NL2012513C2

NL2012513C2 - Security container system, and receptacle for accommodation on an interior of a security container.

Info

Publication number: NL2012513C2
Application number: NL2012513A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Zwart Henk Portegies
Original assignee: Gunnebo Nederland B V
Priority date: 2013-04-29
Filing date: 2014-03-27
Publication date: 2015-02-24
Also published as: NL2012513A

Description

Security container system, and receptacle for accommodation on an interior of a security container

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a receptacle for accommodation on an interior of a security container, and a container system formed by a security container provided with such a receptacle.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for upgrading an existing security container.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Known security containers (e.g. safes, vaults, and the like) for accommodating valuable objects and/or cash are commonly provided with a reinforced outer casing and a reinforced lockable door for sealing the main access opening to the interior of the container.

[0003] In the Netherlands, an increase in the number of criminal attacks on such security containers is observed. A known method for attacking such a security container involves introducing explosive material into the container interior. The inserted explosive is then detonated to generate a significant overpressure within the container, to force the container door open (e.g. via removing or dislodging the door) and to provide unauthorized access to the valuable contents.

[0004] In addition to the main door, night deposit safes are commonly provided with a smaller access opening or trap, which is constructed in such a manner that a user is allowed to introduce valuables into the night safe without having to open the main door. In known container constructions, such a trap may be provided at or near a top region of a container wall, for example at a rear wall located opposite to the door. The night deposit safe or security container may comprise an inner receptacle having a casing that is accommodated on the interior of the container at a level below the trap, this casing defining a space for holding the valuables. This inner receptacle may have a top opening that is shaped in such a manner that valuables which are introduced through the trap are freely conveyed into the inner receptacle, while removal of the valuables from the safe via the trap is prevented.

[0005] Unfortunately, such access openings or traps are readily useable for introducing explosive material into the container’s interior. This type of security container is therefore particularly vulnerable to blast attacks intended to gain unauthorized access to the valuables.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] It would be desirable to provide a security container system with an inner receptacle, which prevents or at least delays the accessibility to the valuables after an explosive attack.

[0007] Therefore, according to a first aspect, there is provided a security container system for holding valuables, comprising: - a security container defining an interior, wherein the security container is provided on the interior with a first engagement member; - a receptacle accommodated on the interior of the security container, and enclosing a space for holding valuables, wherein the receptacle comprises a second engagement member, and wherein the first engagement member and second engagement member are configured for transitioning from a mutually released state into a permanently interlocked state as a result of a force from an explosion within the space.

[0008] The term “permanently interlocked state” refers herein to an engaged i.e. mechanically contacted state between the first and second engagement members, which persists even after the explosion and cannot be easily undone by the attackers without significant effort. For example, the first engagement member and the second engagement member (or a plurality of cooperating pairs of first and second engagement members) may transition into the permanently interlocked state by decreasing their mutual distance as a result of the force from the explosion exerted on the receptacle and/or the container, until the (or each) pair of first and second engagement members reach a state of substantial mechanical friction that cannot be overcome by manual force. Advantageous engagement member configurations are discussed herein below.

[0009] If a successful explosive attack is mounted on the safe in such a manner that the safe is forced open, there will usually be little time left for manipulating the receptacle in order to gain access to the valuables. The first and second engagement members provided by the container and the receptacle respectively are configured to cooperate in such a manner that in the interlocked state, any access to the valuables inside the receptacle is prevented, unless either the receptacle or the engagement members are subjected to further manipulation. For this reason, the receptacle and the engagement members should be made sufficiently strong to prevent manual destruction or disengagement in the interlocked state. The strength of the receptacle may not be comparable to the shielding strength provided by the container, but the receptacle and engagement members must be sufficiently sturdy for any attacker to need additional tools and actions (e g. cutting or burning) before being able to gain access. The interlocked state of the engagement members will hold the receptacle fixed on the interior of the container, which will increase the time required for accessing the valuables, and hence the time available for the authorities to get to the attack site.

[0010] Preferably, the receptacle is configured for being moveably accommodated on the interior of the security container, and wherein movability of the receptacle with respect to the security container is restricted in the permanently interlocked state of the first engagement member and the second engagement member, to prevent access to the space.

[0011] In the released state, the receptacle is movable with respect to the container so as to allow an authorized user access. The permanently interlocked state of the engagement members ensures that the receptacle will stay fixed on the interior of the security container, making it harder for the attackers to manipulate (e.g. cut or break open) the receptacle.

[0012] Preferably, the security container comprises a container opening, wherein the receptacle is movable into and out of the interior of the security container through the container opening (at least with a component) along a first direction.

[0013] It may be helpful to an understanding of the invention to set forth definitions for spatial directions used herein. The term “first direction” refers to a direction perpendicular to the container opening, i.e. its surface normal. Correspondingly, the term “second direction” refers herein to a direction perpendicular to the first direction i.e. a direction in a plane parallel to the container opening. Usually, security containers or safes are provided with a door for securely sealing the container opening. Often, the opening is provided along a vertical plane with the door being hingeable along a vertical axis. In this case, the first direction is substantially horizontal, the second direction is also in the horizontal plane, and the third direction is vertically oriented. Other container configurations may be possible e g. with an opening having a vertical insertion direction, or slanted configurations.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the receptacle comprises a connection member for hingeably connecting the receptacle to the security container on the interior thereof, to allow the receptacle to pivot with respect to the container about an axis perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein pivotability of the receptacle is restricted in the permanently interlocked state to prevent access to the space.

