Patent Publication Number: US-7719421-B2

Title: Security device and system therefor

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to the field of security, and more particularly to a security device for securing luggage. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The security of airports and other transportation facilities has become a significant area of concern in recent years. The handling and management of passenger luggage has often been at the root of these concerns. Presently, passengers intending to board an aircraft must deposit luggage and other baggage with airline staff at a check-in facility. Each piece of luggage is tagged at the check-in facility with a sticker, hang-tag or the like that corresponds to the destination of the passenger. The tagged luggage is then transferred through the airport to the hold of the aircraft. 
   In the course of transferring the luggage to aircraft, the contents of the luggage may be inspected by security personnel. Inspection usually involves, at a minimum, some form of electronic inspection, such as x-ray imaging. Sensors for detecting trace elements of explosives and/or drugs may also be employed. If the electronic inspection uncovers the possible presence of unauthorized contraband, the piece of luggage will be opened and subjected to a visual contents inspection. During the course of transferring the luggage, the unsecured nature of the piece of luggage permits its contents to be altered, inter alia, by baggage handlers or other airport employees. The contents of unsecured luggage are vulnerable to theft, as well as the possible introduction of explosives, drugs or other contraband into the luggage. 
   In order to inhibit such theft and tampering, many passengers utilize locks to secure the contents of their luggage. As a result of the possible need for visual contents inspection, the passenger assumes the risk of the lock being forced open and damaged by security personnel. Following such visual inspection, the damaged lock cannot be resecured to the luggage and, thus, the contents of the luggage are vulnerable to theft and/or tampering. Conversely, other forms of locking devices may be repeatedly opened by security personnel without the knowledge of the owner of the piece of luggage. 
   In order to inhibit such theft and tampering, many passengers utilize locks to secure the contents of their luggage. As a result of the possible need for visual contents inspection, the passenger assumes the risk of the lock being forced open and damaged by security personnel. Following such visual inspection, the damaged lock cannot be resecured to the luggage and, thus, the contents of the luggage are vulnerable to theft and/or tampering. Conversely, other forms of locking devices may be repeatedly opened by security personnel without the knowledge of the owner of the piece of luggage. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a security device ( 22 ) for securing a piece of luggage having a locking means, the security device ( 22 ) having a housing ( 26 ) with two or more passageways ( 34 ) and ( 36 ) defined therethrough and a pawl ( 48 ), wherein the a pawl ( 48 ) projects into the two or more passageways ( 34 ) and ( 36 ), and a security strap ( 24 ) that is adapted to be inserted into the locking means and the two or more passageways ( 34 ) and ( 36 ), wherein the security strap ( 24 ) is adapted to engage with the pawl ( 48 ) to securely link the housing ( 26 ) to the piece of luggage. 
   The invention further seeks to provide a security device ( 22 ) having a housing which includes a radio frequency transponder ( 54 ) for locating the position of the piece of luggage. The invention may further provide a security device ( 22 ) having a security strap ( 24 ) that is integrally formed within the housing ( 26 ). 
   The invention may further provide a security strap ( 24 ) having a serrated, elongated body ( 38 ) having a tail end ( 44 ) and a girth that is sufficiently small to enable the security strap ( 22 ) to be inserted and advanced along the two or more passageways ( 34 ) and ( 36 ). 
   The invention further seeks to provide a security device ( 22 ) having two or more passageways ( 34 ) and ( 36 ), wherein the two or more passageways ( 34 ) and ( 36 ) including a first passageway ( 34 ) and a second passageway ( 36 ), and wherein the security strap ( 24 ) is inserted into the first passageway ( 34 ) and engaged by the pawl ( 48 ) to secure the piece of luggage. The security strap ( 24 ) may be bisected and removed from the first passageway ( 34 ), and wherein a new security strap ( 124 ) may be inserted into the second passageway ( 36 ), the locking means and the first passageway ( 34 ) to resecure said piece of luggage. 
