WO2015158480A1

WO2015158480A1 - Security container for storing valuables of a user

Info

Publication number: WO2015158480A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/055473
Authority: WO
Inventors: David BÜCHELER
Original assignee: Bücheler David
Priority date: 2014-04-17
Filing date: 2015-03-16
Publication date: 2015-10-22
Also published as: EP3132106A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a security container for storing valuables of a user, said security container comprising a housing defining at least one access opening and at least one lockable closure configured to be transferred between an opened state and a closed state of said at least one access opening. In order to provide a security container of the above type, which is advantageous over the conventional security containers in terms of handling and user-friendliness, the security container forms an umbrella base. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Description

Security container for storing valuables of a user

The present invention relates to a security container for storing valuables of a user, said security container comprising a housing defining at least one access opening and at least one lockable closure configured to be transferred between an opened state and a closed state of said at least one access opening.

The term "security container" as used herein is meant to describe a security container or safe, in particular a beach safe, for storing valuables of a user. For reasons of consistency, the term "security container" will be used in the claims. Such security container enables safe and secure storage of valuables of a user to enable said user to undertake activities in the knowledge that his or her belongings are locked securely. Preferred locations of use of the inventive security container are holiday resorts, in particular beach and pool facilities of such holiday resorts, but also recreation centers with outdoor and/or indoor facilities such as indoor swimming pools, gyms, saunas and the like.

Security containers of the above type are known, for example from the patent documents DE 298 20 421 U1 , WO 2004/088076 A1 , WO 201 1/132026 A1 , DE 101 36 907 A1 , DE 20 2009 005 970 U1 , DE 298 14 041 U1 or GB 2469827 A.

The security containers known from the above documents provide various approaches for locking personal belongings. However, the conventional security containers still leave room for improvements regarding their handling and user friendliness.

The object of the invention is to provide a security container of the above type, which is advantageous over the conventional security containers in terms of handling and user friendliness.

In order to solve the above-defined object, the invention provides a security container for storing valuables of a user, said security container comprising a housing defining at least one access opening and at least one lockable closure configured to be transferred between an opened state and a closed state of said at least one access opening, wherein said security container forms an umbrella base. The term "umbrella" as used herein refers to a device having a stick and a shield attached to the stick. Hence, the term "umbrella" also refers to a parasol, sunshade, and the like. The umbrella base preferably holds the stick, preferably so that the stick extends in a vertical direction, so that the shield is preferably orthogonally arranged with respect to the incident sunlight. The shield surface may be in the order of up to 20 m² and is preferably in the range from 5 to 15 m². In case of a parasol or sunshade, the shield can be formed from light cloth providing a barrier against ultraviolet radiation. The shield can also be semi-translucent. Other types of shields are also possible. The shield may also be water-repellent or even waterproof. The stick is preferably arranged in the center (of gravity) of the shield, so that the mechanical loads acting on the shield are substantially balanced. The stick preferably has a circular cross-section. It is favorable when the shield is flexible and can be deployed from and retracted to the stick, for example by a mechanical and/or automatic deployment structure. However, the shield can also be fixed to the stick. As the inventive security container is designed for outdoor use, in particular at the seaside, the umbrella can be exposed to heavy winds or gusts transferring high mechanical loads through the umbrella stick to the security container. Preferably, the inventive security container forming an umbrella base has an appropriate size, volume, weight and safety features required for safely clamping and supporting the umbrella (stick) in a typical beach environment, preferably even under extreme conditions such as wind speeds of up to 50 km/h. Therefore, the embodiment of the security container as an umbrella base is an important new safety feature, as it clearly enhances the security level of the security container due to the considerably increased bulkiness.

It may prove advantageous in case said housing comprises at least one of the following features:

The housing is cylinder-shaped or box-shaped, preferably cube-shaped.

The housing has a width and/or length and/or height and/or diameter in a range from 0.2 m to 1.0 m, preferably in a range from 0.4 m to 0.8 m, more preferably of 0.6 m.

The housing or at least one part thereof is made of plastics, preferably of fiber-reinforced or recyclable plastics.

The housing or at least one part thereof is manufactured by molding, preferably by injection- molding or centrifugal casting.

The housing is resistant to at least one of the following: UV-radiation - Water, preferably saltwater

Sand - Chemicals, preferably sunscreen, oil, nail polish or the like.

The housing comprises a base for positioning said security container on the ground.

The housing is composed of at least one housing part defining a cavity and at least one housing part for partitioning and/or closing said cavity.

The housing is symmetrical in shape, wherein the housing preferably comprises two symmetrical halves.

The housing is composed of at least two identical housing parts, wherein preferably the at least two identical housing parts are symmetrically arranged.

The housing is formed by mechanically connecting at least two housing parts, preferably by means of a fastener, wherein said fastener is preferably only operable in said opened state of said access opening, wherein more preferably at least one sealing gasket is interposed between the housing parts.

The housing is formed by welding at least two housing parts together, preferably by butt- welding, wherein a welding bead preferably extends along a line, more preferably along a closed line, even more preferably along the perimeter of the housing, most preferably along the entire perimeter of the housing.

