System and method for managing a safe in an event venue

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for handling an envelope- inserting safe within an events venue, comprising: (a) two or more poles that are rigidly positioned at different locations within borders of the venue, each said pole comprising a first locking element; (b) said envelope- inserting saf e : (1) comprising an envelope -ins er ting opening, configured to allow public insertion of a gift- envelope; and (ID configured for mounting and rigidly locking the envelope-inserting safe alternatively to each of said two or more poles, said envelope-inserting safe further comprising a second locking element compatible with said first locking element; and (c) a control unit at the envelope-inserting safe configured to allow one or more authorized users to remotely control, and at least deactivate one of said locking elements, thereby to unlock the envelope-inserting safe from the pole, respectively.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING A SAFE IN AN EVENT VENUE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention generally relates to means for protecting valuables within an iron safe . More speci fically, the invention relates to a system for managing and securing an iron safe used in an event venue , where guests deposit envelope gi fts .

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Guests who arrive at event venues to celebrate a wedding, a newborn baby, or the like hand over their gi ft , typically in a cheque . The check is generally put in an envelope and deposited within a relatively small iron safe temporarily given ( or rented) to the celebrating family .

[0006] The iron safe is generally fixed at an anchor point within the venue by an iron chain, screws , or similar locking means to prevent a steal . This form of securing the safe is satis factory when a single location is defined at the venue for the safe . However, there are events where the guests ' welcoming begins at a first location within the venue , while the main celebration continues at a second location nearby . The safe is typically positioned at the welcoming hall at the event ' s beginning, af fixed to a first anchor point allowing guests to deposit gi fts . Later, when the event continues at the dining and dancing hall , the safe is trans ferred and attached to a second point to allow latecomers guests to deposit their gi fts . Generally, the celebrating family assigns a person who is provided with the chain' s key ( or a key for another fixing component ) necessary to release the safe and trans fer and af fix it at the second location within the dining-dancing hall ( to allow the latecomers to deposit their gifts) . Such an arrangement is inconvenient and insecure for the celebrating family, requiring one or more assigned persons to handle and monitor a situation and items unsuited for the celebration. Sometimes, the venue's owner does not provide suitable anchor points (or another facility) to maintain and secure the safe. Moreover, even after transferring the safe to the second location and during the event, the celebrating family cannot be sure that the iron safe has not been somehow manipulated and stolen.

[0007] Still, another problem is that there are cases where the location of the safe cannot be easily found by the guests, who have to search for it to deposit their envelopes.

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a more secure and convenient facility for handling an iron safe within an event venue .

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide means for authorizing specific persons to safely handle the transfer of the iron safe from a first location to a second location within the venue.

[0010] Still, another object of the invention is to provide means for continuously monitoring the safe, even by several authorized persons.

[0011] Other objects and advantages of the invention become apparent as the description proceeds. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention relates to a system for handling an envelopeinserting safe within an events venue, comprising: (a) two or more poles that are rigidly positioned at different locations within borders of the venue, each said pole comprising a first locking element; (b) said envelopeinserting safe: (i) comprising an envelope-inserting opening, configured to allow public insertion of a gift-envelope; and (ii) configured for mounting and rigidly locking the envelopeinserting safe alternatively to each of said two or more poles, said envelope-inserting safe further comprising a second locking element compatible with said first locking element; and (c) a control unit at the envelope-inserting safe configured to allow one or more authorized users to remotely control, and at least deactivate one of said locking elements, thereby to unlock the envelope-inserting safe from the pole, respectively.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is positioned within the envelope-inserting safe or externally to it.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the control over the control unit is effected by either dialing or internet communication.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit comprises one or more lists of authorized users, a first list comprising at least one phone number of an authorized user, and a second list comprising at least one authorized user's password.

[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more lists are automatically deleted upon expiring of a predefined period.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, when using the internet communication, said control over the control unit is affected by using a mobile application. In an embodiment of the invention, the locking is effected automatically upon mounting the envelope-inserting safe on the pole or upon an excess of period Ti from mounting the envelopeinserting safe on the pole , wherein Ti is between 10-30 seconds .

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit further comprises one or more sensors monitored by a monitoring module , wherein events sensed by the monitoring unit are recorded, reported to one or more authorized users in real-time , or both .

[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, the one of the events is an unlock of the envelope-inserting safe from the pole .

[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, one of the sensors is a vibration sensor, wherein one of the events is a vibration sensed by this sensor .

[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, one of the events is a period beyond T2 during which the envelope-inserting safe is not connected to any pole .

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, one of said sensors is a GPS used to monitor the location of the envelope-inserting safe .

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the first and second locking elements form together a magnetic-type locking .

[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, the first and second locking elements form together a mechanical-type locking .

