Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02135162 2004-02-18
1
ELECTRICAL MANUALLY PORTABLE SECURITY CASE FOR
THE STORAGE OF THEFT ATTRACTIVE ARTICLES WITH
AN ELECTRICAL MAT
The present invention relates to a laminate structure
according to the preamble of Claim 1. The invention
also relates to the use of the laminate structure in
the construction of a container casing or in the
construction of a room or space intended for the
storage of theft-attractive articles and the like.
Because of the increase in criminal activities among
other things, there is a great demand for more posi-
tive forms of transportation and storage of valuable
articles and theft-attractive objects of different
kinds.
The transportation of money between different geo-
graphical locations is one. example of areas in which
greater security is desired. In cases of this nature,
it is necessary to undertake large and expensive
security measures, in order to protect the valuables
from theft and.robbery to an acceptable extent. The
cost in achieving this is considerable, and the design
of the necessary transport vehicles is both problemat-
ic and complicated.
One method of meeting .the aforesaid problems is to
equip the transport container concerned, which may
have the form of a case, with one or more destructive
elements which are activated to destroy the contents
of the container, should an unauthorized person at-
tempt to open the container and remove its contents.
The fact that the contents of the container will be
destroyed and rendered unusable if an unauthorized
attempt is made to force the container, will act as a
theft deterrent until some creative person devises a
method of preventing activation of the destructive
elements.
V4r~ 93/2364 ~ ,,~ ~ ~ ~ 2 PCT/~ESt3/004 ~ 2 t'~~'
A ~a~ in which banknotes are transported is VIIC
concrete example of a transport container in the
context intended here. The banknotes can be rendered
useless as legal tender, by equipping the case with
dye cartridges which are activated so as to stain the
banknotes should an unauthorized attempt be made to
open the case. -.
It will be understood from this that there is a need
1Q for a not-easily forced container, which in the case
of a portable container shall be as light as possible.
The container will, of course, be equipped with a
reliable alarm system or security system, of which at
leash certain parts are located within the container.
The system is constructed so that the destructive
element or elements will always be activated before;
the security system for the destructive element can be
rendered safe by unauthorized methods and before the
~raluables stored in the container can be removed
therefrom unlawfully. For instance, the security
system must have a short reaction time, so as to
prevent the system being disarmed by means of a so-
called high speed weapon, for instance.
Such security systems and destructive e~.ements are
already known grad commercially available, and it is
therefore unr~e~essary to describe such systems and
destructive elements in more detail here. It should be
mentioned, however,'that the security system can, of
course, be designed to afford the burglar only a very
;short, limited length of time in which to attempt to
force the container before the destructive element is
activated, despite the fact that the security system
3~ has not been triggered by the attempt to force the
container:
The main object of the present invention is to provide
a particularly designed laminate structure which can
:,
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W(9 93/23648 36) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ PLTlSE931~04i2
be used to great advantage in the construction Va a,
wall or a casing of a security container or of a
security room or~space. This object is achieved with a
laminate structure defined in the following Claims and
also with the use of such a laminate.
Among the many advantages afforded by the invention is
that it can be made thin and light in weight, which,
of course, imparts weight advantages to the transport
container in which the laminate is used, for instance.
The inventive laminate is constructed in a manner
which enables the laminate to handle effectively such
external disturbances as magnetic fields, static
electricity and the like.
The laminate can be given a rigidity or stiffness
which enabY.es a self-carrying container to be con-
structed therefrom.
The laminate can be manufactured in desired shapes and
curves, therewith enabling containers of complicated
shapes to be produced with the aid of the inventive
laminate:
When desiring to complement an existing construction
with a protective shell, this can ~e readily achieved
with the aid of the inventive laminate. For instance,
separate, angled corner laminates can be prefabri-
30 Gated:
. , ~ The . inven,ti.on will, be described in more detail with
reference to exemplifying embodiments thereof and also
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
35 ~iaure 1 is an exploded perspective view which illus-
trates the construction of an inventive laminate;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view ~of the laminate
Figure 3 illustrates schematically one method of
constructing an alarm mat; Figure ~ is a perspective
WO 93/2364 ~ 1'CT/SE93/00412
4
view of a transport container/security container
constructed from inventive laminates; ~qure 5 is a
cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an openable,
overlapping join between thevlaminates of the contain-
s er shown in Figure 4; Fig~u~e 6 is a cross-sectional
view of an advantageous cable throughlet in an inven-
tive laminate; ~i~r~ure 7 is a schematic, perspective
view illustrating an example of a space defining
structure constructed from inventive laminates; and
Fissure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one
corner part of the structure illustrated in Figure 7.
