IE86463B1 - A deposit safe - Google Patents

Abstract

A deposit safe (1) for receiving the contents of a cash-in-transit box (3) is adapted for mounting in a counter (2) of a security barrier in a customer service are of a financial institution. The deposit safe (1) comprises a first housing (5) which is supported on a second housing (6). The first housing (5) defines a first chamber (10) having a first access opening (12) closed by a closure panel (13) for receiving the cash in transit box (3). The second housing (6) defines a second chamber (15) for receiving the contents of the cash-in-transit box (3). A transfer element (23) comprising a first chute (24) is slideable within the first housing (5) beneath the first chamber (10) from a receiving position with the chute (24) communicating with the cash-in-transit box (3) for receiving the contents therefrom to a discharge position for discharging the received contents into the second chamber (15). The transfer element (23) is co-operable with a bottom wall (305) of the cash-in-transit box (3), so that as the transfer element (23) is being urged from the discharge position to the receiving position the bottom wall (305) is urged from the closed to the open state. An interlock system is provided under the control of a control and activating circuit of the deposit safe (1) which prevents the transfer element (23) being urged from the discharge to the receiving position until the cash-in-transit box (3) is securely located in the first chamber (10) and secured by a latch (84) therein. A safe door (19) closes a second access opening (16) to the second chamber (15) for securing the contents in the second chamber (15). <Figures 19 and 24>

Description

A deposit safe” The present invention relates to a deposit safe, and in particular, to a deposit safe for receiving the contents of a cash in transit box.

Financial institutions such as banks, post offices and the like are particularly vulnerable to robbery due to the large amounts of cash which are readily available on their premises. In order to minimise the risk of robbery, a security barrier is normally erected in a customer service area which separates customers from staff, io and creates a secure zone within which staff can operate, and cash can be securely retained, and to which access by customers and other unauthorised persons is prevented. Such security barriers typically comprise a lower counter portion at which staff can work and from which services of the institution can be provided to customers. A security partition is provided extending upwardly from the counter, and typically, to the ceiling. The security partition is of a suitably reinforced transparent sheet material, for example, glass, or a suitable plastics material. However, the provision of such a security barrier is not the complete answer to security problems faced by financial institutions. Cash and other valuables are regularly brought to banks by security personnel in cash in transit boxes for direct deposit from the cash in transit box into a secure deposit safe. In general such cash in transit boxes are of the type which must be electronically activated and can only be electronically activated when placed in the deposit safe. Such deposit safes, in general are located within the security zone defined behind the security barrier, and therefore, personnel carrying such cash in transit boxes must be given access to the secure zone in order to access the deposit safe. This is undesirable and is a serious security risk.

There is therefore a need for a deposit safe which addresses this problem.

The present invention is directed towards providing such deposit safe.

According to the invention there is provided a deposit safe for receiving the contents of a cash in transit box, the safe comprising a first chamber for accommodating the cash in transit box therein, a first access opening to the first chamber for accommodating the cash in transit box into the first chamber, a second chamber for receiving the contents of the cash in transit box, and a transfer means located intermediate the first chamber and the second chamber, and being selectively moveable relative to the first and second chambers between a receiving position for io communicating with a cash in transit box in the first chamber for receiving the contents thereof, and a discharge position communicating with the second chamber for discharging the received contents of the cash in transit box to the second chamber, so that the transfer means is selectively and alternately communicable with a cash in transit box in the first chamber, and with the second chamber. fn one embodiment of the invention the transfer means is located beneath the first chamber, and above the second chamber.

Advantageously, the transfer means comprises a first chute, the first chute being align able with and communicating with a cash in transit box in the first chamber when the transfer means is in the receiving position, and communicating with the second chamber when the transfer means is in the discharge position.

Preferably, an isolating means is provided for isolating the first chute from the second chamber when the transfer means is in the receiving position.

Advantageously, the isolating means is operable between an isolating state isolating the first chute from the second chamber, and a communicating state communicating the first chute with the second chamber. Ideally, the isolating means is operable from the communicating state to the isolating state in response to the transfer means being moved from the discharge position to the receiving position.

In one embodiment of the invention the isolating means comprises an isolating plate pivotally coupled to the transfer means and being pivotal between the isolating state and the communicating state.

Preferably, the transfer means is co-operable with a cash in transit box located in the first chamber for urging a closure means of the cash in transit box from a closed to state to an open state as the transfer means is urged from the discharge position to the receiving position for communicating the first chute with the cash in transit box for receiving the contents thereof.

Advantageously, a security interlock means is provided for preventing movement of the transfer means from the discharge position to the receiving position until a cash in transit box located in the first chamber has been validated Advantageously, the interlock means is operable for retaining a cash in transit box in the first chamber unless the transfer means is in the discharge position. in another embodiment of the invention a reading means is provided for reading data from a cash in transit box for validating the cash in transit box.

In a further embodiment cf the invention an activating means is provided for communicating an activating signal to a cash in transit box in the first chamber for releasing a latch of the cash in transit box retaining the closure means thereof in the closed state.

In a still further embodiment of the invention a second chute is provided for facilitating manual delivery of an item into the second chamber. Prefers biy, the 3a second chute communicates with the second chamber. Advantageously, the second chute communicates with the second chamber through the transfer means. Ideally, the second chute communicates with the second chamber through the transfer means when the transfer means is in the discharge position.

