Abstract:
An anti-theft device for articles having some article body portion of lesser cross sectional area bounded by body portions of greater cross sectional area so that the smaller body portion can be lockably held within a passage and the larger body portions prevent removal of the article from the anti-theft device. Preferably, the anti-theft device can be used for cables and other devices having permanent non-removable enlarged sections, such as endoscopy cables.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to locks and, more specifically, to an anti-theft device for articles having some article body portion of lesser cross sectional area bounded by body portions of greater cross sectional area so that the smaller body portion can be lockably held within a passage and the larger body portions prevent removal of the article from the anti-theft device. Preferably, the anti-theft device can be used for cables and other devices having permanent non-removable enlarged sections, such as endoscopy cables. 
   The anti-theft device is comprised of a mounting portion member and a pivotal portion member that when closed forms a lockable passage section. The pivotal member has a keyed lockset and the mounting member has a lockset-lugs receiver member. Once locked a key is required to open the lock but is not required to relock the anti-theft device. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   There are other security device designed for medical use. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,433 issued to Malvasio on Jul. 29, 2003. While this type of security device may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,433 
   Inventor: Frank A. Malvasio 
   Issued: Jul. 29, 2003 
   An anti-theft device for an endoscope, boroscope or other device is disclosed. The anti-theft device in one embodiment comprises a top portion with a channel through it and a bottom portion hingeably attached to the top portion. A locking mechanism presses the flexible tube against a resting surface. The bottom portion comprises a flange that extends into the top portion when the device is closed. A locking lip turns upon activation of the locking mechanism and extends above the flange when the device is closed, and a cam within the bottom portion pushes a bolt attached to the pressing surface upon activation of the locking mechanism, thereby pressing the flexible tube against the resting surface. 
   SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
   A primary object of the present invention is to provide an anti-theft device that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. 
   A secondary object of the present invention is to provide an anti-theft device for articles having some article body portion of lesser cross sectional area bounded by body portions of greater cross sectional area so that the smaller body portion can be lockably held within an anti-theft device passage. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an anti-theft device for cables and other devices having permanent non-removable enlarged sections. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an anti-theft device for endoscopy cables. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an anti-theft device having a mounting portion and a pivotal portion that when closed forms a lockable passage. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an anti-theft device having a keyed lockset forming an integral part of the anti-theft device pivotal portion with the mounting portion having a lockset-lugs receiver member. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an anti-theft device that requires a key to gain access to the lockable passage and can be relocked without the key. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an anti-theft device wherein the pivotal portion has a flange that covers the mounting portion fasteners when closed. 
   Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
   The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing an anti-theft device for articles having some article body portion of lesser cross sectional area bounded by body portions of greater cross sectional area so that the smaller body portion can be lockably held within a passage and the larger body portions prevent removal of the article from the anti-theft device. Preferably, the anti-theft device can be used for cables and other devices having permanent non-removable enlarged sections, such as endoscopy cables. 
   The anti-theft device is comprised of a mounting portion member and a pivotal portion member that when closed forms a lockable passage section. The pivotal member has a keyed lockset and the mounting member has a lockset-lugs receiver member. Once locked a key is required to open the lock but is not required to relock the anti-theft device. 
   The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
   The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , shown is an illustrative view of the prior art; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the present invention in a locked position; 
       FIG. 3  is an end of the present invention with a secured article; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the present invention in a closed position; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the present invention in an open position; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is an illustrative view of the present invention in use; 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is the theft prevention security device of the present invention for endoscopy probe cables and any cable or other device with each end larger than will fit through the lock channel when closed; 
       FIG. 11  is a frontal view of the present invention in an open position; 
       FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the anti-theft device; 
       FIG. 13  is an exploded view of the anti-theft device; 
       FIG. 14  is a sectional view of the lockset moving to closure; 
       FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the lockset advancing to closure; 
       FIG. 16  is a sectional view of the present invention in a locked state; and 
       FIG. 17  is an illustrative view of the present invention for other uses. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the communication of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various thawing Figures.