[0015] The hinge connection may for example be provided at a lower frontal side of the receptacle, near the lower frontal side of the container floor, and behind the container door. In this configuration and in the released state, the receptacle is easily accessible for an authorized user, by pulling and tilting the receptacle downward through the container opening. The hinge connection ensures that the authorized user can easily reposition the receptacle back into its intended position on the interior of the security container, in such a manner that the engagement members are properly realigned again.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the first engagement member comprises a base and a projecting flange provided at a free end of the base, wherein the second engagement member comprises a wall portion provided with an aperture for accommodating the base and the flange in the permanently interlocked state, and wherein a cross-section of the aperture in the wall portion is larger than a further cross-section of the flange.

[0017] The base may for example be formed by a solid cylinder, while the flange (e.g. a collar) is formed by a solid oblate cylinder having a larger radius (in the case of a circular cross-section) than the base. Correspondingly, the second engagement members of the receptacle may comprise a circular aperture with a radius that is several millimeters to centimeters larger than the radius of the flange. Other shapes for base, flange, and aperture are also possible, as long as the cross-section perimeter of the aperture everywhere at least equals and preferably exceeds the cross-section perimeter of the flange, so that the flange is easily accommodated by the aperture. Alternatively, the base may omit a flange, to yield a simplified construction. The wall apertures should then be sufficiently large for accommodating only the base in the permanently interlocked state. However, the permanently interlocked state will be easier to undo if flanges are omitted. By providing second engagement members with large apertures, it is ensured that the unpredictable forces of the explosion nevertheless lead to an interlocking state of the engagement members, even if the engagement members exhibit erratic motion during the explosion, or if the receptacle becomes slightly misaligned with respect to the container due to an initial misplacement or as a result of the explosion forces.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the wall portion provided with the aperture is movable with respect to a further portion of the receptacle and toward the first engagement member as a result of the force.

[0019] The explosion force will move the wall portion and the aperture toward and past the flange of the first engagement member, to achieve the permanently interlocked state. This movability of the wall portion may be achieved in various ways. For example, the movable wall portion may comprise a rigid material, e.g. metal, that becomes temporarily plastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the wall portion as a result of the force. During normal use of the receptacle and container, the material of the deformable wall portion stays rigid i .e. retains its original shape, even under the low stresses that are exerted on the wall portion during regular use of the container and receptacle (e.g. if valuables are introduced into the receptacle, or if the receptacle is manipulated by an authorized user). Elastic deformations are allowed within tolerances bounded by the interspacing between the receptacle and the container, but the elastic character will in any case enable the engagement members to return back to the released state as soon as the stresses disappear. In the case of an explosives attack from within the interior of the container, the exerted stress will exceed the force threshold for plastic deformation of the wall, thereby permanently moving the aperture toward the first engagement member on the container wall, and into the interlocking state. Due to the plastic deformation, this interlocking state will be permanent, even after the transient force from the explosion has disappeared. The casing with plastically deformable walls and apertures can be manufactured at a low cost from only a few elements, yet provides a robust interlocking mechanism [0020] Preferably, the security container comprises on the interior at least two first engagement members at inner surfaces of opposite container walls, and wherein the receptacle comprises a pair of opposite receptacle walls each provided with a second engagement member that is configured for moving in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction toward a nearest first engagement member as a result of the force from the explosion exerted on the receptacle walls, when the receptacle is accommodated on the interior of the security container, and resulting in the permanently interlocked state.

[0021] A motion of the second engagement members toward the first engagement members in a direction that is transverse to the insertion direction has experimentally proven to be a robust method for converting the force from the explosion into an in interlocking state of the engagement members. Even though the explosion forces are difficult to either predict or control, the configuration of transversely aligned engagement members achieves the interlocking state in a reproducible manner.

[0022] Alternatively or in addition to the first engagement members described herein above, the security container may comprise two bar engagement members at inner surfaces of opposite container walls, and the receptacle may comprise a bar extending between the two bar engagement members, and extending along a further axis which is perpendicular to the first direction when the receptacle is accommodated on the interior of the security container, wherein the bar is provided with further engagement members at both ends of the bar, and wherein the bar is configured for changing a projected bar length along the further axis as a result of the force, thereby transitioning from the released state into the permanently interlocked state between the bar engagement members and the further engagement members.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, each bar engagement member comprises an outward abutment surface, wherein each further engagement member comprises an inward abutment surface, and wherein the abutment surfaces are arranged for transitioning into a clamped permanently interlocked state as a result of a decreasing projected bar length.

