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Description  |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a means for preventing theft of
various items of personal property, and more particularly to a device for
preventing theft of unattended snow skis and the like.
The invention is particularly useful in connection with snow skis and will,
therefore, be described with particular reference thereto. However, it
must be appreciated that the invention has a broad range of applicability
and may, indeed, be useful in preventing or deterring the unauthorized
movement of various other items including golf clubs, luggage, purses,
briefcases, video equipment, etc.
It is common practice for skiers to leave their skis unattended from time
to time as they enter buildings, lodges, and the like. Indeed, it is not
unusual for ski lodges and other buildings frequented by skiers to have
many pairs of skis left outside the entrances thereto. Thus, such areas
create an inviting location for willing vandals or thieves to damage or
wrongfully appropriate ski equipment belonging to others. Accordingly, it
remains desirable to provide new and improved theft alarms to prevent or
deter such activity.
Examples of ski theft alarms of the prior art are disclosed in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,023,157 (Miller) and 4,535,322 (Yeski). Miller discloses an
electronic theft alarm for portable articles, including skis, which may be
attached to a particular article by way of a set of pivoting jaws. Once
the jaws of the Miller device have been locked about the article, the
device is activated to trigger a motion sensing electronic circuit
therein. Such circuit will then trigger an audible alarm in response to
any detected unauthorized movement of the article. Yeski discloses a theft
alarm and runaway ski locator comprising a housing attached or mounted on
top of one ski surface and having an audible signaling device and power
source positioned within such housing. A remote switch with lockable jaws
is connected via a cable to the device such that the cable may be wrapped
around a pole or other stationary object prior to clipping of the jaws in
a desired position. When the jaws are removed from their placed position,
or when the cable is cut, an audible alarm will sound. By such
arrangement, the Yeski device is purportedly usable as a ski alarm as well
as a lost ski locator to help the skier find runaway skis. The anti-theft
capability of the Yeski device generally requires extension of the cable
and locking jaws around a pole or other stationary object, thereby locking
the skis to such object.
Additionally, various types of motion sensitive alarms have been described
elsewhere. Examples of such motion sensitive alarms are found in, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,190,828 (Wolf), 4,365,240 (Scarpino III et al.), and 4,057,791
(Bimmerle).
Although such prior art devices have proven effective in each of the
limited applications, there remains a substantial need in the art for a
truly portable, multi-directionally motion sensitive anti-theft device for
use with snow skis and other items of personal property. Accordingly, the
present invention is directed to one such device as described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention contemplates a novel motion sensing alarm device for
securing unattended skis and other easily movable items of personal
property.
In accordance with the invention there is provided a security device or
"burglar alarm" adapted for attachment to a pair of skis or other items of
personal property. Such security device is further adapted to emit an
alarm signal when such property is subjected to a predetermined level of
unauthorized movement in any direction.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the device may
include a micro-controller component having a simple computer containing a
logic control unit, a small amount of read-write memory, and a fixed ROM
that contains a desired program.
In accordance with an even further aspect of the invention the device is
alternately switchable between an "armed" mode or a "sleeping" mode in
accordance with input commands received from the operator and/or the
sensing of certain conditions by the device. One manner in which the
device may be "armed" is through the movement of an external switch
applying immediate ground to previously unpowered subcircuits within the
device. Such subcircuits will then signal the micro-controller of the
device to initiate an operational program as well as a variety of
attendant or accessory functions, such as battery checking, etc. The
device will thereafter follow such operational program to (a) monitor a
motion sensing component within the device and (b) monitor a ski retention
tether cable attached to the exterior of the device. If the motion sensing
component senses a predetermined level of unauthorized movement of the
skis or if any effort is made to disconnect or cut the tether cable, the
device will respond by emitting an audible alarm.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention the device may
be powered by one or more batteries Such battery powered embodiment of the
invention may be further provided with a low battery detector circuit
which will periodically check the battery circuit and, if the battery
voltage is incorrect or current too low, will cause the unit to "beep" in
short tones intended as an operator feedback signal. After emission of
such operator feedback signal, the battery detector circuit will
subsequently cause the device to go into its "sleeping" state until the
batteries have been changed or the problem corrected.
In accordance with an even further aspect of the invention the unit may be
adapted to emit periodic short beeping sounds (i.e., every 15 seconds)
during use. Such beeping sounds emanating from the armed device are
intended to render its presence obvious to potential thieves or vandals,
thereby serving as a psycological deterrent to theft as well as a true
"burglar alarm" should the perpetuator prove unresponsive to such
psychological deterrent.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention the device will be
specifically programmed to require more than a single sudden movement
before sounding its audible alarm. Thus, if one's skis were to be
accidentally knocked over while the inventive device is armed and
functioning, no alarm would sound unless some subsequent or continued
movement were to occur. However, repetitive or continual movement of the
skis would result in the sounding of an alarm to warn the rightful
possessor of possible theft or tampering.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention the device is
provided with a conductive tether cable adapted for extension around the
skis. Additionally, the device may be programmed to signal the operator in
the event that it is "armed", but the tether cable remains detached. Thus,
after the operator has entered a keyboard code arming the device, along
with any required "sensitivity" or "alarm duration" orders, the unit will
go into its "armed" mode. Thereafter, the device will emit a predetermined
pattern of short beeps until such time as the tether cable is properly
connected. If the tether cable is so connected, the unit will then become
fully armed and functional. However, if the tether remains unattached and
the operator fails to heed the "unattached tether warning beeps", the unit
will subsequently go into its sleeping mode until such time as it is
rearmed. The tether will generally comprise an electrically conductive
cable having connectors positioned at either end thereof so as to be
insertible into opposite ports provided on the exterior unit. Thus, such
tether may be plugged into one port, extended around the pair of skis, and
plugged into the opposite port, thereby completing a circuit between the
first port and the second port of the device.
