WO2015104649A1

WO2015104649A1 - Safe box for beach umbrella

Info

Publication number: WO2015104649A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/050028
Authority: WO
Inventors: Filippo GIGLIOTTI
Original assignee: Gigliotti Filippo
Priority date: 2014-01-08
Filing date: 2015-01-02
Publication date: 2015-07-16

Abstract

A safe (1) for beach umbrella comprising a security hatch (5) having an electromechanical lock (50) equipped with RFID command means (30). An accessory (32) wearable by a user, for example a bracelet or a pendant, contains a transponder (320) suitable to excite the command means (30) when placed near them for opening the safe.

Description

DESCRIPTION

"Safe box for beach umbrella"

[0001] The present inventio relates to a safe for umbrella, preferably for a beach umbrella, for example, of the type used in the bathing establishments.

[0002] On the beach, there has always been a need for a place to keep ones valuables, such as a wallet or mobile phone, in order to leave the umbrella for a swim or a walk without leaving them unattended.

[0003] In the prior art, this need was met in bathing establishments by providing special safes, for example derived in the umbrella itself, or mounted on it, where one could safely stow ones valuables.

[0004] Generally, the known safes have mechanical locking mechanisms, comprising a cylinder, through which it is opened and closed with a key, or a combination mechanism.

[0005] However, such safes suffer from a series of problems .

[0006] In the first place, these safes have, in fact, a very short life cycle; this is due to the fact that the environmental conditions of bathing establishments are particularly aggressive and quickly damage the safes and, in particular, their locks, which are, in fact, typically subject to wear and corrosion.

[0007] In addition, safes with locks that work with a key put the user in the position of having to secure that key, which is quite inconvenient especially on the beach.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a new safe, able to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art; in other words, the safe covered by this invention is particularly suitable for its use in bathing establishments because of its outstanding attributes of resistance to atmospheric agents and being provided with a lock^' operable by means of accessories that the user can comfortably carry.

[0009] This purpose is achieved by means of the safe of claim 1 , or by means of the security kit of claim 14. The claims dependent on these identify variants of preferred embodiments providing further advantageous aspects .

[0010] The object of this invention is described below in detail, with the help of the attached tables, wherein:

[0011] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a beach umbrella on which a safe for beach umbrella according to this invention is placed according to a preferred embodiment ;

[0012] - Figure 2a and Figure 2b show, respectively, two perspective views of a safe for beach umbrella in one preferred embodiment, with the doors closed and doors open;

[0013] - Figure 2 shows a view of the safe of Figure 2a seen from above;

[0014] - Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the safe covered by this invention according to a preferred embodiment ;

[0015] - Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show, respectively, the upper plate, central plate and lower plate, components of the safe covered by this invention shown in Figure 3.

[0016] With particular attention to the attached figures, reference number 1 indicates, in its entirety, a safe for beach umbrella according to a preferred embodiment.

[0017] Preferably, the safe 1 covered by this invention is suitable to be fitted on the central pole of the umbrella. In other words, the safe 1 covered by this invention is suitable to contain a section of the central pole of the umbrella.

[0018] Known beach umbrellas typically consist of a fixed part, locked to the ground, comprising a base that includes a table and a movable part suitable to be slipped on and off of the fixed part, comprising the central pole and the openable cloth to create an area of shade .

[0019] Preferably, the safe 1 is suitable to rest on the ■ table of the umbrella and is adapted to receive a section of the central pole that, passing through it, is then inserted in the fixed part of the umbrella. [0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the safe 1 extends along an axis X-X; where, preferably, in a configuration wherein the safe 1 is mounted the umbrella, said axis X-X is parallel or coaxial with the central pole of the umbrella.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the safe 1, along the axis X-X, has a through hole 8 suitable to house and receive the central pole of the umbrella in it. Preferably, said through hole 8 is placed centrally to the safe 1.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the safe 1 has a prismatic shape; preferably, the safe 1 develops axisymmetrically; according to. some embodiments, the safe 1 has a cylindrical shape. In other words, the safe 1 develops around said axis X-X. In one preferred embodiment, the safe 1 has dimensions such as to rest on the table of the umbrella, in other words, the safe 1 has dimensions equal to, or less than, the table of the umbrella; for example, it a diameter equal to, or less than, the diameter of the table.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the safe 1 has inside it a security cavity 10 for receiving the valuables .

[0024] The safe 1, to prevent or allow access to the cavity 10, comprises a security hatch 5, preferably hinged, and so movable in rotary manner.

