GB2434683A - Anti pickpocket alarm - Google Patents

Abstract

A pickpocket alarm is fitted to the opening of a pocket, for example in an item of clothing or hand luggage, and alerts the owner of unauthorised access to the item in question. The alarm may comprise a magnetic actuator 1 attached to the fastening, such as a zip or button, of the opening. A reed switch sensor 2 may be attached to the lining of the clothing or hand luggage, close to the normal resting place of the magnetic actuator 1. If a pickpocket attempts to access the opening then the magnetic actuator 1 is pulled away from the reed switch sensor 2, causing an audible alarm 3 to be activated. A control unit 4 may be operated by the owner to cancel or override the audible alarm 3.

Description

<p>I</p>

<p>DESCRIPTION</p>

<p>Pickpocket Alarm Clothing and hand luggage have traditionally contained pockets or openings to store personal possessions. Some of these openings are fastenable by some form of button or zip to prevent accidental loss or to make unauthorised access difficult. The pickpocket alarm is a further layer of security and provides an audible alarm to warn of theft or attempted theft.</p>

<p>The device is designed to alert the owner of unauthorised access to a pocket in an item of clothing or to a pocketlopening in hand luggage or luggage normally carried with the person.</p>

<p>The pickpocket alarm is concealed within the protected clothing or item of luggage and activates an audible alarm following unauthorised access to a protected pocket or bag.</p>

<p>The device is comprised of the following elements (with reference to the attached drawing): I. An actuator 2. A sensor 3. An alarm/sounder unit 4. A control unit These elements may be provided separately or combined depending on the needs of the individual installation.</p>

<p>The actuator is attached to the opening device of the pocket. The sensor is attached to the clothing close to the actuator such that it triggers when the actuator is moved away from it. The sensor is connected to a control unit, which causes an alarm to be sounded when the sensor detects that the actuator has moved. The control unit also provides a manual override switch to allow the user access to the pocket without the alarm sounding. In addition, the override will automatically be cleared after a specific time to ensure continuing protection.</p>

<p>in the particular installation shown in the diagram, the actuator (a magnet) is attached to the zipper toggle of the pocket to be protected. The sensor (reed switch) is secured to the lining of the jacket close to the normal resting place of the actuator. The control unit is placed in an external pocket so that it is within easy reach of the user. The alarm unit is placed in or near the collar to ensure that the user can hear it over any</p>

<p>background noise.</p>

<p>DESCRIPTION continue&</p>

<p>Pickpocket Alarm KEY TO ENCLOSED DRAWINI: I. Actuator 2. Sensor 3. Alarm/sounder unit 4. Controlunit 5. Hidden wiring 6. Inside pocket 7. Outer pocket This-drawing shows-the Pick4'oGket Alarm as fitted -tG a conventional-Jacket. -It ca also be fitted to openings in handbags, rucksacks and luggage.</p>

Claims (1)

1. <p>CLAIMS</p>

   <p>1. A device to alert a user by way of an alarm to the opening of a pocket or a zip.</p>

   <p>2. A device as in claim I to include a control unit which can temporarily disable the alarm to allow the user unimpeded access to the pocket or zip.</p>

   <p>3. The control unit as in claim 2 to sense the state of the sensor periodically to minimise power consumption.</p>

   <p>4. A device as claimed in preceding claims which is connected by concealed wiring.</p>

   <p>5. A device as claimed in claims 1-3 which is controlled using wireless technology.</p>

   <p>6. A device as claimed in preceding claims which is built-in to an item of clothing or luggage at the time of manufacture.</p>

   <p>7 A device as claimed in claims 1-5 which can be affixed to existing clothing or luggage.</p>