WO2011044634A1

WO2011044634A1 - Security locking mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2011044634A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/001365
Authority: WO
Inventors: Athol Kennedy
Original assignee: Covercom Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-10-16
Filing date: 2010-10-15
Publication date: 2011-04-21
Also published as: AU2010306412A1; AU2010306412B2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a security locking mechanism (10), in particular for use in high security underground infrastructure such as a communication cable pit (13). The locking mechanism (10) comprises a first lock encasement means (12) having lock activation means and a second communications pit (13) with a hatch (50) arranged to be locked and accommodating a locking means. The lock activation means and the locking means communicating, being spaced apart and connected together, by a lock shaft (30). The lock activation means having a restrainable lever member (14) reversibly moveable from a first locked position to a second open position. In the locked position a locking member (40) engages the hatch (50) with an anchor member (48) to secure the communication pit (13) against unauthorised entry. The security locking mechanism (10) is arranged such when the lock activation means is in a locked position a damaged lock shaft (30) will result in the locking means being permanently engaged.

Description

"SECURITY LOCKING MECHANISM"

The present invention relates to a security locking mechanism, in particular for use in high security underground infrastructure such as communication cable pits.

Electronic communications have become increasingly utilised in business and government. Typically communications cabling is supplied to a building or premise via underground conduits and is only accessible by an external communications pit hatch. Generally access to a communications pit is limited to workmen who maintain and repair the cabling. Typically such a communications cable pit hatch is designed to be heavy and may require specialised equipment in order to lift or remove the cover to gain access to the pit.

Much of the information accessible through the communication cabling from organisations is private and confidential in nature. Similarly, the communications across the cabling are generally crucial to the success of the business or organisation. Accordingly efforts to provide privacy and to prevent any sabotage or interference are considerable.

Any person capable of infiltrating a communications cable pit potentially has access to the information passing through the cables. This is of significant concern for sectors of high security such as for example government defence departments. Typically, existing communications cable pits have a locking mechanism fitted to the covers themselves and are secured and accessed by way of a trapdoor in the centre of a pit cover which arrangement only offers a low level of security.

The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages of previous trapdoor security designs.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a locking mechanism, for use in a high security underground infrastructure, comprising a proximal lock encasement means accommodating a lock activation means, and a distal communication cable pit having a hatch arranged to be engaged, the pit accommodating a locking means, the proximal lock encasement means and the distal pit being connected together and separated by a lock shaft having a longitudinal axis and a respective first proximal end and a second distal end, the lock shaft proximal end being in communication with the lock activation means, and the lock shaft distal end being secured to the locking means, wherein the lock activation means comprises a restrainable member reversibly movable from a first locked position to a second open position, and the locking means comprises a locking member arranged to reversibly engage the hatch of the communications pit.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of housing a security locking mechanism to reversibly lock a hatch of a communication pit within a plinth of the communication pit. The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the security locking mechanism of the present invention in a first locked position;

Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of the invention of Figure 1 in a second open position;

Figure 3 is an upper perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the security locking mechanism of the present invention in a first locked position;

Figure 4 is an upper perspective view of the invention of Figure 3 in a second open position; and

Figure 5 is an upper perspective view of the invention of Figures 3 and 4 in an open position.

Referring to the Figures, there is shown a security locking mechanism 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The locking mechanism comprises a first lock encasement means 12 having an internal portion defined by a depth and side wall members 32. The internal portion of the lock encasement means 12 is arranged to accommodate a lock activation means. In the present embodiment the lock activation means comprises a hasp lever 14 connected to a lock shaft 30 having a longitudinal axis. ,

As seen in Figures 1 and 2 the hasp lever 14 has an upper surface 24 and a lower surface (not shown). The hasp lever 14 has a length defined by a first end 15 and a second end 17. In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1 the hasp lever 14 is arranged to have a contoured upper surface 24 with a first lower portion adjacent the end 15 and a second raised portion adjacent the end 17. It is to be understood that the upper surface 24 is contoured so as, at least in part, to have a shape complementary to and extending about the lock shaft 30. The hasp lever 14 is reversibly movable from a first locked position as seen in Figure 1 to a second open position as seen in Figure 2.

The hasp lever 14 upper surface 24 is also provided with a handle 22. The handle 22 is positioned and dimensioned to be, in use, held manually by an operator so as to move the lever 14 between the first and second positions.

In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the hasp lever 14 further comprises side walls 16. The side walls 16 are arranged to extend upwardly from the upper surface 24. As seen in Figure 3 a preferred embodiment comprises a plurality of contoured walls 16 spaced around at least a lateral edge of the upper surface 24 and are arranged so as to restrict access to a restraining means.