[0025] The hatch 5 is configurable in a closed configuration where access to the cavity 10 is prevented, and an open configuration where, instead, the access to the cavity 10 is allowed; in particular, to achieve this purpose, the security hatch 5 comprises a lock 50 of the electromechanical type.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the security hatch 5 is positioned at the top of the safe 1, so that access to the security cavity 10 is from above.

[0027] In other words, the security hatch 5, when placed in a closed configuration, extends parallel to the axis X-X. The upper surface of the safe 1, then, when the door is in a closed configuration, is suitable to act as a support plane, in place of the umbrella table on which the safe 1 is placed.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the lock 50 comprises :

[0029] - mechanical locking means 20 comprising a bolt 25 movable between a closed position, in which it is suitable to lock the security hatch 5, and an open position in which, retracted, it allows to opening the security hatch 5; and

[0030] - RFID type command means 30, suitable to move the bolt 25 into the open position. [0031] In other words, the mechanical means of locking 20 are suitable to keep the bolt 25 in the closed position, which on command can only be moved into the open position .

[0032] Preferably, with security hatch 5 in the closed configuration, the bolt 25 is then positioned in the closed position engaged to the safe 1 , preferably engaged to the walls of the cavity 10 , for example in a special slot placed on the walls of the cavity 10 .

[0033] The movement of the bolt 25 is then allowed by the control means 30 by exploiting RFID technology.

[0034] In particular, the control means 30 comprise:

[0035] i) an electronic radio-frequency apparatus 31 engaging the bolt 25 ;

[0036] ii) a wearable accessory 32 containing a transponder 320 suitable to excite the command means 30 when placed near them.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the approach of the wearable accessory 32 within a specific range of action of the electronic radio-frequency 31 , has the effect that the latter, engaged to the bolt 25 , moves it from position the closed position to the open position thus allowing the opening of the security hatch 5 .

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the lock 50 is waterproof, so that the mechanical locking means 20 and command means 30 are suitable to withstand atmospheric agents, such as water and saltiness, resisting corrosion.

[0039] Preferably the lock 50 is designed in such a way as to have an outer body made of corrosion-resistant materials, for example plastic, within which are housed the mechanical locking means 20 and command means 3 0 . Furthermore, the lock 50 is designed in such a way that, in addition to its outer body, the only component that protrudes from it is a portion of the bolt 25 ; preferably also the bolt 25 is treated so as to resist corrosion.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the lock 50 has a gripping portion 501 projecting from the security hatch 5 suitable to be gripped to permit the movement of the security hatch 5 .

[0041] Preferably, the gripping portion 501 is substantially a knob projecting externally to the safety door 5 .

[0042] In accordance with one preferred embodiment, said electronic radio-frequency apparatus 31 is housed in said gripping portion 501 ; preferably therefore the wearable accessory 32 must be brought in proximity of said gripping portion 501 to open the security hatch 5 .

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, in addition to the security cavity 10 , the safe 1 covered by this invention comprises at least one, preferably two, housing recesses 11 , 12 .

[0044] As with the security cavity 10 , also the housing recesses 11 , 12 develop in height parallel to the axis X- X.

[0045] Preferably, also the housing recesses 11 , 12 are accessible from above, closed, respectively, by suitable closing doors 3 , 4 .

[0046] Preferably, the housing recesses seating cavity 11 , 12 are suitable to removably house containment trays inside them. Thanks to the containment trays, the housing recesses 11 , 12 are easily emptied, for example, they can be used as an ashtray or waste container.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the security cavity 10 substantially occupies an area indicatively equal to half of the space of the safe 1 . Preferably the two housing recesses 11 , 12 respectively substantially occupy an indicatively equal to one quarter of the space of the safe 1 .

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, said closing doors 3 , 4, when placed in a closed configuration, extend parallel to the axis X-X. The upper surface of the safe 1 , then, when the closing doors 3 , 4 are in a closed configuration, they are suitable to act as a support plane, in place of the umbrella table on which the safe 1 is placed. [0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the safe 1 covered by this invention is made of plastic material, preferably FOREX.

[0050] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the safe 1 is composed of modular parts .

[0051] In other words, the safe 1 covered by this invention is modular in height based on the need. Preferably, in fact, the safe 1 is composed of a series of modules stackable along the axis X-X.

[0052] In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the safe 1 comprises a lower base plate 101 , an upper head plate 103 , and at least one central plate 102 sandwiched between the two. Based on the number of central plates 102 , the height of the safe 1 is therefore variable.

[0053] According to said embodiment, on the upper head plate 103 is mounted the security hatch 5 and, if present, the closing doors 3 , 4 .

