GB2544718A

GB2544718A - Automatic Teller Bollard

Info

Publication number: GB2544718A
Application number: GB1517566.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Panzeri Ezio
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-10-05
Filing date: 2015-10-05
Publication date: 2017-05-31
Also published as: GB201517566D0; ES2619904R1; ES2619904B1; ES2619904A2

Abstract

An automatic teller machine in the form of a telescopic bollard may comprise a ground cage to be recessed into the ground and a bollard assembly including a bollard casing for providing ram protection. The ATM may have a retracted state in which the bollard assembly is housed within the ground cage, and a transaction state in which the bollard assembly extends from the ground cage such that the ATM can perform transaction operations. A communication facility may be included to issue a warning to other ATMs that an attack has been attempted. Also envisaged is the use of said ATM to dispense charity, a telescopic bollard for an automatic teller machine, and a method of installing said automatic teller machine.

Description

Automatic Teller Bollard

Technical Field

This invention relates to an apparatus for an automatic teller machine, in particular one that is in the form of a telescopic bollard.

Introduction

An automatic teller machine (ATM), also known as a cash machine, a cash point, a cash line, a bankomat, a minibank or a hole-in-the-wall, is an electronic telecommunication device that enables the customers of a financial institution to perform financial transactions, for example cash withdrawal, without the need for a human cashier, clerk or bank teller. ATMs are costly and vulnerable to physical attacks, and in the recent times, crimes known as "ram raids" (or "crash-and-grab" in America) are on the rise. It is estimated that about 300 ATMs are removed (stolen) from financial institutions annually in the USA alone, with the cost of such attacks on ATMs being estimated at $4.5 million per year. However, that's just for banks, and the fact is that the vast majority of crash-and-grab ATM thefts take place at retail locations.

Conservative estimates suggest around 50 ATM thefts are carried out each day in the USA (about one per state). Assuming a cost of $2,500 for the ATM itself, and a cost of $10,000 for repairs and loss of business, the cost of property damage alone caused by crash-and-grab theft is in the region of $625,000 per day ($228 million per year). However, this total does not account for the theft of cash from the machine itself, with an average sized ATM being able to hold up to $200,000 (although in off-hours, most contain less than $10,000).

Taking into account these costs, the total annual loss from crash-and-grab thefts in the United States could be over a quarter of a billion dollars, even based on these conservative numbers.

The crash-and-grab raid is a crime with a very low barrier to entry - all that's required is a stolen vehicle and a disguise. There are plenty of "how to" instructions available online, and smart thieves are rarely apprehended. Many ATMs sit just inside the doors or front window of a store for easy customer access, but this unfortunately also provides easy access for criminals as well.

Most experts agree that crash-and-grab theft is likely to become even more frequent.

Crash-and-grab attacks are getting increased attention from law enforcement, the ATM industry, and insurers. The problem is simply too costly to ignore. CCTV recordings have shown that experienced thieves can smash a storefront and shove an ATM into a vehicle in less than one minute — far faster than police response times in an urban area, and even more so a rural one. However, while CCTV is an excellent security tool, is not an effective deterrent — as evidenced by the increasing frequency of thefts.

To discourage crash-and-grab theft, the ATM industry has begun to follow the lead of the propane gas industry. The propane industry installs stout, ASTM-compliant steel bollards around propane tanks to prevent accidental crashes that can cause fire and explosions. The ATM industry can take similar measures to prevent deliberate attacks, but this is a costly exercise and not all sites are suitable for this approach.

Figures 9 to 12 give an example of current ATM shapes and installation -the application site forms part of the Tesco supermarket site located within the commercial area of Wolverton, which is also within the Conservation Area. The site itself is an area of landscaping located to the side of the Petrol Filling Station (PFS) and contains a significant level of danger due to continuous explosive gas robbery in the UK. The site cannot be clearly viewed from outside the site due to the tall retaining wall located to the rear of the PFS site forming the support for the Stratford Road Bridge.

The free standing ATM to located next to the PFS kiosk within an area currently occupied by landscaping. The ATM would be surrounded on all sides by a total of 10 anti-ram raid bollards (see Figure 11) to a height of 1.0m while the ATM would have a height of 2.3m and a footprint of 1.0m square.

In terms of appearance the proposed ATM is likely to appear as a dominant structure within this part of the main Tesco site. The structure along with the associated bollards will however result in the loss of parts of the existing landscaping located within this part of the PFS.

Located within the Conservation Area the application site is not clearly visible from outside the site. The security issues raised by Thames Valley Police mainly relate to how the ATM is installed and managed and there is already CCTV coverage in place. A bollard is used primarily as a vehicle impact barrier, between many type and shapes.

