Security enclosure

Abstract

 The present invention provides a security enclosure for an automatic teller machine ("ATM"), which security enclosure comprises a first fixed wall part, a second movable wall part and coupling means for coupling the second wall part to the first wall part so as to allow movement of the second part relative to the first part between a retracted position in which the second wall part is nested with the first wall part, and an extended position in which the first and second wall parts together define a enlarged work area within the enclosure; characterised in that said coupling means comprises a cantilevered linear bearing for cantilevering the second wall part to the first wall part. The invention also provides an ATM installation comprising an ATM and such a security enclosure.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a security enclosure and has particular reference to a security enclosure for an automatic teller machine ("ATM"). The invention also embraces an installation for an ATM comprising a security enclosure in accordance with the present invention and an ATM.

[0002] Security enclosures for ATMs are well known in the art. US-A-4513670 to Berman, for example, disclose a security enclosure comprising a first fixed wall part and a second movable wall part which is movable with respect to the first wall part between a first retracted position and a second extended position. In the first retracted position, the second movable wall part nests within the first fixed wall part and can enclose an ATM. The first fixed part includes an end wall having an aperture formed therein for access by users to a control facia of the ATM. The second wall part constitutes a closure for the first wall part, and in the extended position defines an enlarged work space within the enclosure, e.g. to provide room for authorised personnel to service the ATM. Said first and second wall parts are coupled together to prevent complete withdrawal of said second movable wall part.

[0003] The security enclosure thus prevents unauthorised access to the ATM, other than at the control facia, and can be moved to the extended configuration to provide a secure working environment around the ATM for authorised personnel.

[0004] Security enclosures of the aforementioned kind for ATMs are also disclosed in US-A-4577562 to Berman, US-A-5036779 to Capraro and US-A-4603643 to Couvrette.

[0005] According to each of the prior art documents cited above, the second movable wall part is equipped with ground engaging wheels or castors for facilitating movement of the second part between the extended and retracted positions. These references also disclose the use of slidably engaging guide members on the first and second wall parts for guiding movement of the second wall part between the two positions. The second movable wall part is supported principally by the wheels or castors however. There are a number of disadvantages in this arrangement.

[0006] First of all, where the ground or floor surface is uneven between the retracted and extended positions of the second movable wall part, the second movable wall part will be caused or allowed to move in a vertical direction relative to the fixed wall part during movement of the former between the retracted and extended positions. Movement of the second wall part is often performed manually, and irregular movement of the second wall part in the vertical direction as a result of such irregularities in the floor surface or ground will preclude a smooth withdrawing and replacing action, and will make these tasks awkward to carry out. Secondly, whether the movement of the second wall part is effected manually or with the use of a motorised drive, irregular vertical displacement of the second wall part will result in jarring of the interengaging guide members on the first and second wall parts, and may cause these members to jam. Damage to the guide members and first and second wall parts may also result.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate some or all of the above mentioned problems.

[0008] Accordingly in one aspect of the present invention there is provided a security enclosure for an automatic teller machine comprising a first fixed wall part, a second movable wall part and coupling means for coupling the second wall part to the first part so as to allow movement of the second part relative to the first part between a retracted position in which the second wall part is nested with the first wall part, and an extended position in which the first and second wall parts together define an enlarged work area within the enclosure; characterised in that said coupling means comprises a cantilevered linear bearing for cantilevering the second wall part to the first wall part.

[0009] The present invention therefore eliminates the requirement for ground engaging wheels or castors on the second movable wall part for supporting the weight of the second wall part of the ground. The cantilevered linear bearing between the first and second wall parts will provide a smooth moving action of the second wall part between the extended and retracted positions, even where the ground between these positions is uneven. Of course, ground engaging means can be provided on the second wall part for the purpose of supporting the second wall part in the extended position so as to provide a stable construction. Such ground engaging means are not required however for facilitating movement of the second wall part.

[0010] In some embodiments, the security enclosure of the present invention may constitute in itself a complete enclosure, such that it can be used as a "stand-alone" security enclosure. Alternatively, the security enclosure of the invention can be adapted for use in conjunction with wall-mounted ATMs, and in this connection the security enclosure may include an opening adapted to accommodate a wall-mounted ATM and, in use, will be fixedly secured in juxtaposition with the wall so as to enclose the ATM.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention there is provided an ATM installation comprising an ATM and a security enclosure in accordance with the invention. Said ATM installation may be a stand-alone installation as described above, or may incorporate a wall-mounted ATM.

