Patent Application
20120013466
This invention relates in general to the field of portable alarm security devices. More particularly the present invention relates to a locking and actuator unit for such a device.
Assaults and criminal activities are increasing There is a need for people to be able to feel safe and for people who is under threat to still be able to feel free and live normal lives. For example people who live in neighborhoods subject to criminal activity or people that have to pass through hazardous areas, may live with unwanted limitations in their daily life due to their surroundings.
There are security alarm systems developed for such situations in the form of alarm security devices which can be activated by the victim. The alarm security device sends alarm signals upon activation in order to either inform other people, for example by GSM signal, or to inform and alert the attacker by a sound signal.
A person with a need for an alarm security device shall be able to wear the alarm security device without feeling hindered because of its size. Therefore there is a need for a small, alarm security device that is easy to wear. The alarm security device should be equipped with easy to handle, robust mechanics which makes the alarm security device reliable and trustworthy to avoid false security. There is a need for a secure reliable alarm system device which is easy to produce and is intended for use in a modern environment. The alarm security device should be suitable for non-careful users. Further there is a need for an alarm bracelet to be water resistant. In the case of a kidnapping situation, the alarm security device should not be easily removed from the wearer.
There is prior art which shows security alarm systems wherein the alarm is activated by pressing an alarm button. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,315 which shows an alarm with a transmitting unit adapted to be worn as a bracelet equipped with a push button to activate the alarm signal.
Patent document, U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,129, shows a signaling device belt intended for policemen. The wearer of the belt can activate a radio transmitter by a pull force on the buckle on the belt. When the belt is pulled out, a switch is engaged which activates the transmitter. The wearer is informed if he is near to activate a signal (the activation is in several steps) to avoid false transmitter signals.
Examples of other prior art documents regarding alarm systems include U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,284, GB 2 285 878 A, CN 201278883 Y.
Prior art documents regarding mechanical solutions for lockable clasps are for example; U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,892, U.S. Pat. No. 4,539,736, U.S. Pat. No. 3,349,450.
One object of the invention is to provide a new and improved security alarm system. A more specific object is to provide a new and improved lock mechanism. Situations wherein a person wants to activate the alarm signal are often stressful and not easily predicted, therefore there is a need for an activation mechanism which is easily accessible for the user and also easy to handle but at the same time, not too easy to activate so it is activated by mistake.
There is a need of improved alarm security devices so that people can feel safe and live normal lives. This invention regards a lock mechanism for an alarm security device.
In a first aspect the inventive concept regards an alarm security device comprising an activation clasp characterized in that said alarm security device comprises a lid and a lock mechanism comprising structure and a two part-lock mechanism, wherein one part is a first protrusion fitting inside the second part, and the second part is an L-shaped recess, wherein the lid and the lock mechanism comprising structure can be transformed between three different modes;
In an embodiment of the invention the alarm security device is in the form of a bracelet, wristband, necklace, belt or similar configured to be worn around a body part of a user.
Further varieties of the inventive concept regarding such an alarm security device are any of the following optional individual or combinable aspects:
An alarm security device wherein said alarm signal is a digital signal.
An alarm security device wherein said alarm signal is an audio or noise signal.
An alarm security device wherein an alarm signal is sent when entering the elongated mode.
An alarm security device wherein the lid comprises the first protrusion and the lock mechanism comprising structure of the electronic contact comprises the L-shaped recess.
An alarm security device wherein a second recess is positioned on top of the lock mechanism comprising structure and wherein a second protrusion is positioned inside the lid.
An alarm security device wherein the activation by pull force makes the second protrusion be moved inside the second recess with a certain resistance.
An alarm security device wherein the resistance is due to movement of a protrusion passing an activation narrowing inside a recess.
An alarm security device according wherein the activation by traction force makes the second protrusion be moved inside the second recess with a certain resistance and wherein the resistance is due to a narrowing inside the second recess.
A security alarm security device wherein the activation by pull force makes the first protrusion to be moved inside the L-shaped recess with a certain resistance and wherein the resistance is due to an activation narrowing inside the L-shaped recess.
An alarm security device wherein the activation is performed by traction force using a force adjusted to the strength of the bearer of the alarm security device.
An alarm security device wherein a lid of the clasp which comprises the first protrusion cannot be opened when the clasp is in elongated mode.
