GB2539551A

GB2539551A - Secure device-charging station

Info

Publication number: GB2539551A
Application number: GB1607243.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rycroft Frank
Original assignee: Frank Rycroft Ass Ltd
Current assignee: Frank Rycroft Ass Ltd
Priority date: 2014-11-03
Filing date: 2016-04-26
Publication date: 2016-12-21
Also published as: GB201507374D0; GB201421209D0; GB201419583D0; GB201515891D0

Abstract

A secure charging station 1 includes a front wall with a number of compartments 2 for temporarily securely storing one or more portable battery-operated devices, such as mobile phones. There are charging components (31, 32, 33, figure 3) for charging the portable battery-operated devices (37, figure 3) in each one of the compartments 2, and a number of closure mechanisms for securely retaining the devices (37) in the compartments 2. A user interface 3 allows a user to open and close the closure mechanisms and to place or remove the devices (37) into the compartments 2. The compartments 2 may be drawers which have a front face so that when the compartments 2 are closed they form part of the front wall of the station 1. A rear face of the compartment 2 incorporates part of the closure mechanism. When the closure mechanism is locked the compartment 2 is immobilised and when the closure mechanism is unlocked the compartment 2 is able to open. Alternatively, the station 1 may have an aperture (63, figure 6) for inserting a device (37), and a mechanism for transporting the device (37) to and from a remote charging position.

Description

Secure Device-Charging Station

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to secure charging facilities for providing charge to battery-operated devices. The invention has particular applications in the fields of depositing a mobile phone or tablet to charge securely in a public place.

Background to the Invention

Prior Art phone charging stations are known. These require an accessible plurality of charging sockets and associated charging cables and typically include no secure charging facility -the devices to be charged, the cables, the plugs and the sockets are each exposed either requiring constant supervision or running the risk of theft and/or vandalism. The invention seeks to provide a number of improvements to phone charging stations.

Summary of the Invention

In its broadest independent aspect, the invention provides a secure charging station comprising a front wall with a plurality of compartments for receiving and at least temporarily securely storing one or more portable battery-operated devices, at least one charging component for charging said portable battery-operated devices in each one of said compartments, a plurality of closure mechanisms for securely retaining said devices in said compartments, and a user interface for opening and/or dosing said closure mechanisms to enable a user to place and/or to remove said devices into and/or from said compartments, wherein said compartments have a front face which when the compartments are closed form part of the front wall of said station; and a rear face located on the innermost side of said station; said front face and said rear face being joined together by side walls; said rear face incorporating at least part of said closure mechanism; whereby when the closure mechanism is locked the compartment is immobilised and when the closure mechanism is unlocked the compartment is able to open.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a means of conveniently and securely providing charge to portable devices such as, but not limited to, a mobile phone, tablet or laptop, whilst in a public area, knowing that the device will remain secure and particularly well protected from vandalism and theft and allowing the user of the mobile device to leave the device at the station and continue with an independent activity. The plurality of components provides the advantage of charging different, multiple devices simultaneously and efficiently. In a preferred embodiment, the user interface provides the advantage of removing the need for a manned station.

Whilst the option of allowing charging for any period of time is envisaged in the invention's broadest aspect, in a further subsidiary aspect, the user interface comprises a control mechanism to provide a pre-determined amount of charge for a pre-determined amount of time.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the user to control precisely the amount of charging desired.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the charging station comprises at least two separate compartments which are individually openable and closeable.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it means the station can be used by multiple users simultaneously and may allow users' devices to be housed separately, enhancing the security of the station.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the station is a column and incorporates a plurality of closely contiguous compartments disposed about the column's circumference.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a maximum number of compartments which is an efficient utilisation of the space and provides multiple access points to enable users to easily reach the compartment in which their device is housed.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the column comprises a central shaft from which charging cables extend. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it means the cables can all extend from a central point which is an efficient use of space. This is also advantageous as it enhances the protection of the cables from vandalism as they cannot be viewed or accessed from the exterior of the machine.