The housing is formed by bonding and/or laminating at least two housing parts together.

The housing receives and/or accommodates said lockable closure at least in said opened state of said access opening, preferably in a housing wall, more preferably in a housing wall defining said access opening.

The housing defines at least one substantially horizontal platform for placing articles, preferably on top of the housing.

The housing comprises a level adjustment device, preferably at least one leg, wherein the level adjustment is preferably achieved by extending and/or retracting said at least one leg from/into said housing.

The housing defines at least one receptacle for a lifting device such as a fork lift, preferably at the base of the housing, more preferably underneath at least one valuables storage compartment and/or underneath at least one weight storage compartment. The housing comprises at least one holding element for holding an article of a user, wherein said at least one holding element is reversibly attachable to at least one attachment position inside and/or outside said housing, wherein at least one holding element is configured as a shelf attachable to at least one attachment position on an inner sidewall of said housing.

The housing is inherently stable and/or dimensionally stable, wherein preferably at least one housing part is used to support another housing part.

The housing has a double-walled structure, wherein the space between the housing walls is preferably sealable in a watertight fashion and can be drainably filled with liquids and/or pourable media.

The housing has at least one table fixed to it, wherein the table is preferably located above the housing to define a space in between, wherein the housing more preferably comprises recesses for receiving legs of the table, preferably in form fit.

The housing has a load bearing structure for transferring loads from the umbrella to the housing, wherein the load bearing structure is preferably provided in the area surrounding an opening configured to receive a stick of the umbrella, wherein the load bearing structure preferably comprises a cone support structure encircling the opening and/or a left/right separation structure and/or a front/back separation structure.

At least some of the above features facilitate the production of the inventive security container and improve its handling by a user or by personnel providing the inventive security container for users. A cube-shaped housing can be very compact and is easily manufactured from plate-type housing parts. The housing parts can be designed in modular fashion so as to allow a variety of different configurations to be assembled from only a few basic components. Additional elements such as hooks or shelves offer more possibilities for a user to deposit his or her belongings in the housing.

It may turn out to be useful in case said housing defines at least one valuables storage compartment, which preferably provides at least one of the following features:

The valuables storage compartment is defined in an upper part of the housing, preferably an upper half of the housing. The valuables storage compartment is defined inside said housing by at least one housing part defining a cavity and/or by at least one housing part partitioning and/or closing said cavity.

The valuables storage compartment is located above at least one weight storage compartment.

The valuables storage compartment is located underneath or right underneath a platform defined by the housing.

The valuables storage compartment is of the same or of greater volume as compared to a weight storage compartment.

The valuables storage compartment is sealed against ingress of water and/or sand in said closed state of said access opening.

The valuables storage compartment has a volume within a range from 0.01 to 0.3 m³, preferably within a range from 0.1 to 0.2 m³, more preferably 0.15 m³.

At least some of the above features further improve the user friendliness of the inventive security container. The location of the valuables storage compartment in the upper part of the housing proves advantageous in terms of handling and user friendliness. The valuables storage compartment in the upper part of the housing is easy to load and unload for a user while standing, sitting, laying, etc.

It may also turn out to be advantageous in case said at least one access opening provides at least one of the following features:

The access opening is configured for loading and unloading said housing, preferably for loading and unloading a valuables storage compartment and/or for loading and unloading a weight storage compartment defined in said housing.

The access opening is defined in an upper part of the housing, preferably an upper half of the housing surface defining the access opening.

The access opening is eccentrically formed within the housing surface defining said access opening.

- The access opening is rectangular or square in shape. Two access openings are provided on opposite sides of the housing.

The location of the access opening in the upper part of the housing proves advantageous in terms of handling and user friendliness. With this configuration, the access opening is comfortable to load and unload.

It may further prove helpful in case said lockable closure provides at least one of the following features:

The lockable closure is configured as a sliding door.

The lockable closure is retractable into the housing for transferring same from a closed state to an opened state of said access opening.

The lockable closure prevents loading and/or unloading of said housing, preferably loading and/or unloading of said at least one valuables storage compartment, in said closed state of said access opening.

The lockable closure is configured to slide along a line while being transferred between said opened state and said closed state of said access opening, wherein said line is preferably a straight or circular line.

The lockable closure moves in a horizontal plane and/or in a vertical plane while being transferred between said opened state and said closed state of said access opening, preferably in a horizontal and/or a vertical direction.

The lockable closure is rectangular or square in shape.

The lockable closure extends in a horizontal plane and/or in a vertical plane, preferably in said opened state and/or said closed state of said access opening.

The lockable closure extends in parallel with a housing surface defining the access opening, preferably in said opened state and/or said closed state of said access opening.

An outer surface of the lockable closure abuts to and/or is largely covered by said housing in an opened state of said access opening.

The lockable closure is guided by a guiding device while being transferred between said opened state and/or said closed state of said access opening, wherein said guiding device is preferably a rail-type guiding device, wherein said guiding device more preferably encompasses opposite edges of said lockable closure.

The lockable closure comprises a combination lock, a key lock, a card lock, preferably a chip card lock or a lock that can be operated using a mobile phone.

The lockable closure is accommodated within said housing in said opened state of said at least one access opening.

