U.S. patent application number 11/309848 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for locking snap buckle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wine-Woods Enterprises. Invention is credited to Michael E. Woods.
Application Number | 20070226967 11/309848 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38556752 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070226967 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Woods; Michael E. |
October 4, 2007 |
Locking snap buckle
Abstract
Disclosed is a security buckle and method and systems and
methods employing the security buckle and methods. The security
buckle a first body member having one or more walls defining a
receiving cavity and one or more mating slots; and a second body
member adapted to engage the receiving cavity, the second body
member including one or more latching tabs for engaging the one or
more mating slots wherein the second body member is inhibited from
disengagement while the one or more latching tabs engage the one or
more mating slots, and wherein the first body member includes a
portion of the one or more walls defining a security slot adapted
for receiving an interfering object that includes an engagement
mode for insertion and removal from the slot and an interfering
mode for inhibiting the one or more latching tabs from disengaging
from the one or more mating tabs until the interfering object is
transitioned to the engagement mode. Methods include coupling two
buckle components together by engaging latching tabs of a security
buckle into complementary mating slots/apertures and to inhibit
decoupling by interfering with disengagement of the latching tabs.
Systems and methods of using this security buckle and securing
method include pet and container security systems and methods.
Inventors: |
Woods; Michael E.; (Tiburon,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL E. WOODS
3433 WHEELING DRIVE
SANTA CLARA
CA
95051
US
|
Assignee: |
Wine-Woods Enterprises
Tiburon
CA
|
Family ID: |
38556752 |
Appl. No.: |
11/309848 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60767482 |
Apr 1, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/625 ; 24/614;
24/615 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/45529 20150115;
A44B 11/2573 20130101; A44B 11/2576 20130101; Y10T 24/45581
20150115; A44B 11/2519 20130101; Y10T 24/45524 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/625 ; 24/615;
24/614 |
International
Class: |
A44B 11/25 20060101
A44B011/25 |
Claims
1. A security release buckle, comprising: a first body member
having one or more walls defining a receiving cavity and one or
more mating slots; and a second body member adapted to engage said
receiving cavity, said second body member including one or more
latching tabs for engaging said one or more mating slots wherein
said second body member is inhibited from disengagement while said
one or more latching tabs engage said one or more mating slots, and
wherein said first body member includes a portion of said one or
more walls defining a security slot adapted for receiving an
interfering object that includes an engagement mode for insertion
and removal from said slot and an interfering mode for inhibiting
said one or more latching tabs from disengaging from said one or
more mating tabs until said interfering object is transitioned to
said engagement mode.
2. The buckle of claim 1 wherein said body members are designed and
configured to resist disengagement due to torsional, compression,
tension, and shearing of components that may be applied by three
sigma of the human population not equipped with power tools
designed for torquing, crushing, pulling or cutting.
3. The buckle of claim 1 wherein said body members include
structural composite fillers for enhancing resistance to engagement
failures due to torsion, compression, tension, and shearing of one
or more component.
4. The buckle of claim 1 further comprising: one or more strap
engagement couplers included with each body member; and a security
strap coupled to each strap engagement coupler.
5. The buckle of claim 4 wherein said security strap includes
lengthwise anti-shear fibers.
6. A security system, comprising: a security buckle, said security
buckle including a first body member having one or more walls
defining a receiving cavity and one or more mating slots; and a
second body member adapted to engage said receiving cavity, said
second body member including one or more latching tabs for engaging
said one or more mating slots wherein said second body member is
inhibited from disengagement while said one or more latching tabs
engage said one or more mating slots, and wherein said first body
member includes a portion of said one or more walls defining a
security slot adapted for receiving an interfering object that
includes an engagement mode for insertion and removal from said
slot and an interfering mode for inhibiting said one or more
latching tabs from disengaging from said one or more mating tabs
until said interfering object is transitioned to said engagement
mode; a securing subsystem for securing a first object; and a
locking subsystem including said interfering member coupled to a
housing including a locking mechanism to permit transition of said
interfering member responsive to a control, said locking system
engageable with said security slot in said engagement mode and
including a mechanism for inhibiting disengagement when said
interfering member is in said interfering mode.
7. The security system of claim 6 wherein said locking subsystem
includes a localization subsystem for removeably coupling said
locking subsystem to a second object different from said first
object.