[0012] Said cantilevered linear bearing may comprise at one elongate guide, which guide is fixedly secured to one of the first and second wall parts and includes vertically spaced upper and lower abutment surfaces, and substantially horizontally extending guide engaging means, which guide engaging means is fixedly secured to the other of said wall parts and is adapted for slidably engaging the upper and lower surfaces of the guide, so as to form a cantilever between the guide and guide engaging means.

[0013] In yet another aspect of the invention, said guide engaging means may comprise a plurality of horizontally spaced rolling means in engagement with the upper and lower abutment surfaces. One of said rolling means that trails with respect to movement of the second wall part from the retracted position to the extended position may be arranged to engage at least the upper abutment surface, and another leading rolling means may be arranged to engage at least the lower abutment surface.

[0014] In some embodiments, each rolling means may comprise a ball unit, including a ball arranged to contact one of the abutment surfaces and a ball cage for fixedly securing the ball to the other wall part whilst permitting rotation of the ball within the cage. Alternatively, each rolling means may comprise a generally cylindrical roller.

[0015] Typically, said coupling means will comprise two horizontally spaced cantilevered linear bearings between the first and second wall parts.

[0016] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the security enclosure further comprises a third movable wall part which is movable with respect to the second wall part between retracted and extended positions, in the same way as the second movable wall part is movable with respect to the first fixed parts. Coupling means of the kind described above may be provided between the second and third movable wall parts.

[0017] In yet another aspect of the present invention, selectively operable detent means may be provided for locking the second (or third) movable wall part in the retracted or extended positions. Said detent means may be operable solely from within the secure area.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, said coupling means may comprise a centring linear bearing for assisting in guiding movement of the second movable part between the retracted and extended positions. Said centring linear bearing may comprise an elongate centring guide, which centring guide is fixedly secured to one of the first and second wall part and comprises two horizontally spaced opposing side abutment surfaces, and a substantially horizontally extending centring means, which centring means is fixedly secured to the other of said wall parts and is adapted for slidably engaging the side abutment surfaces of the elongate centring guide, so as to guide movement of the second movable wall part between the retracted and extended positions.

[0019] Said wall parts of the enclosure may be manufactured from any material which is known to a person skilled in the art to be suitable for use in security barriers such, for example, as high gauge steel. The enclosure may further comprise one or more roof parts to protect personnel inside the secure area from objects thrown over the walls of the enclosure.

[0020] The security enclosure may further comprise one or more delivery ports for delivering items therethrough when the enclosure is in the extended configuration.

[0021] Following is a description by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings for methods of carrying the present invention into effect.

[0022] In the drawings:-

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a security enclosure in accordance with the present invention in an extended configuration.

Figure 2 shows the security enclosure of Figure 1 in a retracted configuration.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a different security enclosure in accordance with the present invention in an extended configuration.

Figure 4 shows the security enclosure of Figure 3 in a retracted configuration.

Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the security enclosure of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a front elevation of another security enclosure in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 7 is a sectional view of the enclosure of Figure 6 on the line VII-VII.

Figure 8 shows part of the enclosure of Figures 6 and 7 in greater detail.

Figures 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D show parts of the security enclosure of Figures 1, 2 and 5 in greater detail.

[0023] With reference to Figure 5 a security enclosure (10) for use in conjunction with a wall-mounted ATM is disposed within a recess (22) defined by a solid end wall (24) and two spaced stud walls (26, 28) disposed orthogonally with respect to the end wall (54). Said end wall (24) has an aperture (30) formed therein which is adapted to accommodate an ATM (32), such that the ATM can be operated by customers to one side (34) of the end wall (24), and can be serviced by personnel to the other side (36) of the end wall (24) within said recess (22).

[0024] Security enclosure (10) comprises a fixed wall part (40) constituted by a frame which is accommodated within the recess (22) (see Figure 1), which frame (40) is fixedly secured to the end wall (24) and to the floor in juxtaposition with the end wall. The frame (24) is also secured fixedly to said stud walls (26, 28) to increase the stability of the frame (40).

[0025] Said frame (40) carries a first movable wall part (50) which is mounted on the frame by means of cantilevered linear slides as hereinafter described. First movable part (50) comprises two spaced walls (52, 54) which are made of a high gauge steel. The first movable part (50) can move relative to the frame (40) between a fully retracted position in which the first movable part is rested within the frame (40), and an extended position as shown in Figure 5; the extended position of the first movable part (50) is represented by the hatched areas, and the fully retracted position is shown by the non-hatched areas.

