GB2278636A - Security panel - Google Patents

Abstract

A cutter trapping device 10 has a spring 13 in compression contained in a cylindrical metal body 11 sealed with end pieces 12. A security panel using the device 10 consists of a box, usually rectangular, with a plurality of devices 10 secured between side plates thereof. The space within the panel is filled with barrier material such as concrete. <IMAGE>

Description

SECURITY PANELS The present invention relates to security panels such as the sides and doors of safes and doors of rooms and premises.

There is a continual battle between the makers of security equipment and those who wish to breach that equipment. A known type of security door consists of a box structure, usually of rectangular form, formed of tough metal, such as steel, filled with concrete.

However drills are known which can penetrate these panels, an example of such a drill being a diamond core cutter. A typical core cutter cuts a hole of about five inches diameter which is ample, for example, for a hand to gain access to an area protected by the panel.

According to one aspect of the present invention a cutter trapping device for installation in a security panel includes a sealed tubular container holding a spring in compression.

The container is preferably cylindrical but may be, for example, of square section, and sealed by end plates which will usually be parallel to one another. The container may advantageously contain a rust inhibitor, which may be coated on the spring.

According to another aspect of the invention a security panel consists of a box structure within which is contained a plurality of sealed tubular containers each of which contains a spring in compression, each of which is attached at each end to a side plate of the box and each of which extends across the box.

The containers are preferably of circular or square section sealed with end pieces which lie parallel to and which are weldable to side panels of the box.

The containers are preferably positioned substantially parallel to one another and with a space therebetween such that a breach of the panel between containers will not allow useful access to an area protected by the panel.

It will be realised that panels according to the invention will usually be of rectangular shape but may also be of other shapes such as circular or oval.

Some embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, of which; Figure 1 is a side elevation, partly in section, of a container according to the invention, Figure 2 is an end elevation of the container, Figure 3 is a side elevation, partly in section along line III-III of Figure 4, of a security panel according to the invention, and Figure 4 is an end elevation, in section along line IV-IV of Figure 3, of the security panel.

A cutter trapping device according to the invention shown generally at 10 in Figures 1 and 2 has a cylindrical metal body 11 sealed with parallel end pieces 12 which are welded to the body 11.

Swithin the container so formed is a spring 13 in compression.

A security panel according to the invention (Figures 3 and 4) is in the form of a rectangular box having a front plate 14, a back plate 15, and side plates 16 (at the top), 17 (at the bottom), 18 and 19.

The panels will usually be of metal such as steel. A plurality of cutter trapping devices 10 are secured between the side plates 18, 19 of the panel by welding thereto. The space within the panel not occupied by devices 10 is filled with a barrier material such as concrete 20. In use, it has been found that attempts to penetrate a security panel of this type by means of a cutting implement such as a diamond core cutter are foiled by the cutter trapping devices. The shape of a spring inherently makes it difficult to cut, and even if it is cut the compression therein compacts it on the cutting edges of the cutting device causing debilitating damage thereto.

Typical dimensions of a cutter trapping device are a cylindrical body 11 of 1" outside diameter x 12SWG mild steel with end pieces 12 of 3mm mild steel plate. The spring is of 17.5mm outside diameter and of 3.66mm wire with a spring rate of 0.56kg. For a length A of the body 11 such a spring might have a free length of A x 1.23 and A/4.5 coils. A suitable spacing between devices 10 in a security panel is 4". The springs may advantageously be coated with a rust preventative before assembly. These dimensions and materials are, of course, examples only and many other dimensions and materials can be used as appropriate.

Many variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example the body 11 may be other than cylindrical, for example square. Many alternative materials for the plates 14 to 19 forming the security panel, for example ceramics, will be apparent. Alternative means for securing the devices 10 to the side plates 18, 19 of the panel include, for example, the use of screws, rivets and similar devices, or the use of recesses in the inner faces of the plates 18, 19 which enclose the end pieces 12.

Whilst the devices 10 are illustrated as positioned parallel to the top and bottom plates 16, 17 of the panel this disposition may be varied in practice, with devices 10 angled relative to these plates, thus making their disposition within the panel less apparent to someone wishing to breach the panel. The necessary geometrical changes to the devices 10 for such dispositions will be readily apparent.

The invention is also, of course, applicable to panels of shapes other than the rectangular shape illustrated in Figure 3.

Claims (5)

1. What is claimed is: 1. A cutter trapping device for installation in a security panel including a sealed tubular container holding a spring in compression.
2. 2. A cutter trapping device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the container is cylindrical.
3. 3. A security panel consisting of a box structure within which is contained a plurality of sealed tubular containers each of which contains a spring in compression, each of which is attached at each end to a side plate of the box, and each of which extends across the box.
4. 4. A cutter trapping device substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
5. 5. A security panel substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.