Safe with auxiliary safe

Abstract

A dual safe has a main housing and a main door pivotably coupled to the main housing by a main hinge to define a main safe having a main interior space. The main door has a main lock. The dual safe includes a secondary safe mountable to the main door. The secondary safe includes a secondary housing and a secondary door having a secondary lock. The secondary housing defines an auxiliary or second interior space. Optionally, the secondary safe is mountable to the main housing.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] not applicable.

[0003] Statement regarding federally funded research or development

[0004] not applicable.

[0005] The names of the parties involved in the joint research agreement

[0006] not applicable. Technical Field

[0007] This disclosure relates to safes, and more specifically, to safes with additional features. Background Technology

[0008] For decades, safes have been used to store valuables or firearms while preventing unauthorized access to their contents. Many safes use metal cases with locks. Locks can take the form of combination locks, key locks, or more modern biometric locks that allow access via fingerprints or other means.

[0009] Large safes typically have a very heavy, box-like structure or body with a pivoting front door equipped with a locking mechanism. Opening the front door provides access to the interior space of the body, allowing for the storage and removal of items to be kept in a secure environment. The immense weight of the safe provides a higher level of security, as moving or stealing the entire safe to access its contents would be significantly hindered.

[0010] However, the problem with these large safes is that the complexity of the locking mechanism and the weight of the door can be a burden. These drawbacks may discourage people from using safes for frequently used items—that is, items that are frequently put away and taken out. It may also discourage people from using safes for items that must be accessed quickly in an emergency, such as firearms during a burglary.

[0011] Therefore, it can be seen that there is still a need for a safe that is large and heavy to prevent it from being moved, yet allows easy access to selected items that are frequently put away or removed from the safe, or to be accessed immediately in an emergency. Therefore, the main objective of this invention is to provide such a safe. Summary of the Invention

[0012] A double safe includes: an outer main housing defining a main interior space configured to receive objects to be stored; a main door pivotally coupled to the main housing; and a main lock coupled to the main door for locking and unlocking the main door. The combination of the main housing, the main door, and the main lock forms a main safe, and an inner secondary housing located within the main housing and configured to receive objects to be stored. The secondary housing defines a secondary interior space separate and spaced from the main interior space. The double safe further includes: a secondary door pivotally coupled to the main door; and a secondary lock coupled to the secondary door for locking and unlocking the secondary door. The combination of the secondary housing, the secondary door, and the secondary lock forms a secondary safe coupled to the main safe.

[0013] A double safe includes: an outer main housing defining a main interior space configured to receive objects to be stored, the main housing having at least a main front wall, a main rear wall opposite the main front wall, and two opposing side walls extending between the main front wall and the main rear wall; a main door pivotally coupled to the main housing; and a main lock coupled to the main door for locking and unlocking the main door. The combination of the main housing, the main door, and the main lock forms a main safe. The double safe also includes: an inner secondary housing located within the main housing and configured to receive objects to be stored, the secondary housing defining a secondary interior space separate and spaced from the main interior space; a secondary door pivotally coupled to the secondary housing; and a secondary lock coupled to the secondary door for locking and unlocking the secondary door. The combination of the secondary housing, the secondary door, and the secondary lock forms a secondary safe coupled to the main safe. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Certain illustrations, diagrams, and / or flowcharts are included to better understand the invention. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only selected embodiments of the invention and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope, as the invention allows for other equally effective embodiments and applications.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a preferred form of a double safe, embodying the principles of the invention, shown with the door closed.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the double safe, shown with the door open.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a double safe in another preferred form, embodying the principles of the invention, shown with the door open.

[0018] Figure 4This is a perspective view of a double safe, representing another preferred form of the invention, shown with the door closed.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the double safe, shown with the door open. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Next, please refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1 and 2 The invention is illustrated in a preferred form of a safe or double safe 10 with an auxiliary safe. The double safe 10 includes an outer, first or main housing, a body, a cabinet or box 12, and a main door or first door 14 pivotally coupled to the main housing 12 via a main hinge 16. The main housing 12 and the main door 14 define a main safe 18.

[0021] The main housing 12 includes a pair of main side walls 20, a main rear wall 22, a main base plate 24, a main top wall 26, and a main front wall or frame 28. The main housing 12 is made of thick-gauge metal, so that the weight of the double safe 10 helps prevent it from being easily moved or stolen. The main housing 12 defines a main or first internal space 30 for storing valuables or items that need to be protected from unauthorized access. Therefore, the main internal space 30 of the safe may include shelves, drawers, or other fittings to aid in storage.