   The invention further seeks to provide a security device ( 22 ) with a new security strap ( 124 ) having an elongated head ( 56 ), serrated, elongated body ( 138 ) having a tail end ( 144 ) and a girth that is sufficiently small to enable the new security strap ( 124 ) to be inserted and advanced along the two or more passageways ( 34 ) and ( 36 ). 
   In a second aspect, the invention is directed to a security system ( 20 ) for securing a piece of luggage having a locking means, the security system ( 20 ) including a housing ( 26 ) having two or more passageways ( 34 ) and ( 36 ) defined therethrough and a pawl ( 48 ), wherein the pawl ( 48 ) projects into the two or more passageways ( 34 ) and ( 36 ), and a security strap ( 24 ) adapted to be inserted into the locking means and the two or more passageways ( 34 ) and ( 36 ), wherein the security strap ( 24 ) is adapted to engage with the pawl ( 48 ) to securely link the housing ( 26 ) to the piece of luggage. 
   The invention further seeks to provide a security system ( 20 ) wherein the housing ( 26 ) includes a radio frequency transponder ( 54 ) for locating the position of said piece of luggage. The security system ( 20 ) may include two or more passageways ( 34 ) and ( 36 ) including a first passageway ( 34 ) and a second passageway ( 36 ), and wherein the security strap ( 24 ) is inserted into the first passageway ( 34 ) and engaged by the pawl ( 48 ) to secure the piece of luggage. 
   The invention also seeks to provide a security system ( 20 ) wherein the security strap ( 24 ) may be bisected and removed from the first passageway ( 34 ), and wherein a new security strap ( 124 ) may be inserted into the second passageway ( 36 ), the locking means and the first passageway ( 34 ) to resecure the piece of luggage. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a security system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the security system including a security device and a strap; 
       FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the security device and strap of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a view of the interior of the security device and strap of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is an end view of the security device and strap of  FIG. 1  showing the first and second passageways and the base portion of the strap; 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the strap of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the pawl of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a view of the security device of  FIG. 3  with the security strap inserted or threaded into the first passageway; 
       FIG. 8  is a view of the security device of  FIG. 7  with the security strap advanced further through the first passageway; 
       FIG. 9  is a view of the security device of  FIG. 8  with the security strap cut; 
       FIG. 10  is side elevation view of a new security strap in an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of the security device of  FIG. 1  with the new security strap shown in  FIG. 10  inserted or threaded into the second passageway; 
       FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the security device of  FIG. 11  along the section A-A showing the first and second passageways and the inlet; 
       FIG. 13  is a view of the security device of  FIG. 3  with the new security strap shown in  FIG. 10  inserted or threaded further through the second passageway; and 
       FIG. 14  is a view of the security device of  FIG. 3  with the new security strap shown in  FIG. 10  inserted or threaded into the first passageway; 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Reference is made to  FIGS. 1-14  which illustrate a security system  20  made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The security system  20  comprises a security device  22  and a disposable security strap  24 , which are hereinafter described in detail with reference to the Figures. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , security device  22  includes a housing  26  formed of a cooperating housing cover  28  and a housing body  30 . The housing cover  28  and the housing body  30  are each formed of a suitable plastic material, and are sonically welded to one another in use. The housing  26  has two or more passageways defined therethrough. The housing  26  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is formed with a first passage way  34  and a second passageway  36  extending therethrough. It should be understood that the housing  26  may be formed with more than two passageways adapted to receive one or more security straps  24  therein. The housing  26  may also include a viewing window to view the one or more security strap  24 . Moreover, the housing  26  may be provided with a X-ray label (not shown) which indicates whether the luggage to which to security device  22  is secured has been examined using an X-ray device. The x-ray label may be adapted to change colour or display the words “X-RAY” following the examination of the luggage using the X-ray device, for example. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5 , a base portion  27  of security strap  24  may be inserted into the housing  26  before the housing body  30  and cover  28  are sonically welded to one another. Alternatively, the base portion  27  of security strap  24  may be integrally formed or provided within the housing  26 . In a preferred embodiment the security strap  24  is made of a plastic material. The security strap  24  includes a generally elongate body  38  having a girth that is sufficiently smaller in dimension than the passageways  34  and  36  to permit the security strap  24  to be inserted and advanced along the passageways  34  and  36 . Body  38  includes an operative surface  40  and a backing surface  42  that extend generally along the length of the body  38  to a tail end  44 . Operative surface  40  is provided with a plurality of inclined ribs or serrations  46 . 
