Expandable nomadic asset protection device

Abstract

The invention relates to an expandable, portable protective box for personal belongings for protecting them during outings or stays in any outdoor location. It comprises a container, at least one extension frame that can be telescoped from the container, at least one cover used to close the open side of the device, at least one internal protective compartment nestled in the cavity of the device, at least one temporary ground anchoring device, at least one holding tube and at least one locking device. The protective box according to the invention is particularly intended to ensure the security of individuals' personal belongings in an outdoor environment and to deter thieves.

Description

Title of the invention: Expandable nomadic property protection device

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for protecting goods and more particularly, to an expandable portable goods protection box.

[0002] Thefts at beaches and campsites are common, and many people who visit these places are concerned about the lack of security and the lack of reliable and practical solutions to protect their most valuable belongings. Holidaymakers, for example, may leave their belongings in their cars and simply take their car keys to the beach, only to find the keys stolen and their belongings lost forever. They may also, like the majority of holidaymakers, choose to take their mobile phones, sunglasses, credit cards, cash, etc., to the beach and either take the risk of them being stolen while they are swimming, or refrain from swimming to look after their belongings.

[0003] Protection of these effects is traditionally done by hiding them under a beach towel or in a backpack which can be easily stolen.

[0004] Other current means involve attaching a box to a parasol pole or deckchair, but it is quite possible to pull on the parasol or simply fold the deckchair to steal them. In addition, these means often include electronic locking devices that can fail or be damaged due to their exposure to sun, sand or water. They are also lightweight and often contain slots that can allow water, sand, or any other material capable of damaging the belongings contained therein. In addition, not all beaches offer a parasol or deckchair rental or sale service and these are bulky objects that are difficult for users to transport. Patents relating to these means can be found in publications WO2015104649A1, GR1004900B, WO2017026958A1, CA2535916A1, ES1068864U and US2012298018A1.

[0005] Other current means include driving at least one ground screw into the sand and connecting it to a box, placing the personal belongings in a box contained in a ground screw, or burying a box containing the personal belongings, but it is easy to unscrew or dig up the ground screw to steal the box. In addition, when the box is buried under the sand, the individual is forced to dig it up to access it, then bury it again to hide it, which is inconvenient and attracts attention. Moreover, when the box is connected to a screw by a cable, said cable is easily accessible and can be cut discreetly and easily with pliers to steal the box. Patents relating to these means can be found in publications WO2021086186A1, WO2015085356A1, EP0292028A1, GB2516952A, US6082157A, GB2519797A, EP2578110A2, US9810014B1 and GB2516952A.

[0006] Another current method is to bury the legs of a piece of furniture in the sand, but this device requires digging several holes to bury anchors. In addition, the piece of furniture is bulky, which makes it difficult for the user to transport, but does not prevent it from being stolen. A patent relating to this method can be consulted in publication WO2016000052A1.

[0007] Another current method is to place a piece of furniture on the sand, but the furniture is mobile and bulky, which makes it difficult for the user to transport, but does not prevent it from being stolen. A patent relating to this method can be consulted in publication WO2015145186A1.

[0008] Another current method consists of deckchairs with an integrated storage compartment. However, not all beaches offer a deckchair rental or sale service and these are bulky objects to be transported by users. A patent relating to this method can be consulted in publication HRP20130137A2.

[0009] Another current means consists of a long rod equipped with a shovel at one end, said shovel being able to be pushed into the sand to ensure the stability of the storage box and being able to accommodate a parasol. However, this device can be very easily dug up by pulling on the long rod in a back and forth movement. In addition, the device is bulky and difficult to transport and store. A patent relating to this means can be consulted in the publication FR2939811A1.

[0010] Another current means is to fill a bottom with sand in a lower case and store the effects in an upper bin, but this device does not have the deterrent effect of a considerable mass of sand, nor the possibility of anchoring the case to the ground, which makes it easier to steal. In addition, the device is cumbersome for users to carry and offers only a simple exposed locking system as security which can be easily damaged or cut. A patent relating to this means can be consulted in publication GB2306447A.

[0011] Another current method is to deposit personal belongings in lockers, but this device does not allow individuals to have instant access to their belongings, since these lockers are centralized and users are often far from them. In addition, this device forces users to leave their belongings on the beach to go and retrieve the belongings stored in the lockers or even to go back and forth with their belongings for fear of leaving them unattended. In addition, not all beaches offer a locker rental service and users must sometimes keep on their person a key or card for unlocking the locker. A patent relating to this means can be consulted in publication ES2291054A1.

