AU632342B2 - Portable container for valuables - Google Patents

Description

I- IIULI~L1 VIUL----LI ~e 632342 S F Ref: 102330 FORM COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1952 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

FOR OFFICE USE: Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: PJ5326 18 July 1989 Accepted: Published: Priority: Related Art: Name and Address of Applicant: Brambles .lMi gs-Li mi ted o-ldfield-s House L-a. 1 l-A-l-f-red-S-t-ree-t 7 7 I o0'7#i Sydney New South Wales-20- 2L.'C

AUSTRALIA

Actual Inventor: Dennis Rodney Cullen Address for Service: Spruson Ferguson, Patent Attorneys, Level 33 St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia SI -1 Complete Specification for the invention entitled: Portable Container for Valuables The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us hEPRINT OF RECEIPT S015826 03/07/90 5815/2 2 PORTABLE CONTAINER FOR VALUABLES Field of the Invention The invention pertains to portable containers and more particularly to a portable container which may be adapted to be carried by a cooperating handcart and a method of employing same.

Background Art Various business enterprises utilize a vault or central receptacle for depositing cash and other valuables. These depositories are serviced by security officers who transfer the contents of the depositories to vehicles such as armoured trucks. While the contents are considered safe while in the depository, and safe once they are in the vehicle, the interlude during which the valuables are in transport from the vault to the vehicle is considered risky. This is because the containers in which the valuables are kept are as easily carried away by thieves as by the security officers.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide a means of transporting valuables which ameliorates some of the deficiencies of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention There is disclosed herein a portable container, comprising: a fortified tub; a locking lid; the tub further comprising a panel having formed therein a downward opening cavity adapted to cooperate with a handcart or the like.

One of the preferred features of the invention is a cooperating handcart having a carrying platform with a forward support and backstays, the platform having attached thereto an upright post between the backstays and the forward support.

In an alternate embodiment, the portable container incorporates first and second alarm systems which are each capable of activating a pyrotechnic device or dye release mechanism.

In yet another embodiment, the portable container further comprises an integral visual display.

Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a front elevation in partial cross section showing the portable container of the present invention.

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7 Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the portable container of the present invention showing the integral cavity.

1 F/ 0149E r- I -3- Fig. 3 is a side elevation, in partial cross section, showing the portable container of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the portable container of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the cooperating handcart which is adapted to receive the portable container depicted in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a front elevation showing the cooperating handcart.

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the cooperating handcart.

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of an alternate handcart.

Fg. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of the present invention.

Figs 10a, O10b and 10c illustrate schematically, a container unit, mobile transmitter and handheld transmitter of the invention.

Best Mode and other Embodiments of the present Invention In order to both deter and frustrate thieves, an improved portable container 10, sshown in Fig. 1, is provided. The container includes a fortified tub 11 with a locking lid 12. The tub 11 preferably includes a recessed front panel 13, recessed side panels 14 and a recessed bottom The recesses 16 contribute to the strength, rigidity and integrity of the tub 11. The tub may also feature a carrying handle 17.

The lockable lid 12 may include a rectangular bulge 18 which is adapted to house various electronic components including a keypad and visual display 19 and two distinct electronic alarm systems. The first system uses a proximity sensor or radio receiver to establish a first alarm zone with respect to a human being carrying a personal transmitter. The human being is typically the security officer that is responsible for transporting the container. The first alarm triggers a pyrotechnic device and/or dye release mechanism. Smoke is released, an audible alarm sounds and dye is dispersed into the conta'ner when the container is out of the first zone for a pre-determined amount of time. The second alarm is separate from the first and is based on a second and larger alarm zone which is determined by the distance of the container from a second transmitter in the security vehicle which is intended to transport the container. The second alarm system senses when the container is out of range of the vehicle or receives a signal from it, which event triggers, for example, the release of dye into the container, smoke and an audible rhk/0149E rhk/0149E -4- 00t 0,

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alarm. The visual display 19 houses indicator lights, for example L.E.D.

or L.C.D. indications of on-off function and alarm status indicators.

As shown in Fig. 2, the rectangular bulge 18 is generally in the form of a truncated 4-sided pyramid, with the front end face 20 receiving the visual display 19.

The back panel 21 of the tub also includes a generally rectangular bulge 22. This bulge 22, as seen more clearly in Fig. 3, includes a downward opening 4 e#Fu 23. TheIpv=41:u 23 includes a lower, downward facing L C CA V'i 'a opening 24. As will be explained, the piuzhA23 allows the container to 10 cooperate with a handcart, which when the devices are combined, deters and frustrates attempts to steal the container.