is Preferably, the column is faceted to allow for compartments to be on a flat surface. This is a particularly advantageous composition as it means the compartment is not curved and is more standardized to allow for a standard door or tray. This configuration is also particularly robust in order to better withstand wear and tear.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the charging station comprises an aperture for inserting a portable battery-operated device, and a mechanism for transporting said device to and from a remote charging position.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it saves space, is more secure as devices may all be stored centrally within the station. This further enhances the security of the station as singular compartments may be a target for theft as filled compartments would be indicated. However, with all devices stored centrally within the station, it is not known if the station contains any devices or where they are and access is therefore restricted if not impossible.

Whilst the invention, in its broadest aspect, includes the option of having a mains power supply, in a further subsidiary aspect, the charging station comprises solar panels for directly charging the devices.

This is a particularly advantageous configuration because it avoids having to employ a separate battery since the solar panels directly charge the devices.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the compartment is a tray which slides out from the station.

This is particularly advantageous because the tray can be pulled out from the station so that the user has full access and an improved view of the interior of the compartment and the cables which can enable the correct cable to be fitted to device.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the interior surface of the compartment is cushioned. This is an advantageous configuration because cushioned walls would prevent damage such as scratches to the portable devices and prevent device from sliding around once inside compartment. In preferred embodiments, the cushion is selected to incorporate sound proofing qualities in order to at least disguise if not entirely muffle the sounds potentially produced by the charging devices.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the station is a triangular prism shaped column.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the compartment is a mechanical drawer which opens at an angle to the vertical.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the compartment uses magnetism to control opening and closure.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the compartment has a self-closing function.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the self-closing function involves use of a spring.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the station incorporates a number of drawers which are substantially triangular in cross-section.

In a subsidiary aspect, the rear panel incorporates a locking tab which extends rearward.

In a subsidiary aspect, the drawer fits into a correspondingly shaped drawer with two side webs and a rear panel.

In a subsidiary aspect, the rear panel incorporates an aperture to receive the locking tab of a drawer.

In a subsidiary aspect, the rear panel incorporates a first actuator which displaces a pin to lock the locking tab into position.

In a subsidiary aspect, the rear panel incorporates a second actuator which operates to repulse the drawer when actuated in order to open it.

In a subsidiary aspect, the compartment comprises a drawer and position sensors for sensing the position of said drawer.

In a further broad aspect, the invention provides a system for opening a compartment is comprising a user interface for interaction with a user's card, a controller for storing signals representative of the user's card and/or its interaction with said interface, an actuator for initially facilitating the opening of a compartment once said signals have been stored, and thereafter facilitating the closure of said compartment, and said compartment being openable by matching signals representative of a further user's interaction with said interface with said stored previous signals.

In a subsidiary aspect, other than by an operator of the system, said compartment is externally solely openable as a result of said matching of signals.

In a subsidiary aspect, the system comprises a plurality of compartments and means for detecting the height of a user, whereby said system is configured to instruct the opening of an unoccupied compartment which is easiest to access by a user of a particular height.

In a subsidiary aspect, the system further comprises means for charging units when placed within said compartments.

In a further broad aspect, the invention provides a method of opening a compartment comprising the steps of: storing signals representative of a user's card and/or its interaction with said interface, facilitating the opening of a compartment once said signals have been stored, and thereafter facilitating the closure of said compartment, and facilitating the subsequent opening of said compartment by matching signals representative of a further user's interaction with said interface with said stored previous signals.

In a subsidiary aspect, the method further comprises the step of subsequently solely opening said compartment as a result of matching signals with said previously stored signals.

In a subsidiary aspect, the method further comprises the step of only authorising the opening of said compartment in response to a successful financial instruction being received by the compartment's operating system.

In a subsidiary aspect, the method further comprises the step of detecting a user's card number.

In a subsidiary aspect, the method provides a plurality of compartments and facilitates the opening of unoccupied compartments.