[0022] The main door 14 is shown in a generally rectangular shape. The main door 14 includes a small secondary or auxiliary safe 34 located at its center; however, it should be understood that the positioning of the secondary safe 34 on the main door 14 is irrelevant. The main door 14 has an externally accessible main lock 36 that holds the main door 14 in its closed or locked position relative to the main housing 12 and allows the main door 14 to be opened and moved to its unlocked or open position. The main lock 14 can be any type of conventionally known locking mechanism, such as a mechanical lock or a biometric lock that requires fingerprint, retinal scan, hand scan, or any other biometric measurement to activate.

[0023] The secondary safe 34 includes an auxiliary or secondary housing 38 having a pair of secondary sidewalls 40, a secondary rear wall 42, a secondary bottom plate 44, a secondary top wall 46, and a secondary front wall or frame 48. The front wall or frame 48 may be incorporated into or be part of the main front wall 28 of the main housing 12. A secondary door 50 is pivotally mounted to the secondary front wall or frame 48 via a secondary hinge 52 for... Figure 1 The opening position is shown by the dashed line in the middle. Figure 1The safe is pivotally movable between the indicated closed positions. The secondary housing 38 is made of thick-gauge metal. The secondary housing 39 defines an auxiliary or second internal space 54 for accommodating small valuables or items requiring protection from unauthorized access, such as guns. Therefore, the secondary internal space 54 of the safe may include shelves, drawers, or other fittings to aid in storage.

[0024] The secondary door 50 is shown in a generally rectangular shape, but can be of any shape. The secondary door 50 has an externally accessible secondary lock 56, which holds the secondary door 50 in its closed position relative to the secondary housing 38 or the main door 14, and allows the secondary door 50 to be opened and moved to its unlocked or open position. The secondary lock 56 can be any type of conventionally known locking mechanism, such as a mechanical lock or a biometric lock that requires fingerprint, retinal scan, hand scan, or any other biometric measurement to activate. The secondary lock 56 can be of a different type than the main lock 36, allowing it to be accessed and operated more easily or quickly in an emergency. The term "externally accessible" regarding the main lock 36 and the secondary lock 56 means that the lock is exposed and easily accessible to the user, and does not mean that the lock is hidden or secured behind another or different locking door or other structure, thus preventing direct access to the lock.

[0025] In use, the main interior space 30 of the main safe 18 can be accessed by unlocking the main lock 36, allowing the main door 14 to pivot from its closed position to its open position. Once opened, items can be stored securely within the main interior space 30. The main door 14 can then pivot to its closed position via the main hinge 16, and the main lock 36 can be manually or automatically activated to lock the main door 14 in its closed position.

[0026] Similarly, the secondary interior space 54 of the secondary safe 34 can be accessed by unlocking the secondary lock 56, allowing the secondary door 50 to pivot from its closed position to its open position. Once open, items can be stored securely within the secondary interior space 54. The secondary door 50 can then pivot to its closed position via the secondary hinge 52, and the secondary lock 56 can be manually or automatically activated to lock the secondary door 50 in its closed position.

[0027] Therefore, the main interior space 30 can be used for items that are not frequently accessed, or items that require a higher level of protection provided by the more robust construction of the main housing 12, the main door 14, and the main lock 36. The secondary interior space 54 of the secondary safe 34 can be used for items that are accessed more frequently, or items that need to be accessed quickly in an emergency. It should be understood that the secondary door 50 can be opened regardless of the position of the main door 14 (open or closed).

[0028] It should be understood that the secondary housing 38 may or may not be coupled to the main door 14. For example... Figure 1 and 2As shown, if the secondary housing 38 is coupled to the main door 14, opening the main door 14 does not allow access to the secondary internal space 54 of the secondary safe, because the secondary internal space 54 remains closed via the secondary door 50 and the attached secondary housing 38. In this case, the secondary housing 38 is coupled to the inner surface of the main door 14, such that the secondary housing 38 moves with the main door 14 during the opening or closing process. However, as Figure 3 As shown, if the secondary housing 38 is coupled to the main housing 12 instead of the main door 14, opening the main door 14 allows access to the secondary internal space 54 of the secondary safe 34, because the secondary internal space 54 is now opened by the displacement of the main door 14 and the secondary door 50. In this case, the secondary housing 38 must be directly coupled to the main housing 12 to support the secondary housing 38.