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the drawings :

[0027] Fig . 1 shows a top view of a prior art system for handling a safe within an event venue ;

[0028] Fig . 2 illustrates a system for handling a safe within an events venue , according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig . 3 generally shows the structure of a pole that can be used within the system of the invention;

[0029] Fig . 4a shows in front view the general structure of a safe that can be used within the system of the invention;

[0030] Fig . 4b shows in rear view the general structure of a safe that can be used within the system of the invention;

[0031] Fig . 4 c shows the general structure of a safe that can be used within the system of the invention, while being open; Fig . 5 shows the cross-section of a safe-support-element used at the pole ;

[0032] Fig . 6 shows the general structure of an extension element used at the rear of the safe of the invention; and

[0033] Fig . 7 shows in block diagram form the general structure of the control unit of the invention;

[0034] Figs . 8a and 8b generally show a mechanical-type lock being in unlocked and locked states , respectively, suitable for use by the system of the invention .

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Fig . 1 shows a top view of a prior art system 100 for handling a safe within an event venue 100 ( the venue may be located within a building or within the open air - both are equivalent . The following description assumes a venue within a building) . The venue typically includes a reception hall 110 and a dining-dancing hall 120 . The reception hall 110 is generally used early during the guests ' welcoming, while the dining-dancing hall 120 is used later during the main event .

[0037] As noted, guests generally convey their gi fts within an envelope in family-type celebrations . An iron safe 106 ( also referred to as " safe" , or "envelope inserting safe" ) is usually positioned near entrance 108 to the reception hall 110 , allowing guests to deposit their envelopes . Iron safe 106 is generally affixed (by a chain or the like) to a dedicated first anchor point 114a. Later, the guests move to dining-dancing hall 120, where dining tables 112 and dancing area 104 are located. At this stage, a designated person (for example, a from the celebrating family) releases the chain from its anchor point, transfers the safe into the dining-dancing hall 120, and locks it (by the chain) to the second anchor point 114b, allowing latecomer guests to deposit their gift envelopes. As also noted, such an arrangement is inconvenient to the celebrating family as it involves handling and monitoring a situation and items unsuited for the celebration. In any case, leaving the safe unfixed or unattended poses a danger of theft. The present invention simplifies this situation and resolves the abovedescribed drawbacks.

[0038] Fig. 2 illustrates a system 200 for handling a safe within an events venue, according to an embodiment of the invention. Two iron-safe mounting poles, 230a and 230b are fixed to the floor of the reception hall 210 and the diningdancing hall 220 of the venue, respectively.

[0039] The general structure of each pole 230 is shown in Fig. 3. The pole includes a main portion 240, rigidly connected to pole base 242. Each pole is rigidly fixed to the venue's floor utilizing, for example, screws 244. Each pole also includes a safe-support-element 236. The safe-support- element 236 generally holds and maintains the safe 250 (Fig. 4a) in a locked state on pole 230. The locking of safe 250 to safe-support-element 236 may be performed by any locking mechanism (e.g., mechanic or magnetic) known in the art. The description below shows how a magnetic-type lock is applied . In one embodiment, safe-support-element 236 is generally a horizontal female portion, which includes a horizontal cavity 238 (in this case, having a square or rectangular cross-section) . A strong magnet 234 is positioned and protrudes inward from the top surface of safe-support- element 236 until coinciding with the internal top surface 246 of cavity 238. More than one magnet may be similarly disposed on single or several facets of safe-support- element 236. Pole 230 may also include some ornaments 232 indicating the location within the venue for depositing the gift envelopes.

[0040] Fig. 4a shows a front view of safe 250, according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4b shows a rear view of safe 250, and Fig. 4c shows safe 250 with its door 254 open. As is conventional, the safe's door 254 includes a primary locker 256 of any type known in the art, e.g., utilizing a key. Safe 250 also includes at its rear wall 262 a mechanism for attaching the safe to pole 230. The safe is attached to the pole by inserting extension element 258 of the safe into cavity 238 of safe-support-element 236. The general structure of extension element 258 is shown in Fig. 6. The cross-section of safe-support-element 236 is shown in Fig. 5. When extension element 258 is fully inserted into cavity 238 of safe-support-element 236, maintainer 272 engages recess 248 positioned at the internal top surface 276 of safe-support-element 236. As shown in Fig. 6, maintainer 272 is supported by one or more elastic components 274a and 274b (e.g., springs) . At the initial insertion of extension element 258 into cavity 238, maintainer 272 is pressed downwards by top surface 276. Upon engagement with recess 248, safe 250 is maintained, although not yet locked, on pole 230. Extension 258 includes an electromagnet 266, that in turn, upon insertion of extension element 258, coincides with magnet 234. At this stage, extension element 258 is not yet locked to receiving element 236. Only when a DC voltage is supplied to electromagnet 266 (via wires, not shown) , the electromagnet is magnetized, resulting in a strong attachment between magnet 234 and electromagnet 266 (and also between extension element 258 and safe-support- element 236) . In such a manner, the safe 250 is firmly locked to pole 230. A magnetic lock is well known in the art and is widely used, for example, for locking doors.

