GB2517601A

GB2517601A - A plinth

Info

Publication number: GB2517601A
Application number: GB1418146.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Hardy
Original assignee: LOKTEC Ltd
Current assignee: LOKTEC Ltd
Priority date: 2014-10-14
Filing date: 2014-10-14
Publication date: 2015-02-25
Anticipated expiration: 2034-10-14
Also published as: GB2517601B; GB201418146D0

Abstract

A plinth, for securing an object such as an ATM or safe, comprising a top plate 14 separated from a bottom plate 12 for example by posts16 which may be telescopic. The plates include mounting means such as holes and nuts 30 for securing the object and mounting the base to a foundation. In a first aspect a linkage 36 is coupled to the inner surfaces of the top and bottom plates. In a second aspect a crumple zone formed by curved slots concentrically around the separating posts are formed in the base providing shock absorption of impacts. The linkage may be a flexible chain and may be connected to the plates by a pin 38, 40 inserted through a loop of the chain and located in a recessed channel or cradle on the inner surface of the plates. When mounted to the object and foundation the coupling fastener pins are concealed

Description

A PLINTH

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[01] The present invention relates to pllnths for securing objects to solid foundations.

The present invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to plinths for securing valuable objects such as Automated Teller Machines (ATM), safes, games machines and coin counters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[02] Valuable objects, such as ATMs, are now frequently installed at locations that are easily accessible for a user but intrinsically less secure than a bank. As a consequence, these valuable objects are vulnerable to physical attacks and removal by thieves. Such physical attacks can vary in approach. For example, the physical attacks may invcAve "ram-raiding" an objcct with a vchiclc to dislodge it from its mounting position, "lassoing" an object and pulling it out from its mounting position andlor "barring" an object by levering it from its mounting position. These physical attacks typically cause cxtensivc damage to the valuable object and the location. This can result in high repair costs, temporary closure of the location and increased insurance premiums.

[03] Conventionally, such physical attacks are impeded by using a plinth to secure a valuable object to the floor. An example of a plinth is described in US Patent 7,427,054 B2 (NCR CORPORATION). This particular plinth is ananged to support an ATM and has a fixing portion embedded into a secure foundation, a supporting box supporting the ATM and a flcxibk linkage extending between the ATM to the base plate of the supporting box. However, there are number of problems with the design of this plinth. For example, when the vertical walls of the supporting box crumple under the impact of an attacking force the supporting connection between the supporting box and ATM is undesirably broken. As a result, the plinth is no longer able to support the ATM and the ATM falls to the floor. Morcovcr, thc dircct attachment of thc flcxible linkage to the ATM housing is invasive and so compromises the structural integrity of the ATM housing and allows stress acting on the linkage to be directly transmitted to the ATM. The connection formed between the linkage and the ATM is thereby weak.

Therelore, when the attacking force is applied and/or the ATM falls to die floor, there is a substantial risk that the weak connection between the linkage and ATM may fail and the ATM will also become detrimentally detached from the plinth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[04] The present invention seeks to address or mitigate at least some of the problems associated with physical attacks as discussed above. The present invention seeks to overcome or avoid at least some of the above-mentioned problems associated with conventional plinths. The present invention seek to provide an alternative and improved plinth that is suitable for securing an object, such as a valuable object, to a solid foundation.

[05] Thc present invention is defined in the attached independent claims, to which rcfercncc should now be made. Further, optional featurcs may be found in the sub-claims appended thereto.

[06] A first aspect of the invention relates to a plinth for securng an object to a solid foundation. The plinth comprises a base plate configured to be attached by base fastening means to the solid foundation, a top plate configured to he attached by top fastcning means to the object and separating means configured to separatc the basc plate and the top plate by a separating distance.

[07] To enhance the securing eRect, the plinth may comprise a linkage configured to be coupled to the base plate and the top plate so as to securely interlink the base plate and the top plate. By coupling the linkage to the base plate and the top plate, the linkage is able to avoid any invasive and weak connections with the object and the solid foundation, and any subsequent enervation (impairment) of the object and the solid foundation. Due to this superior coupling ammgement. the tensile strength of the linkage is optimized and a greater and/or more sustained impact force is required to break the connection between the base pbte and the top plate. The linkage is thereby better able to maintain a secure connection between the base p'ate and top plate during a physical attack. As the linkagc continues to maintain the connection, the object advantageously remains secured to the solid foundation.

