WO1998058149A1

WO1998058149A1 - A lock controlled multi-compartment storage and retrievable device

Info

Publication number: WO1998058149A1
Application number: PCT/AU1998/000469
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald John Murphy
Original assignee: Australian Postal Corporation Trading As Australia Post
Priority date: 1997-06-18
Filing date: 1998-06-18
Publication date: 1998-12-23
Also published as: AUPO742697A0

Abstract

There is provided a lock controlled multi-compartment storage and retrievable device which has a compartment carrier (11) having compartments. The compartments are supported relative to a cover which has an access opening which can sequentially be over respective compartments. The device has locking means (A, B, 41, 39) which is controllable by controlling means (64, 63) to release locking for permitting relative movement of the carrier (11) and the opening. The controlling means (64, 63) has a first mode of operation where a first movement can be implemented which is relative movement for the carrier (11) to the opening in one direction. It also has a second mode of operation where a second movement can be implemented which is relative movement of carrier (11) to the opening in the opposite direction. In a further example, it also has a third mode of operation where a third movement can be implemented which is relative movement of the carrier (11) to the opening so all the compartments can be accessed.

Description

A LOCK CONTROLLED MULTI-COMPARTMENT STORAGE AND RETRIEVABLE DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a lock controlled multi- compartment storage and retrievable device and relates particularly but not exclusively to such for storage of money.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Hitherto, in retail sales, cash registers can accumulate large amounts of money. This, in turn, invites robbery. In Post Offices and like establishments, robbery of cash occurs quite frequently and therefore needs careful consideration.

In order to attempt to combat this problem, there has been proposed storage boxes where money from cash registers can be deposited. Thus, as a cashier reaches a predetermined monetary amount in a cash register a response can be triggered to take a certain percentage of the cash and place it in this storage box. The storage box has a slot at the top through which bank notes can be deposited. The bank notes then fall to the bottom of the box out of reach by a robber or other personnel. The box is, in turn, securely fastened to the building. The box has a time lock which can only be opened after a set time. Typically the set time can be say 5 minutes after initial activation. Robbers are therefore deterred by the fact that it is necessary to wait the necessary time period before the box can be opened.

Several different types of such boxes have been used in the past. One particular device is known by the trade mark "THE TANK" . One form of such box simply has a time lock on a front door and is invoked each time the door is required to be opened. It is then necessary to await a set time period after activation of a key to open the door. In an enhanced version of the same device there are provided internal compartments with time locks as well. Thus, large denominations of money may be stored within the inner compartments . To obtain access to these compartments requires waiting a further time period after opening of the main door. Thus, in this embodiment, two time delays are required to be invoked for access to large amounts of money.

In recent times, certain organisations require quick access to large amounts of money in order to make large cash payouts to customers. This is becoming increasingly more common with the advent of EFTPOS facilities at various establishments such as supermarket check-outs. In the Post Office environment, Post Offices are now conducting banking and thus it is sometimes necessary to produce relatively large amounts of cash without delay for particular customers requirements. It is not in the interest of such establishments to keep a customer waiting for the set time period of the time lock box in order to retrieve the necessary cash for such relatively large payments.

Thus, whilst the prior art time lock cash boxes have been successful in minimising armed robberies they have limited functionality in view of the recent trends in the market place.

OBJECT AND STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to attempt to overcome this problem

Therefore, according to a first broad aspect of the present invention there may be provided a lock controlled multi-compartment storage and retrievable device, said device having a compartment carrier having multi- compartments arranged in a sequential order, means supporting said carrier relative to a compartment access opening in a cover which covers all compartments except one, said means supporting permitting relative movement of said carrier and said cover so said opening can be aligned relative to individual compartments in a sequential manner, and locking means locking said carrier and said opening so an individual compartment can be in aligned relationship, said locking means being controllable by controlling means to release locking and for permitting relative movement of said carrier and said opening, said controlling means having an initial mode of operation where two movements can be made: a first movement permitting relative movement of said carrier to said opening in one direction so said opening is over only a next adjacent compartment in said direction, a second movement permitting relative movement of said carrier to said opening in the opposite direction so said opening is only over a next adjacent compartment in the opposite direction, each compartment enabling items to be stored therein and retrieved therefrom by passing through said opening according to the modes of operation of said controlling means.