The lid 12 further includes a peripheral recess 25 which receives an upstanding lip 26 formed on the upper edges of the tub. The lid 12 and tub 11 are joined by a hinge 27.

15 The bottom of the container, as shown in Fig. 4, is formed having a recessed channel 27 lying between raised contoured ridges 28, 29. The outer ridge 28 is generally U-shaped and is chamfered 30 on all edges, rising to a flat plateau 31 which forms part of the surface on which the container may sit when it is not on the handcart. The inner ridge 29 also 2d conforms to the U-shape of the recess 27 but also includes a perimeter 32.

The inner ridge 29 and perimeter 32 are chamfered 33 on all edges. The 004 open ends 34 and tapered side walls 35, 36 of the recess allow the recess to receive and seat a portion or carrying platform of the cooperating handcart as will be explained.

The cooperating handcart 50 of the present invention is shown in Fig.

The handcart includes side frames 51 which extend from a carrying platform 52 to a transverse grip 53. The carrying platform 52 includes side supports 53 which are joined to a generally U-shaped forward support area 54 (shown more clearly in Fig. The forward support is configured in the shape of the recessed channel 27 on the bottom of the container.

The carrying platform further includes a cross bar 55 (also shown more clearly in Fig. 7) which supports an upright post 56. A pair of backstays 57 are interposed between an intermediate portion 58 of the frame and the rear extremity 59 of the carrying platform 52. The carrying platform 52 is preferably supported between two wheels 60 joined by a. common axle 61.

00 o, The upright post, as shown in Fig. 6, is, by way of example, provided in the form of an inverted U-shaped member. It will be understood that the benefit provided by.the post 56 is retained so long as it can be received by the inverted p©ua 23.

It can be observed in Figs. 5 and 7, that the backstays 57 are preferably inclined slightly with respect to the vertical and away from the container. It is preferred that the inclination of the backstay, be the same as the downward draft angle (as shown in Fig. 3) of the rear panel of the container, which is intended to be about 3 degrees. In a preferred iO embodiment, the interior walls of the pite "23 as well as the exterior of the bulge 22 are tapered to facilitate unloading and loading the container onto the handcart. As best seen in Fig. 3, the forward wall 70 of the po~ehA 2 3 is tapered about 3 degrees with respect to the vertical. The rear wall 71 of thelpet ta 23 is tapered about 2 degrees with respect to the vertical. The rear 72 of the bulge 22 is also tapered about 3 degrees with respect to the vertical as are the front 13 and side panels of the tub.

As shown in Fig. 8, the cart may also incorporate a partially enclosed shelf area 100 for holding bags of coins or other objects.

In operation, valuables are loaded by the security personnel, from the depository into a container 10 which has been transported from the waiting vehicle to the depository location on.the handcart 50. When c.a l i carried by the handcart 50, the integralAquW^ 23 receives the upright post 56 and the bottom recess 27 receives and seats the forward support 54. Any attempt to overpower the security personnel and carry away the container is frustrated because the container is interlocked with the handcart and is made cumbersome by it and because the first alarm will be activated if the container or security personnel are interfered with. Even taking the personal transmitter is of no avail, as the second alarm may be activated by the second or vehicular transmitter.

In a typical application, the portable container should be of a size which allows it to be handled by one person. Thus an overall length of 530mm (including handle length, width of 360mm) including rear bulge 22 (and height of 372mm) are considered well suited for the typical security environment. The preferred material for the container is moulded high strength plastic, but fibre reinforced polymer composites and metals would make suitable container materials.

rhk/0149E 6 The electronic components of the present invention will now be explained in further detail. It will be understood that these components and methods may be utilized with or without the interlocking features of the handcart 50 and container The electronic components provide a multi layered defence against the theft of the container and also provide the ability to check the operation of the device and some safety and "failsafe" measures.

The aim of the protection system is to: ensure minimal danger to personnel in its operation; deter would be criminals; cause criminals who have successfully stolen the box to relinquish it; and deny the use of the contents of the box to would be criminals.

To achieve this the protective system allows for the remote activation of one or more smoke, dye or pyrotechnic devices (deterrent indicia) housed in the container 10. Three methods of activation are provided: by local radio transmission from the dispossessed guard up to about 100 metres in range; by local radio transmission from the guard's parent vehicle up to about 1,000 metres range; and by remote radio transmission from a paging service, activated by the vehicles base station, within the metropolitan area of the city.

The security system specified here is designed to give three levels of defence as illustrated in the schematic of Fig. 9.