8. The security system of claim 7 wherein said localization system
includes a security cable terminating in a loop.
9. The security system of claim 6 wherein said first object is an
animal and said securing system is a harness for said animal.
10. The security system of claim 6 wherein said first object is an
animal and said securing system is a collar for said animal.
11. The security system of claim 6 wherein said securing system is
a container for said first object.
12. The security system of claim 6 wherein said body members are
designed and configured to resist disengagement due to torsional,
compression, tension, and shearing of components that may be
applied by three sigma of the human population not equipped with
power tools designed for torquing, crushing, pulling or
cutting.
13. The security system of claim 6 wherein said body members
include structural composite fillers for enhancing resistance to
engagement failures due to torsion, compression, tension, and
shearing of one or more component.
14. The security system of claim 6 further comprising: one or more
strap engagement couplers included with each body member; and a
security strap coupled to each strap engagement coupler.
15. The security system of claim 14 wherein said security strap
includes lengthwise anti-shear fibers.
16. A buckling method, the method comprising: a) engaging a first
body member having one or more latching tabs into an engagement
receiving cavity of a second body having one or more mating slots
compatible with said one or more latching tabs wherein said first
body member remains engaged with second body member until said one
or more latching tabs disengage said one or more mating slots; and
b) interfering with said disengagement of said one or more latching
tabs from said one or more mating slots to inhibit disengagement of
said first body member from said second body member.
17. A security system for an animal, comprising: a security collar
for engaging the animal, said collar including a security strap
coupling together a pair of body members of a security buckle with
said security buckle including a latching mode and an unlatching
mode; and a locking subsystem, removeably engageable with said
security buckle, for inhibiting said unlatching mode and removal of
said security collar from the animal.
18. The security system of claim 17 wherein said locking subsystem
includes a localization subsystem for limiting movement of said
security collar while said locking system is engaged with said
security buckle.
19. A security system for a container, comprising: a security flap
securing an opening of the container, said flap including a
security strap coupled to one of a pair of body members of a
security buckle with said security buckle including a latching mode
and an unlatching mode and another of said pair of body members
coupled to a portion of the container; and a locking subsystem,
removeably engageable with said security buckle, for inhibiting
said unlatching mode and access to a content of the container
through said opening.
20. The security system of claim 19 wherein said locking subsystem
includes a localization subsystem for limiting movement of the
container while said locking system is engaged with said security
buckle.
21. A security release buckle, comprising: a first body member
having one or more walls defining a receiving cavity and one or
more mating slots; and a second body member adapted to engage said
receiving cavity, said second body member including one or more
latching tabs for engaging said one or more mating slots wherein
said second body member is inhibited from disengagement while said
one or more latching tabs engage said one or more mating slots, and
wherein said first body member includes a cover door for
transitioning between an exposing mode for permitting access to
said one or more latching tabs and a covering mode for inhibiting
access to said one or more latching tabs to inhibit disengagement
of said one or more latching tabs from said one or more mating tabs
until said cover door is transitioned to said exposing mode.
22. The buckle of claim 21 further comprising a security slot
operable with said cover door to inhibit transition from said
covering mode to said exposing mode.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to snap buckles as
well as to systems and methods employing such snap buckles, and
more specifically it relates to configuration of specially adapted
snap buckles for implementation into anti-theft and theft-deterrent
systems and methods.
[0002] FIG. 1 is a representative plan view of one style of a
generic conventional snap buckle 100. Buckle 100 includes a first
body member 105 that mates to a second body member 110 using a pair
of latching tabs 115 of member 105 to engage mating complementary
mating slots 120 of member 110. Member 105 and member 110 each
include strap mounting slots 125 for attaching straps (not shown)
in any number of conventional arrangements. A central guiding post
130 is usually included in some fashion as an aid in insertion of
latching tabs 115 into member 110. Latching tabs 115 are
springingly biased into the latching position so that latching tabs
115 may "squeeze" together during insertion yet positively latch
into mating slots 120 to maintain member 105 in engagement with
member 110 as long as latching tabs 115 engage mating slots 120. To
disengage member 105 from member 110, latching tabs 115 are
depressed towards each other (e.g., "squeezed") to disengage from
mating slots 120 and to permit a user to retract member 105 from
member 110.
