WO2014131899A2

WO2014131899A2 - Receptacle for valuable articles, in particular diamonds, other precious stones or beads

Info

Publication number: WO2014131899A2
Application number: PCT/EP2014/053992
Authority: WO
Inventors: Prof. Thomas GERLACH
Original assignee: Id-Diamonds Gmbh
Priority date: 2013-02-28
Filing date: 2014-02-28
Publication date: 2014-09-04
Also published as: WO2014131899A3; DE102013203462A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a receptacle (10) for valuable articles (16), in particular for diamonds, other precious stones, balls or beads, comprising a base plate (12) which has an upper (18) and a lower side (20), at least one recess (14) provided on the base plate (12) for receiving a valuable article (16), and a cover plate (22) arranged on the upper side (20) of the base plate (12), characterized in that an electrically conductive means (38) having a characteristic resistance is arranged between the base plate (12) and the cover plate (22).

Description

Receptacle for valuables, in particular for diamonds, other gemstones or pearls

The invention relates to a receptacle for valuables, in particular for diamonds, other gems, pearls, or the like. Such a receptacle may have a base plate with a top and a bottom, wherein in the base plate at least one recess may be provided for receiving a corresponding valuable item. On the top of the base plate while a cover plate can be provided.

Such receptacles are previously known for example from WO 90/07288 or DE 30 19 757. In these prior art receptacles is thus provided that the object is fully enclosed circumferentially and captively arranged in the receptacle. Likewise, the securing of a package by means of an antenna circuit is previously known from DE 602005001159. The securing of a valuable container, which is formed from a fiber composite material, by means of individual control fibers is previously known from DE 102011056605.

The present invention has for its object to provide a receptacle of the type mentioned, from which the object can be safely absorbed.

This object is achieved by a receptacle with the features of claim 1. Upon manipulation of the area between the base plate and cover plate, and in particular when attempting to separate the base plate from the cover plate, the resistance of the conductor means changes. Upon detection of a predetermined or predefinable deviation between the respective current and the deposited resistance, a corresponding signal can be triggered. This indicates that the container is being manipulated or damaged.

The electronic unit with a measuring device can be designed so that the resistance is measured continuously or in particular at regular intervals, for example one or more times per minute. The measurement of the resistance at intervals has the advantage that the energy consumption can be kept very low.

The respective measured resistance value is then compared with a stored resistance value, a reference value. The reference value can for example be measured once immediately after filling and permanent detachment of the container and then deposited indelible and unmanipulatable.

The conductor means may be thread-like and preferably extend in the edge region between the base plate and cover plate. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the conductor means is formed like a net and preferably extends over the entire area between the base plate and cover plate. However, it is also conceivable that the conductor means is formed flat or foil-like and also preferably extends over the entire area between the base plate and cover plate. The conductor means is also preferably only one layer directly provided between the base plate and cover plate.

Consequently, if the base plate and / or cover plate manipulated, for example, in a release of the base plate from the cover plate or when drilling through the base plate and the cover plate, this can be detected by a change in the characteristic resistance of the conductor means and optionally reported according to the invention.

The conductor means can be painted on the base plate and / or the cover plate, printed or vapor-deposited. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the conductor means is placed between the base plate and cover plate. In addition, an adhesive layer between base plate and cover plate may be provided in particular.

The receptacle further preferably has an electronic unit with a non-volatile memory, in which the characteristic resistance (reference value) of the conductor means is stored in non-manipulated container.

The non-volatile memory can not be overwritable, in particular once the value-object-specific data has been stored once. This stored value can then be compared, for example, to check whether the container has been manipulated with a resistance to be measured. In case of deviation of the deposited resistance with the measured resistance, it can be recognized that a manipulation has occurred.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that value-object-specific data are stored in the non-volatile memory. As a result, for example, type, weight, size, quality, etc. of the valuables housed in the container can be stored in the memory. Because the memory is not volatile and in particular can not be overwritten, it is not possible to change the stored data once it has been stored.

It is also conceivable that a computer program for the management of the nonvolatile memory, for the measurement of the characteristic resistance and for comparing the measured resistance with the stored characteristic resistance (reference value) is provided in the nonvolatile memory.

The electronics unit can also have an interface for connection to a data processing system. The interface can be a contact point or a radio transmitter / receiver.

It is also conceivable that the container or the electronics unit, sensors, in particular a GPS sensor, has to be able to determine the respective current location of the receptacle.

Preferably, the base plate has a receptacle for the electronics unit, so that the electronics unit, optionally in a separate housing, may be attached to the base plate.