In a subsidiary aspect, the method provides a plurality of compartments and means for detecting the height of a user, whereby said method instructs the opening of an unoccupied compartment which is easiest to access by a user of a particular height.

In a subsidiary aspect, the method further provides means for charging units in said compartments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the charging station.

Figure 2 shows a cutaway view of a cross section of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a perspective dose-up view of one of the trays away from the charging station.

Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the charging station with compartments as lockers instead of drawers.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 shows front view of an alternative embodiment of the charging station.

Figure 7 shows a part -cutaway view of the charging station in Figure 6.

Figure 8 shows a top view of an embodiment of the charging station Figure 9 shows a front view of an embodiment of the charging station.

Figure 10 shows a side view of an embodiment of the charging station.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the charging station.

Figure 12 shows a perspective rear view of an embodiment of a drawer compartment in its dosed position.

Figure 13 shows a perspective rear view of an embodiment of a drawer compartment in its dosed position.

Figure 14 shows a perspective front view of an embodiment of a drawer compartment in its closed position.

Figure 15 shows a perspective front view of an embodiment of a drawer compartment in its closed position.

Figure 16 shows a perspective rear view of an embodiment of a drawer compartment in its open position.

Figure 17 shows a perspective rear view of an embodiment of a drawer compartment in its open position.

Figure 18 shows a perspective front view of an embodiment of a drawer compartment in its open position.

Figure 19 shows a perspective upper view of an embodiment of a drawer compartment in its open position.

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the drawer compartment in its open position.

Figure 21 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the drawer compartment in its closed position.

Figure 22 shows a flow diagram of the process of opening a drawer compartment.

Figure 23 shows a flow diagram of the process of opening a drawer compartment.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

Figure 1 shows a faceted, cylindrical charging station 1 comprising multiple tray-styled compartments 2 stacked around its circumference. The faceted cylindrical shape of the station provides the maximum number of compartments allowing the station to be used by multiple users of the station simultaneously. The station is particularly suitable for indoor public locations and may be located in airport departure lounges, shopping centres, train and bus stations, supermarkets, department stores, amusement parks, coffee bars, nightclubs, restaurants, bars and public Libraries as well as any other suitable location.

One face of the station 1 comprises the user-interface control system 3, which comprises a card reader 4, screen monitor 5 and keypad 6. In a preferred embodiment, the screen monitor may be a touch-screen, although in alternative embodiments, the screen may comprise buttons for allowing users to make selections. This interface allows the user to make their selection of required charging time and to make a card payment.

In a preferred embodiment, the user pays by card or pre-paid card but any suitable payment method is possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the user interface further comprises a circuit timer for disabling charge after a defined period selected by a user whilst the compartment remains secure.

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment in which multiple trays are stacked and each tray of the station contains a card reader 7 and a Locking handle 8. In an alternative embodiment, the station system would contain just one card reader together with a user interface that would allow the card reader the ability to open and close individual compartments within the station. In an alternative embodiment, the station may comprise just one compartment which may be suitable for use in an office work place or moving vehicle such as a taxi cab.

Preferably, the station and trays are constructed with vandal proof materials such as appropriate metals and composite materials which are secure for use in outdoor public spaces. In use, the card reader recognises a correct user and allows the appropriate tray to be opened only after recognising a card. The locking handle 8 may only be activated by a recognised user in order to enable access to tray contents, further enhancing the security of the station.

Figure 1 also shows solar panels 9 incorporated into the roofing of the station. In use, the solar panels provide the charging power directly to the devices. This has the advantage of significantly reducing electricity and therefore operating costs. In an alternative embodiment, the station does not have solar panels and provides power only directly from a mains power supply.

A display sign 10 is provided above the station to display its name clearly, making the station easy to find in public areas. In an alternative embodiment, no sign could exist or the sign could provide advertising space. In a further alternative embodiment, the station may comprise a 'ticker tape' type display setting out operating instruction and / or benefits of the station, the wording of which could be tailored to the individual premises where the charging station is located.

