GB2442799A

GB2442799A - A remotely actuated security band

Info

Publication number: GB2442799A
Application number: GB0620195A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Edmund Todd
Original assignee: Cedardell Ltd
Current assignee: Cedardell Ltd
Priority date: 2006-10-12
Filing date: 2006-10-12
Publication date: 2008-04-16
Also published as: GB0620195D0; WO2008043998A2; WO2008043998A3

Abstract

A security band 10 has a lock assembly 12 and can be mounted to an ATM (Automatic Telling Machine) 2 such that the band prevents access to the lock of the door 6 of the ATM and reinforces the housing of the ATM . The lock assembly 12 is located within a housing 22 to prevent unauthorized access and is operable by remote signalling means. An electrically operated bolt can be used which is actuated by a signal from, for example, a remote RF transmitter. The bolt engages a portion 16 mounted to the band by means of a secure hinge which is provided with interengaging protective plate portions. The band can be applied to similar devices such as vending machines.

Description

A Security Band and Lock Asse2nbly for the Security Band The present

invention relates to a lock assembly for a security band for an ATM or a vending machine and relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a security band for an ATM or a vending machine.

Automatic Telling Machines (ATMs) and free-standing vending machines of the type that are located in shops and bars and are not built into walls can be vulnerable to attack. In particular, the outer housing or the lock of the ATM or vending machine may be attacked with a drill or other power tool in order to gain access to the ATM or vending machine and its contents.

A known type of security device for such ATMs or vending machines is a metal bar with a hinged portion that is locked by a cylinder lock. The cylinder of the lock can be drilled t remove the security bar to allow easier access to the ATM or vending machine. Another problem with this type of security band is that it can be vandalised by filling the lock with adhesive which means that the security band has to be removed and replaced.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to overcome disadvantages of the prior art, including but not limited to, those set out above.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lock assembly for a security band for an ATM or a vending machine, the assembly comprising: a lock; a ho.]sing in which the lock is disposed for preventing unauthorised access to the lock; and receiver means for actuating the lock, the receiver means being operable by means of a signalling means disposed outside of the housing.

This provides the advantage that since the lock is disposed in a housing for preventing unauthorised access to the lock, it is more difficult for a potential attacker to damage the lock using power tools or vandalise the lock for example by filling it with adhesive. The only way to activate the lock is by remote signalling means meaning that no obvious point of attack is presented to a potential attacker.

In a preferred embodiment, the lock is operable by means of a radio frequency signal.

is ir a preferred embodiment, said radio frequency signal is encrypted.

This provides the advantage of making it more difficult for unauthorised persons to open the lock.

The lock may be operable by means of a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) signal.

The lock may be operable by means of a GPRS (Global Packet Radio Service) signal.

A security band for an ATM or a vending machine, the security band comprising: a band member adapted to fit around the machine housing of an ATt or vending machine; -.,-at least one openable portion to allow the security band to be removed from the machine housing; and at least one lock assembly as defined above for locking the openable portion to secure the band to said machine housing.

This provides the advantage of providing a visible deterrent to a potential attacker. This also provides the advantage of making the attack process take longer as the security band acts as an additional layer of defence on the ATM or the vending machine. This can increase the likelihood of detection of persons attempting to gain unauthorised entry to a machine which the band is protecting. Also, since the security band is only openable by means of a signalling means disposed remote from the band, this provides the advantage of only allowing access to the locking mechanism of the band to authorised persons.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one said openable portion comprises a bar connected at a first end thereof to the band by a hinge; and a locking portion formed at a second end of the bar, the locking portion adapted to be locked by said lock mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, the band further comprises a hinge security mechanism comprising: a first member located on a first side of the hinge, the first member comprising an aperture; and a second member located on a second side of the hinge, the second member comprising an interlocking portion located inside said aperture; wherein the first member and second member are pivotable relative to each other between a first condition and a second condition, and wherein the interlocking portion prevents separation of the first and second members in the second condition if the hinge is removed.

This provides the advantage that even if the hinge is removed, for example by grinding away the hinge, then the openable portion is still prevented from being pulled away from the band by a combination of the abutment between the interlocking portion of the second plate and the edges of the aperture of the first plate and the lock mechanism on the other side of the openable portion.

The interlocking portion may substantially fill the aperture in the second condition.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hinge security assembly comprising: a hinge; a first member located on a first side of the hinge, the first member comprising an aperture; and a second member located on a second side of the hinge, the second member comprising an interlocking portion located inside said aperture; wherein the first member and second member are pivotable relative to each other between a first condition and a second condition, and wherein the interlocking portion prevents separation of the first and second members in the second condition if the hinge is removed.