   Security device  22  is shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5  and  6  with the housing cover  28  removed for clarity and to show a pawl  48  mounted on the interior of housing  26 . Pawl  48  includes a first engagement surface  50  and a second engagement surface  52  that project into the first passageway  34  and the second passageway  36 , respectively. The first and second engagement surfaces  50  and  52 , respectively, are inclined substantially the same as the inclination of the ribs  46  of the operative surface  44  of the strap  24 . The first engagement surface  50  and the second engagement surface  52  are oppositely inclined. It should be understood that the ribs  46 , first engagement surface  50  and second engagement surface  52  may have any suitable shape, configuration or inclination to enable the engagement of the security strap  14  with the pawl  48  as is known by a person skilled in the art. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  7  and  8 , housing  26  is adapted to contain a tag or transponder  54  for locating the position of the piece of luggage within airports, as well as in the hold of the aircraft. Housing  26  of the security device  22  is preferably formed from a material that permits the transmission or communication of radio frequencies from the transponder  54  to a reader device. A suitable material for the housing  26  includes, for example, plastic. The terms “tag” and “transponder” are interchangeable radio frequency identification terms that refer to an electronic circuit comprised of a transceiver (e.g. transmitter/receiver), supporting circuitry and memory device. The transponder  54  may comprise of a chip, antennae, an internal power source or a combination thereof mounted within the housing  26  of the security device  22 . The chip may consist of a processor, a memory device and a radio transmitter to enable the transponder  54  to communicate via radio frequency to a reader device (not shown). 
   It should be understood that the transponder  54  may be any suitable active or passive radio frequency identification technology known by persons skilled in the art. For example, an active radio frequency identification transponder may be a self-powered device which enables the transponder to have greater communication distance and a larger memory device capacity. Alternatively, a passive radio frequency identification transponder may not consist of an internal power source, but rather may be powered by an electromagnetic signal that is transmitted or communicated from the reader device. The signal received by the transponder  54  from the reader device may then charge an internal capacitor (not shown) in the transponder  54 , which in turn will then supply the power required to communicate with the reader device. 
   It should be further understood that the transponder  54  may be a Read Only (R/O), Read Write (R/W), or Write Once Read Many (WORM) device. Read Only devices are transponders which are pre-programmed with an electronic indicia, such as a serial number or bar code. Read Write transponders may be used for security applications that require the electronic indicia to be stored in the transponder and updated dynamically. A Write Once Read Many transponder allows for the electronic indicia to be stored within the transponder once. The identification data stored to the transponder cannot be changed, but may be read a plurality of times by, for example, the reader device. 
   Moreover, the transponder  54  may be adapted to utilize any suitable radio frequency range, including, but not limited to low radio frequencies between 125 and 134.2 kHz, high radio frequencies between 8 MHz and 16 MHz, or ultra high radio frequencies between 300 MHz to 3 GHz in the radio spectrum. It is understood, however, that any other suitable form of communication may be used in association with the transponder  54  and the reader device, such as sonic, ultrasonic, infrared, electronic, or electromagnetic, for example. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a device  22  is shown with housing cover  28  removed for clarity and to show the use of the device  22 . In use, body  38  of the strap  24  may be passed through a locking means on a piece of luggage, such as a hasp, zipper, handle or cooperating parts adapted to receive the shackle of a padlock or like device, for example. The strap  24  is then threaded tail end  44  first into first passageway  34 . The strap  24  is typically secured by the check-in personnel. The smaller dimension of the elongate body  38  of the security strap  24  relative to the first and second passageway  34  and  36  renders this a relatively simple process. 