[0012] The protection device according to the invention makes it possible to overcome all these drawbacks, by providing a complete solution which allows the device to be similar to a safe, thanks in particular to the combination of several functionalities: anchoring to the ground, light weight during transport but heavy once the device is installed, compact size during transport which becomes cumbersome after installation and secure locking.

[0013] The invention has the advantage that the protection device is compact and light when stored and bulky and cumbersome when telescoped. In addition, the association of a temporary ground anchoring device with the cavity which can be filled with sand, pebbles, a water pocket, or any other material or product, makes it possible to give the safe a considerable weight capable of deterring thieves. In addition, the handle of a possible padlock is protected against attempts at breaking and cutting.

[0014] The present invention mainly relates to a protection device and more particularly, an extendable nomadic property protection device for the protection of personal effects during outings or stays at the beach, at the campsite, or any other desired location. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] The attached drawings illustrate the invention:

[0016] [Fig.l] shows a top view of the tray and extension frames, in the stowed position.

[0017] [Fig.2] shows a bottom view of the tray and extension frames, in the stowed position.

[0018] [Fig.3] shows an isometric view of the trunk with the hoods closed, in the stowed position.

[0019] [Fig.4] shows an isometric view of the bin and extension frames with the covers open, in the stowed position.

[0020] [Fig.5] shows an isometric view of the tray and extension frames with the covers open, in the telescoped position.

[0021] [Fig.6] shows a top view of the trunk with the hoods open in the telescoped position, including the retaining tube, the wedges and the internal protective compartment, with a floor screw not visible.

[0022] [Fig.7] shows an isometric view of the trunk with the hoods open in the telescoped position, with the floor screw visible.

[0023] [Fig.8] shows a front view of the telescopic and locked trunk.

[0024] [Fig.9] shows a rear view of the telescopic and locked trunk.

[0025] [Fig. 10] shows an isometric view of the telescopic trunk, without hoods.

[0026] [Fig. 11] shows a frontal section of one side of the telescoped trunk with the hoods closed.

[0027] [Fig. 12] shows a frontal section in isometric view of the holding tube, the base and the ground screw, showing the free rotation mechanism.

[0028] [Fig. 13] shows a front view of the support tube, the base and the ground screw, disengaged.

[0029] [Fig. 14] shows a front view of the holding tube, the base and the ground screw, fitted together.

[0030] [Fig. 15] shows a frontal section in isometric view of the ground screw with the base before fitting into the central hole from below.

[0031] [Fig. 15a] shows a frontal section in isometric view of the ground screw with the base after fitting into the central hole from below.

[0032] [Fig. 16] shows a mechanism for temporarily securing the base to the ground screw, in the open position.

[0033] [Fig. 16a] shows a mechanism for temporarily securing the base to the ground screw, in the closed position.

[0034] [Fig. 17] represents an isometric view of the device allowing the trunk to be locked, in the open position.

[0035] [Fig. 17a] represents an isometric view of the device allowing the trunk to be locked, in the closed position.

[0036] [Fig. 17b] represents an isometric view of the device allowing the trunk to be locked, in the locked position.

[0037] [Fig. 18] shows a front view of the top of the box with the rod clamp accommodating an accessory parasol rod.

[0038] [Fig. 19] shows an isometric view of a corner of the bin or extension frame showing deterrent bosses on the bottom.

[0039] The invention provides a protective device comprising a tray (1), at least one upper extension frame (3) which can be telescoped from the tray (1) to increase the capacity of the box which can subsequently be filled with sand, pebbles or any other material or product which can make the box heavier, a cover, preferably two covers (6) used to cover the open side of the box, at least one internal protective compartment (4) nested in the cavity (18) of the device to accommodate the user's personal belongings, at least one temporary anchoring device to the ground to prevent tearing, preferably a ground screw (10), at least one holding tube (5) used to hold an accessory rod (13) and at least one locking device, preferably a padlock (12).

[0040] The invention also aims to serve as a foot for a rod whose end can be provided with a parasol, a lighting device, a clothesline, or any other object requiring a stable foot, as shown in [Fig. 18].