The illustrated laminate 10 includes a first outer
sheet or layer l, an alarm mat 2 and a second outer
15' sheet or layer 3 (see Figures 1 and 2).
The first outer sheet ~. is comprised, for instance, of
a fiberglass mat or a textile mat, although other
tyges of mats; cloths or sheets can be used. The outer
sheet 1 may also consist of paint or a gel coating.
The alarm mat 2 ~.s intended to indicate or to deteet
axa attempt to make a hole in the laminate 10. The
alarm layer/'alarm mat 2 is comprised of a fine-mesh
nit structure, for instance a knitted, crocheted or
woven structure: The material used is an electrically
conductive maternal, and may have the form ~f wires,
filaments or strips of metal or an electrically con-
ductive plastic material, hereinafter referred to
; genetically,as threads. The "threads" 5 of material
used are coated with an insulating layer. For in-
stance, the threads may consist of copper threads
coated with an insulating varnish of the type normally
used in small electric motors. A net structure con-
sisting of varnished copper wires having a diameter of
0.3 mm and a mesh density or mesh size of about 1 mm
is a non-limiting example of one conceivable net
structure. Optical fibres may also be used.
Vl~t) 93/2364 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~, 1't.'T/SE93/00412
Figure 3 illustrates very schematically one method of
constructing an alarm mat 2 in accordance with the
invention. The alarm mat 2 shown partially in Figure 3
is a knitted structure. When the structure is knitted
with a single thread 5 solely two thread ends are
obtained with the mat, such as to obtain a continuous
electric circuit. The mat 2 may alternatively be con-
structed from double threads 5, 5', which results in
two continuous electric circuits. According to one
highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the
aforesaid electric circuits are connected together so
that the mat 2 will obtain a single electric circuit
in which current flows in different directions in the
mutually parallel threads 5, 5'. This connection 6 of
~,5 the parallel threads 5, 5° is illustrated schematic-
ally in Figure 3, and the arrows show the contraflow
of electric current through said threads 5, 5' through
the meshes, loops or eyes of the mat 2.
The alarm layer/alarm mat 2 is thus comprised of a
fine-mesh maternal, and a central inventive feature of
the mat is that it is constructed from one or more
insulated, electrically conductive threads, and that
the thread or threads is/are disposed to dorm mutually
integral meshes, ~.oops or eyes, for instance of the
kind obtained when knitting, crocheting or weaving
tread material. This also applies to the use of
optical fibres.
The inventive alarm mat is extremely capable of re-
sisting disturbances in the form of electromagnetic
force fields; static electricity and the like.
Prevailing technical requirements on the alarm layer
2, such as mesh density, the number of electric cir-
cuits provided, the flexibility of the mat, and so on,
are factors which control the choice of an appropriate
method of manufacture. One or more electric signals
are transmitted through the mat 2 and any attempt to
1~() 93/2364 '~ ~ ~~ C~ PE'I'/~E93100412
make a hole in the laminate 10 will result in the
fracture of a thread, or a number of threads in the
mat, causing the electric signal to be interrupted and
an alarm to be triggered . The same applies to the use
of optical fibres with regard to light signals passing
through the mat.
The second outer layer or sheet 3 is conveniently
constructed in the same manner or in a similar manner
to the first outer layer or sheet 1.
In the majority of cases, the laminate to is used so
that the outer sheet 1 will form the exterior of the
container and the second sheet or layer 3 will form
the interior of said container, and the finish and
construction of respective outer layers or sheets may
be varied accordingly.
When manufacturing the laminate 10, the sheets 1-~ are
joined together in some appropriate manner, for in-
stance by gluing, injection-moulding or press-moulding
~echnigues. A number of different adhesives binders can
be'used in this regard, for instance polyester resin
o~ other resins may be used, therewith to produce a
stable laminate. When manufacturing the laminate, it
is possible, of course, to impart a number of differ-
ent shapes to the laminate, in addition to a (lest
shape. For instance, a security c~ntainer or a securi-
ty case can be produced from solely two. curved lami-
nate sections which overlap one another at their
meeting point. An example of a transport container or
~ca.se 20 constructed in this way is illustrated in
Figure 4.
The case 20 illustrated in Figure 4 is constructed
from two particularly shaped inventive laminate sec°
tions 10a and 10b, said sections being so configured
that when the case is closed, the laminate sections
will overlap in an overlap zone 21 which presents the
WO 93!23648 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ PCflSE93100412
smallest possible gap or clearance 22 between the
overlapping parts. The case 20 is typically provided
with a handle 23 glued to the outside of the case, and
also with hinge means, locking devices, etc., which
are mounted in a manner which excludes the necessity
of perforating the laminate sections. A number of
electrical contact or detectors 24 and 25 are mounted
immediately inwards of the overlapping zone 21, the
devices 24 being carried by a strip 26 bonded to the
laminate section 10a and the devices 25 being carried
by a further strip 27 glued to the other laminate
section !Ob. The strips 26 and 27 will preferably
extend around the full perimeter of the container 20,
and an appropriate number of electric contact devices
24, 25 are therewith mounted around the container
perimeter. A security cage is formed by mutually
connecting the respective alarm mats 2 of the laminate
sections 10a and lOb and the electrical contact devic-
es 24 and 25, so as to form one or more electric
2~ signal circuits. The circuit or circuits is/are broken
when a thread 5; 5' in the mat 2 is fractured or cut
as a result of attempting to make a hole in the con-
tainer, and i~ wily be understood from this that the
mat 2 will extend over the whole of the container
surface: A mat overlap is also provided in the overlap
zone 23.. The signal circuit will also be broken when
attempting to widen the gap 22, by bending apart the
overlapping parts of respective laminate sections in
an attempt to unlawfully force the container 20. When
attempting to widen the gap, the space between the
devices 24 and 25 will alter and therewith break the
electric circuit.
Mounted inside the container 20 is an electronic unit
and one or more ampules or cartridges which contain a
destructive agent, for instance dye cartridges. The
electronic unit is constructed so as to activate the
cartridges or ampules immediately the circuit is
broken, so as to destroy or render useless the
~
i~VO g PCT/~E~31tD0412 , :. ..
93/23fr4A ~~~,.~
valuables stored in the container 20. Activation and ~,
deactivation of the alarm system/electronic unit is
effected with the aid of an appropriate high security
cade system. Naturally, the container or case 20 will
also contain a current supply~source. It is conceiv-
this re and to.preset a time at which the
able in g
destructive element is activated or triggered, with.-.
the intention of introducing an additional stress
factor for those attempting unlawful access to the
container.
With regard to the inventive security container 20, it
has been established in practice that the inventive
alarm mat 2 consisting of mutually integral meshes,
loops or eyes, will function as a particularly effec-
five guard against external disturbances, far instance
in the form of magnetic fields of different kinds and
0 electrostatic fields and the like, in addition to its
aforedescribed hole-security function. This second
function is achieved because the tensions induced or
the d,i~turbances generated by such external distur-
bances are dampened by the laminate so quickly as to
enable the reaction time of the electronic unit to be
5 made so short as to render it impossible to disarm the
destructive element in time, even when firing, for
instance, a high speed weapon towards the activating
dev~.ce of the destructive element. Due to the very
rapid damping of disturbance signals, the risk of the
disturbance element being triggered as a result of a
false alarm caused by said external disturbances is
greatly reduced. A thread (wire, filament, band, etc.)
and an electric circuit is, in many instances, a suffi-
cient protection against external disturbances in the
5 form, e.g., of powerful magnetic fields and transient
voltages. ~iowever, the arrangement of two mutually
parallel threads which are connected in an electric
circuit with in which current flows in opposite direc-
tions affords a still better resistance to external
disturbances. The inventive alarm mat 2 will thus
-..'~ 1~,~ 93/23~b48 9 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Pc~is~~3iooa~z
effectively prevent disturbance of the electronic and
data equipment carried within the container construct-
ed from the inventive laminate sections l0.
It will be understood that a refined security system
based on the use of the inventive laminate structure
can be constructed in many different ways,
It will be evident that the aforedescribed container
l0 or case 20 can thus be used effectively for the safe
transport of valuable commodities.
Figure 5 illustrates an example of a throughlet for a
signal-carrying cable 30 arranged in one laminate
section 10. In the illustrated case, an overlap zone
31 is conveniently provided in the mat 2, so as to
eliminate the possibility of a hole being made through
the laminate section 10 without resulting in an alarm.
In the case of a knitted mat 2, it is possible to
provide an overlap zone of sufficient dimensions for
the purpose intended, by knitting a so-called button-
hole in the alarm mat: The cable throughlet shown in
F~:gure 6 may be used in conjunction with the illus--
trated security case 20, for instance.
Figure 7 illustrates an example of a security space or
room 40'built from inventive laminate sections 10.
~Tlaen constructing the room 40, it will preferably be
ensured that the joint regions of the laminate~sec-
ti;ons include overlap zones 41 (see Figure 8), so that
the mat 2 will be continuous, as described above with
reference 'to the case 20. Although not shown, each '
overlapping joint is suitably provided with bend-
indicating contact devices, similar to the embodiment
3~ aforedescribed with reference to the case 20. Some
overlapping joins may also be adhesively bonded.
Overlapping of adjacent laminate sections at the
corners of the room structure 4~0 can be facilitated
with the aid of separate, angled laminate strips 10c.
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The~,.,minate strips lOc or the angled corner strips
may, of course, be placed internally of respective
laminate sections 10. The room structure 40 is provid-
ed with a door 42, or some similar entrance, and means
for indicating overlapping and bending of the laminate
section devices will also be~provided around the door
or like entrance.
The inventive laminate 10 can thus be used in the
construction of containers, rooms or other spaces
where it is desired to prevent access by making holes
in tha structure, for instance. If a hole is made in a
structure comprised of the inventive laminate, a
destructive element will be activated so as to render
material stored in the space no longer valuable or
unusable. An overlapping drill guard is provided at
joins and doors, and electric contacts which function
. to brea.k the signal circuit when an attempt is made to
separate the jo~.n are provided inwardly thereof. These
2~ electric contacts are conveniently connected in series
~axth' the, alarm mats, so as to reduce the number of
current circuits.
The inventive laminate can be used, for instance, in
the d~nstructi~h of containers or cases for the trans-
portat~~an of valuable items, such as for cash trans-
p~rt~tion, security containers for use in motor vehi-
cles end aircraft, weapon storage systems, inexpensive
bank vaults, etc:
The inventive laminate can also be used to provide
ground dif:feren~ containers, localities and spaces a
shell which will make unauthorised access impossible
without act~.vating an alarm system or a destructive
System.
rt will be understood that the inventive laminate may
be constructed in various ways.~In its simplest form,
the laminate will consist solely of one alarm layer
1 ~'' ; W~ 93/23648 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ y PCTlSE93l00412
11
azid one outer sheet or layer, provided that the alarm
layer, or mat, is bonded adhesively to the outer layer
in an effective and satisfactory manner. The laminate
may include further layers or sheets of different
kinds if so desired. The materials used may also vary.
By way of non-limiting example, the laminate will
suitably have a thickness of about ~ mm. Furthermore,
as is often suitable for the laminate to be non-transpar-
ent. The alarm mat is suitably baked, moulded or glued
1p firmly in the laminate. The laminate may also be
provided with stiffening means.
In those cases when the laminate comprises optical
ffibres instead of electrically conductive threads, the
remaining, peripheral equipment will, of course, be
adapted to the use of optical fibres, and that the
above description concerning electric current circuits
will, instead, apply to light signal circuits.
2p The invention is therefore not restricted to the
aforedescribed and illustrated embodiments thereof,
since m~di~ications and changes can be made within the
scope of the following Claims.
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