GB2420373A

GB2420373A - A security device

Info

Publication number: GB2420373A
Application number: GB0425599A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jason Adam Malone
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-11-20
Filing date: 2004-11-20
Publication date: 2006-05-24
Anticipated expiration: 2024-11-20
Also published as: GB2420373B; GB0425599D0

Abstract

A security device (305), particularly suitable for securing to or forming part of an article (370), which allows the secure storage of items is provided. The device comprises a first part (310) and a second part (330), the first part being securable to or forming part of an article and the second part having one or more compartments in which items to be secured can be placed. The second part is moveable with respect to the first part between a first position in which the one or more compartments are inaccessible so as to allow items to be secured and a second position in which the one or more compartments are accessible such that items may be placed therein or removed therefrom.

Description

A SECURITY DEVICE

The present invention relates generally to a security device and particularly to a security device which is securable to an article and allows the secure storage of items at the site of the article.

It is known, for example in Sports Centres, to provide large numbers of lockers in purpose-built cabinets which are usually located at a site which is a considerable distance away from the site at which the user is based. Accordingly such locker systems are not suitable in cases where periodic access to the items in the locker is required. For example, in restaurants, nightclubs and the like individuals may wish to deposit items in a locker but require access on a number of occasions, which would make use of a locker at a remote location impractical.

One application for a more "localised" locker-type device is in the temporary secure storage of vulnerable items such as valuables and beverages. It is clear that individuals might wish to store valuables such as wallets and handbags whilst they are temporarily absent from an area in which they are based. In addition, however, individuals are becoming increasingly concerned with the risk of spiking' in which substances are introduced into the drinks of unsuspecting individuals. In recent times the introduction of drugs into drinks has led to many instances of socalled "date rape" in which drugs such as Benzodiazephines (such as Rohypnol), Gamma 1-lydroxy Butyrate (GHB) and Methylene Dioxy Methamphetamine (Ecstasy) are introduced iiito drinks. The effects of these drugs include incapacitation and loss of memory and they are being used increasingly with malevolent intent.

It is known to provide test systems which can detect the presence of unwanted substances in beverages, but prevention of access to beverages in the first place is preferable.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a security device comprising a first part which is securable to an article, and a second part having one or more secure compartments, the second part being moveable with respect to the first part between a first position in which the or each secure compartment is inaccessible and a second position in which the or each secure compartment is accessible.

Because the first part of the security device is securable to an article it could be positioned at any convenient location. For example, the article may comprise a table, chair or even a wall and thus provide a localised secure storage facility for items such as drinks or valuables whilst individuals are temporarily absent.

The device may comprise means for preventing unauthorised movement of the second part away from the first position. For example the device may comprise: locking means for locking one part with respect to the other; obstruction means for limiting access to the second part; or interconnection means for holding the parts together.

The device may include primary locking means for releasably securing the second part in the first position. Therefore, for example, the second part could be moved to the second position and items placed in a secure compartment, then the second part could be moved to the first position and locked in place such that the secure compartments are now inaccessible.

The locking means may be operated by any convenient means such as by key code pad, smart card or mechanical key.

The locking means may be of the type having keyless operation. Particularly in the case of nightclubs and bars, mechanical key-operated locks or coded locks could be considered a disadvantage because of the risk of loss of the key andlor the inability to operate the lock when under a level of incapacitation.

One example of a keyless entry system is known as ibutton (RTM) and is manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor Corporation. The ibutton uses a computer chip which has a unique and unalterable address which can be used as a key and/or identifier. This type of technology can be incorporated into any suitable carrier, such as a key fob or a piece of jewellery like a watch, ring or necklace. An associated locking mechanism is operable by bringing the chip into proximity with a receiver element that recognises the chip and is linked to a lock actuator to allow locking/unlocking.

The locking mechanism itself may be of any convenient type such as a solenoid lock, magnetic lock, key lock or pneumatic lock.

