GB2519797A

GB2519797A - Safe device

Info

Publication number: GB2519797A
Application number: GB1319199.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Mark Thomas Graham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-10-30
Filing date: 2013-10-30
Publication date: 2015-05-06
Also published as: GB201319199D0

Abstract

A safe device (10, Fig. 1) comprises an anchor 17, a tether 14 e.g. chain or cable, and a storage compartment 12, e.g. a bag, container, or box, with an opening for inserting belongings; the tether 14 connects anchor 17 to compartment 12. Compartment 12 may comprise locking means. The anchor 17 may comprise a central shaft 18 with an umbrella-like end. When the compartment 12 is a bag, it may have two apertures arranged to allow locking by padlock e.g. a combination lock. The safe device (10, Fig. 1) may comprise a carry portion 24, e.g. a hollow tube with a disc arranged inside the tube in which the disc has a central hole (annulus). The carry portion 24 can contain the tether 14 and shaft 18 of anchor 17. The anchor 17 can be buried into sand S e.g. beach or other penetrable ground to reduce the risk of theft. Also a method of use is claimed.

Description

SAFE DEVICE

The present invention relates to a safe device and particularly but not exclusively, to a sate device that can be anchored into sand or other penetrable ground to reduce the risk of belongings being stolen.

Visitors to a beach will often leave their personal belongings unattended or unwatched, tor example, when engaging in activities such as swimming, ball games, sleeping and reading. These belongings are otten of significant monetary value, tor example, watches, jewellery, money, mobile telephones, cameras and personal music players. Where personal belongings are lett unattended or unwatched, they are at high risk ot thett. It is an object of the present invention to reduce this risk.

A theft can otten occur very quickly without the person being aware it has taken place. It may be that the owner can see the theft taking place but is unable to prevent the theft, for example, it they are too far away from their belongings.

I have now devised a sate device that can be anchored into sand or other penetrable ground to reduce the risk of belongings being stolen.

The beach or location in which the device is used may comprise ground made of sand, pebbles or other penetrable material.

In accordance with the present invention, as seen from a tirst aspect, there is provided a safe device that can be anchored into sand or other penetrable ground to reduce the risk ot belongings being stolen, the device comprising: an anchor; an elongate tether; and a storage compartment having a mouth through which belongings may be inserted into the compartment; wherein the storage compartment and anchor are connected by said tether.

In use, it is envisaged that a user will dig a hole in the ground and insert the anchor ot the sate device into the hole. The user will then fill-in the hole so as to cover the anchor, leaving the storage compartment exposed above-ground. The user will place their personal belongings inside the storage compartment, which preferably comprises locking means to secure the storage compartment. The locking means will prevent a person such as a thief from accessing the user's belongings that are stored inside the storage compartment. The anchor below-ground will engage with the ground to anchor the device in place and prevent a person such as a thief from simply lifting the device from the ground.

Preferably the anchor comprises an elongate central portion, the tether being attached to the central portion adjacent one end thereof. Preferably the anchor comprises a radially expandable head that has open and closed configurations. In its closed configuration, the anchor is compact for storage and transportation. In its open position, the surface of the anchor directed towards the tether has an increased surface area, thereby making it more difficult for a thief to pull the anchor out of the ground.

The radially expandable head may comprise one or more arms which are pivoted at one end to the central portion of the anchor. Preferably a plurality arms are provided, said arms supporting a canopy which surrounds the central portion: the canopy provides a large surface area for engaging with the ground.

Preferably the tether comprises a cable or chain. Preferably the tether is formed of a material which cannot readily be cut.

In a preferred embodiment, the storage compartment is provided by a bag.

Preferably the bag is formed of a material which cannot readily be cut. The locking means may comprise first and second apertures in the bag, said apertures being arranged such that a padlock may pass therethrough to secure the opening to the bag. Preferably the locking means comprises a padlock with a combination lock.

Alternatively the storage compartment may be provided by a rigid container suitable for storing belongings.