[0041] According to the invention, the lock of safe 250 to pole 230 is controlled by a signal supplied from the control unit 300 positioned within safe 250 (see Fig. 4c) . More specifically, when the control unit 300 supplies the DC voltage to electromagnet 266, the safe is locked to pole 230. On the contrary, the lock is released when the control unit 300 terminates the DC voltage supply.

[0042] As noted, the system of the invention may utilize mechanical locking as an alternative to the magnetic locking of Figs. 5 and 6. A mechanical-type locking 500 is shown in Figs. 8a and 8b. Fig. 8a shows the locking mechanism in its unlocked state. First spring 504 maintains the two locking bars 510a and 510b in a contracted state (i.e., the spring pulls the bars inwards) , as shown. In this state, the safe extension element 558 (corresponding to element 258 of Fig. 4a) can move freely within the cavity of safe-support-element 536. Second spring 562 pushes the driving rod 502 to the right (in the direction of arrow 524) . Upon providing DC voltage to electromagnet 266 (Fig. 7) , the electromagnet pushes the driving rod 502 in the direction of arrow 512 and against the force of spring 562. This movement of the driving rod 502 causes an "expansion" (i.e., an outward movement) of the locking bars 510a and 510b, causing them to interlock within the two recesses 530a and 530b, respectively. This interlock results in a lock between the extension element 558 and the safe support element 536, as shown in Fig. 8b. Later on, and upon release of the DC voltage supply to electromagnet 266 (Fig. 7) , the driving rod 502 is driven to the right (in the direction of arrow 514) releasing the locking bars 510a and 510b from their interlock within recesses 530a and 530b, and returning the system back to the unlock state of Fig. 8a. The arrangement of Figs. 8a and 8b is only one example of a mechanical locking mechanism that may be used. Many other locking mechanisms known in the art may be used.

[0043] Fig. 7 illustrates the general structure of control unit 300 in a block diagram form. The Control unit may be updated and governed either by a mobile application via Wi- Fi / Internet interface 308 or by phone dialing interface 302. The system also includes one or two authorization lists for controlling the lock of the safe 250 to poles 230: (a) a list of phone numbers 316 utilized to enable control via a phone dial; and (b) a list of authorized users indicated by their names and respective passwords. In addition, or as an alternative to passwords, the users' fingerprints or face recognition may be used.

[0044] The celebrating family typically rents the system for 8 to 18 hours. Initially, the system's manager, 306 (typically from the safe rental entity) , updates one or more of lists 316 and 322 via the Wi-Fi interface 308. One or more of lists 316 and 322 include one or more authorized users allowed to control the lock or unlock of the safe to the pole and other optional features, as elaborated below.

[0045] During the event, the user initially positions the safe 250 on pole 230a. Once positioned - the act of positioning is sensed by sensor 326, sensing the state of maintainer 272 (Fig. 6) . After a period of Ti, for example, 10-30 seconds, timer 336 automatically activates the lock / unlock unit 334, such that the electromagnet 338 locks the safe to the pole 230a. The lock to pole 230a may stay during the guests' welcoming period, allowing guests to deposit their gifts. Once the guests' welcoming has ended, one of the authorized users 304a, 304b (listed in lists 322, 316, respectively) unlocks the safe from pole 230a by either:

[0046] (a) User 304b dials the phone number assigned to control unit 300. Upon dialing, the phone verifier 318 checks whether the user' s dialing phone number exists in list 316. Only in the positive case, the phone verifier deactivates the electromagnet 266 by instructing the Lock / Unlock 334 accordingly. Once the electromagnet is deactivated, the user can pick up safe 250 and transfer it to pole 230b within the dining-dancing hall 204; or

[0047] (b) User 304a activates his mobile application and accesses control unit 300 via the Wi-Fi (internet) interface 308. Upon access, the user must verify his identity by submitting his password to password verifier 314. Password verifier 314 compares the submitted password with the passwords stored in list 322. Only in the positive case, the password verifier deactivates the electromagnet 266 by instructing the Lock / Unlock 334 accordingly. Once the electromagnet 338 is deactivated, the user can pick up safe 250 and transfer it to pole 230b within the dining-dancing hall 204. Again, once safe 250 is positioned on pole 230b, the safe is locked to pole 230b following the excess of period Ti (10 to 30 seconds) . At the event's end, any authorized user within lists 316 and 322 can release the safe from its position .

[0048] In an embodiment of the invention, control unit 300 may include a vibration sensor 326b. Upon sensing a vibration (above some threshold) , monitoring module 324 sends an alert to all the authorized users within lists 316, 322, such that they may check the issue.

