Abstract:
Embodiments of an anti-theft apparatus for deterring theft of an article is disclosed. In one embodiment, an anti-theft apparatus comprises a post and a cage removably lockable to and cantileverly extendable from the post for removably enclosing at least a portion of the article to be protected from theft. The cage comprises a top portion formed from a plurality of top members and a plurality of side members extending downwardly from respective outer ends of the top members, and a plurality of spaced apart bands oriented approximately perpendicularly and connected to respective side members of the top portion.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This application relates generally to security systems, and particularly to an anti-theft apparatus and systems configured to deter and prevent theft of articles, such as outdoor air conditioner units, among other items of value. 
     Precious metals of all types have for some time been the target of thieves. A common example is the platinum used in the construction of catalytic converters for use in automobile exhaust systems. As prices increase for commodity materials, such as metals and plastics, and especially, copper, stainless steel and the like, there exists an increasing potential for theft of literally anything for purposes of selling the stolen goods for their scrap value. For example, outdoor air conditioner units having a heat exchanger coil and refrigerant compressor are increasingly becoming targets for theft due to the scrap value of the materials in these units. Theft of these units can occur at the homes and businesses and wherever such units or other items of value are accessible to thieves, only to be sold to recycling centers for their scrap value based on the weight of copper and other metal in the units, resulting in significant loss to the homeowner. Although security devices of all sorts are known to exist, none include security features coupled with easy installation, easy access to air conditioner components without having to remove the apparatus, and easy removal of the apparatus to make more invasive repairs or total replacement of air conditioner unit. 
     What is needed, therefore, is an anti-theft apparatus for articles having commodity materials that are increasingly being stolen and sold for their scrap value. 
     SUMMARY 
     An anti-theft apparatus for deterring theft of an outdoor air conditioner unit is disclosed, comprising a post and a cage removably lockable to and cantileverly extendable from the post for removably enclosing at least a portion of the air conditioner unit. The cage comprises a top portion formed from a plurality of top members and a plurality of side members extending downwardly from respective outer ends of the top members, and a plurality of spaced apart bands oriented approximately perpendicularly and connected to respective side members of the top portion. 
     The cage may include a sleeve from which the cage may be cantilevered therefrom, the sleeve having an aperture for receiving the post therethrough. The top members, the side members, and the spaced apart bands may be formed from four-sided bars. An inner end of each of the top members may be welded in facing association with one another. An outer end of each of the top members may be welded to an upper end of each of the side members. The spaced apart bands may be welded to each of the side members. One of the spaced apart bands may be welded to a bottom end of each of the side members. 
     The anti-theft apparatus may further include a lock removably engageable with an end of a pin that is positionable through an aperture in the cage and in the post. A cantilevered portion of the cage may provide tamper resistant access to the lock. 
     The post may be embeddable in a concrete base or may be mountable to the concrete base using a plurality of anchors. If mounted to a concrete base using anchors, such as threaded studs in combination with nuts, the anti-theft apparatus may include an anchor cover for concealing the anchors when the anchor cover is installed over the post. The anchor cover may be positionable between the concrete base and the cage to provide a pedestal for the cage. The anti-theft apparatus may further include a plurality of cantilevered members extending from a sleeve of the cage to the top portion of the cage. 
     In another embodiment, an anti-theft apparatus for deterring theft of an outdoor air conditioner unit is disclosed comprising a post mounted to a base in proximity to the unit by a plurality of fasteners, a cover comprising a first sleeve extending from an enclosure, the cover positioned on the post via the first sleeve, the cover in mated association with the base for concealing the plurality of fasteners by the enclosure, and a cage for removably enclosing at least a portion of the air conditioner unit. The cage comprises a second sleeve positioned on the post, the second sleeve comprising a bottom surface in mated association with a top surface of the first sleeve. The cage is cantileverly extending from the post by a plurality of cantilevered members attached to the second sleeve. The cage further comprises a top portion formed from a plurality of top members and a plurality of side members extending downwardly from respective outer ends of the top members, and a plurality of spaced apart bands oriented approximately horizontally and connected to respective side members of the top portion. The anti-theft apparatus includes a pin removably engaged in aligned apertures in the second sleeve and the post, and a lock removably engaged to an end of the pin. The end of the pin and the lock is positioned between two of the cantilevered members to provide a tamper resistant obstruction for the lock. 
     An inner end of each of the top members may be in facing association with one another. The post may have at least one facet nested with at least one facet on each of the first and second sleeves. The anti-theft apparatus may further comprise at least one plate connecting at least two cantilevered members to one another and at least one pad positioned on internal surfaces of the top portion or the spaced apart bands to protect the unit from being scratched. 