Preferably the safe device also comprises a carry portion. Preferably the carry portion comprises a compartment. Preferably the compartment is cylindrical.

Preferably the cylindrical compartment comprises an internal disc orientated parallel to the cross-section of the cylindrical compartment and arranged to maintain the shape of the cylindrical compartment. The internal disc further comprises an aperture to accommodate the tether and the central shaft of the anchor. Preferably the aperture is in the centre of the internal disc.

In use, it is envisaged that the user will pack the anchor, storage compartment and locking means inside the carry portion and an exposed portion of tether will be used as a carry strap to transport the safe device to and from the location of use.

According to the present invention, as seen from a second aspect, there is provided a method of securing belongings on a beach or other location having soft or penetrable ground, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sale device as hereinbefore described; (b) forming a hole in the ground, inserting the anchor of the device into the hole with the tether extending to the surface; (c) refilling the hole to bury the anchor below-ground.

In the embodiment of the invention in which the anchor comprises a radially expandable head, the radially expandable head may be expanded prior to inserting the anchor of the device into the hole. Alternatively, the head may be expanded once the anchor has been inserted into the hole.

Preferably the storage compartment and a portion of the tether adjacent the storage compartment remains above-ground. The method preferably further comprises the steps of inserting belongings into the storage compartment and preferably subsequently locking the storage compartment with the locking means. The steps of inserting belongings into the storage compartment and subsequently locking the storage compartment may be performed prior to step (b) above. Alternatively, the steps 01 inserting belongings into the storage compartment and subsequently locking the storage compartment may be performed after completion of step (b) above and may be performed after completion of step (c) above.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective side view of a safe device in accordance with the present invention shown in an in-use configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective side view of the safe device 01 Figure 1 shown in an out-of-use configuration; and Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams to illustrate how the device is used.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is illustrated a safe device 10 for use on a beach or other location having soft or penetrable ground.

The safe device 10 comprises a bag 12 having a compartment for storing belongings defined therein. The bag 12 is securely attached to an elongate tether 14. Both the bag 12 and tether 14 cannot readily be cut. The bag 12 further comprises an opening that can be closed securely by a lock 16.

The sate device 10 further comprises an anchor 17 having a central shaft 18 attached at its upper end to the tether 14. The anchor 17 comprises a radially expandable head 19 having four arms 20 circumferentially spaced around the shaft 18. The arms are pivotally connected to the lower end of the shaft 18 and support a foldable canopy 23. The radially expandable head 19 is moveable between the open and closed configurations by pivoting the arms 20 and/or canopy 23 radially outwardly.

The safe device further comprises a carry portion 24 in the form of a tubular housing which defines a cylindrical compartment. Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings, when the device is not in use, the anchor 17 the tether 14c and the bag 12 can be stored inside the cylindrical compartment.

The cylindrical compartment comprises an internal disc 29 orientated parallel to the its longitudinal axis and disposed intermediate its opposite ends. The disc 29 is arranged to maintain the shape of the cylindrical compartment 25. The internal disc 29 further comprises a central aperture through which the shaft 18 extends when the device is not in use. When in use, the anchor 17 is pulled out of the housing 25 such that the tether 14 extends through the aperture. A strap may be provided on the housing to enable a user to carry the devioe on their shoulder.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, in use a user initially forms a hole H in the sand S or other ground substrate at the point where the user wishes to keep belongings. The anchor 17 is then inserted into hole H, whereupon the head 19 of the anchor 17 is expanded radially across the width of the hole: alternatively, the head 19 may be expanded prior to insertion of the anchor 17 into the hole but it will be appreciated that the user will then have to ensure that the hole is of sufficient width to accommodate the expanded head. The shaft 18 of the anchor 17 extends generally vertically upwardly inside the hole H, its upper end preferably being below ground level such that only the tether 14 extends out of the hole. Once in-situ, the hole H is filled with sand to cover the anchor 17. The housing 24 may be left inside the hole H or it may be positioned above ground as desired by the user.

