Security clip device

Abstract

An electronic security clip device for use with an electronic security alarm system, mounted on a cable having a switch for providing an alarm signal. The switch, including a probe movable to an alarm position, is positioned in a clamp body with a lower jaw to engage a pivoting upper jaw which are locked so an object between them prevents the probe from sending an alarm. One embodiment of the lock includes a collar for movement to a normally closed position. Preferably the upper jaw and the clamp body each include a plurality of short longitudinally extending ridges of increasing height progressing toward the collar for engagement in the normally closed position. The body also includes a sliding trigger bar movable to a locked position and having a tang for locking the collar in the normally closed position. Another embodiment of the lock includes a locking arm having a cam follower and a cam surface having an upper locus for urging the upper jaw in the normally closed position and a lower locus for movement to an open position. A preferred cam surface includes a plurality of circumferentially extending spherically headed pins of varying heights such that the cam follower snaps into a desired position between pin heads. The cam surface is rotatable from the lower locus to the upper locus in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Also included is a lock on the clamp body for locking the cam surface in a desired position of rotation.