After the container is loaded, it is locked then armed 150 by entering the personal identification number (PIN) known to a guard or supervisor.

After a theft 101 the guard transmits a signal 102 (which activates the container alarm 105) with a handheld i.e. 27 Mhz transmitter. The guard's transmission will initiate an audible alarm in the parent vehicle.

Guards in the vehicle may then transmit a signal 103 which is preferably at the same frequency as the guard's. This activates the alarm in the container 105. Failing this, the guard will return to the parent vehicle 104 and raise the alarm 105, with a vehicular transmission 103. Concurrent to the guards in the vehicle transmitting, they may radio back to base 106. At the base, a pager service will be called 107 which will transmit a dedicated code unique to the stolen box. This may also initiate the container alarm 105.

rhk/0149E -7- The system may have a built-in delay 108 of about 30 seconds between alarm initiation 105 and detonation 109 to allow reset in the event of accidental initiation or false alarm. Upon initiation a LED will flash for seconds. After 15 seconds an audible beeper will sound for a further seconds. Both these indications will continue after detonation.

With reference to Figs. 9 and 10, the device may have various modes of operation: Assign PINs: Programs the device to accept PIN codes from the key pad 121. Assignment of PINs to particular user numbers will designate )0 degree of access.

STest: Deactivates the firing circuit to some or all of the S pyrotechnic or other deterrent indicia 120. Activates an alternate circuit to an audio device 122. This will allow for test of all modes of initiation, the response being signalled by the audio device.

Arm: Activated by the supervisor, this will place the device in the armed state 150 after which it will respond to transmissions 105.

Disarm: Activated by the supervisor, this will disarm the device S after which it will not respond to transmissions. An automatic battery self test will take place at this time. Should the battery level be such that an additional 10 hours of operation would drain it, the low battery LED 132 will light and an audio signal of 30 seconds duration will sound.

Reset: For use by the guard when security device is accidentally triggered. By entering PIN or Duress PIN, the device will reset to the armed state.

Duress: For use by the guard when threatened. Duress PIN will apparentiy disarm the device. The system will however remain armed. A second entering of the Duress PIN will restore armed indication.

Three levels of access may be allowed to the interface unit. (a) Manager: able to perform all functions of assigning PINs, test, arm, disarm, reset and activate duress; Supervisor: able to arm, disarm, reset or activate duress; and Guard: able to reset or activate duress.

Status indication may be provided by LEDs 130, 131, 132 on the front panel 19.

A first LED 130 is flashing green when armed and extinguished when disarmed or in duress.

rhk/0149E -8- A second LED 131 is flashing red when the alarm activated and extinguished at all other times and during duress alarm activation.

A third LED 132 is fixed yellow. It is on after low battery warning initiated at disarm self test and off when battery put on charge or at any other time.

An audio signal or beeper 122 (or provided separately) sounds every second in last 15 seconds of timer delay between alarm initiation and detonation. It provides audio feedback for code and PIN entries. It sounds continuously for 30 seconds after low battery test.

In general terms and by way of example of a preferred embodiment, the following hardware is called for and illustrated in Fig. 1. local handheld 27 Mhz transmitter with anti tamper protection 110; 2. local vehicle mounted 27 Mhz transmitter with anti tamper protection 111; 3. 2 x 27 Mhz single channel receivers 112, 113 with up to 4096 codes.

4. 2 x 1 metre aerials 114, 115; paging receiver 116; 6. interface unit 117 for the container or cash box 7. 12 v battery of about 2 amp hour capacity 118; 8. battery charger components 119; and 9. smoke/dye/pyrotechnics and/or audio alarms (deterrent indicia) 120.

The local handheld transmitter 110 is, for example, an "off the shelf" handheld single channel 27 Mhz transmitter with 4096 possible codes selectable by dip switches. The device is preferably push button operated with an anti tamper device in the form of an on/off spring loaded switch that must be operated in conjunction with the pushbutton. The device must be silent in operation, have a line of sight range in excess of 100 metres and may be powered by a 9v disposable battery. The device may be provided with a leather belt carrying case to afford physical protection, an added degree of anti tamper and concealment of its function. The ELSEMA FMT 101 is suggested.

rhk/0149E 9- The local vehicle mounted 27 Mhz transmitter 111 is an "off the shelf" transmitter and compatible with the handheld transmitter with similar anti tamper protection. The device may be powered by the vehicles 12 v supply and be connected to an external aerial 115 to provide minimum line of sight range of about 1,000 metres. The ELSEMA FMT-112E is suggested.