An alarm security device wherein when entering the elongated mode an alarm signal is sent to a central server.
An alarm security device wherein when entering the normal mode from the elongated mode by using a deactivation code, the alarm signal in the alarm security device is not triggered.
An alarm security device wherein an alarm signal is sent to a central server.
The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
a-b shows an exemplifying embodiment of an alarm security device according to the present invention in the form of a bracelet.
a-b shows an exemplifying embodiment of a clasp of an alarm security device containing an electronic contact with female and male parts according to the present invention, separated in a detached mode configuration.
c shows an exemplifying embodiment of a clasp of an alarm security device containing an electronic contact with female and male parts according to the present invention separated in a detached mode configuration and showing how the contact pins and contact sockets are located inside the electronic contact of the clasp.
a shows an exemplifying embodiment of a clasp of the alarm security device in normal mode according to the present invention.
b shows an exemplifying embodiment of the configuration of the electronic contact in normal mode showing the location of the contact pins and contact sockets of the alarm security device according to the present invention.
a shows an exemplifying embodiment of a clasp of the alarm security device, according to the present invention of the alarm security device in elongated mode, showing the first protrusion inside the longitudinal leg of the L-shaped recess.
b shows an exemplifying embodiment of the electronic contact of the present invention showing the location of the contact pins and contact sockets of the alarm security device when the clasp is in elongated mode.
a-b shows exemplifying embodiments of alternative solutions for mechanical details of a clasp of the alarm security device, according to the present invention.
The invention provides a new personal security alarm system which has a reliable, non sensitive actuation mechanism.
In certain situations alarm security device bearer wants to activate the alarm signal. These situations are often stressful, therefore there is a need for an activation mechanism which is easily accessible for the user and also easy to handle but at the same time, not too easy to activate so it is activated by mistake. There is also a need for an alarm security device which is capable of sending signals to a central server and wherein the central server can distinguish between different alarm signals depending on alarm situation.
The alarm security device according to the invention holds all of these capabilities.
The alarm security device according to the invention is preferably in the form of a bracelet, wristband, necklace, belt or similar device intended to be worn around a body part of a user.
The alarm security device 2 is equipped with a clasp 4 and a chain 6 which is intended to fit around a body part of a user. The clasp 4 is equipped with an electronic contact which actuates an alarm when the chain 6 or the clasp 4 of the bracelet is pulled with a certain force so that the male 24 and female parts 22 of a contact inside the clasp of the alarm security device 2 are separated (see below). The alarm signal is also actuated if the alarm security device 2 is removed from the bearer without using a deactivation code 66 (Cf.
One type of alarm signal is sent if the alarm is activated by pull-force and another type of alarm signal is sent if the bracelet is opened without using deactivation code 66, or if it is cut open. The alarm signal can be a noise signal or a digital signal.
The alarm security device 2 contains different electronic modules, for example positioning apparatus (GPRS, GPS or Wi-Fi), GSM modules and/or antennas and a SIM card with a SIM card holder, which all is hidden in the chain of the bracelet. The chain also contains chargeable batteries, for example lithium batteries, which supplies the different functions of the device with power. The batteries are preferably connected to the electronic contact of the clasp such that it may be charged by attaching one side of the electronic contact to a power source. In one embodiment of the invention the female part 22 is attached to a power source for charging the batteries of the alarm device 2. The electronic modules are spread inside the chain of the alarm security device. The clasp is also equipped with a code-button 30 (see
The alarm security device 2 according to the invention is preferably covered or disguised with jewelry or other decorations so that the technical functions of the bracelet are not revealed. The appearance of the alarm security device 2 is for example an exclusive jewelry piece and does not reveal the alarm functions which are hidden inside the cover of the device. In a kidnapping situation, the appearance is of importance because the kidnapper does not feel the need to remove the alarm security device if he isn't aware of its functions. Thereby the alarm security device stays on the bearer and the device thus is able to send the victim's position to a central server.
The chain is designed as thin and small as possible. The alarm security device preferably has a chain thickness 10 which is preferably 5-20 mm and a chain width 8 which is preferably 10-30 mm (see
a and 2b shows an exemplifying embodiment of a clasp 4 according to the present invention in detached mode 40 (Cf.
c shows that the sensor system comprises contact pins 28 inside the male part 24 located on the lid fastening structure 86 of the electronic contact 20 and contact sockets 44 inside the female part 22 located on the lock mechanism comprising structure 84 of the other part of the electronic contact 20 of the clasp 4.