It is particularly preferred that a device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said controlling means has a third mode of operation where a third movement can be made which permits relative movement of said carrier to said cover so said all of said compartments can be accessed.

It is particularly preferred that when all said compartments are accessed said opening is sequentially over each of said compartments.

It is particularly preferred that said controlling means provide three separate controlling functions where a first controls the initiating of said first mode, a second controls the initiating of said second mode, and a third controls the initiating of said third mode.

It is also particularly preferred that there be time delay means associated with at least the second and third modes of operation so that respective time delays from time delay means be involved after operation of said control means before there can be relative movement of said carrier and said cover.

It is also preferred that there be a time delay means associated with the first mode of operation. It is also particularly preferred that said carrier have a circular configuration with the compartments arranged around the circumference.

It is particularly preferred that said carrier be drum like with the compartments arranged around the outer circumference.

It is further particularly preferred that said control means electrically operate solenoid means which causes locking means engaging said carrier to be disengaged to permit each of the modes of operation to be selectively implemented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention can be more clearly ascertained an example of a preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the device.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view from the left hand side of Figure 1 with the side cover removed.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the right hand side of Figure 1 with the side cover removed.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 2. Figure 5 is an enlarged detailed view showing a cam controlling movement of components in the device.

Figure 6 is a view similar to that of Figure 5 showing a further cam.

Figure 7 is a logical functional flow diagram of operation of the device and

Figure 8 is a block schematic diagram of electric circuitry of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring firstly to Figures 1, 2 and 3 it can be seen that the device 1 has a case 3 which may be of sheet steel or the like. The case 3 has an opening 5 through which cash including bank notes can be inserted and or withdrawn. The opening 5 extends over a front face 7 of the casing and also over a side face 9. Figure 3 shows the extent of the opening 5. Thus, items such as money can pass through the opening 5 so that they can be stored within the casing, and retrieved therefrom by again passing through the opening 5.

The casing 3 can therefore be considered as a cover for the compartments 15.

Mounted within the casing 3 is a carrier 11 which, in this embodiment, is drum like. Thus, the carrier 11 is circular. The carrier 11 has a central axle 13 which is suitably journaled in journals 10 within the casing 3 on mounting brackets 12 and 14 so that the carrier 11 can rotate about the axle 13. The carrier 13 has multi- compartments 15 thereon - see Figure 3. These are arranged in a sequential order on the carrier 11 and have not been shown in Figures 1 and 2 to add clarity of those Figures . In other words, the compartments are arranged side by side. In the embodiment shown, the compartments are formed by radially extending panels 17 which extend outwardly from collar 19. It can also be seen by inspecting Figures 2 and 3 that the cover 11 has a side face 21 on one side and an open side face on the other side. Thus, the radially extending panels 17 provide a series of compartments 15 which can be accessible through the opening 5 from the front face 7 and/or the side face 9. In the embodiment shown, there are 30 compartments 15. The opening 5 is sized to correspond with the size of the individual compartments 15. Thus, when a compartment 15 is aligned with the opening 5, the cover 3 covers all compartments except the one aligned with the opening 5.

Referring now to Figure 4 there is shown an enlarged view of part of Figure 2. Here, a worm wheel 23 is locked onto the axle 13. A shaft 25 is mounted transverse to the central axis of the axle 13 in a bearings 26 (see Figure 2) mounted on mounting bracket 14. The axle 25 protrudes from the front face 7 to enable attachment of a carrier movement initiating means (not shown in Figure 4) . The carrier movement initiating means comprises a manually operable wheel 31 (see Figures 1, 2 and 3) . The axle 25 carries a further worm screw thread gear 33. The worm wheel 23 and the gear 33 engage and rotation of the axle 25 by the wheel 31 causes the carrier 11 to rotate either clockwise or anticlockwise depending on the direction of rotation of the axle 25. In the embodiment described, a single rotation of axle 25 indexes the carrier 11 12° and therefore the ratios of the gears 23 and 33 are suitably chosen to permit this required angular rotation. It should be appreciated that 12° represents the required angular displacement of the carrier 11 to effect movement of one compartment 15 from the opening 5 so that the next compartment 15 is aligned therewith.