The lockable closure is configured as flap-type shutter, preferably a watertight marine hatch cover.

The closure can be accommodated within the housing in the opened state of the access opening and does not impair the loading/unloading process of the housing through the access opening. Therefore, the inventive security container can be advantageous over the conventional security containers in terms of handling and user-friendliness. The lockable closure thus formed is easy to handle, has a low risk of manipulation and a long lifetime, preferably due to the absence of critical parts such as hinges and the like. The lockable closure thus formed also reduces the required maintenance work for the security container. However, flap-type closures such as a standard watertight marine hatch cover can also be used.

Moreover, it may prove beneficial in case said security container further comprises at least one weight storage compartment, which preferably provides at least one of the following features:

The weight storage compartment is defined in a lower part of the housing, preferably in a lower half of the housing.

The weight storage compartment is defined inside said housing by at least one housing part defining a cavity and at least one housing part partitioning and/or closing said cavity.

The weight storage compartment is located underneath or right underneath said at least one valuables storage compartment.

The weight storage compartment is located underneath a platform defined by the housing.

The weight storage compartment is configured to receive and maintain a pourable medium, preferably sand and/or water. The weight storage compartment comprises at least one inlet for loading said weight storage compartment, wherein the inlet is preferably closed by a cap and/or can only be opened when the weight storage compartment is separated from the housing.

The weight storage compartment comprises at least one outlet for unloading said weight storage compartment, wherein the outlet is preferably closed by a cap and/or can only be opened when the weight storage compartment is separated from the housing.

The weight storage compartment has a volume within a range from 0.01 to 0.1 m³, preferably within a range from 0.02 to 0.075 m³, more preferably a volume of 0.05 m³.

The weight storage compartment is configured as a separate container to be fixed to the housing and/or received at least partially, preferably completely, in a cavity defined by the housing.

The security container thus formed provides a low center of mass and a stable stand. The risk of manipulation by unauthorized personnel is further reduced.

It may also prove helpful in case said housing comprises at least one fixture or a socket for fixing a separate device to said security container, wherein said fixture preferably provides at least one of the following features:

The fixture is configured to detachably fix an umbrella, preferably an umbrella stick, to said security container.

The fixture is configured to fix an elongate body, preferably an umbrella handle and/or umbrellas stand to said security container.

The fixture is configured to fix separate devices of various dimensions to said security container, preferably separate devices of various diameters.

The fixture extends into the housing, preferably in a direction orthogonal to a platform defined by the housing.

The fixture is embodied as a pipe, wherein the pipe preferably serves as a filler pipe for filling a pourable medium into said housing, more preferably into a weight storage compartment of said housing. The fixture comprises a mouth which is preferably centrically arranged on a platform defined by the housing.

The fixture comprises a locking device for reversibly locking said separate device to said fixture, wherein said locking device is preferably operable only in an opened state of said access opening.

The fixture serves as a plug for closing an opening of the housing, preferably a drainage hole of a weight storage compartment of said housing.

Method for manufacturing a security container, preferably the security container according to one of the preceding embodiments, said method comprising the following steps:

Step A: Proving at least one housing part defining a cavity and at least one housing part partitioning and/or closing said cavity.

Step B: Proving at least one lockable closure.

Step C: Assembling a housing from said at least two housing parts and attaching said at least one lockable closure to said housing, so that said lockable closure is transferrable between an opened state and a closed state of at least one access opening defined by said housing.

Step D (optional): Accommodating said lockable closure within said housing while transferring said lockable closure from said closed state to said opened state of said at least one access opening.

In another embodiment of the invention, said method further comprises at least one of the following steps:

Connecting at least two housing parts by means of at least one fastener, wherein said fastener is preferably located within said housing.

Welding at least two housing parts together, preferably by butt-welding.

The preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the enclosed drawings. Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the security container and its components according to the first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded side view of the security container according to Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 comprises various views of the security container according to the first embodiment of the invention in an assembled state, wherein (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a sectional view along the line B-B as defined in (e), (c) is a top view, (d) is a sectional view along the line C-C as defined in (e), (e) is a side view, (f) is a front/rear view and (g) is a sectional view along the line A-A as defined in (f).

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the security container according to the second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 is another exploded perspective view of the security container according to Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the security container according to the second embodiment of the invention in an assembled state.

Fig. 7 is another perspective view of the security container according to Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is still another perspective view of the security container according to Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the security container according to the second embodiment of the invention in an opened state of the lockable closure.

Fig. 10 is another perspective view of the security container according to Fig. 9.

Fig. 1 1 is a sectional view of the security container according to Fig. 6 (a schematic and not true-to-scale representation of an umbrella is shown in dotted lines for the purpose of illustration), wherein the sectional plane extends in parallel with the front side of the housing defining the access opening between said front side of the housing and the central axis of the housing, along which the fixture extends.

Fig. 12 is another sectional view of the security container according to Fig. 6 (a schematic and not true-to-scale representation of an umbrella is shown in dotted lines for the purpose of illustration), wherein the sectional plane extends in parallel with the right and left sides of the housing as seen from the front side of the housing defining the access opening, wherein the sectional plane runs between the right side of the housing and the central axis of the housing, along which the fixture extends.

