GB2441056A

GB2441056A - Gas canister security retention cabinet

Info

Publication number: GB2441056A
Application number: GB0716110A
Authority: GB
Inventors: A Culshaw; T Belsford; J R Smith; J Clarke
Original assignee: NOMENCA Ltd
Current assignee: NOMENCA Ltd
Priority date: 2006-08-18
Filing date: 2007-08-17
Publication date: 2008-02-20
Also published as: GB0716110D0

Abstract

A security box or cabinet 10 is capable of retaining a gas canister 12 with the valve means protruding, or accessible from, the top of the cabinet 10, such that the canister can still be used whilst retained in the cabinet 10. The canister is further retained in place by one or more ratchet strap arrangements 20 and covers 54, 32.

Description

I

A CONTAINER

The present invention relates to a container, in particular, to a container for a gas s canister that facilitates secure storage of the gas canister.

It is known that gas canisters may be used, and therefore located, at various, often remote sites.

It is generally desirable for such gas canisters, especially those containing hazardous fluids, to be securely located in order to prevent tampering with, or unauthorised removal of the gas canister. * *

According to the invention there is provided a container for a gas canister * compnsing: a canister receiving portion having a base, a first face, two side walls and a second face; ::::.

a first cover defining an aperture in the first face; a second cover moveably attachable to the container and moveable between a first position in which the second face is closed, and a second position in which the second face is open; and a retaining member mounted within the canister receiving portion for securing a gas canister within the canister receiving portion, wherein, when a gas canister is secured within the canister receiving portion, a portion of the gas canister protrudes through the aperture defined in the first face.

The retaining member secures the gas canister within the canister receiving portion. In addition the first and second covers of the container prevent unauthorised access to the retaining member.

Because a portion of the gas canister protrudes through the aperture defined in the first face of the container, it is possible to use the gas canister while it is secured within the container of the present invention.

Preferably, the portion of the gas canister that protrudes through the aperture is the portion of the canister containing one or more taps to allow gas within the canister to be supplied as required.

The present invention therefore provides a container for securely locating a gas canister whilst at the same time enabling the gas canister to be used.

Preferably the container is arranged such that the first face is spaced apart from, and opposite to the base.

S.....

The container may be positioned against or near a wall in order that the canister receiving portion is enclosed between the wall, the base, first face, two side walls and second face of the canister receiving portion. : ..

Preferably, however the two side walls are positioned opposite to one another, and the canister receiving portion further includes a back wall linking the two side walls.

Such a container does not need to be positioned against or near a wall in order to define the canister receiving portion. It can therefore be easily moved from location to location and positioned as required.

The container may have any suitable shape, and may, for example be cubic or cuboidal. Alternatively it may be prism shaped such that it may be easily fitted into a corner of a site.

Preferably the first cover comprises a first cover portion and second cover portion, which cover jiortions are formed separately from one another. The first and second cover portions preferably each have a recessed section, which recessed sections define the aperture in the first face.

Preferably the container further comprises a cover receiving portion for housing S the first and second cover portions.

Conveniently the first cover portion is slidably receivable within the cover receiving portion such that the first cover portion may be readily separated from the second cover portion.

The first cover portion can therefore be readily removed in order to enable a gas canister to be inserted into, or removed from the canister receiving portion. This obviates the need to lift a gas canister into or out of the canister receiving portion.

*.S...

Conveniently the second cover portion is slidably receivable within the cover receiving portion. * *. * . * *

Because both the first and second cover portions are slidably receivable within the * *** cover receiving portion they may each be removed from the cover receiving *. : portion if necessary. This means that gas canisters of different sizes may be secured within the container of the present invention by using first and second cover portions having appropriately sized recessed Sections.

Preferably the first cover portion comprises a first locking member, and the second cover portion comprises a second locking member, the first and second locking members being engageable with one another.

This helps prevent the first and second cover portions from being prised apart in by a person seeking to gain unauthorised access into the canister receiving portion.