[0024] The bar may for example be provided along a receptacle edge that defines the further axis, this bar providing a gripping member for an authorized user to move or pivot the receptacle with respect to the container. Each further engagement member on a bar end may for example comprise a collar or flange with an inward abutment surface facing a corresponding bar engagement member. The bar engagement members may be located further inward along the bar, and are provided with the outward abutment surfaces that face the inward abutment surfaces. In the released state, these engagement members are adjacent but free to move with respect to each other. Any bending or buckling of the bar resulting from an explosion force will cause the projected bar length along this further axis to decrease, and this shortening may efficiently be exploited to force the abutment surfaces together and increase the static frictional forces between these two surfaces well beyond a level that can be overcome by manual force.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the receptacle comprises a frontal receptacle wall which is located near the container opening when the receptacle is accommodated on the interior of the security container, wherein the frontal receptacle wall comprises a fluid transmitting portion for conveying a fluid flow generated by the explosion within the space to an outside of the receptacle, to reduce the force on the frontal receptacle wall. The fluid transmitting portion at the frontal wall of the receptacle may for example be formed by a grill or lattice (e g. by cutting an array of holes in the frontal receptacle plate). The fluid transmitting portion may extend over the entire or only part of the frontal receptacle wall.

[0026] If the security container is closed and locked and an abovementioned explosive attack occurs, then fluid transmitting portion reduces the cross section with respect to the flow of gas and particles (collectively called “fluid”) produced by the explosion, thereby minimizing the force on the frontal receptacle wall. As a result of the explosion, the container door may be forced open, but the frontal receptacle wall will not become detached from the rest of the receptacle.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the receptacle comprises a rear receptacle wall that is located near a rear container wall when the receptacle is accommodated on the interior of the security container, wherein the rear receptacle wall comprises a solid back plate for obstructing a fluid flow generated by the explosion within the space to an outside of the receptacle to maximize the force on the rear receptacle wall. The solid back plate at the rear wall of the receptacle may for example be formed by a rectangular metal sheet.

[0028] If the security container is closed and subjected to an explosive attack, then the solid back plate will maximize the cross section with respect to the flow of gas and particles generated by the explosion, thereby maximizing the force on the rear receptacle wall. During the blast, the container door may be forced open, but the receptacle will be forced toward the back side of the safe.

[0029] According to an embodiment, a base of the first engagement member comprises: - two base portions that are telescopingly arranged along an extension direction, and - a biasing member for exerting an expansion force on the two base portions along the extension direction so as to force the base portions apart.

[0030] The biasing member exerts an expansion force on the base portion, for forcing the base portions apart and increasing the length of the base along the extension direction. The total length of the base before expansion is insufficient for the engagement members to become interlocked, while the total base length after expansion will be sufficient for the engagement members to cooperate and achieve the interlocking state. The base portions may for example be formed as shell portions that are slidingly arranged with respect to each other along the extension direction. The biasing member may for example be a mechanical spring (e.g. a metal coil) or a flexible solid body (e g. a rubber cylinder) provided on insides of the shell portions.

The equilibrium length of the biasing member may correspond with a final base length wherein the base and the flange are inserted into the wall aperture of the casing in the interlocked state.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the base portions comprise a locking member for keeping the base portions in a fixed position with respect to each other, and configured for releasing the base portions when the force acts on the first engagement member.

[0032] The locking member keeps the telescoping base portions fixed with respect to each other as long as the receptacle and safe are used in a regular (i.e. authorized) manner. If a force from an internal explosion acts on the first engagement member, then the cooperation between the base portions and the locking member is cancelled, allowing the biasing member to force the base portions apart and extend the base length to assume an extended state. The combination of movable base portions, a main biasing member, and locking members provides a relatively simple yet robust construction for achieving an interlocking engagement only as a result of an explosion. The base may be provided with one or several of such locking members.

[0033] The locking member may for example be formed by a radially slideable pin projecting through a radial borehole in the outer base portion as well as a coinciding notch in the inner base portion. Such a pin may have a coil spring around its pin body for forcing the pin out of the borehole and notch, thereby releasing the base portions from their fixed position. The base portions may also be provided with a further locking member for keeping the base portions in a fixed position with respect to each other after the base portions have assumed the extended state. Again, the base may be provided with one or several of such further locking members. The further locking member may be formed by a further radially slideable pin projecting through a further radial borehole in the outer base portion, while an end of this pin touches an outer surface of the inner base portion. Such a further pin may have a further coil spring around its pin body for forcing the further pin into the further borehole. If the further notch in the inner base portion happens to coincide with the further borehole, which occurs when the base portions transition into the extended state, then the further pin will retract inward, thereby fixing the base portions in the extended state. This construction is relatively simple yet robust and efficiently prevents the base portions in the extended state from being compressed and thus released again by the unauthorized user after an explosive attack.

[0034] In a second aspect of the invention, and in accordance with the advantages and effects described herein above with respect to the first aspect, there is provided a receptacle for use in a security container system as described herein above. Embodiments of the receptacle are defined in claims 15-26.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the invention and in accordance with the advantages and effects described herein above with respect to the first aspect, there is provided a method for upgrading a security container defining an interior and comprising a container opening for accessing the interior, the method comprising: -providing the security container; - providing a receptacle according to an embodiment of the second aspect on the interior of the security container; - providing a first engagement member on the interior of the security container, at a position near a second engagement member provided on the receptacle, so as to allow the first engagement member and second engagement member to transition from a mutually released state into a permanently interlocked state under influence of a force from an explosion within the space.

