GB2407619A

GB2407619A - Portable safe

Info

Publication number: GB2407619A
Application number: GB0402943A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sayed Mohamed El
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-10-28
Filing date: 2004-02-11
Publication date: 2005-05-04
Also published as: GB0325110D0; GB0402943D0

Abstract

A portable safe comprises a body 100, 101, which can be secured about an external object, and means to attach the safe to the external object, which are only accessible by unlocking the body 100, 101. The means of attachment 105, 106 are situated at or adjacent to the upper and lower ends of the safe body 100. Preferably the body 100, 101 is provided with a lock 105, 106 and at least one compartment to store articles. Inside the body there may be provided a frame 105, 106 which has tightening means such as screws 107-110 provided so that the safe is able to clamp onto the external object. The body 100, 101 preferably also has a hinge and perforations, or air vents, so that a constant airflow and temperature may be maintained within the safe. The body 100, 101 may also have a recess 104, through which the external object may pass to be secured inside the safe. The safe is provided so that valuable personal items can be left temporarily unattended and remain in a secure environment.

Description

PORTABLE SAFE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable safe device.

Background to the Invention

There have been numerous attempts over the years to come up with a suitable means to protect the valuables of holiday makers and other individuals who find themselves in locations without any suitable safe place in which to store their valuables whilst they undertake other activities. It is well known that leaving valuables unsecured, for instance on the ground in an open public space and even more specifically on a beach whilst the owner is swimming or undertaking other leisure activities away from their valuables, leaves such valuables particularly vulnerable to theft.

Existing solutions to this problem include leaving one member of a group to watch over the valuables whilst the others are absent. The problem with this solution is that a person left behind is not always happy to undertake these duties and it is not possible if a single person wishes to go into this sort of environment.

Alternate solutions would include the provision of public locker facilities.

However, problems with this solution include the relative expense and inconvenience of using such public locker facilities.

International patent number PCT/EP88/00234 discloses another solution, a holiday safe with a ground anchor. This invention works by the holiday maker first securing an anchor into the earth, the anchor consists of a helical blade and a number of rod portions which can be attached to the helical blade. Once the blade and rod portions are securely attached to the earth, a safe device may then o be attached to the top of the rod and once this safe device is closed and locked, access to the rod and blade is prevented and by virtual of the attachment of the safe to the rod and blade unit, the safe is securely attached to the earth.

Problems with this device/solution are that it requires a number of heavy, potentially dangerous and expensive components to function. In addition, there is also an amount of manual labour involved in inserting the rod and blade unit into the earth prior to the attachment of the safe. Similar devices are also s disclosed in international application number PCT/GB99/04136, US patent number 5199361 and US patent number 4664041. All of these inventions share the common features of a rod member which is first driven into the earth and following the secure attachment of this member to the earth, a portable safe device is attached to the top of the rod and thereby secured to the earth.

Jo Therefore all of these inventions share the common disadvantages of the device as claimed in international patent number PCT/EP88/00234.

An alternate strategy to the provision of a portable safe device is to utilize the up right pole of beach umbrellas, chair or table legs as shown in international as patent application number PCT/ITOO/00075 and French patent number 9711544.

In both these inventions a portable safe device is provided which can be fitted about a suitable upright semi-permanently fixed member. In both of these inventions however it is necessary that the user of the portable safe device has access to at least one end of this vertical member as the passageway through 2 o the portable safe device is a permanent feature of the device made through the center of the device. In addition given the semi-permanent nature of the vertical member, the possibility exists that a party other than the owner of the valuables stored within the portable safe device could gain access to the device by liberating an end of the semi- permanently fixed member and taking the safe s away to a different location for opening.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object in the present invention to provide a simple and compact, yet o effective device for safely securing and storing possessions.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides a portable safe device for safely storing possessions, comprising a first casing member and a second casing member, wherein the first and second casing member are connectable via a connection means. The device further comprises a passageway formed in the device by at least one of the said casing members when in a substantially closed configuration.

