GB1138104A - Improved security container - Google Patents

Abstract

1,138,104. Devices for marking contents of safe, safes. K. S. WARREN [L. J. FISHER]. 31 May, 1967, No. 25179/67. Headings E1A and E2X. A container 10 for valuables 20 includes a storage compartment 22 and a reservoir 36, 38 of a marking agent, the container being formed on its exterior with outer and inner electrically conductive shells (72), (76), (80) Fig. 3 (not. shown) separated by an electrically-insulating layer (74), (78) and including means to maintain the shells at different relative electrical potentials and means to discharge the marking agent into the storage compartment when the shells become electrically conductive. As shown, the container is provided with a hinged lid 14 securable to the body 12 of the container by a key-operated lock 24 and a staple 28 and hasp 30 and is separated from the storage compartment by a cover plate 18. The reservoir consists of a glass phial 36 containing an indelible liquid dye and a cardboard cartridge 38 of indelible dye in powder form. Electrical detonators are associated with the phial and the cartridge. The cover plate 18 includes vents 42, to allow the dyes released to enter the storage compartment, and includes a cover 44 for a battery housing. Switches 48 and 56 on the body 12 are operated by the lid as the latter is closed and a switch 62 on the lid cooperates with the lock 24. The walls 'of the box comprise a layer (72) of steel, a layer (74) of a plastics material, a layer (76) of aluminium, a layer (78) of plastics material, a layer (80) of aluminium and a layer (82) of plastics material. The arrangement is such that switches 48 and 56 are open when the box is closed and the switch 62 is closed when the lock 24 is operative. When the box is closed and locked, electrical connection between the shell (76) and either of the shells (72) or (78) or prising of the lid to close any of the switches 48, 56 detonates the phial 36 and the cartridge 38 to release the dyes into the compartment 22 through the vents 42, some of the powdered dye also escaping through the space between the body and the lid. For transport purposes without the dyes being discharged, the lid is secured by a padlock through the hasp and staple and the lock 24 is not operated. The invention is applicable to wall safes and strongrooms,