GB2375142A

GB2375142A - Multi compartment storage device with contents detector and time delayed opening

Info

Publication number: GB2375142A
Application number: GB0206992A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Croston
Original assignee: Alpa Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Alpa Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2001-04-05
Filing date: 2002-03-25
Publication date: 2002-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2022-03-25
Also published as: GB2375142B; GB0206992D0; GB0108608D0

Abstract

A security storage device (14, 15, 16, 17) including a plurality of compartments (32, Figure 2), which may each have a removable cartridge (38, Figure 2), a locking means (11) with lock controller and contents detecting means, where the lock control provides different access to empty compartments. Preferably the control parameter for the lock control is a time delay, where compartments sensed to be empty are subject to no delay when opening but full compartments may only be opened after a delay, one at a time or remain open for a limited time. In use the device may be incorporated in to a trolley or work surface (Figure 3).

Description

SECURITY STORAGE DEVICE The present invention relates to a security storage device for use, for example by counter clerks or tellers in banks, building societies and other organisations handling cash or other papers of value.

Organisations which handle large amounts of cash on a daily basis normally have available a heavy safe, often provided with a time delay lock which will only operate a certain period after instructions have been given to open it.'It is a lengthy process to remove cash from the safe. Although secured by a time delay, at the time when the main safe is open the whole of its contents is at risk in the event of a raid at that time. There is a need to provide an instant deposit facility with a short time delayed removal. A counter clerk or teller will therefore usually keep a small float of cash ready to hand. Such a float constitutes a security risk in the event of a robbery and is therefore kept to a minimum.

There is a need to provide an intermediate form of security for cash which may be needed more rapidly than can be conveniently achieved from a conventional safe.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved security storage device suitable to storing such a float.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security storage device, including a plurality of individually accessible compartments; lock means for locking the compartments in a closed configuration; control means for controlling the lock means on the basis of a predetermined control parameter; and contents detecting means for detecting whether the compartments are empty, wherein the control means is operable to provide different access control to empty compartments.

Advantageously, the control means is operable to provide substantially immediate access to empty compartments.

In the preferred embodiment, the control parameter is a time delay, the control means allowing opening of empty compartments without incurring the time delay.

Advantageously, the device is provided with an outer housing divided by internal walls to form the compartments, the compartments being open on one side. Preferably, the lock means is operable to lock the compartments individually.

The control means is preferably operable to control operation of the lock means to secure in the closed configuration the other compartments when one of the compartments is opened.

The time delay may include both a delayed opening of a compartment following an opening command and a limited opening time of that compartment. It may also provide for a time delay before any other compartments can be opened following opening of a first compartment.

In the preferred embodiment, the device includes cartridges insertable into the compartments and which provide a wall at the open side of the compartments. In this embodiment, the lock means locks the cartridges in the compartments.

It is also envisaged that the compartments could be provided with pivotable flaps or doors.

Advantageously, there is provided separate lock means for each compartment.

The lock means may include any suitable electro-mechanical device, such as a motor, but preferably is solenoid-based. It is also envisaged that the latching means could be mechanical or magnetic.

Preferably, opening of each compartment is subject to a separate delay period.

Conveniently, the compartments are open at the top.

In a practical form for use in a bank or building society, such a storage device may be incorporated into a security trolley or in a work surface. In the case of a work surface, the device may be provided slightly recessed within the surface so that a hinged cover can be provided which, when lowered, provides a flat surface for the user.

The device could also be incorporated into a drawer of a security cabinet. In this example, a plurality of devices could be provided, each in the form of an irremovable drawer in an armoured cabinet which is fixed in position adjacent to a teller position, and each storage device can be designated for one designation of currency, for example notes of 5, 10 or 20. However, another user might use each individual drawer compartment to house buffer floats of say E500 in mixed notes and using one drawer for"receipts only".

As only one compartment is preferably accessible at any one time, and then subject to a time delay for the removal of items of value, the level of loss in the event of a raid is reduced.

Special provision can, however, be made to allow more rapid access to all the compartments at the end of a working day when the cash is to be returned in bulk to a main safe.

Embodiments of the present invention are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a security cabinet with a single storage device incorporated into a drawer of the cabinet; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a single storage device in partial cross-section; and' Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a storage device incorporated into a cashier's workstation.

Figure 1 shows a security cabinet 10 which can incorporate a security storage device of the type specified herein. The cabinet 10 has a lock 11 which secures all of its six drawers. The cabinet and its drawers are all armoured and the cabinet is fixed in place, for example by bolting to the floor. Drawers 12 and 13 are utility drawers, drawer 12 preferably being adapted to hold the immediate cash float being used by a cashier or teller.