[0049] In still another embodiment, the control unit 300 may include a GPS module 326c. The GPS module may be used for several purposes, as follow: a. Indication to the authorized users at any given time (or event) to which pole the safe is connected; and b. In a case of theft, the location where the safe may be found; c. In a case of a theft, the module may issue an alert to all authorized users upon excess (for example, 50-500 meters) out of the venue's boundaries.

[0050] Monitoring module 300 may be configured to record internally and inform the authorized users on any event, such as: a. Any installation or release of safe 250 at pole 230, and by which authorized user; b. An excess of period beyond T2 (for example, between 30- 60 seconds) during which the safe is not connected to any of poles 230a or 230b. c. Any event sensed by the vibration sensor 326b; d. Monitoring the location of safe 250 at any given time, e.g. , while being connected to a pole, on the way between poles, or otherwise in the case of theft; e. Any opening of the safe. In addition to just recording the opening of the safe, monitoring module 324 may include a camera that is activated upon any opening.

[0051] Access to the event records is given only to the system manager, that may convey authorization to others, possibly from those in lists 316 or 322 (these lists may overlap entirely or partially) .

[0052] A rental period (for example, 12-18 hours) may be activated automatically by the renting entity (for example, the celebrating family) , with no involvement of the system manager .

[0053] Example 1

[0054] A renting person (user) arrives at safe 250 and decides to rent the system for an event. The renting person scans a barcode included on sticker 272 attached to the exterior of safe 250. The barcode scanning leads the person directly to the dedicated mobile application (assuming it is already installed on his phone) . The user inserts the safe ID (also appearing on sticker 272) , followed by a confirmation, payment, and initial setup of the system. The initial setup includes the authorized users' details appearing in lists 316 and 322. Upon completion of the above, the system is ready for operation, while the venue's owner may give the safe's door key 256 to the renting person.

[0055] Poles 230a and 230b may have any other configuration rigidly connected to the floor. In addition, one of the existing poles (or another structure) may be adapted for that purpose . The bidirectional communication (Wi-Fi or mobile) into or from the safe may be performed utilizing an external antenna embedded within the exterior surface of the safe 250. Moreover, in some cases, the control unit may be installed externally to the safe while protected from manipulation. The control unit is battery-operated.

[0056] Typically, the safe system of the invention is rented to authorized users for a limited period Ts spanning somewhat longer than the event (for example, between 12 to 24 hours) . Therefore, upon exceeding Ts, lists 316 and 314 are entirely deleted. A copy of them may be backed up before the deletion for future reference.

[0057] Optionally, the system of the invention may also include a money transfer device (not shown) with a display on the top surface of the safe 250. In such a manner, safe 250 forms a point for conveying gifts to the celebrating family, by cash (e.g., within an envelope) , by cheque, or by money transfer .

[0058] While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried into practice with many modifications, variations, and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalent or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A system for handling an envelope-inserting safe within an events venue, comprising:(a) two or more poles that are rigidly positioned at different locations within borders of the venue, each said pole comprising a first locking element;(b) said envelope-inserting safe: (a) comprising an envelope-inserting opening, configured to allow public insertion of a gift-envelope; and (b) configured for mounting and rigidly locking the safe alternatively to each of said two or more poles, said envelope-inserting safe further comprising a second locking element compatible with said first locking element; and(c) a control unit at the safe configured to allow one or more authorized users to remotely control, and at least deactivate one of said locking elements, thereby to unlock the envelope-inserting safe from the pole, respectively .

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said control unit is positioned within the envelope-inserting safe or externally to it.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said control over the control unit is effected by either dialing or internet communication .

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said control unit comprises one or more lists of authorized users, a first list comprising at least one phone number of an authorized user, and a second list comprising at least one authorized user's password.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said one or more lists are automatically deleted upon expiring of a predefined period .

6. The system of claim 3, wherein when using the internet communication, said control over the control unit is affected by using a mobile application.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said locking is effected automatically upon mounting the envelope inserting safe on the pole or upon an excess of period Ti from mounting the envelope inserting safe on the pole, wherein Ti is between 10-30 seconds.

8. The system of claim 3, wherein said control unit further comprises one or more sensors monitored by a monitoring module, wherein events sensed by the monitoring unit are recorded, reported to on or more authorized users in real-time, or both.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein one of the events is an unlock of the envelope inserting safe from the pole.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein one of the sensors is a vibration sensor, and wherein on of the events is a vibration sensed by this sensor.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein one of the events is a period beyond T2 during which the envelope inserting safe is not connected to any pole.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein one of said sensors is a GPS used to monitor the location of the envelope inserting safe .

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second locking elements form together a magnetic-type locking.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second locking elements form together a mechanical-type locking.

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