In the shown example, the male part 24, i.e. the part holding the contact pins 28, is configured as a pocket. The female part 22, i.e. the part housing the contact sockets 44 is in the shown example arranged as a protruding part (see
When the clasp 4 is in detached mode 26, the electronic contact 20 is open. None of the contact pins 28 of the male part 24 are in connection with the contact sockets 44 of the female 22 part of the clasp 4 in detached mode 26. The alarm security device 2 can be active/power supplied (in detached alarm mode 74) or non-active (see further below), without power supply (in detached non-powered mode 64) in this configuration.
a-2b shows that the clasp 4 comprises a locking mechanism with a lid 32. The clasp 4 comprises a lid fastening structure 86 which is fastened to one side of the chain 6 of the alarm security device 2 and a lock mechanism comprising structure 84 located on the other end of the chain 6. The lid 32 is fastened to the lid fastening structure 86 by a lid pivoting joint 78 which allows the lid to be opened and closed. The lid in
In
The alarm security device 2 is powered when the clasp is closed (and in normal mode configuration 40), the alarm security device 2 automatically checks for its position in said powered mode. The alarm security device 2 can be removed from the bearer, and thus transformed from normal to detached mode, in two different ways. The first way is via the code-button 30 entering a deactivation code 66 (Cf.
If the bearer uses a deactivation code 66 prior to removal (by opening lid 32 and in the end separating the male 24 and female part 22 of the clasp) of the alarm security device 2, it is deactivated before it is taken off. The deactivation means that the power in the alarm security device 2 is turned off and thereby no automatic positioning is possible neither is the alarm security device 2 sending any alarm signals.
If the clasp 4 is opened without first using the deactivation code 66, the alarm security device 2 will still be active in detached mode 64 and the alarm security device 2 will also send an alarm signal to a central station (detached alarm mode 74, Cf.
a shows an exemplifying embodiment of the clasp 4 of the alarm security device 2 in normal mode 40.
b shows a schematic view of the relative position of the contact pins 28 to the corresponding contact sockets 44 in the electronic contact 20 in normal mode 4o. The electronic contact comprises long contact pins 36 and short contact pins 34. When the electronic contact 20 of the clasp 4 is in normal mode configuration 40, all the electronic contact pins 28, both the short contact pins 34 and the long contact pins 36 of the male part 24 are in connection with the contact sockets 44 of the female part 22.
As can be seen from
a shows an exemplifying embodiment of the mechanical details of the clasp 4 in normal mode 40. When locking the alarm security device 2 the first protrusion 46 of the lid 32 is slid down the transversal leg 52 of the L-shaped recess 48 of the lock mechanism comprising structure 84. Thus in normal mode 40, the first protrusion 46 (which is a part of the lid 32) is located inside the L-shaped 48 recess of the lock mechanism comprising structure 84, in the angle or corner between the transversal leg 52 and the longitudinal leg 50.
The L-shaped recess 48 optionally has a fastening narrowing 76. Also, in one alternative embodiment of the invention, the clasp 4 comprises an additional assisting recess 54, located next to the transversal leg 52 of the L-shaped recess 48 which is enables the first protrusion 46 to slide along the transversal leg 52 of the L-shaped recess 48 with a little resistance, through the optional fastening narrowing 76 inside the transversal leg 52, wherein the assisting recess 54 makes the wall of the transversal leg more flexible. This resistance, which is given when the first protrusion 46 passes fastening narrowing 76 ensures the lid 32 to remain closed when the clasp 4 is in normal mode 40.
In alternative embodiments of the invention the lid 32 may contain the L-shaped recess 48 while the female 22 or a male part 24 of the clasp contains the protrusion.
These different embodiments of the invention have in common that a first protrusion 46 fits inside a matching L-shaped recess 48 and that the first protrusion is located in the corner between the transversal leg 52 and the longitudinal led of the L-shaped recess 48 when the clasp 4 is in normal mode 40.
a-b shows an exemplifying embodiment of the clasp 4 of the alarm security device 2 in normal mode 40 from a top-view and side view.