A principal object of the device is to provide a portable,
multi-directionally motion sensitive anti-theft device for use with snow
skis and other personal property subject to unauthorized movement.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a motion sensitive
security warning device for use with skis and other personal property
which will refrain from emitting an alarm signal when such property is
merely subjected to a single movement as may occur accidentally, but which
will certainly sound an appropriate alarm signal if subsequent or
continued movement occurs.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an anti-theft security
device of the foregoing character which is sufficiently portable to be
attached to a pair of snow skis in a permanent or semi-permanent manner
while not interfering with routine use of the skis.
A still further object of the invention is to provide an anti-theft
security device of the foregoing character which is relatively simple to
operate and which may be manufactured in a reproducible and economically
feasible manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred ski security device of the
present invention operatively connected to a pair of snow skis;
FIG. 2, is an expanded perspective view of a preferred device of the
present invention operatively connected to a pair of snow skis;
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a preferred motion sensing component of the present
invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the electrical components and circuitry of
a presently preferred embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram summarizing the presently preferred operative
methodology of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As shown in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention
includes an alarm device 10 mounted as by way of an adhesive strip on the
upper surface of a ski 12. In a normal unattended position, the ski 12
bearing the device 10 is positioned next to its paired ski 14. The tether
cable 16 extends around both skis 12 and 14 so as to firmly attach the
device 10 to the ski pair 12 and 14 and to complete an electrical circuit
within the device.
The various aspects of the device may be more fully appreciated from the
expanded view of FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the device 10 is again shown in its
operative position mounted on the upper surface of ski 12. The tether
cable 16 is shown to extend from an output port 18 of the device around
the pair of skis and is attached at its opposite end by way of a connector
20 to an input port located on the front of the device 10. With the tether
cable 16 connected in the manner shown in FIG. 2, an external key 22 may
be moved to its triggering position by the operator. Thereafter, the
device 10 will continually monitor the consistency of the circuit
completed by cable 16 and, if any effort is made to remove or disconnect
the cable, an alarm will sound.
Also, an internal motion sensing component of the device will be
continually monitored by the armed device. A keyboard 24 is positioned on
the face of the device 10 enables the operator to input various commands
and codes. Specifically, the operator may input a release or "unlock" code
through the keyboard which will function to de-arm the device prior to
authorized movement of the skis or detachment of the tether cable 16.
The motion sensing alarm function of the device is achieved through the use
of a motion sensor component, such as that shown in FIG. 3. The motion
sensor component of the device comprises generally an insulated substrate
40 having multiple conductors 42, 44, 46, and 48 positioned thereon. A
mercury ball 50 is freely positioned within the area defined by the
conductors 42, 44, 46, and 48 and a conductive cover 52 is positioned over
the entire insulated substrate enclosing the conductors 42, 44, 46, and 48
and the mercury ball 50. The cover 52 is, itself, connected to ground
potential. The multiple conductors 42, 44, 46, and 48 are, likewise,
connected to one or more input ports of a micro-controller positioned
within the device. Accordingly, if the motion sensor component is tilted
or accelerated in any direction, the mercury ball 50 will come into
contact with one or more of the conductors 42, 44, 46, or 48, or the
conductive cover 52, thereby grounding one or more of the connected
micro-controller ports. Such completed circuit will thus signal the
micro-controller that an unauthorized movement has occurred. The preferred
motion sensor component shown in FIG. 3 is presently commercially
available as a component part through Signal Systems, P.O. Box 198,
Holmdel, N.J.
FIG. 4 shows a schematic wiring diagram of the present invention. The
micro-controller component 60 is operatively connected to the various
subcircuits and external components of the device as shown. A battery 62
is operatively connected to the micro-controller as well as to several
subcircuits 64, 66, 68, and 70 which provide input to the
micro-controller. The reset circuit 64, clock oscillator 66, and low
battery detector 68 subcircuits are conventional circuits well known in
the art. The motion sensing subcircuit 70 includes the motion sensor
component shown in FIG. 3 and described above.
As shown in FIG. 4, the multiple conductors of the motion sensor are
connected to input ports of the micro-controller. Thus, any movement
induced grounding of any of the conductors within the motion sensor
component will cause a resultant grounding of one or more of the
micro-controller ports to which the motion sensor conductors are attached.