In one embodiment of the invention a first closure means is provided for closing tho first access opening to the first chamber.

In another embodiment of the invention a second access opening is provided to the second chamber for providing access thereto for removal of the contents therein. Preferably, a second closure means is provided for closing the second access opening. to In another embodiment of the invention a security locking means is provided for locking the second closure means in a closed state closing the second access opening, in one embodiment of the invention the first chamber is formed in a first housing, and the second chamber is formed in a second housing, the first and second housings being coupleable together.

Idealiy, the transfer means comprises a transfer element slideably mounted in the first housing, and slideable between the receiving position and the discharge position.

Preferably, the first housing defines a first face, and the first access opening is located in a first face of the first housing, and the transfer means is slideable from the discharge position to the receiving position through the first face of the first housing. Advantageously, the second housing defines a second face, and the second access opening is located in a second face of the second housing.

Preferably, the first housing is seiectably coupleable to the second housing in at [east two selectable orientations relative to the second housing, so that in one of the selectable orientations the first face of the first housing faces in a direction at 180° relative to the direction in which the second face of the second housing faces.

Advantageously, in another one of the at least two selectable orientations in which the first housing is selectively coupleable to the second housing, the first face of the first housing faces in a direction at 90° relative to the direction in which the second face of the second housing faces. Preferably, in another one of the at least two selectable orientations in which the first housing is selectively coupleable to the second housing, the first face of the first housing faces in a direction at 270“ relative to the direction in which the second face of the second housing Faces.

Advantageously, in another one of the at least two selectable orientations in which the first housing is selectively coupleable to the second housing, the first face of the first housing and the second face of the second housing face in the same direction. io Ideally, the first housing is coupleable to the second housing so that the first housing is longitudinally offsetable relative to the second housing when viewed in plan. Preferably, the amount by which the first housing is offsetable relative to the second housing is adjustable. Advantageously, the first face of the first housing is offset relative to a corresponding face of the second housing when the first housing is is offset relative to the second housing. in one embodiment of the invention the first and second faces of the first and second housings, respectively, extend substantially vertically.

In another embodiment ofthe invention the first housing comprises a top wall and front wall thereof extending downwardly therefrom defining the first face of the first housing, and a rear wait spaced apart from the front wall extending downwardly from the top wall joined by spaced apart side walls extending downwardly from the top wall and between the front and rear walls thereof, In a further embodiment of the invention the second housing comprises a base and a rear wall extending upwardly therefrom and defining the second face of the second housing, and a front wall spaced apart from the rear wall extending upwardly from the base joined by a pair of spaced apart side walls extending upwardly from the base between the front and rear walls.

In another embodiment of the invention the deposit safe is adapted for locating in a security counter.

In a further embodiment of the invention the deposit safe is adapted for locating in the security counter with the first access opening being located to one side of the security counter, and the second access opening being located to another side of the security counter.

In a still further embodiment of the invention the deposit safe is adapted for locating in a security counter with the first and second openings being located in two respective opposite sides of the security counter, to The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only with reference to fhe accompanying drawings in which: Fig, 1 is a front perspective view of a deposit safe according to the invention, Fig. Ξ is a rear perspective view of the deposit safe of Fig, 1, Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the deposit safe of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the deposit safe of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the deposit safe of Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is another perspective view of the portion of Fig. 5 of the deposit safe of Fib. 1, Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of the deposit safe of Fig. 1 with a portion of the deposit safe removed, 3ΰ Fig. S is another front perspective view of the deposit safe of Fig. 1 with a portion of the deposit safe removed, Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the deposit safe of Fig. 1, Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of a portion of the deposit safe of Fig. 1 with portions of the deposit safe removed, Fig. 11 is a perspective view of another portion of the deposit safe of Fig. 1, Fig, 12 is another perspective view of the portion of Fig. 11 of the deposit safe of Fig. 1, io Fig. 13 is an underneath perspective view of the portion of Fig. 11 of the deposit safe of Fig. 1, Fig. 14 is another underneath perspective view of the portion of Fig. 11 of the is deposit safe of Fig. 1, Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a detail of the deposit safe of Fig. 1, Fig. 16 is a front elevation a! view of another detail of the deposit safe of Fig. 20 1, Fig. 17 is another front elevational view of the detail of Fig. 16 of the deposit safe of Fig. 1 illustrating a portion of the detail in a different position, Fig. 18 is a front perspective view of the deposit safe of Fig. 1 in use, Fig. 19 is another front perspective view of the deposit safe of Fig. 1 in use, Fig. 20 is a front elevational view of the deposit safe of Fig. 1 in use, Fig. Ξ1 is another perspective view of the deposit safe of Fig. 1 with portions of the deposit safe removed, Fig. 22 is another perspective view of the deposit safe of Fig. 1 in use with portions of the deposit safe removed.