Fig. 13 is a perspective sectional view of the security container according to Fig. 9, wherein the sectional plane is the same as in Fig. 12 (without umbrella).

Fig. 14 is another perspective sectional view of the security container according to Fig. 9, wherein the sectional plane is the same as in Fig. 12 (without umbrella).

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

The preferred embodiments of the invention relate to a security container which is configured as a beach safe for enabling safe and secure storage of valuables of a user to enable said user to undertake activities in the knowledge that his or her belongings are locked securely. Preferred locations of use of the inventive beach safe are beach and pool facilities of holiday resorts, recreation centers with outdoor and/or indoor facilities, gyms, saunas and the like. The beach safe provides special features for use in a beach environment, such as resistance to UV- radiation, water and sand. However, the security container according to the invention is not limited to the above uses and may also be used indoors, e.g. as a piece of furniture as a regular cupboard or the like.

First embodiment (Figs. 1 to 3)

Housing 1 and Housing Parts 11 , 12, 13

As seen in the exploded perspective view of Fig. 1 , the beach safe according to the first embodiment of the invention has a cube-shaped housing 1 which is composed of two symmetrical and identical half-housings. Every half-housing is essentially composed of three different housing parts 1 1 , 12, 13, which are preferably made of fiber-reinforced or recyclable plastics and which are resistant to UV-radiation, saltwater and abrasion caused by sand. The materials are, however, not limited in any way.

A first housing part 1 1 has a flat base 10 and a parallel flat platform 15 for placing articles on top of the housing 1 , and defines a cavity as well as a rectangular access opening 3. A second housing part 12 serves as a horizontal partition plate inside the housing part 1 1. It is arranged in parallel to the base 10 and the platform 15 in order to separate the cavity of the housing part 1 1 into a valuables storage compartment 2 in the upper part and a weight storage compartment 5 in the lower part thereof (see Fig. 3). A third housing part 13 serves as a vertical partition plate and forms a rear wall of each half-housing. A vertically oriented half-pipe runs across the center of every third housing part 13. The half-pipe has a convex front side and a concave rear side. Preferably, the housing part 1 1 provides attachment features such as recesses or grooves or other for attaching and fixing the housing parts 12, 13 to the housing part 1 1 without using tools or fasteners.

As shown in the Figures, the two housing parts 1 1 of the two half-housings are mechanically connectable back-to-back by means of eccentric fasteners 7. The eccentric fasteners 7 are configured to be arranged inside the cavity and can only be operated from inside the housing 1. When the two half-housings are positioned back-to-back, the two opposing half-pipes defined by the third housing parts 13 together form a pipe-shaped receptacle 17 for clamping a filler pipe 6 of the weight storage compartment 5.

The cube-shaped housing 1 thus formed has an edge length of 0.6 m and is inherently/dimensionally stable. In order to prevent the ingress of water or sand into the housing, the mechanically connected housing parts 1 1 can additionally be butt-welded together, so that a welding bead 14 (Fig. 3a) extends in a closed line along the entire perimeter of the housing 1. Welding is, however, not necessary where separation of the housing 1 into two half-housings is desired. Four legs 16 with threaded studs are screwed into mating threaded holes at the four bottom corners of the housing 1 so as to allow level adjustment and/or balancing of the entire housing 1. Accordingly, the base 10 and the platform 15 of the housing 1 can be horizontally aligned by adjusting the projection lengths of the legs 16 from the respective mating threaded holes. Instead of the legs 16, wheels or rolls (not shown) may be screwed into the respective threaded holes.

Lockable closure 4

In this embodiment, the lockable closure 4 is configured as a rectangular sliding door 4, which is retractable into the housing 1 for transferring same from the closed state to the opened state of the access opening 3. The rectangular access opening 3 is defined in an upper half of the housing 1 and has a size of 0.45 m in width and 0.20 m in height.

In the opened state of the access opening 3, the valuables storage compartment 2 can be loaded and unloaded. In this opened state, the sliding door 4 extends parallel to the housing front wall inside the housing 1 and is largely covered by the housing front wall. Thereby, the sliding door 4 fully opens the access opening 3 and does not impair the loading or unloading processes of the valuables storage compartment 2. In the closed state of the access opening 3, the sliding door 4 closes the access opening 3 and seals it against ingress of water and sand. In this state, the sliding door 4 prevents loading or unloading of the valuables storage compartment 2. The sliding door 4 has a plate-shaped body that is made from recyclable plastics. A handle 41 and a fixture for a removable U-lock 42 are attached to the plate-shaped body. A rail-type guiding device 43 is used for guiding the sliding door 4 between the opened state and the closed state of the access opening 3. The guiding device 43 is composed of C- or L-type guide rails, which are mounted from inside the housing 1 to the housing front wall defining the access opening 3 and encompass two opposite edges of the sliding door 4 on both sides of the access opening 3. Therefore, the sliding door 4 can slide in a vertical direction between the opened state and the closed state.