[0026] Said first movable wall part (50) carries a second movable wall part (60) which is mounted on the first movable part (50) also by means of cantilevered linear slides of the kind described below. Second movable wall part (60) comprises two spaced side walls (62, 64) and a front wall (66). Each of said side and front walls (62, 64, 66) comprises a panel formed of high gauge steel. The front wall (66) is provided with a door (68) of high gauge steel. As shown in Figure 1, said door (68) is provided with a lock (70), e.g. a rim lock, and a plurality of deadbolts (72) which are operable from inside of the door. Said door (68) is also provided with a security viewing window (74). Said second movable part (60) includes a delivery port (76).

[0027] With the first and second movable parts (50, 60) fully extended from the fixed wall part (40), the enclosure (10) defines a secure working space (80) as shown in Figures 1 and 5. The first and second movable parts can be locked in the fully extended positions by means by a detent means (112). After use, the detent means can be released and the first and second movable parts (50, 60) moved to the fully retracted positions as shown in Figure 2, in which the front wall (66) is disposed substantially flush with the extremities of the stud walls (26, 28). In the retracted position the enclosure (10) forms a security barrier around the ATM in juxtaposition with the end wall (24) to protect the ATM between successive visits of authorised personnel to service or restock the ATM. In some embodiments, the detent means (112) may additionally be operable for locking the movable wall parts in the retracted positions; the detent means (112) may be operable only from within the enclosure (10).

[0028] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the stud walls (26, 28), while assisting in some embodiments in stabilizing the security enclosure (10), are substantially decorative and can be omitted, in which case the fixed wall part (40) must incorporate side panels of high gauge steel or another suitable material known to persons skilled in the art, in the same way as the walls (52, 54; 62, 64) of the first and second movable parts (50, 60). Similarly, the enclosure can be adapted for use as a stand-alone installation, by providing the fixed wall part (40) additionally with a solid rear wall, such that the fixed wall part and first and second movable wall parts form a complete enclosure in themselves.

[0029] The security enclosure (10) illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 5 is adapted for use in conjunction with a single ATM. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art however that a security enclosure in accordance with the present invention can be adapted for use with a plurality of ATMs. For example, an enclosure for use with two ATMs is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, in which Figures parts which are substantially the same as parts shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5 are indicated by the same reference numerals. It will be seen from Figures 3 and 4 that the security enclosure (20) is, in essence, a "double width" enclosure, and has two doors (68a, 68b) formed in the front wall (66). The single and double security enclosures (10, 20) shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5 and Figures 3 and 4 respectively can be moved between the retracted and fully extended positions manually by one or more users. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art however that if security enclosure are provided which are larger still than the enclosures of Figure 3 and 4, a point will eventually be reached at which moving the enclosure manually will be impracticable; it is envisaged that in such cases automatic moving means for moving the enclosures between the retracted and extending positions should be provided.

[0030] Each of the single and double security enclosures (10, 20) described hereinbefore comprises two telescoping movable parts. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art however that any number of movable parts can be employed depending on the area of work space which is required in the fully extended position. Another security enclosure (80) in accordance with the invention, for example comprises, a single moving part (82) as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.

[0031] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, frame (40) comprises two opposing sets of spaced upstanding stanchions (42, 44), each set being disposed in juxtaposition with a respective one of the stud walls (26, 28). In the embodiments shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, each set comprises two stanchions; a person skilled in the art will appreciate however that more than two stanchions per set can be used if desired. Each set of stanchions (42, 44) carries a substantially horizontally extending C-shaped beam (86) on the upper ends of the stanchions (42, 44); said C-shaped beam (86) defines an outwardly directed channel (88). Each stanchion (42, 44) is secured fixedly at its lower end to the floor and intermediate said upper and lower ends to the juxtaposed stud wall (26, 28) to improve the stability of the frame (40).

[0032] Each of the channels (88) accommodates a carriage (90) (see Figure 8) which is fixedly secured to the moving part (82). Said carriage (90) comprises upper and lower ball units (92, 94) which are cantilevered between the upper and lower walls of the C-shaped beam (86) as shown in Figure 7 to provide a cantilevered linear bearing between the moving part (82) and the fixed frame (4).

[0033] Said C-shaped beams (86) carry a plurality of cross-ties (9) thereon, which cross-ties (96) carry an n-shaped beam (98); said n-shaped beam (98) is spaced substantially equidistant the two opposing sets of stanchions (42, 44) and defines an upwardly directed channel (100). Said channel (100) accommodates two spaced ball units (110) to provide a linear bearing which "centres" the frame (40) and the single part (82).

[0034] With reference to Figure 6, a linear roller bearing (112) is provided between the lower end of each side wall (62, 64) of the moving part (82) and the adjacent set of upstanding stanchions (42, 44). The moving part (82) is cladded with high gauge steel sheets to form the side wall (62, 64) and front wall (66) in the same way as the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5.