CCTV (closed circuit television) cameras 11 are shown on the outer rim of the station to provide extra security and protection to users' devices. In a preferred embodiment, the cameras are activated only when the station is in use to save power. In alternative embodiments, CCTV cameras are switched on permanently. In alternative embodiments, no CCTV cameras are provided.

Trays are able to open fully as shown by tray 12, which enables the user to easily place the device in its desired position and to connect the correct cable. In an alternative embodiment, the tray does not open fully and the connection to a correct cable is automatic.

In a preferred embodiment, each compartment may contain a plurality of charging cables suitable for multiple devices, in particular, mobile phones, tablets, cameras and laptops or any other portable battery-operated device.

Figure 2 shows a cutaway of the station depicted in Figure 1. The cables 20 can be seen to be extending through to the trays from a central shaft 21 which runs up the centre of the station. There is a closure 22 at the top of the shaft to prevent access and enhance the security of the station. In use, the cables are enclosed within the machine making them harder to access and hence further reducing the potential for vandalism.

Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the interior 12 of one of the trays 2 in use. The tray contains multiple charging cables, 31, 32, 33 and 34, each suitable for a different particular device. In alternative embodiments, each compartment may only provide a single cable suitable for just one type of device, requiring the user to select a correct and suitable tray.

In a preferred embodiment, the interior of the tray is padded with a soft cushioning material to prevent scratching and damage to devices when placed in the tray. Alternative embodiments may include size-specific holders in which devices may be placed to prevent movement when the tray is opened and closed.

The sides of the tray incorporate lateral walk 35 to prevent devices falling out when the tray is opened. The front of the tray may incorporate a screen 36 which is an indicator of whether or not a tray is occupied. In an alternative embodiment, the interface systems inform users of unoccupied compartments available for use to avoid drawing attention to occupied compartments which may be targets for theft and vandalism.

A handle 8 is shown by which the tray can be pulled open when unlocked. A card reader and pin entry device 7 is also show on the front of the tray. In use, the card reader provides a secure method designed to recognise the same card with which payment was made, in order to unlock the tray. In a preferred embodiment, a locking mechanism exists with which the tray is locked and only openable on presentation of the card to the card reader.

This enhances the security of the station.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking device of the tray comprises a key pad only with which the user enters a pin code provided to them on purchase. In a further alternative embodiment, the tray may contain a finger print or facial recognition device which enables is only a designated user to unlock the tray. In further alternative embodiments, the tray comprises a combination lock or padlock and key.

Figure 3 also shows a mobile device 37 in use, connected to an appropriate charging cable 31. In alternative embodiments, each tray may only provide one charging cable. In use, the cables charge devices for a pre-determined amount of time set by the user. After this time has elapsed, a circuit timer causes the power to switch off. The device will thereafter remain secure in its compartment connected to its cable until the user removes it.

In an alternative embodiment, the device charges constantly unless the user removes it 25 from the compartment.

Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the charging station in which the secure charging compartments are Lockers with openable, hinged doors 40 instead of trays 5. Arrow 41 indicates an opened compartment. Station 42 shows a compartment incorporating a card reader, Handles 43 are provided with which the compartment door is locked. Advantageously, the compartments and cables remain within the station, whether the compartment is open or closed.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the charging station 50, in which the station is built into the wall 51 for added security. Closed compartments 52 and an open compartment 53 are illustrated in this embodiment with handles 54 and card reader 55. A user interface 56 comprises a screen monitor 57 and card reader 58.

Solar panels 59 may also be included in this embodiment. A controller redirects charge to charging stations as appropriate.

In a preferred embodiment, compartments are in the same style as Figure 3. Alternatively, each station incorporates a single card reader which then remotely controls the opening and closing of an individual compartment.

Figure 6 depicts an alternative embodiment with a charging station generally referenced 60. This embodiment comprises a screen 61, a card reader 62, and an aperture 63 in which a user can place their device within the holder 64. The front of the station 65 may be used to display advertisements or instructions for station use. In use, the device is placed onto holder 64. Once secure, the device is taken to a secure charging location within the station where it is held and charged. When the user wishes to retrieve the device, the machine brings the device back to the aperture.