[0003] There are many different configurations and arrangements for
snap buckle 100 including use in backpacks, bags, pet collars and
with other objects including solutions wherein it is desirable to
mate two strap ends together. There are some configurations
including a single latching tab engaging a single mating slot but
otherwise the latching principle is the same. Conventional systems
are configured for simple engagement and disengagement and are not
generally contemplated to be part of a security system for
enhancing anti-theft or theft-deterrence of the objects or of the
"contents" of the object (such as the contents of the backpack or
bag or of the pet).
[0004] Most current snaps are not configured to resist tampering or
destruction as they predominately address ease of
engagement/disengagement and latching persistence until a user
positively desires to disengage. Similarly the straps themselves
and any other objects to which these straps are affixed are not
generally configured with anti-theft/security systems in mind. The
buckles, straps, bags may be torqued, pulled, compressed, and
otherwise manipulated to disengage or defeat the latching function
or in the case of a backpack or bag having an opening with content
ingress/egress control influenced by the strap/buckle (e.g., a
fabric fold over the opening secured with the buckle affixed to
straps on the bag and flap) access to the contents may be possible
even with the buckle components engaged.
[0005] What is needed is a buckle system configured for
implementation into anti-theft and theft-deterrent systems and
methods.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Disclosed is a security buckle and method and systems and
methods employing the security buckle and methods. The security
buckle a first body member having one or more walls defining a
receiving cavity and one or more mating slots; and a second body
member adapted to engage the receiving cavity, the second body
member including one or more latching tabs for engaging the one or
more mating slots wherein the second body member is inhibited from
disengagement while the one or more latching tabs engage the one or
more mating slots, and wherein the first body member includes a
portion of the one or more walls defining a security slot adapted
for receiving an interfering object that includes an engagement
mode for insertion and removal from the slot and an interfering
mode for inhibiting the one or more latching tabs from disengaging
from the one or more mating tabs until the interfering object is
transitioned to the engagement mode. Methods include coupling two
buckle components together by engaging latching tabs of a security
buckle into complementary mating slots/apertures and to inhibit
decoupling by interfering with disengagement of the latching tabs.
Systems and methods of using this security buckle and securing
method include pet and container security systems and methods.
[0007] The components, subsystems, and systems and methods describe
a security buckle and security systems and methods that may be
simply and efficiently implemented into anti-theft and
theft-deterrent systems and methods.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a representative plan view of one style of a
generic conventional snap buckle;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a representative plan view of a first aspect of
the present invention incorporated into a two-piece lanyard release
snap buckle;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a representative plan view of a second aspect of
the present invention incorporated into a two-piece lanyard release
snap buckle;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a representative plan view of a third aspect of
the present invention incorporated into a two-piece lanyard release
snap buckle;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a representative plan view of a fourth aspect of
the present invention incorporated into a two-piece lanyard release
snap buckle;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a representative plan view of a first aspect of
the present invention incorporated into a security system;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a representative plan view of a second aspect of
the present invention incorporated into a security system;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a representative plan view of a generic "snapped"
embodiment; and
[0016] FIG. 9 is a representative plan view of an alternative
embodiment for the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The following description is presented to enable one of
ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is
provided in the context of a patent application and its
requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and
the generic principles and features described herein will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present
invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but
is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles
and features described herein.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a representative plan view of a first aspect of
the present invention incorporated into a two-piece lanyard release
snap buckle 200. Buckle 200 includes a first body member 205 that
mates to a second body member 210 using a pair of latching tabs 215
of member 205 to engage complementary mating slots 220 of member
210. Member 205 and member 210 may each include strap mounting
slots 225 for attaching straps (not shown) in any number of
conventional arrangements. A central guiding post 230 may
optionally be included in some fashion as an aid in insertion of
latching tabs 215 into member 210. Latching tabs 215 are
springingly biased into the latching position so that latching tabs
215 may "squeeze" together during insertion yet positively latch
into mating slots 220 to maintain member 205 in engagement with
member 210 as long as latching tabs 215 engage mating slots 220. To
disengage member 205 from member 210, latching tabs 215 are
depressed towards each other (e.g., "squeezed") to disengage from
mating slots 220 and to permit a user to retract member 205 from
member 210. Additionally, member 210 is provided with a security
slot 250 sized to receive an interfering object (not shown) that
extends into member 210 proximate one of latching tabs 215 (e.g.,
between one of tabs 215 and post 230. The interfering object is
adapted to transition between two modes--the first mode permits
engagement/disengagement with security slot 250 and the second mode
resists disengagement and also concurrently inhibits transition of
the one latching tab 215 into the
a.quadrature..quadrature.unlatched' position. Thus while the
interfering object is engaged through security slot 250 and in the
second mode, the one latching tab 215 remains latched and member
205 may not be disengaged from member 210 absent damage or
destruction of one of the components or portions thereof.