[0054] In agreement with the above description, the upper head plate 103 and the central plate 102 have through openings 10 ' , 11 ' , 12 ' suitable to form, when aligned, the security cavity 10 and, if present, the housing recesses 11 , 12 .

[0055] Preferably, the upper head plate 103 is suitable to provide solid support to the doors that are hinged on it. Preferably, the upper head plate 103 and, in particular, the through openings 10', 11', 12' in it, are suitable to receive the doors, when placed in the closed configuration, in such a way as to create a single plane between them and the upper head plate.103. In the present case, the through openings 10', 11', 12' are suitable to receive inside them the respective doors, which, therefore, in the closed position are aligned flush with the upper surface of the upper head plate 103. Preferably, these doors present are suitable to be hinged to the upper head plate 103, with respect to which they are suitable to rotate.

[0056] Preferably, the lower base plate 101 does not, instead, have through openings and is suitable to act as the bottom of the cavities created in the safe 1. Preferably, if necessary, on the lower base plate 101 there is a drain hole 190 suitable to allow the drainage of any liquid, for example water, present in the security cavities 10 and/or housing recesses 11, 12.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the safe 1 comprises special clamping means 90, for example screws 91 and bolts 92, suitable to clamp the lower base plate 101 and the upper head plate 103 so as to sandwich between them at least one central plate 102, thanks to the presence of special clamping holes 150 on the three plates .

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the screws 91 have round heads .

[0059] Preferably, the screws 91 in the proximity of their heads present faces squared in such a way as to mate with the specific squared faces on the . clamping hole 150 present on the upper head plate 103, so that the rotation of the screw 91 is prevented.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the safe 1 further more comprises electric recharging means suitable to keep the electronic radio-frequency apparatus .31 charged, and/or suitable to charge further electronic devices housed in the security cavity 10, for example mobile phones, for example comprising an electrical socket, preferably a USB socket. Preferably, in fact, inside the security cavity 10 there is provided an electrical outlet, suitable to provide an outlet for charging electronic devices such as a mobile phone or a tablet .

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the electric recharging means comprise a rechargeable battery to which the electronic radio-frequency apparatus 31 is electrically connected, or to which is connected the electrical outlet for charging electronic devices. According to a preferred embodiment, the electric recharging means comprise photovoltaic cells, for example mountable above the umbrella, sensitive to sunlight for recharging the electronic radio-frequency apparatus 31 and/or further electronic devices housed in the security cavity 10. In further embodiments, the electrical recharging means comprise at least one wind blade, in place of or alongside of the photovoltaic cell. Preferably, the wind blade, sensitive to the wind, is arranged above the umbrella, for example superiorly to its tip. Preferably, the wind blade is a vertical axis blade .

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the transponder 320 included in the wearable accessory 32 is of the passive type.

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, the transponder 320 included in the wearable accessory 32 is of the semi- passive type, thus including an appropriate battery.

[0064] Preferably, as illustrated above with regard to the lock 50, even the wearable accessory is particularly suitable to be used in an aggressive environment like a bathing establishment. Preferably, the wearable accessory 32 is made of a waterproof material, for example rubber.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, the transponder 320 is drowned inside the accessory, so ^' that it is protected from atmospheric agents . [0066] Preferably, the wearable accessory 32 is specifically suitable to be worn: in particular, said accessory 32 is a bracelet, or even a pendant.

[0067] In agreement with the above description, this invention also covers a beach security kit comprising a safe 1 and a plurality of wearable accessories 32 suitable to operate with said safe 1 .

[0068] In agreement with the above description, this invention also covers a beach umbrella comprising a safe 1 and a plurality of wearable accessories 32 suitable to operate with said safe 1 .

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the safe 1 for beach umbrella is an accessory for the beach umbrella of a bathing establishment. Preferably, the safe 1 is mounted movably on the umbrella, for example, it is rotatable on the table about the axis X-X; in other embodiments, the safe 1 is mounted on the umbrella in a fixed manner, i.e. fixed to the table. In other embodiments, the safe 1 is an integral part of the umbrella, for example it replaces the table.

[0070] Innovatively, the safe covered by this invention is particularly suited to be used in aggressive environments such as bathing establishments.

[0071] Advantageously, the safe is less susceptible to corrosion and wear, which differently affect the safes of the prior art. Advantageously, in fact, the safe covered by this invention comprises a lock specifically designed to withstand the aggressive atmospheric agents typical of bathing establishments. Advantageously, the lock of the safe covered by this invention is waterproof. Advantageously the lock of the safe covered by this invention is operable only from the outside, at a distance, through RFID technology, using appropriate accessories.