It will be appreciated that the user can store belongings inside the bag 12, which is located above ground. If a person attempts to the steal the bag 12, they will be prevented from doing so because the bag 12 is securely tethered to the anchor 17. It is difficult for the thief to pull the anchor 17 out from the sand S because the cross-sectional area of the anchor 17 (normal to the direction in which the anchor 17 has to be pulled) is great due to the expanded head 19. Also, the lock 16 prevents a thief from removing belongings from the bag 12.

A safe device in accordance with the present invention is simple and inexpensive in construction, yet enables belongings to be safely stored on beaches and other areas.

Claims

Claims 1. A sate device that can be anchored into sand or other penetrable ground to reduce the risk of belongings being stolen, the device comprising: an anchor; an elongate tether; and a storage compartment having a mouth through which belongings may be inserted into the compartment; wherein the storage compartment and anchor are connected by said tether.
2. A safe device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage compartment comprises locking means.
3. A safe device as claimed in either claim I or 2. wherein the anchor comprises an elongate central porUon, the tether being attached to the central portion adjacent one end thereof.r
4. A safe device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the -anchor comprises a radially expandable head that has open and closed configurations, such that ri use in its dosed configuration, the anchor is compacted and such that when in use in its open position, the surface of the anchor directed tords the tether has an increased surface area.
5. A safe devce as claimed in claim 4, wherein the radially expandable head comprises one or more arms which are pivoted at one end to the central portion of the anchor.
6, A safe device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the arms are provided, said arms supporting a canopy which surrounds the central portion.
7. A safe device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tether comprises a cable or chain.B. A safe device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tether is formed of a material which cannot readily be cut.9. A safe device as dairned in any preceding claim, wherein the storage compartment is provided by a bag.10. A safe device as claimed in claim
8. wherein the bag is formed of a material which cannot readity be cut.11 A safe device as claimed in either claim 8 or 9, wherein the locking means comprises first and second apertures in the bag, said apertures being arranged such that a padlock may pass therethrough to secure the opening to the bag.12. A safe device as claimed in daWn ii, wherein the locking means comprises a padlock with a combination lock.13. A safe device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the storage compartment comprises a rigid container.14. A safe device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the safe device further o comprises a carry portion.r 20 15, A safe device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the carry portion comprises a (3) compartment.16. A safe device as claimed in claim 15. wherein the compartment is cylindrical.17. A safe device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the cylindrical compartment comprises an internal disc orientated parallel to the cross-section of the cylindrical compartment and arranged to maintain the shape of the cylindrical compartment, the internal disc further comprising an aperture to accommodate the tether and the central shaft of the anchor.18. A safe device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the aperture is in the centre of the internal disc.19. A method of securing belongings on a beach or other location having soft or penetrable ground, the method comprising: providing a safe device as hereinbelore described in any of claims ito 18: forming a hole in the ground, inserting the anchor of the device into the hole with the tether extending to the surface; refiMing the hole to bury the anchor belowground.20. A method of securing b&ongings as claimed in claim 19, wher&n the safe device provided is as claimed in any cornbh-iation of any of claims I to 18 which inc-ludes the feature described in claim 4, wherein the radially expandable head is expanded prior to inserting the anchor of the device into the hole.21. A method of securing belongings as claimed in claim 19, wherein the safe device provided is as claimed in any combination of any of claims 1 to 18 which includes the feature described in claim 4, wherein the head is expanded once the anchor has been inserted into the hole.22. A method of securing belongings as claimed in any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the storage compartment and a portion of the tether adjacent the storage compartment remains aboveground.o 23. A method of securing belongings as claimed in any of claims 19 to 22, whein r the method further comprises the steps of inseftng belongings into the storage compartment.C%'j 20 24. A method of securing belongings as claimed in claim 23, wherein the safe device provided is as claimed in any combination of any of daims ito 18 which indudes the feature described in claim 2. wherein the method further comprises the steps of subsequently locking the storage compartment with the locking means.