Fig. 23 is a side elevational view of a portion of the deposit safe of Fig. 1 in use with portions of the deposit safe removed, Fig. 24 is a side elevational view of the deposit safe of Fig. 1 also in use, Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the deposit safe of Fig, 1 illustrated with first a n d seco n d h o u si ngs thereof ΐ n a different o ri entatio n, Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the deposit safe of Fig. 1 with first and second housings thereof in another different orientation, Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the deposit safe of Fig, 1 with first and second housings thereof in a further different orientation, and Figs. 28(a) to (d) are side elevational views of the deposit safe of Fig. 1 illustrated with first and second housings thereof offset relative to each other by different amounts.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a deposit safe according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 which is suitable for locating in a security counter 2 located in a customer service area of a financial institution or the like, and which is suitable for receiving the contents of an electronically activated cash in transit box 3. The counter 2 is illustrated in Fig, 24 only, and comprises a counter top 21 and a front side wall 25 and a rear side wali 26 spaced apart from the front side wall 25 extending downwardly from the counter top 21, A security partition 29 of reinforced or toughened glass or plastics material extends upwardly from the counter top 21, and together with the counter 2 divide the customer area of the financial institution into a customer access area towards which the front side wall 25 faces and which is accessible by customers, and a secure zone towards which the rear side wall 26 faces to which only bank staff and other authorised persons have access.

Such electronically activated cash in transit boxes will be wei! known to those skilled in the art. However, before describing the deposit safe 1 in detail, the relevant parts of the cash in transit box 3 will be briefly described. The cash in transit box 3 comprises a front wail 301, a spaced apart rear wall 302 and a pair of side walls 303 joining the front and rear walls 301 and 302. A top wall 304 extends between the front and rear walls 301 and 302 and the side wails 303. A bottom wall 305 defines with the front, rear, side and top walls 301,302, 303 and 304 a hollow interior region ic (not shown) within which cash and other valuables are stored. The bottom wall 305 is slideably coupled to the side walls 303 and is slideable between a closed state closing the hollow interior region and an open state providing access to the hollow interior region. The sliding arrangement of the bottom wall 305 of such cash in transit boxes will be well known to those skilled in the art. An electronic control is circuit (not shown) is located within a partitioned compartment (aiso not shown) formed in the hollow interior region (not shown) for controlling operation of the cash in transit box 3, and in particular, for operating a latch (not shown) for securing the bottom wall 305 in the closed state.

A pin connector socket 300 in one of the side walls 303 facilitates electronic communication with the control circuit (not shown) of the cash in transit box 3 for inputting signals to which the control circuit (not shown) is responsive for releasing the iatch for in turn releasing the bottom wall 305. Additionally, a pressurised reservoir containing an indelible dye is located within the hollow interior region (not shown) of the cash in transit box 3, and a valve (not shown) in the reservoir is operable under the control of the control circuit in response to an unauthorised attempt being made to urge the bottom wall 305 from the closed state to the open state for releasing the ink in order to indelibly mark the cash bills so that they can be readily identified subsequently.

Returning now to the deposit safe 1, the deposit safe 1 comprises a first housing 5 which is secured to and supported on a second housing 6. The first housing 5 defines a main hollow interior region 3 within which is formed a first chamber 10 for ΙΟ receiving the cash in transit box 3. A first access opening 12 in a first face, which for convenience will be referred to hereafter as a front face 14 of the first housing 5, accommodates the cash in transit box 3 into the first chamber 10, A first closure means, namely, a closure panel 13 closes the first access opening 12 as wifi be s described below.

The second housing 6 essentially forms the deposit part of the deposit safe 1, and defines a second chamber 15 into which the contents of the cash in transit box 3 are discharged and retained. A second access opening 16 in a second face, which will iq be referred to hereafter as a rear face 18 of the second housing 6 provides access to the second chamber 15 for removing deposited contents therefrom. A second closure means provided by a hingedly mounted secure safe door 19 is hingedly coupled to the second housing 6 for securely closing the second chamber 15. A security locking means, namely, a security lock 20 of a type which will be well know to those skilled in the art is provided on the safe door 19 for securing the safe door 19 in the closed state.

A transfer means comprising a transfer element 23 is slideably mounted in the first housing 5 in the main hollow interior region 3, and is slideable from a receiving position illustrated in Figs. 8 and 22 for receiving the contents from the cash in transit box 3 and a discharge position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 23 for discharging the contents received from the cash in transit box 3 into the second chamber 15 of the second housing 6. A first chute 24 is carried in the transfer element 23, and the first chute 24 is alignable with and communicable with the cash in transit box 3 in the first cham be r 10 when the tra n sfer eleme nt 23 i s i n the re cei vi n g poslti ο n fo r rece ivi ng the contents of the cash in carry box 3 therefrom, and the first chute is communicable with the second chamber 15 when the transfer element 23 is in the discharge position for discharging the contents received from the cash in transit box 3 into the second chamber 15. The operation of the transfer element 23 will be described in more detail below.

Returning now in more detail to the first and second housings 5 and 6, in this embodiment of the invention the first housing 5 and the second housing 6 are secured together and are located in the counter 2 with the first housing 5 offset forwardly of the second housing 6, se that the front face 14 of the first housing 5 is accessible through an opening 27 in the front side wall 25 of the counter 2, and lies flush with the front side wall 25, and the rear face 18 cf the second housing 6 Is accessible through an opening 28 in the rear side wall 26 of the counter 2, and lies flush with the rear side wall 26. Accordingly, the deposit safe 1 Is suitable for receiving a cash in transit box 3 and for depositing the contents therefrom into the deposit safe 1 without the need for a person bearing the cash in transit box 3 to have access to the secure zone defined by the counter 2 and the partition 29. In this case io the first housing 5 is oriented relative to the second housing 6, so that the front face 14 of the first housing 5 faces in a direction at 160’ relative to the direction in which the rear face 18 of the second housing 6 faces. However, the orientation to which the first housing 5 is coupleabie to the second housing 6 is selectable, and the first housing 5 may be coupled to the second housing 6 with the front face 14 of the first housing 5 facing in a direction relative to the direction in which the rear face 18 of the second housing 6 faces of 90°, 180’, 270’ and O’, and at 0°, the front and rear faces 14 and 18 face in the same direction.

