GB2417814A - Coin storage apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A coin storage apparatus (10) comprises a support member (14) defining a coin inlet portion (18) and a number of cartridges (16) adapted to be received within the support member (14) to receive a quantity of coins inserted into the support member (14) via the coin inlet portion (18). Each cartridge (16) is arranged within the support member (14) to be sequentially filled with coins. In one disclosed embodiment, when one cartridge (16) is filled with coins, another cartridge (16) is moved to be aligned with the coin inlet portion (18) of the support member (14) such that further coins may then be stored.

Description

1 24t 7814

COIN STORAGE APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for storing coins, and in particular, but not exclusively, to an apparatus for collecting and storing coins in set or predetermined quantities.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Coin savings or collecting devices or banks are commonplace worldwide.

Conventional coin banks may comprise a coin receiving chamber into which coins may be inserted through a coin slot. However, such coin banks are generally used to collect coins of differing denominations such that when the coins are emptied from the bank, they must first be separated and then counted prior to being deposited with a

bank, for example.

Various devices have, however, been suggested to overcome this particular problem. For example, in prior art reference WO 02/13651 A1 a coin storage device is disclosed which includes a number of separate compartments which are each adapted to receive coins of a single denomination, thus eliminating the requirement to separate coins of different denominations in order to be counted. Each compartment may be graduated so that a user can visually identify the quantity or value of coins therein. However, the is no mechanism disclosed in WO 02/13651 Al which permits a set quantity of coins to be removed from the compartments, making it necessary to empty all coins from each compartment and manually count out the required set quantity, with any remaining coins being reinserted into the compartments.

Prior art reference WO 00/10136 Al, however, discloses a mechanism which does permit a set quantity of coins to be removed from a coin collecting chamber.

This particular reference discloses a coin holder and dispenser which consists of a number of vertical tubes, each for receiving a particular coin denomination. Each tube may include one or more lateral slots which are positioned along the length of each tube at locations which correspond to a particular coin quantity. When a set quantity of coins is required to be removed from a tube, a steel clip must be inserted into the required slot to grip a coin at that location. The tube may then be opened from the bottom end, thus permitting all coins located below the clip to be emptied from the tube, with those coins positioned above the clip being retained within the tube. However, this particular method relies on the provision and proper operation of the steel clip. If this clip were to be inadvertently misplaced, or through continued use become insufficient in gripping the coin positioned at a slot location, then this particular feature of the coin holder and dispenser of WO 00/10136 Al would be 1 5 obsolete.

It is among the objects of the present invention to obviate or at least mitigate the aforementioned and optionally other problems with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for storing coins, said apparatus comprising: a support member defining a coin inlet portion; at least two cartridges adapted to be received within the support member to receive a quantity of coins inserted into the support member via the coin inlet portion, wherein said cartridges are arranged within the support member to be sequentially filled with coins.

Preferably, each cartridge defines a coin inlet which is adapted to be arranged within the support member such that the coin inlet of each cartridge may be aligned with the coin inlet of the support member. The coin inlet of each cartridge may be simultaneously aligned with the coin inlet of the support member. Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coin inlet of each cartridge may be adapted to be sequentially aligned and presented to the coin inlet of the support member. In this way, once one cartridge has been fully, or partially, filled with coins, the other of the at least two cartridges, which may be empty or at least partially filled, is then aligned with the coin inlet portion of the support member ready to receive further coins.

Advantageously, the coin inlet of each cartridge may be provided within an upper surface thereof. In this arrangement, the cartridges may be received within the support member so as to be positionable below the coin inlet portion of the support member.

Typically, the coin inlet of each cartridge is of a width which permits the receipt of a coin of a particular denomination. Alternatively, the coin inlet of each cartridge may be of a width to accommodate the receipt of a selection of coins of different denominations.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cartridges may be mounted within the support member in end-to-end relation such that, in use, a bottom portion of one cartridge may be positioned adjacent to an upper portion of the other cartridge.

Preferably, in use, a longitudinal axis of one cartridge is coaxially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the other cartridge. Preferably also, the longitudinal axes of the cartridges, when located within the support member, are aligned substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis thereof. More preferably, the longitudinal axes of the cartridges are, in use, coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the support member.

Advantageously, a bottom portion of one cartridge may be adapted to engage an upper portion of the other cartridge. Thus, the cartridges may be adapted to be stacked one on top of the other. Advantageously, in use, the resultant stacked cartridges may be substantially vertical. The cartridges may be adapted to engage one another by the provision of suitably formed abutting surfaces; for example, an upper surface of one cartridge may be formed to abut or otherwise accommodate a bottom surface of the other cartridge. The upper surface of one cartridge may, for example, define a lip adapted to support the other cartridge.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the cartridges may be adapted to be arranged within the support member in side-by-side relation. In this way the central longitudinal axis of each cartridge may be aligned parallel to each other. Advantageously, the longitudinal axis of each cartridge in this particular embodiment may be aligned substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the support member when located therein.

Advantageously, the cartridges may be adapted to be translated relative to the support member in order to, for example, be moved into and out of alignment with the coin inlet portion of the support member, either simultaneously or sequentially. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the cartridges are adapted to be translated longitudinally or lengthwise of the support member. Alternatively, the cartridges may be translated laterally of the support member, or a combination of longitudinally and laterally. s

Advantageously, the cartridges may be translated within the support member by, for example, the effect of gravity. Alternatively, the cartridges may be translated by being physically displaced by interaction of a user, or alternatively by biasing means such as spring biasing means.

Preferably, each cartridge is adapted to receive a predetermined quantity of coins. Advantageously, each cartridge may be adapted to hold a predetermined quantity of coins of a specific denomination. This arrangement permits a user to immediately identify the quantity of coins present within a full cartridge thus eliminating the requirement to manually count the coins to establish the value thereof.

Advantageously, the cartridges may be adapted to accommodate a quantity of coins suitable for, for example, directly depositing with a bank, either within the cartridges themselves, or within a standard money bag. For example, in the United Kingdom, fifty pence sterling coins are typically deposited with or issued from a bank or the like in bags which contain twenty coins, amounting to a value of ten pounds sterling. For smaller denomination coins, such as a one penny coin which is conventionally issued in bags containing one hundred coins (one pound sterling), the cartridges may be dimensioned to accommodate a readily divisible portion of this amount, such as twenty five or fifty coins, or the like.

Accordingly, the present invention permits a large quantity of coins to be collected and stored while rendering handling of the coins, for example, transporting and depositing with a bank, highly manageable due to the fact that the coins collected are divided between separate cartridges. Additionally, where each cartridge is adapted to receive a set quantity of coins, this quantity may be readily removed from the apparatus without relying on the use of, for example, cooperating slots and clips which may be difficult to use or may become damaged or lost.

Preferably, the cartridges are adapted to permit the coins to be stacked therein such that the faces of adjacent coins abut each other. Advantageously, the cartridges may permit coins to be stacked such that the face of each coin is aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge within which the coins are located. Alternatively, the cartridges may permit the coins to be stacked such that the face of each coin is aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge within which the coins are located.

The cartridges may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, composite, fibrous material such as paper, or the like. Advantageously, the cartridges may be made, at least partially, of a transparent or translucent material permitting a user to observe the quantity of coins stored. Alternatively, the cartridges may define an opening or window or the like, through which a user may visually identify the quantity of coins stored therein.

Each cartridge may be provided with a series of graduated marks, protrusions or the like which serve to indicate to a user the quantity and/or value of coins held within the cartridge. Thus, where the coin storage device is utilised as a coin savings bank, the progress of saving may be consistently observed.

Advantageously, each cartridge may be adapted to be releasably sealed. Such a releasable seal may be provided in the form of a cap, lid, adhesive flap or the like which substantially covers the coin inlet portion of the cartridge. Such a releasable seal may allow cartridges containing coins to be transported while ensuring that the coins are not inadvertently released or spilled.

Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention may comprise more than two cartridges.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the support member may define a channel or chamber or the like adapted to receive the at least two cartridges.

Advantageously, the channel or chamber or the like may be of any suitable cross sectional shape for receiving the cartridges. For example, the channel or chamber or the like may be circular, square, ovoid or crescent shaped or the like. Typically however, due to the generally circular shape of coins, the channel or chamber or the like is advantageously of circular or part circular form.

Preferably, the support member defines a cartridge inlet adapted to permit cartridges to be inserted therein. The cartridge inlet may additionally be utilised as a cartridge outlet for retrieving cartridges from the support member. Alternatively, or additionally, the support member may define a separate cartridge outlet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge inlet is located adjacent the coin inlet portion of the support member and the cartridge outlet is located at a position remote from said cartridge inlet.