       10  theft prevention security device of the present invention     12  secured article     14  lock apparatus     16  mounting plate     18  mounting plate housing     20  mounting plate fasteners     22  lock-mounting fastener apertures     24  lock stationary plate     26  stationary plate flange     28  pivot point     30  stationary plate apertures     32  lock-mounting fasteners     36  lock pivoting plate     38  lock receiver     39  lock receiver entrance aperture     40  lock receiver fastener     42  lock lug receiver     44  lock pivot-plate     46  lock pivot-plate exterior wall     48  lock pivot-plate flange     50  lock pivot-plate angle bracket     52  lock pivot-plate angle-bracket wall     54  lock pivot-plate angle-bracket plate   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , shown is an illustrative view of the prior art. Depicted is the theft of easily available expensive hospital equipment that is not kept in a secure device. These thefts occur all too often at the cost of billions of dollars annually. The present invention overcomes this problem by providing a theft prevention security device for endoscopy probe cables and other devices. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , shown is a perspective view of the present invention in a locked position. Illustrated is the anti-theft security lock  10  comprising stationary plate  24  and pivot plate  44  forming a channel  56  for securing a portion of article  12  therein. Stationary plate  24  has flange  26  with a fastener passing through the flange and pivot plate forming pivot point  28 . Pivot plate  44  comprises a channel formed by walls  48 ,  46 , and  52 , (shown in  FIG. 5 ) with  52  having flange  54  that extends across the stationary plate to cover the stationary plate mounting fasteners. Lock apparatus  14  is secured to lock pivot-plate  44  by C-clip  68  inserted in C-clip channel  66  of lock cylinder  60 . Once lock cylinder  60  is inserted into lock housing  58  and through pivot-plate lock aperture  64 , locking lugs  70  reside in lock lug receiver  42  preventing opening of the security device  10  without a key inserted into lock-cylinder keyway  62 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , shown is an end of the present invention with a secured article. The anti-theft security lock  10  provides locking apparatus  14  comprising stationary plate  24  and pivot plate  44  having walls forming channel  56  for securing article  12  therein. The lock receiver  38  is fastened to the stationary plate  24  and the lock housing  58  containing lock cylinder  60  and keyway  62  are secured to the pivot plate by securing the lock cylinder  60  having channel  66  to the pivot plate  44  using C-clip  68 . Pivot plate  44  has flange  54 , which cover stationary plate mounting fasteners  31  preventing tampering with the mounting fasteners. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , shown is the anti-theft security lock comprising stationary plate  24  having flange  26  with pivot plate  44  fastened thereto via a fastener forming pivot point  28 . Also shown are the stationary plate fastening apertures  30  and lock receiver  38  fastened to the stationary plate using fastener  40  having cavity  42  for retaining lock lugs  70 . The pivot plate has walls  48 ,  46 , and  52  forming channel  56  for securing an article therein when closed. Wall  52  extends into flange  54 , which will cover the stationary plate mounting fasteners when closed preventing tampering. Wall  56  has an extending leg portion with aperture  64  for receiving the lockset. The lockset comprises lock housing  56  with lock cylinder  60  positioned within. Lock cylinder  60  has a channel  66  scored into the body appropriately positioned to receive C-clip  68  once the cylinder and housing are inserted into aperture  64  and thereby secure the lockset to the pivot plate. Also shown is keyway  62  for receiving a key to open the lock. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , shown is a perspective view of the present invention in an open position. Shown is the anti-theft security lock comprising stationary plate  24  having flange  26  with pivot plate  44  fastened thereto via a fastener forming pivot point  28 . Also shown are the stationary plate fastening apertures  30  and lock receiver  38  fastened to the stationary plate using fastener  40  having cavity  42  for retaining lock lugs  70 . The pivot plate has walls  48 ,  46 , and  52  forming channel  56  for securing an article therein when closed. Wall  52  extends into flange  54  which will cover the stationary plate mounting fasteners when closed preventing tampering. Wall  56  has an extending leg portion with aperture  64  for receiving the lockset. The lockset comprises lock housing  56  with lock cylinder  60  positioned within. Lock cylinder  60  has a channel  66  scored into the body appropriately positioned to receive C-clip  68  once the cylinder and housing are inserted into aperture  64  and thereby secure the lockset to the pivot plate. Also shown is keyway  62  for receiving a key to open the lock. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , shown is a perspective view of the present invention. Shown are a plurality of anti-theft security locks  14  fastened to mounting plate  16  with each security lock  14  having channel  56  for securing an article  12  therein. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , shown is an illustrative view of the present invention in use. Shown are a plurality of anti-theft security locks  14  fastened to mounting plate  16  with each security lock  14  having channel  56  for securing an article  12  therein. 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , shown is an exploded view of the present invention. Shown is the anti-theft security lock about to be fastened to mounting plate  16  having mounting fasteners  20  for securing the plate to structure. the lock apparatus  14  comprising stationary plate  24  having flange  26  with pivot plate  44  fastened thereto via a fastener forming pivot point  28 . Also shown are the stationary plate fastening apertures  30  with fasteners  32  and lock receiver  38  fastened to the stationary plate using fastener  40  having cavity  42  for retaining lock lugs  70 . The pivot plate has walls  48 ,  46 , and  52  forming channel  56  for securing an article therein when closed. Wall  52  extends into flange  54  which will cover the stationary plate mounting fasteners when closed preventing tampering. Wall  56  has an extending leg portion with aperture  64  for receiving the lockset. The lockset comprises lock housing  56  with lock cylinder  60  positioned within. Lock cylinder  60  has a channel  66  scored into the body appropriately positioned to receive C-clip  68  once the cylinder and housing are inserted into aperture  64  and thereby secure the lockset to the pivot plate. Also shown is keyway  62  for receiving a key to open the lock. 
   Referring to  FIG. 9 , shown a perspective view of the present invention. Shown is the anti-theft security lock  14  fastened to mounting plate  16  having mounting fasteners  20  for securing the plate to structure. the lock apparatus  14  comprising stationary plate  24  having flange  26  with pivot plate  44  fastened thereto via a fastener forming pivot point  28 . Also shown are the stationary plate fastening apertures  30  with fasteners  32  and lock receiver  38  fastened to the stationary plate using fastener  40  having cavity  42  for retaining lock lugs  70 . The pivot plate has walls  48 ,  46 , and  52  forming channel  56  for securing an article therein when closed. Wall  52  extends into flange  54  which will cover the stationary plate mounting fasteners when closed preventing tampering. Wall  56  has an extending leg portion with aperture  64  for receiving the lockset. The lockset comprises lock housing  56  with lock cylinder  60  positioned within. Lock cylinder  60  has a channel  66  scored into the body appropriately positioned to receive C-clip  68  once the cylinder and housing are inserted into aperture  64  and thereby secure the lockset to the pivot plate. Also shown is keyway  62  for receiving a key to open the lock. 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , shown is the theft prevention security device of the present invention for endoscopy probe cables and any cable or other device with each end larger than will fit through the lock channel when closed. Shown is the anti-theft security lock comprising stationary plate  24  having flange  26  with pivot plate  44  fastened thereto via a fastener forming pivot point  28 . Also shown are the stationary plate fastening apertures  30  and lock receiver  38  fastened to the stationary plate using fastener  40  having cavity  42  for retaining lock lugs  70 . The pivot plate has walls  48 ,  46 , and  52  forming channel  56  for securing an article therein when closed. Wall  52  extends into flange  54  which will cover the stationary plate mounting fasteners when closed preventing tampering. Wall  56  has an extending leg portion with aperture  64  for receiving the lockset. The lockset comprises lock housing  56  with lock cylinder  60  positioned within. Lock cylinder  60  has a channel  66  scored into the body appropriately positioned to receive C-clip  68  once the cylinder and housing are inserted into aperture  64  and thereby secure the lockset to the pivot plate. Also shown is keyway  62  for receiving a key to open the lock. 