The two 27 Mhz single zhannel receivers 112, 113 are preferably two indentical receivers. One for incorporation into the cash box 10 and one for the vehicle unit.

The cash box receiver 112 will begin the sequence of events 105, 108 leading to detonation of the deterrent indicia. The vehicle receiver, if within range of the guard's handheld transmitter, will produce an audio response to a transmission on the guard's transmitter so alerting the guards in the vehicle to a theft and allowing them to activate, by a push button 128, the second layer of defence the vehicle transmitter 111. A latch/timer 127 may preserve the audio response for about 18 seconds.

The receivers 112, 113 should be of compact design operating on between 7.5 VDC and 12 VDC with either relay or open collector output to initiate the deterrent indicia 120. The receivers must be compatible with the transmitters described above. The ELSEMA FMR-201 is recommended.

Aerials 114, 115 are required for reception in the cash box 10 and in the vehicle and for transmission from the vehicle.

The vehicle transmit and receive aerial can be a common "off the shelf" 27 Mhz aerial. A wide number are available. The aerial must be dedicated to the security system, not a shared aerial with other vehicle functions.

The receive aerial 114 in the cash box 10 is preferably of more than one metre in length in both the horizontal and the vertical planes in order to minimise poor reception due to polarisation of the signal. These aerials are to be incorporated into the box lid 12 and back or front panel in a loop arrangement with connections leading into the electronics compartment 18. The aerials are preferably of single strand insulated copper wire. The aerials should be easily accessible to facilitate servicing and also to enable the length to be varied to optimise performance.

rhk/0149E 10 The paging receiver 116 is to be similar in design to the cash box 27 Mhz receiver but able to receive an encoded message from a paging service and output a signal to the interface electronics 117 that will then initiate or activate the alarm 105 in the container 10. NEC and Motorola are both manufacture suitable pagers.

The interface unit 117 will provide the man/machine interface between the security system and the operators. It will contain the software and timing circuits necessary to operate the system. It may comprise: a. a keypad 121; b. three Light Emitting Diodes (LED) 130, 131, 132 or other visual indicators for status indication; c. an audio device 122) for status indication; d. alarm hardware and software 123 to convert output from the receivers into a timed reaction culminating in detonation of the deterrent indicia 120; e. access hardware and software 121, 123 to allow different functions to be accessed by use of personal identification numbers (PIN); io: f. safety hardware and software 121, 123 to allow for deactivation o on false alarm; g. duress hardware and software 130, 121, 123 to allow for apparent disarming under duress; h. test hardware and software 121, 123, 130, 131, 132, 122 to allow for periodic testing of the complete system excepting detonation.

*0 4 A The interface software is preferably run on a microprocessor 123 including EPROM 124 and EEROM 125 non-volatile memory as well as "watch-dog" 126 type self-initiation.

The unit is preferably powered by a 2 amp hour rechargeable battery.

Under normal operation this will allow for approximately 50 hours operation without recharge. Life of the battery can be expected to exceed 5 years.

The system battery will require periodic recharge. A stand alone battery recharger is specified. One charger will be able to serve about 4 cash boxes. Battery chargers to meet this specification are numerous and inexpensive.

rhk/0149E I 11 While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to specific details of construction, components and materials, these should be understood as having been provided by way of example and not as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

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Claims (25)

1. A portable container, comprising: a fortified tub; a locking lid; the tub further comprising a panel having formed therein a downward opening cavity adapted to cooperate with a handcart or the like.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the tub further comprises: a bottom exterior portion having a means formed therein for receiving at least a portion of a carrying platform of a handcart, the means comprising one or more recessed channels.

3. The container of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein: the cavity is inclined with respect to a vertical axis.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein: the cavity is inclined away from the container at about a 30 angle with respect to the vertical axis.

5. The container of any of claims 1-4, wherein: the panel further comprises a bulge into which the cavity is formed.

6. A handcart when used to carry the container of any one of claims comprising: Ss'de frames extending from a carrying platform to a grip; 20 the carrying platform extending from a forward extremity to the o o ,side frames; o the carrying platform further comprising an upright post located S: between the forward extremity and the side frame, which upright post is adapted to be inserted into the downward opening cavity formed in the 25 portable container.

7. The handcart of claim 6, wherein: the upright post is inclined toward the side frames.

8. The handcart of either of claims 6 or 7 wherein the carrying platform further comprises a U-shaped forward support which is adapted to be received by a similarly shaped recessed channel formed on the bottom of the portable container when the upright post is inserted into the cavity.