[0019] The design and construction of member 205 and 210 is adapted
to resist damage and destruction that could permit disengagement of
member 205 from member 210. The materials selected and design
configuration and interactions are adapted to not be easily
deformed, damaged, or destroyed. While virtually no system is
destruction-proof, emphasizing materials and design to resist
reasonable (within constraints and design parameters of the
particular application) torquing, crushing, pulling, compressive,
tension, and/or shearing forces enhances security up to the design
limits. For example, special crush and tear-resistant plastics may
be used in the construction. An additional concern for enhancing
security could be addition of composites or fibers to prevent
deformation and damage to slot 250 and thereby inhibit premature
removal of the interfering object.
[0020] While it is contemplated that there may be many different
types and configurations of acceptable interfering objects, with
slot 250 adapted appropriately, a preferred embodiment is use of a
MicroSaverA.RTM. security solution provided by Kensington
Technology Group, 333 Twin Dolphin Drive, Sixth Floor, Redwood
Shores, Calif. 94065, or equivalent (details regarding the
MicroSaverA.RTM. security solutions and locks are hereby expressly
incorporated by reference for all purposes). This security solution
provides a rotatable T-bar that may be used as the interfering
object when slot 250 is about three millimeters wide and about
seven millimeters long. The MicroSaverA.RTM.) security solution
includes two modes for the T-bar with a locking system cooperating
with the T-Bar to secure the T-Bar into these modes. A security
cable is coupled to the locking system and may thus be used in some
embodiments of further localizing a locked buckle 200 to a second
object by coupling the security cable to the second object and
using the locking system to secure the T-bar into the second mode
while it engages slot 250 (physical localization may be achieved by
this leashing aspect of constraining movement between the second
object and the buckle by the cable or other localization systems
like motion/alarm system or RFID tags and sensors and the like).
This is described in more detail below but the interfering object
may be used without the security cable when localization is not
required or desired or used with the security cable when
localization is required or desired.
[0021] The Kensington security slot has become a standard security
feature provided in the exterior walls of many electronic and
portable devices, such as laptops, personal computers, personal
digital assistants (PDAs), and the like. For security systems and
products, design and implementation of appropriate security slots
is well-known and adaptation of this security slot for the present
invention is well within the skills of a person of ordinary skill
in the art. Kensington publishes information on slot specification
and use at: http://us.kensington.com/html/1356.html, this
information is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its
entirety for all purposes. The information includes information on
clearances and requirements, for example, among other details. In
some cases, the standard includes use of a metal backing behind
slot 250 to enhance retention of a MicroSaverA.RTM. locking system
to slot 250. Of course, other interfering objects may also be
employed in satisfactory manner and are within the scope of the
present invention.
[0022] A further design configuration of a security system using
buckle 200 is, when configured for use with straps, is to provide
the straps to also resist detaching or destruction by torquing,
shearing, compressing, and/or tension forces. For example, use of
tear and cut-resistant Kevlar fibers in the straps or the like and
secure coupling of the straps to slot engagement slots 225 may be
appropriate. Note that in some systems, buckle 200 may be employed
in a security using a coupling system that does not include straps
and the coupler mechanism 225 would be adapted or removed as
appropriate.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a representative plan view of a second aspect of
the present invention incorporated into a two-piece lanyard release
snap buckle 300. Buckle 300 includes a first body member 305 that
mates to a second body member 310 using a pair of latching tabs 215
of member 305 to engage complementary mating slots 220 of member
310. Member 305 and member 310 are similar to member 205 and member
205, respectively, described above regarding FIG. 1 but modified as
described later. Member 305 and member 310 may each include strap
mounting slots 225 for attaching straps (not shown) in any number
of conventional arrangements. A central guiding post 315 is
included as an aid in insertion of latching tabs 215 into member
310 and also to retain latching tabs 215 in the latched position.