[0036] The method allows upgrading an existing security container to a security container according to the first aspect of the invention, via addition of the aforementioned receptacle and first engagement members on the interior of the container.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the action of providing the first engagement member on the interior comprises: - providing at least two first engagement members at inner surfaces of opposing lateral container walls, each at a position that is near to and aligned in a second direction with a second engagement member provided at a nearby lateral receptacle wall, so as to allow each second engagement member to move in the second direction as a result of the force generated by the explosion, and to transition from the mutually released state into the permanently interlocked state.

[0038] According to further aspects, component kits are provided for constructing security container systems according to the first aspect, or for constructing receptacles according to the second aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which: [0040] Fig. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional side view of a security container system according to an embodiment; [0041] Fig.2 A presents a lateral cross-sectional view of a receptacle according to an embodiment; [0042] Fig.2B shows a rear view of an upper portion of a receptacle according to an embodiment; [0043] Figs.3A and 3B schematically shows cross-sections of a first engagement member in a released state and an activated state respectively in an embodiment of the receptacle.

[0044] The figures are meant for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve as restriction of the scope or the protection as laid down by the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0045] The security container system according to an aspect of the invention is provided with an inner receptacle which, during an explosive attack, cooperates with the security container in such a manner that the time required for gaining unauthorized access to the valuables inside is increased.

[0046] Fig. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional side view of a night deposit safe system according to an embodiment. The security container system comprises a night safe (i.e. an example of a security container) 2 and a receptacle 30 formed by a cuboid casing 31 with a slanted top side (in this example also referred to as a cage 31 with a grating of wires or bars) that is moveably arranged on an interior of the safe 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the terms receptacle 30 and casing (e.g. cage) 31 are used interchangeably. The safe 2 is formed by a rectangular cuboid reinforced metal shell composed of lateral container walls 4, a container floor 6, a top wall 8, and a rear container wall 16, which jointly define the interior wherein the receptacle 30 is accommodated. At the back wall 16, there is provided a rear opening or trap 18 for inserting valuables into the safe 2. The front of the safe 2 has an opening 10, and comprises a container door 12 (partially shown) for covering the opening 10 and sealing the safe 2 and prevent unwanted access to the valuables 1 kept inside the receptacle 30.

[0047] In the figures, various directions are indicated for defining positions, orientations and motion of the described objects. In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures and described herein, X is used to indicate the first direction, and is in this example referred to as a longitudinal direction that corresponds with indications “front” and “rear”. During use of the exemplary safe system, X is preferably horizontal due to user safety issues relating to the heavy door. Correspondingly, Y is used to indicate a second direction or transversal direction that is perpendicular to X and also lies in the horizontal plane, while Z is used to indicate a third direction or further transversal direction that is perpendicular to X and Y, and oriented vertically. It should be understood that the concepts of the invention discussed herein are not limited to these directional definitions and preferred orientations.

[0048] The cage 31 is formed by side cage walls 32, a cage floor 40, a frontal cage wall 46, and a rear cage wall 50, which jointly enclose a space for holding the valuables 1. The frontal cage wall 46 is higher than the rear cage wall 50, and the side cage walls 32 have sloping edges that interconnect the frontal and rear cage wall 46, 50. A top side of the cage 31 defines a cage opening 57, which spans a surface that is slanted to the rear and toward the trap 18 (see Fig. 1). The frontal cage wall 46 terminates proximate to the inside surface of the top wall 8 in such a manner that no space is left to manually access the cage opening 57 via the opened safe door 12, at least not without removing the cage 31 from the safe 2, e.g. by tilting. The side cage walls 32 and rear cage wall 50 are constructed from rigid plates (e.g. carbon steel sheets with a thickness of 1.5 mm, or more). Along the wall edges, the cage 31 may be reinforced by angle profiles (not shown). A grating, grid or lattice 48 is fixed along at least a portion of the frontal cage wall 46, and is situated immediately behind the safe door 12.

[0049] The cage 31 is moveably positioned on the interior of the safe 2. In particular, the cage 31 is provided with a hinge 58 along an edge between the front cage wall 46 and the cage floor 40. This hinge 58 connects the cage 31 to a frontal floor region on the interior of the safe 2. By means of this hinge connection 58, the receptacle 30 is pivotable in and out of the safe 2 through the safe opening 10. This pivoting follows a curve in a plane spanned by the first direction X and the third direction Z, and is about an axis in the second direction Y (illustrated in Fig.l). A horizontal gripping bar 60 is provided along a top frontal edge of the cage 31 and parallel with the second direction Y, for facilitating the pivoting motion.

[0050] The safe 2 has a plurality of first engagement members 20, 33, which are attached to the side walls 4 of the safe 2 on its interior. In Fig.l, several first engagement members 20 are shown diagonally arranged along the side wall 4. An alternative vertical arrangement of these first engagement members 20 is illustrated in Fig.2A. In the figures, the first engagement members 20 have a cylindrical shape with a cylindrical base portion 22 that projects transversally inward, and an oblate cylindrical top or end plate with a flange 24 located at the free end of the base 22.