9. The handcart of either of claims 7 or 8 wherein backstays are provided between the upright post and the side frames, which backstays are inclined toward the side posts at about the same angle as the upright post is. The handcart of any of claims 7-9 wherein the upright post is inclined toward the side frames by about 30 with respect to a vertical axis.

11. The combination of a portable container according to any one of !,Rc 0149E9 x.,2 -4gl 1 9 i 13 claims 1-5 and a handcart of any of claims 6-10.

12. A security system for transporting valuables comprising: the portable container of any one of claims 1 to the container further comprising a first radio receiver, a microprocessor, a key pad, a battery for supplying power to all of the electronic components in the container and one or more deterrent indicia; the microprocessor adapted to detonate one or more of the deterrent indicia after receiving a signal from the first receiver; the key pad operatively connected with the microprocessor for the purpose of arming and disarming the system; a first indicator connected to the microprocessor and located on the exterior of the container for indicating when the system is in an armed state initiated by an entry on the key pad; a handheld transmitter for sending a signal which may be received by the first and a second receiver; a vehicle unit comprising the second receiver, a second transmitter for transmitting a signal which may be received by the first receiver, an alarm for indicating that the second receiver has received a signal from the hand held transmitter and means for activating the second transmitter.

13. The system of claim 12 further comprising a second indicator connected to the microprocessor and located on the exterior of the container for indicating when the system is in an activated state initiated by a transmission from the first or second transmitters.

14. The system of either of claims 12 or 13 wherein the container further comprises an audio alarm which is actuated by the microprocessor prior to an activation of the deterrent indicia or providing audio feedback for a key pad data entry or sounding after a low battery condition is detected by the microprocessor.

15. The system of any of claims 12-14 wherein the deterrent indicia comprises a pyrotechnic device or a dye dispensing device.

16. The system of any of claims 12-15 wherein the deterrent indicia further comprises an audible alarm.

17. The system of any of claims 12-16 wherein the vehicle unit further comprises a latch/timer which preserves the alarm for indicating that the second receiver has received a signal from the handheld transmitter.

18. The system of any of claims 12-17 wherein the means for 149E 14 activating the second transmitter is a push button.

19. The system of any of claims 12-18, wherein: the container further comprises a paging receiver adapted to receive a signal from a paging transmitter, whenupon said paging receiver sends a signal to the microprocessor for the purpose of arming the microprocessor. A method of transporting valuables comprising the steps of: placing the valuables in the container of any one of claims 1 to in which a key pad and a first radio receiver are operatively connected with a microprocessor which. upon receiving an electrical signal from said receiver, activates one or more deterrent indicia, wherein the microprocessor is regulated by data entry from the key pad to assume at least an armed condition or a disarmed condition; arming the microprocessor; activating a handheld transmitter which transmits a radio signal at a frequency received the first receiver and a second mobile receiver if the container is subject to unauthorized interference; receiving the radio signal with the second mobile receiver; generating an alarm when the radio signal is received by the second mobile receiver; activating, if required, a second mobile transmitter when the alarm is detected, the second mobile transmitter transmitting at said frequency.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising the steps of: calling a paging base station by radio when the alarm is 25 detected; it activating a paging signal when said call is received; receiving the paging signal with a paging receiver operatively connected with said microprocessor; S ,activating said deterrent indicia with the microprocessor when S 30 an electrical signal is received by the microprocessor from the paging receiver.

22. The method of either of claims 20 or 21 further comprising the steps of: delaying a detonation of the deterrent indicia after it would otherwise occur, by a period of time long enough to allow a disarming of the microprocessor, if required.

23. The container of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a first radio receiver, a microprocessor, a key pad, a battery 9iT RLF/0149E S- 15 for supplying power to all of the electronic components in the container and one or more deterrent indicia; the microprocessor adapted to activate one or more of the deterrent indicia after receiving a signal from the first receiver; the key pad operatively connected with the microprocessor for the purpose of arming and disarming the system; and a first indicator connected to the microprocessor and located on the exterior of the container for indicating when the system is in an armed state initiated by an entry on the key pad.

24. The portable container of claim 23 wherein said portable container incorporates the limitations of any of claims A portable container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1-4.

26. A handcart when used with the portable container of claim the handcart being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 6-8.

27. The security system of claim 12 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 10(a), and of the accompanying drawings.

28. The method of claim 20, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 9 of the accompanying drawings. DATED this NINETEENTH day of OCTOBER 1992 Brambles Holdings Limited Ki 'Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON U RLF/0149E