Advantageously, the configuration of the first and second casing members which are connectable via a connection means, means that the device may be To mounted about any suitable fixed member and access is not needed to an end of such a suitable fixed member.

According to a preferred feature the device may further comprise at least one fixing plate. The function of this at least one fixing plate being to semi- permanently attach at least one casing member to the suitable fixed member.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the device may comprise two fixing plates. The provision of two fixing plates means that the semipermanent attachment of at least one casing member to the suitable fixed member is more 2 0 secure.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable safe for storing articles comprising a housing adapted to be securely mounted against an external means, the safe mounts and demounts from the inside thereof, and means of fitting provided on the safe is situated at or adjacent to the upper and lower end thereof.

According to a preferred feature of the device, the locking means is provided on the body.

According to a preferred feature of the device, the tightening means is provided with the housing.

According to a preferred feature of the device, the body is provided with at least one compartment to receive and store articles.

According to a preferred feature of the device, the body is provided with at least one recess means.

According to a preferred feature of the device, the body is provided with at least one hinge.

According to a preferred feature of the device, the body is perforated.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable safe adapted for securing to a fixed elongate member, said safe comprising a first casing member arranged to be secured to said fixed elongate member, a second casing member arranged to co-operate with said first casing member, such that said first and second casing members, in use are operable and closeable around said fixed elongate member; and said first and/or second casing member(s) forming a cavity for retention of articles to kept in said safe; go and a passage way extending through said first and/or second members for receiving said fixed elongate member; and securing means being accessible for securing said first casing member to said permanently fixed elongate member when said casing members are in an open position.

Preferably said second casing member is capable of being lockably engaged to said first casing member in a manner which makes said securing means inaccessible when said first and second casing members are in a closed position.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a safe device comprising: a first casing member; and a second casing member, said first and second casing members being connectable via a connection means; said device further comprising a passageway formed in the device by at least one said casing member in a substantially close configuration.

Preferably said device further comprises at least one fixing plate.

Preferably said device comprises two fixing plates.

Preferably said device comprises a locking means.

Preferably said locking means comprises a combination mechanism.

Preferably said locking means comprises a key and tumbler mechanism.

Preferably said locking means comprises an electronic mechanism.

Preferably said device comprises at least one support means.

Preferably said device comprises two support means.

2 5 Preferably said passageway is cylindrical.

Preferably said passageway is cuboid.

Preferably said first and second casing members when in a close o configuration for a spheroid.

Preferably said first and second casing members when in a close configuration form a cuboid.

Brief Descrintion of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 herein shows the portable safe device according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration.

Figure 2 herein shows a portable safe device according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a closed configuration.

Figure 3 herein shows a portable safe device according to the first embodiment of the present invention wherein a device is attach to a bicycle frame.

so Figure 4 herein shows a portable safe device according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention the device is attached to a support cable of a telephone pilon.

Detailed Descrintion There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

Referring to figure 1 herein, there is provided a portable safe device comprising a first casing member 100; a second casing member 101; a connection means 102; a chamber 103; a passage way 104; a first securing means 105, said first securing means being connectable to said first casing member by said first and second connection means 107, and 108 respectively; a second securing means 106 connectable to said first casing member 100 by a first a second connection member 109 and 110 respectively; a locking means 111 for locking said first casing member 100 and second casing member 101 together.

The first casing member 100 comprises a substantially hemispherical hollow member. The upper and lower portions of this substantially hollow member are filled with a first and a second shaped block member 111 and 112 respectively into the block members 111 and 112 is formed the passageway 104. A compartment 103 also remains between the first and second shaped block members.

The first and second shaped block members 111 and 112 are configured such that they fill in an upper and lower portion of the first casing member 101.

The block members are formed such that the entirety of this upper and lower portion of the first casing member is filled in apart from the preformed passageway.