Advantageously, the cartridges are adapted to be translated within the support member between the cartridge inlet and outlet. The cartridges may be translated by, for example, the effect of gravity, displacement by a user, biasing means or the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

The support member may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, composite, wood or the like. At least a portion of the support member may be made of a transparent or translucent material to permit a user to visually establish the number of cartridges present within the support member, or additionally visually establish the number of coins located within the cartridges. Additionally, or alternatively, the support member may define a slot or window or the like permitting a user to view the cartridges located within the support member. The support member may be provided with graduations, or other such marks, which serve to readily indicate to a user the quantity of cartridges or quantity and/or value of coins collected or stored within the support member of the presently described coin storage apparatus.

The support member may comprise a tubular member within which the cartridges may be received. Where a tubular member is provided, cartridge inlet and outlet portions may be formed integrally with the tubular member, or may be formed as a separate component of the support member and arranged with or secured to the tubular member.

The support member may be provided within or on a storage body. The support member may be integrally formed with the storage body. Alternatively, the support member may be formed separately from and subsequently mounted on or secured to the storage body. Advantageously, the storage body defines a lid portion comprising a coin slot with which coin slot the support member is aligned when in use.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support member comprises an elongate tubular member adapted to receive and support cartridges in end-to-end relation. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the coin inlet portion is provided at one end of the support member.

In an alternative embodiment, the support member may comprise an annular shaped tubular structure. In this embodiment, cartridges may be received in side-by side relation within the support member.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a plurality of support members each adapted to receive at least two cartridges. Advantageously, each support member may be adapted for storing coins, via the cartridges, of differing denominations.

Accordingly, each support member may be of a suitable dimension to accommodate cartridges adapted to receive coins of a particular denomination. Alternatively, the support members may be of a uniform dimension adapted to accommodate the largest dimensioned coin to be stored.

Where a plurality of support members are provided, the support members may be arranged side-by-side in a single row. Alternatively, a plurality of support members may be provided and arranged side-by-side in multiple rows. In this arrangement, the support members may be arranged to be sequentially filled with coins, row-by-row. Further, where multiple rows are provided, the resulting apparatus may define a suitable base for use as a support for, for example, a game board or the like. Additionally, an apparatus containing multiple rows of support members may be wheel mounted for ease of transporting.

Advantageously, where a plurality of support members are provided, the cartridges may be of differing colours such that each support member may receive cartridges of a particular colour. Each colour of cartridge may be used as an indication of the type or denomination of coin the cartridges are adapted to receive and store.

In one use of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least first and second empty cartridges may be located within the support member such that the first cartridge is aligned with the coin inlet portion of the support member. Coins may then be introduced into the first cartridge through the coin inlet portion. Once the first cartridge is full of coins, or when a user no longer wishes to introduce coins into the first cartridge, the second cartridge may then be positioned into alignment with the coin inlet portion of the support member ready to receive coins. This second cartridge may be positioned into alignment with the coin inlet portion by removing said cartridge from the support member via a cartridge outlet, and reinserting said cartridge into the support member via a cartridge inlet. By removing and reinserting the second cartridge, the first cartridge its translated, preferably by the effect of gravity, towards the cartridge outlet. Advantageously, where more than two cartridges are provided, this process may be repeated until all cartridges within the support member have been filled or at least partially filled.

Advantageously, the coin storage apparatus may be adapted to be wall mounted. Alternatively, or additionally, the coin storage apparatus may be adapted to be floor mounted or free standing.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the coin storage apparatus may further comprise a suitable cover or the like to enclose the support member and associated cartridges. The cover may be of any suitable form and may, for example, be lockable so as to allow selective access to any coins being stored. The cover may incorporate a design or artwork in order to appeal to a particular age group or the like; for example, the cover may resemble or be in the form of a building such as a bank, an animal, a cartoon character or the like, or generally any form which may appeal to, for example, children. Alternatively, the cover may incorporate storage compartments which may be used to store, for example, household goods such as medicines, first aid kits, keys, torches, batteries, candles, matches, tools, electrical goods or the like. Furthermore, the cover may incorporate a mirror, whiteboard, blackboard, pin or corkboard or the like.