[0035] Each of the outwardly directed channels (88) is provided with end stops (not shown) to prevent complete removal of the moving part (82) from the frame (40).

[0036] The cantilevered linear sliders described above with reference to Figures 6, 7 and 8 can be used in the embodiments of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 herewith.

[0037] Alternatively a different cantilevered sliding mechanism such, for example, as that shown in Figures 9A to D can be used. In this alternative sliding mechanism, the cross ties (96) of the fixed frame (40) carry two spaced C-section beams (140) which each define an inwardly directed channel (142). The first moving part (50) carries two horizontally spaced sets of rollers (144) (one set is shown in Figures 9A and 9D). Each set (144) comprises a plurality of rollers spaced apart from one another in the direction of movement of the moving part (50), which rollers engage in a respective one of the channels (142) as shown in Figure 9A to provide a cantilevered linear slide between the fixed frame (40) and the first movable part (50).

[0038] Said first movable part (50) is provided with a plurality spaced transverse cross ties (146) which carry two substantially horizontally spaced longitudinally oriented U-shaped beams (148). Each of the U-shaped beams carries a depending C-section beam (150) which defines an inwardly directed channel (152). The second movable part (62) carries two substantially horizontally spaced sets of rollers (154), one of which is shown in Figures 9A and 9D; each set (154) engages a respective one of the C-beams (150) on the first moving part (50) to provide a cantilevered sliding bearing therebetween. The lower end of the first movable part (50) is provided with a plurality of roller bearings (156) as shown in 9C; and the lower end of the second movable part (62) is provided with a plurality of ball casters (158) for supporting the movable parts on the floor in the fully extended positions to provide a stable construction.

[0039] Intermediate the upper and lower extremities of the first and second movable parts (50, 60), a linear bearing may be provided which comprises a rubbing strip (160) disposed on each side of the second movable part (see Figure 9B) and a cooperating ball unit on the inwardly directed surface of the first movable part.

[0040] The security enclosure of the present invention as hereinbefore described can be used therefore to provide a secure work space in juxtaposition around an ATM in an out-of-branch location or as a stand-along installation. The security enclosure can be moved smoothly by means of the cantilevered linear bearing(s) to an extended position to provide sufficient room for authorised personnel to work in the secure work area to service or reload the ATM, and after use can be moved to a retracted position which does not intrude on the floor space at the location and provides a secure closure for the ATM between visits of the authorised personnel.

Claims

1. A security enclosure for an automatic teller machine comprising a first fixed wall part, a second removable wall part and coupling means for coupling the wall part to the first wall part so as to allow movement of the second part relative to the first part between a retracted position in which a second wall is nested with the first wall part, and an extended position in which the first and second wall parts together define an enlarged work area within the enclosure; characterised in that said coupling means comprises a cantilevered linear bearing for cantilevering bearing for cantilevering the second wall part to the first wall part.

2. A security enclosure as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cantilevered linear bearing comprises at least one elongate guide, which guide is fixedly secured to one of the first and second wall parts and includes vertically spaced upper and lower abutment services, and substantially horizontally extending guide engaging means, which guide engaging means is fixedly secured to the other of said wall parts and is adapted for slidably engaging the upper and lower surfaces of the guide, so a to form a cantilever between the guide and guide engaging means.

3. A security enclosure as claimed in claim 2 wherein said guide engaging means comprises a plurality of horizontally spaced rolling means in engagement with the upper and lower abutment surfaces.

4. A security enclosure as claimed in claim 3 wherein one of said rolling means that trails with respect to movement of the second wall part from the retracted position to the extended position is arranged to engage at least the upper abutment surface, and another leading rolling means is arranged to engage at least the lower abutment surface.

5. A security enclosure as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein each rolling means comprises a ball unit, which ball unit comprises a ball arranged to contact one of the abutment surfaces and a ball cage for fixedly securing the ball to the other wall part whilst permitting rotation of the ball within the cage.

6. A security enclosure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein said coupling means comprises two horizontally spaced cantilevered linear bearings between the first and second wall parts.

7. A security enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a third movable wall part which is movable with respect to the second wall part between retracted and extended positions.

8. A security enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim wherein selectively operable detent means are provided for locking the second (or third) movable wall parts in the retracted or extended positions.

9. A security enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said coupling means comprises a centring linear bearing for assisting in guiding movement of the second movable part between the retracted and extended positions.

10. An ATM installation comprising an ATM and a security enclosure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9.

Drawing