The keyboard 72 is connected to separate micro-controller input ports 74,
76, and 78 as well as output ports 80, 82, and 84. The tether circuit 86
extends between output port 88 and input port 90. The tether circuit 86
extends within the tether cable described above in connection with FIGS. 1
and 2. An alarm 92 receives its output signal from an output port 94 of
the micro-controller and is independently connected to battery 62. A
separate output port 94 of the micro-controller is connected to transistor
96 which, in turn, is operatively connected to a line running between the
"arm" key 98 and the various reset 64, clock oscillator 66, low battery
68, and motion sensor 70 subcircuits.
When the operator wishes to activate the device, he presses the "arm" key
90. Depression of the "arm" key 90 causes a ground to be applied to the
previously unpowered subcircuits, including the reset 64, clock oscillator
66, low battery detector 68, and motion sensor 70 subcircuits.
Accordingly, upon arming of the device, the reset subcircuit 64 will
function to reset the micro-controller 60 and to thereby begin its
operative program.
OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The operation of the preferred embodiment is carried out in accordance with
the block diagram of FIG. 5.
When the batteries are first put into the unit or when the "arm" key is
depressed 100, the unit will check the voltage and or current received
from the battery. If the voltage and or current is too low, the
microprocessor will cause the unit to "beep" eight (8) times and the unit
will then power down into its sleeping state 102. If, on the other hand,
the batteries are satisfactory, the unit will emit four (4) short beeps
104 to signal the operator that the unit is prepared to receive his
"unlock" code. Such "unlock" code will consist of a predetermined number
or series of digits which the microprocessor has been programmed to accept
as a valid "unlock" code. Accordingly, the operator will enter his
"unlock" code 106 via the keyboard of the device. If the "unlock" code
which has been entered matches one of the previously programmed valid
codes stored in the micro-controller, the device will then be readied to
receive one or two additional numerical codes for the purpose of setting
the "sensitivity" and "alarm duration" of the device 108. Generally, the
"sensitivity" and "alarm duration" codes will be single digit codes from 1
to 9. The sensitivity numerical code determines the amount of time that
may transpire between the first motion detected by the device and any
second or continual motion sufficient to trigger its alarm. In a simple
program the sensitivity code entered will be multiplied by two (2) to
arrive at the number of seconds the unit will continue to monitor the
motion sensing component between first motion and second motion sufficient
to trigger the alarm. Thus, if a sensitivity code of two (2) is entered,
the actual lag time will be five (5) times two (2) seconds equal ten (10)
seconds. In such example, if the unit detects an initial motion, it will
continue to monitor the motion sensor for a period of ten (10) seconds. If
it detects a second motion within that ten-second interval, the alarm will
be triggered. If the ten-second interval passes with no second motion
being sensed, the device will return to its general "armed" mode.
The "alarm" duration numerical code is generally multiplied by thirty (30)
seconds to arrive at the amount of time the alarm will sound after it has
been triggered by unauthorized motion or disconnection of the tether.
After such time has elapsed, the unit will go back to its general "armed"
mode. Thus, if an alarm duration numerical code of two (2) is entered by
the keyboard, the alarm will sound for a period of two (2) times thirty
(30) seconds equals sixty (60) seconds before terminating. Of course, the
input of a "sensitivity" code and "alarm duration" code are optional. If
the operator chooses not to input specific code numbers, the device will
resort to a preset "default" setting, such as five (5) for sensitivity and
two (2) for alarm duration.
After the "unlock" code and the "sensitivity" and "alarm duration" codes
have been entered, the operator will then attach the tether cable 110 to
the device, thereby completing the tether cable circuit. If the tether
cable remains unattached, the unit will emit an "unattached tether signal"
112. Such warning signal will consist of two short beeps per second until
the tether is attached or for a period of fifteen seconds. If the tether
is properly attached 114 during such period, or if it had been previously
attached 110 prior to emission of any "unattached tether signal" 112, the
unit will become fully armed and functional 116. If, however, the
15-second unattached tether signal period 112 is allowed to expire without
attachment of the tether cable, the unit will go to sleep 118.
Presuming that the tether cable is attached in time and the unit becomes
armed and functional 116, it may emit a short beep every 10 seconds to let
those around it know that the unit is armed. However, it may not always be
desirable for such continual beeping to occur. Therefore, the device is
programmed to permit the operator to elect a personal "unlock" code which
will either trigger or not trigger such continual beeping of the device
while armed. Specifically, the device will be adapted such that entry of a
personal "unlock" code ending in an even number will cause the device to
beep every 10 seconds while armed. Entry of a personal "unlock" code
ending in an odd number will not cause the device to beep while armed.
Thus, the operator may elect whether such continual beeping function is
desired.
When the operator wishes to disarm the unit, he may simply enter his
personal "unlock" code 120 via the keyboard of the device. As each key is
depressed, the unit will beep once to announce acceptance of the key.
After depression of the first key, the operator is permitted 15 seconds
before an alarm will sound to enter the proper code. If he enters the
proper code the unit will beep four times and go to sleep. Thereafter, the
tether may be disconnected and the skis may be moved around at will.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with a preferred
embodiment, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may
be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Such
modifications and variations are considered to be within the perview and
scope of the invention and the claims appended hereto.
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