In use, this embodiment provides the advantage that all devices are stored centrally, reducing the potential for vandalism and targeting of separate compartments. In a preferred embodiment, the user interface allows for selection of the type of device and the required amount of charge. The correct cable can be presented at the aperture for the user to establish the connection before it is taken to a central location. Preferably, card recognition is required to retrieve the device. In an alternative embodiment, the user is provided with a secure pin number with which to retrieve the device.

Figure 7 shows a view of the interior of this embodiment 68. The arrows 69, 70, 71 show the directions of movement of the device holder from the aperture to a secure charging location within the machine. The arms 72 and 73 move the device holder throughout the machine to a suitable location where it is connected to a suitable charger. Rows of holders provide charging cables 76 for connection to devices until the device is retrieved. In

In any of the previous embodiments, a till roll printer may be provided to generate receipts for monies spent when required.

In a further embodiment, the secure charging station is a triangular prism shaped column 80 with at least one forward facing rounded edge as shown in Figures 8-11. The compartments 81 are distributed about two of the three faces of the column. In a preferred embodiment, the compartments 81 are mechanical drawers as shown in Figures 12-21 and are angled diagonally within the column. Figures 8-11 show the compartments in their closed positions within the columns. Only the front face 92 is shown.

A monitor 82 with a user interface is positioned on the front curved part 83 of the column three quarters of the way up the column.

In a preferred embodiment, two charging station columns may be placed together back-to-/5 back.

Preferably, there are ten compartments 81 on each face of the column, arranged in two columns of five, alongside one another. Preferably, one of the columns of compartments begins higher than the other. The top compartment of the lower column slots within the second and third compartments of the other column.

Figure 8 shows the top of a column and dearly shows the triangular shape and curved front side 83 on which the user interface monitor 82 is located.

Figures 12 to 15 show an embodiment of the mechanical drawer in its closed position.

Figures 12 and 13 show a rear view of the closed drawer. The fixed inner structure referenced 90 is fixed within the column. In use, the moveable drawer part 91, may be pivoted into the space within housing 90. The drawer may be rotated about a hinge 93.

The back face 94 of the fixed inner structure 90 within the column contains a Locking solenoid 99 mounted beneath a rectangular aperture 100. The Locking solenoid may incorporate a movable pin which when actuated moves into an aperture located in the locking tab 101. In use, when the drawer is closed, as shown, a locking tab 101 on the drawer inserts into aperture 100. A movable pin of the locking solenoid 99 is subsequently inserted into an aperture 101A within the locking tab 101 to lock the drawer shut. This is a safe and secure locking mechanism.

The back face 94 also contains on it a motor gearbox 95 which may be of the 12 volt kind.

The motor 95 is attached to and rotates the cylindrical housing 96 beneath. The cylindrical housing 96 is embedded with a permanent magnet. In use, the motor 95 is controlled by the operating system of the charging station to rotate and cause the embedded permanent magnet within housing 96 to rotate and consequently attract or repulse a permanent magnet 97 fitted to the lower part of the back of the movable drawer. In use, in the closed position shown, the permanent magnet within housing 96 attracts the permanent magnet 97. The permanent magnet 97 on the back face of the drawer can be seen inserted through the aperture 97A to be touching housing 96.

This helps to keep the drawer closed and eliminates any radial loads between the locking is solenoid pin 99 and drawer locking tab 101 when in the closed position.

Figures 12 and 13 also show the corners of two toothed ratchets 102 and 103 connected to the movable drawer 91 protruding through into the inner compartment. These toothed ratchets 102, 103 can be seen to be protruding all the way through. This enables a controlled opening and closure to ensure the drawer does not slam open or shut, which could potentially cause damage to devices within the drawer. Ratchet 103 comprises a hump 104 which, in use, prevents the drawer from opening too far. In an alternative embodiment, the ratchets incorporate a smooth edge and contain position sensors.