This provides the advantage that even if the hinge is removed, for example by grinding away the hinge, then the first member is prevented from being pulled away from the second member by the abutment between the interlocking portion of the second member and the edges of the aperture of the first member, therefore providing a more secure hinge assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the hinge security mechanism further comprises a first member housing and a second member housing for protecting the respective first and second members.

This provides the advantage of making it more difficult to access the first and second members.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security band for an ATM or a vending machine, the security band comprising: a band member adapted to fit around the machine housing of an ATM or vending machine; at least one openable portion to allow the security band to be removed from the machine housing, the openable portion connected to the band member by a hinge security mechanism as defined above.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure 1 is a perspective view of an ATM; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the ATM of Figure 1 with a security band having a lock assembly according to the present invention disposed around the ATM; Figure 3 is a perspective view from a first side of the S security band of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view from the other side of the security band of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the security band from the first side in the opened condition; Figure 6 is a perspective view from the second side of the security band in the opened condition; Figure 7 is a partially cut away close up view of the security band showing the lock assembly; Figure 8a is a partially cut away close up view of the lock assembly of Figure 7 in the closed condition; Figure 8b corresponds to Figure 8a and shows the internal Figure 9 is a close up view of the hinge security mechanism designated by circle 9 in Figure 5 in an opened condition; Figure 10 is a view of the hinge security mechanism of Figure 9 in the fully opened condition; Figure 11 is a view of the hinge security assembly of Fioures 9 and 10 in the closed condition; and Figure 12 is a view corresponding to Figure 11 of the hinge security assembly cut-away along line A of Figure 11.

Referring to Figure 1, an ATM (Automatic Telling Machine) is designated by reference numeral 2. ATM 2 is of the type that is stand-alone and not built in to a wall. This type of machine is generally disposed in bars, shops and in places such as exhibition sites and is generally bolted to the ground for security purposes. ATM 2 is powered by a mains electricity supply and comprises a control panel 4 for receiving a user's -cash card and dispensing cash. The ATM is generally serviced (i.e. refilled with cash) by an authorised person opening front door 6 by accessing lock 8. When door 6 is open the cash cassette (not shown) can be removed and replaced.

One method of attacking ATM 2 is to grind the hinges of door 6 and/or use a power drill to drill through lock 8 to gain access to the cash cassette. Another type of form of attack is to completely remove the ATM 2 for example by tying a chain around the ATM 2 and using a motor vehicle to pull the ATM 2 away from its bolts (not shown) Referring to Figure 2, a security band 10 having a lock assembly 12 is mounted to the ATM 2 such that it prevents access to the lock B (Fig l)of the door 6 and reinforce the housing of the ATM 2.

Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the security band 1") compxises a band portion 14 and a hinged portion 16 connected to the band portion 14 by a hinge 18. The security band 10 is formed from a metal such as stainless steel. Other alloys, composites or ceramics could also be used. The security band 10 is mounted to the ATM 2 (Figures 1 and 2) by drilling holes into the ATM and mounting the security band 10 to the ATM by inserting bosses 20 into the holes (not shown) . The security band 10 could also be clamped to outer surface features of an ATM or other machine in use.

The lock assembly 12 comprises a metal housing 22 for housing the locking mechanism 24 (Figures 7 and 8) . A buckle portion 26 is provided on the hinged portion 16 and is locked in the metal housing 22 by a latch portion 28 (Figures 7 and 8) of the locking mechanism 24.

Referring to Figures 8a and 8b, the latch portion 28 is pivotally mounted to a latching plate 29. Latching plate 29 is moveable to lock the buckle portion 26 to prevent the hinged potion 16 from opening. An electrically operated bolt 31 is shown in the locked condition in figure 8b to lock latching plate 29 in the closed condition. A receiver (not shown) is disposed in electronics package 50 and is operable to open and close bolt 31 in response to a predetermined signal. A battery (not shown) is disposed in battery housing 52 for powering the electronics and the bolt.

The receiver (not shown) may receive a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication)signal or a GPRS (Global Packet Radio Service) signal that is encrypted and sent from either a high security key-fob (not shown) or a central control room (not shown) . The signal can be timed to be sent in accordance with a service person's schedule. For example, a random timetable can be generated for the service person (the person who replaces the cash cassette of the ATM) and the signal can be sent to open the locking mechanism 24 to coincide with the time when the service person will be present at the ATM.

Alternatively, the service person can carry the high security key-fob hich can generate the required signal to open the locking mechanism 24. Also, the control room may have the capability to prevent the key fob from opening the band to prevent potential hostage taking situations.