Valuables storage compartment 2, weight storage compartment 5 and filler pipe 6

The valuables storage compartment 2 is located right underneath the platform 15 and above the weight storage compartment 5. The housing 1 has a total volume of about 0.2 m³, wherein the valuables storage compartment 2 occupies a volume of about 0.15 m³ and the weight storage compartment 5 occupies a volume of about 0.05 m³. Hooks, shelves 18 or other useful features for organizing and/or for increasing the deposition space within the housing 1 are reversibly attachable to a plurality of attachment positions inside the valuables storage compartment 2. In the closed state of the access opening 3, the valuables storage compartment 2 is completely sealed against ingress of water and sand. Therefore, the inventive beach safe securely protects the user's belongings kept within the valuables storage compartment 2 against splash water, sand gusts and the like.

The weight storage compartment 5 is configured to receive and maintain a pourable medium such as sand and water. This weight of the pourable medium additionally increases the burden for unauthorized persons to remove or lift the housing 1 and the belongings of a user locked therein. The weight storage compartment 5 is filled though the filler pipe 6 which projects centrically from the housing 1 beyond the platform 15 and extends into the lower part of the housing 1 in order to pipe sand and/or water into the weight storage compartment 5 (see Fig. 3). The filler pipe 6 is clamped in the receptacle 17 formed by the housing parts 13 when the eccentric fasteners 7 mechanically connect the housing parts 1 1. In this embodiment, the filler pipe 6 has a double function and also serves as fixture for an umbrella handle or an umbrellas stand. The umbrella handle or an umbrellas stand can be reversibly locked in the receptacle 17 by means of a locking device (not shown). Such locking device is preferably operable only from within said housing 1 or upon positive identification of an authorized person in order to prevent manipulation thereof. It goes without saying that the functions of the filler pipe 6 and the fixture are not necessarily combined.

An outlet valve for discharging the weight storage compartment 5 is only operable from inside the housing and/or upon positive identification of an authorized person, so as to provide an additional security feature and prevent manipulation by unauthorized persons. The outlet valve is preferably arranged in a lowermost position of the weight storage compartment 5 so as to allow the weight storage compartment 5 to be completely emptied.

Method for manufacturing

The method for manufacturing the beach safe according to the first embodiment of the invention comprises the following steps:

In a first step, two sets of the housing parts 1 1 , 12, 13 are provided as shown in Fig. 1.

Subsequently, the rail-type guide rails 43 are mounted to the front wall of the housing part 1 1 defining the access opening 3 from the inner side of the cavity, as shown in Fig. 1. Stoppers (not shown) may be provided in appropriate positions in order to define the topmost and lowermost positions of the sliding door 4 in the opened and closed state of the access opening 3.

Subsequently, every sliding door 4 is assembled from a plate-type body out of plastics material, which may be the same plastics material used for the housing parts 1 1 , 12, 13. A handle 41 and a fixture for attaching the U-lock 42 are then attached to the plate-type body to give the final sliding door 4. The sliding doors 4 thus formed are inserted into the respective guide rails 43 prior to the assembly of the housing parts 1 1 , 12, 13.

Subsequently, the housing parts 1 1 , 12, 13 are assembled to form half-housings. The housing part 12 separates the cavity defined by the housing part 1 1 into the values storage compartment 2 in the upper part and the weight storage compartment in the lower part of the housing 1. The housing part 13 is attached to the housing part 1 1 so as to fully close the cavity defined by the housing part 1 1. Every half-housing provides an access opening 3 to be opened and closed by the sliding door 4, which can be slid between the opened and the closed state of the access opening 3. According to the invention, the sliding door 4 is located within the housing 1 in the opened state of the access opening 3.

It is added that every half-housing formed from the assembled housing parts 1 1 , 12, 13 is usable without a mating half-housing, e.g. as a piece of furniture or the like. However, according to the first embodiment of the invention, two identical half-housings formed by the assembled housing parts 1 1 , 12, 13 are symmetrically positioned back-to back while clamping the filler pipe 6 in the receptacle 17 formed by the opposing two housing parts 13. The eccentric fasteners 7 are positioned and operated inside the housing 1 for mechanically connecting the half-housings. In the preferred embodiment, the housing parts 1 1 are butt-welded along a continuous welding bead 14 (Fig. 3a), which extends along a continuous closed line about the entire perimeter of the housing 1 . Threaded screw holes are attached to the four bottom corner positions of the housing 1 for receiving threaded bolts of legs 16 which are used for level adjustment of the housing 1 on uneven grounds. Instead of the legs 16, wheels or rolls (not shown) may be installed and screwed into the respective threaded screw holes, so as to allow a rolling movement of the entire housing 1 , even in case the weight storage compartment 5 is filled with water and/or sand.

In this state, an umbrella handle can be inserted into the filler pipe 6. The insertion depth of the umbrella handle is limited by a stopper. The stopper prevents the umbrella handle from protruding into the weight storage compartment 5 and the water kept therein, respectively.

It goes without saying that the inventive security container may be furnished with all kinds of electrical devices such as iceboxes, USB hubs, charging/docking terminals for rechargeable electrical devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs and the like. The power for the electrical devices may be generated by means of solar panels and the like. The housing 1 may include an appropriate interface.

