GB2335704A - Security cabinet - Google Patents

Abstract

A security cabinet comprises a body (10) having a number of walls (14,16) defining a storage space, open at one side, said open side being closable by a closure wall (31) secured to a supporting structure (35,40). Articles may be placed on the supporting structure (40) which is normally disposed within the storage space. A power-operated mechanism, for example driven by an electric motor, can move the sub-assembly (30), comprising the supporting structure (35, 40) and closure wall (31), linearly outwardly of the storage space, displacing the closure wall (31) away from the body (10) and providing access to articles on the supporting structure (40). A controller for the operation of the power-operated mechanism has a removable actuation element and may be a radio frequency transmitter or an infra-red transmitter.

Description

1 PATENTS ACT 1977 A09-3179G13 Title: Security Cabinets

Description of Invention

This invention relates to a security cabinet for storage and/or display, particularly of articles of high intrinsic value, such as computer equipment, jewellery, works of ail etc., or of an intrinsically dangerous nature, such as firearms, di-ugs etc.

Cabinets for the secure storaue of such articles conventionally, comprise a robust body with a lockable access door which is normally hinged to open outwardly relative to the body. Even when constructed as a safe or strong-box, the lock and/or hinge provides an obvious weak point for an attacker to attempt to gain access.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a security cabinet which avoids or reduces such disadvantacies.

According to the invention we provide a security cabinet comprising a body having a plurality of walls which collectively define a storage space N,,liic.ll is open at one side, a closure wall which normally closes said open side, at least one supportino, structure which is secured to said closure wall to form a movable sub-assembly such that said supportino structure is normally disposed within said storage space for the reception of ai-ticles thereon, a power-operated niechanisrn within said body to move said sub-assenibly linearly in a direction out- wardly of said storage space so as to displace said closure wall away, fl- om s'd body, and bring said storage structure to a position such as to provide al access to articles on said supporting structure, and a controller for operation of Z_ said mechanism, which controller is actuated bv means of removable actuation element.

2335704 2 The cabinet in accordance with the invention may thus not present any obviously opening side, all the external walls having essentially the same appearance and being devoid of handles, hinges or locks.

Preferably, the actuation element operates the controller remotely, that is without physical contact. In one example the actuation element comprises a low-power radio frequency transmitter and the controller includes a receiver responsive to said transmitter. With such an arrangement there may be no indication on the outside of the cabinets to indicate the way in which it opens as the received can be totally concealed within the cabinet.

Alternatively, the actuation element may comprise an infra-i-ed transmitter and the controller may include a corresponding infra-red receiver which may be at least partly concealed, Although less preferred, the actuation element may comprise any suitable form of key which requires physical engagement with a corresponding form of lock, for example mechanical, inagnetic or electric, to operate the controller.

The power-operated mechanism is preferably driven by an electric motor and may include a rotating threaded shaft arranged to operate a 9azy tongs" device to which the sub-assembly is connected.

In a preferred arrangement, said closure wall forms the top wall of the cabinet and the suppoiling structure is lifted form the stora-e space within the body by said power-operated nnechanisrn. In such an arrangement the movable sub-assembly may comprise the top wall and a frame carried thereby which supports one or more shelves.

In an alternative arrangement, said closure wall may form a side wall of the cabinet so that the supportinc structure is movable in a,eiiei.ally horizontal direction.

3 The body may comprise a rectangular fi-ame in which said walls other than said closure wall are located, and conveniently, each of said walls comprises two panels arranged in face-to-face relation and in such a manner that the wall panels collectively are self-retaining in the frame without fasteners visible externally of the cabinet.

The walls may be formed from any suitable material, including combinations of panels made of metal, solid wood, impact resistant plastic compositions, fire-resistant materials, thermal insulation materials, and decorative facings, or combinations of such materials. Where the contents are to be displayed, it will be understood that one or more of the walls may be made at least in pail fl-om panels Of tOL11111ened glass or impact resistant 0 0 transparent plastic materials, or panels of such transparent material may be provIded at the sides of the frame of the sub-assenibly so that articles within the fi-ame are visible when the sub-assembly is raised and concealed when it is lowered.

The cabinet may be constructed as a free-standing ailicle of furniture or may be incorporated into an article of furniture SLICIi as a desk.

These and other features of the invention now be described by kvay of example by reference to the accompanying drawings wliei-eili:- Fi-ure 1 shows one embodiment of securitv cabinet in perspective view and in an open condition, Floure 2 shows a dlaoranimatic transverse sectional view of the cabinet in a closed condition., and Floure 3 shows a detail of the conier construction of a body of the cabinet.

As illustrated in Figure 1, a security,' cabinet In accordance with the c invention comprises an open-topped rectangular body 10 and a movable subC assembly 30 whicli can be raised and lowered by a power-operated mechanism under the control of a remotely actuated controller as liereinafter described.

4 The sub-assembly 30 comprises a top closure -3) 1 which carries at its underside a supporting sti-ucture which in this embodiment comprises a framework 35 which supports at least one shelf 40 spaced below the top closure so as to be located within the body near the bottom thereof when the top closure is in its lowered position as shown in Figure 2, and at or near the open top of the body so as to be accessible when the top closure is in its raised position as shown in Ficyure 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body 10 is constructed as an external frame 20 having located therein a base 12, end walls 14 and side walls 16, each 1 comprisina outer and inner panels, 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b 16a, 16b respectively.

The frame 20 is constructed from four vertical angle-lrons 21, two pairs of side angle-ii-ons 22, and two pairs of end angle-lrons 2.3), all connected by corner blocks 24. Each anole-iron has welded or otherwise securely attached at their opposite ends a collar 25 through which the shank of a respective c headed fastening screw 26 is passed into a threaded bore 27 foi-med in one face of the corner block which is disposed internally of the frame so that the screw is not accessible externally of the assembled cabinet. To facilitate assembly of the base and wall panels with the frame 20 as hereinafter described the internal ed,,es of the block are chamfered as shown at 28.

The panels are dimensioned to fit closely within the angle-lrons of the fraine 20 and may be cut-away at their corners to clear the corner blocks 24, for example by a straight cut at 450 to the edges of the panel as shown in Figure 3), c C7 0 and the individual panels are dimensioned for assembly with the frame 20 in a speel ic relationship with each otlier so as to be largely self- retaining in position, The outer end panels 14a are first placed in position against the vertical angle-irons 21, followed by the outer side panels 16a which abut against the end panels and hold the vertical edges of the outer end panels 14a place. The c - outer base panel 12a is then placed in position on the side and end angle- lrons 22, 23 at the lower side of the frame 20 to hold the lower edges of the outel. end and side panels in place. Subsequently, the inner side panels 16-b are located against the outer side panels 16a and the inner end panels 14b are located a(vainst the outer end panels 14a so as to abut against the inner side panels 16b. Finally, the inner base panel 12b is placed on the outer base panel 12a. The inner and outer panels may, if required, be secured together, for example by means of adhesive or screws extending outwardly fl-om the inner panels into the outer panels for added security.

The panels may be made fi.om any suitable materials according to the nature of the articles the cabinet in intended to store. Thus the outer panels may be mainly decorative, for example panels of veneered particleboard or the like, or they may be of significant strength, for example panels of solid wood havina both structural stren-th and a decorative appearance. The inner panels may be made of more functional materials such as plate steel for exceptional strength, or fire retardant material foifire-resistance, etc. More than two layers of panels may be provided in some cases, and where it is required that the cabinet is to provide for secure display of its contents at least one of the walls may be constructed froin panels of toughened glass oi- Impact resistant plastics c) C:, material.

The top closure 31 comprises a panel 32 which is preferably so dimensioned as to extend beyond the frame 20 as illustrated in Figure 2. At its uiidei-side, the top closure panel 32 'Is formed with a channel 33) which extends around the entire periphei), for the reception of the upper part of the frame 20. The fi-amework 35 comprises foul- tubular upright members 336 interconnected by, pairs of tubular end members 37 and tubtilar side members 38 which are secured at opposite ends of the upright membet-s by means of connecting blocks (not shown) having spigots that enter end portions of tile tubular members. In the illustrated embodiment, the end and side menibers 37,38 are each formed with a pali. of spaced, Mwardly directed, flaiwes 37a, 38a whereby the shelf 40 6 is secured within the rectangular frame formed by the end and side members '7,M at the lower end of the upright members 36. In a similar manner, an upper panel 41 is secured within the frame formed by the end and side members 37,38 at the upper ends of the upright members 36. The upper panel 41 is secured in face-to-face relation with the underside of the top closure panel 32 by, means of fastening elements 42 which pass through the upper panel 41 and into the top closure panel 32 as shown in Figure 2. As can also be seen, the channel 33 is shaped and dimensioned to receive the upper parts of the upper end and side members J37,38 which protrude above the upper face of the upperpane141.

The entire sub-assembly 30 is supported within the body 10 on a linkage mechanism whereby it can be raised and lowered. In the illustrated embodiment this mechanism is shown as a 1azy tongs" linkage 51 which comprises a top plate 52 secured to the underside of the shelf 40, and a bottom plate 53) which may rest on or be secured to the base 12, interconnected by transversely spaced pairs of links 54. The upper ends of the uppermost links are adapted in known mariner to run in tracks forined at the underside of the top plate 52, and the lower ends of the lowerinost links are adapted to run in similar tracks formed in the upper side of the bottom plate 53. The ends of the lowermost links are interconnected by respective transverse members 55, each carrying centrally of its len-th a bearing block 56. A shaft 57, which is rotatable by means of ail electric motor 58 -,vIth an associated control unit 60, extends through the bearing blocks 56 and is externally threaded in the opposite sense from each end. the bearing blocks 56 being correspondingly internally threaded, so that as the shaft is rotated the bearing blocks 56 move linearly tox,7ai.ds or away from one another according to the direction of rotation thereby expandin(y or contractinc, the lazy tonos Iiiika,,e 51.

However, it will be understood that other types of linkage mechanism may be employed in place of such a 1azy tongs" linkage, such as a single pair of 7 crossed links in a "scissors" arrancement at each side of the top and bottom plates 52, 53), each connected at one end of the respective plates by a fixed pivot and each slidably connected to the respective plate at their other ends, and driven by means of a shaft similar to the shaft 57, but threaded in one sense only to expand and contract the linkage through a single threaded block in known manner.

A safety device of any appropriate type may be provided to stop the motor 58 if movement of the sub-assembly 30 'Is obstructed. particularly in the downward direction. For this purpose, the shelf 40 inay, be secured to the top plate 52 in such a manner as to allow a limited decree of tilting movement and microswitches (not shown) may, be provided, for example at the corners of the top plate 52, to respond to such tilting as will occur if any pall of the sub-assembly 30 encounters an obstacle as it is lowered, operation of any,' one of the microswitches interrupting the power supply to the rnotor 58.

It will be understood that the power-operated mechanism 50 is located wholly within the cabinet and is not readily, accessible externally thereof when the cabinet is in its open condition as slio,,k.ii in figure 1 or in its closed condition as shown in Flotire 2.

The control unit 60 controls the operation of the electric inotor 58, both as regards startim, and stopping, and direction of rotation, and this can be achieved in any known manner. In accordance x,,.ltli a pailicularly preferred aspect of the present invention, the control unit 60 is itself operated by, a remote actuator 70, preferably of the kind which transmits a low-powered radio fi-equency signal to an appropriate receiver incorporated in the control unit 60. In this way, the motor 58 can be operated to extend the lazy,' tongue linkage 51 and thereby raise the sub-assembly 30 into the position shown in Figure 1, N,,-liei-eln the shelf 40 is accessible at the top of the body 10. Likewise, the control unit 60 can similarly be operated by the remote actuator to return the sub-assernbly 30 to the position sliown in Figure 2. The use of a radio- 8 the control unit 60 is wholly enclosed within the cabinet and there is no visible indication as to how the cabinet might be opened. However, it would alternatively be possible to use a remote actuator of the kind which transmits for example an infra-i-ed signal to an infi.a-red receiver mounted on the surface of the cabinet at all appropriate location. Ill either case, the l-emote actuator can, of course, be removed from the premises in which the cabinet is situated when the premises are unoccupied.

It would, of course, alternatively be possible to use a key-operated control mechanism.

The cabinet ill accordance with the invention is particularly useful as a computer-work-station. Computer equipment can be located oil the shelf 40 so as to be fully accessible and usable when the sub-assembly 30 is in its raised position, and completely enclosed and hidden when the sub- assembly 30 'Is in its lowered position. When intended for sucli uses, the cabinet may be equipped with appropriate electrical wiring. including flexible electric cabling W, connected to a circuit board on the shelf 40.

It will be understood that the fi-amework 35 may be adapted to support a further shelf at an intermediate level, and/or one or inore,,eilical dividers, andlor side and back panels in addition to the shelf 40 and upper panel 4 1.

Instead of having a single top closure 3) 1, it would ill some cases be 11) 0 possible to divide the top closure into two or more sections, each with an associated supporting structure and independently controlled operating inechani Sill.

Such a cabinet may, comprise a free-standing article of furniture which can be placed alongside all existing desk, or it can be incorporated into a complete desk.

Whilst the invention has been desloned primarlly for use as a computer work-station, it will be understood that a cabinet constructed substantially ill the nianner described may be used for many, other purposes, including the 0 9 secure storage of a wide range of articles by appropriate adaptation of the suppoilina structure. Thus, for example, the framework J35 may support one or more racks adapted to receive fire-arms such as rifles. Alteimatively, the framework 35 may support an assembly of storage drawers for small items such as articles of jewellery or packages of drugs.

Additionally, the cabinet in accordance with the invention can be adapted to serve as display cabinet by constructing, for example, one of the side walls 16 of transparent material sucli as toti-liened (flass or shatterresistant plastics materials, or by, pi-o,.,,ldlnc, panels of sticli transparent material at the sides of the framework 35 so that the articles ",.ltliln the framework are visible when the sub-assembly 3)0 is raised and concealed when it is lowered.

In an alternative arrangement, the cabinet could be constructed to open laterally rather than vertically,.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS-

1. A security cabinet comprising a body having a plurality of walls which collectively define a storage space which is open at one side, a closure wall which normally closes said open side, at least one supporting structure which is secured to said closure wall to form a movable subassembly such that said supporting structure is normally disposed within said storage space for the reception of articles thereon, a poweroperated mechanism within said body to move said sub-assembly linearly in a direction outwardly of said storage space so as to displace said closure wall away fi-om said body and bring said storage structure to a position such as to provide access to articles on said shelf, and a controller for operation of said ineclianism, yllicli controller is actuated by mealis of removable actuation element.

2. A cabinet in accordance with Claim 1 wherein the actuation element operates the controller remotely without physical contact.

A cabinet in accordance with Claim 2 wherein the actuation element comprises a low-power radio fl-equency transmitter and the controller includes a receiver responsive to said transmitter.

4. A cabinet in accordance witli Claim 2 wherein the actuation element comprises an infi-a-i-ed transmitter and the controller includes a con. esponding iiifi.a-i-ed receiver.

5. A cabinet in accordance with Claini 2 wherein the actuation element comprises any suitable form of key, which requires physical cii, 2a(yeiiieiit ",itli a corresponding form of lock. lia\,,,lii,, mechanical, magnetic or electi-ic lockina actioll.

6. A cabinet in accordance with aily one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein said power-operated mechanism is driven by an electric motor.

11

7. A cabinet in accordance with Claim 6 wherein said mechanism includes a rotating threaded shaft arranged to operate a 1azy tonas" device to which said sub-assembly is connected.

8. A cabinet in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 7 wherein sid closure wall forms the top wall of the cabinet and the supporting structure al 1 C is lifted from the storage space within the body by said power-operated mechanism.

9. A cabinet in accordance with Claim 8 wherein said sub-assembly comprises the top wall and a frame carried thereby, which supports one or more shelves.

10. A cabinet in accordance with any, one Claims 1 to 9 wherein said closure wall forms a side wall of the cabinet so that the supportinc, structure is movable in a generally horizontal directioll.

11. A cabinet in accordance with any,, one of Claims 1 to 10 wherein the body comprises a rectangular frame iii which said walls other than said closure wall are located.

12. A cabinet in accordance with Claim 11 wherein the walls which are located in said rectanaular frame each comprise two panels arranged in face-to-face relation and in such a maimer that the wall panels collectively are self-retainina in said frame without fasteners visible extenially of the cabinet.

13. A cabinet in accordance with Claim 11 or Claim 12 wherein said ivalls are formed from panels comprising panels made of metal, or solid wood, or impact resistant plastic compositions, or fire resistant materials, or thermal insulation materials, or decorative facings, and combinations thereof

14. A cabinet in accordance with Claini 13 wherein one or more of the wails are made at least in part from paiiels Of tOL1,1,1ieiied glass oi- impact resistant transparent plastic materials.

15. A cabinet in accordance with Claim 13) wherein panels of transparent material such as toughened glass or shatter-resistant plastics Z:1 -- 12 materials are secured at the sides of the fi-ame of the sub-assembly so that articles located on said shelf are visible when the sub-assembly is raised and concealed when it is lowered.

16. A cabinet in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 15 and constructed as a free-standing article of furniture.

17. A cabinet in accordance with any one of Claim 1 to 15 which is incorporated into an article of furniture such as a desk.

18. A cabinet in accordance with Claim 1 and substantially, as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.