GB2480844A

GB2480844A - Fixing device

Info

Publication number: GB2480844A
Application number: GB201009303A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Keith Christopher Hardy
Original assignee: LOKTEC Ltd
Current assignee: LOKTEC Ltd
Priority date: 2010-06-03
Filing date: 2010-06-03
Publication date: 2011-12-07
Also published as: GB201009303D0

Abstract

A fixing device 10 for securing an ATM, safe or other secure object to a base comprises an anchor portion 34 for securement to a base, a deformable portion 22 (e.g. a spring), and a mounting portion 20 for mounting the device 10 to the object. The device 10 provides for a predetermined amount of movement of the object against the resistance of the deformable portion 22.

Description

Fixing Device The present invention relates to a fixing device for an auto teller machines (ATM), safes or other secure objects. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a fixing device that is attached in a visible location on the exterior of such an object, but is nevertheless tamper resistant.

ATMs are increasingly being installed in buildings such as filling stations, convenience stores, fast food outlets, supermarkets, and other locations that are intrinsically less secure than their traditional installation locations in banks and other financial institutions. As a consequence there is an increased risk of ATMs being attacked using a number of different methods. Such methods include, on the one hand, use of oxy-acetylene torches, hammers and abrasive cutting implements to access the interior and steal the money contained therein, and on the other hand attempts to remove the ATM entirely to another location where a thief may then try and access the interior at their leisure.

It is therefore desirable to improve the security of the existing installed base of enclosures by retrofitting them with measures to inhibit both forms of attack and to fit measures to new installations, since this reduces the theft risk, and lowers insurance premiums.

The present invention addresses the problem of ATM removal. Thieves typically use three approaches to remove an ATM. The first is "lassoing" where a strap or chain is looped around the ATM, attached to vehicle, and the vehicle drives forward to effectively dislodge it from its mounting by pulling it over. The second is "barring", which relies on inserting crowbars between the base of the ATM and the floor to dislodge it. A third approach is to use a forklift, digger or other materials handling vehicle (possibly after a certain gap has been made by barring) to lift the ATM by inserting the fork/bucket between the base of the ATM and the floor.

As these attacks are likely to trigger an alarm, a thief needs to dislodge the ATM rapidly to be successful, therefore a device that delays the thief by even a few minutes can be considered effective.

In addition, the present applicant has recognised that it is particularly desirable to deter thieves from attacking ATMs altogether. This is because even though security measures may prevent the theft of money from an ATM, thieves may nevertheless still cause significant damage to the ATM and the shop or other location in which it is installed. This can result in high repair costs, and potentially knock-on costs through lost sales if the shop has to be closed for such repairs to be carried out.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a fixing device for securing an ATM, safe or other secure object to a base, the device comprising an anchor portion for securement to a base, a deformable portion, and a mounting portion for mounting the device to the object, wherein the device is configured for mounting in a visible location on the exterior of the object, and provides for a predetermined amount of movement of the object against the resistance of the deformable portion. As such the device acts as a visual deterrent to attack, and is effective at repulsing attack, since by being positioned outside of the footprint of the ATM, a given bending moment from a lassoing attack results in a lower axial load through the deformable portion, compared to it being located within the device footprint.

The deformable portion is preferably elastically deformable, since this may minimise damage caused by attacks. The deformable portion preferably comprises a spring, preferably a helical spring, even more preferably a plurality of springs or deformable elements, to provide for redundancy.

Further or alternatively the deformable portion is plastically deformable.

The anchor portion preferably comprises a bar for securement into the ground. More preferably, the bar is arranged to extend through the mounting portion.

The anchor portion further advantageously comprises a support for the deformable portion.

The mounting portion preferably comprises a bracket for securement to the object and having a laterally extending portion.

The deformable portion is preferably mounted between the laterally extending portion and the support of the anchor portion.

If the deformable portion is a helical spring, the spring is advantageously arranged coaxially with the bar.

The predetermined amount of movement is preferably in a vertical direction.

A second aspect of the present invention provides fixing system comprising first and second fixing devices of the first aspect of the present invention for securement to opposing sides of an ATM, safe or other secure object.

A third aspect of the present invention provides an ATM incorporating a fixing device according to the first aspect of the invention or fixing system according to the second aspect of the invention.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a fixing device for securing an ATM, safe or other secure object to a base, the device comprising an anchor portion for securement to a base, a deformable portion, and a mounting portion for mounting the device to the object, wherein the device provides for a predetermined amount of movement of the object against the resistance of the deformable portion.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a typical ATM, incorporating a device according to the present invention in partial cutaway; FIGURE 2 is a step by step installation diagram for the device of Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a vertical cross-section through the device of Figure 1; and FIGURE 4 is an exploded, isometric view of the device.