Correspondingly, the cage 31 comprises a plurality of second engagement members 34 that are formed by regions of deformable metal 36 with apertures or circular holes 38 provided along the side cage walls 32. The holes 38 have a shape that is similar to the (circular) shape of the first engagement members 20. A cross-section of any hole 38 (i.e. a hole diameter 0h) is several millimeters to centimeters, preferably 1 - 2 centimeters, larger than a cross-section of a corresponding flange 24 (i.e. a flange diameter 0f).

[0051] A lateral force from any explosion exerted on the side cage walls 32 will cause the deformable cage wall portions 36 to move in the second (i.e. transverse) direction Y toward the engagement members 20. Consequently, each deformable wall portion 36 with aperture 38 will laterally move over the corresponding flange 24 of a first engagement member 20, and will remain there after plastic deformation of the wall portion 36. As a result, the flanges 24 will be permanently interlocked with the cage walls 32, and pivotability of the cage 31 with respect to the safe 2 is prohibited or at least restricted in this permanently interlocked state to prevent access to the space.

[0052] The distance over which the cage 31 may still be pivoted is determined by the cross-sectional difference between the apertures 38 and the bases 22 of the interlocked engagement members 20, 34.

[0053] Further engagement members are formed by two bar flanges 35 provided at the ends of the horizontal gripping bar 60, as illustrated in Figs.2A and 2B. Two bar engagement members 33 are attached on the interior of the safe 2, to the side walls 4 thereof. The bar 60 extends between these bar engagement members 33, and each bar engagement member 33 has an outward abutment surface 62. Correspondingly, each bar flange 35 comprises an inward abutment surface 61 that faces a corresponding outward abutment surface 62. During normal use of the safe 2, i.e. in a released state of the further engagement members 33, 35, the bar 60 has a projected bar length L in the second direction Y that exceeds a width of the cage 31 in the second direction Y, in such a manner that a lateral spacing is provided between each corresponding pair of inward and outward abutment surfaces 61, 62. Asa result, the bar engagement members 33 and further engagement members 35 are free to move with respect to each other, thereby allowing the casing 31 to be pivoted at will. But in the case of an explosion, the bar 60 is likely to bend which will cause the projected bar length L to decrease, which will force the abutment surfaces 61, 62 together and cause significant static frictional forces between these two surfaces 61, 62 well beyond a level that can be overcome by manual force, thereby preventing the casing 31 to be pivoted.

[0054] The grid 48 that is provided at the frontal cage wall 46 and the solid back plate 52 provided at the rear cage wall 50 assist in keeping the cage 31 in position on the interior of the safe 2 during an explosion. In case of detonation of an explosive on the interior of the safe 2, the effect of the grid 48 is to minimize an effective frontal cage wall 46 cross-section with respect to the sudden flow of gas and particles emanating from the explosion. As a result, the door 12 of the safe 2 may be forced open, but the frontal cage wall 46 will not be detached from the rest of the cage 31. On the contrary, the pressure exerted by the explosion on the back plate 52 will not be reduced, so that the cage 31 will be forced to the back wall 16 of the safe 2 during the blast.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in Fig.2A, there are provided several foam containers 54 at the rear cage wall 50. These foam containers 54 may be constructed so as to rupture during an explosion, which will cause the containers 54 to release a considerable volume of foam (e.g. polyurethane foam) that will hinder access to the inside of the casing 31. The foam containers 54 form an beneficial addition, but need not be present, as is apparent from the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0056] Figs.3A and 3B schematically show cross-sections of an alternative configuration for a first engagement member 20'. This first engagement member 20' has an adjustable length, and may be used in combination with the second engagement member 34 having a deformable wall 36 with aperture 38 as was described with reference to Figs.2A and 2B. Fig.3A depicts the deformable first engagement member 20’ in a compressed state corresponding to a released state of the first engagement members 20’, 34 and Fig.3B shows the deformable engagement member 20’ in an expanded or activated state corresponding to a permanently interlocked state of the engagement members 20’, 34.

[0057] The deformable engagement member 20’ is formed as a length adjustable cylindrical plug, which is mountable on an inside wall of the explosives container 2. The deformable cylindrical plug 20’ comprises two cylindrical base portions (e g. cylindrical shells) 22a, 22b that are closed at the cylinder ends. The cylindrical shells 22a, 22b differ in outer radii and are arranged in a mutually overlapping manner that allows the cylindrical shells 22a, 22b to telescope along an extension direction Y’. The plug 20’ is fixable with one cylindrical shell 22a to a safe wall 4, and this cylindrical shell 22a remains stationary with respect to the wall 4, while the other cylindrical shell 22b remains free to move along the extension direction Y’. In the released state of the engagement members 20’, 34, the cylinder shells 22a, 22b mutually overlap, so that the length of the deformable plug 20’ defined along the extension direction Y’ is minimal. The cylindrical shells 22a, 22b enclose an inner void inside which a biasing member (e g. a coil spring) 25 and a stopper member 21 are provided. The stopper member 21 is limits the distance over which the cylindrical shells 22a, 22b can expand with respect to each other.

