the securing device in the manner ofFIG. 1is attached to an object2, part of this light is reflected on the surface of the object2, and through the opening35reaches the reflected light receiver34. The reflected light receiver34is shielded from direct light from the light emitter33. Depending on the nature of the surface in terms of brightness, color and/or luster, but also depending on the distance from the surface, more or less reflected light will reach the reflected light receiver. To take the respective conditions into consideration, after application and closure of the securing device on an object, first the electronic section determines the intensity of the respectively received light and stores this as a reference value. After this it can respond to changes in the intensity of light received.

Such changes are especially to be expected if the securing device is removed from the object, wherein even a slight lifting of the securing device from the object within the flexibility range of the object or the belts may be sufficient. Detectable changes can also be caused if a flat object is slid between the securing device and the object, and has somewhat different reflection properties, which will usually be the case. By inserting a flat object in the form of a stiff card between the securing device and the object, anyone could attempt to move the securing device from the object without the mechanical sensor emitting an alarm, in that upon removing the securing device, the flat object is used to prevent the feeler32from pivoting out of the base plate10.

The optical sensor can also record changes caused by setting the securing device on an object with a textured surface. In order to avoid setting off alarms during authorized handling of the object, the securing device should be fixed well onto the object with the belts and should be movable as little as possible. In the present exemplified embodiment therefore the previously mentioned cylindrical projections15in the cover11are provided. In the closed state of the securing device they press on the belts3, which are conducted along the groove-shaped indentations14of the base plate10, and clamp these firmly, so that the securing device1cannot be slid along the belts3. The cylindrical projections15for example may consist of an elastic material. To further impede unwanted sliding of the securing device1relative to the surface of the object2, the base plate10and the side facing the object2can also be provided with a rubber coating.

Alternatively or additionally it may be provided that an alarm would only be triggered if the displacement exceeds a certain amount in the given case. Furthermore the emission of an alarm or a pre-alarm of lower intensity and/or duration, as described above for the mechanical sensor, may be provided.

In an alternative embodiment, a light sensor that is sensitive to ambient light may be used. In this case for example the light sensor could simply respond to the change in brightness that occurs when the securing device is lifted from the object.

As an additional apparatus of alarm generation, in the lid11of the present embodiment an electrical resonant oscillating circuit consisting of a coil and capacitor is present, which can be energized and detected by an electronic goods securing unit such as those installed in many retail stores. The coil has a ferrite core designated as36. When the resonant oscillating circuit is energized, the electronic unit26emits an alarm.

As explained, upon unlocking, the cover11springs open under the influence of the spring20and the slide16moves into its extended position, wherein the battery power circuit is interrupted by the main switch29. After this, the securing device can be removed from the object2without an alarm being set off.

The securing device is designed in terms of stability of its parts in such a manner that they block attempts to break them off by force to a certain degree. The weakest link, which, if any, will be the first to yield in the case of an attempted forcible opening, is preferably the meshing of the hook-like end18of the slide16with the edge19. For example it may be provided that the hook-like end18slips over the edge19or breaks off from the slide16. The slide16remains in its slid-in position in the lid11and with it, the peg30, so that the main switch29also remains in its position, closing the battery power circuit. Thus the apparatus for alarm generation also remain active. If the lid11is opened after such a breaking off by force, its distance from the object changes, which is detected by both the mechanical and the optical sensors, which then emit an alarm.

FIG. 6shows the securing device ofFIG. 1provided with an adhesive strip40. This has a first, double adhesive section41, with which on one hand it attaches to the underside of the base plate10, and on the other hand to an object. In the front view ofFIG. 6a), section41itself is not visible and therefore it is only indicated by a broken outline. A second, non-adherent section42of the adhesive strip40is placed around the edge of the base plate10and into one of the groove-like indentations14of the base plate.

When the securing device is adhered to an object, the section41of the adhesive strip40is covered by the base plate10, and after closing of the lid11, its section42also is no longer accessible. In the open state on the other hand the section42can be grasped and swung out of the indentation14. By pulling on the section42as an extension of the section41, the latter is stretched, losing its adhesiveness. After this the adhesive strip40can be removed from both the securing device and also the object, wherein no adhesive residues remain on this. To again connect the securing device to an object, the adhesive strip of the type described is stuck to the base plate in the manner described.

FIG. 7shows an expansion of the securing device ofFIG. 1by a cable50, with which it can be bound to another object as well to secure this additionally if desired. In the securing device ofFIG. 7a two-strand cable50is provided, one end of which is provided with a plug and is inserted with this plug51in the lid11of the housing into a socket52present there. In the closed state, when the lid11is locked with the base plate10, the cable end mentioned with the plug connection consisting of plug51and socket52is not accessible from the outside. The plug connection is thus unable to be separated in the closed state. The cable end mentioned is further secured against pulling out in the closed state with several baffles in the lid11. The largest part of the cable50projects out of the housing through one of the recesses13and is provided there with several spiral windings53, so that its length is flexibly adaptable to the relative distance to the other objects. At its free end the cable50is provided with an apparatus for attachment to an additional object.

FIG. 7shows a first embodiment of such apparatus in the form of an additional, substantially smaller housing54. A mechanical sensor is present in this, which through the further housing54can detect contact with an additional object and can react to loss of contact with the additional object. This mechanical sensor in turn can involve a contact switch with a feeler55, which is spring-loaded such that it normally projects out of one side, somewhat above the housing54. The housing54is simply adhered by an adhesive strip (not shown), especially one of the previously-described type, by the side mentioned to an additional object, for example the object60shown inFIG. 7, so that the feeler55is pushed back by it into the housing54. The contact switch thereby closes a circuit over the cable50and the plug connection51,52, which is connected by the above-described apparatus to the alarm generator in the lid11of the securing device. In the case of loss of contact between the remainder of the housing and the additional object, these apparatus in the lid11, when they are activated, generate an alarm of the likewise previously-described type. A suitable surface for clamping the housing54as described can be found on most objects, wherein this is helped by the fact that the housing54may be made relatively small, e.g., only 1-4 cm in length and/or width.

The embodiment according toFIG. 8gets by without adhesive strips for attachment to an additional object. Instead, however, the object must have an opening or the like. At the free end of the cable50inFIG. 8an eye56is formed. The two strands of the cable50are electrically connected in a sleeve57that closes the eye56. As a result the cable50again forms a closed circuit, which is monitored for continuity by the alarm apparatus in the lid11. The cable50is connected to an additional object such as the object61inFIG. 8, in that its end provided with the plug51is passed through a suitable opening62in the object61, then stuck through the eye56to form a closed loop58and finally inserted into the socket52in the lid11of the housing. Here an alarm is generated by the alarm apparatus in the lid11, for example if the cable50is cut to remove the additional object.