   As the security strap  24  advances through the first passageway  34 , the first engagement surface  50  of the pawl  48  falls into the interdental spaces between the ribs  46  on the operative surface  40  of the strap  24  so as to arrest motion of the body  38  through the second passageway  36  otherwise than tail end  44  first. The housing  26  and the pawl  48  thus form a linking means for receiving said strap  24  and, when in receipt of said strap  24 , for securely linking longitudinally spaced-apart portions thereof. 
   After the security strap  24  has been passed through the first passageway  34 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , the contents of the luggage are secured. To remove or detach the security device  22  from the luggage, the passenger or security personnel must bisect or cut the strap  24 . With the strap  24  cut, the tail end  44  may be removed from the first passageway  34 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . The base portion  27  and at least a portion of the strap  24  will remain attached to the housing  30  since it is integrally formed or sonically welded within the security device  22 . By this design, the base portion  27  of the strap  24  extends from the housing  26  and acts as an indicator to the passenger that their luggage has been opened. 
   Following the visual inspection of the contents of the piece of luggage by the security personnel, the security device  22  may be resecured to the piece of luggage using a new strap  124 . As shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  12  and  13 , the new strap  124  includes an enlarged head  56  and an elongate body  138  having a tail end  144 . The head  56  is greater in dimension than the first passageway  34 . Strap body  38  and new body  138  are identical, except that the new strap is provided with the enlarged head  56 . Additionally, the new body  138  may be provided with a label or different colour to identifying the person who opened the luggage (i.e. check-in staff, security personnel and/or custom agents). 
   To resecure the security device  22 , the body  138  of the new strap  124  is threaded tail end  144  first into an inlet  62  and through second passageway  36 . As the new security strap  124  advances through the second passageway  36 , the second engagement surface  52  of the pawl  48  falls into the interdental spaces between a plurality of ribs  146  on an operative surface  140  of the new strap  124  so as to arrest motion of the body  142  through the second passageway  36  otherwise then tail end  144  first. At the same time, the enlarged head  56  of the strap  124  precludes passage of the head  56  through the inlet  62  of the second passageway  36 . 
   The strap  124  is then passed through a hasp, zipper or handle, for example, on the piece of luggage (not shown). Tail end  144  is then threaded into the first passageway  34 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . The smaller dimension of the elongate body  138  of the security strap  124  relative to the first and second passageway  34  and  36  renders this a relatively simple process. 
   As the security strap  124  advances through the first passageway  34 , the first engagement surface  50  of the pawl  48  falls into the interdental spaces between the ribs  146  on the operative surface  140  of the strap  124  so as to arrest motion of the body  138  through the first passageway  34  otherwise than tail end  144  first. The housing body  30  and the pawl  48  thus form a linking means for receiving said strap  124  and, when in receipt of said strap  124 , for securely linking longitudinally spaced-apart portions thereof. 
   After the security strap  124  has been passed through the second and first passageways  34  and  36 , as shown in  FIG. 14 , the contents of the luggage are resecured. To remove or detach the security device  22  from the luggage, the passenger or security personnel must bisect or cut the strap  124 . With the strap  124  cut, the tail end  144  may be removed from the first passageway  34  since its retraction therefrom is no longer impeded by the enlarged head  56 . The removal of the enlarged head  56  end of strap  124  from the second passageway is impeded by the enlarged head  56  and the second engagement surface  36  of the pawl  48 . By this design, the enlarged head  56  end of the strap  124  remains in the second passageway  36  and acts as an indicator to the passenger that their luggage has been opened on a second occasion. 
   The security device  22  described herein is provided with the first and second passageways  34  and  36 . It is understood that the security device  22  may have more than two passageways to enable the security device  22  to be opened and resecured several times during the course of transferring the piece of luggage to and from the aircraft. 
   The security system  20  can be used with any conventional piece of luggage that is of the type that has cooperating parts adapted to receive the shackle of a padlock or the like to permit the piece of luggage to be locked closed. For example, the security system can be used with a piece of luggage having a hasp; a piece of luggage having a zipper with dual pulls that can be locked together; or a piece of luggage that has a zipper with a single pull with a terminally positioned lug, in which case the zipper pull and the lug can be locked together. With the security strap  24  operably received by the cooperating parts of such a piece of luggage (not shown), and said strap operably received by the linking means, the piece of luggage cannot be opened. 
