WO1994005885A1 - Improvements in and relating to security - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to an improved method in apparatus for security. The invention has particular but not exclusive application to safes and is particularly suited to retrofitting to existing safes. The apparatus includes a lower level or secondary security arrangement (1) which can also be retrofitted to a safe (2) between a door (4) and a surround (3) and which includes a controllable latching mechanism which can be used to provide a sufficient level of security for the safe when the safe has its higher level or primary security arrangements (5) disabled. The invention provides a method and means of quickly securing the safe in an emergency, separately of the primary or higher level security mechanism. The apparatus includes a warning device to indicate if the door is left ajar for longer than a predetermined period of time and includes a convenient mounting apparatus and method to facilitate convenient mounting of the apparatus to the safe.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO SECURITY

This invention relates to improvements in security and more particularly to methods and apparatus for providing convenient, relatively lower level security for sales, cash storage areas and the like.

In this specification reference is made to "lower level or secondary security", such a description is intended to refer to (but not by way of exclusion) security which is generally less stringent than primary security, for example that which is normal for unattended premises requiring high levels of security; typical examples of high level or primary security being traditional bank strongrooms, safes and the like. In particular, such lower level or secondary security is intended to provide for convenient multiple access yet while retaining some reasonable security over such access.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Historically, difficulties have been experienced by people and organisations involved in the handling of cash and other valuables such as in a direct trading situation, for example in bank telling, long hours petrol stations and other trading establishments where there is a need to provide a method and apparatus for convenient security for cash and valuables away from a bulk store, strong room and the like during trading times when such cash and valuables are necessarily situated away from the strongroom or store, or where a primary or normally higher level of security apparatus intended in the main for when the building is unattended (for example, burglar alarms and the like) is disabled for staff convenience. In situations as noted above, often a trader will use the primary or higher level security arrangement, such as a strongroom or safe and the like to house cash or valuables overnight, yet during trading hours will have that security arrangement disabled with, for example, the door merely pushed closed.

It will be appreciated that should a robbery occur in trading hours there is a high likelihood of the trader losing all cash and valuables held.

Knowledge of the beforementioned situation has led to an increase of robberies during trading hours of establishments carrying cash and valuables. In certain instances, the losses have been significant.

On occasions, even the trader's own staff can be tempted by the ready availability of cash and valuables. This can occur as a result of staff members having easy access; particularly in circumstances where disabled primary security arrangements exist, to safes, strongrooms and the like left with doors open or ajar during trading hours. In such circumstances it is relatively simple for staff members to unobtrusively gain access for other than authorised purposes.

A need clearly exists for improved lower level or secondary security in situations as described above and in similar circumstances. Attempts have been made to provide what are known in the trade as "day safes", that is sealed containers with controlled access or special lockable drawers with limited personnel access.

Whilst such day safe arrangements are suitable in some conditions of trading, there are many situations where these arrangements are either inappropriate or where simply the cost of providing such arrangements deters the user from installing the appropriate security systems and elects to run the risk of losses in a robbery.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to come some way in overcoming the abovementioned problems or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

A further object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for providing low level security for known security arrangements such as safes, which is suitable for fitment and use with some existing security arrangements to thus extend their usefulness.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent from the following description. Modifications are envisaged and may be incorporated without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a method of securing a closure in a controlled manner including the steps of providing the closure with primary and secondary security means, arranging said secondary security means to at least be operable when said primary security means is disabled, operating said secondary security means to enable predetermined controlled access passed said closure whilst said primary security means is disabled, to maintaining said closure closed with said secondary security means engaged. According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a means'of securing a closure moveable relative to surround, including a first portion ountable to the closure and a second portion mountable adjacent the surround, control means provided to control an engagement between said first and second portions, said control means actuable to disengage said first portion relative to said second portion under predetermined conditions for a predetermined period of time whilst a primary security means for said closure is disabled, said control means in a rest and/or disabled state controlling said engagement to engage or maintain engagement of said first and second portions.

Other aspects of this invention will become apparent from the following description. Modifications are envisaged and can be incorporated without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The preferred form of the invention described hereinafter is made with reference to a "retrofittable" security arrangement for an existing safe to provide lower level security than the normal security provided by said safe in it's normal actuation, the invention is not limited to such arrangements and it is envisaged that the apparatus and method of this invention can be incorporated into alternative security arrangements such as a safe with the assembly of the invention supplied from new as a complete unit or other arrangements such as where one portion of a security arrangement is moved relative to another to gain access.

The preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a substantially perspective view of a typical safe according to the preferred embodiments showing the invention mounted to the safe closure surround and closure;

Figure 2 is a substantially diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a substantially diagrammatic perspective view of the mounting apparatus for the invention showing the method and apparatus of mounting to a safe.