[08] The linkage may be a flexible linkage. The flexible linkage may be deforniable and/or extendable. By being flexible, the linkage can advantageously maintain a secure connection between the base plate and the top plate as the separation distance changes and/or (he base plate and the top plate move relative to one anoUer. The flexible linkage may. for example. comprise a chain, a wire, a spring, a rod or any other suitable flexible linking means.

[09] The linkage is preferably coupled to the base plate by base plate mounting means. The base plate mounting means may comprise a coupling member to engage a lower portion of the linkage and a cradle to hold the coupling member in situ, wherein the cradle is arranged on the inner side of the base plate and is configured to he accessible from the outer side of the base plate through an aperture formed in the base plate. As a result, the base plate mounting means is advantageously tamper resistant because it only allows the linkage to be attached or detached from the base plate when the phnth is dismounted from the solid loundation.

[10] Likewise, the linkage is preferably coupled to the top plate by top plate mounting means. The (op plate mounting means may comprise a coupling member to engage an upper portion of the linkage and a cradle to hold the coupling member in situ, wherein the cradle is arranged on the inner side of the top plate and is configured to be accessible from (he outer side of the top plate through an aperture formed in the top plate. The top plate mounting means are thereby tamper resistant because it only allows the linkage to he attached or detached from the top plate when the phnth is dismounted from the object.

[11] The cradle of the base plate mounting means and/or the top plate mounting means is preferably configured to releasably hold the coupling member so as to allow the linkage to be detached, refitted and/or replaced when necessary.

[12] The coupling member of the base plate mounting means and/or the top plate mounting means may comprise a pin configured to extend through a receiving hole of the linkage. The pin may be configured such that, when the pin is located in the receiving hole, end portions of the pin protrude from the linkage.

[13] The cradle of the base plate mounting means and/or the top plate mounting means may comprise a first cradle portion and a second cradle portion arranged in spaced relationship with a gap space therebetween so as to releasably hold the end portions of the pin and allow the linkage to extend through the gap space.

[14] To delay the effects of an impact force, the plinth may comprise one or more crumple zones arranged in the base plate. The crumple zones are preferably configured to deform in the plane of the base patc under the application of an impact force. The crumple zone may comprise any suitable crumple means. For example. the crumple zone may comprise one or more slots formed in the base plate. The slots may he generally curved sthts aranged at least concentrically at the intersection between the base plate and the separating means. The one or more crumple zones are configured to advantageously absorb energy from an impact force and restrict the transfer of the impact force to other parts of the plinth, for example, to the separating means. As a consequence, the one or more crumple zones are able to dday the progress of a physical attack.

[15] The separating means may he fixed separating means to separate the base plate and the top plate by a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the separating means may be adjustable separating means to vary the separating distance between the base plate and the top plate. As a result, the height of the object above the solid foundation may be changed as required. The adjustable separating means may comprise comprises one or more telescopic legs.

[16] The plinth may be configured to secure any suitable object that would benefit from being secured to a solid foundation. For example, the phnth may he configured to secure an object of substantial value or an object containing valuables such as money or important information. The object may, for example, be an ATM, a safe, a games machine or a coin counter.

[17] The plinth may be configured to secure an object to any suitable solid foundation with sufficient high strength. For example, the plinth may be configured to secure an object to a solid foundation comprising concrete and/or resin. The solid foundation may, for example, comprise a concrete floor comprising high strength cement and having a depth of between 150mm -250mm.

[18] A second aspect of the invention relates to an object securing system comprising an object to be secured to a solid foundation and a plinth according to a first aspect of the invention for securing the object to a solid foundation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[19] An embodiment of the present invention wifl 110w he described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [20] Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a plinth according to the present invention; [21] Figure 2 depicts an end view of the plinth; [22] Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of the base plate of the plinth; [23] Figure 4 depicts a perspective view of the top plate of the plinth; [24] Figure Sa depicts a side view of the plinth when the separation distance between the base plate and the top plate is a maximum value; [25] Figure Sb depicts a side view of the plinth when the separation distance between the base plate and the top plate is a minimum value; [26] Figure 6a depicts a view of the outer side of the base plate of the plinth; [27] Figure bb depicts a view of the outer side of the top plate of the plinth; [28] Figure 7a depicts a view of the outer side of the base plate of the plinth with the linkage coupled to the base plate; [29] Figure 7b depicts a view of the outer side of the top plate of the plinth with the linkage coupled to the top plate; [30] Figure 8 depicts a side view of the plinth showing how the pin is extended through the linkage.