Referring to Figures 7 to 12, the hinged portion 16 of the security band 10 is connected to the band portion 14 by hinge 18. A hinge security mechanism comprises an interlocking plate connected to the hinged portion 16 and an aperture plate 32 connected to the band portion 14. The interlocking plate 30 and the aperture plate 32 may be connected respectively to the hinged portion 16 and the band portion 14 by welding, or the plates 30, 32 may be formed integrally with the hinged portion 16 and band portion 14 respectively. The aperture plate 32 comprises an aperture 34 in which an interlocking portion 36 of the interlocking plate 30 is received. The interlocking plate and the aperture plate 32 are protected respectively by an interlocking plate housing 38 and an aperture plate housing 40.

It can be seen from Figures 9 and 10 that the interlocking portion 36 of the interlocking plate 30 can pivot relative to the aperture plate 32 in aperture 34. This pivotal movement is supported by hinge 18 such that the hinged portion 16 of the security band 10 can be opened to allow access to the front door of an ATM (Figures 1 and 2) . The hinged portion 16 can only be opened when the latch portion 28 is open to allow buckle portion 26 to be pivoted out of metal housing 22.

However, it can be seen from Figures 8, 11 and 12 if the hinge 18 is removed for example by grinding, and an attempt is then made to pull hinged portion 16 longitudinally in the direction of arrow B, then front surfaces 42 of the interlocking plate 30 will abut rear surfaces 44 of the aperture plate 32 to prevent the hinged portion 16 being pulled away from the band portion 14 on the side of removed hinge 18, and also since the latch portion 28 is still engaged in the buckle portion 26 in metal housing 22 the hinged portion 16 is prevented from being pulled away from the band portion 14 even though hinge 18 has been removed.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that different shapes of interlocking portion 36 and aperture plate 32 would work other than the rectangular aperture and plate configuration as shown in the drawings, for example a circular aperture and plate.

Consequently, it can be seen that the security band 10 can be retrofitted to existing ATMs 2 and presents no obvious point of attack since the locking mechanism 24 is disposed in metal housing 22. Even if hinge 18 is removed the hinge security mechanism comprising the interlocking plate 30 and aperture plate 32 prevents removal of the band.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In particular, the hinge security mechanism could be replaced by a second locking mechanism 24 such that the hinged portion 16 can be completely removed if the two locking mechanism 24 are simultaneously opened. Also, other signals rather than a radio frequency signal could be employed, such as sound, ultrasound or light signal provided that suitable sound and/or light sensors are provided. Finally, the apparatus described can be used with any secure enclosure, whether fixed in a set location or fully portable. For example, the security band could be adapted to be used with an ATM that is built into a wall.

Claims

1. A lock assembly for a security band for an ATM or a vending machine, the assembly comprising: a lock; S a housing in which the lock is disposed for preventing unauthorised access to the lock; and receiver means for actuating the lock, the receiver means being operable by means of a signalling means disposed outside of the housing.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lock is operable by means of a radio frequency signal.

3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein said radio frequency signal is encrypted.

4. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock is operable by means of a GSM signal.

5. A mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock is operable by means of a GPRS signal.

6. A lock assembly for a security band for an ATM or a vending machine, the lock assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

7. A security band for an ATM or a vending machine, the security band comprising: a band member adapted to fit around the machine housing of an ATM or vending machine; at least one openable portion to allow the security band to be removed from the machine housing; and S at least one lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims for locking the openable portion to secure the band to said machine housing.

8. A band according to claim 7, wherein at least one said openable portion comprises a bar connected at a first end thereof to the band by a hinge; and a locking portion formed at a second end of the bar, the locking portion adapted to be locked by said lock mechanism.

9. A band according to claim 8, further comprising a hinge security mechanism comprising: a first member located on a first side of the hinge, the first member comprising an aperture; and a second member located on a second side of the hinge, the second member comprising an interlocking portion located inside said aperture; wherein the first member and second member are pivotable relative to each other between a first condition and a second condicion, and wherein the interlocking portion prevents separation of the first and second members in the second condition if the hinge is removed.

10. A band according to claim 9, wherein the interlocking portion substantially fills the aperture in the second condition.

11. A hinge security assembly comprising: a hinge; a first member located on a first side of the hinge, the first member comprising an aperture; and a second member located on a second side of the hinge, the second member comprising an interlocking portion located inside said aperture; wl-erein the first member and second member are pivotable relative to each other between a first condition and a second condition, and wherein the interlocking portion prevents separation of the first and second members in the second IS condition if the hinge is removed.

12. A hinge security mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the interlocking portion substantially fills the aperture in the second condition.

13. A hinge security mechanism according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a first member housing and a second member housing for protecting the respective first and second members.

14. A hinge security assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15. A security band for an ATM or a vending machine, the security band comprising: a band member adapted to fit around the machine housing of an ATM or vending machine; at least one openable portion to allow the security band to be removed from the machine housing, the openable portion connected to the band member by a hinge security mechanism according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

16. A security band for an ATM or a vending machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.