In Fig. 25 the first and second housings 5 and 6 are illustrated coupled together with the front and rear faces 14 and 18 thereof facing in the same direction. In Fig. 26 the first and second housings 5 and 6 are illustrated coupled together with the front face 14 of the first housing 5 facing in a direction at 90° relative to the direction in which the rear face 13 of the second housing 6 faces, in Fig. 27 the first and second housings 5 and 6 are illustrated coupled together with the front face 14 of the first housing 5 facing in a direction at 270’ relative to the direction in which the rear face 18 of the second housing 6 faces. In Figs. 25, 26 and 27 the first and second housings are illustrated coupled together without being offset relative to each other.

Additionally, the offset by which the first housing 5 is offset relative to the second so housing 6 is adjustable as will be described below. In Figs. 28(a) to (d) the first and second housings 5 and 6 are illustrated coupled together relative to each other with different amounts of offset.

Turning now to more detailed aspects of the deposit safe 1, the second housing 6 comprises a base 30 supported on two transversely extending ground engaging plates 31, A front wall 32 extends upwardly from the base 30 and a pair of spaced apart side walls 34 extending upwardly from the base 30 extend rearwardly from the front wall 32 to a rear wall 35 which also extends upwardly from the base 30 and between the side waits 34, The second access opening 16 is formed in the rear wall 35, and the safe door 19 is hingedly coupled to the rear wall 35 by hinges 36.

Latches 37 of the security lock 20 engage behind the rear wali 35 for locking and securing the safe door 19 in the closed state. Plate members 39 mounted to the ΐΰ front, side and rear walls 32, 34 and 35, respectively extend inwardly from the respective walls 32, 34 and 35 and define an upwardly facing open mouth 40 for providing access into the second chamber 15 from the transfer element 23 as will be described in more detail below. Threaded bores 41 in the plate members 39 are provided for receiving screws for securing the first housing 5 to the second housing 6 is at the desired offset and orientation relative to the second housing 6, The base 30, the front wall 32, the side walls 34 and the rear wall 35 as well as the safe door 19 are of steel plate material.

The first housing 5 comprises a pair of spaced apart side walls 45 extending downwardly from a top wall 46 and a rear wall 47 also extending downwardly from the top wall 46 between the side walls 45. Side returns 46 extending inwardly from the side walls 45 and downwardly from the top wall 46 define a main access opening 49 to the main hollow interior region 8. An upper part of the main access opening 49 forms the first access opening 12 to the first chamber 10. The closure panel 13 is of steel plate material, and is hingedly coupled to the top wall 46 and depends downwardly therefrom into the main access opening 49 for closing the first access opening 12. The top wall 46, the side walls 45, the rear wall 47 and the side returns 48 are all of steel plate material.

The transfer element 23 comprises a front wall 50 of steel plate material, which closes the remainder of the main access opening 49. A pair of spaced apart side walls 52 extend rearwardly from the front wall 50 to a rear wall 53, see Figs. 11 to 14. Runners 55 on the side walls 52 are slideably engageable with corresponding runners (not shown) mounted in the main hollow interior region 8 for siideabiy carrying the transfer element 23 to be slideable between the receiving position to the discharge position.

The first chute 24 is open-ended at its top and bottom and is defined in the transfer element 23 by a pair of spaced apart transverse plates 58 and 59 extending between the side walls 52 of the transfer element 23. A top panel 60 extending between the side walls 52 of the transfer element 23 adjacent the top thereof and from the transverse plate 58 to the front wail 50 of the transfer element 23 closes a top portion of the transfer element 23. A recess 62 formed in the top panel 60 is engageable with a corresponding projection not shown which extends from the bottom wall 305 of the cash in transit box 3, so that as the transfer element 23 is being urged from the discharge position to the receiving position through the main access opening 4S the bottom wall 305 of the cash in transit box 3 is urged from the closed state to the open state for facilitating transfer of the contents of the cash in transit box 3 into the first chute 24 when the transfer element 23 is in the receiving position.

An isolating means comprising an isolating plate 64 is hingedly coupled to the transverse plate 58 of the transfer element 23 by a hinge 65 and is pivotal about the hinge 55 between an isolating state illustrated in Figs. 12 and 14 for dosing the bottom of the first chute 24 for isolating the first chute 24 from the second chamber 15, and a communicating state illustrated in Figs, 13 and 23 with the first chute 24 communicating with the second chamber 15 for facilitating transfer of the contents received from the cash in transit box 3 into the second chamber 15. Due to the forward offset mounting of the first housing 5 relative to the second housing 6, the isolating piate 64 is engageable with the plate member 39 secured to the front wall 32 of the second housing 6 as the transfer element 23 is urged from the discharge position to the receiving position for urging the isolating plate into the isolating state wh e n the transfe r element 23 i s i n th e receivi ng position.

A lock 66 on the front wall 50 of the transfer element 23 is provided for releasabiy locking the transfer element 23 in the discharge position.

