| CLAIMS
1. An anti theft device for securing an object such as a wallet or purse to a bag or clothing, said device comprising two connected arms moveable relative to each other between an open position wherein the free ends of each arm are not in contact with each other and a closed position wherein the free ends of each arm are in contact with each other, each of said arms provided with releasable fastening means at each free end to allow an object such as a purse or wallet to be clasped and secured between the arms and wherein at least one of the arms is provided with securing means for securing the device to the clothing or the bag.
2. An anti theft device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device is a pocket anti theft device.
3. An anti theft device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the securing means comprises a least one pin. 4. An anti theft device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the securing means comprises three pins.
5. An anti theft device as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the securing means comprises a plate for engaging with the at least one pin.
6. An anti theft device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the plate is of similar dimensions to an arm of the device.
7. An anti theft device as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the securing means comprises at least one capping stud.
8. An anti theft device as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the securing means comprises at least one screw cap. 9. An anti theft device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is made by injection moulding.
10. An anti theft device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a plastics material.
11. An anti theft device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the arms are biased in an open position.
12. An anti theft device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a spring operable hinge. 13. An anti theft device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the fastening means comprises a catch member and an engaging member.
14. An anti theft device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the catch member is a resilient member provided with release means.
15. An anti theft device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one arm has a hollow portion with two opposing walls for receiving a wallet or other object.
16. An anti theft device as claimed in claim 15 wherein at least one arm is provided with at least one web which extends laterally across the hollow portion. 17. An anti theft device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the at least one arm is provided with five webs.
18. An anti theft device as claimed in any of claims 15 to 17 wherein at least a part of the opposing walls is extended.
19. An anti theft system for securing an object in a pocket of clothing, or a bag, said system comprising an anti theft device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18 and a security means, said security means comprising a strip of material provided with attachment means for maintaining the pocket of the clothing, or bag within said clothing or bag.
20. An anti theft system as claimed in claim 19 wherein a portion of the security means is attachable to the pocket and another portion of the security means is attachable to the bag or clothing.
21. An anti theft system, as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20wherein the attachment means comprises at least one pin and at least one capping stud or screw cap.
22. An anti theft system as claimed in any of claims 19 to 21 wherein the strip of material comprises an extendible material.
23. An anti theft system as claimed in claim 22 wherein the strip of material comprises an elastic material 24. A method of securing a pocket located within an item of clothing, or a bag wherein a strip of material provided with attachment means is attached to the pocket and a portion of the clothing or bag.
25. A method as claimed in claim 24 wherein the strip of material is attached to a portion of the pocket and to a seam of the clothing or bag. 26. A method of fitting an anti theft device system as claimed in any of claims 19to 23 wherein the anti theft device is fitted within a pocket and the security means connects a portion of the pocket to a portion of the bag or clothing. |
AN ANTI THEFT DEVICE
This invention relates to an anti theft device for an object being carried in a pocket of clothing, or in a bag. More specifically, but not exclusively this invention relates to an anti theft device for a purse or a wallet. Persons usually carry a wallet or purse in a pocket of their clothing, for example in a pocket of their trousers or a pocket of their jacket or coat. Alternatively, a wallet or purse may be carried in a bag. In crowded places where thieves operate, wallets and purses are often stolen from an individual without the individual feeling or noticing an item being taken. There are various known devices for securing items to a person to prevent thefts. For example, it is known to have an extendible line secured at one end to a belt loop of a pair of trousers and for the other end to be secured to a bunch of keys, or wallet which is carried in a trouser pocket. The visibility of the line may draw attention to a thief that there is something of value in the pocket. Further, when a different item of clothing is worn the line must be transferred to the new clothing.
It is also known to have a clip, or slide device which can be attached to an item of clothing and a wallet or purse. The problem associated with such devices is that the mechanism for connecting the clip to the clothing may be weak so that if the wallet is snatched with force the connection to the clothing will break, or come apart. Further the device must be re-fitted each time to new clothing.
It is also known to carry wallets on a string around a person's neck. This way the wallet may be hidden from sight under a coat or jacket, however, the string may be uncomfortable and the wallet bulky under the clothing.
It is also known to wear a belt with pockets around one's waist in which items such as wallets and purses may be carried.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an anti theft device for an object such as a wallet or purse which overcomes, or at least obviates some of the problems associated with the known anti theft devices.
An anti theft system for securing an object in a pocket of clothing, or a pocket of a bag is also provided.
Further, a method of securing a pocket within an item of clothing or a bag is provided.