Advantageously, the apparatus may further incorporate an electronic counter for electronically establishing and displaying the quantity and/or value of coins being stored at any one time. For example, the apparatus may incorporate electronic scales or suitable weighing device which in use measures the weight of stored coins within the cartridges such that the overall quantity of coins may be determined. The quantity of coins may be displayed on a display such as an LCD or LED display. The display may be operated by, for example, insertion of an appropriate password or Personal Identification Number (PIN) into a user interface such as a keypad. Alternatively, the display may be activated by depressing a switch or the like. Alternatively further, the display may be permanently activated.

The coin storage apparatus of the present invention may advantageously be utilised as a coin savings bank. Alternatively, the apparatus of the present invention may be utilised to store change for use in, for example, a retail environment or the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a coin savings bank comprising: a support member defining a coin inlet portion; at least two cartridges adapted to be received within the support member to receive a quantity of coins inserted into the support member via the coin inlet portion, wherein said cartridges are arranged within the support member to be sequentially filled with coins.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of storing coins, said method comprising the steps of: providing at least a first and a second coin cartridge; providing a support member defining a coin inlet portion and adapted to receive the first and second cartridges, said support member further defining a cartridge inlet and separate cartridge outlet; inserting the first and second cartridges into the support member such that the first cartridge is aligned with the coin inlet portion of the support member; inserting one or more coins into the first cartridge via the coin inlet portion; removing the second cartridge from the support member via the cartridge outlet and reinserting said second cartridge into the support member via the cartridge inlet such that said second cartridge is aligned with the coin inlet portion of the support member; and inserting one or more coins into the second cartridge via the coin inlet portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I is front diagrammatic view of a coin storage apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a top view of the coin storage apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an alternative form of a coin storage apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a coin cartridge for use in the apparatus of Figures 1 to 4; Figure 6 is a front view of a coin storage apparatus in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figures 7 is a front view of a coin storage apparatus in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 8 is a perspective view of a coin storage apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

Reference is first made to Figure 1 in which there is shown a diagrammatic representation of a coin storage apparatus, generally designated by reference numeral 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 10 comprises a body 12 upon which is mounted a plurality of tubular support members 14, arranged side-by-side. Located within each tubular support member 14 is a plurality of coin cartridges 16 stacked end-to-end, one on top of the other, wherein in the embodiment shown, the cartridges 16 located within a single tubular support member 14 are adapted to receive coins of a single denomination. Accordingly, each tubular support member 14, in use, is used to store coins of a single denomination.

The apparatus shown in Figure I includes strengthening spars 15 and is adapted to be wall mounted via wall fixing brackets 17.

Referring additionally to Figure 2, which is a view of the apparatus of Figure I from above, each tubular support member 14 defines a coin inlet portion 18 in an upper end thereof, through which coin inlet portion 18 coins may be inserted and received into the uppermost cartridge 16a. Once the uppermost cartridge 16a within a tubular support member 14 is filled with coins, an empty, or at least partially filled cartridge, is then aligned with the coin inlet portion 18 of that tubular member 14 to permit further coins to be stored, as discussed in detail below. Accordingly, the cartridges 16 will be sequentially filled.

Reference is now made to Figure 3 which is a diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of the apparatus 10 of Figure 1. Each tubular support member 14 defines an upper cartridge inlet 20, which coincides with the coin inlet portion 18 (Figures I and 2), and a lower cartridge outlet 22. In a preferred use of the apparatus 10, the cartridges 16 are initially empty and located and stacked in the tubular members 14 as shown. The relevant coin denominations are then inserted into the appropriate tubular member 14 via the associated coin inlet portion 18 to be collected within the uppermost cartridge 16a. When an uppermost cartridge 16a is filled with coins, the lowermost cartridge 16b is removed from the respective tubular member 14 by a user via the cartridge outlet 22, causing the remaining cartridges 16 within that tubular member 14 to translate downwards under the effect of gravity. The cartridge 16b which has been removed is then reinserted into the same tubular member 14 via the cartridge inlet 20, so as to be aligned with the coin inlet portion 18 of that tubular member 14 to receive further coins. This process may then be repeated until all cartridges 16 within a tubular support member 14 are filled with coins, at which stage the filled cartridges 16 may be removed and the coins emptied allowing the cartridges 16 to be reused.