A divider pane] 67 located within the main hollow interior region 8 of the first housing 5 extends between the side walls 45 of the first housing 5 and from the rear wail 47 to the side returns 48. A partition panel 63 extends upwardly from the divider panel 67 to the top wail 46. A side panel 69 extends upwardly from the divider panel 67 to the top wall 47, and extends parallel to the side walis 45 and adjacent one of the side walls 45. The partition panel 68 defines with the divider panel 67, the top wali 46, one of the side walls 45 and side panel 69 the first chamber 10. A communicating opening 70 formed in the divider panei 67 facilitates communication io between the hoilow interior region (not shown) of the cash in transit box 3 and the transfer element 23. Guide members 71 extending forwardly from the partition panel 68 engage, guide and locate the cash in transit box 3 in the first chamber 10.

A carrier plate 72, which is pivotally carried on the partition panel 66 on a hinge 73 which defines a vertical pivot axis, carries a pin connector plug 75 for engaging the pin connector socket 309 of the cash in transit box 3, for facilitating communicating between the controf circuit (not shown), of the cash in transit box 3 and a control and activating circuit (not shown) of the deposit safe 1. The control and activating circuit (not shown) of the deposit safe 1 communicates signals to the control circuit (not shown) of the cash in transit box 3 for instructing the release of the latch, which secures the bottom wall 305 of the cash in transit box 3 in the closed state, when the cash in transit box 3 is located and secured in the first chamber 10. The carrier plate 72 is manually pivotal about tbe vertical pivot axis between an engaged state with the pin connector plug 75 in electrical contact with the pin connector socket 309, and disengaged stale with the pin connector plug 75 disengaged from the pin connector socket 309.

An interlocking security means, namely, an interlocking security system is provided for ensuring that the cash in transit box 3 is located and secured in the first chamber prior to release of the latch which secures the bottom wall 305 of the cash in transit box 3 in the closed state. A pair of spaced apart detector plates 78 of the interlocking security system are pivotally carried on mounting brackets 79 which are mounted on the divider plate 67, see Figs. 10,15 and 23. The mounting brackets 79 carry pivot pins 30 about which the detector plates 74 are pivotal, I ncEined edges 81 of the detector plates 78 extend into the first chamber 10 adjacent the rear thereof for engaging the rear and bottom wails 302 and 305, respectively of the cash in transit box 3 when the cash in transit box 3 is correctly located in the first chamber . Weights 82 carried on the detector plates 78 bias the inclined edges 81 of the detector plates 78 upwardly into the first chamber 10, so that when the cash in transit box 3 is correctly located in the first chamber 10 the inclined edges 81 of the detector piates 78 are urged downwardly. A pair of sensors (not shown) detect the position of the detector piates 78, artd relay signals to the control and activation to circuit indicative of the positions of the detector plates 78. From these signals the control and activating circuit of the deposit safe 1 determines when the cash in transit box 3 is correctly located in the first chamber 10.

Each detector plate 78 is provided with a downwardly extending portion 76, and when the detector plates 78 are urged downwardly from the first chamber 10 by the cash in transit box 3, the portions 76 of the respective detector plates 78 are engageabie with an abutment plate 77 of the transfer element 23 for limiting outward movement of the transfer element 23 from the discharge position to the receiving position, and for locating the transfer element 23 in the receiving position once a cash in transit box 3 is located tn the first chamber 10, see Figs, 10 and 23.

However, in the absence of a cash in transit box 3 in the first chamber 10, the detector plates 73 are urged by the weights 82 into the first chamber 10 so that the abutment plate 77 of the transfer element 23 clears the portions 76 of the detector plates 78. This, thus, permits the transfer element to be urged outwardly through the main access opening 49 for facilitating the manual placement of a deposit into the first chute 24, so that when the transfer element 23 is urged into the discharge position, the deposit placed in the first chute 24 drops into the second chamber 15 of the second housing 6 for depositing therein. However, the transfer element 23 is only operable from the discharge position through the receiving position for facilitating manual placing of a deposit into the first chamber 24 when the lock 66, which secures the transfer element 23 In the discharge position, is manually operated by an authorised person for releasing the transfer element 23, The abutment plate 77 of the transfer element 23 extends transversely between the side walls 52 of the transfer element 23. A limit stop (not shown) is provided for limiting outward movement of the transfer element 23 through the main access opening 49, beyond a position in which the first chute 24 is accessible for receiving a deposit manually placed therein.

A securing means in this embodiment of the invention provided by a manually operated latch 84 is carried on a mounting member 85 for securing and retaining the cash in transit box 3 in the first chamber 10, see Figs. 16,17 and 22. The latch 34 is operable between a release state illustrated in Figs. 7 and 16 for facilitating entry of ip the cash in transit box 3 into the first chamber 10 and its removal therefrom, and a latching state illustrated in Figs. 17 and 22 extending into the first access opening 12 for retaining the cash in transit box 3 in the first chamber 10. The latch 04 is coupled to the mounting member 85 by a pair of spaced apart screws 87 which extend from the mounting member 35 and slideably engage a V-shaped slot 88 in the latch 84 for facilitating operation of the iatch 84 between the release and the latched states, A magnetic switch 89 mounted on the member 85 detects when the latch 84 is in the latched state, and relays signals to the control and activating circuit indicating the state of the latch 84, A handle 91 extending from the latch 84 facilitates manual pivoting of the latch 34 between the latched and release states, A proximity radio frequency code reader 90 which is in communication with the control and activating circuit (not shown) is mounted on the closure panel 13 for reading a coded radio frequency signal from a security chip (not shown) located in the rear end wall 302 of the cash in transit box 3 for permitting validation ofthe cash in transit box 3 by the control and activating circuit (not shown).