S

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

F 311 With reference to Figures 1 to 8, a plinth (10) according to the present invention comprises a base plate (12) and a top plate (14) arranged in a spaced relationship by separating means (16). The base plate and top plate are arranged at least substantially parallel and define an internal cavity space (18) within the plinth.

[32] The base plate is configured to be attached to a solid foundation (not shown).

When attached, the plinth sits on the solid foundation and the outer side of the base plate forms a mating contact with the solid foundation.

[33] The base plate has a footprint that corresponds with the footprint of the top plate.

The base plate preferably comprises thick steel plate so as to have sufficient structural integrity. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 8. the base plate is a 10mm thick mild steel plate with a generally rectangular shape.

[34] The base plate is attached to the solid foundation using base fastening means. The base fastening means may comprise any suitable fixings to form a secure connection between thc base plate and the solid foundation. For example, the base fastening means may comprise pile-like bolts or shanks extending between the base plate and solid foundation. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 8, the base plate comprises six apertures (20) that are configured to receive six corresponding shank posts (22) that have been prior set into the solid foundation. To secure the base plate to the solid foundation, locking nuts (not shown) are mounted on the upper portion of each shank post that protrudes into the cavity space of the plinth. The protruding portions of each shank post and associated locking nut are shielded by collars (24) encircling each aperture and a lid (26).

[35] The base plate may he configured to he attached to any suitable sohd foundation having sufficient high strength to provide a sturdy footing for the plinth. The solid foundation may comprise concrete, resin and/or any other suitable material. The solid foundation may he a preformed floor or specificafly commissioned structure. The solid foundation may, for example, be a preformed concrete floor formed from high strength grade cement and having a thickness in the range of lSOmm-250mm.

[36] The top plate is configured to be attached to the object (not shown). When attached, the object sits on the top plate and the outer side of the top plate forms a mating contact with the object.

[37] The top plate has a footprint that corresponds to the footprint of the object. The top plate may be configured to support any suitable object that would benefit from being secured to a solid foundation. For example, the top plate may be configured to support a valuable object such as an ATM, safe, games machines or coin counter. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 8, the top plate is a 10mm thick mild steel plate having a generally rectangular shape that is configured to provide a platform for an ATM.

[38] The top plate is attached to the object using top fastening means. The top fastening means may comprise any suitable fixings to form a secure connection between the top plate and the object. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 8, the top plate comprise four apertures 28) that arc configured to receive colTcsponding locking pins extending from the underside of the ATM. To secure the top plate to the object, locking nuts (30) are mounted on the lower portion of each thcking pin that protrudes into the cavity space of the plinth. The locking pins of the ATM are integrally formed. Therefore, the plinth is able to form a non-invasive connection with the ATM without requiring any drilling of the ATM housing.

[39] The separating means may be fixed separating means to arrange the base plate and top plate at a predetermined separation distance. Alternatively, the separating means may be adjustable variable separating means to vary the separating distance between base plate and top plate. As a result, the plinth can adjust the height of the object as required in accordance with the type of the object, the use of the object and/or the location of the object. The adjustable separating means may allow the separaling distance In vary between any suitable predetermined range For example.

the adjustable separating means may be configured to vary the separating distance between the base plate and the top plate between a range of approximately 180mm- 290mm. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 8, the separating means (16) comprise four telescopic legs arranged in each corner of the pbnth. Each leg comprises a sleeve (32) attached to the inner side of the base plate and an extension member (34) slidably received in the sleeve and attached to the inner side of the top plate. The extension member is slidable relative to the sleeve in a vertical plane between a maximum extension length and a minimum extension length. as shown in Figures 3a and 3h respectively. When the extension member is extended to a maximum length relative to the sleeve the base plate and top plate are separated by a maximum separation distance of approximately 290mm. When the extension member is extended to a minimum length relative to the sleeve the base plate and top p'ate are separated by a minimum separation distance of approximately 180mm.