[0029] Next reference Figure 4 and 5 The invention is illustrated in another preferred form, a safe or double safe 10 with an auxiliary safe. The double safe 10 includes an outer, first or main housing, a body, a cabinet or box 12, and a main door or first door 14 pivotally coupled to the housing 12 via a main hinge 16.

[0030] The main housing 12 includes a pair of main side walls 20, a main rear wall 22, a main base plate 24, a main top wall 26, and a main front wall or frame 28. These walls may be incorporated into or merged with the main walls. The main housing 12 is made of thick-gauge metal, so that the weight of the double safe 10 helps to prevent the double safe 10 from being easily moved or stolen. The main housing 12 defines a main or first internal space 30 for storing valuables or items that need to be protected from unauthorized access. Therefore, the main internal space 30 of the safe may include shelves, drawers, or other fittings to help store items.

[0031] The main door 14 is shown in a generally rectangular shape with a cutout 65 at the upper right corner. A small secondary or auxiliary safe 34 is located within the cutout 65 of the main door 14 and is mounted to the main housing 12; however, it should be understood that the cutout 65 can be located in almost any position within the main door 14. The main door 14 has an externally accessible main lock 36 that holds the main door 14 in its closed or locked position relative to the main housing 12 and allows the main door 14 to be opened and moved to its unlocked or open position. The main lock 14 can be any type of conventionally known locking mechanism, such as a mechanical lock or a biometric lock that requires fingerprint, retinal scan, hand scan, or any other biometric measurement to activate.

[0032] The secondary safe 34 includes an interior, auxiliary, or secondary housing 38 having a pair of secondary sidewalls 40, a secondary rear wall 42, a secondary bottom plate 44, a secondary top wall 46, and a secondary front wall or frame 48. Optionally, one of the secondary sidewalls 40 may be included in a sidewall 20 of the main housing 12. A secondary door 50 is pivotally mounted to the secondary front wall or frame 48 via a secondary hinge 52 for pivotal movement between an open and closed position. The secondary housing 38 is made of thick-gauge metal. The secondary housing 39 defines an auxiliary or second interior space 54 for accommodating small valuables or items requiring protection from unauthorized access, such as guns. Thus, the secondary interior space 54 of the safe may include shelves, drawers, or other fittings to aid in storage. The secondary interior space 54 may extend to the entire depth of the main housing 12 to allow long items, such as rifles or shotguns, to be placed within the secondary interior space.

[0033] The secondary door 50 is shown in a generally rectangular shape, but can be of any shape. The secondary door 50 has an externally accessible secondary lock 56, which holds the secondary door 50 in its closed position relative to the secondary housing 38 or the main housing 12, and allows the secondary door 50 to be opened and moved to its unlocked or open position. The secondary lock 56 can be any type of conventionally known locking mechanism, such as a mechanical lock or a biometric lock that requires fingerprint, retinal scan, hand scan, or any other biometric measurement to activate. The secondary lock 56 can be of a different type than the main lock 36, allowing for easier or faster access and operation in emergency situations requiring quick access to the contents of the safe.

[0034] In use, the main interior space 30 of the main safe 10 can be accessed by unlocking the main lock 36, allowing the main door 14 to pivot from its closed position to its open position. Once opened, items can be stored securely within the main interior space 30. The main door 14 can then pivot to its closed position via the main hinge 16, and the main lock 36 can be manually or automatically activated to lock the main door 14 in its closed position.

[0035] Similarly, the secondary interior space 54 of the secondary safe 34 can be accessed by unlocking the secondary lock 56, allowing the secondary door 50 to pivot from its closed position to its open position. Once open, items can be stored securely within the secondary interior space 54. The secondary door 50 can then pivot to its closed position via the secondary hinge 52, and the secondary lock 56 can be manually or automatically activated to lock the secondary door 50 in its closed position.

[0036] Therefore, the main interior space 30 can be used for items that are not frequently accessed, or items that require a higher level of protection provided by the more robust construction of the main housing 12, the main door 14, and the main lock 36. The secondary interior space 54 of the secondary safe 34 can be used for items that are accessed more frequently, or items that need to be accessed quickly in an emergency. It should be understood that the secondary door 50 can be opened regardless of the position of the main door 14 (open or closed). The considerable weight of the double safe 10 helps protect stored items, even those stored in the secondary interior space 54, because moving or stealing the entire safe would be hindered.