A second chute 92 extending from a communicating slot 93 in the rear wall 47 of the first housing 5 extends inwardly downwardly into the main hollow interior region 8 for accommodating cash and other valuables which are manually deposited therein by staff of the financial institution. The second chute 92 terminates just above the transfer element 23, and a passageway 94 extending downwardly through the transfer element 23 communicates the second chute 92 with the second chamber . The passageway 94 is defined between the rear wall 53 and the transverse pfate 59 of the transfer element 23. An opening (not shown) in the rear side wall 26 of the counter 2 provides access to the communicating slot 93.

A counting means for counting the number of items deposited in the second chamber 5 through the first and second chutes 24 and 92 comprises a pair of infrared transceivers 95 which are mounted on respective downwardly extending brackets 96 which extend downwardly from the first housing 5 into the second chamber 15, see Fig. 9. The infra-red transceivers 95 are electrically coupled to the control and activating circuit (not shown) for relaying signals thereto in response to io items being detected. A corresponding pair of reflectors 97 which are carried on a downwardly extending bracket 98 which also extends downwardly from the first housing 5 into the second chamber 15 are aligned with the transceivers 95 so that items being defivered through the first chute 24 and the second chute 92 into the second chamber 15 are detected by the transceivers 95 and thus counted by the is control and activating circuit (not shown) of the deposit safe 1.

A panel 99 of steel plate material is provided for closing the portion of the upwardly facing open mouth 40 of the second housing 6 which is not closed by the first housing 5 as a result of the offset mounting of the first housing 5 relative to the second housing 6, Screws (not shown) secure the panel 99 to the corresponding mounting plates 39. A panel (not shown) is also provided for closing an underneath portion of the first housing 5 which is not closed by the second housing 6 due to the offset mounting of the first housing 5 relative to the second housing 6.

In use, with the deposit safe 1 located in the counter 2 with the front face 14 of the first housing 5 flush with the front side wall 25 of the counter 2 and accessible through the opening 27 in the front side wall 25, and the rear face 18 of the second housing 6 flush with the rear side wall 2Q of the counter 2 and accessible through the opening 28 in the rear side wall 26, the deposit safe 1 is ready for use.

When it is desired to transfer the contents of a cash in transit box 3 into the deposit safe 1, the cash in transit box 3 is initially offered up to the closure panel 13 of the first housing 5 so that the proximity radio frequency code reader 90 can read the Ig code from the security chip in the rear wali 302 of the cash in transit box 3. The control and activating circuit compares the code read by the proximity radio frequency code reader 90 with stored codes of cash in transit boxes being expected by the deposit safe 1, and if the code read by the proximity radio frequency code reader 90 compares favourably with one of the stored codes, the cash in transit box 3 is validated. A latch (not shown) which retains the closure panel 13 in the closed state is released by the control and activating circuit (not shown), thereby permitting entry of the cash in transit box 3 into the first chamber 10. io On release of the latch which retains the closure panel 13 in the closed state, the bearer of the cash in transit box 3 urges the cash in transit box 3 against the closure panel 13, thus causing the first closure panel 13 to pivot upwardly Into the first chamber 10 as the cash in transit box 3 is being urged into the first chamber 10, The guide members 71 guide the cash In transit box 3 into and locate the cash in Ϊ5 transit box 3 in the first chamber.

On being correctly located in the first chamber 10, the cash in transit box 3 engages the inclined edges 31 of the detector plates 73, thus urging the detector plates 78 downwardly from the first chamber 10. On the sensors (not shown) detecting the downward movement of the detector plates 78, a signal is relayed by the sensors to the control and activating circuit, thus indicating that the cash in transit box 3 is correctly located in the first chamber 10, The latch 84 is then urged into the latching state extending into the first access opening 12 and thereby retaining the cash in transit box 3 in the first chamber 10. A signal from the magnetic switch 39 indicates to the control and activating circuit that the latch 84 is in the latched state. The carrier plate 72 is pivoted towards the cash in transit box 3 for engaging the pin connector plus 75 with the pin connector socket 309 of the cash in transit box 3, The control and activating circuit relays a signal through the pin connector plug 75 and the pin connector socket 309 to the control circuit of the cash in transit box 3 indicating that the latch retaining the bottom wall 305 of the cash in transit box 3 is to be released. Once the control and activating circuit of the deposit safe 1 has received signals from the sensors which monitors the detector plates 78 and the magnetic switch 89, the control and activating circuit releases the lock 66 which retains the transfer element 23 in the discharge position. At that stage the transfer element 23 is manually urged From the discharge position to the receiving position, As the tran sfer el em ent 2 3 i s bei n g u rged f rom th e di scharg e to the receivi n g positions, the bottom wall 305 of the cash in transit box 3 is urged into the open state. As the transfer element 23 is just about in the receiving position, the portions 76 of the detector plates 78 engage the abutment plate 77, thereby preventing further outward movement of the transfer element 23 and locating the transfer io element 23 in the receiving position. When the transfer element 23 is in the receiving position the first chute 24 is positioned beneath the cash in transit box 3 for receiving the contents therefrom, The transfer element 23 is then urged from the receiving position to the discharge position, where the contents received from the cash in transit box 3 drop into the second chamber 15 of the second housing 6, With the transfer element 23 in the discharge position the lock 66 is locked under the control ofthe control and activating circuit for retaining the transfer element 23 in the discharge position.