[0041] The invention also aims to serve as a side table, thanks to the covers (6) allowing various objects to be placed there, including glasses, food, or any other object that a user is likely to usually place on a small table.

[0042] Another object of the invention is to provide a storage box, leaving users the choice of filling the box partially and then adding various objects, such as bottles or any other object that can be stored in the box.

[0043] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a protective box providing thermal insulation to accommodate any hot or cold drink or food and to ensure a certain temperature maintenance of said drink or food.

[0044] According to a variant not illustrated, the tray (1) and at least one extension frame (2, 3) can be held in the folded position by a clipping mechanism, at least one tab, at least one strap, or any other means making it possible to prevent its deployment.

[0045] According to a variant not illustrated, at least one extension frame (2, 3) can be self-supporting, thus not requiring the use of at least one wedge (8) to hold it in the telescoped position.

[0046] According to a variant not illustrated, the covers (6) can be closed and opened by the flap method instead of sliding on the upper extension frame (3).

[0047] According to another variant not illustrated, the cavity (18) of the trunk can accommodate a thermal insulation device in the form of a covering, bag or any other means allowing users to protect their goods from temperatures outside the trunk.

[0048] According to another variant not illustrated, the safe can be equipped with an alarm with a motion, breakage, section or opening detector, to alert the user to any attempted break-in.

[0049] [Embodiments of the invention]

[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, all the parts of the invention may be made of plastic or any other material and may be reinforced with metal or any other rigid or semi-rigid material. In addition, at least one part may be covered with an athermal coating.

[0051] The tray (1) and at least one extension frame (3) can be nested to save space and to facilitate storage and transport, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

[0052] The trunk may be provided with at least one intermediate extension frame (2) allowing the interior capacity of the trunk to be further enlarged.

[0053] The tray (1) and the upper extension frame (3) can be telescoped. Once the upper extension frame (3) is deployed, the tray hooks (1c) and the lower hooks of the upper extension frame (3c) come into contact with each other and couple in such a way as to prevent the upper extension frame (3) from being disengaged from the tray (1) during an upward vertical translational movement of the upper extension frame (3), as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 11.

[0054] In the presence of an intermediate extension frame (2), the hooks of the tray (1e) and the lower hooks of the intermediate extension frame (2a) come into contact with each other and couple in such a way as to prevent the intermediate extension frame (2) from being disengaged from the tray (1) during an upward vertical translational movement of the intermediate extension frame (2), as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 11.

[0055] Furthermore, in the presence of an intermediate extension frame (2), the upper hooks of the intermediate extension frame (2b) and the lower hooks of the upper extension frame (3c) come into contact with each other and couple in such a way as to prevent the disengagement of the upper extension frame (3) from the intermediate extension frame (2) during an upward vertical translational movement of the upper extension frame (3), as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 11.

[0056] The covers (6) can slide on the upper edge of the upper extension frame (3) to open or close the trunk. The sliding can be carried out by the coupling of hooks of the covers (6b) located on the lower inner part of said elements and the upper hooks of the upper extension frame (3d). When the hooks of the covers (6b) and the upper hooks of the upper extension frame (3d) come into contact with each other, they couple in such a way as to prevent the disengagement of the covers (6) relative to the upper extension frame (3) during an upward vertical translation movement of the covers (6), as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 11.

[0057] The covers (6) can fit together in the closed position for better impenetrability.

[0058] The bottom of the tray (1) may also have at least one orifice, preferably a central orifice (1b), but may also contain at least one orifice of the bottom of the tray (1d). The central orifice (1b) may accommodate a base (11) capable of holding the retaining tube (5) in place and also capable of serving as a fixing point for at least one temporary ground anchoring device, preferably a ground screw (10), as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 12.

[0059] The bottom of the tray (1) may also comprise at least one tray stop (1a) to hold at least one wedge (8) in place when the trunk is telescoped, so as to hold the trunk in the telescoped position without user intervention, as shown in figures 1, 6, 7 and 10.

[0060] At least one inner wall of the upper extension frame (3) may comprise at least one upper extension frame stop (3b) for holding at least one wedge (8) in place when the trunk is telescoped, so as to hold the trunk in the telescoped position without user intervention, as shown in Figures 5 to 7.

[0061] The edges of the lower surface of the tray bottom (1), at least one extension frame (2, 3), and the covers (6) may include deterrent bosses (9) to prevent their use as a support surface for lifting the deployed box, as shown in [Fig. 19].

[0062] The upper edges of the tray (1) may be in the form of hooks located outside said edges, facing outwards and pointing downwards, to allow coupling with the lower hooks of the upper extension frame (3) in the case of the presence of a single extension frame, or with the hooks of an intermediate extension frame (2) if necessary, as shown in [Fig. 11].

[0063] The lower edges of at least one extension frame (2, 3) may be in the form of hooks located inside said edges, facing inwards and pointing upwards, to allow coupling with the hooks of the tray (le) or with another extension frame (2, 3) if necessary, as shown in [Fig.11].

[0064] The upper edges of at least one extension frame (2, 3) may be in the form of hooks located outside said edges, facing outwards and pointing downwards to allow coupling with the hooks of the covers (6b), as shown in [Fig.II],

[0065] At least one inner wall of the inner protective compartment (4) may be coated with a material ensuring better adhesion of the articles placed inside.

[0066] The inner walls of the upper part of the upper extension frame (3) may contain support edges (3a) allowing the inner protective compartment (4) to be placed there, as shown in [Fig.5].

[0067] The upper part of the upper extension frame (3) accommodates covers (6) which slide towards each other on a horizontal axis to close the protective box and one in the opposite direction to the other to open the protective box and access its contents. At least one of the covers (6) may include a cover hole (6a) to accommodate the holding tube (5), as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0068] Each cover (6) may comprise at least one cover ring (14) positioned perpendicularly on the end of its upper surface, so that, in closed position of the covers (6) the rings (14) are close enough to each other to be able to jointly accommodate the shackle of a padlock or any other locking device (12), and in such a way that the passage of a shackle of a padlock or any other locking device (12) between said rings (14) makes it possible to keep the covers (6) in the closed position and to prevent access to the protective box, as shown in figures 4, 5, 17 and 17a.

[0069] Each cover (6) can be used as a shovel to fill the cavity (18) of the trunk.

[0070] The holding tube (5) may preferably be composed of two tubes, a high tube (5a) and a low tube (5b), as shown in Figures 12 to 14.

[0071] The upper tube (5a) may be provided with a protective extension (7) perpendicular to said tube, positioned so as to cover the cover rings (14), as well as the handle of a padlock or any other locking device (12) when the covers (6) are closed, as shown in Figures 12 and 17 to 17b.

[0072] A tube ring (15) may be positioned under the protective extension (7), perpendicular to said extension and to the upper tube (5a), as shown in Figures 17a and 17b.

[0073] The tube ring (15) can accommodate, together with the hood rings (14), the handle of a padlock or any other locking device (12), so as to secure the upper tube (5a) with the hoods (6) in the closed position, as shown in Figures 17a and 17b. Said securing makes it possible to reinforce the joint of the hoods (6) and to prevent the removal of the retaining tube (5) which could lead to access to the trunk.

[0074] The upper tube (5a) and the lower tube (5b) can fit together so as to allow free rotational movement of one relative to the other, in order to cancel any rotational effect of the box on the ground screw (10). Said holding tube (5) is preferably cylindrical in shape and open from end to end. The interior of the lower part of the lower tube (5b) can be threaded to receive the ascending perpendicular tube (11b) of the base (11). The upper tube (5a) and the lower tube (5b) can fit together by a free rotation mechanism (16) of one of said tubes relative to the other, as shown in [Fig. 12]. Thus it is not possible to turn one of the tubes (5a, 5b) simply by turning the other and, by extension, it is not possible to turn and unscrew the ground screw (10) simply by turning the box.

[0075] The portion of the upper tube (5a) may be threaded on the outer face to accommodate a rod clamp (17) which may be used to clamp an accessory rod (13) connected to a sun protection, lighting, clothesline, or any other device which may be attached to a rod, to hold it in place, as shown in Figures 12 and 18.

[0076] The length of the holding tube (5) is preferably proportional to the height of the deployed trunk, so as to maintain the ideal fit of the tray (1) and any extension frame (2, 3).