     In another embodiment, an anti-theft apparatus for deterring theft of an outdoor air conditioner unit is disclosed comprising a post anchorable to a ground in proximity to the unit, a cage, and a locking device configured to removably retain the cage upon the post. The cage comprises a first sleeve for receiving the post therethrough, a top portion formed from a plurality of top members and a plurality of side members extending downwardly from respective outer ends of the top members, a plurality of spaced apart bands oriented approximately perpendicularly to and connected to each of side members of the top portion, and a plurality of cantilevered arms connected to the first sleeve and one of the side members for cantileverly supporting the cage to enclose at least a portion of the unit. 
     The anti-theft apparatus may further comprise a pedestal having a second sleeve for receiving the post therethrough, the pedestal being configured for adjusting an installed height of the cage over the unit. A portion of the locking device may be positioned between at least two of the cantilevered arms. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an anti-theft apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  with the post end cap removed. 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of an anti-theft apparatus. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of an anti-theft apparatus. 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Although the figures and the instant disclosure describe one or more embodiments of an anti-theft apparatus for outside air conditioner units, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the teachings of the instant disclosure would not be limited to such uses, and instead would also have utility to secure and deter theft of permanently installed items, such as backup power generators, storage boxes, and the like. While the instant disclosure relates to anti-theft apparatus and systems generally, it will be better understood within the discussion of exemplary embodiments directed to an apparatus for deterring theft of residential or commercial outdoor air conditioning units. 
     Turning now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements,  FIGS. 1-4  show an exemplary anti-theft apparatus  10  for deterring theft of an article, such as a residential or a commercial outdoor air conditioner unit. Anti-theft apparatus  10  comprises cage  15  configured to at least partially enclose the article, such as a residential or commercial outdoor air conditioner unit, while permitting access to, for example, maintain the article when anti-theft apparatus  10  is installed. Anti-theft apparatus  10  is additionally configured, as described more fully below, for easy initial installation of and for easy disassembly or removal of at least a portion of anti-theft apparatus  10 , such as cage  15 , to permit maintenance of one or more aspects of the article, such as replacement of an air compressor or of a condenser coil, which are typically enclosed in a housing of an air conditioner unit. 
     Cage  15  includes top portion  16 , one or more bands  24 , one or more cantilevered members  26 , and sleeve  34 . Cantilevered members  26  are configured for connecting top portion  16  and the one or more bands  24  to sleeve  34 . Top portion  16  comprises at least two top members  20 , with respective outer ends  21  of each top member  20  connected to side member  22 . Top members  20  may be oriented generally parallel to one another, generally perpendicular to one another, generally at an angle to one another, or in any manner to form a ceiling over the intended article to be protected against theft, such as an outdoor air conditioner unit, when cage  15  is securely connected to ground or to a nearby structure. Cantilevered members  26  may be directly connected to side members  22 , to one or more bands  24 , or both. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , top portion  16  comprises four top members  20  arranged with respective inner ends  19  connected together at a generally central location of top portion  16  and with respective outer ends  21  connected to respective side members  22  to form two intersecting U-shaped members  18  oriented generally perpendicularly to one another when viewed from the top of cage  15 . The open end of U-shaped members  18  is oriented downward to at least partially enclose a top portion of an article to be protected against theft. Top portion  16  may include plate  32  for connecting inner ends  19  together and for adding structural strength at the intersection of top members  20 . Plate  32  may also be a suitable location for displaying, for example, a company&#39;s logo or other indicia. 
     Top portion  16  may be configured to limit obstructing the top or side of an article to be protected to allow the article to perform its intended function. If used in connection with deterring theft of an outdoor air conditioner unit, for example, top portion  16  may be configured in the manner shown and described to limit obstructing the discharge of air coming from the fan located within an outdoor air conditioner unit. 
     Ends  23  of side members  22  may be connected to one band  24 , such as a band positioned at the bottom of cage  15 , as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . In another embodiment, ends  23  of side members  22  may extend beyond and/or below the lowest positioned one of bands  24 . 
     If cage  15  includes two or more bands  24 , they may be spaced apart as shown in the figures. In addition, if cage  15  includes two or more bands  24 , side members  22  may be connected to one or more of bands  24  that are positioned anywhere along the length of side members  22  and above a bottom-most band  24  connected at or near respective ends  23  of side members  22 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , cage  15  of anti-theft apparatus  70  comprises three spaced apart bands  24 , each connected to side members  22  and ultimately cantilevered members  26  and sleeve  34 . 