[0072] A further advantageous aspect of the safe lies in the fact of exploiting wearable accessories for the command of the lock, in such a way to leave the user's hands free. Advantageously, said accessories are suitable to resist wear and corrosion, since made' of waterproof material, for example plastic material or rubber. Advantageously, in some embodiments , the transponder is a passive or semi-passive type, and can be completely drowned in the wearable accessory, resulting completely protected by the accessory that surrounds it.

[0073] Furthermore, advantageously the safe covered by this invention has a modular structure and therefore can be of different sizes depending on the needs, for example by increasing the number of central plates that constitute it.

[0074] A further advantageous aspect of the safe is that of being made of plastic material and therefore easy to work and manufacture .

[0075] Advantageously, in some preferred embodiments, the safe is made of FOREX and therefore has outstanding qualities of resistance even at high temperatures, being characterized by minimum thermal expansion.

[0076] To the embodiments described above, one skilled in the art, in order to meet specific needs, may make modifications or substitutions of elements with others functionally equivalent. Even these variants are contained within the scope of protection, as defined by the following claims.

[0077] Moreover, each of the variants described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be realized independently of the other variants described.

Claims

1. Safe (1) for a beach umbrella suitable for being fitted on a central post of said umbrella, where said safe (1) has a security cavity (10) therein to house valuables, and comprises a security hatch (5) suitable to prevent access to the cavity (10) , comprising an electromechanical lock (50) having:

- mechanical locking means (20) comprising a bolt (25) axially movable between a closed position , in which it is suitable to lock the security hatch (5), and an open position in which, retracted, it allows to open the security hatch (5) ;

- RFID type command means (30), suitable to move the bolt (25) into the open position, comprising:

i) an electronic radio-frequency apparatus (31) engaging the bolt (25) ;

ii) a wearable accessory (32), for example a bracelet or a pendant, containing a transponder (320) suitable to excite the command means (30) when placed near them.

2. Safe (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lock (50) is waterproof, so that the mechanical locking means (20) and command means (30) are suitable to withstand atmospheric agents, such as water and saltiness, resisting corrosion.

3. Safe (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the lock (50) has a gripping portion (501) projecting from the security hatch (5) suitable to be gripped to permit the movement of the hatch (5) , where, preferably, the electronic radiofrequency apparatus (31) is housed.

4. Safe (1) according to any of the previous claims, extending along an axis (X-X) , preferably parallel to the central post of the umbrella, where the security hatch (5) is positioned at the top of the safe (1), so that access to the security cavity (10) is from above.

5. Safe (1) according to claim 4, having along the axis (X-X) , a through hole (8) suitable to house within it the central post of the umbrella, where said through hole (8) is placed centrally to the safe (1), where the safe (1) extends in an axial symmetric manner, preferably circular, around said axis (X-X) .

6. Safe (1) according to claim 4 or 5, comprising at least one, preferably two, housing recesses (11, 12) accessible from above, closed by a dedicated door (3, 4) ; where preferably, inside said housing recess (11, 12) a containment tray may be housed in a removable manner.

7. Safe (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said safe (1) is made of plastic material, preferably FOREX.

8. Safe (1) according to any of the previous claims, comprising a lower base plate (101) , an upper head plate (103), and at least one central pate (102) sandwiched between the two, where the security hatch (5) and/or doors are fitted on the upper plate (103), where the upper plate (103) and the central plate (102) have through openings (10', 11 ' , 12 ' ) suitable to form, when aligned, the security cavity (10) and/or the housing cavity (11; 12) .

9. Safe (1) according to the previous claim, comprising special clamping means (90) , for example screws (91) and bolts (92) , suitable to clamp the lower plate (101) and the upper plate (103) so as to sandwich between them at least one central plate (102), thanks to the, presence of special clamping holes (105) on the three plates.

10. Safe (1) according to any of the previous claims, 'comprising electric recharging means suitable to keep the electronic radio-frequency apparatus (31) charged, for example comprising a rechargeable battery , and/or suitable to charge further electronic devices housed in the security recess (10), for example mobile phones, for example comprising an electrical socket, preferably USB.

11. Safe (1) according to claim 10, where the electric recharging means comprise photovoltaic cells, for example mountable above the umbrella, sensitive to sunlight, and/or at least one wind blade, to recharge the electronic radiofrequency apparatus (31) and/or further electronic devices housed in the security cavity (10) .

12. Safe (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the type of the transponder (320) is passive.

13. Safe (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the wearable accessory (32) is made of waterproof material, for example rubber, and the transponder (320) is drowned therein.

14. Beach security kit comprising a safe (1) according to any of the claims from 1 to 11 and a plurality of wearable accessories according to claim 1 and any of the claims 12 or 13.