   In a preferred embodiment of the system, a controlled supply of security packages (not shown) are provided to check-in personnel at an airport. Each package consists of a security device  22  and a security strap  24  as hereinbefore described. The transponder  54  of the security device is provided with a unique permanent electronic indicia associated with the device, such as an encrypted code or serial number. The housing of the security device may also be provided with a permanent visual indicia that corresponds to the electronic indicia of the transponder. The package may also include a self-adhesive label bearing the permanent visual indicia for attachment to the boarding pass of the passenger. 
   One such package is provided for each piece of luggage checked by a passenger, and the check-in staff provides for the operable receipt of the security strap by the cooperating parts of the luggage and the linking means of the security device, whereby the piece of luggage cannot be opened. The label is affixed to the boarding pass of the passenger. 
   A controlled supply of security straps  24  and  124  are provided to authorized persons, namely airport security personnel and customs agents. The security straps  24  and  124  provided to security personnel and customs agents may be coloured differently, or may bear the names “Security” and “Customs”, respectively. This will enable a passenger, for example, to determine whether their luggage has been opened after the check-in and, if so, by whom. 
   In the event that security personnel or customs agents wish to visually inspect the contents of the piece of luggage, they can bisect or cut the security strap  24  and remove portions thereof from the security device  22 , as indicated by the sequence of  FIGS. 9 and 13 , to permit access to the contents of the piece of luggage. After inspection has been completed, such persons can insert a new security strap  124  into the second passageway  36  and then into the first passageway  34  to secure to the luggage. 
   In situations where passengers are required to attend to claim their baggage (in contrast to self-serve luggage claim systems), the security system will be inspected by the airline personnel when the luggage to which it is affixed is to be transferred to the passenger. It will be evident that the boarding pass serves as a convenient luggage claim receipt to match a piece of luggage with its owner, since the indicia on the label on the boarding pass should match the indicia on the security device. Also, the transponder  54  may also provide an electronic means for matching the piece of luggage to the passenger. If the indicia on the security device, the strap and the label match are the same as was applied at the check-in, the passenger and airline have good reason to believe that the bag has not been opened. If the indicia on the security strap does not match that of the security strap and label, the passenger and airline have good reason to believe that the bag has been opened by authorized persons. 
   While a security strap  24  herein is serrated or ribbed, it is understood that other configurations of the strap  24  are possible, provided that suitable modification is made to the pawl  48  or such other gripping mechanism as may be employed to provide the contemplated linking functionality. For example, the security strap  24  could be provided with longitudinally spaced apertures, into which the pawl  48  can engage upon the advancement of the security strap  24  through one or more of the passageways. 
   While use of the security system  20  is described in the context of a process wherein the baggage is inspected by airline personnel prior to return to the passenger, it will be evident that the tamper evidence functionality of the security system  20  does not require such involvement of airline personnel. Further, it will be evidence that the security device  20  provides a convenient mechanism to permit the passenger to identify his or her piece of luggage in a self-serve luggage claim system, by matching the number affixed to the boarding pass with the number on the security device  22 . 
   Moreover, whereas the use described related to airline, it will be readily appreciated that the security system  20  could be employed in other transportation systems wherein passengers are separated from their luggage. A further use of the security system is in hotels. It is commonplace for persons checking out of hotels to leave their luggage with the hotel for a period of time if their departure from the hotel is delayed. In such circumstances, a supply of security systems  20  could be available at the front desk, and given to the persons checking out for affixation to the luggage. This would provide the departing guest with a measure of security that their bags had not been tampered with while in the custody of the hotel. This security would be even greater in circumstances where the luggage itself has no working lock mechanism. 
   It is hereinbefore specified that only the strap  24  used with the security device  20  is disposable (since it is broken after use, and thus not suitable for reuse). It should be understood that it is preferable that the security device  20  be constructed in a low-cost manner, and used as a disposable product. 
   The present invention has been described with regard to specific embodiments. However, it will obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variants and modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.