     Cantilevered members  26  may be connected to side members  22  anywhere along the length of side members  22  and anywhere along the length of sleeve  34 , and may or may not align with the one or more bands  24 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4 , cantilevered members  26  are aligned with or otherwise positioned at the same height as each respective band  24 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 5-7 , an upper cantilevered member  26  is positioned at the same height as a top-most band  24 , while a lower cantilevered member  26  is positioned slightly offset to and above a bottom-most band  24 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 8-9 , cantilevered members  26  are aligned with or otherwise positioned at the same height as the upper two bands  24 . Cantilevered members  26  may be connected to opposite sides of sleeve  34  or on the same side of sleeve  34 , such as a side generally nearest to bands  24 . 
     In the embodiments shown in the figures, top members  20  and side members  22  comprise bars having generally flat sides. Top members  20  and side members  22  may alternatively comprise hollow tubes or solid rods. Top members  20  and side members  22  may be fabricated into any cross-sectional shape. From end to end, top members  20  and side members  22  need not be straight, as shown in the figures, and may instead be curved, for example. 
     Bands  24  include members  25  that when connected to one another, are configured to encircle the article intended to be protected from theft. Each of bands  24  may be positioned generally horizontally, or they may be positioned at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. In the embodiments shown in the figures, members  25  comprise bars having generally flat sides. Members  25  may alternatively comprise hollow tubes or solid rods. Members  25  may be fabricated into any cross-sectional shape. From end to end, members  25  need not be straight, as shown in the figures, and may instead be curved, for example. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , cantilevered members  26  connect top portion  16  to sleeve  34 , which is configured for being positioned over and around post  40  when cage  15  is installed over and around an article to be protected from theft. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , one end of cantilevered members  26  are connected to sleeve  34  on opposite sides of sleeve  34  while the opposite end of cantilevered members  26  are connected to member  25  of band  24 . 
     For strength and resistance to torsion and twisting of cage  15 , cage  15  may include plate  30  connecting upper and lower cantilevered members  26  on one side of sleeve  34 , and another plate  30  connecting upper and lower cantilevered members  26  on the opposite side of sleeve  34 . Plates  30  positioned on opposite sides of sleeve  34  may help to at least partially encapsulate and therefore protect lock  60  from tampering. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , sleeve  34  is configured to be positioned over post  40  during installation of cage  15  over an article to be protected from theft. To resist rotation of cage  15  while installed over post  40 , post  40  and sleeve  34  may each be configured with facets, such as side walls, for nesting of the facets (or walls) together. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , post  40  and sleeve  34  each have a generally square or rectangular cross section thereby creating sidewalls on each, which resists rotation of cage  15  when sleeve  34  is installed over, and nested with post  40 . In another embodiment, sleeve  34  may instead be tubular in shape to match the cross-sectional shape of a tubular or cylindrical post  40 . To resist rotation of cage  15  under these circumstances, one or more sheer pins may be positioned through both walls of sleeve  34  as well as post  40 . 
     Sleeve  34  includes a pair of apertures  38  configured to align with aperture  48  on post  40  for receiving pin  64  for securing cage  15  to post  40 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, each aperture  38  is aligned with one another on opposite walls of sleeve  34 . In another embodiment, apertures  38  may be positioned in adjacent walls of sleeve  34 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, lock  60  operable by key  62  or comprising a random numeric or alphanumeric combination may be secured to an end of pin  64  to removably secure cage  15  over and around an article to be protected from theft. A suitable lock  60  and pin  64  may be a Trimax receiver lock model #TR200, available from Trimax Corp. at www.trimaxlocks.com. A model TR200 has a ⅝″ inch diameter pin with a 360° swivel, easy-access receiver lock, and is made of chrome-plated steel and has a weather tight cover. 
     The bottom surface of sleeve  34  is configured to abut the top surface of anchor base cover plate  50  at interface  68 . Anchor base cover plate  50  comprises sleeve portion  52  and base  54  and is configured to be positioned over post  40  to conceal anchors  44  (if present), which may be used for securing post  40  to, for example, a concrete base. When installed over post  40 , anchor base cover plate  50  lies between the concrete base and sleeve  34  of cage  15 , the assembly being pinned and held together using pin  64  positioned through apertures  38  of sleeve  34  and aperture  48  on post  40 . Base  54 , which may be part of anchor base cover plate  50  or may be a separate structure, may be sized to be at least slightly larger in plan width than anchor base  42  to conceal anchors  44  and therefore deter theft of the article when base  54  of anchor base cover plate  50  is installed over post  40 . 