The axle 25 carries a cam 35 which operates with a pair of micro-switches 37. The cam 35 and the micro- switches 37 cooperate with each other such that on a single rotation of axle 25 the micro-switches will move from one state to another state and back to the original state.

This is used to signify the single rotation of axle 25 and the angular movement of carrier 11 of 12°.

The axle 25 carries two further cams 39 and 41 which are used to lock the shaft 25 and to permit it to move either clockwise or anticlockwise. Such controlling is effected by solenoid plungers B and A.

Figures 5 and 6 show the arrangements . If Figure 5 is considered it can be seen that the cam 41 has a step shoulder means 47 and a surface 49 which smoothly terminates with the outer generally circular shape surface 51. The solenoid plunger 43 has a solenoid finger 53 which is normally spring biased downwardly to the position shown so that it locates behind the step 47. In this condition, the shaft 25 can only rotate in the anticlockwise direction as shown until finger 53 is retracted.

Figure 6 is generally identical to that of Figure 5 except that the step shoulder means 55 and the surface 57 are oppositely arranged. Thus, the finger 59 of the solenoid plunger 45 allows the shaft 25 to rotate only in a clockwise direction as shown until finger 59 is retracted. When both fingers 53 and 59 are in the extended positions as shown locating behind the respective steps 47 and 55, the shaft 25 is locked for both clockwise and anticlockwise directions of rotation. By operation of one of the solenoid plungers, one of the fingers 53 or 59 can be raised above the step 47 or 55. This, in turn, will allow rotation of the shaft 25 in one direction only. By utilising this feature it is possible to implement various modes of operation such that the carrier 11 and the opening 5 can be moved relative to one another in one direction or the opposite direction. This, in turn, can be used for controlled positioning of compartments 15 relative to the opening 5.

In the examples shown a first mode of operation is contemplated which permits:

A first movement which permits relative movement of the carrier 11 to said cover in one direction so that the opening 5 will be over a following or next adjacent compartment 15 in that direction until operated again.

A second mode of operation is contemplated which permits : A Second movement which permits relative movement of the carrier to said cover 3 in the opposite direction so that opening is over only a next adjacent compartment 15, in the opposite direction, until operated again.

There is also shown a third mode of operation which permits movement of said carrier 11 to said cover 3 so said opening 5 can be sequentially over each of the openings 15. The three modes of operation are respectively entered by providing respective electrical signals to electric circuitry for controlling the device. In this example the controlling means is shown as a keypad 63 which is shown in Figure 1 as having twelve keypads . The keypads are numbered 1 through 0 and also have a * key and a # key. Instead of using a keypad switch device, discrete switches such as key switches may be used. Any other way of activating each of the modes 3 can also be implemented. Thus, a unique code is provided for mode 1 and this will be referred to as code A. A second unique code is provided for the second mode and this is referred to as code B. Similarly, a unique code is provided for the third mode of operation and this is referred to as code C. Typically, the code is a four digit number. Mounted directly above the keypad 63 are five LED devices designated as R, Yl, Gl, Y2, and G2. The R LED is coloured red, the Gl and G2 LEDs are coloured green and the Yl and Y2 LEDs coloured yellow. These are used for signifying particular modes of operation of the device and an audio beeper in the form of a piezo device is also provided to give audible signals representing particular actions within the device. This has not been shown in Figures 1 through 3 but is provided on a circuit board 64 containing the electric circuitry. The electric circuitry is mounted on the board 64 (see Figure 2) which, in turn, is mounted on the mounting bracket (14).

A reset switch in the form of a key switch 66 is provided to do two things. Firstly, it will enable the device to be switched off and secondly it will enable a resetting of the electric circuitry. Thus, in the evening after a days trading, the device can be put into a non operative mode by appropriately switching the key switch 66. The key can then be removed and retained in a place of security. If desired, the key of the key switch 66 may be removed during normal day to day operation of the device and held in a place of security. Thus, if the device needs resetting the key can be retrieved. The device is provided with four timers each controlled by the electric circuitry. These timers are as follows .

Tl which is set to some convenient time such as 1 minute and is provided as a time-out feature before the device is made ready for operation after activation of the key switch 66. This provides a safe time period in the event that someone believes they can deactivate power and fool the internal timing logic, thus, maintaining a 1 minute period of security before keypad codes can be entered.