The second part may be removable from the first part. In particular, where food, drinks and the like are stored in the secure compartment/s, the facility to remove the second part for cleaning purposes would be advantageous.

The device may include secondary locking means for restricting the removal of the second part from the first part so that the security provided could not simply be bypassed by removing the entire second part. Accordingly a user may be given the ability to operate the primary locking means, but the owner of the device can retain the ability to operate the secondary locking means so that they can remove the second part for cleaning, maintenance or other required activity.

The first part may be slidable with respect to the second part in order to move between the first and second positions. For example the first part may be slidable within the second part and in one embodiment the first and second parts may comprise outer and inner coaxial cylinders.

In the first position of the device the first part may be contained within the second part.

The second part of the device may be biased towards the second position so that when required the second part can move at least partly away from the first position automatically.

The first part may include biasing means, such as a spring or foani pad, for biasing the second part towards the second position. Alternatively, the device may be provided with a mechanism for moving the second part, such as a motor in conjunction with a rack and pin arrangement.

The or at least one of the secure compartments may include stabilising means for stably holding an item therein. Particularly in the case of drinks which could be spilt, the ability to hold items stably within the secure compartments would be advantageous. The stabilising means may comprise a non-slip surface such as a rubber pad. Alternatively or additionally the stabilising means may comprise a clip or the like for gripping an item.

The device may include cooling andlor heating means for cooling andlor heating the or each secure compartment. For example, an airflow may be provided between the first and second parts or the first part may include a refrigeration unit or vacuum structure to keep the contents of the compartment cool or warm as required.

The first andlor second parts may be formed from any convenient material such as metals or plastics. In one embodiment the first and/or second parts may be formed from clear or translucent materials so that the contents of the compartment can be viewed.

The device may include lighting means, such as light emitting diodes, for providing light in or around the device such that its location could be identified easily in dark or low-light conditions.

The device niay be provided with some form of tamper indicator such that if the compartments are illegally accessed the user can be alerted to this fact.

The device may be provided with an alarm to guard against unwanted access.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an article provided with a security device as described herein.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a security device comprising a first part adapted to form at least part of an article, and a second part having one or more secure compartment, with respect to the first part between a first position in which the or each secure compartment is inaccessible and a second position in which the or each secure compartment is accessible.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a security device comprising a locker for storing vulnerable items and which is moveable between a first, accessible position and a second, concealed position.

The locker may be movable with respect to an article such as a table or table pedestal. Because the locker is concealed in the second position access to the contents can be restricted. The locker may include locking means for securing its contents.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic section of a first part of a security device formed according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic section of a second part of a security device for use in conjunction with the first part shown in Figure 1; Figure 3A is a diagrammatic section of the first and second parts of Figures I and 2 with the second part shown in a first position; Figure 3B is a diagrammatic section of the device of Figure 3A with the second part shown in a second position; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first part formed according to an alternative embodiment; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first part formed according to a further embodiment; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic section of a table incorporating the device of Figure 3A; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a table incorporating four security devices according to the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a wall-mounted embodiment in which a security device is secured to a wall via a bracket; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a shelf unit incorporating two security devices according to the present invention; Figure 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a security device formed according to an alternative embodiment and illustrates the securement of the device

to a table;

Figure II is a perspective view of the security device of Figure 10 shown with a second part in a second position; Figure 12 is a diagrammatic section of a security device formed according to an alternative embodiment; Figure 13 is a diagrammatic section of a security device formed according to a further embodiment; Figure 14 is a diagrammatic section of a security device formed according to a still further embodiment; Figure 15 is a diagrammatic section of a table incorporating a device according to a further aspect of the present invention; and Figure 16 is a diagrammatic section of a table incorporating a device according to an alternative embodiment of the further aspect.

Referring first to Figure 1 there is shown a first part 10 of a security device formed according to the present invention. The first part 10 comprises a generally cylindrical sidewall 15 closed at one end by a base plate 20. At the open end of the sidewall 15 a circumferential flange 25 extends radially outwardly around its circumference.

Referring now to Figure 2 there is shown a second part 30 of a security device intended to be used in conjunction with the first part 10 shown in Figure 1. The second part 30 comprises a generally cylindrical sidewall 35 sized so as to fit within the interior of the sidewall 15 of the first part 10. The sidewall 35 is closed at both ends by a top plate 40 and a bottom plate 45. The sidewall 35 does not extend entirely circumferentially and a cut out portion defines an opening 50 giving access to a compartment 55.

Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B the first and second parts 10, 30 are shown placed together to form a security device 5. In Figure 3A the second part 30 is shown in a first position within the first part 10 and in Figure 3A the second part is shown in a second position.

In the first position the second part bottom plate 45 rests on the first part base plate and the height of the second part 30 is such that the top plate 40 does not protrude above the flange 25 of the first part 10. In this position the opening 50 is guarded by the sidewall 15 and so the compartment 55 of the second part 30 is inaccessible.

In order for the device 5 to function as required the compartment 55 must be inaccessible in the sense that it must not be possible for unregulated extraction of the second part 30 from the first part 10 to occur to allow access to the compartment 55. Accordingly there must be some means of ensuring that the second part 30 remains within the second part 10 until such time as an authorised user needs to gain access.

In Figure 3B the second part 30 is shown in a second position in which it has been slid through the open end of the sidewall 15. In this embodiment there is no restriction on complete removal of the second part 30 from the first part once it has been released from the first position shown in Figure 3a. However, in other embodiments the second part 30 may be restricted from complete removal from the first part 10 by any convenient means such as a locking mechanism or form engagement such as by making the base plate 45 too big to pass through the open end of the sidewall 15.

The second part 30 may be retained in the first position shown in Figure 3A by any convenient means. For example, a locking mechanism may releasably connect the second part 30 to the first part 10. Alternatively, the dimensions of the first and second parts may be closely matched so that it is not possible to place a tool between the sidewalls 15, 35 and lever the second part 30 upwardly. Such a device could then include a specialised tool held only by the authorised user which could be inserted into the top plate 40 and used to lift the second part 30.

Referring now to Figure 4 there is shown a perspective view of a second part 130 suitable for forming part of a security device according to the present invention.

The second part 130 comprises a cylindrical sidewall 135 closed at both ends by a top plate 140 and a bottom plate 145. The sidewall 130 has an arcuate cut out portion 150 providing access to the interior of the second part 130 and defining a compartment 155.

The upper surface of the bottom plate 145 is provided with a non-slip disk-shape pad 146 which allows items such as beverages to be stably held in an upright position within the compartment 155 as the second part 130 is moved between first and second positions relative to a first part.

Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown a second part 230 according to an alternative embodiment. The second part 230 comprises a top plate 240 and a bottom plate 245 joined by two struts 260, 261 extending between diametrically opposed points to form an open cradle-like structure. Drinks or other valuables can be received on the upper surface of the bottom plate 245. The plate 245 may be provided with a cup- or drinkholder in the form of a clip or the like (not shown) for stably holding items.

Referring now to Figure 6 there is shown a device 305 of the same general type as that shown in Figure 1 to 3. The device 305 is secured in an article which in this embodiment comprises a table 370. The table 370 comprises a tabletop 371 which is centrally mounted on a pedestal 372.

The tabletop 371 has a circular hole 373 formed at its periphery and sized to accommodate the first part sidewall 315. The size of the opening 373 is such that the flange 325 cannot pass through and rests around the periphery of the opening 373 to support the weight of the device 305. The first part 310 is secured to the tabletop 371 via bolts 374 which are passed through the flange 325 and through the

tabletop 371.

Referring now to Figure 7 there is shown a table 470 having four security devices 405 spaced around its periphery. In this embodiment the devices 405 fit flush with the top 471 of the table 470 because the openings 473 include steps (not shown) which allows the flanges to be sunk' into the top 471.

In Figure 8 a security device 505 of the same general type shown in Figures 6 and 7 includes a mounting bracket 575 extending from the first part flange 525. The bracket 575 allows the device 505 to be wall-mounted.

In Figure 9 two devices 605 are shown secured to an article in the form of a shelf 680 in the same way as the device 305 is secured to the tabletop 371 in Figure 6.

Referring now to Figures 10 and 11 a device 705 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. In Figure 10 the device 705 is shown ready for securement within an opening 773 of a tabletop 771 by bolts 774 which can pass through the radial flange 725 of a first part 710.

In this embodiment the second part 730 is held in the first position shown in Figure by a primary lock 785 which in this embodiment is in the form of an ibutton (RTM) lock which permits keyless operation requiring a corresponding unique identifying component to be brought in proximity with the lock 785 for it to be released. The top plate 740 of the second part 730 is provided with a handle 786 which allows the part 730 to be lifted once the lock 785 has been released.

In this embodiment the first part 710 is provided with secondary locking means 787 in the form of a key-operated lock which prevents the second part 730 from being completely removed from the first part 710. The secondary lock 787 operates to stop the second part 730 moving beyond the second position shown in Figure 1 1. When the lock 787 is released by a key the second part 730 can be removed for cleaning, maintenance or other purpose.

Referring now to Figure 12 a device 805 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. A first part 810 is formed as a box-like structure including parallel top and bottom walls 890, 891 and an end wall 892. The part 810 is open opposite the end wall 892. The top wall 890 of the part 810 is secured to the underside of a table top 871 by any convenients such as bolts or adhesive panels (not shown). A drawer- or tray-like second part 830 is slidably received in the first part 810. The part 830 is an open structure such that it is inaccessible when in a first position within the part 810 but is accessible when slid out laterally to a second position represented by dotted lines.

The part 830 can be retained in the first position by a lockable cover 893 which is removably securable over the open end of the part 810 using a key-operated lock 894.

Referring now to Figure 13 a device 905 according to an alternative embodiment is shown.

A first part 910 is formed as a box including a base wall 911, sidewalls 912, 913 and a lid 914 hingedly connected to the sidewall 912 by a hinge. The part 910 is positioned in an aperture formed in a table top 971 and secured therein by locking bolts (not shown) passed through the sidewalls 912, 913.

The hinged lid 914 of the box 910 is formed from the same material as the table top 971, or has a coating applied to appear to form part of the table top.

Accordingly the presence of the device 905 is disguised so as to serve as an additional security measure.

The box 910 houses a second part 930 in the form of an open tray.

The lid 914 can be locked in position to close the first part 910 and secure the second part 930 inside using a combination lock 985.

In order to access the second part 930 a combination is cntered into the lock 985 and the lid 914 is hinged to the position represented by dotted lines. The action of hinging the lid 914 open automatically causes the second part 930 to move upwardly to the position shown in dotted lines. This could be achieved, for example, by activation of a lifting mechanism or by linking the lid to the box such that the pivoting movement of the lid 914 is converted into upward linear motion of the second part 930.

Referring now to Figure 14 a device 1005 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. The bottom plate 1020 of the first part 1010 is provided with a spring 1021. When the second part 1030 is moved into the first position the spring 1021 is compressed and the second part 1030 is held in place by a lock 1085. When the lock 1085 is released the spring pushes the second part 1030 away from the first position towards the second position. The second part 1030 therefore "pops up" indicating to the user that the lock has been released and that the second part can now be raised fully to the second position.

Referring now to Figure 15 there is shown a security device formed according to an alternative aspect of the present invention. The device includes a second part 1130 of the same general type as that shown in Figures 2 to 14. However, in this embodiment the first part of the device is comprised by a pedestal 1172 of a table 1170. The first part of the device therefore forms part of an article. The second part 1130 is slidable within the internal bore of the pedestal 1172 between first and second positions in the same general way as the device described in relation to Figures 2 to 12. Because the second part 1130 moves within the pedestal 1172 there is no need for a device which projects under the level of the tabletop 1171 where it might cause an obstruction. Additionally, the presence of the security device is to some extent disguised because the second part 1130 is not immediately obvious as a security device as it is integrated into a purpose-built or pre- existing article.

Referring now to Figure 16 a device 1205 according to an alternative embodiment is shown.

A first part is again formed by a pedestal 1272 of a table 1270. A second part 1230 is formed as a housing which includes six discrete compartments 1255 a-f guarded by sliding doors 1256 a-f. The compartments 1255 a-f are individually accessible via tertiary keyless locks 1295 a-f which can be deactivated by unique keys' formed as articles of jewellery such as a watch 1296 or necklace 1297 incorporating programmable chips encoded with information which can be transmitted to the locks 1295 a-f when the keys' are brought into proximity therewith by a user.

The second part 1230 is retained in the first position shown by a primary keyless lock 1285 which in this embodiment is a keyless lock operable by all of the keys which can open any of the tertiary locks 1295 a-f.

In use the primary lock 1285 is opened using an appropriate key'. In addition to deactivating the lock 1285 a handle 1298 is moved from a withdrawn, inaccessible position to an upstanding, accessible position represented by dotted lines. The handle 1298 can then be used to raise the second part 1230 to a second position by sliding the part 1230 along a track (not shown) until a magnetic catch 1299a at the bottom of the part engages a corresponding catch 1299b on the pedestal 1272 which prevents further withdrawal and holds the second part 1230 in the second position.

The specific compartment for which the user holds a key' can now be accessed.

When the user has deposited or removed items/s the compartment is secured and the part 1230 is pushed down to overcome the catch 1299a and return it to the first position, at which point the lock 1285 re-engages and the handle 1298 is withdrawn.

Claims

1. A security device comprising a first part which is securable to an article, and a second part having one or more secure compartments, the second part being moveablc with respect to the first part between a first position in which the or each secure compartment is inaccessible and a second position in which the or each secure compartment is accessible.

2. A security device according to Claim 1, in which there are provided means for preventing unauthorised movement of the second part away from the first position.

3. A security device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the device includes primary locking means for releasably securing the second part in the first position.

4. A security device as claimed in Claim 3, in which the locking means is of the type having keyless operation.

5. A security device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the second part is removable from the first part.

6. A security device as claimed in Claim 5, in which the device includes secondary locking means for restricting removal of the second part from the first part.

7. A security device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the first part is slidable with respect to the second part.

8. A security device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the first part is moveable within the second part.

9. A security device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which in the first position the first part is contained within the second part.

10. A security device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the second part is biased towards the second position.

11. A security device as claimed in Claim 10, in which the first part includes biasing means for biasing the second part towards the second position.

12. A security device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the or at least one of the secure compartments include stabilising means for stably holding an item therein.

13. A security device as claimed in Claim 12, in which the stabilising means comprise a non-slip surface.

14. A security device as claimed in Claim 12, in which the stabilising means comprise a clip.

15. A security device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the device includes cooling means for cooling the or each compartment.

16. A security device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the device includes heating means for heating the or each compartment.

17. A security device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the device includes lighting means.

18. An article provided with one or more security devices as claimed in any preceding Claim.

19. A security device comprising a first part adapted to form at least part of an article, and a second part having one or more secure compartments, the second part being moveable with respect to the first part between a first position in which the or each secure compartment is inaccessible and a second position in which the or each secure compartment is accessible.

20. A security device comprising a locker for storing vulnerable items and which is nioveable between a first, accessible position and a second, concealed position.

21. A security device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

22. An article substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.