[0037] It should be understood that the keypad 68 of the biometric lock or other locking mechanism can be installed anywhere on the double safe 10 and is not required to be installed only on the secondary door 50. This locking mechanism may even include a remote keypad 68 installed remotely from the entire double safe 10 to allow remote access via a wireless connection. This allows someone outside the vicinity of the safe to allow someone near the safe to access it, for example, allowing someone who may not have the password or authorization to open the secondary door 50 to remotely access a firearm.

[0038] It should be understood that the main interior space 30 is usually separate from and isolated from the secondary interior space 54.

[0039] It should be understood that, as used herein, the terms primary, main, first, etc., are used interchangeably. Similarly, the terms auxiliary, secondary, subordinate, etc., are used interchangeably.

[0040] It should be understood that the combination of the main door 14 and the secondary door 50 at least partially defines the front surface of the double safe 10, since the front surface is the external surface facing the safe user during the opening and closing of the main door 14 or the secondary door 50.

[0041] It should be understood that the secondary door 50 can be opened or pivoted in any direction. For example, the secondary door 50 can pivot upwards for easier access to long items inside the secondary safe 34, such as... Figure 5 As shown by the dashed line in the image.

[0042] Variations of the safe fall within the spirit of the appended claims. It should be understood that the invention is readily modified, varied, and altered without departing from its spirit.

Claims

1. A double safe, comprising: The outer main shell defines the main internal space configured to house the objects to be stored. The main door, which is pivotally coupled to the main housing; A main lock, coupled to the main door, is used to lock and unlock the main door; The main housing, the main door, and the main lock together form the main safe. An internal sub-shell, located within the main shell and configured to house objects to be stored, defines a sub-internal space that is separate from and spaced apart from the main internal space; A secondary door, which is pivotally coupled to the main door; A secondary lock, coupled to the secondary door, is used to lock and unlock the secondary door, and The combination of the secondary housing, the secondary door, and the secondary lock forms a secondary safe coupled to the main safe.

2. The dual safe according to claim 1, wherein the secondary housing is directly coupled to the main door.

3. The dual safe of claim 1, wherein the secondary housing is directly coupled to the primary housing.

4. The double safe of claim 1, wherein the secondary lock includes a remote access portion.

5. The double safe of claim 1, wherein the secondary interior space is accessible by opening the secondary door, and wherein both the primary interior space and the secondary interior space are accessible by opening the primary door.

6. A double safe, comprising: An outer main housing defines a main internal space configured to house objects to be stored, the main housing having at least a main front wall, a main rear wall opposite the main front wall, and two opposing side walls extending between the main front wall and the main rear wall. The main door, which is pivotally coupled to the main housing; A main lock, coupled to the main door, is used to lock and unlock the main door; The main housing, the main door, and the main lock together form the main safe. An internal sub-shell, located within the main shell and configured to house objects to be stored, defines a sub-internal space that is separate from and spaced apart from the main internal space; A secondary door, which is pivotally coupled to the main front wall of the main housing; A secondary lock, coupled to the secondary door, is used to lock and unlock the secondary door, and The combination of at least the secondary housing, the secondary door, and the secondary lock forms a secondary safe coupled to the main safe.

7. The dual safe of claim 6, wherein the secondary housing is directly coupled to the primary housing.

8. The double safe of claim 6, wherein the secondary lock includes a remote access portion.

9. A double safe, comprising: The housing has a front surface, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and two opposing side surfaces extending between the auxiliary front surface and the rear surface. The front surface at least partially includes a main door and a secondary door, the main door being pivotable between an open position and a closed position, and the secondary door being pivotable between an open position and a closed position; An externally accessible main locking mechanism is used to lock the main door in its closed position; An externally accessible secondary locking mechanism is used to lock the secondary door in its closed position.

10. The double safe of claim 9, wherein the safe comprises a main housing defining a main interior space and a secondary housing defining a secondary interior space separate from the main interior space.

11. The dual safe of claim 10, wherein the secondary housing is directly coupled to the main door.

12. The dual safe of claim 10, wherein the secondary housing is directly coupled to the primary housing.

13. The dual safe of claim 10, wherein the secondary locking mechanism includes a remote access portion.

14. The double safe of claim 10, wherein the secondary interior space is accessible by opening the secondary door, and wherein both the primary interior space and the secondary interior space are accessible by opening the primary door.

15. The double safe of claim 9, wherein the secondary door is pivotally coupled to the main door.

16. The double safe of claim 10, wherein the secondary door is pivotally coupled to the secondary housing.

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