The latch 84 is then urged into the released state, and the carrier plate 72 is pivoted outwardly from the cash in transit box 3 thereby disconnecting the pin connector plug 75 from the pin connector socket 309 of the cash in transit box 3. The cash in transit box 3 is then removed through the first access opening 12 from the first chamber 10. As the cash in transit box 3 is being removed from the first chamber 10 the closure panel 13 is spring urged by a torsion spring (not shown) into the closed state thereby closing the first access opening 12, The latch (not shown) operated under the control of the control and activating circuit is urged into the latched state for latching the closure panel 13 in the closed state.

An authorised customer wishing to make a lodgement directly into the first chute 24 of the transfer element 23 who is provided with a key to the lock 66 of the transfer element 23 unlocks the lock 66 and urges the transfer element 23 outwardly through the main access opening 49 from the discharge position. Once a cash in transit box is not located in the first chamber 10, the detector plates 78 extend into the first chamber 10, and thus, the abutment plate 77 cf the transfer element 23 clears the portions 76 of the detector plates 78. This, thus, permits the transfer element 23 to be withdrawn further to a position with the first chute 24 accessible to facilitate manual placing of a deposit therein. The transfer element 23 is then urged inwardly through the main access opening 49 into the discharge position and the deposit in the first chute 24 drops into the second chamber 15. Once the transfer element 23 is in the discharge position, the lock 66 is automatically locked by the control and activating circuit {not shown). in Additionally, a manual deposit may be made directly Into the second chamber 15 through the second chute 92.

The advantages of the invention are many. The deposit safe according to the invention is particularly suitable for retrofitting into security counters of financial is institutions, such as, for example, banks, post offices and the like. By virtue of the fact that the first access opening for receiving the cash in transit box into the first chamber can be located in the counter to face outwardly into the customer area of the customer service area of the financial institution, and the second access opening which is closed by the safe door faces into the secure zone in the customer service area, the deposit safe according to the invention can be mounted in the security counter of the financial institution to receive the contents of a cash in transit box without the bearer of the cash in transit box having to gain access to the security zone. At appropriate times staff members can remove cash and other items deposited from the cash in transit box into the deposit safe through the second access opening by merely opening the safe door from the security zone side of the security counter. Additionally, by virtue of the fact that the first and second housings are coupleable to each other with the first housing offset forwardly from the second housing, cables for alarms and other security equipment of the financial institution which are commonly laid within and along the security counter can remain undisturbed during retrofitting of the deposit safe in the security counter, sinoe the cables can be allowed to pass along the forward end of the second housing, or along the rearward end of the first housing. Thus, the deposit safe according to the invention can be retrofitted In a security counter without the need to disturb, cut or otherwise interfere with cables of other security equipment located within the security counter.

A further advantage of the invention is achieved by virtue of the fact that the degree of offset between the first and second housings of the deposit safe is variable. This permits the spacing between the front face of the first housing and the rear face of the second housing to be varied in order to accommodate different widths of security counters between the respective first and second side walls of the security counters.

Additionally, by virtue of the fact that the first housing can be coupled to the second housing in respective different orientations, the deposit safe can be retrofitted into counters of different configurations. For example, in certain cases it may be desirable to locate the deposit safe in a security counter with the front face of the first housing facing outwardly through the first side wall of the security counter, and the rear face of the second housing facing outwardly through an end wall of the security counter. In which case, the first housing would be coupled to the second housing with the front face of the first housing facing in a direction at 90° relative to the direction in which the rear face of the second housing faces. Alternatively, in certain cases it may be desirable to couple the first and second housings together so that both the front face of the first housing and the rear face of the second housing faced in the same direction. Accordingly, by virtue of the fact that the first housing is selectively coupleable to the second housing in different orientations in plan view, these various relative orientations of the first housing to the second housing can be accommodated.

While the deposit safe has been described as being provided with sensors for detecting the state of the detector plates 78, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the sensors may be omitted, and in which case, if desired, other suitable means for determining when the cash in transit box is located in the first chamber could be provided. If the sensors for detecting the state of the detector plates were omitted, then the detector plates 78 would act solely for the purpose of locating the transfer element 23 in the receiving position.

Claims (38)

1. A deposit safe for receiving the contents of a cash in transit box, the safe comprising a first chamber for accommodating the cash in transit box therein, a first access opening to the first chamber for accommodating the cash in transit box into 5 the first chamber, a second chamber for receiving the contents of the cash in transit box, and a transfer means located intermediate the first chamber and the second chamber, and being selectively moveable relative to the first and second chambers between a receiving position for communicating with a cash in transit box in the first chamber for receiving the contents thereof, and a discharge position communicating io with the second chamber for discharging the received contents of the cash in transit box to the second chamber, so that the transfer means is selectiveiy and alternately communicable with a cash in transit box in the first chamber, and with the second chamber. 15

2. , A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 1 in which the transfer means is located beneath the first chamber, and above the second chamber.

3. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 1 or Ξ in which the transfer means comprises a first chute, the first chute being alignable with and communicating with a 20 cash in transit box in the first chamber when the transfer means is in the receiving position, and communicating with the second chamber when the transfer means is in the discharge position.

4. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 3 in which an isoiating means is provided 25 for isolating the first chute from the second chamber when the transfer means is in the receiving position.

5. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 4 in which the isolating means is operable between an isolating state isolating the first chute from the second chamber, and a 30 communicating state communicating the first chute with the second chamber,

6. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 in which the isolating means is operable from the communicating state to the isolating state in response to the transfer means being moved from the discharge position to the receiving position.

7. A deposit safe as claimed in any of Ciaims 4 to 6 in which the isolating means comprises an isolating plate pivotally coupled to the transfer means and 5 being pivotal between the Isolating state and the communicating state.

8. A deposit safe as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 7 in which the transfer means is co-operable with a cash in transit box located in the first chamber for urging a closure means of the cash in transit box from a closed state to an open state as the 10 transfer means is urged from the discharge position to the receiving position For communicating the first chute with the cash in transit box for receiving the contents thereof.

9. A deposit safe as claimed in any preceding claim-in which a security interlock 15 means is provided for preventing movement of the transfer means from the discharge position to the receiving position until a cash in transit box located in the first chamber has been validated.

10. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 9 in which the interlock means is operable 20 for retaining a cash in transit box in the first chamber unless the transfer means is in the discharge position.

11. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 9 or 10 in which a reading means is provided for reading data from a cash in transit box for validating the cash in transit 25 box.

12. A deposit safe as claimed in any of Ciaims 9 to11 in which an activating means is provided for communicating an activating signal to a cash in transit box in the first chamber for releasing a latch ofthe cash in transit box retaining the closure 30 means thereof in the closed state.

13. A deposit safe as claimed in any preceding claim in which a second chute is provided for facilitating manual delivery of an item into the second chamber.

14. A deposit safe as claimed in Ctaim 13 in which the second chute communicates with the second chamber.

15. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 13 or 14 in which the second chute communicates with the second chamber through the transfer means,

16. A deposit safe as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 15 in which the second chute communicates with the second chamber through the transfer means when the transfer means is in the discharge position.

17. A deposit safe as ciaimed in any preceding claim in which a first closure means is provided for closing the first access opening to the first chamber.

18. A deposit safe as claimed in any preceding claim in which a second access opening is provided to the second chamber for providing access thereto for removal of the contents therein,

19. A deposit safe as ciaimed in Claim 18 in which a second closure means is provided for closing the second access opening

20. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 19 in which a security locking means is provided for locking the second closure means in a closed state closing the second access opening,

21. A deposit safe as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first chamber is formed in a first housing, and the second chamber is formed in a second housing, the first and second housings being coupleabie together.

22. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 21 in which the transfer means comprises a transfer element slideably mounted in the first housing, and slideable between the receiving position and the discharge position,

23. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 21 or 22 in which the first housing defines a first face, and the first access opening is located in a first face of the first housing, and the transfer means is slideable from the discharge position to the receiving position through the first face of the first housing,

24. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 23 in which the second housing defines a second face, and the second access opening is located in a second face of the second housing.

25. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 24 in which the first housing is selectably coupleable to the second housing in at least two selectable orientations relative to the second housing, so that in one of the selectable orientations the first face of the first housing faces in a direction at 180° relative to the direction in which the second face of the second housing faces.

26. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 25 in which in another one of the at least two selectable orientations in which the first housing is selectively coupleable to the second housing, the first face of the first housing faces in a direction at 90° refative to the direction in which the second face of the second housing faces.

27. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 25 or 26 in which in another one of the at least two selectable orientations in which the first housing is selectively coupleable to the second housing, the first face of the first housing faces in a direction at 270° relative to the direction in which the second face of the second housing faces.

28. A deposit safe as claimed in any of Claims 25 to 27 in which in another one of the at least two selectable orientations in which the first housing is selectively coupleable to the second housing, the first face of the first housing and the second face of the second housing face in the same direction.

29. A deposit safe as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 28 in which the first housing is coupleable to the second housing so that the first housing is longitudinally offsetable relative to the second housing when viewed in plan.

30. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 29 in which the amount by which the first housing is offsetsbie relative to the second housing is adjustable.

31. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 29 or 30 in which the first face of the first housing is offset relative to a corresponding face of the second housing when the first housing is offset relative to the second housing.

32. A deposit safe as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 31 in which the first and second faces of the first and second housings, respectively, extend substantially vertically.

33. A deposit safe as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 32 in which the first housing comprises a top wall and front wail thereof extending downwardly therefrom defining the first face of the first housing, and a rear wall spaced apart from the front wall extending downwardly from the top wall joined by spaced apart side walls extending downwardly from the top wall and between the front and rear walls thereof.

34. A deposit safe as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 33 in which the second housing comprises a base and a rear wall extending upwardly therefrom and defining the second face of the second housing, and a front wall spaced apart from the rear wall extending upwardly from the base joined by a pair of spaced apart side walls extending upwardly from the base between the front and rear walls, 35. A deposit safe as claimed in any preceding ciaim in which the deposit safe is adapted for locating in a security counter.

35. A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 35 in which the deposit safe is adapted for locating in the security counter with the first access opening being located to one side of the security counter, and the second access opening being located to another side of the security counter.

36. 37, A deposit safe as claimed in Claim 36 in which the deposit safe is adapted for locating in a security counter with the first and second openings being located in two respective opposite sides of the security counter.

37.

38. A deposit safe substantially as described herein with reference to and as 5 illustrated in the accompanying drawings.