GB2330382A - Secure deposit box - Google Patents

Abstract

A device comprising a container (1) is secured to a fixed support, and has a trap lid (2) to allow the deposition of articles into the device. A separate door (4) has at least two independent locks (19), both of which must be released to allow access to the interior of the container (1). The container (1) may be constructed of welded steel, and may be used in an entertainment establishment for the safe storage of confiscated illegal drugs.

Description

SECURITY DEVICE The invention relates to a security device and in particular to a device for use at places of entertainment and the like where there is a need to securely house illegal drugs and like materials.

Some places of entertainment provide an inspection system before members of the public are allowed to enter. At a night-club, for example, a security operative will examine customers to make sure they are not holding small supplies of drugs. Any drugs found are confiscated. There is a need to provide some means by which the confiscated drugs may be retained until they can be collected by the authorities such as the Police. This need will become more acute under new legislation. It is one object of this invention to satisfy that need.

In one aspect the invention provides a container securable to a wall or like support, the container having a trap lid which is openable for the introduction of unlawful substances into the interior of the container, and a separate door having at least two independent locks which can be released to allow access to the interior of the container.

In use, the security operative will deposit the substances in the container.

When the Police are called (either to empty the container of an individual item, or as part of the routine visit). An authorised member of staff must be present to unlock one lock and the Police to unlock the second lock so that the contents can be removed from the container. This twofold arrangement reduces the risk that staff will take confiscated drugs, to re-seal them and remove the risk of staff being put under duress to return the seized substances.

In order that the invention may be well understood it will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation partly in section of one box of the invention; Figure 2 is an elevation taken on lines I-II on Figure 1 showing one half only; Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are respectively a top elevation, a side elevation in section and a cross elevation in section of another embodiment of the invention.

The apparatus comprises a box 1 having a trap or flap lid 2 on the top face 3 and a full door 4 on its front face 5. The box is made of welded steel and is too heavy to be run off with; it is secured by bolts (not shown) to a vertical wall or shelf e.g. a counter). The lid 3 is adapted to pivot about a hinge rod 6 and has a lower shovel shape body 7 so that the lid cannot be lifted out of the recess 8 in which it resides. The parts are dimensioned so that when the lid is in the raised condition, it is not possible to insert one's fingers or a tool between the edge of the trap and the facing wall of the recess to remove contents from the interior of the box.

The door 4 comprises a plate 9 which covers the full front face 5 of the box apart from a small peripheral margin. An open frame 10 is mounted on the rear of the plate and is shaped to fit in the recess 11 of the front face 5. Two pegs 12 extend from the bottom wall 13 of the frame to be received in sockets 14 of the bottom wall of the recess. Two latch arms 15 are pivotally mounted on the plate, and extend through slots 16 in the vertical side walls 17 of the frame into slots 18 in the side of the recess. The arms 15 are connected to locks 19 at the front face of the plate. The locks 19 are different and arranged so that both need to be unlocked before the door can be removed from its socket. In use one lock will be opened using a key in the custody of the entertainment establishment and the other in the custody of the Police.

At a pub or night-club when a security operative locates drugs or other drug paraphernalia he immediately deposits it in the box which acts as a drugs deposit unit. At the end of the day or at regular intervals the Police collect the drugs. To gain access it is necessary to unlock both locks simultaneously so that the door can be removed completely. One key will be held by the manager of the premises and the second, a bespoke one, by the Police. The box is secure because access through the trap lid is denied, and the main door cannot be levered off because of the full cover of the front face, and the pegs received in the sockets.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown. Extra or different locks may be used, alarms may be present; the box may be a cylinder; it may be included in other facilities e.g. a forecourt, place of education, a pharmacy or the like.

The embodiment shown in Figures 3A, 3B and 3C is similar to that shown in Figures 2 and 3 and also shows the dimensions of the parts.

Claims (6)

1. CLAIMS 1. A container securable to a wall or like support, the container having a trap lid which is openable for the introduction of unlawful substances into the interior of the container, and a separate door having a least two independent locks both of which must be reieased to allow access to the interior of the container.
2. 2. A container according to Claim 1, wherein the door having the two independent locks is present on the (in use) front face of the container.
3. 3. A container according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the trap lid is present on the (in use) top face of the container.
4. 4. A container according to any preceding Claim, made of welded steel.
5. 5. A container according to any preceding Claim, adapted to receive tablets or powders of unlawful drugs.
6. 6. An entertainment establishment incorporating a container according to any preceding Claim.