GB2082669A

GB2082669A - A method and apparatus for controlling a safe

Info

Publication number: GB2082669A
Application number: GB8125075A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1980-08-15
Filing date: 1981-08-17
Publication date: 1982-03-10
Also published as: NZ194680A; AU544718B2; GB2082669B; AU7422881A

Abstract

The apparatus includes a controlling device 8 an output of which controls a locking means 5 associated with the safe, door, machine or mechanism 1, the controlling device 8 is activated by connecting or plugging either directly or indirectly the controlling device 8 to the locking means 5, the device is activated by an on/off switch or by operation of one or more function keys incorporated in the controlling device and the punching of a preset sequence of digits onto three or more combination or digit keys thereof to produce an output which deactivates the locking means. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A method and apparatus for controlling access or operation of a safe, machine or mechanism This invention relates to a locking method and more particularly relates to a method and apparatus for controlling access or operation of a safe, door, machine or mechanism which can contain confidential information or valuable articles.

At present a number of different constructions of lock are available for controlling access to safes, machines or mechanism in which confidential or valuable information is stored. Most of these known constructions of lock have one or more inherent disadvantages. For example in the case of a lock in a safe or building door there has been provided in each case either a key hole, combination tumbler or operating handle. The provision of such a weak point or points in a door provides at least a starting point from which access can be gained by a determined person using explosives or drilling means. In an alternative situation that is in the case of a computer terminal with power switched on, a skilled computer operator can, given time, tap into memory discs to obtain confidential information contained therein.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for controlling access and operation of a safe, door, machine or mechanism which can contain or store confidential or valuable information which invention overcomes at least in part disadvantages inherent in existing safes, doors, machines or mechanisms.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling access to and/or operation of a safe, door, machine or mechanism which can store confidential or valuable information, the method including the steps of: producing in a controlling device an output which controls a locking means associated with a safe, door, machine or mechanism; connecting the controlling device either directly or indirectly to the locking means; activating the controlling device whereby operation of at least one function key and punching a preset combination into the controlling means operates the locking means to allow access to be gained to the safe, machine or mechanism or past the door.

The controlling device can be activated by operation of the first function key.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus which controls access to/and operation of a safe, door, machine or mechanism which can contain or store confidential or valuable information, the apparatus including a controlling device an output of which controls a locking means associated with a safe, door, machine or mechanism, the controlling device is activated by connecting or plugging either directly or indirectly the controlling device to the locking means, the arrangement is such that operation of the controlling device is activated by an on/off switch or by operation of one or more function keys incorporated in the controlling device and punching of a preset sequence of digits onto three or more combination or digit keys of the controlling device to produce an output therefrom which deactivates the locking means to allow access to be gained to either the safe, machine or mechanism or past the door.

The controlling device can be similar to a calculator keyboard with a series of function option keys and a series of combination digit keys arranged so that depending on the sequence of operation thereof the output is varied to operate the locking means of different safes, doors, machines or mechanisms.

The locking means can include a means for shortening the combination or code so that after initial opening of the safe, door, machine or mechanism, for example during the day, the shortened code or combination can be used to operate the locking means.

The controlling device can include timing means which is arranged to give a user thereof a short predetermined period during which the correct combination sequence must be operated before the controlling device automatically deactivates.

The controlling device can be either an integral part of the safe, door, machine or mechanism, a plug-in unit or a device which includes a transmitter unit compatible with a receiver in the locking means so that from a position remote and unconnected with the safe, door, machine or mechanism the locking means can be operated.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions which are given by way of example only.

Examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: shows diagrammatically a front view of a safe door operable by the present invention; Figure 2: shows diagrammatically an alternative bolting arrangement for a safe door operable according to the present invention; Figure 3: shows diagrammatically a safe door wherein a locking means thereof is operation by solenoids the actions of which are controlled according to the present invention; Figure 4: shows diagrammatically a safe door wherein locking means thereof are operated by electric motors the operation of which is controlled according to the present invention; Figure 5: shows schematically an alternative locking means for a safe door; and Figure 6: shows a block diagram of the circuitry for operating the present invention.

The present invention will be described herein by way of example with reference to controlling the operation of a safe door. It is to be appreciated that with minor modifications thereto the controlling device can be adapted to control fire stop access doors and operation of other mechanisms for example mechanical machines and computers.

The apparatus (dotted outline Figure 6) which includes the controlling device can be similar in size and construction to that of portable or pocket calcuiators.

The controlling device includes an electronic code entry device 16 the output from which is adapted to control a locking means within the safe. The code entry device 16 has a series of function or letter keys the operation of one or more of which switches on the controlling device so that sequential operation of one or more combination or digit keys thereof produces the output from the controlling device.

The controlling device can include a series of four letter or function keys and ten digit keys mounted in a moulded plastics apparatus.