Referring to the drawings, particularly Figures 1 to 3 the security arrangement is preferably formed in suitable durable materials such as and preferably toughened and hardened metals, however, in other arrangements, it is envisaged that alternative materials can be utilised subject to their having sufficient levels of strength and durability for use.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 the security arrangement as generally indicated by arrow 1 provided as either a piece of original equipment on a safe or as a retrofit item for an existing safe 2; the safe 2 having a body portion 3 and a closure door 4 which is hinged on a hinge side 4a to the body 3 surround and normally preferably provided with the usual security arrangements 5 (see Figure 1) to provide a high level of primary security usually required for the safe 2 when premises are unattended. The apparatus 1 of this invention is provided to facilitate lower level or secondary security and control of the safe closure door 4 when the higher level or primary security arrangements such as locking arrangements 5 are inoperative. This would normally occur when the safe 2 is in daily trading hours use and where periodic and multiple access is required to the safe and whilst the premises are occupied; such as when a business is in operation.

Referring also to Figures 2 and 3 the apparatus 1 incorporates a first body portion 10 which in the preferred form is mounted with a portion of the closure 4 adjacent an edge of the closure 4 remote from the hinge edge 4a and preferably adjacent an upper portion of the closure 4; although this is not essential.

The first body portion 10 is interengagable with a second body portion 11 mounted to an upper portion of the safe body 3 having a frontal portion 12 thereof preferably overhanging the body portion 10 so as to substantially align with an upper portion 13 of the first body portion 10, spaced slightly therefrom (see particularly Figure 2).

The first and second body portions 10 and 11 are provided in substantially robust construction and with reference particularly to Figures 2 and 3, it will be appreciated that the first and second body portions 10 and 11 are each provided with strong metal bracing portions 14 and 15, preferably each formed in toughened or hardened steel.

Preferably each of these bracing portions 14 and 15 are securely engaged with their relevant safe portions 3 and 4 via mounting portions M. In the preferred form of the invention, the mounting portions M are each provided as plate members which have one face thereof positionable against the relevant face of the safe 2. Each plate M is preferably provided with suitably internally screwthreaded apertures into which bolts 16 can engage to engage the bracing portions 14 and 15 with their respective mounting portion M.

The mounting portions M themselves are preferably secured to the exterior of the relevant safe portions 3 and 4 by a suitable means. In the preferred form of the invention and with particular reference to Figure 4, it will be appreciated that the preferred method of securement is by way of welding from internal openings provided within the periphery of the mounting means M. The specific method of attachment of the mounting means M is described with reference to Figure 4 hereinafter.

Once secured with the relevant portions 3 and 4 of the safe 2, the mounting means M can readily mount the first and second portions 10 and 11 to the safe 2 in the required position.

Referring specifically to Figure 3, it will be seen that the apertured engagement between the brackets 14 and 15 and the securement means 16 is via slotted holes to facilitate fine adjustment of the positioning of the first and second body portions 10 and 11 one relative to the other in mounting of the apparatus to the safe 2.

The intention behind the mounting assembly provided by the invention utilising the mounting plates M is to provide a very secure engagement for the apparatus 1 relative to the safe 2 and further, one which conveniently enables retrofitting of the apparatus 1 when a safe 2 is in a position of use, for example, in a bank or other institution, with a minimum of disturbance to the working or other operating conditions. The mounting assembly further facilitates the controlled removal of the locking apparatus 1 from the safe for the purposes of maintenance and repair, perhaps offsite where a replacement unit can be provided in place of the unit undergoing maintenance or repair.

Preferably, the bracing portions 14 and 15 each have flanges 17 and 18 respectively which facilitate the convenient mounting of engaging portions 19 and 20 respectively and thus the first and second body portions 10 and 11. The engaging portions 19 and 20 are arranged to interengage in a controlled manner so as to enable control of the operation of the safe door 4 relative to the surround 3.

An interface between the first and second body portions 10 and 11 which provides control over the closure 4 relative to the opening 3 is provided by means of the interengagable engaging snib and latch portions 19 and 20.

In the preferred form of the invention, the engaging portions 19 and 20 are provided in the form of parts of a standard deadlock having a snib portion 21 which in the preferred form of the invention is mounted to the flange 17 of the first body portion 10 so as to extend upwardly, yet be longitudinally movable relative to the bracket 17, to retract thereinto during a closing phase.

The second body portion 11 mounts on the flange 18 a latch portion 23 which mounts the engaging member 20 as a rotatably tumbleable notched member which is controllable in its ability to tumble (ie locks and unlocks) and which provides a notch 24 into which the snib 21 can engage when the closure 4 is in closed position (substantially as is shown by Figure 2) . Operation of the latch portion 23 is preferably controlled by electronic means which controls the ability of the notched member 20 to rotate and thus the position of the notch 24.