With reference to Figure 1, a typical ATM 2 is shown with two fixing devices 10 of the present invention installed on opposing side walls 12 thereof. The devices may be retro-flttable on existing ATMs, or fitted to new-installs. The ATM 2 additionally has armoured panels 14 secured to the sides 12 thereof The side walls 12 are typically manufactured from relatively thick steel plate (typically 12mm). The ATM 2 is seated on a concrete base in this embodiment, With reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4, one of the devices 10, the device comprises an anchor portion indicated generally at 18, a mounting portion indicated generally at 20 and a deformable portion indicated generally at 22.

In this embodiment the anchor portioni 8 comprises a row of five threaded bars (e.g. M16 bars) 24 that are positioned in corresponding holes 25 drilled vertically into the concrete and secured therein using a suitable anchoring-type adhesive (typically a two part epoxy resin adhesive). Typically, somewhere between half and two thirds of the length of each bar 24 protrudes substantially vertically upwardly beyond the concrete surface. The anchor portion additionally comprises an elongate anchor plate 26 comprising holes 28 drilled at suitable spacings to match the positions of the threaded bars 24 and downwardly facing anchor "cups" 30 that are welded to the plate 26 and are suitably dimensioned to receive upper end of a helical spring 32 of the deformable portion 22, as discussed in more detail below. The anchor portion is typically formed from mild steel.

The mounting portion 20 comprises, in this embodiment, an angled section steel plate having a web section 36 arranged to abut the side wall 12 and be secured thereto by two bolts 38 which extend through appropriately positioned holes in the web section 36 and side wall 12.

A flange section 40 of the angled section plate 34 is arranged at substantially right angles to the web section 36, so as to be substantially parallel to the concrete base 16.

The flange section has five apertures 42 provided therein, whose centre to centre spacing corresponds to the spacing between the threaded bars 24. However, the apertures 42 have a larger cross section than the bars, and in this embodiment have apertures that are substantially cross shaped in the plan view. This enables relative movement in a horizontal plane between the flange section 40 and the threaded bars 24, and additionally for pivoting of the flange section with respect to the threaded bars for reasons discussed in more detail below.

In addition, the mounting section includes five mounting cups 44 which comprise a substantially flat square base 46 having a central aperture of similar diameter to the threaded bar, which is arranged to rest on the flange section 40, and an upwardly extending cylindrical cup portion 48, to receive the bottom of the helical spring 32.

Again, the mounting cups are preferably made from mild steel.

The deformable portion 22 comprises in this embodiment five helical springs that are positioned over each of the bars 24 such that the bottom of each spring is received in the corresponding mounting cups 44, and the top thereof is received in the corresponding anchor cup 30. Nuts 50 are tightened down on the anchor plate 26 in order to secure the device together and provide a predetermined amount of pre-load to the springs 32.

In addition, the device comprises a cover 52 that extends over all sides of the device 10 that would otherwise be exposed for tampering. The cover is manufactured from high strength, mild steel or stainless steel and is secured to the ATM via a further bolts 54 that extend outwardly from the interior of the ATM to through the side wall 12, through the web section 36, and into a threaded cylinder 56 secured to an internal face of the cover 52. In this embodiment two bolts and such cylinders are provided, but in other embodiments the number could be varied. In any case, by securing the cover from within the ATM the only way to gain access to the device would be via a cutting operation through the cover 52 or by gaining access to the interior of the ATM, both such approaches being very time consuming, and requiring specialised equipment.

The cover is shaped so as to form a substantially continuous surface with the armoured panels 14, but as the device is thicker than the armour, has an inclined surface. This makes it harder to attack, as does the fact that the bolts securing the cover are protected by the threaded cylinders.

As illustrated in Figure 1, two such fixing devices are secured to opposing side walls 12 of the ATM, and are substantially identical. Together they form a fixing system.

With particular reference to Figure 2, installation of the device 10 is as follows: The anchor plate 34 is secured to the side 12 of the ATM using bolts 38 that extend inwardly and the corresponding nuts are secured within the ATM itself. The centres of holes 42 may then be used as a template for the drilling into the concrete 16. The rods 24 are then cemented into the concrete through the apertures 42. The mounting cups 44, springs 32 and anchor plate 26 are then located over the bars and the nuts 50 are tightened down along the bars to a predetermined torque. Finally, the cover 52 is secured over the device by use of the bolts 54 that extend outwardly through the wall of the ATM and into the threaded cylinder 56.