Alternatively the code entry device 16 can be a key board, card (credit) reader, palm print reader connected to an electronic encoding means 17 which interfaces the output thereof either directly to the locking device or indirectly through an output transmitter means 18 which transfers the coded output to the locking means of the safe.

The output means can be a radio transmitter ultrasonic transmitter or infrared transmitter which is adapted to control a receiver 19.

The locking means which is controlled bythe controlling device is mounted with-in the safe or door. If the present invention is to be fitted to an existing safe the locking means is incorporated within the safe door and an existing locking means thereof is modified so that the output of the controlling device automatically operates the locking means to allowthe safe to be opened.

In a new safe the locking means is preferably incorporated within the body of the safe's walls as this allows for a stronger door construction to be used. This also makes it more difficult to ascertain the location of the locking means relative to the door.

The locking means can be any known bolting system operated mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically which locking means includes decoding means 21 for the output of the controlling means. If an output transmitter means 18 is included the locking means includes a receiver 19 compatible therewith and connected to an electronic decoding means 21 which is interfaced with a control mechanism 22 which operates to direct the door operating mechanism 23. The control mechanism 22 includes a means (not shown) for changing a combination thereof and can include a switch (not shown) which shortens the combination for daytime delegated use by persons who only know a portion of the combination. The control box can for example be built into an inside wall of the safe and include a lockable panel through which access must be gained to change the combination thereof.

It is envisaged that the controlling mechanism 22 can include a timing means which activates the locking means for only a short predetermined period during which time period the door must be opened otherwise the locking means is automatically deactivated and the safe relocks.

The controlling device is advantageously designed so that operation of a preselected function key or keys activates the circuit to produce an output from the digit keys. The circuit is operated for a predetermined period e.g. 10 seconds during which the correct digit keys must be operated to produce an output which is encoded and transmitted to the receiver in the locking means. In the event of an incorrect sequence of digit keys being operated the unit automatically zeros. The number of digit keys and the sequence thereof together with differing function keys offers a wide variety of codes or combinations which operate locking means within the safe. It is also envisaged that means can be provided to shut down for a period e.g. one hour, the controlling device in the event of a sequence of incorrect code entries being attempted within a short period.For example, if 5 or 10 incorrect code entry attempts are made (sensed by frequent zeroing of the device) the device automatically shuts down and operates an audible, silent or visual alarm system.

Alternatively the controlling device can be activated instead of by the first function key by an on/off switch. A combination of either one or more of the function keys and/or a sequence of one or more of the digit keys producing the output which unlocks the locking means.

In yet a further alternative the controlling device is activated when it is plugged into a circuit connected directly or indirectly to the locking means. After activation a required combination can be punched onto the function and/or digit keys.

In use the controlling device formed as either an integral part of the safe, a plug-in unit or a device which is used from a remote position which includes a transmitter which operates a receiver associated with the locking means. Thus there is no need to have on a front wall or door of a safe a connection which constitutes a weak point in the construction of the safe.

The safe shown in Figure 1 is a standard existing safe. The body of the safe is indicated by arrow 1 and a door 2 thereof has extending therethrough a series of bolts 3. The movement of the bolts 3 is activated by solenoids or electric motors 4 which are controlled through a locking means 5.

The locking means 5 and the solenoid or electric motors 4 are connected by a connection 6 through which mains or battery power from power source 7 passes when a correct combination is punched on remotely positioned controlling means 8.

In Figures 2 to 5 the parts of the examples of safe shown are referenced by the same numerals as are similar parts of the safe shown in Figure 1. In Figure 2 the safe 1 has standard bolting devices 9 on four sides of the door 2. The bolting devices 9 are fitted within the walls of the safe 1 (as opposed to within the door as has been the case in the past). The bolting devices 9 are controlled by solenoids or electric motors 4 mounted within the walls of the safe. 1. The solenoids and electric motors 4 hold the bolting devices 9 in engagement with the door 2 until they are withdrawn on operation of the controlling device 8.

In Figure 3 the bolting devices 9 are activated by solenoids 10 working from the safe body 1 into the door2.

In Figure 4 the bolting devices 9 are activated by electric motors 11 within the side walls of the safe 1.

The bolts 9 move into the door 2.

In Figure 5 the bolting devices 9 are moved by hydraulic rams 12 the actions of which are electrical lycontrolled. The hydraulic rams 12 are connected through hydraulic lines 13 to a hydraulic pump 14.

The hydraulic pump 14 is controlled by operation of an electric motor 15 which is controlled from the locking means 5 by the controlling device 8.

The examples shown in Figures 1 to 3 can be operated on mains or battery powerwhilstthe examples shown in Figures 4 and 5 are only suited to mains connection. The examples shown in Figures 4 and 5 are particularly suited to large safes, vaults and strong rooms.

In the case of the construction shown in Figure 5 the side edges of a safe door are provided with a recess along the full length thereof. This enables plates (not shown) which extend the full length of the sides of the door to be operated by hydraulic rams to force the plates into the recess so that rather than bolts positioned at isolated points they extend along the full length of the side walls of the safe door.

Advantages of the controlling device according to the present invention are that if the device is connected directly to the locking means only a lead extends between the two. The precise position of the locking means is not known because the visual appearance of the safe and safe door shows no indication as to the location of the locking means.

When the controlling device is fixed to the safe if it is removed by cutting the lead thereto it is extremely difficult if not impossible for a person tampering with the safe to gain access thereto.

An advantage of a device including radio operation of the controlling device is that it enables operation of the safe from a position remote from the safe. It also leaves no connection near the safe into which a thief can tap in an attempt to open the safe.

It is also envisaged that if the controlling device is a plug-in unit the plug-in terminal can be in a position remote from the safe. For example in or near a persons desk. This again makes it difficult to find the plug-in terminal. In the event of cutting off the power the safe cannot be operated as the solenoids or electric motors which operate the bolts cannot operate.

It isto be appreciated that a single controlling device can be used to operate a number of different safes each of which has its own preset combination or code. The differing outputs punched in by the user are received and arranged to operate a locking means. This is advantageous in the case of a courier who may have to clear a number of safes after hours.

In the event that a combination has to be changed the control box within the safe is opened and the mechanism of the locking means is changed so that it can sense a different combination.

The controlling device according to the present invention can be used to operate a number of different mechanisms as well as a safe for example a computer or machine. The wide range of different combinations possible on a controlling device which has a series of function keys as well as a series of at least ten digit keys with the time lock included makes it difficult if not impossible to crack a combination thereof. This would be especially the case if the controlling device or the control box for the locking means included a bar against high speed operations which could perhaps be contemplated by a person attempting to crack a combination of the locking means.

Thus by this invention there is provided a method and apparatus for controlling access and operation of a safe, door, machine or mechanism which can contain or store confidential information or valuable goods.

Particular examples of the present invention has been described herein by way of example and it is envisaged that improvements and modifications thereto can take place without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of controlling access to and/or operation of a safe, door, machine or mechanism which can store confidential or valuable information, the method including the steps of: producing in a controlling device an output which controls a locking means associated with a safe, door, machine or mechanism; connecting the controlling device either directly or indirectly to the locking means; activating the controlling device whereby operation of at least one function key and punching a preset combination into the controlling means operates the locking means to allow access to be gained to the safe, machine or mechanism or past the door.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the controlling device is activated by operation of the first function key.

3. A method of controlling access to and/or operation of a safe, door, machine or mechanism which can store confidential or valuable information substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

4. An apparatus which controls access to and operation of a safe, door, machine or mechanism which can contain or store confidential or valuable information, the apparatus including a controlling device an output of which controls a locking means associated with a safe, door, machine or mechanism, the controlling device is activated by connecting or plugging either directly or indirectly the controlling device to the locking means, the arrangement is such that operation of the controlling device is activated by an on/off switch or by operation of one or more function keys incorporated in the controlling device and punching of a preset sequence of digits onto three or more combination or digit keys of the controlling device to produce an output therefrom which deactivates the locking means to allow access to be gained to either the safe, machine or mechanism or past the door.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the controlling device has a series of four function option keys and a series of ten digit keys.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the locking means has a means for shortening the preselected combination or code to enable the shortened code to be used after initial operation of the preselected code.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the controlling device includes timing means which gives an operator thereof a short predetermined period during which the preselected code can be operated before the controlling device automatically deactivates.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the controlling device is either an integral part of the safe, door, machine or mechanism or a plug-in unit.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the controlling device has a transmitter unit compatible with a receiver in the locking means so that from a position remote and unconnected with the safe, door, machine or mechanism the locking means can be operated.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the controlling device is an electronic code entry device the output from which controls the locking means.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 10 adapted to control operation of a safe.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the control mechanism and locking means are incorporated in the walls of the safe.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the locking means activates by solenoids or electric motors a series of bolts which extend into holes or recesses in the safe door.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the locking means activates hydraulically or pneumatically a series of bolts which extend into holes or recesses in the safe door.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the locking means activates plates mounted in the walls of a safe around a door thereof, the plates are movable into elongate recesses formed in the edges of the door.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4to 10 adapted to control a smoke stop door in a building, the locking means controlling the movement of sealing plates in the walls positioned around the perimeter of the smoke stop door between a first position within the walls and a second position wherein the sealing plates contact the periphery of the door or extend into recesses around the periphery of the door.

17. An apparatus for controlling access to and/or operation of a safe or door substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.