[0058] In Fig.3A, the spring 25 is in a compressed state or non-equilibrium position that causes the spring 25 to exert an expansion force on the cylindrical shells 22a, 22b, which tends to push the cylindrical shells 22a, 22b outward. The outer cylindrical shell 22a is provided with a radial borehole 28a and a further radial borehole 28b, and the inner cylindrical shell 22b is provided with a notch 29a and a further notch 29b. In order to hold the shell parts 22a, 22b and the spring 25 in the compressed state, a locking pin 26a is inserted through the radial borehole 28a and the coinciding notch 29a, which are overlappingly arranged in the compressed state. The locking pin 26a is provided with a small biasing member e.g. a coil spring 27a along the pin body, which tends to force the locking pin 26a out of the borehole 28a and notch 29a. The inserted locking pin 26a holds the cylindrical shells 22a, 22b in their mutually overlapping position, while counteracting the lateral force exerted by the spring 25. The friction resulting from the engagement between the pin 26a and the inner shell 22b that is pushed outward by the spring 25 prevents the pin 26a from being pushed out of the notch 29a.

[0059] A circular end plate 23 closes off the movable cylindrical shell 22b. If an explosive material is inserted into and detonated within the interior of the safe 2, then a resulting pressure wave will exert a transient force on the end plate 23. As a result, the movable cylindrical shell 22b will be temporarily compressed along the extension direction Y’ and moved toward the fixed cylindrical shell 22a, which will cause a release of the engagement between the notch 29a and the locking pin 26a. The small spring 27a will quickly force the locking pin 26a outward in a radially extended position, so that the locking pin 26a will no longer hold the cylindrical shells 22a, 22b together. The main spring 25 becomes free to expand to its equilibrium position, and will force the cylindrical shells 22a, 22b apart, until the spring 25 reaches its predetermined extended state depicted in Fig.3B. A maximum distance of expansion between the cylindrical shells 22a, 22b in the extended state may either be determined by be equilibrium position of the main spring 25, or limited by a length of the stopper member 21. The cylindrical shells 22a, 22b will telescope, and the plug 20 will assume an extended length that is larger than the initial length of the plug in the compressed state. The length of the plug 20 in the extended state must be sufficient for the plug 20 to extend with its flange 24 into the aperture 38 in the receptacle wall 32, which will result in the interlocked state.

[0060] In Fig.3 A and 3B, the cylindrical shells 22a, 22b have a further safety pin 26b for preventing the cylindrical shells 22a, 22b from being compressed again after reaching the expanded state shown in Fig.3B. In the compressed state shown in Fig.3 A, this further pin 26b rests in a further radial borehole 28b in the fixed cylindrical shell 22a, while an end of the pin 26b touches an outer surface of the movable shell 22b. A further spring 27b provided around the further pin body forces the further pin 26b into the further borehole 28b, but is stopped by the outer surface of shell 22b. During expansion, the further notch 29b will slide toward the further borehole 28b, to eventually coincide with the further borehole 28b in the expanded state shown in Fig.3B. At that point, the further pin 26b will be forced inward into the further notch 29b, thereby immobilizing the shells 22a, 22b, and preventing the shells from being compressed again.

[0061] In general, one or several locking members 26a and/or further locking members 26b may be provided in the extendible plug 20. Also, note that alternative configurations for the extendible engagement member 20 shown in Figs.3 A and 3B are possible, for example wherein the fixed and free cylindrical shell parts 22a, 22b are interchanged to provide a complementary configuration, and/or wherein the biasing member 25 is formed differently e.g. by one or more solid bodies of resilient (compressible) material. The further safety pins 26b may be supplemented or substituted by a main spring 25 with a mechanical stiffness that is sufficient to counteract any substantial pressure exerted by manual force on the extended plug 20, which will prevent the extended plug 20 from being compressed and thus released by the unauthorized user after an explosion.

[0062] Below, a method is described for upgrading an existing safe or other type of security container 2, to obtain a security container system according to the first aspect of the invention. The safe 2, which may similarly be formed by a rectangular cuboid shell composed of several reinforced metal container walls which jointly define the interior, is upgraded by mounting a receptacle 30 as described herein above on the interior of the safe 2. The first engagement members 20, 33 are attached to the walls on the interior of the safe 2, each at a position near a second engagement member 34, 35 found on the casing 31, in such a manner that the first engagement members 20, 33 and second engagement members 34, 35 are aligned so as to be able to transition from a mutually released state into a permanently interlocked state under influence of a force from an explosion within the space.

[0063] Four first engagement members 20 (e.g. the deformable plugs 20’) may for example be attached at inner surfaces of opposing lateral container walls 4, each at a position that is near to and aligned in a second direction Y with a second engagement member 34 provided at a nearby lateral receptacle wall 32. The first engagement members 20 may be attached to the inner side walls 4 of the safe 2 by known fixing methods e.g. bolting or brazing. The hinge 58 of the cage 31 is directly attached near the container opening 10 to the inner floor 6 of the safe 2 for example with bolts. Alternatively, the hinge 58 may be provided with an elongate connection plate (not shown) that is clamped and fitted along a front edge of the floor 6 of the safe 2. Other known methods for fixing the engagement members 20 and cage 31 on the interior of the safe 2 may also be used.