[40] The plinth according to the present invention may comprise a linkage (36) to interlink the base plate and top plate so as to hdp maintain a connection between the base plate and top plate when the plinth is subject to an impact force during a physical attack. As the connection is maintained, the object. remains secured to the solid foundation and cannot be removed by thieves. By coupling the linkage to the base plate and the top plate strong connections are formed and so a substantial and/or sustained impact force is required to break the linkage. Therefore, a physical attack on the plinth according to the present invention is unlikely to succeed because the linkage will hinder the progress of the physical attack. For example, thieves may find that they are unable to apply the impact force required to break the linkage and detach the object in the short time window before they are at risk of being caught. hi the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 8, the linkage has an impact resistance of approximately 350KN and is able to resist attacks of up to approximately 30 tonnes of impact force.

[41] The linkage may be a flexible linkage. The flexible linkage is preferably able to deform and/or extend so as to accommodate movement between the base plate and top platc and/or changes in the separation distance whilst maintaining the connection. For example. it may be necessary for the flexible linkage to allow for movement between the base plate and the top plate should the supporting means fail in a physical attack.

The flexible linkage may, for example. comprise a chain, a wire, a spring, a rod or any other suitable flexible linking means with sufficient tensile strength to withstand the impact force.

[42] A lower end of the linkage is coupled to the base plate using base plate mounting means. An upper end of the linkage is coupled to the top plate using top plate mounting means. The mounting means may comprise any suitable means for mounting the linkage on the respective plates.

[43] Jr the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 8, the linkage (36) is a flexible mild steel chain. The chain has a length of approximately im and comprises a plurality of links formed from steel wire having a diameter of 22mnt A first end of the linkage is coupled to the top plate by extending a first coupling pin (38) through the first link of the linkage (40) and then releasably mounting the first coupling pin in the slot (42a) of a top pJrte cradle (42) arranged on the inner side of the top plate. A second end of the linkage is coupled to the base plate by extending a second coupling pin @4) through the last link of the linkage (46) and then releasably mounting the second coupling pin in the slot (48a) of a base plate cradle (48) arranged on the inner side of the base plate.

[44] The top plate cradle is configured within the plinth such that it can only be accessed via a first aperture (50) formed in the top plate. The base plate cradle is conligured within the plinth such that it can only he accessed via a second aperture (52) formed in the base plate. This means that the coupling pins can only be extended through the respective links of the linkage when the linkage is protruding through the apertures to the outer sides of the plates (see Figure 8). Moreover, the coupling pins can only he located in the respective cradles from the outer sides of the plates. Given that the outer sides of the plates aie only accessible prior to installation, the mounting means provide a level of tamper resistance because the linkage can only be attached or detached from the base plate and top plate when the plinth is not installed for use. The mounting means also helps to maintain the linkage connection because it does not allow for the erroneous release of the coupling members from the cradles when the plinth is in operation.

[45] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the top plate cradle and base plate cradle each comprise a first cradle portion (54) and a second cradle portion (56). The cradle portions are arranged on the inner side ol the plates adjacent the corresponding apertures. in spaced relation with a gap space (58) therebetween. Due to this configuration. the linkage is able to extend through the gap space and aperture to the outer sides of the plinth plates. The end portions of the coupling pin are removably received in the respective slots of the cradle portions. hi the embodiment depicted in Figures Ito 8, the pin is a mild steel pin having a length of approximately 150mm and diameter of approximately 25mm. The cradle has a slot diameter of approximately 26mm to form a snug fit with the pin. The gap space between the first cradle portion and second cradle portions is approximately 52mm. The gap space is carefully selected so as to ensure the pin is sufficienfly held by the first cradle portion and the second cradle portion and the linkage has sufficient space to extend therethrough.

