Lockable enclosures

Abstract

The invention relates to lockable enclosures. In particular, the invention relates to a lockable accessory (10) and a tyre security cavity kit, for converting a vehicle tyre (12) to a lockable safe. The lockable accessory (10) includes a vehicle tyre (12) and an upper closure (14) and lower closure (16). The closures may be in the form of plates. The closures are lockable onto open sides of the vehicle tyre to define a lockable cavity (24) on the inside of the vehicle tyre. The tyre security cavity kit includes an upper closure (14) and lower closure (16) lockable onto open sides of a vehicle tyre to define a lockable cavity (24) on the inside of a vehicle tyre (12). The tyre security cavity kit may include an upholstery cover or a tabletop cover, interchangeably attachable on the upper closure (14).

Description

[0001] LOCKABLE ENCLOSURES

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to lockable enclosures. In particular, the invention relates to a lockable accessory and a tyre security cavity kit.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Storing valuables such as cell phones, car keys, wallets and cameras on the beach is a problem, especially when such valuables are to be left unattended for a period of time.

[0006] The disposal of waste tyres presents an environmental risk due to petroleum products not being biodegradable.

[0007] The inventors identified a need for a solution that not only provides a secure storage space for valuables but also repurposes waste tyres.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Broadly according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a lockable accessory, which includes a vehicle tyre; and an upper and lower closure lockable onto open sides of the vehicle tyre to define a lockable cavity on the inside of the vehicle tyre.

[0010] The vehicle tyre may include opposing sidewalls forming an upper and lower inner round edge, and a round upper open side, and a lower round open side.

[0011] Any one or both of the upper and lower closures may be in the form of plates. In particular, the upper and lower closures may be round plates. The round plates may be dimensioned to have a diameter equal to or larger than a diameter of the round open sides. The closures may be of metal sheet material. The lockable accessory may include tyre locking means for locking the closures onto the open sides of the vehicle tyre. Any one or both of the upper and lower closures may include tyre locking means, for locking the closures onto the open sides of the vehicle tyre.

[0012] The tyre locking means may be in the form of tyre locking mechanisms. The tyre locking mechanisms may be in the form of clips, fasteners, bolts or the like, for locking the closure onto the tyre. The clips may be in the form of rotatable clips, which may be rotatable on the closure. In one embodiment, each closure may include a plurality of locking mechanisms. The plurality of locking mechanisms may be radially spaced proximate an outer rim of the closure. In one embodiment the locking mechanism may engage a bead of the vehicle tyre.

[0013] At least one of the upper and lower closures may include an access opening for accessing the lockable cavity. The access opening may include a lockable door, to restrict access to the lockable cavity. The lockable door may be hingedly connected to the closure.

[0014] The lockable accessory may include a pole holder. The pole holder may be axially orientated relative to the vehicle tyre for holding a support pole. The pole holder may be connected between the upper and lower closure. In another embodiment, the pole holder may extend through the upper closure. The pole holder may be in the form of a tubular member. In particular, the pole holder may be in the form of a hollow cylinder. The pole holder may include a pole fixing mechanism. The pole fixing mechanism may be adjustable, in use such that a pole may be received in the pole holder, and fixed in the pole holder by adjusting the pole fixing mechanism. In one embodiment, the pole holder includes an aperture for receiving the fixing mechanism. In such an embodiment the fixing mechanism may be in the form of a threaded bolt with a screw knob positioned outside the pole holder. In use, the screw knob is turned such that the threaded rod pushes a pole against a side of the pole holder, to secure the pole in the pole holder. The tyre locking means may be in the form of one or more brace members, connecting the upper and lower closures to each other. In one embodiment, the brace member may be in the form of the pole holder. The brace member may define the tyre locking means, in that the brace member urges the upper and lower closure towards each other, and clamps the tyre securely between the upper and lower closure. The brace member may be in the form of an elongate connector extending perpendicularly between two inner faces of the upper and lower closures.