Second embodiment (Figs. 4 to 13)

Unlike the first embodiment, the security container of the second embodiment has a single- piece, double-walled plastic housing 101 formed by centrifugal casting. The double-walled structure of the housing 101 is best seen in Figures 1 1 to 14. The preferred plastics material for forming the housing 101 is ABS. The housing 101 is cubically-shaped regarding its inner and/or outer contour. The outer dimensions of the housing 101 are similar to the first embodiment. The housing 101 is open to the bottom to define a receptacle or cavity for receiving the weight storage compartment 105, which is embodied as a separate, sealed container, as will be explained below.

The variables storage compartment 102 is defined between the housing 101 and the weight storage compartment 105 and accessible through the access opening 103 to be opened and closed by the lockable closure 104. Unlike the first embodiment, the lockable closure 104 of the second embodiment is a ready-made flap-type shutter such as a standard watertight marine hatch cover. In this embodiment, the lockable closure 104 comprises a frame and a flap hinged at the frame. The frame of the lockable closure 104 can be fitted into a predetermined respective position defined by the housing 101 , so that the opening of the lockable closure 104 defined by the frame and the access opening 103 of the housing 101 are aligned. In particular, the frame of the lockable closure 104 can be fixed to the housing 101 by means of bolts and the like, while interposing a sealing for preventing ingress of water, sand and the like. The flap can be secured against the frame of the lockable closure 104 in a closed position by means of a lock 107, which can be any type of lock, preferably a combination lock.

A platform 108 is provided on the top side of the housing 101 , wherein a central opening 109 is provided in the platform 108 to communicate with the cavity defined inside the housing 101. A fixture 106 for an umbrella stick is configured to protrude through the opening 109 from the inside to the outside of the housing 101. The fixture 106 is further configured to receive and fix and/or clamp the stick 201 of an umbrella 200 having a shield 202 and a spanning structure 203 for spanning the shield (see Figs. 1 1 and 12), wherein the surface of the shield may have several square meters in size. The security container is particularly designed for outdoor use in a typical beach environment, where heavy wind loads can work on the umbrella 200. These wind loads are transferred through the umbrella stick 201 to the fixture 106 and through the fixture 106 to the housing 101 , in particular in the area surrounding the central opening 109. To take up the loads through the fixture 106 to the housing 101 , a load bearing structure 1 10 is provided inside the housing 101 in the area of the central opening 109, wherein the load bearing structure 1 10 comprises a cone support structure 1 1 1 encircling the central opening 109 as well as a cross-type reinforcement structure extending from the outer perimeter of the cone support structure 1 1 1 to the (inner) side walls of the housing 101 . This cross-type reinforcement structure basically separates the space defined between the load bearing structure 1 10 and an attached horizontal platform 1 14 in left/right and in front/back directions as seen from the access opening 103. In other words, the cross-type reinforcement structure comprises a left/right separation structure 1 12 and a front/back separation structure 1 13. Again, the positional references left/right and front/back refer to the position of the access opening 103. The left/right separation structure 1 12 separates the space inside the housing 101 above the horizontal platform 1 14 into two spaces to be separately accessed by a user through the access opening 103. In the embodiment shown, the access opening 103 to be opened and closed by the lockable closure 104 is provided only on one side of the housing 101 . Therefore, the spaces defined inside the housing 101 above the horizontal platform 1 14 and facing away from the first axis opening 103 are "dead spaces" which are not accessible by the user. Electronic equipment such as enter- tainment devices, Wi-Fi - routers, batteries, charging devices and the like may be accommodated in the dead spaces. In another preferred embodiment, which is not shown in the drawings, a second access opening and a second lockable closure are provided on the opposite side of the housing 101 with respect to the first access opening 103 and lockable closure 104, respectively. In such case, the spaces defined inside the housing 101 above the horizontal platform 1 14 and facing away from the first axis opening 103 can be accessed by a second user through the second access opening.

The value storage compartment 102, which is accessible through the access opening 103, further comprises a larger space underneath the horizontal platform 1 14 and above the cover plate 156 covering the top side of the weight storage compartment 105 when fixed to the housing 101. The spaces defined inside the housing 101 above the horizontal platform 1 14 are particularly configured to accommodate smaller devices such as mobile phones, jewelery or watches, wherein larger goods can be accommodated in the larger space between the horizontal platform 1 14 and the cover plate 156.

The weight storage compartment 105 is a substantially cubical plastic container, which is configured to be received in the cavity defined at the bottom of the housing 101 , as best seen in Figures 1 1 to 14. The container tapers to the top and has substantially the shape of a truncated pyramid, so as to fit into the complimentary-shaped cavity of the housing 101 . The inlet 151 provided at the top of the weight storage compartment 105 can be closed by a corresponding cap 152. The outlet 153 provided at the lower side surface of the weight storage compartment 105 can also be closed by a separate cap 154. In a closed state, the caps 152 and 154 are received in recesses defined in the outer side of the weight storage compartment 105, such that the outer surfaces of the caps 152, 154 are substantially flush with the adjacent outer surfaces of the weight storage compartment 105.

The bottom side of the weight storage compartment 105 is provided with a total number of four wheels 1 16, so that the weight storage compartment 105 can be rolled on the ground. Two lateral protrusions 160 project laterally from the bottom side of the weight storage compartment 105 into opposite directions to be fitted into complementary-shaped recesses 159 provided in lower opposite sides of the housing 101. The lateral protrusions 160 can be fixed to the housing 101 by means of fasteners 158, wherein the fasteners 158 are preferably magnetic bolts. This magnetic fastening system is tamper-proof, as it is not visible from the outside and only actuatable with a corresponding magnetic tool. The lateral protrusions 160 can also be used as handles to lift the weight storage compartment 105 in an empty state. A central tube 150 extends through the entire weight storage compartment 105, so that the actual weight storage compartment 105 to be filled with liquids or pourable media such as sand actually has a ring shape defined by the central tube 150 as the central aperture. If the weight storage compartment 105 is fixed to the housing 101 , the central tube 150 is aligned with the fixture 106, the central opening 109 and the cone support structure 1 1 1.

A table 1 17 substantially having a U-shaped cross-section as seen in Figure 1 1 , for example, can be positioned on top of the housing 101 , so that two lateral legs 1 18 of the table 1 17 are fitted into respective recesses 1 19 provided at the upper opposite side surfaces of the housing 101 . The sides of the housing 101 comprising the recesses 1 19 are preferably the left and right sides as seen from the access opening 103. The space underneath the table 1 17 and above the top side 108 of the housing 101 is accessible from the same side of the housing 101 as the access opening 103. The outer surfaces of the housing 101 , in particular the side surfaces of the housing 101 underneath the recesses 1 19 can serve as advertising spaces. In particular, the housing 101 can comprise receptacles for receiving complementary-shaped advertising panels, preferably for holding the advertising panels in form fit fashion. The legs 1 18 of the table 1 17 can be secured to the housing 101 by means of fasteners 121 in the same way as the weight storage compartment 105 can be secured to the housing 101 by means of fasteners 158. In particular, the fasteners 121 can be magnetic fasteners such as the fasteners 158. The table can be made of wood, plastic, metal and the like. A wooden table 1 17, in particular from solid wood, looks particularly valuable and creates a yacht style appearance. Different types of tables can be chosen.

A central aspect of the invention is the modularity of the security container subject to the invention. The key unit is the housing 101 , which may be customized with additional components, according to individual needs and wishes.

In a preferred embodiment, a long umbrella stick can be inserted into the housing 101 so as to extend through the fixture 106, the central opening 109, the value storage compartment 102 and the central tube 150 of the value storage compartment 105. This requires the horizontal platform 1 14 and the cover plate 156 to be perforated. In order to avoid any interference between the umbrella stick and any goods accommodated in the values storage compartment 102, a separate tube can be inserted into the housing 101 so as to extend through the fixture 106, the central opening 109, the cone support structure 1 1 1 , the horizontal platform 1 14, the cover plate 156 and the central tube 150 of the weight storage compartment 105. In another preferred embodiment, the housing 101 is symmetrically formed with two access openings 103 and two lockable closures 104 provided at opposite sides of the housing 101 .

Further embodiments

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Further preferred embodiments result from the combinations of the features disclosed in the claims, description and the drawings.

REFERENCE NUMERALS LIST

Housing

Valuables storage compartment

Access opening

Lockable closure

Weight storage compartment

Fixture (for umbrella handle) / Filler pipe

Eccentric fastener (for connecting two housing parts 1 1 )

Base

Housing part (defining cavity and access opening)

Housing part (forming horizontal partition wall)

Housing part (forming vertical partition wall)

Welding bead or sealing gasket

Platform

Leg (Level adjustment)

Receptacle

Shelf

Handle

Lock

Guides (for lockable closure)

Housing

Valuables storage compartment

Access opening

Lockable closure

Weight storage compartment (container)

Fixture (for umbrella handle)

Lock

Housing top surface

Housing top opening

Load bearing structure

Cone support structure

Left/right separation structure

Front/back separation structure

Horizontal platform

Wheel

Table

Table leg

Recess for table leg

Table opening

Fasteners (for fixing table to housing)

Receptacle for advertising panel

Advertising panel

Weight storage compartment central tube

Weight storage compartment inlet

Weight storage compartment inlet cap

Weight storage compartment outlet

Weight storage compartment outlet cap

Cover plate

Fasteners (for fixing weight storage compartment to housing)

Recess for weight storage compartment protrusions

Weight storage compartment protrusions

Umbrella

Umbrella stick

Umbrella shield Deployment structure

Claims

Security container for storing valuables of a user, said security container comprising a housing (1 , 101 ) defining at least one access opening (3, 103) and at least one lockable closure (4, 104) configured to be transferred between an opened state and a closed state of said at least one access opening (3, 103), characterized by said security container forms an umbrella base.