It will be appreciated that when the notched member 20 is unlocked and able to rotate the door 4 will be able to open and close with the snib 21 causing rotation of the notched member 20 by virtue of its engagement within the notch 24 or on retraction of the snib 21 into its housing.

Should the operation of the notched member 20 be locked, i.e. non-rotatable, by virtue of an alteration in the electrical state of the latch means 23, it will be appreciated that the door 4 will be closable relative to the opening with the snib 21 being deflected to a retracted position by an exposed surface of the notched member 20, until such time as the snib 21 can return to the engaged position in the notch 24 and any force to open the door 4 will cause the snib 21 to engage in the notch 24 and hold firm.

In the preferred form of the invention, preferably suitable cover means 30 are provided for both the first and second body portions 10 and 11 so as to enclose securely the fixings for those portions relative to the safe 2. Furthermore in the case of at least the second body portion 11, the cover portion 30 also encloses parts of a control means 32 mounted on a printed circuit board which is preferably connected with a remote assembly and the latch means 23 in such a way that "control" can be exercised by a user over the notched member 20, and thus, the apparatus 1 as a whole, ie access to the safe. The control mechanism also preferably includes a pair of lights 31 mounted to be outwardly visible on the apparatus 1 and connected with the control means in such a manner that the lights 31 can be actuated to indicate whether or not the apparatus 1 is in a "locked" or "unlocked" state. Further, preferably a combined audible alarm and sensor means is provided to detect and indicate whether or not the door 4 is correctly closed after the lapse of a predetermined time after opening. This in the preferred form of the invention is preferably but not essentially achieved by a sensor (not shown) which monitors movement of the snib 21 relative to the notched member 20.

The control means 32 and circuitry therein is so arranged to provide for maintenance of the notched member 20 in predetermined phases. A first phase is where the notched member 20 is held in an "unlocked" state whereby the notched member 20 is able to freely rotate and the door 4 be opened and closed at will. In the event of an emergency, it will be appreciated that a signal can be sent to control means 32 for example by a remote actuator connected with an alarm or surveillance system and the latch 23 can immediately be disabled or locked to lock the safe 2 without the need for any staff to fumble or spin combinations or in any other way traditionally bolt the safe 2.

The audible and remote surveillance arrangement is also provided to ensure that the door 4 remains ajar no longer than a predetermined period of time, thus ensuring that the door 4 normally remains in the closed "lockable" position.

In an alternative form of the invention, the apparatus is designed to operate in a "normally locked" operation, that is, where the apparatus can be unlocked and "opened" when the safe 2 is required to be opened and where the latch means 23 is relocked almost immediately after the door 4 is open. In these circumstances, it is envisaged that closing of the door 4 will result in the snib 21 sliding past the non-rotatable locked notched member 20 to then extend into the notch 24.

In this form, the "open door" alarm system is provided to identify if the door 4 is left ajar longer than a predetermined period of time.

Operation of the apparatus 1 means is arranged with time delays built in to the control means 32, so that in the event of an emergency, a time delay before the apparatus 1 can be unlocked and opened is provided. In an emergency, it is envisaged that a disabling means can be perhaps be positioned in a location where personnel have ready and inconspicuous access. After actuation, a variable time delay of for example 15 to 20 minutes be provided by the control means 32 whereby the apparatus cannot be deactuated by anyone including staff on the premises concerned.

Locking or disablement of the latch means 23 can also be provided from a remote facility, such as a monitoring station and the like coupled with the control means 32, such that locking of the latch means 23 and suitable warnings to security staff are given substantially simultaneously and automatically.

It is envisaged that in certain instances, a code pad or similar devices may be provided connected to the control means 32 to enable access to the safe 2 by restricted personnel via codes numbers and the like. In such circumstances access can be monitored, such as by electronic means recording code numbers inputted, operation of the apparatus and the times and sequence of operation. Turning now to the fitting especially retrofitting arrangements for the apparatus, and in particular. Figure 4. Fitting of the apparatus is achieved utilising the mounting brackets M described hereinbefore and as shown particularly with reference to Figures 4 and 3. The preferred form of the invention provides the mounting brackets M preferably provided in suitable hardened sheet steel and are provided of a peripheral size which substantially fits beneath the mounting brackets 14 and 15 of body portion 10 and 11.

For the purposes of mounting the mounting brackets M an additional positioning means P is provided which has spaced apertures in a first edge PI and a second edge P2 with which bolts, preferably cap screws P3, can engage and tighten into the internally screw threaded bores of one side (preferably the adjacent sides) of the each mounting means 1 used to mount the body portions 10 and 11 via bolts 16.

Preferably the positioning means P is "joggled" to provide a mid portion P4 which will accommodate a portion of the surround 3 relative to the closure 4 in such a way that the mounting means M can be arranged to substantially overlie a portion of the safe 2 and position the mounting means M in the required position for mounting the first and second body portions 10 and 11 of the safe 2.