[46] The plinth may comprise one or more crumple zones arranged in the base plate to delay the initial effects of an impact force. The crumple zones are preferably configured to deform in the plane of the base plate under the application of an impact force. The crumple zone may comprise any suitable crumple means. For example, the crumple zone may comprise one or more slots formed in a zone (region) of the base plate. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 8. crumple zones in the form of generally curved slots (60) arc arranged in the base plate in a generally concentric pattern around the separating means (16). When the plinth is subject to an impact force, the curved slots deform in a controlled manner to absorb energy from the impact force by deforming in a controlled manner. The configuration of the curved slots also helps to restrict the transfer of the impact force to the separating means. As a consequence, the one or more crumple zones are able to delay the progress of a physical attack.

[47] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise' and "contain" and variations of the word, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including, hut not limited to", and it is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, components, integers or steps.

[48] Throughout. the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. hi particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[49] Features, integers, characteristics or compounds described in conjunction with a particular aspect. embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood as be 1 0 applicable to any othcr aspect. embodiment or cxample described hcrcin unless incompatible therewith.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A plinth for securing an object to a solid foundation comprising: a basc plate configured to be attached by base fastening means to the solid foundation; a top plate configured to be attached by top fastcning means to the object; separating means configured to separate the base plate from the top plate by a separating distance; a linkage configured to be directly coupled by mounting means to the inner side of the base plate and the inner side of the top plate so as to securely interlink (lie base plate and top plate during use.
2. A plinth according to claim 1. wherein the linkage is a flexible linkage.
3. A plinth according to claim I or 2, wherein the mounting means comprises: base plate mounting means comprising a base plate coupling member configured to engage a lower portion of a linkage and a base plate cradle configured to hold the base plate coupling member, wherein (lie base plate cradle is arranged on the inner side of the base plate and is configured to he accessible from the outer side of the base plate through an aperture formed in the base plate; and top plate mounting means comprising a top plate coupling member configured to engage an upper portion of a linkage; and a top plate cradle configured to hold the top plate coupling member, wherein the top plate cradle is arranged on the inner side of the top plate and is configured to be accessible from the outer side of the top plate through an aperture formed in the top plate.
4. A pllnth according to claim 3, wherein the cradle of the base plate mounting means and/or the top plate mounting means is configured to releasably hold the associated coupling member.
5. A plinth according to eaim 3 or 4, wherein the base plate coupling member and/or the top plate coupling member comprises a pin configured to extend through a receiving hole of (he linkage, optionally wherein the end portions of the pin protrude beyond the receiving hole.
6. A plinth according to any of claims 3. 4 or 5, wherein the base plate cradle and/or the top plate cradle comprises a first cradle portion and a second cradle portion arranged in spaced relationship with a gap space therebetween so as to hold the end portions of the pin and allow the linkage to extend through the gap space.
7. A plinth according to any preceding claims, further comprises at least one crumple zone arranged in the base plate and configured to deform in the plane of the base plate.
8. A plinth according to claim 7. wherein the at least one crumple zone comprises one or more slots formed in the base plate. optionally wherein the slots are generally curved slots.
9. A plinth according to claim 8, wherein the generally curved slots are arranged at least concentrically at an intersection between the base plate and the separating means.
10. A plinth according to any preceding claim, wherein thc scparating means comprises fixed separating means to separate the base plate and the top plate by a predetermined distance.
II. A plinth according to any of claim I to 9, wherein the separating means comprises adjustable separating means to vary the separation distance between the base plate and the top plate.
12. A phnth according to claim 11, wherein (lie adjustable separating means comprises at least one telescopic leg.
13. A plinth according to any preceding claims, wherein the object is a valuable object of value and/or comprising valuables, optionally wherein the valuable object is an Automated Teller Machine, a safe, a games machine or a coin counter.
14. A plinth according to any preceding claims, wherein the solid foundation may comprise high strength concrete and/or resin.
15. A plinth for securing an object to a solid foundation comprising: a base plate configured to be attached by base fastening means to the solid foundation; a top plate configured to be attached by top fastening means to the object; separating means configured to separate the base plate from the top plate by a separating distance; and at least one crumple zone comprising one or more generally curved slots foirned in the base plate and arranged at least concentrically at the intersection between the base plate and the separating means.
16. An object securing system comprising an object to be secured to a solid foundation and a plinth according to any of claims 1 to 15 for securing the object to (he solid foundation.
17. A plin(h for securing an object to a solid foundation as herein described and/or depicted in any of Figures ito 8.
18. A securing object system as herein described and/or depicted in any of Figures 1 (08.