[0064] The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that alternative and equivalent embodiments of the invention can be conceived and reduced to practice, without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 valuables (e.g. precious objects, cash) 2 security container (e.g. safe, vault) 4 lateral container wall 6 container floor 8 top container wall 10 frontal container opening 12 frontal container door 16 rear container wall 18 rear container opening 20 first engagement member 20’ deformable engagement member (e.g. expandable plug) 21 stopper member 22 base 22a-b cylindrical shell 23 end surface 24 flange (e.g. collar) 25 main spring 26a-b (further) locking pin 27a-b locking spring 28a-b (further) borehole 29a-b (further) notch 30 receptacle 31 casing 32 lateral receptacle wall 33 bar engagement member 34 second engagement member 35 further second engagement member (e.g. bar flange) 36 laterally deformable wall portion 38 wall aperture 40 receptacle floor 42 receptacle cover 44 receptacle aperture 46 frontal receptacle wall 48 fluid transmitting screen (e.g. lattice, grill, reticulated area) 50 rear receptacle wall 52 solid back plate 54 resilient abutment member? (e.g. foam body, rubber block) 56 lateral expansion portion 57 receptacle opening 58 hinge 60 gripping bar 61 abutment surface 62 further abutment surface L projected bar length X first direction (e.g. longitudinal or insertion direction) Y second direction (e.g. lateral or transverse direction) Z third direction (e.g. vertical or further transverse direction) F force 0f cross-section (e.g. flange diameter) 0h further cross-section (e.g. hole diameter)

Claims

A safety container system for holding valuables (1), comprising: - a safety container (2) defining an inside, the safety container being provided on the inside with a first engaging member (20, 33); and - a holder (30) received on the inside of the safety container and enclosing a space for holding the valuables (1), the holder comprising a second engaging member (34, 35), and wherein the first engaging member and the second engagement member is adapted to transition from a mutually disconnected state to a permanently coupled state due to a force of an explosion within the space, the holder (30) being adapted to be movably received on the inside of the safety container (2), and wherein the movability of the holder relative to the safety container is limited in the permanently coupled state of the first engaging member (20, 33) and the second engaging member (34, 35) to prevent access to the space, and wherein the safety container (2) comprises a container opening (10), and wherein the container (30) is movable through the container opening and along a first direction (X) after out of the inside of the safety container.

A safety container system according to claim 1, wherein the holder (30) comprises a connecting member (58) for pivotally connecting the holder to the safety container (2) on the inside thereof, to allow the holder to rotate relative to the container around an axis perpendicular to the first direction (X), and wherein the rotatability of the container is limited in the permanently coupled state to prevent access to the space.

A safety container system according to any of claims 1-2, wherein the first engaging member (20) comprises a base (22) and a protruding edge (24) provided at a free end of the base, the second engaging member (34) having a wall portion (36) provided with an opening (38) for receiving the base and the edge in the permanently coupled state, and wherein a cross section (0h) of the opening (38) in the wall portion (36) is larger than a further cross section (0f) of the edge.

The safety container system of claim 3, wherein the wall portion (36) with the opening (38) is movable relative to a further portion of the container (30) and toward the first engaging member (20) due to the force.

A safety container system according to claim 4, wherein the movable wall portion (36) comprises a rigid material that due to the force becomes temporarily plastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the wall portion.

A safety container system according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the safety container (2) on the inside comprises at least two first engagement members (20) on inside sides of opposite container walls (4), and wherein the container (30) has two opposite container walls (32) which are each provided with a second engaging member (34) adapted to move in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (X) due to the force of the explosion acting on the container walls and towards a nearby first engaging member (20) if the container is received on the inside of the safety container, and resulting in the permanently coupled state.

A safety container system according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the holder (30) comprises a rod (60) extending between two rod engaging members (33) on an inside of opposite container walls (4), and extending along a further axis perpendicular to the first direction (X) if the holder is received on the inside of the safety container (2), the rod being provided with further engagement members (35) at both ends of the rod, and the rod being arranged to change a projected rod length (L) along the further axis as a result of the force, thereby switching from the uncoupled state to the permanently coupled state between the rod engaging members (33) and the further engaging members (35).

A safety container system according to claim 7, wherein each bar engaging member (33) comprises an outward stop surface (62), wherein each further engaging member (35) comprises an inward stop surface (61), and wherein the stop surfaces (61, 62) are arranged to from a decrease in projected bar length (L) to a clamped permanently coupled state.

A safety container system according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the container (30) comprises a front container wall (46) located near the container opening (10) if the container is included on the inside of the safety container (2), wherein the front container wall includes a fluid-permeable portion (48) for transferring a flow of fluid generated by the explosion within the space to an outside of the container to reduce the force on the front container wall.