T2 which is set to some nominal time such as 0.5 seconds and represents the activation time in the first and second modes of operation to enable the respective solenoid fingers 53 or 59 to be retracted for the time period.

Thus, if the control knob 31 is not rotated within the time period T2 then the respective fingers 53 or 59 return to the position shown in Figures 5 and 6 and prevent rotation of the control knob 31. T3 which is set to some nominal time period such as

10 minutes which has an initial delay period before the device is set into the third mode of operation.

T4 which is set at some other convenient time period such as 15 minutes which retains the solenoid fingers 53 or 59 retracted to enable sequential movement of each of the compartments 15 to pass the opening 5. Thus, at the end of this time period if all the openings have not been accessed, then the solenoid fingers are extended thus locking further movement of the carrier 11. Figure 7 shows the functionality of operation of the device. The software flow diagram is self-explanatory for each of the first, second and third modes of operation represented as code A, code B, and code C respectively. The R LED is arranged to pulse ON and OFF during operation of the device to provide an indication of correct power supply to the electric circuitry. Yl LED is programmed to indicate that timer Tl is timing. LED Gl is programmed to indicate that timer T2 is timing. LED Y2 is programmed to indicate that timer T3 is timing. LED G2 is programmed to indicate that timer T4 is timing.

The beeper provides audible announcements as follows. 1 beep is signalled if a key of the keypad 63 is depressed or if the timer Tl has elapsed or that a program mode is an IN or OUT function; 5 beeps represents an error signal such as an incorrect code, key sequence cancelled and key sequence time-out; and 2 beeps represent a correct key code sequence has been entered. Typically, if a code is being entered and is not completed in a period of say 4 seconds the device will sound an error beep and return to a start entry condition for code entry.

Referring now to Figure 8 there is shown a block schematic diagram of the electric circuitry of the device. The circuitry is basically in two pieces having one part mounted on the circuit board 64 and the other part being the keypad 63 and the LEDs Yl, Gl, Y2 and G2, and the piezo beeper. The two units being the circuit board 64 and the keypad 63 with the LEDs and piezo beeper are supplied with ribbon interconnecting cable. The first, second and third mode passwords and the time delay values and programming passwords are all programmable and their values are permanently stored in non volatile memory in EEPROM type 9346.

A test and a set-up mode for initial test and setup is also provided. The circuitry has three inputs as shown. Input 1 is the input from the key switch 66. Input 2 connects with one of the micro-switches 37, and input 3 connects with the other of the micro-switches 37. The circuit has two outputs which are shown being for supplying power to solenoid A, and to solenoid B. The circuitry also has an RS232 input/output connector and this can be connected to a programming tool such as a PC or terminal by entering appropriate codes for the integrated circuit device 68HC705C8A as shown. The computer interfaces with the integrated circuit device through an RS232 converter type MAX232 which converts digital levels to and from the RS232 levels. The appropriate programming commands can be entered for various password changes, timer changes and other functions known to programmers. The circuitry is powered through a 5 volt regulator type 7805 and a voltage brown out device DS1233. All transistors shown are type BC548.

Modifications may be made to the invention as would be apparent to persons skilled in the arts of security boxes and storage devices. For example, instead of having the carrier 11 as a circular carrier where the compartments 15 rotate, the carrier 11 may be an elongate carrier where the compartments 15 slide from side to side with the carrier 11. In an alternative arrangement, the carrier 11 may slide vertically up and down relative to a cashier. Alternatively, it may be arranged to slide transversely backwards and forwards across a cashiers desk. In another example similar to that described for the preferred example, the axle 13 may extend upright instead of horizontally. In such an arrangement the carrier 11 and compartments 15 can be considered similar to a drawer. In this arrangement the device can be mounted so that opening 15 is in a top surface of a desk or service counter rather than in the preferred example where it is intended to be mounted so it is accessible from under a desk or service counter.

In order to provide enhanced operation of the device where the device is permitted to rotate only one complete revolution representing that all of the compartments 15 are full, two sensor devices 75 and 77 (see

Figure 2) can be mounted on the mounting bracket 14. The carrier 11 can then contain an upstanding arm which interacts with the respective sensors 75 and 77 when it is angularly aligned therewith. The two sensors 75 and 77 are spaced apart no greater than 15° which represents the spacing of one compartment. The upstanding arm (not shown) on the carrier 11 can be arranged to be say at said sensor 75 at the start of operation of the device. This could represent the position where the last compartment 15 has been emptied during a preceding day or period of use of the device. When the arm eventually moves to a position where it is angularly aligned with sensor 77, representing a complete rotation, the circuitry can be caused to lock further operation of the carrier 11 for exposing further and loaded compartments 15 to the opening 5. In other words, the compartments 15 can be emptied but no further compartments can be loaded. The electric circuitry may provide appropriate inputs for this purpose and the software functionality can be modified to include this feature. Other arrangements are possible.

Whilst a manually operable wheel 31 is provided to effect movement of the carrier 11, it should be appreciated that electrically driven means may be implemented. In this case, a control button or the like may be provided on the case 3 to initiate such movement . In a further embodiment, by activating modes 1, 2 or 3 such movement may be automatically initiated. It is felt however, that automatic initiation is not preferable owing to the fact that a persons fingers may be in a compartment 15 during the movement of compartments 15 past the opening 5. This therefore represents a potential hazardous situation and is not particularly preferred.

These and other modifications may be made without departing from the ambit of the invention the nature of which is to be determined from the aforegoing description.

Claims

1. A lock controlled multi-compartment storage and retrievable device, said device having a compartment carrier having multi-compartments arranged in a sequential order, means supporting said carrier relative to a compartment access opening in a cover which covers all compartments except one, said means supporting permitting relative movement of said carrier and said cover so said opening can be aligned relative to individual compartments in a sequential manner, and locking means locking said carrier and said opening so an individual compartment can be in aligned relationship, said locking means being controllable by controlling means to release locking and for permitting relative movement of said carrier and said opening, said controlling means having a first mode of operation where a first movement can be made: a first movement permitting relative movement of said carrier to said opening in one direction so said opening is over only a next adjacent compartment in said direction said controlling means having a second mode of operation where a second movement can be made, a second movement permitting relative movement of said carrier to said opening in the opposite direction so said opening is only over a next adjacent compartment in the opposite direction, each compartment enabling items to be stored therein and retrieved therefrom by passing through said opening according to the modes of operation of said controlling means.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said controlling means has a third mode of operation where a third movement can be made which permits relative movement of said carrier to said cover so said all of said compartments can be accessed.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein when all of said compartments are accessed said opening is sequentially over each of said compartments .

4. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said controlling means provides three separate controlling functions where a first controls the initiating of said first mode, a second controls the initiating of said second mode, and a third controls the initiating of said third mode.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said controlling means is a keypad entry means with a unique code for each of said modes.

6. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein there is time delay means associated with at least the second and third modes of operation so that respective time delays from time delay means be involved after operation of said control means before there can be relative movement of said carrier and said cover.

7. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is a time delay means associated with the first mode of operation.

8. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said carrier has a circular configuration with the compartments arranged around the circumference.

9. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said carrier is drum like with the compartments arranged around the outer circumference.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said control means can electrically operate solenoid means which causes locking means engaging said carrier to be disengaged to permit each of the modes of operation to be selectively implemented.

11. The device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said carrier is moveable by means of operation of an axle carrying a worm screw thread which engages with a worm wheel carried on an axle supporting said drum.

12. The device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said axle carrying a worm screw thread passes through said cover.

13. The device as claimed in claim 10 wherein said locking means include solenoid operated finger means which engage behind step shoulder means carried on said axle carrying a worm screw thread.

14. The device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said locking means includes two cam means carried by said axle carrying a worm screw thread and wherein said solenoid operated finger means include two respective fingers independently operable, the step shoulder means on one cam means preventing rotation of said axle carrying a worm screw thread in one direction when engaged behind said shoulder means and the other cam means preventing rotation of said axle carrying a worm screw thread in the opposite direction when engaged behind said shoulder means.

15. The device as claimed in claim 14 including an electronic circuit means for controlling operation of said solenoid operated fingers .

16. The device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said electric circuit means is operatively connected with said controlling means.

17. The device as claimed in claim 16 when dependent on claim 6 or claim 7 wherein said time delay means is an electric time delay means in said electric circuit means.