When the mounting means M are positioned in the required positions using the positioning means P, preferably an outline of the mounting means M is marked on the relevant portions of the safe surround 3 and door 4 and the temporary assembly of mounting means M and positioning means P is removed from the safe 2. The surface of the safe 2 is prepared for welding, for example by grinding any surface coatings therefrom, particularly in predetermined areas of contact and the vicinity of an internal aperture M5 of each mounting means M.

Thereafter, preferably the assembly of mounting means M and positioning means P is repositioned in the required position on the safe 2 and an arc welder is used to initially tack and subsequently stitch weld the mounting means M onto the safe 2 in the required positions. The remaining portions of the body portion 10 and 11 can then be engaged over the mounting means M to enclose the securement from attack and also to hide the securement and any effects of securement, such as burn marks and the like thus eliminating any finishing work post securement.

It will thus be appreciated that the mounting means 1 are securely held in position in a relatively simple manner and whereby a positioning of the mounting means 1 can be set and controlled until such time as the means are securely held in position. The remaining portions of the body portions 10 and 11 can then be engaged with the safe for mounting of the apparatus 1 in position.

It will be appreciated that this form of mounting is relatively simple in view of the fact that it avoids the necessity of an installer to withdraw the safe from its normal use position but with the attendant requirements of heavy lifting and handling apparatus, or alternatively, the noisy, time consuming and difficult action of drilling and tapping fixing holes in the safe 2 in metal which is designed specifically for the purpose of avoiding such action. It will be appreciated that the mounting arrangement can be effected relatively speedily in a way in which is substantially unobtrusive to the normal operation of business.

Thus, by this invention, there is provided a security arrangement for controlling the movement of a closure relevant to an opening and one which has particular application to retrofitting on safes and similar apparatus.

Claims

1. A method of securing a closure in a controlled manner including the steps of providing the closure with primary and secondary security means, arranging said secondary security means to at least be operable when said primary security means is disabled, operating said secondary security means to enable predetermined controlled access passed said closure whilst said primary security means is disabled, to maintaining said closure closed with said secondary security means engaged.

2. A method of securing a closure as claimed in Claim 1 including the step of providing a warning means to identify the closure as being opened for longer than a predetermined period of time.

3. A method of securing a closure as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 including the step of mounting at least said secondary security means adjacent said closure by forming a mounting portion releaseably engageable with remaining portions of said second security means, securing said mounting portion on said closure and to subsequently engaging the remaining portions with said mounting means in a manner where the securement to said closure is enclosed.

4. A means of securing a closure moveable relative to a surround, including a first portion mountable to the closure and a second portion mountable adjacent the surround, control means provided to control an engagement between said first and second portions, said control means actuable to disengage said first portion relative to said second portion under predetermined conditions for a predetermined period of time whilst a primary security means for said closure is disabled, said control means in a rest and/or disabled state controlling said engagement to engage or maintain engagement of said first and second portions.

5. A means of securing a closure as claimed in Claim 4 including a warning means provided to detect and identify an occurrence where the closure is normally opened for longer than a predetermined period of time.

6. A means for securing a closure as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5 wherein said control means is connected with remote actuating means provided to actuate and/or maintain said engagement.

7. A means of securing closure as claimed in Claim 4 wherein control of the engagement includes a time delay which delays disengagement of said engagement for a predetermined period of time with engagement under predetermined conditions.

8. A means of securing a closure as claimed in Claim 7 wherein said means include sensing means which initiate a time delay in the engagement on detecting tampering with the securing means.

9. A means of securing a closure as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the engagement means can be brought into engagement subsequent to locking of said engagement and/ or initiation of the engagement time delay.

10. A means of securing a closure as claimed in claim 4 including at least one mounting means releaseably secureable with remaining portions of said securing means, said mounting means adapted to be secureable at least with one of said closure or said surround in a manner where said securement is enclosed by the remaining portions when mounted on said mounting means.

11. A means for securing a closure as claimed in Claim in Claim 10 wherein the mounting means is provided with at least one edge provided substantially internally of an outer periphery thereof, said edge adapted for receiving the securement thereon.

12. A method of securing a closure as claimed in claim 1 including the steps of securing mounting means for a security means as claimed in Claim 4, including forming a positioning means of a predetermined size and shape to engage between a pair of mounting plates for the first and second portions in a position commensurate with a required position to mount said first and second portions, engaging said positioning means with the said engagement means and offering said mounting plates to intended supporting surfaces, defining a positioning for said mounting plates and securing said mounting means in the required positions, detaching said positioning means and engaging said first and second portions to said mounting means.

13. A method of securing a closure as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. A method of mounting a means of securing a closure as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15. A means of securing an enclosure as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.