Figures 14 and 15 show a front view of the closed drawer. Only the front face 92 of the drawer can be seen from the front of the charging station column. In an alternative embodiment there may be a handle or alternative grip for a user to hold whist opening or dosing the drawer. However, in this embodiment no handle is necessary as the opening and closure action is controlled by the magnetic forces of the permanent magnet 96 and permanent magnet 97 which is rotated by the rotor 95 which itself is controlled by the charging station control system.

In an alternative embodiment, the permanent magnet 97 and rotor 95 may be replaced by an electromagnet. Moreover the magnets may be Located closer to the top of the drawer and may be of varying sizes and shapes and located at various positions on the drawer face.

A further electromagnet 105 is found in one corner of the drawer back face 94. This electromagnet may also be a 12 volt electromagnet. In use, electromagnet 105 holds the drawer in its open position. In the dosed position the electromagnet is off. When the drawer is fully opened (Figures 16-19) electromagnet 105 is fully energised. In order to allow the drawer to 'self-close' a gradual reduction of the voltage of electromagnet 105 allows the spring force (spring 110, Figures 20-21) to act and therefore allow a 'soft' /o closure of the drawer.

Figures 16-19 show the drawer in its open configuration. The drawer opens at the same diagonal angle to which it is shown in figures 8-11. The drawer part 91 can be seen fully extended out of fixed part 90. Figures 16 and 17 in particular show a back view of the open is drawer.

The toothed ratchets 103,103 can be seen to be pulled further back, on the end extruding through. Moreover, the locking solenoid is open and permanent magnet 97 is no longer in contact with the permanent magnet within housing 96. Figures 16 and 17 also show clearly the elongate arc shaped aperture 106 which runs along the top of one side of the fixed inner compartment 90. An extruding tab 107 on the top corner of the drawer inserts through this aperture 106. In this open position, tab 107 can be seen at the very front end of the aperture.

In use, when opening, the locking solenoid 99 is first powered to disengage the locking tab 101. The motor 95 then rotates the housed magnet 180 degrees such that it repels magnet 97 on the drawer back, this consequently opens the drawer. Magnet 97 is preferably a permanent magnet.

Figures 18 and 19 show more clearly the inner compartment of the open drawer from a front and top view showing the inner space in which the users' device to be charged will be located.

The locking tab 101 can be clearly seen in Figure 19, extending from the centre of the drawer and comprising aperture 101A. Aperture 100 on the back wan 94 can also be seen clearly and through which the top of the locking solenoid 99 can be seen.

Figures 20 and 21 show an alternative embodiment of the mechanical drawer to include a spring feature mentioned above. Figure 20 shows the drawer in its opened position. Spring 110 can be seen to be fully extended in a maximum load position. Spring 110 is attached to the back wall of the inner compartment 94 at attachment 111 and attached at the other end to the overhanging tab 107. In use, the spring enables a 'self-closing' mechanism. The force of the spring is able to dominate and allow the soft closure of the drawer when the voltage of electromagnetic force from electromagnet 105 is reduced.

Figure 21 shows the drawer in its dosed position with spring 110 in a 'zero load' or rest position.

Both figures 20 and 21 show position sensors 112-114 on which the toothed ratchet 102 rests. 114 is the fully open position and 112 being the fully closed position.

Figures 22 and 23 show flowcharts of the mechanism of using a user's card to facilitate the opening and closing of the compartments as well as to take payment. A user can present their card to specific a card reader within the charging station. The charging station links the card number to one of the unoccupied compartments of the station and consequently instructs that compartment to open, allowing the user to place their desired items within the compartment. The user is able to close the compartment themselves or the machine can instruct the compartment to dose.

The user's card number is stored within the internal memory storage of the station along with the compartment the card number is linked to. The station is capable of storing many card numbers and linked compartments simultaneously. Once the compartment is closed, the user's items are stored inside to charge and the compartment is only able to be opened when presented with the same card.