As shown in Figure 3, each tubular support member 14 defines a separate cartridge outlet 22 in the form of an opening or cut-out. In an alternative IS embodiment, shown in Figure 4, the tubular support members 14a are in communication with a single cartridge outlet 22a, which will provide easier access for a user to manipulate the lowermost cartridges 16b.

Reference is now made to Figure S. in which there is shown a perspective view of a coin cartridge 16 for use in the apparatus of Figures 1 to 4. The cartridge 16 includes a coin inlet 24 through which coins 26 are inserted, wherein the cartridge 16 is adapted to receive a predetermined quantity of coins 26 of a particular denomination. The present invention therefore permits a large quantity of coins 26 to be collected a stored while rendering handling of the coins 26, for example, transporting and depositing with a bank, highly manageable due to the fact that the coins collected are divided between the separate cartridges 16 and in set quantities.

Additionally, a set and known quantity of coins 26 may be removed from the apparatus 10 of the present invention without relying on the use of cooperating slots and clips which may be difficult to use or may become damaged or lost.

Referring still to Figure S. the coins 26 are caused to be stacked within the cartridge 16 such that the faces 28 of adjacent coins 26 abut each other. In the embodiment shown the cartridge 16 is made from a translucent/transparent material and includes a series of graduated marks 30 such that a user may visually identify the quantity of coins located within the cartridge 16. Each tubular support member 14 is preferably also made from a translucent/transparent material to permit a user to identify the number of coins 26 located within the cartridges 16 when positioned with a tubular support member 14.

Referring to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of a coin storage apparatus, designated 110, will now be described. The coin storage apparatus 110 is similar to that apparatus 10 shown in Figures 1 to 5, and comprises a moulded or painted cover 112 which resembles the facade of a bank building. The apparatus 110 further comprises a hinged top section 114 for gaining access to the internal contents thereof, sliding storage compartments 116 for storing, for example, conventional coin bags, and magnetic side walls 118 for mounting magnetic decorative figures or the like.

The apparatus 110 may be wall mounted via brackets 120, or alternatively or additionally floor mounted via fittings 122.

A further alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 7, in which a coin storage apparatus 210, similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 5, comprises a hinged lockable front cover 212 and a hinged top lid 214 permitting access to internally located tubular support members (not shown). The lockable front cover 212 may be adapted to receive a front fitting 216 which comprises a number of storage compartments 218 for storing items such as first aid kits, candles, matches, tools, torches, batteries and other general household items and the like. The front fitting 216 may be mounted on the lockable front cover 212 via fixing bolts 220.

Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown hi Figure 8.

In this embodiment, a coin storage apparatus 310 comprises a support body 312 within which is located a plurality of tubular support members 314, similar to support members 14 shown in Figure 1, wherein the tubular support members 314 are adapted to receive coin cartridges 316 in a similar fashion as shown in and described with reference to the apparatus shown in Figures I to 5. Thus, no further description will be given as to the operation of each individual tubular support member 314 and associated cartridges 316. However, access to the lowermost cartridges 316b is permitted through a slot 318 provided in a front panel 320 of the support body. The tubular support members 314 are arranged side-by-side in multiple rows, such that when a tubular support member 314a positioned ata front location of a row becomes filled with coins, that member 314a may be removed from the support body 312 and reinserted to become positioned at the rear of the support body 312, as identified by reference numeral 314b.

As shown, the apparatus 310 of Figure 8 is mounted on wheels 322 which permit the apparatus 310 to be readily transported.

Although not shown in Figure 8, the apparatus 310 may provide a base for use in supporting a table top or a game board or the like.

It should be appreciated that the embodiments described are merely exemplary of the present invention and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the coin cartridges and support members may be colour coded to represent a particular coin denomination.

Additionally, the cartridges and support members may include a marking indicating the coin denomination which they are intended to receive. Furthermore, the apparatus may further include an electronic device adapted to electronically determine the quantity of coins located in a particular support member. The apparatus may include a front covering of any suitable form and function, and may be directed to appeal to a particular group; for example, the front covering may be in the form of an animal or a fictional character or the like which may appeal to children and assist to encourage saving. The apparatus may be adapted to receive interchangeable covers to enable the appearance of the apparatus to be readily changed.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus for storing coins, said apparatus comprising: a

   support member defining a coin inlet portion; at least two cartridges adapted to be received within the support member to receive a quantity of coins inserted into the support member via the coin inlet portion, wherein said cartridges are arranged within the support member to be sequentially filled with coins.

   2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each cartridge defines a coin inlet which is adapted to be arranged within the support member such that the coin inlet of each cartridge is be aligned with the coin inlet of the support member.

   3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the coin inlet of each cartridge is adapted to be sequentially aligned and presented to the coin inlet of the support member.

   4. The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the coin inlet of each cartridge is provided within an upper surface thereof.

   5. The apparatus of claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the coin inlet of each cartridge is of a width which permits the receipt of a coin of a particular denomination.

   6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the cartridges are mounted within the support member in end-to-end relation.

   15. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the cartridges are adapted to permit coins to be stacked therein such that the faces of adjacent coins abut each other.

   16. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the cartridges are made, at least partially, of a transparent or translucent material permitting a user to observe the quantity of coins stored.

   17. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the cartridges define an opening through which a user may visually identify the quantity of coins stored therein.

   18. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein each cartridge comprises a series of graduated marks, protrusions or the like which serve to indicate to a user the quantity and/or value of coins held within the cartridge.

   19. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein each cartridge is adapted to be releasably sealed.

   20. The apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising more than two cartridges.

   21. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the support member defines a channel adapted to receive the at least two cartridges.

   22. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the support member defines a cartridge inlet adapted to permit cartridges to be inserted therein.

   23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the cartridge inlet is utilised as a cartridge outlet for retrieving cartridges from the support member.

   24. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the support member defines a cartridge outlet.

   25. The apparatus of claim 24 when dependent on claim 22, wherein the cartridge inlet is located adjacent the coin inlet portion of the support member and the cartridge outlet is located at a position remote from said cartridge inlet.

   26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the cartridges are adapted to be translated 1 S within the support member between the cartridge inlet and outlet.

   27. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the support member is made of a transparent or translucent material.

   28. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the support member defines a slot permitting a user to view the cartridges located within the support member.

   29. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the support member comprises graduations.

   30. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the support member comprises a tubular member within which the cartridges are received.

   31. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the support member is provided within or on a storage body.

   32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the support member is integrally formed with the storage body.

   33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the support member is formed separately from and subsequently mounted on or secured to the storage body.

   34. The apparatus of claim 31, 32 or 33, wherein the storage body defines a lid portion comprising a coin slot with which coin slot the support member is aligned when in use.

   35. The apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of support members each adapted to receive at least two cartridges.

   36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein each support member is adapted for storing coins, via the cartridges, of differing denominations.

   37. The apparatus of claim 35 or 36, wherein the support members are arranged side-by-side in a single row.

   38. The apparatus of claim 35 or 36, wherein the support members are arranged side-by-side in multiple rows.

   39. The apparatus of any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the cartridges are of differing colours such that each support member may receive cartridges of a particular colour.

   40. The apparatus of any preceding claim, adapted to be wall mounted.

   41. The apparatus of any preceding claim, adapted be floor mounted.

   42. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a cover to enclose the support member and associated cartridges.

   43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the cover is lockable.

   44. The apparatus of claim 42 or 43, wherein the cover incorporates a design or artwork.

   45. The apparatus of claim 42, 43 or 44, wherein the cover incorporates storage compartments.

   46. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising an electronic counter for electronically establishing the quantity and/or value of coins being stored at any one time.

   47. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a display for displaying the quantity and/or value of coins being stored.

   48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the display is operated by insertion of an appropriate password or Personal Identification Number (PIN) into a user interface.

   49. A coin savings bank comprising: a support member defining a coin inlet portion; at least two cartridges adapted to be received within the support member to receive a quantity of coins inserted into the support member via the coin inlet portion, wherein said cartridges are arranged within the support member to be sequentially filled with coins.

   50. A method of storing coins, said method comprising the steps of: providing at least a first and a second coin cartridge; providing a support member defining a coin inlet portion and adapted to receive the first and second cartridges, said support member further defining a cartridge inlet and separate cartridge outlet; inserting the first and second cartridges into the support member such that the first cartridge is aligned with the coin inlet portion of the support member; inserting one or more coins into the first cartridge via the coin inlet portion; removing the second cartridge from the support member via the cartridge outlet and reinserting said second cartridge into the support member via the cartridge inlet such that said second cartridge is aligned with the coin inlet portion of the support member; and inserting one or more coins into the second cartridge via the coin inlet portion.