Latching tabs 215 are springingly biased into the latching position
so that latching tabs 215 may "squeeze" together during insertion
yet positively latch into mating slots 220 to maintain member 305
in engagement with member 310 as long as latching tabs 215 engage
mating slots 220. To disengage member 305 from member 310, latching
tabs 215 are depressed towards each other (e.g., "squeezed") to
disengage from mating slots 220 and to permit a user to retract
member 305 from member 310. Additionally, member 310 is provided
with security slot 250 as discussed above but positioned for a
slightly different function.
[0024] Post 315 is a fork having a pair of tines and slot 250 is
positioned so that the interfering object (not shown) may be
inserted between the tines. The interfering object in this
configuration transitions the tines of post 315 between a first
mode (as shown in FIG. 2) and to a second mode that spreads the
tines and inhibits transition of latching tabs 215 from
disengagement from mating slots 220. The interfering object in this
aspect indirectly interferes with latching tabs 215 in contrast to
direct interference with one or more of latching tabs 215 as shown
in FIG. 2. As previously discussed, the interfering object is
adapted to transition between two modes--the first mode permits
engagement/disengagement with security slot 250 and the second mode
resists disengagement and also concurrently inhibits transition of
latching tabs 215 into the a.quadrature..quadrature.unlatched'
position by the interactions of the interfering object and the
tines of post 315. Thus while the interfering object is engaged
through security slot 250 and in the second mode, the latching tabs
215 remains latched and member 305 may not be disengaged from
member 310 absent damage or destruction of one of the components or
portions thereof. In other respects, buckle 300 and the types of
interfering objects are as described above in the discussion of
FIG. 2.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a representative plan view of a third aspect of
the present invention incorporated into a two-piece lanyard release
snap buckle 400. Buckle 400 includes a first body member 405 that
mates to a second body member 310 using a pair of latching tabs 215
of member 405 to engage complementary mating slots 220 of member
310. Member 405 is similar to member 205 and member 305 described
above in connection with FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Member 310 is also
described above in FIG. 3. Member 405 and member 310 may each
include strap mounting slots 225 for attaching straps (not shown)
in any number of conventional arrangements. The central guiding
post (e.g., post 215 and post 315) are omitted from body 405,
however some stub of this post may be provided when the function is
structural and not just for guiding. Latching tabs 215 are
springingly biased into the latching position so that latching tabs
215 may "squeeze" together during insertion yet positively latch
into mating slots 220 to maintain member 405 in engagement with
member 310 as long as latching tabs 215 engage mating slots 220. To
disengage member 405 from member 310, latching tabs 215 are
depressed towards each other (e.g., "squeezed") to disengage from
mating slots 220 and to permit a user to retract member 405 from
member 310. Additionally, member 310 is provided with security slot
250 as discussed above in FIG. 3.
[0026] With the central guiding post removed (or shortened--not
shown), the interfering object in this configuration transitions
directly interferes with latching tabs 215 in contrast to the
indirect interference with one or more of latching tabs 215 as
shown in FIG. 3. As previously discussed, the interfering object is
adapted to transition between two modes--the first mode permits
engagement/disengagement with security slot 250 and the second mode
resists disengagement and also concurrently inhibits transition of
latching tabs 215 into the a.quadrature..quadrature.unlatched'
position by the interactions of the interfering object proximate to
latching tabs 215. Thus while the interfering object is engaged
through security slot 250 and in the second mode, the latching tabs
215 remains latched and member 305 may not be disengaged from
member 310 absent damage or destruction of one of the components or
portions thereof. In other respects, buckle 400 and the types of
interfering objects are as described above in the discussion of
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a representative plan view of a fourth aspect of
the present invention incorporated into a two-piece lanyard release
snap buckle 500. Buckle 500 includes first body member 405 as shown
in FIG. 4 above that mates to a second body member 505 using a pair
of latching tabs 215 of member 405 to engage complementary mating
slots 220 of member 505. Member 505 is similar to member 210 and
member 310 described above in connection with FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and
FIG. 4. Member 405 and member 505 may each include strap mounting
slots 225 for attaching straps (not shown) in any number of
conventional arrangements. Latching tabs 215 are springingly biased
into the latching position so that latching tabs 215 may "squeeze"
together during insertion yet positively latch into mating slots
220 to maintain member 405 in engagement with member 505 as long as
latching tabs 215 engage mating slots 220. To disengage member 405
from member 505, latching tabs 215 are depressed towards each other
(e.g., "squeezed") to disengage from mating slots 220 and to permit
a user to retract member 405 from member 505.