It is furthermore advantageous if the at least one recess engages through the base plate in such a way that the at least one recess encloses a first cross-sectional area on the upper side of the base plate and that the at least one recess has a constriction which encloses a second cross-sectional surface running parallel to the upper side of the base plate wherein the first cross-sectional area is greater than the second cross-sectional area.

Valuables are manageable items of comparatively high financial value, such as diamonds, other gems, pearls, objects made of precious metals or metal alloys. The geometry of the valuables is in particular such that the valuables have differently sized cross-sectional areas with a maximum cross-sectional area along their longitudinal extent. The valuables in this case provide an upper part and / or lower part above and / or below the region with the maximum cross-sectional area. The items to be included in the container are therefore not cylindrical.

Even if the male object to be accommodated is not cylindrical and has a region with a maximum cross-sectional area and an upper and / or lower part, and the maximum cross-sectional area of the valuable article is greater than the second cross-sectional area and smaller than the first cross-sectional area, a Such valuable item in the recess when arranged on the base plate cover plate captive in the receptacle are arranged. Since the at least one recess engages through the base plate, it is still possible to contact the valuable item from the underside of the base plate for an identification or authenticity check.

The distance between the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area is preferably selected such that it is at least slightly larger than the height of the upper part-if one is present-which is above the maximum cross-sectional area of the valuable article.

Preferably, a plurality of recesses are provided, in particular 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12.

The at least one valuable article may in particular be designed as a polyhedron, for example as a regular tetrahedron, as a double tetrahedron, as a pyramid with a polygonal or round base, as a hexahedron or as an octahedron. In the event that gems are used as valuables, this may be formed as rough gemstones or as ground precious, in particular using known smooth or facet cuts, each with top, bottom and Rundist. The valuables can also have round shapes, be spherical or spherical section-like and / or be oval or oval.

In particular, when diamonds or other gems are used as valuables, an identity or authenticity check can be made by measuring the thermal resistance of the object of value.

Such a receptacle also has the advantage that the provision of only two plates, namely the base plate and the cover plate, may be sufficient to accommodate the one or more valuables. The least a valuable item is then in the recess of the base plate and we covered by the cover plate. In contrast, in the prior art, far more components are required to safely receive an object protected.

Advantageously, it is provided that the second cross-sectional area is in the region between the upper side and the lower side of the base plate. The bottleneck can be formed by a radially inwardly protruding material accumulation or constriction in the region of the recess.

However, it is advantageous if the second cross-sectional area is located on the lower side of the base plate, that is to say lies in the plane of the lower side.

The recess may preferably be formed rotationally symmetrical and / or truncated cone. A concrete geometry of the recess can be predetermined by the geometry of the male object of value. It is conceivable that the recess is frustoconical. In the event that a diamond is used as the object of value, the angle of the truncated cone can correspond to the corresponding grinding angle of the diamond. In the event that the object of value is, for example, a bead, it is conceivable that the recess is embodied in the manner of a spherical section, wherein the diameter of the spherical section can be predetermined by the diameter of the bead to be picked up.

It is advantageous if the cover plate and / or the base plate are transparent. It has been shown that highly transparent acrylic glass is particularly suitable.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cover plate is permanently connected to the base plate, in particular joined materially. Such joining can be done for example by gluing or welding, in particular ultrasonic welding. Of course, the joining takes place only when the at least one valuable item is inserted into the at least one recess.

In addition to the cohesive connection of the cover plate, or alternatively, it is conceivable that the cover plate is joined to the base plate by means of at least one screw head and a screw nut having screw connection. Preferably, two or more screw connections are used. The screw can additionally be joined cohesively, in particular by after the screwing of the screw head in the nut hardening adhesive. As a result, a non-detachable screw connection can be realized.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the screw head and / or the nut has an identification code, in particular a laser-marked identifier. As a result, the receptacle can be marked, the mark can not be changed or removed non-destructively.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the screw head and / or the nut is formed like a sleeve or blind hole for reaching through or engaging a presentation means. As a result, the container can be put on display, for example, on a slide or a stele. It is also conceivable that in particular in a sleeve-like design, the receptacle can be supported by a chain.

To illustrate a manipulation is conceivable that on the base plate and / or the cover plate at least in sections, only by UV irradiation visible to the human eye expectant painting or printing is provided. The paint or printing can represent a pattern, a symbol, text or the like. In particular, when the painting or printing between the base plate and the cover plate is provided, it is conceivable that in an attempt to loosen the base plate of the cover plate, the paint or printing is damaged, which is then visible under UV light.