In one embodiment of the invention, the clasp contains a second recess 60 which contains an activation narrowing 56. When the clasp comprises a second recess 60 the lid comprises a second protrusion 58 configured to fit inside the second recess 60. In the shown example the second recess 60 is positioned on top of the lock mechanism comprising structure 84. The optional second recess 60 can be formed as an angle shape 88 (see for example
a and 4b also shows how the first protrusion 46 is fitted inside the L-shaped recess 48 in normal mode 40.
The clasp 4 is closed in normal mode 40, see
No alarm signal is sent in normal mode 40 or when entering normal mode 40 but the alarm security device is power supplied and the alarm security device automatically checks its position using GPRS or Wi-Fi modules.
a-b shows an exemplifying embodiment of the clasp 4 of the alarm security device 2 comprising the electronic contact 20 in elongated mode 42.
When the clasp enters elongated mode 42 an alarm signal is sent to a central server 90 (Cf.
In elongated mode 42, at least one of the short electronic contact pins 34 lacks connection to the corresponding contact socket 44 of the clasp 4, see
When a wearer of the alarm security device 2 feels threatened or wants to send an alarm he or she pulls the alarm security device 2, e.g., the bracelet by for example using two fingers inserted between the clasp or chain and the wrist of the user and then pulling outwards. The pulling force or traction force makes the first protrusion 46 move into the longitudinal leg 50 of the L-shaped recess 48 from the transversal leg 52 of the recess (or from the corner between the transversal leg 52 and the longitudinal leg 50), thereby entering elongated mode 42. In the exemplifying embodiment of the invention in
The first protrusions 46 positioned inside the longitudinal legs 50 prevent opening of the lid 32 when the clasp is in elongated mode 42. The clasp 4 can only be opened if the parts of the clasp are pushed back into the short, normal mode 40 again (and thus shifting the position of the first protrusion 46 back in the transversal leg 52 of the L-shaped recess 48).
The clasp 4 is conformed to give a certain resistance when changed from normal mode 40 to elongated mode 42 by pull forces. The resistance may be achieved due to an activation narrowing 56 in one of the recesses 46, 60 through which one of the protrusions 46, 58 must be moved.
In
In one embodiment the longitudinal leg 50 of the L-shaped recess 48 comprises the activation narrowing 56 (see
When entering this elongated mode 42, the loss of contact between a short contact pin 34 and its corresponding contact socket 44 causes a “force alarm signal” from the device to the base station over the GSM network relying on for example either SMS messaging or the GPRS protocol to a central server. The frequency of automatic determination of the position of the alarm security alarm 2 increases in elongated mode 42 compared to when the clasp 4 is in the normal mode 40.
Different numbers of contact pins 28 and contact sockets 44 can be used within the electronic contact 20. Since the contact pins 28 are sensors for determining which type of signal to be sent, additional alternative signals could be sent using more contact pins 28 giving different signal codes which could be sent to the central server 90 (Cf.
In other alternative embodiments of the invention the contact sockets 44 are in varying length and the contact pins 28 are in the same length, giving the same effect, i.e. that the “short” socket and it corresponding pin looses contact when the contact is pulled and changed from normal mode 40 to elongated mode 42.
a-6b shows alternative embodiments of different clasp configurations according to the invention.
a shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the clasp comprises a modified L-shaped recess 48 with the narrowing 56 placed in the middle of the longitudinal leg 50 of the recess. In this exemplifying embodiment of the invention the movement of the first protrusion inside the longitudinal leg may start without any additional force and then activation force is needed when the protrusion has already moved a bit inside the longitudinal leg. The alternative embodiment in example 6a lacks an optional second recess.
b shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the clasp 4 comprises a modified L-shaped recess 48 with the narrowing 56 placed in the beginning of the longitudinal leg 50 of the recess, close to the transversal leg 50. According to this alternative embodiment of the invention in
In the exemplifying embodiment in
In other alternative embodiments of the invention wherein the clasp comprises, additional to the L-shaped recess 48 and the first protrusion 46, a second protrusion 58. And wherein the second protrusion 46 is intended to fit inside a second recess 60 and wherein the second recess 60 comprises an narrowing 56 slightly smaller than the second protrusion 58 and the L-shaped recess 48 does not contain a narrowing. The second protrusion 58 can be of different conformations all containing a narrowing 56 slightly narrower than the second protrusion 58 (see
In other alternative embodiments of the invention the placement of the second recess 60 can be anywhere on the top surface 62 of the lid 32 or the lock mechanism comprising structure 84 but the movement of the second protrusion 58 inside the recess 60 must be in the same direction as the movement of the first protrusion 46 inside the longitudinal leg 50 of the L-shaped recess 48, i.e., a movement permitting elongation of the alarm security device 2.