[0028] Member 505 differs from member 210 and 310 in several ways
including integration of a lock 510 incorporating interfering
member 515. In this embodiment, lock 510 may include a "dial"
configuration so that movement of an exterior portion (e.g.,
rotation) rotates interfering member 515 to inhibit latching tabs
215 when in the second mode as described above. (The modes are
similar to described above except in this embodiment the
interfering object is not inserted and/or removed as it is
integrated into member 505.) That is, when lock 510 positions
interfering object 515 into the first mode, latching tabs 215 may
be depressed together for unlatching as interfering member 515 is
in the first mode and does inhibit the unlatching. When the lock
positions interfering object 515 into the second mode, latching
tabs 215 may not be depressed and member 405 is secured to member
505. In some instances, it may still be desirable to employ a
locking and/or localizing feature in which case security slot 250
may also be included. Advantageously, should dimensions of lock 510
and other arrangement permit, providing for the T-bar of the
MicroSaverA.RTM. lock to interfere with interfering member 515 is
one way to achieve positive keyed/combination locking with
localization (e.g., the security cable). The T-bar in one position
is inserted/removed from slot 250 and in the other position it
resists removal and prevents transition of interfering member 515
back to the first mode. In other respects, buckle 500 and the types
of interfering objects are as described above in the discussion of
FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4.
[0029] While the interfering member has been described above as an
anti-theft system, use of an interfering object may also serve in
some instances as a control to enhance positive latching and to
prevent inadvertent unlatching. In this case, the interfering
member may not include a locking system to positively inhibit
transition of the interfering member from the second mode back to
the first absent key or combination but serves more as a simple
detent that must be transitioned before unlatching occurs.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a representative plan view of a first aspect of
the present invention incorporated into a security system 600.
System 600 includes a security buckle 605 coupled to a securing
subsystem 610 (e.g., straps) and a locking subsystem 615. Security
buckle 605 is a latching and locking buckle that may be inhibited
from unlatching by use of an interfering member, such as for
example as described above in the context of FIG. 2 through FIG. 5.
Securing subsystem is used to retain/control an object or access to
an object or to a cavity within an object. In this particular
exemplary case, securing subsystem 610 is a collar (or with use of
optional buckle 620 a harness) for a pet such as for example a dog
or a cat optionally including one or more security straps. As
discussed above, it may be desirable to provide straps used in
securing subsystem 610 with a tear/cut resistance construction such
as inclusion of Kevlar or similar fibers, threads, and/or cables.
Additionally special stitching or other configuration to prevent or
inhibit removal of a strap end from coupling with buckle 605 (e.g.,
rivets, studs, or heat/chemical-processing to integrate the
coupling) may be desirable.
[0031] Locking subsystem 615 may include a MicroSaverA.RTM. lock as
described above in the discussion of FIG. 2 through FIG. 5, or
other similar system. Locking subsystem 615 includes an interfering
member 625 (e.g., a T-bar and cooperating pin-plate or other
similar system) a housing 630 supporting interfering member 625 and
a locking system controlling transition of interfering member 625
between a first mode and a second mode responsive to a control
(e.g., a key 635 or combination for a combination lock). In the
first mode interfering member engages security buckle 605 as
described above when buckle members are latched together. In the
second mode, when so engaged, interfering member 625 operates to
inhibit unlatching until interfering member 615 is transitioned to
the first mode and, in some cases, disengaged from security buckle
605.
[0032] Locking subsystem 615 includes in some cases a localization
feature (e.g., a security cable 640 terminating in a closed loop
645 sized so that the combination of interfering member 625 and
housing 630 may pass therethrough. When cable 640 is wrapped around
a second object OBJ, for example a tree or other difficult to move
object) and housing 630 is passed through loop 645, locking
subsystem 615 is localized (e.g., tethered) physically to second
object OBJ. Engaging locking subsystem 615 to security buckle 605
thereby localizes system 600 to second object OBJ and therefore
localizes the pet collared by securing subsystem 610 to second
object OBJ as long as system 600 is so configured. Using key 635
provides further inhibition of unauthorized removal of the pet as
the securing subsystem 610 may not be removed or delocalized until
locking subsystem 615 is disengaged or system 600 is defeated. Thus
system 600 provides a simple and efficient solution for pet owners
that are required or desire to leave their pet unattended for short
periods, such as when entering a retail or commercial location
prohibiting pets.