[0015] The brace member or pole holder may be any one or more of: bolted, welded, screwed, or the like, onto any one or both of the closures. Alternatively, the brace member or pole holder may be provided with an engaging flange.

[0016] The lockable accessory may include two brace members, which are connectable to each other to lock the upper and lower closure onto the tyre. In one example, one brace member may be in the form of a pipe extending upwardly from an operably inner face of the lower closure, and the other brace member may be in the form of a pipe extending downwardly from an operably inner face of the upper closure, the two pipes dimensioned such that the one fits in the other, and can be secured to each other through lined up apertures through the two pipes, which are then connected with a pin.

[0017] The support pole may be in the form of a pole for an umbrella, a laundry pole, or the like.

[0018] In one embodiment, the lockable accessory may include upholstery on an operative upper side thereof, such that the lockable accessory defines an ottoman. In particular, the upper closure may include an upholstered layer. In another embodiment, the lockable accessory may include a tabletop, such that the lockable accessory defines a table. The lockable accessory may include an upholstered cover, a tabletop cover, or the like, interchangeably attachable on the upper closure.

[0019] The lockable accessory may include a tyre cover, in the form of an annular material cover, which is used to cover the tyre. The tyre cover, may include elastic sides, which allows the annular material cover to be pulled over the tyre. Advantageously, when the lockable accessory needs to be moved, the accessory can by turned such that the tyre is in an upright position, and the accessory can be rolled to another location.

[0020] The lockable accessory may further include a set of wheels provided on the lower closure. The set of wheels may be in the form of caster wheels. The set of wheels may be lockable wheels.

[0021] The lockable accessory may include an electrical source, such as any one or more of a solar panel, battery or the like. The lockable cavity may be provided with charging ports and / or wireless chargers connected to the electrical source, such as to provide electrical power to electronic devices stored in the lockable cavity. The lockable accessory may be provided with electrical outlet ports outside or inside of the lockable cavity.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a tyre security cavity kit, for converting a tyre to a lockable safe, which includes an upper and lower closure lockable onto open sides of a vehicle tyre to define a lockable cavity on the inside of a vehicle tyre.

[0023] The lower closure may be in the form of circular member dimensioned to cover a first open round edge of a tyre. The upper closure may be in the form of a circular member dimensioned to cover a second open round edge of the tyre.

[0024] The upper and lower closures may include tyre locking means for securing the closures over open sides of the vehicle tyre.

[0025] The tyre security cavity kit, may include a brace member connectable between the upper and lower closure. The tyre security kit may include a pole holder connectable to any one or both of the closures.

[0026] The tyre security cavity kit may include an upholstery cover, a tabletop cover, or the like, interchangeably attachable on the upper closure. The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures:

[0027] FIGURE(S)

[0028] In the figure(s):

[0029] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional front view of a lockable accessory in a closed position in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

[0030] Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional front view of the lockable accessory, shown in Figure 1 , in an open position;

[0031] Figure 3 shows a partial top view of the lockable accessory shown in Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the upper and lower closure;

[0033] Figure 5 shows a close-up partial side view of the upper closure;

[0034] Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional side view of another example of a lockable accessory in accordance with a further aspect of the invention

[0035] Figure 7 shows a three-dimensional front view of the lockable accessory as shown in Figure 6, with an upper closure in a closed position; and

[0036] Figure 8 shows a three-dimensional front view of the lockable accessory as shown in Figure 6, with the upper closure in an open position.

[0037] In the figures, like reference numerals denote like parts of the invention unless otherwise indicated.

[0038] EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0039] In Figures 1 to 5, reference numeral (10) refers to a lockable accessory. As shown in the Figures, the lockable accessory (10) includes a vehicle tyre (12) (as shown in Figures 1 to 3), and an upper closure (14) and a lower closure (16) (as shown in Figures 4). The upper closure (14) and the lower closure (16) are locked onto open sides of the vehicle tyre (12) to define a lockable cavity (24) on the inside of a vehicle tyre (12). As best shown in Figures 1 to 3, the upper closure (14) and the lower closure (16) are round plates dimensioned with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the round open sides of the vehicle tyre (12). In this embodiment the upper closure (14) and the lower closure (16) are of metal sheet material.