Four further security storage devices 18 are incorporated in the form of drawers 14,15, 16 and 17. Each of the four is built into the cabinet 10 from the rear and the metal construction is such that they cannot be removed without destroying the cabinet. The security storage device is substantially the same as that described in Figure 2 and has the same features.

Referring to Figure 2, the embodiment of security storage device 30 shown is intended to be incorporated into a cabinet, for example in the drawer 14 of the cabinet of Figure 1. It can also be incorporated into the top surface of a cabinet or trolley (not shown) or into the top of a work surface such as a desk or the like, as shown in Figure 3.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the device 30 contains a plurality of transverse compartments 32 formed by a plurality of transverse walls 34 and a side portion 36 which houses the mechanism for controlling the device, which is described below.

Each compartment 32 is provided with a cartridge 38 which in this example is open at one end 40 for the receipt of banknotes or other security documents therein. The shape of the cartridge is not important.

It will be apparent from Figure 2 that the open ends 40 of the cartridges 38 are hidden when the cartridges 38 are located within their respective compartments.

Each cartridge 38 is provided with a handle 44 which is preferably weakened for

the reasons described below. In addition, each cartridge 38 is provided with a viewing window 46, which in the preferred embodiment is an aperture in both walls of the cartridge 38 such that light can pass through the viewing window from one side of the cartridge to the next when empty. It is not necessary for the viewing window 46 to be of this form as it need only provide viewing access to the inside of the cartridge 38.

Within the device 30 there is provided a plurality of latches 46 (not specifically shown), one for each compartment 32. A skilled reader will appreciate readily types of latching mechanism which would be suitable for this application.

The cartridges 38 are made of any suitable metal or other strong material to prevent tampering therewith.

In the embodiment shown, the device 30 is provided with a release command switch 48 for each compartment 32 and hence for each cartridge 38. The release switch 48 operates the release mechanism of its associated latch 46. In the preferred embodiment, the latch release mechanism includes a solenoid. In the preferred embodiment, one solenoid is provided for each latch of each compartment 32 and is preferably provided on a single printed circuit board or other substrate (not shown) for ease of manufacture and assembly.

Each release switch 48 is, in the preferred embodiment, provided with a visual indicator for indicating the state of opening of each compartment 32. In the preferred embodiment, the visual indicator provides one colour signal, such as green, indicative of the fact the cartridge 38 has been unlatched and can be removed; and a red light when the cartridge remains locked within its compartment 32 by reason, for example, of a time delay or the unlatching of any other cartridges 38, as is described in detail below. The visual indicator may be one or more LEDs located alongside each switch 48 or be integral with the switch 48.

Each compartment 32 may be provided with spring means (not shown) for causing its associated cartridge 38 to be pushed slightly out of the compartment 32 when unlatched to assist in the removal of the cartridge 38, although in the preferred embodiment there is no such spring such that the cartridges 38 remain in the lowered position until removed by an operator.

The side portion 36 of the device 30 is preferably lined in stainless steel to prevent

fraudulent use of a trigger mechanism, such as a magnet, to seek to trigger the solenoids 46.

The assembly of each solenoid 46 is not described in detail as any appropriate assembly would be immediately apparent to the skilled reader. An example is a solenoid with an armature which is biased into the latched position by a tension spring which has an armature therearound able to move the solenoid into an unlatched position against the force of the tension spring. Such an arrangement would, of course, ensure that the cartridges 38 remain locked when no power is applied to the device.

In Figure 2, the device 30 is shown to have twelve compartments 30 but any number of compartments could be provided depending upon the chosen application.

The preferred control mechanism for the latches is basically electromechanical, in the embodiment shown using solenoids 46, and includes an electronic control circuit which is not illustrated or described in detail as its structure will be immediately apparent to the skilled person.

When one of the switches 48 is depressed, its indicator light/LED is illuminated, for example to a flashing red colour, to indicate a timed countdown before the associated cartridge 38 can be accessed. At this point, all of the other switches 48 are rendered inactive and this is preferably indicated by the indicator lights/LEDs associated with each of the other switches 48 emitting, for example, a steady red light.

Once the time delay has expired, the indicator turns to green and the solenoid 46 associated with the switch 48 which was operated is activated to unlatch the cartridge 38 from the associated compartment 32. The cartridge 38 can then be removed to gain access to the contents therein, typically banknotes or other security documents.

When the system is provided with a biasing mechanism within each compartment 32, upon release of the latch 46, the cartridge 38 is pushed upwardly so as to protrude above the device 30 to enable easy withdrawal, particularly if the cartridges are not provided with handles 44.

In some embodiments, the system provides a withdrawal period by which a cartridge 38 has to be withdrawn, with a failure to do this causing the whole system to re-set automatically and to re-set to zero any time delay. In such a case, the device could be designed to re-lock the cartridge 38 into the compartment.

It is envisaged that different compartments 32 or separate compartments 32 could be given different time delays before access, for use in storing currency notes of different value, with the higher value notes being stored in compartments with a longer time delay.

While the cartridges 38 are latched into the device 30, they cannot be removed.

The weakening of the handles 44 is such that they are substantially weaker than the latches 46 so that the handles 44 would break.' Within each compartment 32 there is also provided a light sensor and source (not shown) at the location of the viewing window 46 of the cartridge 38 when inserted in the compartment 32. The light sensor assembly is such that any banknote or other item placed in the cartridge breaks or changes the sensed signal. For example a system which provides a light source in the compartment 32 at one side of the viewing window 46 and a light sensor aligned at the other side will have the light beam interrupted by a banknote.

Similarly, a system which relies, for example, upon light reflection on an internal component of the cartridge, such as a mirror element opposite the viewing window, would also be affected by the presence of a banknote or other item.

The control system of the device 30 is coupled to the light sensors and is arranged to override the time delay and latching of any cartridges 38 which are determined to be empty. In this manner, it is possible to gain immediate access to compartments 38 which are empty, for example for depositing banknotes, while compartments which have banknotes therein are latched closed and can only be accessed though the control procedure.

When the device 30 is incorporated into a drawer of a cabinet, it may be provided with suitable operating buttons, shown as buttons 45,47 in the example in Figure 1. The these may function, for example, in the following fashion. Upon initial actuation of an "open"button 45, a timing circuit is initiated. After the expiry of the time period, a signal light 49 will operate to indicate the start of a period within which the drawers 15-18 can be opened and within which actuation of one of the closure solenoid latches 46 will be permitted so as to gain access to one more compartments 32.

Once a drawer 15-18 has been slid to an open position, one of the switches 48 can be depressed to seek access to a compartment 32, that is a cartridge 38.

Referring to Figure 3, when incorporated into a desk, the top of the device 30 is

preferably recessed into the top surface 50 and a hinged cover (not shown) is provided which overlies the device 30 when closed and provides a smooth work surface.

A control keypad 52 is provided alongside the device 30 and provides equivalent functions to the push-buttons and indicators 48.

Alternatives to the described embodiments can be envisaged and one alternative would be to replace the cartridges 38 with a pivotable flap'extending over the open end of each compartment 32 and openable by actuation of an individual push button 48 and latchable individually by a suitable latch 46, which again could be a solenoid-operated latch.

In the preferred embodiment, there is no specific order in which the compartments 32 must be accessed but it is envisaged that in some applications this may be desirable.

In place of the solenoids, the latches 46 could be provided with any other electro-mechanical device, such as a motor, a mechanical device or could be magnetic with preferably no moving parts.

It is envisaged that magnetic reed switches or other sensors could be provided to identify the status of the drawer and/or cartridges, even the cabinet as a whole, with an alarm being provided to warn when the cartridges are not correctly re-located in their compartments within a reasonable time span or when the drawers are not properly closed.

Time delayed access to cash held in the device 30 would be highly inconvenient at the end of a working day when the contents of the security cabinet must be transferred to a main safe. A total override system may therefore be provided which would permit, possible after a relatively long time delay, all the latches to unlock to reveal all compartments 32 without any further time delays at each stage. Naturally, the control button or control key to permit this would need to be hidden or inaccessible at normal times. For example, its actuation could be linked to the locking of external doors or other security measures. During the relatively long time delay, the normal access procedure as described previously can continue.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A security storage device, including a plurality of individually accessible compartments; lock means for locking the compartments in a closed configuration; control means for controlling the lock means on the basis of a predetermined control parameter; and contents detecting means for detecting whether the compartments are empty, wherein the control means is operable to provide different access control to empty compartments.

1

2. A device according to claim, wherein the control means is operable to provide substantially immediate access to empty compartments.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the control parameter is a time delay, the control means allowing opening of empty compartments without incurring the time delay.

3. A device according to claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the device is provided with an outer housing divided by internal walls to form the compartments, the compartments being open on one side.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the lock means is operable to lock the compartments individually.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the control means is operable to control operation of the lock means to secure in the closed configuration the other compartments when one of the compartments is opened.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, including cartridges insertable into the compartments and which provide a wall at the open side of the compartments.

7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein opening of each compartment is subject to a separate delay period.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the time delay includes both a delayed opening of a compartment following an opening command and a limited opening time of that compartment.

9. A device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the time delay provides a delay before any other compartments can be opened following opening of a first compartment.

10. A security cabinet substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

11. A security trolley or work surface including a device according to any preceding claim.