A method of fitting an anti theft device system to a bag, or item of clothing is also provided. According to the invention there is provided an anti theft device for securing an object, such as a wallet or purse, to a bag or clothing, said device comprising two connected arms moveable relative to each other between an open position wherein the free ends of each arm are not in contact with each other and a closed position wherein the free ends of each arm are in contact with each other, each of said arms provided with releasable fastening means at each free end to allow an object such as a purse or wallet to be clasped and secured between the arms and wherein at least one of the arms is provided with securing means for securing the device to an item of clothing or a bag.
Ideally the device is fitted to a pocket of clothing, or a pocket in a bag. The device is preferably made by injection moulding and may be made in one piece. Alternatively, the device may comprise more than one piece in which case the two arms may be connected by hinge means. Preferably the hinge means is a spring loaded hinge.
Preferably, the securing means comprises at least one pin. More preferably the securing means comprises three pins. The pins may be provided with a thread.
The securing means may further comprise a plate for engaging with the at least one pin. Alternatively, capping studs, or screw caps may be used to engage with the at least one pin. In this manner the device may be arranged within a pocket and the pins inserted from the inside of the pocket and secured outside of the pocket by the plate, capping studs, or screw caps This way the device is secured to the fabric of the pocket. Since the outside of the pocket lies under the fabric, or lining of the clothing or bag, the securing means is not visible from the exterior of the bag, or clothing.
The plate is preferably of similar dimensions to an arm of the device and adds support to the device when in use. The arms are preferably biased in an open position. Preferably the device is made of a plastics material.
Preferably the fastening means comprises a catch member and an engaging member. More preferably the catch member is a resilient member provided with release means.
Preferably at least one arm has a hollow portion for receiving a wallet or other object. Preferably said hollow portion extends longitudinally along the at least one arm. At least a part of the opposing walls of the hollow portion are extended.
Preferably still, a central part of each opposing wall of the hollow is extended. The at least one arm is preferably provided with at least one web which extends laterally across said hollow portion. Preferably the at least one arm is provided with five webs. The webs provide a support surface for a wallet or other object held in the device.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is also provided an anti theft system for securing an object in a pocket of clothing, or a bag, said system comprising an anti theft device and a security means, said security means comprising a strip of material provided with attachment means for maintaining the pocket of the clothing, or bag within said clothing or bag.
A portion of the security means is attachable to the pocket and a further portion is attachable to the bag or clothing.
If the anti theft device which is attached to a pocket is snatched at with force by a would be thief, the pocket in which the device and object is carried is anchored within the clothing, or bag and cannot therefore be turned inside out exposing the anti theft device and object.
Preferably, the securing means comprises at least one pin and at least one capping stud or screw cap.
Preferably, the strip of material comprises an extendible material. More preferably the strip of material comprises an elastic material.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of securing a pocket within clothing or a bag wherein a strip of material provided with attachment means is attached to the pocket and a portion of the clothing or bag. Preferably, the strip of material is attached to a portion of a pocket and to a seam of the clothing or bag.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of fitting an anti theft system wherein the anti theft device, as previously described is fitted within a pocket and security means connects a portion of the pocket to a portion of the bag or clothing.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:
Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of the outside of the device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the inside of the device of figures 1 and 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a part of the device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention,
Figure 7a is a plan view of the device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention,
Figure 7b is a side view of the device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention,
Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement of the device in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, and Figure 9 shows the anti theft system in accordance with a further aspect of the invention.
Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of one embodiment of an anti theft device 1. The device 1 comprises two arms 2 and 3 which are movable relative to each other. The device 1 is a single piece made by injection moulding. The device 1 may be made of a lightweight, hardwearing material such as a plastics material. The two arms pivot about a fulcrum point 4. When unrestrained the arms 2 and 3 are biased in the open position. By open position it is meant that the free ends 2a and 3b of arms 2 and 3 respectively are not in contact with each other. By exerting a force to
at least one of the arms, the device may be arranged into a closed position. By closed position it is meant that the free ends 2a and 3b are in contact with each other.
Figures 1 and 2 show the device 1 in an open position wherein the arms 2 and 3 lie in the same horizontal plane. Arm 2 is an elongate bar member and arm 3 is a wider member of a similar length. The arm 3 comprises a hollow portion 31 (as shown in figure 3) with two opposing convex walls 10 along its length (only one wall can be seen in figures 1 and 2). The uppermost surface of the arm 3 is flat and is provided with a flange 11 which extends along the length of the two opposing walls 10. On the outside surface as seen in figures 1 and 2, arm 3 is provided with three pins 5 which are used to secure the device to clothing, or a bag. The pins may be made of a plastics material and may be pointed as shown if figures 1 and 2, or may be more rounded.
At each of the free ends 2a and 3b the device is provided with releasable fastening means 6 to enable the device to be held in a closed position. At free end 3b there is provided a receiving mechanism 7 for receiving an engaging member 8 located on the other arm 2. The engaging member 8 may be made of a plastics material and protrudes at right angles from arm 2. The engaging member 8 is provided with ridges. The receiving mechanism 7 is a snap fit mechanism which is provided with similar grooves to those of the engaging member. When the engaging member 8 is introduced into the receiving mechanism 7 the device is maintained in the closed position. The receiving mechanism 7 is made of a resilient material so that when a force is applied to a release member 7a of the mechanism 7, the engaging member 8 is disengaged from the receiving mechanism 7 and the device will then move into the open position. Figure 3 is a view of the inside of the device 1 of figure 1. As can be seen arm
3 has a hollow portion 31 on the inside with curved shallow walls 10. Arm 2 is provided with a notch 9.
Figure 4 shows a plate 14 which secures the device 1 to a fabric of clothing or a bag. The plate 14 is of a rectangular shape and is of a similar size to the uppermost surface of arm 3. It comprises three pin covers 13 which are raised surfaces in the
plate designed to engage and cover the pins 5. When the device 1 is fitted to a bag or clothing, the pins 5 are inserted through the fabric of the bag or clothing. The plate 14 is then fitted over the pins 5 with the pin covers 13 of the plate 14 covering the protruding pins. The plate may be provided with engaging means for engaging with the flange 11 of the arm 3. By placing the plate over the pins and exerting a force onto the plate, the plate may engage with the flange over the fabric to secure the device to the clothing, or bag.
Alternatively, the plate 14 may simply engage with the pins. The plate adds support and stability to arm 3 when a force is exerted on release member 7a. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the device 1. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the inside of the device. The same numerals have been used to identify the same features of those in Figures 1 to 3. The device 1 comprises two arms 2 and 3 which are movable relative to each other. The device 1 is a single piece made by injection moulding. The two arms are connected by hinge means 30a. The hinge means 30a shown in figure 5 is a live hinge. The device 1 may be made of a lightweight, hardwearing material such as a plastics material. The two arms pivot about a fulcrum point 4. Arms 2 and 3 may be manipulated into an open position, or alternatively the arms may be biased in an open position. By open position it is meant that the free ends 2a and 3b of arms 2 and 3 respectively are not in contact with each other. By exerting a force to at least one of the arms, the device may be arranged into a closed position. By closed position it is meant that the free ends 2a and 3b are in contact with each other. Hinge means 30a is mounted on a support means 30b. Support means 30b is an end portion of arm 3 which protrudes at right angles to arm 3. The hinge means 30a connects arm 2 to support means 30b. Spacing the hinge means 30a a distance from arm 3 means that when an object is placed in the device 1 and the device closed the support means 30b relieves some of the pressure exerted on the hinge means 30a and prevents possible damage to the hinge means 30a. Alternatively, the hinge means 30a could be located on arm 3 connecting arm 3 to support means 30b. Figures 5 to 7 show the device 1 in an open position wherein the arms 2 and 3 lie in substantially the same horizontal plane. Arm 2 is an elongate bar member and arm 3
is a wider member of a similar length. Arm 3 comprises a hollow portion 31 which extends along the length of the arm 3. The hollow portion is defined by two opposing convex walls 36. The depth of the hollow portion 31 varies along the length of arm 3 owing to two elliptical depressions which protrude form the underside of the arm 3 into the hollow portion 31. The depressions 32 are not shown in figure 5 but are clearly shown in figures 6 to 8. A central portion 38 of each of the opposing side walls 36 are extended in height 38. Within the hollow portion 31, there are five webs 39 which extend laterally between the side walls 36. The upper portions of each of the webs 39 are concave. The extended walls 38 together with the webs 39 provide support and restrict movement of a wallet, or other object held within the device 1. At each of the free ends 2a and 3b the device is provided with releasable fastening means 6 to enable the device to be held in a closed position. At free end 3b there is provided a receiving mechanism 7 for receiving an end portion of arm 2. The arm 2 is tapered towards the free end 2a. The receiving mechanism 7 comprises a resilient member made of a plastics material and which protrudes at substantially right angles with respect to the arm 3. The receiving mechanism 7 comprises an aperture 29 for receiving free end 2a and a release member 7a. The device 1 may be held in the closed position by exerting a force on the release member 7a and allowing the free end 2a to insert into the aperture 29 before releasing the release member 7a. To release the free end 2a, pressure can be exerted onto the release member 7a and the device 1 moved into the open position.
Three receiving ports 40 are located on the underside of arm 3 (as viewed in figure 5) and extend laterally across arm 3. The ports 40 are of a size to accommodate a pin to allow the device 1 to be attached to the material of pocket, bag or article of clothing to which the device is to be secured. The pins may be secured by screw caps or capping studs (not shown).
Figure 6 shows a different perspective view of the device 1 of figure 5. The elliptical depressions 41 which protrude into the hollowed portion of the device 1 can be clearly seen. The pins may be secured to the material by screw caps, or capping studs.
Figures 7a and 7b show a plan view from above of the inside of the device 1 and a side view of the device 1 respectively.
Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an alternative arrangement of the second embodiment of the device 1. In this arrangement, the device 1 comprises arms 2 and 3 which are made separately by injection moulding and joined together by hinge means 30a. Arm 2 is not provided with extended wall portions 38. Arm 2 has an end portion which extends at right angles to arm 2 which provides a support means 30b to which the hinge means 30a is attached Alternatively, the support means 30b may be provided on arm 3 so that the hinge means connects the support means 30b to arm 2. The device 1 is biased in the open position in which arm 2 is approximately at right angles to arm 3. This is achieved by using a spring loaded hinge 46. Alternatively, the hinge may comprise a pin and/or a knuckle fitting.
Figure 9 shows the fitting of the device 1 in a trouser pocket 18. The trouser leg has been turned inside out so that the pocket 18 lies on the outside of the trouser leg 19. Seam 20 indicates the pocket opening. The device of the first embodiment has been attached to the bottom of the pocket 18. Arm 3 lies along the bottom of the inside of pocket 18. The pins 5 have been pushed through the fabric of pocket 18 from the inside of the pocket to the exterior of the pocket. In this figure the plate 14 engages with the pins 5 on the exterior of the pocket to secure the device 1 to the pocket 18. Alternatively, the device of the second embodiment could be attached in a similar manner to the pocket by using pins and screw caps, or capping studs. The device 1 is in the open position with arm 2 upright.
If, for example a wallet is to be held within the device 1 , the wearer places the wallet through the pocket opening 20 opens the wallet and places the spine of the wallet in the hollow of arm 3. In the case of the first embodiment of the device larm 2 can then be moved over the wallet into the closed position clasping and securing the wallet between the arms 2 and 3. The notch 9 in arm 2 helps to keep the wallet secure within the device 1 by exerting pressure on the wallet. In the case of the second embodiment of the device, the spine of the wallet rests on the webs 39 and is cradled within the hollow portion 31 by the webs and extended walls 38 which restrict movement of the wallet when the device 1 is in the closed position. To release the
wallet from the device, the wearer exerts a force on the release member 7a which allows the device to move, or be moved into the open position and allowing the wearer access to the wallet. Although it is mentioned that a wallet is placed in the device, it must be understood that other items, for example, a purse, key ring, or bank notes could also be held within the device. Moreover, the device may be fitted, fr example, to a pocket of a bag or coat.
Figure 9 also shows a security means 24. The security means 24 comprises a strip of material such as elastic or cord 20 which is secured to the corner of the pocket 18 and the inner seam 22 of the trouser leg 19. The strip of material 20 is fitted to the clothing by pins and capping studs, or screw caps 23. The purpose of the security means 24 is to prevent a thief being able to turn the pocket 18 inside out should a violent snatch be made at the device 1 in the pocket 18. It is feasible that a thief could snatch an object held in the device 1 in the pocket 18 causing the pocket to be pulled outside of the clothing exposing the wallet. The security means 24 would prevent the pocket 20 from being turned inside out by securing it firmly to the trouser leg 19. Any pulling on the pocket 18 would be felt by the wearer on seam 22 if the security means 24 is worn thus alerting the wearer to an attempted theft.
The device 1 has the advantage in that once it has been fitted to the clothing it does not have to be re-fitted. The device made from a hard wearing material may remain attached when the clothing is washed.
Once the wallet or purse is attached to the device, it is secure from opportunist thieves. A hand trying to take the wallet from a pocket would not easily be able to undo the fastening means 3 to access the wallet. Certainly a hand pulling on the wallet which in turn pulls on the clothing will alert the wearer that someone is trying to take their wallet. The device is simple to use and fit and made be made in a variety of sizes to accommodate different sized objects.
The anti theft system provides further security to an object being carried in an item of clothing, or a bag.
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