[0033] It is often the case that collars (and harnesses) are
provided including a certain degree of adjustment for neck/body
circumference customization. A preferred mode for a security collar
(or harness) is to provide for limited adjustment by allowing
limited but moveable adjustment of one of the security straps. For
example, one end of a security strap may be free and permit sliding
through a strap coupler within a limited range so that different
neck sizes may be accommodated as desired but a fully lengthened
collar is sufficiently short not to slip over a head of the
protected animal. One way to limit this range of motion is to have
a sliding coupling system in which the free end is doubled over or
otherwise adapted to not fit through the strap coupler.
[0034] Of course, when securing subsystem 610 is adapted for other
objects, or access to objects, similar inhibition against
delocalization or access to these other objects is possible and
contemplated by the present invention. Such as, for example, the
system shown in FIG. 7.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a representative plan view of a second aspect of
the present invention incorporated into a security system 700.
System 700 includes security buckle 605 (shown and described in the
context of FIG. 6) coupled to a securing subsystem 705 (e.g., a
purse, bag, backpack, and the like) and locking subsystem 615 (also
shown and described in FIG. 6). Security buckle 605 is a latching
and locking buckle that may be inhibited from unlatching by use of
an interfering member, such as for example as described above in
the context of FIG. 2 through FIG. 5. Securing subsystem 705 is
used to retain/control an object or access to an object or to a
cavity within an object. In this particular exemplary case,
securing subsystem 705 is a briefcase having a body 710 with walls
defining an interior cavity for storing objects such as files,
documents, and the like that is accessed through an opening. A flap
715 cooperates with body 710 for covering and closing the opening.
In a preferred embodiment, contents of bag 710 are only accessible
through the opening and only accessible through the opening when
flap 715 is open. A first security strap 720 couples a portion of
bag 710 to one operable body member of security buckle 605 and a
second security strap 725 couples a portion of flap 715 to the
other operable body member of security buckle 605. As discussed
above, it may be desirable to provide the straps used in system 700
with a tear/cut resistance construction such as inclusion of Kevlar
or similar fibers, threads, and/or cables. Additionally special
stitching or other configuration to prevent or inhibit removal of a
strap end from coupling with buckle 605 (e.g., rivets, studs, or
heat/chemical-processing to integrate the coupling) may be
desirable in some instances.
[0036] Locking subsystem 615 may include a MicroSaverA.RTM.) lock
as described above in the discussion of FIG. 2 through FIG. 6, or
other similar system. Locking subsystem 615 includes an interfering
member 625 (e.g., a T-bar and cooperating pin-plate or other
similar system) a housing 630 supporting interfering member 625 and
a locking system controlling transition of interfering member 625
between a first mode and a second mode responsive to a control
(e.g., a key 635 or combination for a combination lock). In the
first mode interfering member engages security buckle 605 as
described above when buckle members are latched together. In the
second mode, when so engaged, interfering member 625 operates to
inhibit unlatching until interfering member 615 is transitioned to
the first mode and, in some cases, disengaged from security buckle
605.
[0037] Locking subsystem 615 includes in some cases a localization
feature (e.g., a security cable 640 terminating in a closed loop
645 sized so that the combination of interfering member 625 and
housing 630 may pass therethrough. When cable 640 is wrapped around
a second object OBJ, for example an eyehook or the like fixed to a
wall of library or the like) and housing 630 is passed through loop
645, locking subsystem 615 is localized (e.g., tethered) physically
to second object OBJ. Engaging locking subsystem 615 to security
buckle 605 thereby localizes system 700 to second object OBJ and
therefore localizes bag 710 and its contents by securing subsystem
705 to second object OBJ as long as system 700 is so configured.
Using key 635 provides further inhibition of unauthorized removal
of bag 710 or its contents as the securing subsystem 610 may not be
removed or delocalized until locking subsystem 615 is disengaged or
system 700 is defeated. Thus system 700 provides a simple and
efficient solution for owners that are required or desire to leave
their bag unattended for short periods, such as when accessing
reference materials in a library or attending meetings in an office
or standing in a queue at a delicatessen or the like.