[0040] For illustrative purposes, Figures 4 and 5 shows the lockable accessory (10) without the vehicle tyre (12).

[0041] As best shown in Figures 4 and 5, the upper (14) and lower (16) closures both include tyre locking means (26). The tyre locking means (26) is in the form of a plurality of tyre locking mechanisms (26), for locking the closures (14, 16) onto the open sides of the vehicle tyre (12). Specifically, the tyre locking mechanisms (26) are in the form of clips, which are rotatably bolted to the closures (14, 16). The clips (26) are radially spaced proximate an outer rim on the upper closure (14) and the lower closure (16). In use, the closures (14, 16) are placed over the open sides of the tyre (12), the clips (26) are rotated outwardly to engage an inner round edge of the tyre open sides, and the clips (26) are then tightened with bolts to secure the closures (14, 16) to the vehicle tyre (12). The tyre locking mechanisms (26) secures the upper closure (14) and the lower closure (16) to the vehicle tyre (12).

[0042] As shown, the upper closure (14) has an access opening and a lockable door (20) covering the access opening, for restricting access to the lockable cavity (24). In this embodiment the lockable door (20) is attached to the upper closure (14) by means of a hinge (28). The lockable door (20) includes a lock receiving formation (30), through which a lock can be placed to secure the lockable door (20) in a closed position.

[0043] As shown in the Figures, the lockable accessory (10) includes a pole holder (18) that is axially orientated relative to the vehicle tyre (12) for holding a support pole (not shown).

[0044] The pole holder (18) is connected between the upper (14) and lower closures (16) and extends through the upper closure (14). In this embodiment the pole holder (18) is a pipe. The pole holder (18) includes a pole fixing mechanism (22) which is located above the upper closure (14) and the lockable cavity (24). The pole fixing mechanism (22) is adjustable to keep a support pole (not shown) in a fixed position. In this embodiment the pole fixing mechanism (22) is in the form of threaded bolt with a screw knob.

[0045] In this embodiment the pole holder (18) is welded to the upper closure (14) such that the pole holder (18) and upper closure (14) are permanently fixed to each other, and form a single unitary component. In this embodiment, the lower closure (16) includes a pole holder locator (32) in the form of an upward projection extending centrally from the lower closure (16). In use, the pole holder (18) is placed on the pole holder locator (32) and then bolted onto the pole holder locator (32).

[0046] The pole holder (18) is operable to receive and secure a pole of an umbrella, laundry pole, light source, heat source, solar panel pole or the like.

[0047] Advantageously, the lockable accessory (10) can be moved by turning the lockable accessory onto its side, such that the tyre (12) is in an upright position to be rolled to another location. The lockable accessory (10) provides a secure storage space for valuables, which is easily movable, and can support an accessory such as an umbrella. Although not shown, lockable accessory (10) can include an upholstery cover, a tabletop cover, or the like, interchangeably attachable on the upper closure (14), to provide an ottoman, table or the like.

[0048] In Figures 6 to 8, reference numeral (100) refers to another embodiment of a lockable accessory in accordance with the invention. The lockable accessory (10) includes a vehicle tyre (not shown), and an upper closure (14) and a lower closure (16) locked onto open sides of the vehicle tyre (12) to define a lockable cavity (24) on the inside of a vehicle tyre (12). In these figures, the vehicle tyre (12) is omitted for illustrative purposes.

[0049] As best shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lockable accessory (100) includes a pole holder (18) connectable between the upper (14) and lower closure (16). In this example a top end of the pole holder (18) is secured to the upper closure (14) by being welded to the upper closure (14) and a bottom end of the pole holder (18) can be bolted to the lower closure (16). The bottom end of the pole holder (18) includes a flange (18.1) with apertures for receiving bolts. In this embodiment, the lower closure (16) includes a pole holder locator (32) in the form of an arrangement of upwardly extending bolts (50). In use, the pole holder (18) is placed on the pole holder locator (32) such that the bolts (50) are positioned through the apertures of the flange (18.1) and then tightened with nuts.