In the preferred embodiments of the invention as shown in the Figures the lock encasement means 12 also provides for an upstanding secure staple member 28 having an orifice 29. While the hasp lever 14 is in the first locked position, as seen in Figure 1 and Figure 3, at least an upper portion of the staple member 28 passes through a complementary orifice 26 (Figures 1 & 4) in the hasp lever 14. In use the restraining means serves to restrain the hasp lever 14 in the locked position by engaging with the orifice 29. Preferably, the restraining means comprises a lockable device such as for example a padlock 41.

In a preferred embodiment as seen in Figure 3 the staple member 28 comprises a lower portion 27 extending at least in part outwardly of the lock encasement means 12 internal portion through an aperture 19 located on a bottom surface 18 of the lock encasement means 12. The lower portion 27 has provision of flanges 25 extending substantially beyond the dimensions of the aperture 19 and comprises at least one orifice 23. In use the lower portion 27 may be fixed to a secured member (not shown) such as for example a reinforcement member used in a plinth or wall of a typically concrete communications pit 13 in which the lock encasement means 12 is housed.

The lock shaft 30 is preferably a substantially solid substantially cylindrical member made of metal and passes through, at least in part, and pivots within orifices 34 (Figure 1) in opposing side walls 32 of the lock encasement means 12. In a preferred embodiment it is to be understood that the hasp lever 14 lower surface (not shown) is arranged to be fixedly attached to the lock shaft 30 between the side walls 32 such that by pulling on the handle 22 and moving the hasp lever 14 from the first locked position to the second open position the lock shaft 30 pivots about the longitudinal axis thereof.

The lock shaft 30 substantially passes through at least one orifice 34 located in a wall 32 of the lock encasement means 12 and extends to a locking means substantially located in a communications pit 13. Preferably a bush member 31 (see Figures 3 & 4) is arranged to sleeve at least a portion of the lock shaft 30. Preferably the bush member 31 substantially extends between the locking means and the wall 32 as can be seen in Figure 3. It is to be understood the bush member 31 protects the lock shaft and acts to inhibit any attempt to sever the lock shaft 30.

Other embodiments may comprise a lock shaft 30 substantially extending beyond both orifices 34 and arranged to communicate with a plurality of locking means.

In a preferred embodiment of the security locking mechanism 10 of the present invention there is provided locking means comprising a locking member 40 mounted to the lock shaft 30. In a preferred embodiment the locking member 40 is a substantially S-shaped cam member. As seen in Figures 1 & 2, the S-shaped cam member 40 has respective upper and lower outermost ends 42, 44 arranged to communicate respectively and simultaneously with a hatch pin 46 and an anchor pin 48 as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2. As seen in Figures 1 and 2 of the present invention, it is to be understood that the hatch pin 46 communicates with hatch 50 by any means such as a lug 52 or a hatch rim 54.

Preferably, as seen in Figure 1, a combination of a lug 52 and a hatch rim 54 is used to secure the hatch pin 46. It is further envisaged the hatch 50 may have a reinforced section 53 adjacent the hatch pin 46 and lugs 52 to inhibit any external access to the hatch pin 46 by using for example an angle grinder. Similarly the anchor pin 48 is arranged to be secured to a fixed member such as for example a communications pit 13 wall member 60 or a wall 32 of the lock 10. Preferably the anchor pin 48 further comprises a peripheral flange 49 as seen in Figures 3 and 4.

It is understood that alternate embodiments (not shown) of the present invention may have a lock shaft 30 arranged to be slidable. In such embodiment it is envisaged that upon movement of the lock activation means from a first engaged position to a second disengaged position the shaft 30 would slide axially, along the longitudinal axis, thereby disengaging communication between the hatch pin 46 and the anchor member

48.

In use, when access to the communications pit 13 is required an operator first goes to the lock encasement means 12 and removes any restraining means from the staple member 28 orifice 29. The operator then pulls the handle 22 and effects a pivoting of the hasp lever 14 thereby rotating of the lock shaft 30 about the longitudinal axis. The rotation of the lock shaft 30 causes the cam member 40 to rotate with the outermost ends 42, 44 becoming separated from, and thereby simultaneously disengaging, the respective hatch pin 46 and anchor pin 48 as illustrated in Figure 2.

As the cam member 40 is rotated a hatch lift member 45 is arranged to make contact with a lower surface of the hatch 50 and thereby raising it from its resting position. In use this allows an operator external to the pit 13 to be able to lift the hatch 50 from its resting position and gain access to the pit 13 without any need for an external handle on the hatch 50.

It is to be understood that the point of contact between the hatch lift member 45 and the hatch 50 may comprise a downwardly extending lug (not shown) arranged in use to align with the lift member 45.

It is to be understood that the lock encasement means 12 and the communications pit 13 are at respective proximal and distal ends of the lock shaft 30, and that in practice the two pits may be separated by a substantial distance. Further it is to be appreciated that a lock encasement means 12 may be positioned within a secured zone or housing whilst the communications pit 13 may be in a public area. Alternatively, the lock encasement means 12 may be housed within a wall, preferably a plinth of a wall, of the communications pit 13 and adjacent the hatch 50 to be secured.

Preferably the lock encasement means 12 may be housed in a plinth of a wall (not shown) of a communications pit 13 during initial fabrication of the communications pit 13. In such cases the lock encasement means 12 may have an external guard 54 (see Figures 3 & 4) extending outwardly from a sidewall 32 and arranged to protect at least the cam member 40 from coming into contact with, for example, wet concrete during the fabrication or installation process.

Alternatively, a lock encasement means 12 may be fitted retrospectively within a plinth of a communications pit 13. Preferably the lock encasement means 12 may have provision of an aperture 56 (see Figure 3) to avoid a collection of water and debris within the lock encasement means 12. Preferably the aperture is placed in a lower portion of the lock encasement means 12 to promote a simple gravity fed drainage.

It is envisaged the security locking mechanism 10 may be made of any high strength resilient material. Preferably the mechanism is made from a non-corrosive steel material though lighter plastics or alloys, or combinations thereof, could also be used.

In other embodiments of the security locking mechanism of the present invention a single lock encasement means 12 may be arranged to unlock a plurality of communications pits 13, hatches 50 or that by opening a single hatch 50 access is enabled to further security hatches (not shown).

In a preferred embodiment the lock encasement means 12 of the present invention comprises an upper lid 58 (Figure 5) arranged to substantially cover at least the lock activation means. Preferably, the upper lid 58 is arranged to rest on a lug 59 protruding into the internal space of the lock encasement means 12. In other embodiments the upper lid 58 may have provision of a further latching means (not shown) to secure the upper lid from inadvertent or accidental opening. The lid 58 may require a key to reversibly engage the latching means in order to open or close the lock encasement means 12 as desired by an authorised person. Preferably the lid 58 will be arranged to pivot about a hinge point by known means. It is to be understood that any man-made or natural occurrence resulting in sabotage or damage to the lock shaft 30 causing the lock encasement means 12 to be disconnected from the communications pit 13 would result in a default locked position with the cam member 40 remaining in an engaged communication with the hatch pin 46 and the anchor pin 48. In such an instance the only means of accessing the communications pit 13 would be to physically destroy the hatch 50 from the outside using, for example, an angle grinder or gas torch.

The Australian Federal Government provides testing to determine a security rating of locks, such as a T4 security test by the Security Construction and Equipment Committee. The security locking mechanism of the present invention has been tested and approved for security level 2 status

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A locking mechanism for use in security infrastructure, comprising a proximal lock encasement means accommodating a lock activation means, and a distal pit having a hatch arranged to be engaged, the pit accommodating a locking means; the lock encasement means and the pit being connected together and spaced apart by a lock shaft having a longitudinal axis, a first proximal end and a second distal end, the lock shaft proximal end being in communication with the lock activation means, the lock shaft distal end being secured to the locking means, wherein,

the lock activation means comprises a restrainable member reversibly movable from a first engaged position to a second disengaged position, and the locking means comprises a locking member arranged to reversibly engage with the hatch and an anchor.

2. A locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, the locking means is arranged to simultaneously engage with the hatch and the anchor such that in the event the lock shaft is disabled the hatch and anchor remain in engaged communication.

3. A locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the restrainable member comprises a hasp lever.

4. A locking mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the hasp lever comprises an orifice arranged to receive a staple member.

5. A locking mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the staple member comprises a generally upstanding upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the lock encasement means has an aperture in a bottom surface thereof arranged to receive the upper portion of the staple member.

6. A locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the lock shaft is rotatable.

7. A locking mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the locking member comprises a substantially S-shaped cam member mounted to the lock shaft and arranged to rotate therewith, the S-shaped cam member being arranged to substantially simultaneously engage with the hatch and the anchor.

8. A locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the hatch comprises a hatch pin fixed to the hatch and arranged to be reversibly engaged with a locking member.

9. A locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock shaft is arranged at least in part within a bush member.

10. A locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock encasement means comprises an aperture for draining of water.

1 1. A locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security infrastructure is underground.

12. A locking mechanism according to claim 1 1 , wherein the infrastructure comprises a communications pit.

13. A method of installing a locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises housing a lock encasement means accommodating a lock activation means within a wall or a plinth of a wall, of a pit having a hatch and accommodating a locking means wherein the lock encasement means and the pit are connected together and spaced apart by a lock shaft having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, the first lock shaft end being in communication with the lock activation means, the lock shaft second end being secured to the locking means, wherein the lock activation means comprises a restrainable member reversibly movable from a first engaged position to a second disengaged position, and the locking means comprises a locking member arranged to reversibly engage with the hatch and an anchor, wherein, the locking means is arranged to simultaneously engage with the hatch and the anchor such that in the event the lock shaft is disabled the hatch and anchor remain in engaged communication.