This configuration of shaped block members also result in a compartment being formed in the first casing member 100. It is into the compartment 103 that such valuable items has the use of the device may wish to suit secure the store are placed.

The first casing member 100 further comprises a first 105 and a second 106 securing means which are demountably affixed to the first 111 and second 112 filled portions. In this particular example, the first 105 and second 106 securing means are in the form of fixing plates. Each fixing plate is secured to a separate filled portion via two connection members per fixing plate. The first securing means 105 is connected to the first filled portion 1 1 1 via two connection members 107 and 108. The second securing means 106 is connected to the second filled portion 1 1 1 via two connection members 109 and 1 10. The first and second securing means in this particular embodiment of this present invention are in the form of metal strips of an adequate size to bridge the space made into the first and second filled portions by the passageway.

Both the first 105 and second 106 securing means are formed such that JO along their length there is a concave bulge such that the passageway formed through the first casing member 100 is defined upon one side by the first and second shaped block portions and on a second side by the first and second fixing plates 105 and 106. According to this first specific embodiment of the present invention the first and second securing means further comprises holes positioned at either end of their length. Both the first and second securing means comprises one circular hole through which a connection member maybe threaded into an appropriately positioned hole in the first or second shaped filled portion respectively. The first and second securing means also comprise a one slot, this again is configured such that one of the connection members maybe placed o through this slot into a preformed hole in either the first or second filled shaped portion respectively. The use of a slot rather than a hole way that an alternative means to expose the passageway 104 to the environment is allowed. Rather than removing both fixing plates in there entirerity, are may loosen the first and second affixing plates and then swivel each affixing plate about one of the s connection means which is positioned through the hole made into each affixing plate.

The second casing member 101 comprises a substantially hemispherical hollow member of a similar size to the first casing member 100 such that the first 3 o and second casing members may be brought into close proximity with each other forming a solid three dimensional structure in this particular example a sphere.

The second casing member 101 further comprises first and second support means 113 and 114. The first and second support means 113 and 114 are in the form of half circular metal plates which are securely fixed inside the second casing member. The first and second support means 113 and 114 further comprises a semi-circular occlusion which is configured such that when the first and second 101 casing members are in a closed configuration the passageway 104 formed through said first and second casing members 100 and 101 is continuous and uninterrupted by the first and second support means.

The device further comprises connection means 102, the function of the JO connection means is to connect the first casing member and second casing member such that they can be brought into close proximity with each other forming an enclosed chamber 103 and also a passageway through the first and second casing members 100 and 102. According to this specific embodiment of the present invention the connection means 102 are in the form of a hinge. The :s first and second casing members being hinged in this way allows an accurate bringing together of the two casing members so as to form a good fit completely enclosing all the internal space defined by the first plus second encasing members.

go The device also comprises a locking means 111 and a latching mean 115.

The locking means 111 is positioned upon the outer surface of the second casing member 101. The latching means 105 is positioned upon the outer surface of the first casing member 100. The locking and latching means are positioned such that when the first and second casing members 100 and 101 are brought :s together the latching means 105 may enter into the locking means and the first and second casing members maybe securely attached to each other such that in the absence of the appropriate means of the opening the locking means, the first and second casing members are fixed together and the contents of the device are secure.

The first casing member 100 and second casing member 101 are configured such that when brought together the outer surface of the first casing member is contiguous with the outer surface of the second casing member and as previously described a passageway 104 is formed between the first and second casing members 100 and 101. The dimensions of this passageway are defined by the relative dimensions of the occlusions made into the outer surface of the first and second casing members which according to this specific embodiment of the present invention are of an identical dimension to the occlusion made into the first and second filled portion 111 and 112 and the first and second support means 113 and 114. The passageway is further defined by the first and second fixing plates 105 and 106 which are attached to the first JO casing member 100 via two connection members 107, 108, and 109, 110 per fixing plate 105 and 106 respectively.