[0050] The length of the pole holder (18) in this embodiment, is substantially matched to the width of the vehicle tyre, such that the pole holder (18) does not extend past the upper closure (14), thereby providing a substantially flat horizontal surface on the upper closure (14). The pole holder (18) includes a pole fixing mechanism (22) which, in this embodiment, is located inside the lockable cavity (24).

[0051] In this embodiment the pole holder (18) functions as tyre locking means, in that it defines a brace member, connecting the upper and lower closures to each other. In use, as the bolts (50) on the bottom end of pole holder (18) are tightened to the lower closure (16), the upper (14) and lower closures (16) are urged towards each other and clamps the tyre (12) securely between the upper (14) and lower closure (16). The lockable accessory (100) can include further tyre locking means as described above. Specifically, in this example the lockable accessory (100) includes bolts (14.2) which can be bolted through apertures (14.1) on a rim of the upper closure (14) into a sidewall of the tyre (12).

[0052] As shown, the upper closure (14) has an access aperture and a lockable door (20) covering the access opening, for restricting access to the lockable cavity (24). In this embodiment the lockable door (20) is attached to the upper closure (14) by means of a hinge (28). In this embodiment the lockable door (20) includes a lock (54), operable by a key, to secure the lockable door (20) in a closed position.

[0053] In use, to assemble the lockable accessory, the lower closure (16) is placed with the bolts (50) facing up. The vehicle tyre (12) is placed on top of the lower closure (16) such that the lower closure covers one open side of the tyre. The upper closure (14) is placed on the vehicle tyre (12) to cover the other open side of the tyre, and with the pole holder (18) in a manner in which the apertures on the flange (18.1) align with the bolts (50) from the lower closure (16). The bolts (50) are tightened with nuts through the access opening and can only be removed through the access opening which is safeguarded by the lockable door (20). The bolts (50) are tightened to secure the closures (14, 16) and the vehicle tyre (12) to create the lockable cavity (24).

[0054] The invention provides a new lockable accessory, which repurposes a waste vehicle tyre, to provide a versatile, easily movable accessory with a lockable storage cavity, which can be configured as an ottoman, table or the like, and can support a pole such as a pole of an umbrella. The invention will be useful at hotels, entertainment areas, beaches, restaurants, festivals, sports events, and the like.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lockable accessory, which includes a vehicle tyre; and an upper and lower closure lockable onto open sides of the vehicle tyre to define a lockable cavity on the inside of the vehicle tyre.

2. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 1, in which the vehicle tyre includes opposing sidewalls forming an upper and lower inner round edge, and a round upper open side, and a lower round open side.

3. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 2, in which the upper and lower closures are in the form of plates.

4. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 3, in which the upper and lower closures are round plates, dimensioned to have a diameter equal to or larger than a diameter of the round open sides of the vehicle tyre.

5. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 1 , in which the closures are of metal sheet material.

6. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 1 , in which the lockable accessory includes tyre locking means, for locking the closures onto the open sides of the vehicle tyre.

7. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 6, in which the tyre locking means is in the form of one or more brace members, connecting the upper and lower closures to each other and urging the upper and lower closure towards each other, and clamping the tyre securely between the upper and lower closure.

8. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 7, in which the tyre locking means is in the form of two brace members, which are connectable to each other to lock the upper and lower closure onto the tyre.

9. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 8, in which each brace member is engaged with one of the closures via any one or more of: welding, bolts, or an engaging flange, such that when the two brace members are connected to each other, the closures are secured onto the open sides of the tyre.

10. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 6, in which the tyre locking means is in the form of tyre locking mechanisms.11 . The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 10, in which the tyre locking mechanisms are in the form of any one or more of: clips, fasteners and bolts, for locking the closure onto the tyre.

12. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 11 , in which the clips are in the form of rotatable clips, which are rotatable on the closure.

13. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 10, in which each closure includes a plurality of tyre locking mechanisms.

14. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 13, in which the plurality of locking mechanisms is radially spaced proximate an outer rim on an operable inner face of the closure.

15. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 10, in which the tyre locking mechanisms engage a bead of the vehicle tyre.

16. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 15, in which any one or both of the closures include a plurality of tyre locking mechanisms in the form of rotatable clips which are radially spaced proximate outer rims of the closure and are rotatable outwardly to engage the bead of the tyre.

17. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 1 , in which at least one of the upper and lower closures includes an access opening for accessing the lockable cavity.

18. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 17, in which the access opening includes a lockable door, to restrict access to the lockable cavity.

19. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 18, in which the lockable door is hingedly connected to the closure.

20. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 1 , in which the lockable accessory includes a pole holder.21 . The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 20, in which the pole holder is co-axially orientated relative to the vehicle tyre for holding a support pole upright, when the vehicle tyre is lying on its side.

22. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 21 , in which the pole holder is connected between the upper and lower closure.

23. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 21 , in which the pole holder extends through the upper closure.

24. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 20, in which the pole holder is in the form of a hollow cylinder.

25. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 20, in which the pole holder includes a pole fixing mechanism.

26. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 25, in which the pole fixing mechanism is adjustable, in use such that a pole is received in the pole holder, and fixed in the pole holder by adjusting the pole fixing mechanism.

27. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 26, in which the pole holder includes an aperture for receiving the fixing mechanism, and the fixing mechanism is in the form of a threaded bolt with a screw knob positioned outside the pole holder, such that in use, the screw knob is turned such that the threaded rod pushes a pole against a side of the pole holder, to secure the pole in the pole holder.

28. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 20, in which the lockable accessory is in the form of an umbrella base, and in which the support pole is in the form of a pole for an umbrella.

29. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 1 , in which the lockable accessory includes upholstery on an operative upper side thereof, such that the lockable accessory defines an ottoman.

30. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 1 , which includes a tyre cover, in the form of an annular material cover, which covers the tyre.31 . The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 1 , which includes a tabletop, such that the lockable accessory defines a table.

32. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 1 , in which the lockable accessory includes any one or both: an upholstered cover and a tabletop cover, interchangeably attachable on the upper closure.

33. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 1 , which includes a set of wheels mountable on the lower closure.

34. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 1 , in which the lockable accessory includes an electrical source, in the form of a solar panel and / or battery.

35. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 34, in which the lockable cavity is provided with charging ports and / or wireless chargers connected to the electrical source, such as to provide electrical power to electronic devices stored in the lockable cavity.

36. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 34, in which the lockable accessory is provided with electrical outlet ports outside or inside of the lockable cavity.

37. A tyre security cavity kit, for converting a tyre to a lockable safe, which includes an upper and lower closure lockable onto open sides of a vehicle tyre to define a lockable cavity on the inside of the vehicle tyre.

38. The tyre security cavity kit as claimed in claim 37, in which the lower closure is in the form of circular member dimensioned to cover a first open round edge of a tyre.

39. The tyre security cavity kit as claimed in claim 37, in which the upper closure is in the form of a circular member dimensioned to cover a second open round edge of the tyre.

40. The tyre security cavity kit as claimed in claim 37, in which the upper and lower closures include tyre locking means for securing the closures over open sides of the vehicle tyre.

41. The tyre security cavity kit as claimed in claim 37, in which the tyre security cavity kit, includes a brace member connectable between the upper and lower closure.

42. The tyre security cavity kit as claimed in claim 37, in which the tyre security kit includes a pole holder connectable to any one or both of the closures.

43. The tyre security cavity kit as claimed in claim 37, which includes any one or both an upholstery cover and a tabletop cover, interchangeably attachable on the upper closure.

44. The tyre security cavity kit as claimed in claim 37, which includes a tyre cover in the form of an annular material cover, used to cover the tyre.

45. The lockable accessory as claimed in claim 1 , substantially as herein described and illustrated.

46. The tyre security cavity kit as claimed in claim 37, substantially as herein described and illustrated.

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