Preferably the second cover comprises at least one lock for securing the second cover in the first position in order to prevent unauthorised access to the retaining member.

Advantageously the container comprises an escutcheon at each lock site in order to prevent a person seeking unauthorised access to the container to drill into a lock point site in order to circumvent the lock.

Advantageously the escutcheon comprises a manganese plate. Preferably, the plate is a manganese plate, although other materials may be used to form the plate.

Preferably the second cover is hingedly attachable to the canister receiving portion by at least one captive hinge. This means that the hinge is not easily accessible to a person attempting to gain unauthorised access to the canister receiving portion.

Preferably the container comprises a first barrier within the canister receiving *..S.S portion, the first barrier having an aperture defined therein such that when a gas * S** canister is secured within the canister receiving portion, a portion of the gas canister protrudes through the aperture defined in the first barrier. * .. * * S **S.

The presence of the first barrier means that if a person attempting to gain authorised access to the canister receiving portion manages to remove the first:: . cover from the container, the first barrier will provided an added layer of security preventing direct access to the retaining member.

Preferably the first barrier includes a first barrier plate and a second barrier plate.

The first and second barrier plates each have a recessed section, which recessed sections define the aperture in the first barrier.

The container preferably comprises a barrier receiving portion for housing the first and second barrier plates.

The first barrier plate may be slidably receivable within the barrier receiving portion such that the first barrier plate can be readily separated from the second barrier plate.

Preferably the second barrier plate is also slidably receivable within the barrier receiving portion. As such, gas canisters of different sizes may be accommodated within the container by choosing first and second barrier plates having appropriately recessed sections.

Preferably, in use, the first and second barrier plates are fixed to the barrier receiving portion in order to prevent removal of the first barrier from the canister receiving portion in use.

Preferably the first barrier plate comprises a first locking member, and the second barrier plate comprises a second locking member, the first and second locking members being engageable with each other. * *

*..*S* The container preferably comprises a second barrier positioned between the * S...

second cover and the retaining member. This provides an additional layer of security by preventing direct access to the retaining member if part or all of the second cover is prised open. S...

The retaining member may be any suitable fixture member such as a fastening: ::.

bracket but preferably the retaining member is a ratchet strap. This has the advantage that he strap can be adjusted and hence the retaining member can be used to secure different sized gas canisters.

Preferably the canister receiving portion includes an attachment for mounting the ratchet strap thereto. This means that the ratchet strap does not have to be integrated with canister receiving portion. As such the ratchet strap can be readily replaced if necessary.

Advantageously, the container comprises a plurality of retaining members, preferably two retaining members each comprising a ratchet strap. The plurality of retaining members more securely retain the canister in the container. (

In an embodiment of the invention comprising two or more retaining members.

the canister receivmg portion preferably comprises an attachment for each of the retaining members.

S Advantageously, the or each attachment comprises a strap hoop. Conveniently, each attachment further comprises an escutcheon for protecting each attachment from unauthorjsed drilling.

Advantageously, the, or each escutcheon comprises a steel plate. Preferably the or each steel plate is welded at an angle to a side of each attachment.

Preferably the base comprises a plurality of apertures for receiving a fastening member for fastening the container to a surface. By fastening the container to a surface the container cannot easily be removed from the site. :1..

The canister receiving portion of the container may be adapted to receive a plurality of canisters, preferably two canisters. In such embodiments, the first cover defmes a plurality of apertures in the first face, the number of apertures corresponding with the number of canisters to be received in the canister receiving..* portion.

In addition, such a container may comprise a plurality of retaining members, the number of retaining members corresponding to or being a multiple of the number of canisters to be received in the canister receiving portion. For example, two retaining members may be associated with each canister.

A container according to such an embodiment of the invention may also comprise a plurality of first and second cover portions each having a recessed section, which recessed sections define the plurality of apertures in the first face.