Summary of invention

The present invention provides an automatic teller machine in the form of a telescopic bollard. In the following description, this machine is referred to as an automatic teller bollard (ATB). This ATB configuration provides improved security as the bollard can be retracted at high-risk times to protect the automatic teller machine.

As used herein, the term “automatic teller machine” is intended to refer to any machine capable of receiving and/or dispensing cash, either in the form of banknotes or coins. It should be understood to include machines for dispensing cash from an account associated with a financial institution, as well as machines independent of any financial institution, for example, change machines, ticket machines, toll booths, or the like.

At least the preferred embodiment solves, ergonomically and properly, the above issues, with affordable protection and reduction of running costs at the installations of millions of sites, spots and locations that are already available worldwide, i.e. city centres and pedestrian locations.

Brief description of the Drawings

Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front view of the ATB in a retracted position;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the ATB in a first extended position;

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the ATB in the first extended position;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the ATB in the first extended position;

Fig. 5 is a top view of the ATB;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the ATB in the first extended position;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the ATB in a second extended position, in which an inner member of the ATB is raised to a level where banknotes and coins can be dispensed or dropped;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the ATB in a third extended position, in which the inner member is raised to higher level for servicing purposes;

Fig. 9 to 12 are images of landscaping and plans where a traditional ATM has a major impact because of the need to include security measures;

Fig. 13 includes a partial front view of the ATB in the first extended position, a detailed, top and perspective view of a foldable coin entry member to be embedded within the top of the ATB, and a partial, side, cross-sectional view of the ATB in the third extended position, where a banknote cassette can be removed for service;

Fig. 14 shows a side, cross-sectional view, a front view and a top view of the ATB in the third extended position, where a banknote cassette can be removed for service;

Fig. 15 is a front view showing the three extended positions of the ATB, for payment, withdraw and service respectively;

Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the three extended positions of the ATB, payment, withdraw and service respectively;

Fig. 17 shows payment being made at the ATB in the first extended position;

Fig. 18 shows a wheelchair user in comparison to the ATB, where the ATB is self-adjustable to meet the user’s height and service requirements;

Fig. 19 shows an exploded view of a modular ATB having a separate and replaceable cage and platform; and

Fig. 20 shows a truck hitting a bollard.

Detailed description

An automated teller machine (ATM) in the shape of a telescopic bollard is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 8 and 13 to 19, which for ease is referred to as an automated teller bollard (ATB).

The ATB replaces a conventional ATM, providing a more secure environment at lower cost. It is known that the circular shaped bollard can sustain a truck, or digger attack, as illustrated in Fig. 20. The telescopic arrangement allows for a more simplified configuration and can be extended to a certain number of inner retractable parts.

The ATB can have substantially any shape.

The processing device of the ATB contains a banknotes recycler and cash box. The ATB further contains the following: - digital signature logic - Biometric logic - Beacon sensors - NFC sensors - RFID sensors - Proximity - Marketing push proximity sensors - Gaming and Gambling applications

The ATB can connect to devices, mobile phones, smart watches, iPad, etc. The ATB can determine an Apple ID, or any security remote fingerprint ID.

The ATB can have more than one telescopic inner tube for multiple services unrelated to the daily public use. The apparatus may further comprise a stainless steel foldable coin entry, comprising the arrangement of an oval opening with folds in 3 parts, to allow a perpendicular gradual entry of coins, as shown in Figs. 13 to 15.

The head of the ATB could be inclined (as shown) or flat.

The ATB facilitates servicing the parts by means of extending the telescopic part that is not normally visible to the public, as shown in Figs. 8 and 16.

The ATB can synchronize and communicate with the traditional wall-mounted ATMs and provide services remotely, for example dispense banknotes to a person in need in the other side of the planet, with the guarantee that the person is real, for example direct charity bypassing institutions that many times are not delivering the scope.