Security container according to claim 1 , characterized by said housing (1 , 101 ) comprising at least one of the following features: a. The housing (1 , 101 ) is cylinder-shaped or box-shaped, preferably cube-shaped. b. The housing (1 , 101 ) has a width and/or length and/or height and/or diameter in a range from 0.2 m to 1.0 m, preferably in a range from 0.4 m to 0.8 m, more preferably of 0.6 m. c. The housing (1 , 101 ) or at least one part thereof is made of plastics, preferably of fiber-reinforced or recyclable plastics. d. The housing (1 , 101 ) or at least one part thereof is manufactured by molding, preferably by injection-molding or centrifugal casting. e. The housing (1 , 101 ) is composed of at least one housing part (1 1 ) defining a cavity and at least one housing part (12, 13) for partitioning and/or closing said cavity. f. The housing (1 , 101 ) has a double-walled structure, wherein the space between the housing walls is preferably sealable in a watertight fashion and can be drainably filled with liquids and/or pourable media. g. The housing (1 , 101 ) has at least one table (1 17) fixed to it, wherein the table (1 17) is preferably located above the housing (1 , 101 ) to define a space in between, wherein the housing (1 , 101 ) more preferably comprises recesses (1 19) for receiving legs (1 18) of the table (1 17), preferably in form fit. h. The housing (1 , 101 ) has a load bearing structure (1 10) for transferring loads from the umbrella (200) to the housing (1 , 101 ), wherein the load bearing structure (1 10) is preferably provided in the area surrounding an opening (109) configured to receive a stick (201 ) of the umbrella (200), wherein the load bearing structure (1 10) preferably comprises a cone support structure (1 1 1 ) and/or a left/right separation structure (1 12) and/or are front/back separation structure (1 13).

Security container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by said housing (1 , 101 ) defining at least one valuables storage compartment (2, 102), which preferably provides at least one of the following features: a. The valuables storage compartment (2, 102) is defined in an upper part of the housing (1 , 101 ), preferably an upper half of the housing (1 , 101 ). b. The valuables storage compartment (2, 102) is sealed against ingress of water and/or sand in said closed state of said access opening (3, 103).

Security container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by said at least one access opening (3, 103) providing at least one of the following features: a. The access opening (3, 103) is defined in an upper part of the housing (1 , 101 ), preferably an upper half of the housing surface defining the access opening (3, 103). b. The access opening (3, 103) is rectangular or square in shape. c. Two access openings are provided on opposite sides of the housing (1 , 101 ).

Security container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by said lockable closure (4, 104) provides at least one of the following features: a. The lockable closure (4) is accommodated within said housing (1 , 101 ) in said opened state of said at least one access opening (3, 103). b. The lockable closure (4) is rectangular or square in shape. c. The lockable closure (4) comprises a lock, preferably a combination lock, a key lock, a lock that can be operated using a mobile phone or a card lock, more preferably a chip card lock. d. The lockable closure (4) is configured as flap-type shutter, preferably a watertight marine hatch cover.

6. Security container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by further comprising at least one weight storage compartment (5, 105), which preferably provides at least one of the following features: a. The weight storage compartment (5, 105) is defined and/or provided in a lower part of the housing (1 , 101 ), preferably in a lower half of the housing (1 , 101 ). b. The weight storage compartment (5, 105) is configured to receive and maintain a pourable medium, preferably sand and/or water. c. The weight storage compartment (5, 105) comprises at least one inlet (151 ) for loading said weight storage compartment (5), wherein the inlet (151 ) is preferably closed by a cap (152) and/or can only be opened when the weight storage compartment (5, 105) is separated from the housing (1 , 101 ). d. The weight storage compartment (5) comprises at least one outlet (153) for unloading said weight storage compartment (5), wherein the outlet (153) is preferably closed by a cap (154) and/or can only be opened when the weight storage compartment (5, 105) is separated from the housing (1 , 101 ). e. The weight storage compartment (5, 105) is configured as a separate container to be fixed to the housing (1 , 101 ) and/or received at least partially, preferably completely, in a cavity defined by the housing (1 , 101 ).

7. Security container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by said housing (1 , 101 ) comprises at least one fixture (6, 106) for fixing a separate device to said security container, wherein said fixture (6, 106) preferably provides at least one of the following features: a. The fixture (6, 106) is configured to detachably fix an umbrella, preferably an umbrella stick, to said security container. b. The fixture (6, 106) is configured to fix umbrella sticks of various dimensions to said security container, preferably separate umbrella sticks of various diameters.

8. Method for manufacturing the security container according to one of the preceding claims, said method being characterized by comprising: a. Step A: Proving at least one housing part (1 1 , 101 ) defining a cavity and at least one housing part (12, 13, 105) partitioning and/or closing said cavity. b. Step B: Proving at least one lockable closure (4, 104). c. Step C: Assembling a housing (1 , 101 ) from said at least two housing parts (1 1 , 12, 13, 101 , 105) and attaching said at least one lockable closure (4, 104) to said housing (1 , 101 ), so that said lockable closure (4, 104) is transferrable between an opened state and a closed state of at least one access opening (3, 103) defined by said housing (1 , 104).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by further comprising at least one of the following steps: a. Connecting at least two housing parts (1 1 , 12, 13; 101 , 105) by means of at least one fastener (7; 158), wherein said fastener (7; 158) is preferably located within said housing (1 ). b. Welding at least two housing parts (1 1 , 12, 13; 101 , 105) together, preferably by butt-welding.