In order to protect the underside of the base plate from which the valuables are accessible, it is conceivable that a protective plate for releasable arrangement is provided on the underside of the base plate. The protective plate can be held, for example via a magnetic, releasable holding device on the base plate, or arranged on the base plate electronics unit. The protective plate can in particular be designed individually. It can be for example on plastic and / or stone. It may include electronic components, such as a display or location sensor.

Further details and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description, by means of which embodiments of the invention are described and explained in detail.

Show it:

Figure 1 shows an inventive receptacle in an exploded view;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the container of Figure 1 from above obliquely;

Figure 3 is a view of the container according to Figure 2 obliquely from below;

Figure 4 is a unit of base plate, cover plate and electronic unit of the receptacle of Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows the protective plate of the receptacle according to Figure 2;

FIG. 6 shows the underside of the cover plate according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows the upper side of the base plate according to FIG. 1;

Figure 8a), b),

c) and d) different geometries of recess of a base plate;

Figure 9a) and

b) two different valuables.

The receptacle 10 shown in the figures comprises a base plate 12, in which a total of ten recesses 14 for receiving valuables in the form of ten diamonds 16 are provided.

The diamonds are, as shown in Figure 9 b) enlarged, ground in facet cut. They have an upper part 16. 1, a lower part 16. 2 and a circular strip 16. 3 lying between the upper part 16. 1 and the lower part 16. Instead of diamonds, polished gemstones 16 can also be included in the smooth-edged, for example in FIG. 9a), which also have an upper part 16.1 and a lower part 16.2 and a round 16.3.

The base plate 12 provides an upper side 18 and a lower side 20 and has a thickness d. The thickness d is chosen so that it is at least slightly larger than the height of the upper part 16.1 and the round 16.3, which provides the maximum cross-sectional area.

After inserting the diamonds 16 with the respective lower part 16.2 first into the respective recesses 14, a cover plate 22 is arranged on the upper side of the base plate 12, ie above the respective upper part 16.1 of the diamonds. The arrangement is insoluble. The base plate 12 and the cover plate 14 may for example be made of a highly transparent acrylic glass, which are joined together by a welded and / or glued connection. In this case, the recesses 14 are in particular such that the diamonds 16 are arranged with comparatively great play in them, so that they can easily move therein.

The recesses 14 are formed conical or truncated cone, wherein they pass through the base plate 12, as is particularly clear from Figure 7. At the top 18 of the base plate 12, the recesses 14 each enclose a first cross-sectional area 24 with a diameter d _1. Due to the conical or frustoconical design of the recesses 14, the recesses 14 on the bottom 20 of the base plate 12 each have a constriction 26 which enclose a cross-sectional area 28 with a diameter d ₂ .

Since the diamonds 16 in the region of the round 16.3 have a maximum diameter d ₃ , which is greater than the diameter d ₂ and smaller than the diameter d ₁ , the diamonds 16 can be stored captive in the recesses 14. Nevertheless, it is possible to contact the diamonds 16 from the underside 20 of the base plate 12, in particular to identify them or check their authenticity.

In FIGS. 8a) to d), longitudinal sections through different recesses 14 in a base plate 12 are shown, wherein corresponding components are identified by corresponding reference numerals. In Figure 8a), the recesses 14, according to Figures 1 to 7, formed frustoconical. The recess 14 has on the upper side a first cross-sectional area 24 with a diameter d ₁ and on its underside a second cross-sectional area 28 with a diameter d ₂ , wherein the cross-sectional area 24 is greater than the cross-sectional area 28 or the diameter d _{1 is} larger as the diameter d ₂ . The pressure gauge d _{3 of} the diamond 16 in the region of the round strip is larger than the diameter d ₂ and smaller than the diameter d ₁ .

In Figure 8b) is shown as a valuable object, a golden ball or bead 16, which is housed in a recess 14. The recess 14 is rotationally symmetrical and has on the upper side 18 of the base plate 12 a first cross-sectional area 24 with a diameter d ₁ and on the underside 20 of the base plate 12 a second cross-sectional area 28 with the diameter d ₂ . The cross-sectional area 24 with the diameter d ₁ is greater than the cross-sectional area 28 with the diameter d ₂ . The maximum diameter d _{3 of} the valuable article 16 is slightly smaller than the diameter d ₁ and larger than the diameter d ₂ .