The following clauses set out features of the invention which many not presently be claimed, but which may form the basis for amendment or a divisional application. 1. An automatic teller in the shape of a bollard. 2. An automatic telescopic teller bollard comprising: a bollard assembly that includes a ground cage, a first outer bollard for ram protection an internal guide bore and an inner housed bollard that can slide internally; a telescopically automatic retracted state were the automatic teller bollard is into the ground therefore invisible and protected within its cage. a telescopically automatic teller bollard, were the outer part of the bollard is out completely for transaction purposes. a telescopically automatic teller bollard, were the inner part is totally out for enabling repairing maintenances, supply and services. 3. A telescopic automatic teller bollard assembly comprising: a banknotes detector accepting and dispensing cash. a coin detector accepting and dispensing cash. 4. A bollard assembly comprising all or parts in clause 3 that can communicate with surrounding ATM within footsteps. 5. A bollard assembly in clause 4, where the bollard can communicate with a network of ATM’s, anywhere. 6. As per clause 5 where the bollard can synchronize and communicate with the traditional walls ATM and provide services remotely, worldwide; 7. According to clause 6, the bollard can transfer money to ATM’s and mobile tools as per cellular phones, pads, portable computers and smart watches that are adapted to work with financial tools and institution. 8. According to clause 7, the bollard can transact and communicate with current accounts. 9. According to clause 1 to 8, the ATB can have substantially any shapes. 10. According to clause 1 to 9, the ATB can function as provider of direct charity, remotely. 11. According to clause 1 to 10, the telescopic bollard outer tube remains off the ground and the inner parts disappear into the ground in a selfprotection and security; 12. An ATB method to project holographic images to the client. 13. An ATB method to determine an Apple ID or any security remote fingerprint ID.

Claims

1. An automatic teller machine in the form of a telescopic bollard.

2. An automatic teller machine according to claim 1, comprising: a ground cage to be recessed into the ground; and a bollard assembly including a bollard casing for providing ram protection, wherein the automatic teller machine has a retracted state in which the bollard assembly is housed within the ground cage, and a transaction state in which the bollard assembly extends from the ground cage such that the automatic teller machine can perform transaction operations.

3. An automatic teller machine according to claim 2, wherein the bollard assembly further comprises an inner bollard that is housed within the bollard casing.

4. An automated teller machine according to claim 3, wherein the inner bollard can slide within an internal bore of the bollard casing, and wherein the automatic teller machine further has a maintenance state in which the inner bollard extends from the outer bollard casing so as to enable one or more of repair, maintenance, supply and servicing.

5. An automatic teller machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the inner bollard houses one or both of: a banknote processing module for accepting and/or dispensing banknotes; and a coin processing module for accepting and/or dispensing coins.

6. An automatic teller machine according to claim 5, wherein the banknote processing module and/or the a coin processing module are not operable in the first transaction state, and wherein the automatic teller bollard has a second transaction state in which the inner bollard extends from the bollard casing so as to cause the banknote processing module and/or the a coin processing module to be operable.

7. An automatic teller machine according to claim 6, wherein an input or output of the a banknote processing module and/or the a coin processing module is blocked by the bollard casing in the first transaction state and is not blocked by the bollard casing in the second transaction state.

8. An automatic teller machine according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the bollard assembly comprises a foldable coin entry arrangement comprising an oval panel with two folds allowing the coin entry arrangement to fold into three parts to provide an entry chute for coins.

9. An automatic teller machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the automatic teller machine includes a wireless communication module for transferring money using mobile devices, such as cellular phones, pads, portable computers and smart watches, that are adapted to work with financial tools and institution.

10. An automatic teller machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the automatic teller machine can communicate and transact with current accounts at one or more financial institution(s).

11. An automatic teller machine according to any preceding claim, comprising a display interface for communication with a user.

12. An automatic teller machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the bollard is cylindrical.

13. An automatic teller machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the bollard had an inclined head.

14. An automatic teller machine according to any preceding claim provided with communication facilities to issue a warning to other automatic teller machines that an attack has been attempted.

15. An automatic teller machine according to any preceding claim that is installed in the ground.

16. Use of an automatic teller machine according to any preceding claim to directly provide charity to a remote recipient.

17. A telescopic bollard for an automatic teller machine, comprising internal attachments for mounting one or both of: a banknote processing module for accepting and/or dispensing banknotes; and a coin processing module for accepting and/or dispensing coins.

18. A telescopic bollard according to claim 17, comprising: a ground cage to be recessed into the ground; and a bollard assembly including a bollard casing for providing ram protection, wherein the bollard has a retracted state in which the bollard assembly is housed within the ground cage, and a transaction state in which the bollard assembly extends from the ground cage such that the a banknote processing module and/or coin processing module can perform transaction operations.

19. A method of installing an automatic teller machine according to claim 2 or a telescopic bollard according to claim 18, comprising installing the ground cage in the ground.

20. A method of protecting an automatic teller machine from a potential attack, comprising adapting the automatic teller machine so that it is in the form of a telescopic bollard.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the adapting comprises: providing a ground cage to be recessed into the ground, and a bollard assembly including a bollard casing for providing ram protection, wherein the adapted automatic teller machine has a retracted state in which the bollard assembly is housed within the ground cage, and a transaction state in which the bollard assembly extends from the ground cage such that the automatic teller machine can perform transaction operations.

22. A method according to claim 20 or 21, comprising: installing the automatic teller machine in the ground.