[0038] It is often the case that containers are provided including
a certain degree of adjustment for volume customization. A
preferred mode for a security container is to provide for limited
adjustment by allowing limited but moveable adjustment of one of
the security straps. For example, one end of a security strap may
be free and permit sliding through a strap coupler within a limited
range so that different container volumes may be accommodated as
desired but a fully expanded container is sufficiently closed to
not permit access to the container contents when the flap is closed
and latched. One way to limit this range of motion is to have a
sliding coupling system in which the free end is doubled over or
otherwise adapted to not fit through the strap coupler.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a representative plan view of a generic "snapped"
embodiment 800 and represents any of the snap fastener (e.g., side,
front, other buckle style) in a generic view. FIG. 9 is a
representative plan view of an alternative embodiment for the
present invention of a security buckle 900 interfacing with a
modified version of the embodiment 800. Security buckle 900
includes a cover door 905 pivoting about an axis 910 and including
a security slot 915. Many of the embodiments described above
provide for a direct interference with the locking members,
preventing or inhibiting operation of exposed locking members.
[0040] Buckle 900 is an alternative class of solution as it
provides cover door 905 to prevent access to one or more locking
members and thus the members may not be manipulated or operated to
release the buckle. In buckle 900, cover door moves (e.g., swings
about axis 910 though other systems may be used to hinge, slide,
rotate, or reposition cover door between an exposing mode and a
covering mode). FIG. 9 illustrates the covering mode wherein door
cover 905 covers the locking members, preventing/inhibiting
operation. The manner and degree to which door cover 905 covers or
inhibits/prevents operation depends upon the desired degree of
security and resource cost.
[0041] Door cover 910 includes security slot 915 which serves to
hold cover door 905 in the covering mode and inhibiting movement to
the exposed mode as long as an appropriate locking system engages
security slot 915. Additionally, for solutions that desired
localization, the locking system may include a localization tether
which also maintains the buckle 900 (and any apparatus to which it
is attached) localized based upon the localization system (cable,
hard-tether, or electronic tether (alarm, motion detector, RFID
tag/reader systems, and the like). As long as door 905 remains
closed, buckle 900 is in the covered mode and buckle 900 remains
latched and secured. Unlocking the locking system (e.g., removing
the Microsaver product) from slot 915 enables buckle 900 to
transition to the exposing mode and the locking arms may be
operated to disengage the components of buckle 900.
[0042] As also described above, different latching systems suggest
different door 905 configurations may be appropriate. Further, in
some instances a latching system may be used to temporarily hold
door 905 in place to inhibit transition of door 905 to the exposed
mode (e.g., a thumbwheel or other element holding (without keyed
(combo or key) locking) of door 905 in the covered mode. In some
instances, slot may not be in cover door 905 but otherwise operable
to inhibit transition from the covering mode to the exposing
mode.
[0043] In the description herein, numerous specific details are
provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide
a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an
embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or more of
the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies,
methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other
instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not
specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring
aspects of embodiments of the present invention. In some cases, the
security buckles described may be incorporated into child safety
harnesses to inhibit the child from self-releasing the fastening
system prematurely. The embodiments shown and described above, such
as solutions without the tether, may be used, for example, in the
child seat harnesses while with a tethering sub-system may be
appropriate, for example, for use in child walking harnesses.
[0044] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment",
"an embodiment", or "a specific embodiment" means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus,
respective appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an
embodiment", or "in a specific embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the
same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,
or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present
invention may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more
other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and
modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described
and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings
herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of
the present invention.
[0045] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements
depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more
separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as
inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a
particular application. It is also within the spirit and scope of
the present invention to implement a program or code that can be
stored in a machine-readable medium to permit a computer to perform
any of the methods described above.
[0046] Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures
should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless
otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term "or" as used
herein is generally intended to mean "and/or" unless otherwise
indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be
considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as
rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.
[0047] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims
that follow, "a", "an", and "the" includes plural references unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the
description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0048] The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the
present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and
examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative
purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within
the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in
the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these
modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the
foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present
invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0049] Thus, while the present invention has been described herein
with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of
modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the
foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some
instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be
employed without a corresponding use of other features without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth.
Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the
present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited
to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of
the appended claims. Thus, the scope of the invention is to be
determined solely by the appended claims.
* * * * *
References