Some of the embodiments described herein relate generally to safes and strong boxes used to secure valuable items. Some example embodiments described herein relate to a transportable safe for use around pools of hotels, cruise ships and other recreational spaces.
Persons travelling to the beach, pool, on a cruise ship or other recreational spaces usually carry valuable items with them (i.e. jewelry, credit cards, cell phones, personal identification, laptop computers). Storage at these spaces is usually quite limited, particularly secure storage. As a result, persons may resort to carrying such items with them into the main recreational space (i.e. into the pool) or, if travelling in a group, nominate one person to watch over or guard the valuable items. Depending on the type of valuables, the first option may not be practical (i.e. taking the laptop computer into the pool), and the second option will likely result in reduced enjoyment of the recreational space for the person nominated to guard the valuable items (i.e. less opportunity to swim in the ocean or pool). Furthermore, these excursions are usually brief (i.e. for the afternoon). Under these circumstances, it is not desirable to carry large, cumbersome containers for the purpose of securely storing items.
If these recreational activities take place at a venue in which the use of such recreational spaces is a great source of revenue (i.e. hotel, cruise ship or resort), owners of these venues prefer to limit any factors that may discourage patrons from using these spaces. For example, if the venue features a “swim-up” poolside bar, a high incidence of theft at the venue's pool may discourage patrons from using the pool, resulting in reduced profits for the “swim-up” poolside bar.
Conventional safes are typically secured within a hotel room or at the front desk of a hotel. Typically, their only purpose and function is to secure items for later retrieval.
It would be advantageous to address at least some of these above-noted difficulties.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple, convenient way for persons to secure valuable items while enjoying typical recreational activities, such as going to the beach, a pool or travelling on a cruise ship. As described herein, the transportable safe provides many features and conveniences for users and for venue owners utilizing the transportable safe. The transportable safe provides a secure compartment for storing valuables including portable electronic devices and provides a communication device for a customer to make communicate with a host venue and/or its staff to make service requests and obtain and transmit information.
In one embodiment there is provided a transportable safe for securely storing at least one item, the transportable safe comprising an outside body, a secure compartment formed within the outside body. The secure compartment is designed to securely store the at least one item. An access panel is operably connected to an access device for granting selective access to the secure compartment. A communication system comprises a communication device attached to the transportable safe including: an input component configured to receive user input; and a communication subsystem configured to: (i) communicate with an external device in response to the received user input, and (ii) monitor usage of the access device, and transmit access device usage data to the external device.
In another embodiment, there is provided a communication system including a communication device attached to the transportable safe. The communication device comprises a processor; and a memory for storing service request data; the processor being configured to: receive, as an input on the communication device, a service request; store the received service request in the memory; and transmit the service request to the external device.
In a further embodiment, the processor is configured to generate related service request data, and transmit the related service request data with the service request to the external device.
In yet another embodiment, there is provided a communication device further comprising a positioning system device, and the related service request data includes position coordinates of the communication device.
In an additional embodiment, there is provided a communication device further comprising a clock, and wherein the related service request data includes date and/or time information of when the service request was inputted.
Further aspects and advantages of the embodiments described herein will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.
For a better understanding of the embodiments described herein, and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one exemplary embodiment, and which:
The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the applicants' teachings in any way. Also, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
It will be appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way, but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.
The embodiments described herein relate generally to safes and strong boxes used to secure valuable items. In particular, the embodiments described herein relate to a transportable safe for use around pools and other recreational spaces. Furthermore, venue owners (i.e. hotels) are able to utilize the transportable safe described herein to allow guests the freedom and convenience to use their recreational spaces (i.e. pool) at their leisure while their valuables or personal effects are protected. Additionally, the transportable safe provides a communication device for a user of the transportable safe to request services provided by the venue owner.
As well, as illustrated in
As shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, access device 200 may comprise a physical lock with an accompanying key or, as shown in
Some embodiments of the transportable safe 100 provide features for additional flexibility and convenience for the user. As shown in
As illustrated in
As shown in
The venue device or server 820 may include one or more processors 822, a memory 824 for storing statistical data and information, and a communications subsystem 826 for at least receiving data from the communication device 800.
The communication device 800 may include a processor 802, such as a microprocessor, for controlling the overall operation of the communication device 800. The processor 802 interacts with other device components such as a memory 804, a communication subsystem 806, a power source 808 and input/output subsystems 810. The processor 802 may be configured to monitor usage of the transportable safe and its functions. As well, the memory 804 may store statistics and data on the transportable safe usage and the communications subsystem 806 may transmit this usage data to the venue device 820. The power source 808 powers the communication device 800. The power source 808 may be the same power source supplying power to the one or more charging ports previously described. The communication device 800 may be for example, a keyboard or a touch screen device. As well, the communication device 800 may be integrally formed into the transportable safe, mounted to the transportable safe or may be removably attached to the transportable safe. As well, the communication device 800 may include a global positioning system (GPS) device 809, as understood in the art, for identifying the location of the communication device 800.
The communication device 800 may communicate with the venue device 820 to provide statistics, data and service requests. For example, the processor 802 may monitor how many times the secure compartment of the transportable safe is opened and closed via the access device. As well, the processor 802 may monitor the power source 808 of the transportable safe 100. For example, if the transportable safe utilizes a battery, the processor may monitor battery drainage and when the battery reaches a predetermined power level, the processor 802 may be configured to send a signal to the venue device 820 indicating that the battery in the transportable safe needs to be replaced or recharged. In another embodiment, after determining that the battery is low, the processor 802 may be configured to activate a secondary power source, such as an external solar panel, where the external solar panel may transfer power to the battery. Also, the processor 802 may monitor power usage of the power source 808 when a user utilizes the one or more ports located on the transportable safe to charge electronic devices. Statistics regarding power source usage and power levels, as well as access to the secure compartment may be stored in the memory 804. The statistics may be transmitted to the venue device 820 periodically or when the venue device 820 queries the communication device 800 for this data.