In Figure 8c), a recess 14 is shown, in which a constriction 26 is provided in the form of a constriction 32, which is not in the plane of the bottom 20 of the base plate 12. The diameter d ₂ of the constriction 26 enclosed cross-sectional area 28 is smaller than the diameter d ₁ at the top 18 of the base plate 12. The diameter d _{3 of} the shown in Figure 8c) valuables 16 is greater than the diameter d ₂ and smaller as the diameter d ₁ .

FIG. 8d) shows a recess 14 which is similar to the recess 14 according to FIG. 8c). Again, a constriction 26 is shown in the form of a constriction 32, wherein the cross-sectional area 28 in the region of the constriction 26 has a diameter d ₂ , which is smaller than the diameter d _{1 of} the recess 14 at the top 18 of the base plate 12. The diameter d _{3 of} the object of value 14 is greater than the diameter d ₂ and smaller than the diameter d ₁ .

By arranging the cover plate 22 on the upper side of the base plate 12 different valuables 16 can thus be arranged captively in different recesses 14 as long as the respective recess 14 passes through the base plate 12 and the recess 14 at the top 18 of the base plate 12 has a first cross-sectional area 24 with diameter d ₁ greater than a second cross-sectional area 28 at a throat 26.

Nevertheless, the valuables 16 can be contacted for identification or authentication.

As is apparent in particular from FIG. 4, the cover plate 22 is additionally joined to the base plate 12 by means of two screw connections 32, which each consist of a screw head 34 and a nut 36.

The base plate 12 and the cover plate 22 provide grip recesses 37 into which the screw heads 34 and the nuts 36 engage.

Advantageously, this is a screw connection 32 which, in addition, is secured by material engagement, for example by a corresponding adhesive connection, so that loosening of the screw connection 32 after curing of the adhesive connection is no longer possible. In particular, one of the screw heads 34 may provide a laser inscription with which the receptacle 10 may be identified for its identification.

The screw heads 34 and the nuts 36 are sleeve-shaped, so that they can be penetrated by presentation means.

Between the base plate 12 and the cover plate 22 may be at least partially provided only by UV irradiation visible to the human eye expectant painting or printing. Such a coating or printing can be arranged so that in a deliberate release of the cover plate 22 of the base plate 12, the paint or printing is damaged, which is visible under UV light.

As a manipulation protection is also provided between the base plate 12 and the cover plate 22, an electrically conductive, a characteristic resistor having conductor means 38 in the form of a conductor track. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7, the conductor 38 is printed on the upper side 18 of the base plate 12 facing underside of the cover plate 22. The conductor track 38 can be clearly seen in particular in FIG. 7, which shows the underside of the cover plate 22. The conductor 38 extends in the edge region of the cover plate 22 circumferentially near the free edge of the cover plate 22. Instead of a conductor 38 shown in Figure 6, however, it is conceivable that several, in particular mutually parallel conductor tracks or conductor means are used. In particular, it is conceivable that the conductor means extend net-like over preferably the entire area between base plate 12 and cover plate 22. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the conductor means are formed flat, for example as a conductor layer or conductor foil covering the entire area between base plate 12 and cover plate 22. The conductor 38 or the conductor means can be painted on the cover plate, printed or vapor-deposited. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the conductor means or the conductor track 38 is glued.

In the mounted state, the conductor track 38, as clearly shown in FIG. 4, is securely arranged between the base plate 12 and the cover plate 22.

The conductor track 38 has a characteristic electrical resistance. During manipulation, in particular when releasing the cover plate 22 of the base plate 12, this characteristic resistance changes, which can be deduced from a manipulation.

The container 10 further comprises an electronic unit, which - as is apparent in particular from FIG. 1 - comprises a housing part 44 and a cover part 46. In the assembled state, the electronics unit 40 is arranged in a recess 48 of the base 12. For permanent attachment of the electronic unit 40 to the base plate 12 and to the cover plate 22, the housing part 44 has an opening 50 through which the screw head 34 engages in the mounted state.

The electronics unit 40 further comprises a board 41 on which a processor and a nonvolatile memory are arranged. In the non-volatile memory, the value-specific data, such as type, size, weight and quality of the present in the recesses 14 diamonds are deposited. Preferably, the non-volatile memory is not überscheibbar, so that a manipulation of the stored data is not possible.

In the non-volatile memory also the characteristic resistance of the conductor track is stored. In addition, the electronic unit 40 on the board 41 comprises a measuring device to determine the respective resistance of the conductor 38 at arbitrary times or at routinely predetermined times and to compare them with the stored, characteristic resistance (reference value). If a deviation between the measured and stored resistance is detected, a corresponding signal can be triggered. This indicates that the container is being manipulated or damaged.

From Figure 1 it is clear that on the board 41 two resiliently resilient contact pins 43 are provided in the axial direction, the housing part 44 and an adhesive film 43, with which the housing part 44 is supported on the cover plate 22, pass through and in the mounted state for resistance determination the conductor 38 contact the conductor 38.

On the board 41, a connector interface 42 is arranged, by means of which the container 10 can be connected to a data processing system. Instead of the plug interface 42, or in addition, it is conceivable that data can be exchanged via a radio link, such as via WLAN or Bluetooth.

FIG. 4 shows the ready-assembled base plate 12 with the cover plate 22 and the electronics unit 40. The diamonds 16 are freely accessible on the underside 20 of the base part 12, in particular in order to be able to test their thermal resistance and thus identify the diamonds and check their authenticity to be able to.

To cover the accessible areas of the diamonds 16, the receptacle 10 provides a protective plate 52, which is shown in Figure 5 as a single part. The protective plate 52 may in particular also be made of a transparent plastic. The protective plate 22 comprises a magnetic metal plate 54. This metal plate 54 serves to cooperate with provided in the electronics housing magnet 56, which can be seen in Figure 1, and thus a magnetic holding device for holding the protective plate 52 to the base plate 12, and at the Electronics unit 40, to allow. The protective plate 52 has on its side facing the base plate 12 side 58, which can be clearly seen in Figure 1, conical blind holes 60, in which the free tips of the lower parts 16.2 of the diamond 16 can engage. For positionally accurate arrangement of the protective plate 52 on the base plate 12, the protective plate 52 provides mounting holes 62, in which the screw nuts 36 dip.

Claims

Receptacle (10) for valuables (16), in particular for diamonds, other precious stones, spheres or pearls, comprising a base plate (12) which provides a top (18) and a bottom (20) with at least one on the base plate (12 ) provided recess (14) for receiving a valuables item (16), and with a on the top (20) of the base plate (12) arranged cover plate (22), characterized

in that between the base plate (12) and the cover plate (22) there is arranged an electrically conductive conductor element (38) having a characteristic resistance, and that an electronic unit (40) is provided with a measuring device, the measuring device for detecting a deviation of the resistance the conductor means (38) is formed in manipulation of the area between the base plate (12) and cover plate (22).
A receptacle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductor means (38) is thread-like and preferably in the edge region between the base plate (12) and cover plate (22).
A receptacle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conductor means (38) formed like a net and preferably over the entire area between the base plate (12) and cover plate (22).
A receptacle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor means (38) is formed flat and preferably extends over the entire area between the base plate (12) and cover plate (22).
A receptacle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic unit (40) is provided with a non-volatile memory in which the characteristic resistance of the conductor means (38) is deposited.
Receptacle (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that in the non-volatile memory value-object specific data are stored.
Receptacle (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that in the non-volatile memory, a computer program for managing the non-volatile memory is stored.
A receptacle (10) according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the electronic unit (40) has an interface (42) for connection to a data processing system.
A receptacle (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the base plate (12) comprises a receptacle (48) for the electronic unit (40).
A receptacle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one recess (14) passes through the base plate (12) such that the recess (16) on the upper side (18) of the base plate (12) has a first cross-sectional area (16). 24) and in that the recess (16) has a constriction (26) which includes a second cross-sectional area (28) parallel to the top (18) of the base plate (22), the first cross-sectional area (24) being larger than that second cross-sectional area (28).
A receptacle (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second cross-sectional area (28) in the region between the top (18) and the bottom (20) of the base plate (12).
A receptacle (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second cross-sectional area (28) on the underside (20) of the base plate (12).
Receptacle (10) according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the recesses (14) are formed rotationally symmetrical and / or truncated cone.
A receptacle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover plate (22) and / or the base plate (12) are transparent.
A receptacle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover plate (22) to the base plate (12) inextricably connected, in particular joined materially.
A receptacle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover plate (22) with the base plate (12) by means of at least one screw head (34) and a nut (36) having screw (32) is joined.
A receptacle (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that the screw head (34) and / or the nut (36) is formed like a sleeve or blind hole for reaching through or engaging a presentation means.
A receptacle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the base plate (12) and / or the cover plate (22) is provided at least in sections a visible only by UV irradiation for the human eye painting or printing.
A receptacle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a protective plate (52) for detachable arrangement on the cover plate (22) facing away from the base plate (12) is provided.