An override system may be built in to deal with exceptional circumstances in which a user loses his/her card or shuts the card within compartment.

Figure 23 shows a flow chart illustrating the process of opening a compartment to retrieve items. The user must present the same card to the machine that was used to initially open a compartment.

There may also exist the option of entering a pin code the first time the card is presented and re-entering this pin code on retrieval. The operating system matches the card to the linked compartment and instructs said compartment to open to enable a user to retrieve items.

This process can be repeated if necessary. A user is able to occupy more than one compartment.

The same card can be used to take payment

Claims

Claims 1. A secure charging station comprising a front wall with a plurality of compartments for receiving and at least temporarily securely storing one or more portable battery-operated devices, at least one charging component for charging said portable battery-operated devices in each one of said compartments, a plurality of closure mechanisms for securely retaining said devices in said compartments, and a user interface for opening and/or closing said closure mechanisms to enable a user to place and/or to remove said devices into and/or from said compartments, wherein said compartments have a front face which when the compartments are closed form part of the front wall of said station; and a rear face located on the innermost side of said station; said front face and said rear face being joined together by side wafts; said rear face incorporating at least part of said closure mechanism; whereby when the closure mechanism is Locked the compartment is immobilised and when the closure mechanism is unlocked the compartment is able to open.
2. A secure charging station according to claim 1, wherein said user interface comprises a control mechanism to provide a pre-determined amount of charge for a pre-determined amount of time.
3. A secure charging station according to either claim 1 or claim 2, comprising at least two separate compartments which are individually openable and closeable.
4. A secure charging station according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said station is a column and incorporates a plurality of closely contiguous compartments disposed about said column's circumference.
5. A secure charging station according to claim 4, wherein said column comprises a central shaft from which charging cables extend.
6. A secure charging station according to either claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said column is faceted.
7. A secure charging station according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each said compartment comprises an aperture for inserting a portable battery-operated device, and a mechanism for transporting said device to and from a remote charging position.
8. A secure charging station according to any of the preceding claims, comprising solar panels for directly charging said devices.
9. A secure charging station according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said compartment is a tray which slides out from the station.
10. A secure charging station according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the interior surface of said compartment is cushioned.
11. A secure charging station substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying figures.
12. A secure charging station according to any of the preceding claims wherein said station is a triangular prism shaped column.
13. A secure charging station according to any of the preceding claims wherein said compartment is a mechanical drawer which opens at an angle to the vertical.
14. A secure charging station according to any of the preceding claims wherein said compartment uses magnetism to control opening and closure.
15. A secure charging station according to any of the preceding claims wherein said compartment has a self-closing function.
16. A secure charging station according to claim 15 wherein said self-closing function involves use of a spring.
17. A secure charging station according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said station incorporates a number of drawers which are substantially triangular in cross-section.
18. A secure charging station according to claim 17, wherein said rear panel incorporates a locking tab which extends rearward.
19. A secure charging station according to either claim 17 or claim 18, wherein said drawer fits into a correspondingly shaped drawer or recess with two side webs and a rear panel.
20. A secure charging station according to claim 19, wherein said rear panel incorporates an aperture to receive the locking tab of a drawer.
21. A secure charging station according to either claim 19 or claim 20, wherein said rear panel incorporates a first actuator which displaces a pin to lock the locking tab into position.
22. A secure charging station according to either claim 20 or claim 21, wherein said rear panel incorporates a second actuator which operates to repulse the drawer when actuated in order to open it.
23. A secure charging station according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a drawer and position sensors for sensing the position of said drawer.
24. A secure charging station according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a controller for storing signals representative of a user's card and/or it's interaction with said user interface, an actuator for initially facilitating the opening of a compartment once said signals have been stored, and thereafter facilitating the closure of said compartment, and said compartment being openable by matching signals representative of a user's card and said stored previous signals.
25. A secure charging station according to claim 24, wherein other than by an operator of the system, said compartment is externally solely openable as a result of said matching of signals.