The device may be used as follows, the first and second casing members and 101 are in an open configuration such that the interior of the first and second casing members is exposed to the environment. At this stage the user of the device would place into the device and more specifically into compartment 103, such valuables as they wished to keep safe inside of the device in their absence.

So Taking the first casing member 100, the fixing plate 105 and 106 are disconnected from the first casing member 100 by release of the connection members 107, 108, 109 and 110. This exposes the passageway 104 to the environment. Taking the first casing member 100 in hand, this may now be positioned such that the passageway 104 is fitted about a suitable fixed member, about which it is intended to fix the portable safe device.

The inventors consider that any suitable fixed member can be used to secure the portable safety device about, the only constraint upon the types of fixed member which may be used are the dimensions of the passageway which is 3 o made through the device. For instance, the inventors consider it possible to use this type of portable safety device in conjunction with a bicycle rack, railings, the supporting cable for a telegraph pylon or any other suitable structure.

Once the first casing member 100 is properly fitted about the fixed member, the first and second fixing plates 105 and 106 respectively, may then be positioned over the fixed member and securely fastened to the first casing member 100 via the connection members 107, 108, 109 and 110. In this way the first casing member may be securely attached to the fixed member.

Once the first casing member is adequately secured to the fixed member via the fixing plates the second casing member may then be positioned onto the To first casing member via the connection means 102. In this way the portable safe device is reconstituted and an outer protective shell is formed by the first and second casing members. In this closed configuration as shown in figure 2, mediated by the interaction of the locking means and latching means, the first and second casing members are securely attached to each other. Via the :s attachment of the first casing member to the permanently fixed structure, the entire portable safety device is attached to the fixed member. According to this first specific embodiment of the present invention, the first and second casing members are securely attached to each other via a combination locking means as shown herein in figure 2. It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art o that any suitable alternate means of locking the first and second casing members together may be utilized in the execution of this invention. For instance, the use of a key lock or alternatively an electronic locking mechanism.

Specific embodiments according to the present invention herein have an advantage over prior art portable safes and security boxes in that the invention is attachable to any elongate members, for example poles, tubes, upright posts, without the need to access one or other end of the fixed elongate member.

The casing members of the safe can be affixed around a fixed elongate member, secured thereto, and locked in position such that the securing means so are inaccessible after closure of the first and second casing members from a position outside the safe.

Removal of the safe is achieved by unlocking the first and second casing members from each other, and then releasing the securing means which secures the first casing member to the (such as a post, railing, horizontal guide rail or the like).

Now shown herein figure 3 is a portable safe device which is described according to this first specific embodiment of the present invention attached to a bicycle rack 300 it will be seen that the portable safe device is attached to the vertical cross bar 301 of the bicycle rack the applicants also consider it possible JO to use the portable safe device in conjunction with one of the vertical uprights 302 or 303. In use, when the portable safe device is securely attached to the bicycle frame 300 this provides a very secure environment for any valuables which have been previously placed inside the portable safe device.

s Now shown herein figure 4 is the portable safe device 400 attached to the supporting capable 401 of a telephone pillon 401. Such telephone and electricity pylon are common features in the country side, as are their supporting cables. It will be seen from figure 4 that the portable safe device has been securely attached to the cable such that the safe device sits some So distance from ground level 403. Utilising the first and second fixing plates on the invention it is possible that the portable safe device could be positioned at any point up or down this pylon supporting cable as appropriate to the needs and circumstances of the devices user.

Although the device according to this first specific embodiment of the present invention is spherical the inventors also consider it possible and in some cases practical to construct the device in other shapes, the inventors particularly consider cuboid units to be of use.

so The device maybe constructed from a wide range of materials, these include but are not limited to, hard wearing plastics, wood and the various types of reconstituted wooden material, metal and any other substance or a combination of substances for instance thin sheets of metal laminated with plastic suitable for the purpose of working this invention.

According to a second specific embodiment of the present invention, this invention relates to a portable safe.

Safes are well known items, which provides a container with a door by means of a key or combination lock, they are generally heavy and in most cases permanently secured to walls or floors mainly indoors. There are also JO other existing items having the body of a case that locks by similar means of a safe.

This cases are, however relatively expensive. Moreover, they are not developed to be secure to any external means making them vulnerable to theft whilst not attended to.

According to the second specific embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a portable safe for securing articles comprising a housing adapted to be securely mounted about external means, the safe mounts and demounts from the inside thereof and means of fitting provided on the safe is situated at or adjacent to the upper and lower ends thereof.

Referring again to figure 2 herein, the portable safe comprises a body 100, 101 securable to an external means, by recess 104, the adapted housing 105 and 106 screws 107, 108, 109 and 110, the portable safe is perforated in order that air may be circulate, the hinge 102 is adjacent to the lock 111 and the inside safe is provided with compartments 103 to receive and store articles.

In order to secure the body 100 and 101 about an external means, the So safe is opened and the adjustable adapted housing 105 and 106 is released by unscrewing screw 107, 108, 109 and 110, the adapted housing 105 and 106 is then rotated anti-clockwise, and the recess 104 is placed to rest about the external means, the adjustable adapted housing 105 and 106 is rotated back onto the screws 107, 108, 109 and 1 10 and screwed. The portable safe is then closed and locked as shown in figure 2.

To demount the body from external means, the steps described are carried out in reverse order.

Claims

Claims: 1. Portable safe for storing articles comprising a housing adapted

to be securely mounted against an external means, the safe mounts and demounts from the inside thereof, and means of fitting provided on the safe is situated at or adjacent to the upper and lower end thereof.
2. A portable safe as claimed in claim 1 wherein locking means is provided on the body.
3. A portable safe as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein tightening means is provided with the housing.
4. A portable safe as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein the body is provided with at least one compartment to receive and store articles.
5. A portable safe as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the body is provided with at least one recess means.
6. A portable safe as claimed in claim 5 wherein the body is provided o with at least one hinge.
7. A portable safe as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the body is perforated.

:s
8. A portable safe as substantially described herein with reference to figures 1 - 2 of the accompanied drawings.
9. A portable safe adapted for securing to a fixed elongate member, said safe comprising: a first casing member arranged to be secured to said elongate member; a second casing member arranged to co-operate with said first casing member, such that said first and second casing members, in use are operable and closeable around said fixed elongate member; and said first and/or second casing member(s) forming a cavity for retention of articles to kept in said safe; a passage way extending through said first and/or second members for receiving said fixed elongate member; securing means being accessible for securing said first casing member to said permanently fixed elongate member when said casing members are in an open position.
10. The portable safe as claimed in claim 9, wherein said second casing member is capable of being lockably engaged to said first casing member in a manner which makes said securing means inaccessible when said first and second casing members are in a closed position.

o
11. A portable safe device comprising: a first casing member; and a second casing member, said first and said second casing z members being connectable via a connection means; said device further comprising a passageway formed in the device by at least one said casing member in a substantially closed configuration.

3 0
12. A device as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein said device further comprises at least one securing means; wherein said at least one securing means are configurable to semi- permanently connect at least one said casing member to a permanently fixed member.
13. A device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said securing means comprises at least one fixing plate.
14. A device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein said device comprises two fixing plates.
15. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 11 to 14 wherein said device comprises a locking means.
16. A device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said locking means comprises a combination mechanism.
17. A device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said locking means comprises a key and tumbler mechanism.
18. A device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said locking means comprises an electronic mechanism.
19. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 11 to 18 wherein said device comprises at least one support means.
20. A device as claimed in claim 19 wherein said device comprises two support means.
21. A device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 20 wherein said 3 0 passageway is substantially cylindrical.
22. A device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 21 wherein said passageway is cuboid.
23. A device is claimed in any one of claims 11 to 22 wherein said first and second casing members when in a closed configuration form a spheroid.
24. A device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 23 wherein said first and second casing members when in a closed configuration form a cuboid.