A safety container system according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the container (30) comprises a rear container wall (50) located near a rear container wall (16) if the container is included on the inside of the safety container (2), wherein the rear container wall comprises a solid rear plate (52) for preventing a liquid flow generated by the explosion within the space to an outside of the container, to maximize the force on the rear container wall.

A safety container system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a base (22) of the first engaging member (20) comprises: - two base portions (22a, 22b) arranged telescopically along an extension direction (Y '), and - a biasing member ( 25) for exerting an expansion force on the two base portions along the direction of extension, so as to force the base portions apart.

The safety container system of claim 11, wherein the base portions (22a, 22b) comprise a locking member (26a) for holding the base portions in a fixed position relative to each other, and adapted to release the base portions when the force is on the first engaging member (20).

A holder (30) for receiving on the inside of a safety container (2) with a first engaging member (20, 33) on its inside, the holder enclosing a space for holding valuables (1) and a second engaging member ( 34, 35), and wherein the first engaging member is adapted to transition from a mutually uncoupled state to a permanently coupled state with the second engaging member due to a force of an explosion within the space, if the holder is received on the inside of the safety container, wherein the holder is adapted to be movably received on the inside of the safety container (2), and wherein the movability of the holder relative to the safety container is limited in order to limit access to the space if the first engaging member ( 20, 33) is in the permanently coupled state with the second engagement member (34, 35), and wherein the safety container (2) has a c container opening (10), wherein the holder is movable through the container opening and along a first direction (X) to and away from the inside of the safety container.

A holder (30) according to claim 13, comprising a connecting body (58) for pivotally connecting the holder to the safety container (2) on its inside, to allow the holder to rotate relative to the container about an axis which is perpendicular to the first direction (X), and wherein the rotatability is limited in the permanently coupled state to prevent access to the space.

A holder (30) as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the first engaging member (20) comprises a base (22) and a projecting edge (24) provided at a free end of the base, the second engaging member (34 ) comprises a wall portion (36) provided with an opening (38) for receiving the base and the edge in the permanently coupled state, and wherein a cross section (0h) of the opening (38) in the wall portion (36) is greater than a further cross-section (0f) of the edge.

Container (30) according to claim 15, wherein the wall portion (36) with the opening (38) is movable relative to a further portion of the container and towards the first engaging member (20) due to the force.

The container (30) according to claim 16, wherein the movable wall portion (36) comprises a rigid material which, due to the force, becomes temporarily plastically deformable in the direction perpendicular to the wall portion.

A container (30) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the safety container (2) comprises at least two first engagement members (20) on inner sides of opposite container walls (4), and wherein the container comprises two opposite container walls (32) comprises each having a second engaging member (34) adapted to move in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (X) and towards a second direction as a result of the force of the explosion exerted on the container wall nearby first engagement member, if the holder is included on the inside of the safety container, resulting in the permanently coupled state.

19. Holder (30) according to any of claims 13-18, comprising a rod (60) extending between two rod engaging members (33) provided on inner sides of opposite container walls (4), and extending along a further axis perpendicular is in the first direction (X) if the holder is received on the inside of the safety container (2), the rod being provided with further engagement members (35) at both rod ends, and wherein the rod is adapted to modify a projected bar length (L) along the further axis and thereby transition from the uncoupled state to the permanently coupled state between the bar engaging members and the further engaging members.

A holder (30) according to claim 19, wherein each rod engaging member (33) comprises an outwardly directed abutment surface (62), wherein each further second engagement means (35) comprises an inwardly directed abutment surface (61), and wherein the abutment surfaces are arranged due to a decrease in the projected bar length (L) to change into a clamped permanently coupled state.

A container (30) according to any of claims 13-20, wherein the container comprises a front container wall (46) located near the container door (12) if the container is received on the inside of the safety container (2), wherein the front container wall includes a fluid-permeable portion (48) for transferring a fluid stream generated by the explosion within the space to an exterior of the container to reduce the force on the front container wall.

A container (30) as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the container comprises a rear container wall (50) located near the rear container wall (16) if the container is received on the inside of the safety container, the rear container wall comprises a solid back plate (52) for preventing the flow of fluid generated by the explosion within the space to an outside of the space, in order to maximize the force on the rear container wall.

A method for modifying a safety container (2) defining an inside and including a container opening (10) for reaching the inside, the method comprising: - providing the safety container; - providing a holder (30) according to any of claims 13-22 on the inside of the safety container; - providing a first engaging member (20, 33) on the inside of the safety container, at a position near a second engaging member (34, 35) provided on the container, to allow the first engaging member and the second engaging member under the influence from a force of an explosion within the space to change from a mutually disconnected state to a permanently coupled state.

A method according to claim 23, wherein providing the first engaging member (20, 33) on the inside comprises: - providing at least two first engaging members (20) on inner sides of opposite lateral container walls (4), each at a position which is aligned near and in a second direction (Y) with a second engagement member (44) provided on a nearby lateral container wall (32), to allow each second engagement member to be movable in the second direction (Y) due to of the force generated by the explosion, and to transition from the mutually decoupled state to the permanently coupled state.

A package of parts for manufacturing a safety container system according to one of claims 1 to 12, or for manufacturing a holder (30) according to one of claims 13 to 22.