The fact that the devices 10 alter the external appearance of the ATM 2 may act as an immediate deterrent to a potential thief who is used to a particular "look" for that ATM model. This deterrence may be reinforced by use of suitable warning markings on the ATM or its vicinity.

If a potential thief is not deterred and fries to attack the ATM, then the following resistance is offered to the attacks detailed above: For lassoing attacks a significant amount of energy is absorbed in attempting to tilt the ATM, and the fact that a certain amount of tilting is possible may prevent the lassoing sfrap from being held on the ATM to gain further leverage thereon. However, once the maximal compression of the springs is achieved, then the anchors still provide a significant strength and the provision often bars 24 provides significant redundancy in the event of individual bar failures.

For barring attacks, the significant distance by which the springs can deform means that a crowbar would be unable to find any "purchase" to effectively be able to cause the rods to fail, particularly since the ATM is also able to move laterally with respect to the anchor because of the size of apertures 42.

For forklift attacks (even if it is possible to insert a fork between the concrete base and ATM), the devices have been found to absorb energy, meaning than a typical forklift would tip forwards rather than fully compressing the springs.

For all the attacks, the use of an elastically deformable portion means that even if an unsuccessful attack does take place, damage to the ATM will be minimal.

It will be understood that numerous changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. Alternative elastically deformable elements may be used for the deformable portion, such as leaf springs, or elastomeric blocks. The number of elements may be altered, as may their spacing, deformation rate and degree of deformation and they may be arranged to work in tension instead of compression.

Plastically deformable elements may alternatively be used, such as metal plates having laterally offset mounting points with respect to the anchor portion and mounting portion, or both plastically and elastically deformable elements may be combined, so as to work in series (i.e., once the maximum elastic deformation has been reached, a plastic deformation may occur). For example, this may be achieved by providing slits in the anchor plate and/or mounting plate to enable the portions around the apertures to bend relative to the rest of these components.

The nuts 50 may be welded or otherwise secured in place. Telescopic shrouds may be provided around the threaded bars/springs to further protect them from attack.

Individual anchor plates may be provided for each spring.

Fixing devices may be located inside the ATM in addition to or instead of the externally positioned devices. Fixing devices inside would reduce the risk of tampering, but potentially reduce the visual deterrence.

Suitable alternative anchoring methods may be used for the rods, dependent upon the base material. For example, wooden floor installations would be carried out using a mild steel plate to sandwich the anchor portion between the joists and spread the load.

Claims

Claims 1. A fixing device for securing an ATM, safe or other secure object to a base, the device comprising an anchor portion for securement to a base, a deformable portion, and a mounting portion for mounting the device to the object, wherein the device is configured for mounting in a visible location on the exterior of the object, and provides for a predetermined amount of movement of the object against the resistance of the deformable portion.
2. A fixing device according to claim 1 wherein the deformable portion is elastically deformable.
3. A fixing device according to claim 2 wherein the deformable portion comprises a spring.
4. A fixing device according to claim 3 plurality of helical springs.
5. A fixing device according to any preceding claim wherein the deformable portion is plastically deformable.
6. A fixing device according to any preceding claim wherein the anchor portion comprises a bar for securement into the ground.
7. A fixing device according to claim 6 wherein the bar is arranged to extend through the mounting portion.
8. A fixing device according to any preceding claim wherein the anchor portion further comprises a support for the deformable portion.
9. A fixing device according to any preceding claim wherein the mounting portion comprises a bracket for securement to the object and having a laterally extending portion.
10. A fixing device according to claim 9 when dependent upon claim 8 wherein the deformable portion is mounted between the laterally extending portion and the support of the anchor portion.
11. A fixing device according to claim 10 when dependent upon claim 6 wherein the deformable portion is a helical spring, the spring being arranged coaxially with the bar.
12. A fixing device according to any preceding claim wherein the predetermined amount of movement is in a vertical direction.
13. A fixing system comprising first and second fixing devices for securement to opposing sides of an ATM, safe or other secure object.
14. An ATM incorporating a fixing device or fixing system according to any preceding claim.
15. A fixing device for securing an ATM, safe or other secure object to a base, the device comprising an anchor portion for securement to a base, an elastically deformable portion, and a mounting portion for mounting the device to the object, wherein the device provides for a predetermined amount of movement of the object against the resistance of the deformable portion.
16. A fixing device substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings