AU2017101720A4 - A legal tender and bill of exchange dispensing and depositing apparatus enclosure - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a legal tender and bill of exchange dispensing and depositing apparatus enclosure comprising a housing configured to be arranged within a hole defined in a wall and affixed to the wall, the housing defining an internal volume dimensioned to at least partially receive the apparatus, and the housing defining an aperture arranged, in use, to allow access to the apparatus. A closure member is slidably arranged relative to the housing, the closure member being configured to move between a closed position whereby the aperture is occluded, and an open position whereby the aperture is uncovered, and wherein in both positions the closure member is arranged within the internal volume. The enclosure also includes a locking mechanism configured to secure the closure member to the housing in at least the closed position thereby locking the closure member. zoz 7t7 Figure 5 Fu(g to Figure 6 Figure 7

Description

The present invention provides a legal tender and bill of exchange dispensing and depositing apparatus enclosure comprising a housing configured to be arranged within a hole defined in a wall and affixed to the wall, the housing defining an internal volume dimensioned to at least partially receive the apparatus, and the housing defining an aperture arranged, in use, to allow access to the apparatus. A closure member is slidably arranged relative to the housing, the closure member being configured to move between a closed position whereby the aperture is occluded, and an open position whereby the aperture is uncovered, and wherein in both positions the closure member is arranged within the internal volume. The enclosure also includes a locking mechanism configured to secure the closure member to the housing in at least the closed position thereby locking the closure member.

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A legal tender and bill of exchange dispensing and depositing apparatus enclosure

Technical Field [0001] The present disclosure relates to enclosures for legal tender and bill of exchange dispensing and depositing apparatus, such as is commonly used in bank branches by customers depositing and withdrawing funds. Such apparatus include coin depositing machines, float dispensing machines, cash/cheque depositing machines, and automated teller machines.

Background [0002] Apparatus for dispensing and/or depositing legal tender and/or bills of exchange are located in various environments such as within bank branches, service stations, and convenience stores. It is commonplace for such apparatus to be securely installed within premises to prevent damage to the apparatus and decrease the likelihood of theft of tender. However installing these apparatus within premises occupies potentially commercially valuable floor space. This type of installation can also prove inconvenient for customers seeking access to the apparatus outside of the premises opening hours.

[0003] Alternatively, such apparatus may be installed within a hole defined in an external wall of the premises, commonly referred to as a “through-the-wall” installation. This provides access to the apparatus for customers at any time of day however means that the apparatus is exposed to potential damage, such as can be caused by weather or vandalism.

[0004] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the common general knowledge in the field

2017101720 06 Dec 2017 relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

Summary [0005] According to some embodiments disclosed in this specification, there is provided a legal tender and bill of exchange dispensing and depositing apparatus enclosure comprising a housing configured to be arranged within a hole defined in a wall and affixed to the wall, the housing defining an internal volume dimensioned to at least partially receive the apparatus, and the housing defining an aperture arranged, in use, to allow access to the apparatus. A closure member is slidably arranged relative to the housing, the closure member being configured to move between a closed position whereby the aperture is occluded, and an open position whereby the aperture is uncovered, and wherein in both positions the closure member is arranged within the internal volume. The enclosure also includes a locking mechanism configured to secure the closure member to the housing in at least the closed position thereby locking the closure member.

[0006] The aperture may define a pair of opposed sides and the housing further include a channel-defining member arranged at each of the sides, and wherein the closure member is slidably engageable with both channel defining members. Also, the closure member may comprise a plurality of linked sections, each section dimensioned to extend between the channel defining members. Furthermore, the channel defining members may extend within the housing above the aperture and to a rear portion of the housing to provide a storage region to store the closure member in the open position.

[0007] The locking mechanism may include at least one bar connected to the closure member and configured to move from a locked position to an unlocked position, and wherein the housing further defines at least one opening dimensioned to receive a portion of the at least one bar when arranged in the locked position.

2017101720 06 Dec 2017 [0008] The locking mechanism may include a pair of oppositely extending bars coupled to a rotatable cam, and wherein rotating the cam moves each bar between the locked position and the unlocked position. The cam may be connected to a lock barrel arranged at one side of the closure member, and wherein rotation of the cam is actuated by inserting an authorised key into the lock barrel and rotating the key. Also, the closure member may define opposed sides and further includes a guide arranged at each of the sides, each guide configured to guide movement of the respective bar. In this embodiment, each bar may be slidably engaged with the respective guide.

[0009] The housing may also include a flange extending from a peripheral region and which is configured to be affixed to the wall.

[0010] Throughout this specification reference is made to legal tender. This will be appreciated to include banknotes (paper currency) and coins within its scope. Further reference is also made to bills of exchange, being a type of negotiable instrument. This will be appreciated to include cheques and promissory notes, such as personal cheques and bank cheques, within its scope.

[0011] Throughout this specification the words comprise, “include” and “have”, and variations such as comprises, comprising, “includes”, “including”, “has” and “having”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Brief Description of Drawings [0012] Embodiments of the disclosure are now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a legal tender and bill of exchange dispensing and depositing apparatus enclosure in a first configuration where a closure member is arranged in an open position;

2017101720 06 Dec 2017 [0014] Figure 2 is a top view of the enclosure as shown in Figure 1;

[0015] Figure 3 is a front view of the enclosure as shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[0016] Figure 4 is a side view of the enclosure as shown in the previous figures; [0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the enclosure in a second configuration where the closure member is arranged in a closed position;

[0018] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional top view of the enclosure as shown in Figure 5; [0019] Figure 7 is a detailed view of the part of Figure 6 encircled by Circle D;

[0020] Figure 8 is a front view of the enclosure as shown in Figures 5 to 7;

[0021] Figure 9 is a detailed view of the part of Figure 8 encircled by Circle E;

[0022] Figure 10 is a rear view of the enclosure as shown in Figures 5 to 9;

[0023] Figure 11 is a detailed view of the part of Figure 10 encircled by Circle B; and [0024] Figure 12 is a detailed view of the part of Figure 10 encircled by Circle A.

[0025] In the drawings, like reference numerals designate similar parts.

Description of Embodiments [0026] In the drawings reference numerlO generally designates an embodiment of a legal tender and bill of exchange dispensing and depositing apparatus enclosure 10.

The enclosure 10 includes a housing 12 configured to be arranged within a hole defined in a wall and affixed to the wall. The housing 12 defines an internal volume 14 dimensioned to at least partially receive the apparatus, and also defines an aperture 16 arranged, in use, to allow access to the apparatus. The enclosure 10 includes a closure member 18 which is slidably arranged relative to the housing 12. The closure member 18 is configured to move between a closed position whereby the aperture 16 is occluded, and an open position whereby the aperture 16 is uncovered, and in both positions the closure member 18 is arranged within the internal volume 14 of the housing 12. The enclosure 10 also includes a locking mechanism 20 (shown most clearly in Figure 9 of the drawings) configured to secure the closure member 18 to the housing 12 in at least the closed position thereby locking the closure member 18.

2017101720 06 Dec 2017 [0027] In Figures 1 to 4, the enclosure 10 is shown in a first configuration where the closure member 18 is arranged in the open position and concealed within the internal volume 14 of the housing 12.

[0028] The housing 12 is shaped and dimensioned to at least partially receive one of a range of different dispensing and/or depositing apparatus. The embodiment shown in the figures is configured to house a coin-deposit machine. The illustrated housing 12 embodiment includes panels 22 arranged to enclose a part of a front, sides, top and a rear of the apparatus. The housing 12 is configured in this way to allow the apparatus to extend outside of the enclosure 10, for example, to provide access to the rear of the apparatus from within premises to which the apparatus is installed, and also allow communication of cables/wiring to the apparatus. The type of apparatus which the housing 12 is configured to enclose may also determine other features of the housing 12, such as defining a dispensing aperture 24 through which items and/or a receipt are able to be dispensed. A cable aperture 25 defined in one of the side panels 22 is dimensioned to allow a cable to pass through the housing 12 to connect to the apparatus.

[0029] The aperture 16 is defined in a front of the housing 12 to provide access to the apparatus arranged within the internal volume 14 of the housing 12 when the closure member 18 is in its open position. In the embodiment shown, the aperture 16 defines a pair of opposed sides 26, 28. A channel defining member 30, 32, is attached to, or otherwise formed at, and inwardly of, each of the sides 26, 28. The channel defining members 30, 32 are arranged to guide the closure member 18 as the closure member 18 moves between the open and closed positions. Whilst the aperture 16 is shown as defining a planar and rectilinear shape, it will be appreciated that the aperture 16, surrounding panels 22 and channel defining members 30, 32 may be alternatively configured to define other forms, for example, to fit to a curved wall.

[0030] A flange 34 is arranged extending from a peripheral region of a front of the housing 12. The flange 34 is configured to be affixed to the wall thereby securely installing the enclosure 10 to the premises. The flange 34 is arranged extending around

2017101720 06 Dec 2017 the entire peripheral region and away from adjacent panels 22 to substantially prevent access to the panels 22 when the housing 12 is affixed within the hole in the wall. The flange 34 is affixed to the wall by a plurality of brackets (not shown) secured to the panels 22 of the housing 12 being arranged against and affixed to an inside surface of the wall, thereby urging the flange 34 in a clamping arrangement with the other side of the wall. The brackets are typically configured as L-shaped brackets which extend at right angles to each side panel 22 and top panel 22 of the housing 12, and are mounted to the inside surface of the wall using fasteners.

[0031] The housing 12 is typically fabricated from sheet metal, whereby the panels 22 are secured to each other with fasteners, such as bolts. Alternatively, at least the flange 34 may be produced from one or more plastic mouldings to enable more complex geometry housings 12.

[0032] In Figures 5 to 12, the enclosure 10 is shown in a second configuration where the closure member 18 is arranged in the closed position.

[0033] The closure member 18 includes a plurality of linked sections, or slats, 36. Each section 36 is typically pivotally connected to adjacent sections 36 thereby forming a shutter or panel which is able to be rolled or otherwise stowed in a compact, unobtrusive form when the closure member 18 is in its open position. Each section 36 defines a longitudinal length which is dimensioned to extend between the channel defining members 30, 32. An end of each section 36 is also configured to be slidably received within a channel of the associated channel defining member 30, 32. As best shown in Figures 6 and 7, the slidable arrangement between the sections 36 and the channel defining members 30, 32 is provided by a notch 39 defined in a front surface of each section 36 slidably engaging an internal flange 35 defined by the housing 12. Sliding each notch 39 along the internal flange 35 carries the closure member 18 when moving between its closed position and open position.

[0034] Returning to Figure 4, the channel defining members 30, 32 are shown delineated in dashed lines extending into a top section of the housing 12 above the

2017101720 06 Dec 2017 aperture 16, curving around an internal front and rear edge defined by the housing 12 and extending partially along a rear of the housing 12 into a pocket 37 formed at the rear of the housing 12. The channel defining members 30, 32 and pocket 37 therefore provide a storage region which the closure member 18 is moved into when arranged in its open position. A latch mechanism (not illustrated) is connected to the pocket 37 to allow the closure member 18 to be retained in the pocket 37 in its open position.

Whilst the channel defining members 30, 32 are shown extending from the opposed sides 26, 28 of the aperture 16 towards the pocket 37 it will be appreciated that these may be discontinuous and therefore also comprise additional channel defining members to effectively define a continuous track along the sides 26, 28 and to the pocket 37.

[0035] Figures 6 to 12 show features of the locking mechanism 20 in more detail.

The locking mechanism 20 includes at least one bar which is connected to the closure member 16 and configured to move from a locked position to an unlocked position.

The housing 12 also defines at least one opening 38 dimensioned to receive a portion of the at least one bar when arranged in the locked position. When the at least one bar is arranged in the locked position the closure member 18 is locked which substantially prevents the closure member 18 from moving relative to the housing 12.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the locking mechanism 20 includes a pair of oppositely extending bars 40 coupled to a rotatable cam 42. Rotating the cam 40 causes each bar 38 to move between the locked position and the unlocked position. A pair of the openings 38 are arranged at a bottom region of the aperture 16 to allow the closure member 18 to be locked in the closed position. It will be appreciated that another pair of openings 38 may be arranged at an upper region of the aperture 16, or another appropriate location, to allow the closure member 18 to be locked in the open position, or another position.

[0037] The closure member 18 is connected to a lock barrel 44 which is accessible from an external (wall) side of the closure member 18. Rotation of the cam 42 is actuated by inserting an authorised key (not shown) into the lock barrel 44 and rotating the key.

2017101720 06 Dec 2017 [0038] Best shown in Figure 11 is a guide 46 arranged adjacent each side of the closure member 18, the guides 46being configured to guide movement of the bars 40 between the locked and unlocked positions. In the embodiment shown, each bar 40 is slidably engaged with one of the guides 46.

[0039] The enclosure 10 is typically installed into a hole defined in an external wall of premises (not illustrated). This generally involves arranging the apparatus close to the hole from inside the premises, fitting the enclosure 10 through the hole from outside the premises, arranging the enclosure 10 around the apparatus, and then securing the enclosure 10 to the wall by engaging the brackets with studs or fasteners mounted to the wall. This may also involve sealing the flange 34 to the wall to substantially prevent dust and/or moisture ingress into the hole.

[0040] Use of the enclosure 10 involves moving the closure member 18 from the closed to the open position in order to access and operate the apparatus. The closure member 18 is arranged and locked in the closed position during specified hours of the day, for example, overnight, to prevent access to the apparatus. When access to the apparatus is required, a user inserts the authorised key into the lock barrel 44, and rotates the key to operate the locking mechanism 20. This causes the bars 40 to move to the unlocked position and allows the closure member 18 to move relative to the housing 12. The user then slides the closure member 18 towards a top edge of the aperture 16 causing the linked sections 36 to slide along the channel defining members 30, 32 inside the housing 12 and into the pocket 37, storing the closure member 18 within the internal volume 14 defined by the housing 12. Moving the closure member 18 in this way progressively reveals the aperture 16 and then allows the user to access the apparatus. When the closure member 18 is fully opened, it engages the latch mechanism to retain the closure member 18 in its open position.

[0041] The enclosure 10 is useful in many scenarios where damage could occur to the housed apparatus due to climatic conditions and/or user interaction as the closure member 18 can be readily deployed and locked to substantially prevent dust, moisture and persons accessing the apparatus.

2017101720 06 Dec 2017 [0042] The enclosure 10 is also useful where space for installation of the apparatus and enclosure is limited, as the housing 12 is configurable to closely fit around the apparatus and arrange the closure member 18 within the internal volume 14 defined by the housing 12, regardless of whether the closure member 18 is in the open position or closed position. This therefore provides a compact enclosure 10 solution which is compatible with and easy to install in a “through-the-wail” type installation.

[0043] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

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Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A legal tender and bill of exchange dispensing and depositing apparatus enclosure comprising:

   a housing configured to be arranged within a hole defined in a wall and affixed to the wall, the housing defining an internal volume dimensioned to at least partially receive the apparatus, and the housing defining an aperture arranged, in use, to allow access to the apparatus;

   a closure member slidably arranged relative to the housing, the closure member configured to move between a closed position whereby the aperture is occluded, and an open position whereby the aperture is uncovered, and wherein in both positions the closure member is arranged within the internal volume; and a locking mechanism configured to secure the closure member to the housing in at least the closed position thereby locking the closure member .
2. 2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the aperture defines a pair of opposed sides and the housing further includes a channel-defining member arranged at each of the sides, and wherein the closure member is slidably engageable with both channel defining members.
3. 3. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein the closure member comprises a plurality of linked sections, each section dimensioned to extend between the channel defining members.
4. 4. The enclosure of claim 3, wherein the channel defining members extend within the housing above the aperture and to a rear portion of the housing to provide a storage region to store the closure member in the open position.
5. 5. The enclosure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism includes at least one bar connected to the closure member and configured to move from a locked position to an unlocked position, and wherein the housing further

   2017101720 06 Dec 2017 defines at least one opening dimensioned to receive a portion of the at least one bar when arranged in the locked position.
6. 6. The enclosure of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism includes a pair of oppositely extending bars coupled to a rotatable cam, and wherein rotating the cam moves each bar between the locked position and the unlocked position.
7. 7. The enclosure of claim 6, wherein the cam is connected to a lock barrel arranged at one side of the closure member, and wherein rotation of the cam is actuated by inserting an authorised key into the lock barrel and rotating the key.
8. 8. The enclosure of claim 6 or 7, wherein the closure member defines opposed sides and further includes a guide arranged at each of the sides, each guide configured to guide movement of the respective bar.
9. 9. The enclosure of claim 8, wherein each bar is slidably engaged with the respective guide.
10. 10. The enclosure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing further includes a flange extending from a peripheral region, the flange configured to be affixed to the wall.

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