[0077] At least one ground screw (10) may be used preferably via the central hole (1b) to anchor the protective box to the ground. Said ground screw (10) may be provided with a handle, preferably two handles (10a), to facilitate its anchoring. The ground screw (10) may comprise, on one side, a spiral (10b) for driving the screw into the ground by a rotary movement and, on the other side, an ascending central extension (10c) which may be threaded on its outer surface to fit into the base (11), which would make it possible to secure the ground screw (10) to the low tube (5b), as shown in Figures 12 to 15a.

[0078] In addition to fitting with the base (11), the ground screw (10) may contain at the level of the handles a clipping or pinning mechanism (10d) or any other mechanism making it possible to secure the base (11) to the ground screw (10) so as to prevent them from being disengaged from each other in the event of a rotary movement exerted on the trunk, as shown in figures 15 and 15a.

[0079] At least one wedge (8), preferably two wedges, can ensure that the protective box is held in the deployed position. The lower end of the wedge (8) can be positioned behind a stop of the container (1a) and the upper end of the wedge (8) can be positioned below the stop of the upper extension frame (3b), preferably by a clipping system, as shown in Figures 4 to 7. The wedge (8) can be provided with a tab (8a) or other traction means to facilitate its extraction from the stop of the upper extension frame (3b), thus allowing the emptying and nesting of the protective box. The length of the wedge (8) is preferably proportional to the height of the deployed box, so as to maintain the ideal nesting of the container (1) and any extension frame (2, 3).

[0080] The base (11) may be composed of a base (11a) and an ascending perpendicular tube (11b) to said base. The interior of said tube may be threaded to accommodate the central extension (10c) of the ground screw (10) from below. The exterior of said tube may be threaded to accommodate the low tube (5b) from above. The base (11a) of the base may rest on the lower part of the central hole (1b), while the ascending perpendicular tube (11b) passes through the central hole (1b) from below. The base (11) may be used alone or at the same time as the ground screw (10), in order to hold the holding tube (5) in place, as shown in Figures 12 to 15a.

[0081] In another embodiment of the invention, at least one stake can be used to anchor the protective box to the ground, in particular in the case of non-sandy soil. It can preferably pass through at least one hole in the bottom of the container (Id).

[0082] In another embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of the tray (1) may comprise a fixed base (11) allowing the holding tube (5) to be attached thereto.

[0083] In another embodiment of the invention, the cavity (18) may be filled with a bag of water, a bag containing hydrogel beads, or any other material or product available in the absence of sand, earth or pebbles.

[0084] In another embodiment of the invention, the cavity (18) can be filled with personal effects, drinks or food, to weigh down the trunk. This embodiment can also be made with a combination of sand, earth, or pebbles and said personal effects, drinks or food.

[0085] In another embodiment of the invention, the cavity (18) can be equipped with a thermal insulation device and filled with drinks or food, to make the trunk heavier. This embodiment can also be made with a combination of sand, earth, or pebbles and said drinks or food.

[0086] The protective box according to the invention is particularly intended to ensure the security of the personal effects of individuals in an outdoor environment and to deter thieves.

[0087] The invention has been explained according to its preferred embodiments as described above. It should be noted, however, that many other possible modifications or variations may be made without altering the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the appended claims include said modifications or variations falling within the true scope of the invention.

[0088] Unless otherwise indicated, the term "includes", as well as all its variations such as "include" and "comprising", means the inclusion of the specified unit or group, without excluding any other unit or group.

Claims

Claims

1. An expandable asset protection device comprising a container (1), at least one upper extension frame (3) which can be telescoped from the container (1), at least one cover (6), at least one inner protective compartment (4) nested in the cavity (18) of the device, at least one anchoring device, at least one holding tube (5) and at least one locking device.

2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that said holding tube (5) accommodates an accessory rod (13).

3. Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the holding tube (5) is composed of at least two assembled parts (5a, 5b).

4. Device according to any one of claims 2 or 3 characterized in that the holding tube (5) is assembled to the tank (1).

5. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the holding tube (5) is assembled to the tank by a base (11).

6. Device according to claim 5 characterized in that the base (11) is removable.

7. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it contains a protective extension (7) to protect the locking device against malicious manipulation.

8. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises at least one wedge (8) allowing it to be held in the telescoped position.

9. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it is equipped with a thermal insulation device.

10. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it is equipped with a security alarm.

11. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one edge of the tray, at least one extension frame (2, 3) or at least one cover is equipped with deterrent bosses (9).

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