     Sleeve portion  52  may have a generally square or rectangular cross section to match that of sleeve  34  and post  40 . Like sleeve  34  and sleeve portion  52 , post  40  may be hollow. Post  40  may alternatively be configured from a solid material. Post  40  may include anchor base  42  and apertures  46  in anchor base  42  through which anchors  44  may be positioned to secure post  40  to the concrete base. Post  40  additionally includes aperture  48  to accept pin  64  for securing cage  15  to post  40 . If post  40  is hollow, it may include two apertures  48 , one on either side of post  40 . 
     Top members  20 , side members  22 , members  25 , cantilevered members  26 , plate  30 , plate  32 , and sleeve  34  of cage  15  may be welded or fastened together using fasteners. Anti-theft apparatus  10  may be constructed from steel or any other metal or material, such as composite materials like Kevlar, which when fabricated and installed forms a deterrent to theft of an article to be protected. 
     To provide insurance against scratching the article to be protected from theft, cage  15  may include padding, such as pads  28 , positioned on inside surfaces of top portion  16  or the one or more bands  24  or both. Pads  28  may be made from a foam or a rubber, for example. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 8-9 , show an exemplary anti-theft apparatus  80  for deterring theft of two adjacent articles, such as a residential or a commercial outdoor air conditioner units. Anti-theft apparatus  80  comprises two cages  15  connected to sleeve  34  by cantilevered members  65 , where sleeve  34  is installed over a single post  40  to deter two adjacent articles from theft. The embodiment of  FIGS. 8-9  also shows enclosure  66  formed by two vertically positioned arms connected to cantilevered members  65  to at least partially surround lock  60  to provide tamper resistance to lock  60 . In this way, plate  30  may not be needed to provide tamper resistance to lock  60 . 
     Anti-theft apparatus  10 , 70 , 80  provides a sturdy anti-theft enclosure comprising cage  15  for easy installation and permitted removal without interfering with routine maintenance or operation of the article. When fully installed, cantilevered members  26 , plate  30 , and sleeve  34  guard against tampering of pin  64  or lock  60 . End cap  36  may be affixed to cover the exposed end of post  40 . Anti-theft apparatus  10 , 70 , 80  may vary in size and weight depending the article intended to be enclosed. As shown in  FIG. 9 , if a concrete base does not preexist adjacent to the article to be protected from theft, post  40  may be captively secured in a freshly poured concrete base  82  to avoid the need of securing post  40  to the concrete via fasteners. 
     To install anti-theft apparatus  10 , 70 , 80 , a user may designate a location for positioning anchor base  42  near an article to be protected from theft. If clearance allows, anchor base  42  may be secured to a concrete base on any side of the article, such as an outdoor air conditioner unit. In one embodiment, post  40  may be placed at least 12 inches from an edge of the concrete to help ensure that post  40  is firmly secured to the concrete base. 
     To locate the positions for anchors  44 , the next step is to dry-assemble anti-theft apparatus  10 , 70 , 80  over an article to be protected against theft, such as an outdoor air conditioner unit. Post  40  having anchor base  42  may be fitted through sleeve  34  of cage  15  (or vice versa) and then cage  15  may be placed over the article. With cage  15  centered over the and around the article, the concrete base may then be marked through apertures  46  of anchor base  42  of post  40  to provide the locations for drilling respective holes in the concrete base. Cage  15  may then be removed from the article and the post removed from the concrete to expose the marked locations for drilling the anchor holes. 
     Once the holes have been drilled to a suitable depth, post  40  may then be secured to the concrete base using anchors  44  positioned in respective apertures  46  in anchor base  42 . Anchors  44  may comprise a stud/nut combination, a lead anchor/bolt combination, or any other fastener system. For example, if the concrete base is not pre-existing and is poured specifically for anchoring anti-theft apparatus  10 , 70 , 80 , studs or other anchors may be inserted into the as-poured concrete for receiving post  40  when the concrete is set. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 9 , post  40  may be inserted into freshly poured concrete thereby becoming fixed to concrete base  82  when set to avoid the need for anchors  44  and anchor base cover plate  50 . 
     With post  40  secured to the concrete base, anchor base cover plate  50  may then be positioned over post  40  to conceal anchors  44  if anchors  44  exist. Sleeve  34  of cage  15  may then be positioned over post  40  and made to rest upon the top surface of sleeve portion  52  of anchor base cover plate  50  ( FIGS. 1-7 ) or directly on concrete base  82  ( FIGS. 8-9 ). Cage  15  is thereby positioned over and around the article intended to be protected from theft. 
     Pin  64  may then be inserted through apertures  38  and  48 . Lock  60  may then be secured to an end of pin  64  and positioned between respective upper cantilevered members  26 . End cap  36  may then be inserted to cover exposed end of post  40 . 
     While specific embodiments have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure herein is meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to its scope and should be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.