In other alternative embodiments of the invention the clasp comprises several second recesses with narrowings and/or several L-shaped recesses with or without narrowing.
The protrusions and the recesses are made of materials suitable to give the desired resistance, created from forces between the narrowing 56 in a recess and the protrusion when pulling the bracelet. The resistance and thus the force needed have to be repeatable and reliable because it is through to the resistance the transformation of the clasp from normal mode to elongated mode is achieved. This transformation also activates the alarm signal. The activation cannot be actuated too easily, causing the alarm to be activated by accident. On the other hand, the activation should not have to involve too much force either. Then there is a risk that the alarm will not be activated if the bearer is under a lot of stress and is not able to manage strong forces. Suitable materials for the protrusion are for example different types of plastic material or rubber or plastics with rubber cover. Suitable materials for the surfaces surrounding the recess are also rubber or plastic materials which are able to give the desired resistance of the protrusion in the recess. The activation narrowing 56 is slightly smaller than the corresponding protrusion and preferably the resistance is adapted depending on if the bearer is for example a child, teenager or an elderly person. Different material choices will give the different activation forces. The measures of the size of the protrusion and the recesses depend on which type of material that is chosen for making those parts of the clasp.
The contact pins 28 and the connectors/contact sockets 44 are made in materials suitable for electronic contacts such as conducting materials for example different metals, for example copper.
The electronic functions, as already mentioned are coupled to the mechanic details and also to the electronic details of the clasp 4 of the alarm security device 2. The electronic functions are located inside the chain of the alarm security device 2 and also inside the clasp 4.
Some additional electronic functions of the clasp 4 are described below but the electronic functions of the alarm security device 2 are not limited to the following functions;
On the other hand, if the alarm security device 2 is decoded by using a deactivation code 66 and is removed from the bearer afterwards it becomes inactive and the clasp then enters the detached non-powered mode 74 and thereby stops automatically to communicate its position. It is an important function that the device 2 can be turned off when circumstances require it, e.g. on a store shelf/warehouse, on an airplane, at bedtime etc. In both detached alarm mode 74 and detached non-powered mode 64 the clasp is configured in detached mode 26. From normal mode 4o the alarm device may also enter elongated mode 42, as the alarm security device 2 is being pulled with a sufficient traction force. The short contact pins 34 are then separated from their contact sockets 44, while the long contact pins 36 remain in contact with their contacts sockets 44, and the alarm is set off.
The alarm signal due to unauthorized opening of the alarm security device 2 (without using deactivation code 66) is called “Bracelet open alarm” and is different from the alarm signal sent when the clasp 4 is elongated which is called “force alarm”. The different signals are due to the contact pins 28 of different length. When the bracelet is in the detached alai n mode 74, none of the contact pins have contact with each other and in the elongated mode 42 the short contact pins 34 looses contact while the long contact pins 36 stay connected. These signals are sent to the server and the central server 90 can detect which type of alarm that is sent depending on which signals it receives.
The alarm signal is sent when the alarm security device 2 is activated either by elongation or detachment. The alarm signal is turned off either by using a deactivation code 66 or by contacting the central server and the central server sends information to the clasp to turn off the alarm function. The alarm security device can after having been forced to elongated mode be pushed back into normal mode. However to turn off the alarm signal the deactivation code 66 or another contact with the server is needed. Other contact with server can for example be by calling or otherwise contacting the manufacturers responsible for the central sever and the support for the alarm security device, then the alarm is turned off manually.
The frequency of automatic positioning determination usage when the clasp 4 is in the normal mode 40 of the GPS and GSM modules of the clasp 4 is changing depending on the geographic position of the bracelet, see
In elongated mode 54 the frequency for automatic positioning determination usage is at maximum.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/365,603, filed Jul. 19, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61365603 | Jul 2010 | US |