Such a container may also comprise a first barrier within the canister receiving portion, the first barrier comprising a plurality of apertures defined therein such that when a plurality of gas canisters is secured within the canister receiving f portion, a portion of each of the gas canisters protrudes through a respective aperture defined in the first barrier.

In such asi embodiment, the first barrier may include a plurality of first and second barrier plates. Each of the plurality of first and second barrier plates preferably comprises a recessed section, which recessed sections define the plurality of apertures in the first barrier.

There now follows a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, by way of non-limiting example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container according to embodiment of the present invention with a gas canister secured therein; : is S...

Figure 2 is schematic perspective view of the container of Figure 1 with no gas * S. canister secured therein; . :.. *5**

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the container receiving portion of the container of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic view of a locking member arrangement of first and second cover plate portions of the container of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a schematic view of part of the container of Figure 1 showing the first cover and the first and second ban-iers; Figure 6 is a view showing the final stage of assembly of the first cover and the first and second barriers of the container of Figure 1; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a container according to a further embodiment of the present invention; f Figure 7a is a detailed representation of a part of the container of Figure 7; Figure 8 is a schematic representation of yet a further embodiment of the present invention in which the container is adapted to secure two canisters therein.

S

Referring to Figures 1 to 5 a container 10 for a gas canister 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, The container 10 comprises a canister receiving portion 14, a first cover 16, a second cover 18 and two retaining members 20.

In this embodiment, the canister receiving portion 14 is constructed from 6mm steel plate and includes a base 22, a first face 11, two side walls 24, 26 and a second face 13. Other materials may however be used to construct the receiving portion. * 0*** The first face 11 is spaced apart from, and opposite to the base 22. The base 22 includes a plurality of apertures 30 for receiving a fastening member (not shown) :: for fastening the container 10 to a surface. **4* * **. S. *

In the embodiment shown, the container 10 is generally cuboidal in shape with the two side walls 24, 26 opposite to one another. The canister receiving portion 14 further includes a back wall 28 linking the two side waIls 24, 26.

It is to be understood that it is not necessary for the container 10 to be generally cuboidal. For example, the container may be prism shaped with the two side walls 24, 26 connected with each other in order to fit into a corner space.

The first cover 16 defines an aperture 36 in the first face 11 for a portion of the gas canister to protrude therethrough when the gas canister is secured within the canister receiving portion 14. (

The first cover 16 comprises a first cover portion 32 and second cover portion 34.

The first and second cover portions 32, 34 each have a recessed section 38, 40, which recessed sections define the aperture 36 in the first face 11.

The first cover 16 is located in a cover receiving portion 42 proximate the first face 11. The cover receiving portion 42 may be in the form of guide channels formed on the canister receiving portion as shown in Figure 3. The first cover portion 32 is slidably receivable within the cover receiving portion 42 such that it may be removed from the canister receiving portion 14.

The second cover portion 34 is also slidably receivable within the cover receiving portion 42, and hence also removable from the canister receiving portion 14.

Alternatively, the second cover portion 34 may be securely fastened to the canister **e*** receiving portion 14.

As shown in Figure 4, the first cover portion 32 comprises a first locking member 70, and the second cover portion 34 comprises a second locking member 72, the first and second locking members 70, 72 are engageable with one another. The * * locking members 70, 72 thus ensure that the first and second cover portions 32, 34 I.. I cannot readily be prised apart from each other. In particular, the first locking member 70 defines a channel 73 within which the second locking member 72 is receivable. When the second locking member 72 is received within the channel 73, the two cover portions 32, 34 are held together. The first and second cover portions may each have a pair of engageable locking members 70, 72.

The second cover 18 comprises at least one lock 46 for securing the second cover 18 in the first position. In the embodiment shown, the second cover 18 comprises two H/D Rim DEADLOCK TYPE locks.

An escutcheon is provided at each lock site, preferably welded at each lock point, to prevent drilling into the lock point site. Preferably each eschutcheon is in the form of a manganese plate 80, 82 (Figures 8 and 8a) ( The second cover 18 is in the form of a door and is hingedly attachable to the canister receiving portion 14. The second cover 18 is moveable between a first position in which the second face 13 is closed, and a second position in which the second face 13 is open. The second cover 18 is hingedly attachable to the canister receiving portion 14 by at least one captive hinge 44.