   Referring to  FIG. 11 , shown is a frontal view of the present invention in an open position. The anti-theft security lock  10  provides locking apparatus  14  comprising stationary plate  24  and pivot plate  44  having walls forming channel  56  for securing article  12  therein. The lock receiver  38  is fastened to the stationary plate  24  and the lock housing  58  containing lock cylinder  60  and keyway  62  are secured to the pivot plate by securing the lock cylinder  60  having channel  66  to the pivot plate  44  using C-clip  68 . Pivot plate  44  has flange  54  which cover stationary plate mounting fasteners  31  preventing tampering with the mounting fasteners. 
   Referring to  FIG. 12 , shown is an exploded view of the anti-theft device. Shown is the anti-theft device having a stationary plate  24  for fastening the device  10  to a structure. Fastened to the stationary plate  24  is lock receiver  38  fastened using lock receiver fastener  40 . Lock apparatus  14  is secured to lock pivot-plate  44  by C-clip  68  inserted in C-clip channel  66  of lock cylinder  60 . Once lock cylinder  60  is inserted into lock housing  58  and continues through pivot-plate lock aperture  64 . Locking lugs  70  flair in lock lug receiver  42  preventing opening of the security device  10  without a key inserted into lock-cylinder keyway  62 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 13 , shown is an exploded view of the anti-theft device. Shown is the anti-theft device having a stationary plate  24  for fastening the device  10  to a structure. Fastened to the stationary plate  24  is lock receiver  38  fastened using lock receiver fastener  40 . Lock apparatus  14  is secured to lock pivot-plate  44  by C-clip  68  inserted in C-clip channel  66  of lock cylinder  60 . Once lock cylinder  60  is inserted into lock housing  58  and continues through pivot-plate lock aperture  64 . Locking lugs  70  flair in lock lug receiver  42  preventing opening of the security device  10  without a key inserted into lock-cylinder keyway  62 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 14 , shown is a sectional view of the lockset moving to closure. Lock lugs  70  are tensioned so that a tangential pressure will move lugs  70  into lock cylinder  60  and therefore is enabled to moves to a locked state without the use of a key. Shown is lock apparatus  14  secured to lock pivot-plate  44  by C-clip  68  positioned in C-clip channel  66  of lock cylinder  60  moving into engagement with lock receiver  38 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 15 , shown is a sectional view of the lockset advancing to closure. Lock lugs  70  having engaged lock receiver  38  and subjected to tangential pressure will pivot into lock cylinder  60  and thereby enabled to move to a locked state without the use of a key. Shown is lock apparatus  14  secured to lock pivot-plate  44  by C-clip  68  positioned in C-clip channel  66  of lock cylinder  60  positioned with the lock receiver  38  bore. 
   Referring to  FIG. 16 , shown is a sectional view of the present invention in a locked state. Shown is a sectional view of the theft prevention security lock  10  of the present invention in a locked position. As illustrated, stationary plate  24  has lock receiver  38  fastened thereto using lock receiver fastener  40 . Lock apparatus  14  is secured to lock pivot-plate  44  by C-clip  68  inserted in C-clip channel  66  of lock cylinder  60 . Once lock cylinder  60  is inserted into lock housing  58  and through pivot-plate lock aperture  64 , locking lugs  70  reside in lock lug receiver  42  preventing opening of the security device  10  without a key inserted into lock-cylinder keyway  62 . While a key is necessary to gain access to an endoscopy probe that is locked within the device. Once the lock is unlocked, the device automatically locks without the use of a key when moved to the closed position. 
   Referring to  FIG. 17 , shown is an illustrative view of the present invention for other uses. Shown is the theft prevention security device of the present invention  10  having other devices with each end larger than will fit through the lock channel when closed, locked in a secure position. A key lock is provided and necessary to gain access to any device that would be locked within it. 
   While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
   Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention