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Title:
A SECURITY APPARATUS FOR SECURING A DEVICE TO A SURFACE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/109748
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention relates to a security apparatus (10) for securing a device to a surface. The device may be an interactive screened portable consumer electronic device (400) such as a mobile phone or tablet. The surface may be a display counter-top (300) or a wall surface in a shop.

Inventors:
STACEY MARTIN (GB)
WILLIAMSON DANIEL (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2019/000166
Publication Date:
June 04, 2020
Filing Date:
November 29, 2019
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
STACEY INTERNATIONAL LTD (GB)
International Classes:
A47F7/024; E05B73/00; F16M11/04
Foreign References:
US20150305518A12015-10-29
US20180058107A12018-03-01
BR132016012645E22018-06-05
GB2522688A2015-08-05
US20150060624A12015-03-05
US20180279809A12018-10-04
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
FRITH, Richard William (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A security apparatus for securing a screened portable consumer electronic device to a surface, the security apparatus comprising a device supporting part and a post, the device supporting part comprising a plurality of retaining members for securing a screened portable consumer electronic device to the security apparatus in such a way that it cannot be removed, one or more of the plurality of retaining members has an adjustable position for securing differently sized screened portable consumer electronic device at different times, said adjustable retaining member having a first position for securing a first screened portable consumer electronic device to the apparatus, and said adjustable retaining member having a second position for securing a second differently sized screened portable consumer electronic device to the apparatus, the device supporting part further comprising a movable locking member associated with said adjustable retaining member, the movable locking member having an unlocked configuration to permit movement of the one or more adjustable retaining members, and the locking member having a locked configuration to prevent movement of the one or more adjustable retaining members, wherein the security apparatus comprises mechanical engagement means on the post and the locking member to allow the locking member to engage with the post, the engagement means being engageable when said adjustable retaining member is in the first position and when said adjustable retaining member is in the second position.

2. A security apparatus according to Claim 1 , wherein the mechanical engagement means comprises a recess on the locking member and a protrusion on the post, and the protrusion of post is designed to engage with recess of locking member.

3. A security apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the mechanical engagement means comprises a second locking member with a second recess, the post comprises a second protrusion, the first protrusion is designed to engage with the first recess, and the second protrusion is designed to engage with the second recess.

4. A security apparatus according to any one or more preceding claim, wherein the adjustable retaining member is movable in a direction combining movement in the X axis of a theoretical plane of a device on the device supporting part and movement in the Y axis of a theoretical plane of a device on the device supporting part.

5. A security apparatus according to any one or more preceding claim, wherein the device supporting part comprises four adjustable retaining members.

6. A security apparatus according to any one or more preceding claim, wherein in the unlocked configuration of the locking member, the device supporting part and the locking member cooperate to define a channel in which the adjustable retaining member can move between different positions, and the security apparatus comprises a means to prevent removal of the adjustable retaining member from the device supporting part.

7. A security apparatus according to any one or more preceding claim, wherein the device supporting part comprises a toothed portion that cooperates with a toothed portion of the or each adjustable retaining member in the locked configuration of the locking member.

8. A security apparatus according to any one or more preceding claim, wherein the locking member comprises a slot, and the locking member is connected to the device supporting part by a pin or the like arranged through the slot.

9. A security apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein the device supporting part comprises spring means to bias the pin or the like into the unlocked configuration and/or into the locked configuration.

10. A security apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein the locking member comprises a plate, the plate has a cut out portion allowing part of the plate like locking member to function as spring means.

11. A security apparatus according to any one or more preceding claim, wherein the engagement means is designed to prevent rotation of the device supporting part relative to the longitudinal axis of the post.

12. A security apparatus according to any one or more preceding claim, wherein the security apparatus comprising a mechanical fastening assembly for fastening the security apparatus to a surface.

13. A security apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein the mechanical fastener assembly comprises an elongate member such as a pin extending from the device supporting part through post, the elongate member being for extending through a surface, and the elongate member such as a pin having a threaded portion, and a mechanical fastener for engagement with threaded portion, the mechanical fastener being for clamping a surface between the mechanical fastener and the device supporting part.

14. A security apparatus according to Claim 13, wherein the mechanical fastener assembly is arranged so that the apparatus can be immovably fastened to the surface only when the mechanical engagement means on the post and the locking member are engaged.

15. A security apparatus according to Claim 13 or 14, wherein the mechanical fastener is manually operable, preferably operable without a tool or key.

16. A security apparatus according to any one or more of Claims 13 to 15, wherein the mechanical fastener comprises an elongated lever to tighten the mechanical fastener.

17. A security apparatus according to any one or more of Claims 13 to 16, wherein the mechanical fastener comprises a camming part to tighten the mechanical fastener.

18. A security apparatus according to any one or more of Claims 12 to 17, wherein the mechanical fastening assembly comprises an elongated lever, the lever comprises a cavity.

19. A security apparatus according to any one or more of Claims 12 to 18, wherein the security apparatus comprises an insert defining an inclined surface, the lower surface of post comprising a correspondingly inclined surface, the insert being for arranging between side of surface remote from post, and mechanical fastener.

20. A security apparatus according to Claim 19, wherein the insert comprises a retention pin, the retention pin being locatable in cavity of lever.

21. A security apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical engagement means on the post and the locking member is engageable only when the locking member is in the locked configuration.

22. A security apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member is locked in the locked configuration by mechanically engaging the locking member with the post by the mechanical engagement means on the post and the locking member.

23. A security apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further includes an adjustable clamping mechanism to clamp the one or more adjustable retaining members in a fixed position.

24. A security apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member forms an integrated part of the device supporting part.

25. A method of seeming a screened portable consumer electronic device to a surface, the method comprising the steps of, providing the apparatus in accordance with any one or more of claims 1 to 24, securing the screened portable consumer electronic device to the apparatus, and securing the apparatus to a display surface.

Description:
A SECURITY APPARATUS FOR SECURING A DEVICE TO A SURFACE

The invention relates to a security apparatus for securing a device to a surface. The device may be an interactive screened portable consumer electronic device such as a mobile phone or tablet. The surface may be a display counter-top or a wall surface in a shop.

One known apparatus for securing and displaying products is made by GRIPZO. Their apparatus comprises a display cradle on a post. The post is screw fastened to the upper surface of a display counter. The cradle is attached to the post by way of mechanical fasteners. The cradle has retention members that are designed to secure and display a mobile phone. Fasteners operated by an Allen key enable the position of the retention members to be adjusted to accommodate phones of different widths and lengths. Another known apparatus for securing and displaying products is made by Solutions Diverse. In this apparatus, a threaded bolt passes through a display counter and a nut is attached to the threaded bolt below the display counter. The post is connected to the cradle whilst the apparatus is installed on a display counter and uninstalled. A specific fastener operated by a key shaped like an Allen key, save for a recessed bore in the key (the recessed bore being to accommodate a central pin on the fastener) can be adjusted to allow for different width and length phones. A security plate covers the specific fasteners. The security plate itself is fastened by screws with a rare head shape.

Yet another known apparatus for securing and displaying products is disclosed in US Patent Application Publication Number US 2018/0279809 by Sennco. In this apparatus, a threaded portion of rod 108 passes through a display fixture 104 and a nut 116 is attached to the threaded portion below the display counter. The clamp is weldeably attached to the post 106. Conventional screw fasteners enable adjustment for different width phones. To enable adjustment for different length phones, the end plate slides into position and is locked in place with a pin lock 174 thereby trapping the phone in the clamp. To remove the phone, the corresponding key needs to be used.

A problem with known apparatus for displaying a device is that keys or tools are required. In a shop, keys and tools can be mislaid.

Another problem with the known prior art is that a first fastening means is used to connect the security apparatus to the display counter, and a second fastening means is used to connect the security apparatus to the device.

An aim of the present invention is to provide improved a security apparatus for securing and displaying a device and/or alternative an apparatus for securing and displaying a device.

According to a first embodiment of the invention there is provided a security apparatus for securing a device to a surface, the security apparatus comprising a device supporting part, the device supporting part comprising a body and a plurality of retaining members for securing an interactive screened portable consumer electronic device to the security apparatus in such a way that an interactive screened portable consumer electronic device cannot be removed, one or more of the plurality of retaining members has an adjustable position for securing differently sized interactive screened portable consumer electronic devices, the security apparatus comprising tool-less fixing and unfixing of the position of the adjustable retaining member.

According to a second embodiment of the invention there is provided a security apparatus for securing a device to a surface, the security apparatus comprising a device supporting part, the device supporting part comprising a body and a plurality of retaining members for securing an interactive screened portable consumer electronic device to the security apparatus in such a way that an interactive screened portable consumer electronic device cannot be removed, one or more of the plurality of retaining members has an adjustable position for securing differently sized interactive screened portable consumer electronic devices, the apparatus comprising tool-less fixing and unfixing of the security apparatus to a surface.

According to a third embodiment of the invention there is provided a security apparatus for securing a device to a surface in accordance with Claim 1, namely, a security apparatus for securing a screened portable consumer electronic device to a surface, the security apparatus comprising a device supporting part and a post, the device supporting part comprising a plurality of retaining members for securing a screened portable consumer electronic device to the security apparatus in such a way that it cannot be removed, one or more of the plurality of retaining members has an adjustable position for securing differently sized screened portable consumer electronic device at different times, said adjustable retaining member having a first position for securing a first screened portable consumer electronic device to the apparatus, and said adjustable retaining member having a second position for securing a second differently sized screened portable consumer electronic device to the apparatus, the device supporting part further comprising a movable locking member associated with said adjustable retaining member, the movable locking member having an unlocked configuration to permit movement of the one or more adjustable retaining members, and the locking member having a locked configuration to prevent movement of the one or more adjustable retaining members, wherein the security apparatus comprises mechanical engagement means on the post and the locking member to allow the locking member to engage with the post, the engagement means being engageable when said adjustable retaining member is in the first position and when said adjustable retaining member is in the second position.

Suitably, the locking member is locked in the locked configuration by mechanically engaging the locking member with the post by the mechanical engagement means on the post and the locking member.

Suitably, the mechanical engagement means on the post and the locking member of the device supporting part is engageable only when the locking member is in the locked configuration. Suitably, when the mechanical engagement means on the post and the locking member is engaged, the locking member of the device supporting part is locked in the locked configuration and the locking member is not moveable to the unlocked configuration. Suitably, such an arrangement prevents adjustment of the adjustable retjaining member(s) of the device supporting part when the device supporting part is engaged with the post by mechanically engaging the locking member and the post.

Suitably, the locking member forms an integrated part of the device supporting part (i.e. the moveable locking member is not removeable from the device supporting part and forms an integrated part thereof). Accordingly, the device supporting part comprises an integrated and moveable locking member associated with said adjustable retaining member. Suitably, the moveable locking member is slideably moveable, inwardly and outwardly, relative to the device supporting part.

Suitably, the moveable locking member is slideably moveable, inwardly and outwardly, relative to the position of the one or more adjustable retaining member(s). Preferably, the moveable locking member is slideably moveable, inwardly and outwardly, relative to the length of the one or more of the adjustable retaining member(s).

According to a preferred embodiment, the security apparatus further includes an adjustable clamping mechanism to clamp the one or more adjustable retaining member(s) in a fixed position. Suitably, the adjustable clamping mechanism comprises one or more clamping plate(s) which are moveable, preferably slideably moveable, relative to the position of the one or more adjustable retaining members. Suitably, the one or more clamping member(s) include one or more jaw(s) for clamping the one or

i more adjustable retaining members in a fixed position, the one or more jaw(s) being in slideable engagement with the one or more adjustable retaining member(s). Where claim 1 refers to a security apparatus for securing a device to a surface, it means an apparatus‘suitable for’ securing a device to a surface, the apparatus does not include the features of the device and the surface.

Where claim 1 refers to a security apparatus for securing differently sized interactive screened portable consumer electronic devices it means doing so at different times.

It will be appreciated that the engagement means between the locking plate and the post can engage in more than one position setting of the one or more adjustable retaining members.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for securing and displaying a device in accordance with Claim 20.

Other optional and preferred features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims, and the description, below. The features of one aspect of the invention can be combined in any complimentary manner, with one or more features of another aspect of the invention, the dependent claims, and/or with one or more features of the description, where such a combination of features would provide a working embodiment of the invention.

An embodiment of an apparatus for securing and displaying a product, in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which,

Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a security apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 is a is a perspective view from below of the security apparatus of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a plan view from above of the security apparatus of Figure 1, Figure 4 is a plan view from below of the security apparatus of Figure 1,

Figure 5 is a first side view of the security apparatus of Figure 1, in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 3,

Figure 6 is a second side view of the security apparatus of Figure 1, in the direction of the arrow B in Figure 3,

Figure 7 is a third side view of the security apparatus of Figure 1, in the direction of the arrow C in Figure 3,

Figure 8 is a fourth side view of the security apparatus of Figure 1, in the direction of the arrow D in Figure 3,

Figure 9 is another side view of the security apparatus of Figure 1 in the direction of Figure 6, the cable being omitted for clarity, the security apparatus not being tightened,

Figure 10 is a cross section view of the security apparatus of Figure 9, viewed in the direction ofFigure 7 from axis B in Figure 9, the security apparatus not being tightened,

Figure 11 is another side view of the security apparatus of Figure 9 in the direction of Figure 6, the security apparatus being tightened,

Figure 12 is a cross section view of the security apparatus ofFigure 11, viewed in the direction ofFigure 7 from axis C in Figure 11, the security apparatus being tightened,

Figure 13 is a close up view of the part D circled in Figure 12,

Figure 14 is a first side view of part of the security apparatus ofFigure 1,

Figure 15 is a second side view of the part of the security apparatus ofFigure 14, Figure 16 is a first perspective view of part of the security apparatus of Figure 1,

Figure 17 is a second perspective view of the part of the security apparatus of Figure 16,

Figure 18 is a first exploded perspective view of the part of the security apparatus of Figure 14,

Figure 19 is a second exploded perspective view of the part of the security apparatus of Figure 18,

Figure 20 is a plan view of a front plate of the security apparatus,

Figure 21 is a plan view of a back plate of the security apparatus,

Figure 22 is a plan view of a locking plate of the security apparatus, in a first configuration,

Figure 23 is a plan view of a locking plate of the security apparatus, in a second configuration, and a close-up view of the circled part,

Figure 24 is a plan view of a locking plate of the security apparatus, in a third configuration, and

Figure 25 is a close up view of the circled part of Figure 24,

Figure 26 is a perspective view of a fitting plate of the security apparatus,

Figure 27 is a perspective view of a cam locking lever assembly of the security apparatus, Figure 28 is an exploded view of the parts of the cam locking lever assembly |of the security apparatus,

Figure 29 is a perspective view of a post and a post mounting part of the security apparatus,

Figure 30 is an exploded perspective view of the post and part of the post mounting part of the security apparatus,

Figure 31 is a further perspective view of the security apparatus,

Figure 32 is a side view of the security apparatus of Figure 31, and

Figure 33 is a plan view from below of the security apparatus of Figure 31.

A security apparatus 10 for securing an interactive screened portable consumer electronic device 400 to a surface such as a display counter 300 or a wall surface, is shown in Figures 1 to 12.

The electronic device 400 (shown in Figures 1 to 12), a power cable 402 (shown in Figures 1 to 8) for the electronic device 400, and the display counter 300 (shown in Figures 1 to 12) are not part of the security apparatus 10 perse, but they can be used in conjunction with the security apparatus.

The security apparatus 10 comprises a device supporting part 20 (shown in Figures 1 i to 19 excluding Figure 13), a post 150 (shown in Figure 10 for example)^ a post mounting part 160 (shown in Figure 10 for example), a fitting plate 180 (shown in Figure 10 for example), and a mechanical fastening assembly 190 (shown in Figure 12 for example).

The parts mentioned in the preceding paragraph will now be looking at in more detail. The device supporting part 20 comprises a body 22 (shown in Figures 1, 5, 7, 8 , 9, 12, and 13 to 19) and a plurality of retaining members 24, 26, 28, 30.

Referring to Figures 14 to 21, the body 22 comprises a front plate 32 and a back plate 34.

The body 22 also comprises a first side plate 35 and second side plate 36. The first side plate 35 and the second side plate 36 are weldeably connected to the front plate 32 and the back plate 34. Alternatively, the first side plate 35 can be connected to the front plate 32 and the back plate 34 by arranging fasteners (not shown to maintain clarity in the drawings) through fastener openings 37 (shown in Figure 20) in the front plate, fastener openings 38 (shown in Figures 22 to 24) in the side plate, and fastener openings 39 (shown in Figure 20) in the back plate. The second side plate 36 can be connected to the front plate 32 and the back plate 34 by arranging fasteners (not shown to maintain clarity in the drawings) through fastener openings 40 (shown in Figure 20) in the front plate, fastener openings 42 (shown in Figure 23) in the side plate, and fastener openings 44 (shown in Figure 20) in the back plate.

Referring to Figure 20, the front plate 32 comprises a first opening 600 and a! second opening 602. Referring to Figure 21, the back plate 34 comprises a first opening 604 and a second opening 606. When the front plate 32 and the back plate 34 are welded together or fastened together by fasteners through fastener openings 37, 38, 39] 40, 42, 44, 66, 68, 72, 74, 78, 80, the first opening 600 of the front plate 32 aligns with the first opening 604 of the back plate 34. The second opening 602 aligns with the second opening 606.

Referring to Figure 22, the first side plate 35 comprises a first abutment surface 46 and a second abutment surface 48, both of which are toothed. The second side plate 36 comprises a first abutment surface 50 and a second abutment surface 52, again both of which are toothed. Still referring to Figure 22, the first retaining member 24 comprises a toothed part 54. The second retaining member 26 comprises a toothed part 56. The third retaining member 28 comprises a toothed part 58. The fourth retaining member 30 comprises a toothed part 60.

The body 22 also comprises a pair of movable locking members in the form of plates 62, 64. As will be described hereinafter, the moveable locking members form an integrated part of the device supporting part 20 and are not removable therefrom. Suitably, the moveable locking members are slideably moveable, inwardly and outwardly, relative to the body 22 of the device supporting part 20. Suitably, the moveable locking members are slideably moveable, inwardly and outwardly, relative to the position of retaining members 24, 26, 28, 30, especially relative to the length of the retaining members 24, 26, 28, 30.

The first movable locking plate 62 comprises a first slot 66, and a second slot 68. A first pin 70 locates through an opening 72 (shown in Figure 20) in the front plate 32, the first slot 66, and an opening 74 (shown in Figure 21) in the back plate 34. A second pin 76 locates through an opening 78 (shown in Figure 20) in the front plate 32, the second slot 68, and an opening 80 (shown in Figure 21) in the back plate 34. The apparatus 10 comprises similar parts for mounting the second movable locking plate 64 but these are not shown for clarity.

Referring to the larger drawing in Figure 23, the first locking plate 62 has a !cut out portion 82, leaving an elongated part 84. The second movable locking plate 64 comprises the same parts. Referring to the smaller drawing in Figure 23, a free end 86 of the elongated part 84 comprises a first notch 88 facing a first end 90 of the first slot 66 and a second notch 92 facing a second end 94 of the first slot 66. The first notch 88 and the second notch 92 have the effect of making the first end 90 and the second end 94 of the first slot 66 wider than the part of the slot between the first end 90 and the second end 94. Referring again to the larger drawing in Figure 23, the first locking plate 62 has a tab 96 for manual movement (specifically sliding movement) by a user.

Referring to Figure 24, the first locking plate 62 comprises mechanical engagement means 98 and the second locking plate 64 comprises mechanical engagement means 99. Each mechanical engagement means takes the form of an opening 98, 99 to allow the first locking plate 62 and the second locking plate 64 to engage with the post 150, as will be described in detail hereunder.

Referring to Figure 24, the first locking plate 62 comprises a first abutment surface 100 and a second abutment surface 102. The second locking plate 64 comprises the same features but these features are not referenced for clarity purposes.

Referring to Figures 22, 24 and 25, the first abutment surface 46 of the first side plate 35 and the first abutment surface 100 of the first locking plate 62 cooperate to define a channel 104. Referring to Figure 22, the first abutment surface 50 of the second side plate 36 and the second abutment surface 102 of the first locking plate 62 cooperate in a similar way to define a channel. The second abutment surface 48 of the first side plate 35 and the first abutment surface of the second locking plate 64 cooperate in ajsimilar way to define a channel. The second abutment surface 52 of the second side plate 36 and the second abutment surface of the second locking plate 64 cooperate in a similar way to define a channel.

Figures 22 to 24 show that the locking plate 62,64 can move inwardly and outwardly relative to the position of the first side plate 35 and the second side plate 36, varying the size of the channels 104.

In particular, Figure 22 shows the locking plate 62 retracted to permit disengagement of the toothed abutment surfaces 46, 50 of the first side plate 35 and the second side plate 36 from the toothed parts 54, 56 of the retaining members 24, 26. It can!be seen that each side plate 35, 36 comprises a shoulder 120 (only one is shown in Figure 22 for clarity) to prevent removal of the retaining members 24, 26 from the channels (only one of which, 104 is referenced for clarity).

Referring to Figures 9, 10, and 29, the post 150 comprises a hollow region 152.

A first end 153, in this embodiment an upper end, of the post 150 comprises mechanical engagement means. In this embodiment, the mechanical engagement means take the form of a first protruding tab 154 and a second protruding tab 156 that protrude beyond the abutment surface 158, as shown in Figure 29.

A second end 159, in this embodiment a lower end, of the post 150 comprises protrusions 259 (as shown in Figure 30), spaced at about 180 degrees about the circumference of the post.

The post mounting part 160 comprises a ring-shaped base 161, as shown in Figure 10 and 29, but the base can be any convenient shape. Referring to Figure 10 and 29, the ring-shaped base 161 has a central opening (not shown) for coinciding with an aperture 302 in a display counter 300, as described further below. The ring-shaped base 161 also comprises recesses 161a, 161b (as shown in Figure 30), spaced at about 180 degrees about the inner circumference of the base 161.

Suitably, the post 150 and post mounting part 160 may be formed as a single integrated part, for example by a casting or injection moulding process.

Referring to Figure 10, an underside of the ring-shaped base 161 comprises a first protrusion 162 and a second protrusion 164 extending downwardly from it. The first protrusion 162 has an elongated tab 166 extending downwardly from it.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the fitting plate 180 comprises an inclined surface 182. The angle of the inclined surface 182 is approximately the negative of the angle of the lower end of the post 150 from a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post. The angle of the lower end of the post 150 from the plane itself corresponds to the desired display plane of the device 400 relative the plane of the display counter 300.

Referring to Figure 26, the fitting plate 180 comprises a slot 184 for a pin 192 described further below. The slot has notches 186, 188.

Referring to Figure 12, the mechanical fastening assembly 190 comprises a pin or rod 192. A first (upper) end 194 of the pin 192 is fixed to the body 22 of the device supporting part 20, in particular first end 194 of the pin 192 locates in opening 196 (see Figure 20) in the front plate 32 and opening 198 (see Figure 21) in the back plate 34.

A first thumbwheel 198 is arranged on a threaded portion of the pin 192, towards the upper end 194 of the pin. Referring to Figures 18 and 19, a lilting plate 200 allows for adjustment for different thickness of devices 400. The lifting plate 200 has a pair of legs 202, 204 that depend from the underside of the lifting plate. Referring also to Figure 17, the legs 202, 204 locate through openings 206 in the front plate 32 and the legs 202, 204 locate through openings 208 in the back plate 34. The legs 202, 204, and therefore the lifting plate 200, can slide up and down in the openings 208. Referring to Figure 15, the free ends of the legs 202, 204 define a lower shoulder which catches on the first thumbwheel 198 to restrict upward movement of the lifting plate 200. A higher shoulder (not shown) defined by the legs can catch on the first thumbwheel 198 to restrict upward movement of the lifting plate 200. The first thumbwheel can be adjusted up or down the pin 192 to vary the amount by which the lifting plate 200 can lift.

Referring to Figures 31, 32 and 33, there is shown an adjustable clamping mechanism comprising a second thumbwheel 350, a moveable wedge 352 and a pair of moveable (i.e. adjustable) clamping plates 364, 368.

The second thumbwheel 350 and moveable wedge 352 is arranged on a threaded portion of the pin 192, towards the upper end 194 of the pin. The moveable wedge 352 includes a pair of inclined surfaces 354, 356 defining first abutment 354 and second abutment 356 surfaces, respectively. The first abutment surface 354 abuts against an upstanding tab 362 of the first clamping plate 364. The second abutment surface 356 abuts against an upstanding tab 366 of the second clamping plate 368. The first and second clamping plates 364, 368 are each slideably engaged to back plate 34 of the device supporting part 20. The first and second clamping plates 364, 368 are each slideably moveable relative to the position of the back plate 34 of the device supporting part 20 and inwardly towards and outwardly from the pin 192.

The first clamping plate 364 comprises a body 370, upstanding tab 362 which abuts against first abutment surface 354 of moveable wedge 352, and first jaw 372 and second jaw 374. The first jaw 372 slideably engages with the first side plate 35 of the body 22 and retaining member 24, the second jaw 374 slideably engages with the second side plate 36 of the body 22 and retaining member 26. The second clamping plate 368 is of identical construction to the first clamping plate 364 and comprises a body 376, upstanding tab 366 which abuts against second abutment surface 356 of moveable wedge 352, and first jaw 378 and second jaw 380. The first jaw 378 slideably engages with the first side plate 35 of the body 22 and retaining member 28, the second jaw 380 slideably engages with the second side plate 36 of the body 22 and retaining member 30.

The second thumbwheel 350 can be adjusted up or down the pin 192 to vary the amount of force applied to the first and second clamping plates 364, 368 by the moveable wedge 352. Adjusting the thumbwheel up the pin 192 pushes the moveable wedge 352 up the pin 192, thereby forcing upstanding tabs 362, 366 of respective first and second clamping plates 364, 368 outwardly relative to the pin 192. The upstanding tabs 362, 366 being forced outwardly relative to the pin 192 by the respective first 354 and second 356 abutment surfaces of the moveable wedge 352. The jaws 372, 374 of the first clamping plate 370 clamp the adjustable retaining members 24, 26 in a fixed position. The jaws 378, 380 of the second clamping plate 368 clamp the adjustable retaining members 28, 30 in a fixed position.

Referring to Figure 12, a cam locking lever assembly 250 is fitted to a threaded portion towards a second (lower) end 252 of the pin 192. Referring to Figures 12, 27 and 28, the cam locking lever assembly 250 comprises an abutment element 254 for abutting against the inclined surface 182 of the fitting plate 180. The abutment element 254 comprises an abutment surface 256. The cam locking lever assembly 250 also comprises a lever 258 and an integrated camming element 260. The camming element 260 has an abutment surface 262. A rod 264 is rotatably mounted inside the camming element 260, as shown in Figure 28. The rod 264 comprises a bore with an internally threaded portion 265, the internally threaded portion running in an axis which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the pin 192. In other words, in use, the longitudinal axis of the pin 192 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod 264. Referring to Figure 28, the abutment element 254 comprises legs 266, 267, and each leg comprises an inwardly directed tab 268. Referring to Figure 27, the camming element 260 has recesses 270 adjacent each end of the rod 264. The tabs 268 locate in these recesses 270, in such a way so as to prevent removal of the camming element 260 from the lever 258, but so as to permit rotation of the camming element around the rod 264.

Referring to Figure 10, in use, the security apparatus 10 is fitted to a display counter 300 having a first aperture 302, a second aperture 304, and a third aperture 306

The ring-shaped base 161 of the post mounting part 160 is arranged so that its' central opening coincides with the aperture 302 in the display counter 300. The first protrusion 162 from underside of the ring-shaped base 161 locates in second aperture 304. The second protrusion 164 from underside of the ring-shaped base 161 locates in the third aperture 306. The elongated tab 166 of the post mounting part 160 extends fully through the third aperture 306 to the underside of the display counter top 300.

The fitting plate 180 is installed on the underside of the display counter 300, the inclined surface 182 being arranged below the aperture 302 in the display counter, so that the elongated tab 166 of the post mounting part 160 locates in the notches 186, 188 of the fitting plate 180.

The post 150 is arranged above the display counter 300 (as shown in Figure 12). The hollow region 152 of the post 150 is arranged to coincide with central opening of the ring-shaped base 161 of the post mounting part 160 and the aperture 302 of the display counter 300. The post mounting part 160 is connected to the second end 159 of the post 150 by arranging the protrusions of the post 150 in the recesses of the base 161 of the post mounting part 160. The post 150 can be connected to the post mounting part 160 by suitable alternative means.

In the disengaged state, the first locking plate 62 and the second locking plate 64 can be adjusted to allow the retaining members 24, 26 to move in the channels 104. Then, the toothed parts 54, 56 of the retaining members 24, 26 can be engaged with toothed abutment surfaces 46, 50 of the first side plate 35 and the second side plate 36 appropriate to the size of the mobile phone or other device. Then, the first locking plate 62 and the second locking plate 64 can be manually moved inward until the opening 98 of the first locking plate 62, aligns with the first opening 600 of the front plate 32, and the first opening 604 of the back plate 34, so as to fix the position of the toothed parts 54, 56 of the retaining members 24, 26.

The first thumbwheel 198 can be manually adjusted to lift the lifting plate 200 to correspond with the thickness of the device 400. The second thumbwheel 350 ean be manually adjusted to adjusting the adjustable clamping mechanism, so that the jaws 372, 374 of the first clamping plate 370 clamp the adjustable retaining members 24, 26 in a fixed position and the jaws 378, 380 of the second clamping plate 368 clamp the adjustable retaining members 28, 30 in a fixed position.

Then, the first protruding tab 154 towards the top of the post 150 engages in the opening

98 of the first locking plate 62, the first opening 600 of the front plate 32, and the first opening 604 of the back plate 34.

The second protruding tab 156 towards the top of the post 150 engages in the opening

99 of the second locking plate 64, the second opening 602, and the second opening 606.

It will be appreciated that the engagement means 98, 99 are engageable in[ a first condition when the plurality of retaining members 24, 26 can be arranged for securing a first interactive screened portable consumer electronic device 400 to the security apparatus 10, and the engagement means 98, 99 are engageable in a second condition when one or more of the retaining members 24, 26 can be adjusted for securing a second, differently sized, interactive screened portable consumer electronic device 400 to the security apparatus. It will also be appreciated if the first locking plate 62 and the second locking plate 64 are in an unlocked configuration, the engagement means 98, 99 will not align, and so the apparatus 10 cannot be secured to a surface such as a display counter 300. This feature means it is not possible to fit the apparatus to the display counter unless the retaining member 24, 26 is first locked in the desired position corresponding to the size of the device. It will be appreciated that the position of the engagement means does not change despite the adjustment of the position of the retaining member 24, 26 for different sized phones or devices.

In the engaged state, the first locking plate 62 and the second locking plate 64 prevent movement of the one or more adjustable retaining members.

Then, initially, the lever 258 is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the pin 192 to cause the internally threaded portion of the rod 264 to rise up the pin 192. When the lever 258 is pushed upwardly, to the position shown in Figure 12, it increases the radius of the abutment surface 262 of the camming element 260 at the point of contact with the abutment surface 256 of the abutment element 254, thereby increasing the pressure of the abutment element 254 on the inclined surface 182 of the fitting plate 180. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, when the lever 258 is pushed upwardly, the elongated tab 166 locates in the tab opening 108 of the lever 258.

It will be appreciated that the security apparatus 10 is designed so that the screen of the device 400 is fully or mostly visible when it is displayed within the apparatus 10.

The invention provides a single integrated fastening system for fastening the apparatus 10 to the surface such as a display counter 300 and the apparatus 10 to the phone or device 400, rather than employing a first fastening system for fastening an apparatus to a surface and a second fastening system, independent of the first fastening system, for fastening the apparatus to the phone or device.

The security apparatus 10 has a ducting means to permit a cable for the electronic !device 400 to pass from the cable port on the electronic device into and through the post 150, through post mounting part 160, through the aperture in the counter 300, and through the fitting plate 180, and onward to a convenient power supply.

In use, the elongated part 84 functions as a spring, biasing the first pin 70 into the first end 90 and the second end 94 of the first slot 66, i.e. the positions of the locking plate 62 that correspond to a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the locking plate 62 is unlocked, and free to move. In the second configuration, the locking plate 62 can be locked. The display counter 300 may be an upper part of a cupboard. The cam locking lever assembly 250 can be positioned inside the cupboard. The cupboard may have a lockable door or lockable doors of known kind on the front of the cupboard.

In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus 10 can be fitted to a wall or other object.