In the embodiments shown, the second cover 18 is hingedly attachable to the canister receiving portion 14 by three external hinges 44 with captive angles that clamp internally such that the second cover cannot be opened if the hinges are removed.

The retaining members 20 are mounted within the canister receiving portion 14 for securing a gas canister 12 inside the canister receiving portion 14. Each retaining member 20 is in the form of a ratchet strap mounted on an attachment 48 formed in the canister receiving portion. Each attachment 48 is in the form of a strap hook *..

having associated therewith an escutcheon 84 in the form of a steel plate welded at an angle to the side of each attachment 48. : *.

The retaining member 20 may instead be in the form of a fastening bracket * attached to an interior of the canister receiving portion 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container 10 further comprises a first barrier 54 and a second barrier 56 positioned within the canister receiving portion 14.

The first barrier 54 has an aperture 58 defined therein such that when a gas canister 12 is secured within the canister receiving portion 14, a portion of the gas canister 12 protrudes through the aperture 58 defined in the first barrier 54.

The first barrier 54 is made up of a first barrier plate 60 and a second barrier plate 62, each having a recessed section 64, 66, which recessed Sections 64, 66 define the aperture 58 in the first barrier 54. (

The first barrier is located in a barrier receiving portion 68 and the first barrier plate 60 is slidably receivable within the bairier receiving portion.

The second barrier plate 62 may also be slidably receivable within the barrier s receiving portion 68. Alternatively, the second barrier plate 62 may be securely fastened to the canister receiving portion 14.

In an embodiment where the first and second barrier plates 60, 62 are slidably receivable within the barrier receiving portion 68, the first and second barrier plates 60, 62 are additionally fixed to the barrier receiving portion in use.

The first and second barrier plates 60, 62 may include a first locking member and a second locking member respectively (not shown), that are engageable with each I.....

other in order to prevent the first and second barrier plates 60, 62 from being readily prised apart from each other. The first and second locking members are similar to the locking members 70, 72 of the first and second cover portions 32, 34. * * . *.** *.**

The second barrier 56 is positioned between the second cover 18 and the retaining S..,..

member 20. The second barrier 56 is in the form of a shroud which surrounds the gas canister 12 in use and helps prevent access to the retaining member 20 if a section of the second cover 18 is prised open.

In order to prevent the removal of a gas canister 12, a user first inserts the second cover portion 34 and the second barrier plate 56 into the cover receiving portion 42 and the barrier receiving portion 68 respectively. In an embodiment where the second cover portion 34 and the second barrier plate 56 are securely fastened to the canister receiving portion 14, it is not necessary to carry out this step.

The gas canister 12 is then placed in the canister receiving section such that the gas canister 12 is positioned within the recessed Sections of the second cover portion 34 and the second barrier plate 56. (

The ratchet straps 20 are then fastened around the gas canister 12 as shown in Figure 1.

Next the first cover portion 32 and the first barrier plate 54 are positioned within the cover receiving portion 42 and the barrier receiving portion 68 respectively.

The shroud 58 is then positioned within the canister receiving portion 14 to conceal the ratchet strap 20 as shown in Figure 5.

Finally, the second cover 18 is closed and the locks 46 locked.

Turning now to Figures 7 and 7a, a further embodiment of a container for a gas canister according to the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 100. Parts of the container 100 that correspond to parts of the container 10 illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 and described hereinabove have been given corresponding reference numerals of ease of reference. * .* * . * ***

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a canister 100 accordmg to an embodiment of the invention showing how the container 100 would be assembled. *..* * *** * * S. Figures 7 and 7a particularly show the escutcheon associated with each lock 46.

In this embodiment each escutcheon is in the form of a manganese plate 80, 82 each of which serve to protect the lock from unauthorised access.