In some embodiments, a user may input data, such as food and drink orders and/or service requests via the input subsystem 810 of the communication device 800. The input subsystem 810 may be for example, a keyboard or touch screen device permanently attached or removably attached to the transportable safe. Using the input subsystem 810, the user may input on the keyboard or the touch screen their food and/or drink orders, or other service requests. The processor 802 then will transmit the orders and/or requests directly to the kitchen and/or venue staff via the communications network 850. The venue staff may receive the service requests on the venue device 820 and then may provide the requested service or fulfill the order. The processor 802 may monitor the usage and input received on the communications device 800 to place orders for food and/or drinks or to request a service. The monitoring of the processor 802 may include recording data regarding what particular items are ordered and the time of day the items are ordered. Data regarding the food and/or drink orders, and other service requests, may be stored in the memory 804 of the communication device 800. As well, the processor 802 may generate related service request data, such as location coordinates of the communication device 800 and the date and/or time the service request was inputted. The processor 802 may periodically transmit the service request and the related service request data to the venue device 820. As well, the processor 802 may transmit the data to the venue device 820 after receiving a request signal for the data. The processor 822 of the venue device 820 may send a request for data via the communications subsystem 826. The received data may be stored in the memory 824 of the venue device 820. The processor 822 of the venue device 820 may process the received data by analyzing and performing data manipulation functions. The venue (for example, hotel, resort etc.) may review the raw data or the processed data (ex: statistics) to determine what food and drink items are in demand and/or the time of day or days of increased service requests. With this information, the venue may increase staffing during high demand service periods and may determine ways to increase food and/or drink revenue.
In some embodiments, an external input device 830 that is adapted to communicate with the venue device 820 may be used to communicate food and/or drink orders and other service requests to the venue device 820 via the communication network 850. The external input device 830 may be, for example, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a portable electronic device, or a laptop computer. The customer may access a venue webpage or application that is hosted on a server (not shown) in order to submit service requests and place food and drink orders to the venue device 820 directly. In another embodiment, the external device 830 is adapted to act as an input device to the communication device 800. The external input device 830 may be used to input and submit service requests via the communication device 800, which will relay the request to the venue device 820 via the communication network 850.
According to some embodiments, the communication device 800 may also include a microphone (not shown) and a speaker (not shown), so that a customer may speak to venue staff to make food and/or drinks orders or other service requests, without requiring the customer to leave their current location.
The communication device 800 may also include one or more applications that provide local tourism information, games or other entertainment services. The one or more applications may be stored in the memory 804 of the communication device 800. As well, a user of the communication device 800 may access the Internet via the communication network 850.
In an embodiment, the transportable safe 100 may also include an internal clock 807 connected to the communication device 800. The processor 802 may utilize the internal clock 807 to lock the access device at night between predetermined hours so that no person may be able to enter a code on the access device to gain access to the secure compartment. As well, the processor 802 may utilize the internal clock 807 to perform tests or checks to ensure the electronic functions of the communication device 800 and the one or more ports are functioning properly. The processor 802 may perform these tests every day or at another predetermined interval, such as every 12 hours.
In an embodiment, the transportable safe 100 also provides a convenient space for advertising and branding. As shown in
Users may wish to change the position of transportable safe 400. For example, a user may want to move the transportable safe to a location where there is more or less sun exposure. For easy maneuvering, some embodiments provide for at least one caster and at least one stationary leg. As shown in
In operation, a user may lift the transportable safe 400 using the handle 460 to raise the stationary legs 452 off the ground or surface. The user may then push the transportable safe 400 in a forward or backward direction to rotate the caster wheels 424 and move the transportable safe 400 to a new location or position. In other embodiments the caster wheels 424 may rotate to provide movement in all directions, including front, back, left and right.
In different embodiments, the casters may take a variety of forms. For example, the casters may have varying size and wheel radius. As well, the casters may provide a 360 degree turning radius and may be made of any appropriate material. Furthermore, the casters may also lock in place. Selection of the particular caster will depend on a variety of conditions, such as terrain (i.e. tile versus stone traveling surface, degree incline of traveling surface) and expected outdoor conditions. In different embodiments, the stationary pivot leg may take a variety of forms, such as a peg. The stationary leg may also be constructed out a variety of materials, such as rubber.
In a further embodiment, an umbrella may be attached to the transportable safe. As shown in
The umbrella 602 may be attached to the transportable safe 604 using securing device 700.
In use, the securing device 700 may be placed under the transportable safe with the protrusions 704 being received into recesses formed in the bottom side of the transportable safe. The securing device 700 may be placed in a manner such that the attachment portion 706 is located on the back side of the transportable safe. The bottom end of the central rod 609 may be inserted into the cylindrical space 708 of the tube portion 707. The central rod 609 may be secured to the securing device 700 by rotating the handle 710 of the tightening mechanism 709 to push the pin 711 against the central rod 609, thereby securing the umbrella to the securing means 700.
The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be examples of the present invention and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/569,587 filed 12 Dec. 2011 under the title PORTABLE SAFE. The content of the above patent application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the detailed description hereof.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
PCT/CA2012/050888 | 12/11/2012 | WO | 00 | 6/9/2014 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61569587 | Dec 2011 | US |