The container 100 further comprises angled plates 84 associated with attachments 48 for protecting the attachments from unauthorised attack.

Turning now to Figure 8, a further embodiment of a container according to the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 200. The container 200 has similar parts to those shown above in respect of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7, and 8 and 8a. The container 200 is adapted to secure two canisters therein and therefore the first cover 16 defines two apertures 236 therein. A portion of each gas canister may protrude through one of ( the apertures 236 when each gas canister is secured within the canister receiving portion 14. * * S....

S St.. S. * *. * S * S.. *... * S **.*

S * . S. (

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A Container for a gas canister comprising: a canister receiving portion having a base, a first face, two side walls and a second face; a first cover defining an aperture in the first face; a second cover moveably attachable to the container and moveable between a first position in which the second face is closed, and a second position in which the second face is open; and a retaining member mounted within the canister receiving portion for securing a gas canister within the canister receiving portion, wherein when a gas canister is secured within the canister receiving portion, a portion of the gas canister protrudes through the aperture defined in the first face.

S..... S...

2. A container as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the first face is spaced apart from, and opposite to the base. : ..

3. A container as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the two side walls are.:::.

opposite to one another and the canister receiving portion further includes a back 4. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first cover comprises a first cover portion and second cover portion.

5. A container as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the first and second cover portions each have a recessed section, which recessed sections define the aperture in the first face.

6. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a cover receiving portion. (

7. A container as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the first cover portion is slidably receivable within the cover receiving portion.

8. A container as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7 wherein the second cover portion is slidably receivable within the cover receiving portion.

9. A container as claimed in Claim 4 or any claim dependent therefrom wherein the first cover portion comprises a first locking member, and the second cover portion comprises a second locking member, the first and second locking members being engageable with one another.

10. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second cover comprises at least one lock for securing the second cover in the first position.

S

11. A container as claimed in Claim 10 further comprising an escutcheon at each locksite. : .. S...

12. A container as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the escutcheon at each lock site comprises a manganese plate.

13. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second cover is hingedly attachable to the canister receiving portion by at least one captive hinge.

14. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a first barrier within the canister receiving portion, the first barrier having an aperture defined therein such that when a gas canister is secured within the canister receiving portion, a portion of the gas canister protrudes through the aperture defined in the first barrier.

15. A container as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the first barrier includes a first barrier plate and a second barrier plate. (

16. A container as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the first and second barrier plates each have a recessed section, which recessed sections define the aperture in the first barrier.

17. A container as claimed in Claim 15 or Claim 16 further comprising a barrier receiving portion.

18. A container as claimed in Claim 17 wherein the first barrier plate is slidably receivable within the barrier receiving portion.

19. A container as claimed in Claim 17 or Claim 18 wherein the second barrier plate is slidably receivable within the barrier receiving portion.

20. A container as claimed in Claim 19 wherein in use the first and second barrier plates are fixed to the barrier receiving portion. * ** * * * **..

21. A container as claimed in Claim 15 or any claim dependent therefrom wherein the first barrier plate comprises a first locking member, and the second barrier plate comprises a second locking member, the first and second locking S members being engageable with each other.

22. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a second barrier positioned between the second cover and the retaining member.

23. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the retaining member is a ratchet strap.

24. A container as claimed in Claim 23 wherein the canister receiving portion includes an attachment for mounting the ratchet strap thereto. (

25. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a plurality of retaining members each one of which retaining members is mounted on the container by an attachment.

26. A container according to Claim 24 or Claim 25 wherein the or each attachment further comprises escutcheon associated therewith.

27. A container according to Claim 26 wherein the or each escutcheon comprises a steel plate.

28. A container according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the canister receiving portion is adapted to receive a plurality of canisters.

29. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base comprises a plurality of apertures for receiving a fastening member for fastening the container to a surface. * **

30. A container for a gas canister as generally hereinbefore described with * : reference to and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. *: :::* *** * * S S.