Abstract:
An assembly for dissipating energy generated by a force applied to an article fixed to a ground surface, the assembly comprising at least one expandable member having a first part which is fastened to the ground surface, at least a second part fixed to said device, the expandable member including means to enable expansion along at least one dimension in response to an impact load applied to the article to which the member is attached; the expansion of the expandable member allowing dissipation of energy generated by a loading to the article; thereby restraining the device from complete separation from fastening said at least one bracket.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the physical security of articles that are mounted on surfaces More particularly, the invention relates to an assembly which allows energy dissipation when an article is under load to avoid separation of the article from an anchorage. The invention further relates to a connection assembly which facilitates energy dissipation when an article such as but not limited to safes or vending equipment and Automatic Teller Machines (ATM&#39;s), is subject to unwanted impact loading such as in the case of vehicle impact. More particularly the invention relates to an energy absorbing assembly and method for securing a ground mounted article such as but not limited to an ATM or safe, used to hold cash or valuables ATM and the like and which is capable of withstanding high impact loads and particularly horizontally applied to loads. 
         [0002]    The invention further relates to an assembly which allows a ground mounted article such as a safe or ATM to resist complete removal from its anchorage by dissipating applied energy through the assembly and allowing the device to undergo some displacement as a means of dissipating the energy of impact thereby providing resistance to separation of the article from its anchorage. Although the invention will be described with primary reference to its applicant to ATM machines, it will be appreciated that the apparatus and assembly of the invention is adaptable to other articles intended for rigid attachment to a surface and which ideally must withstand unwanted impact loads. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0003]    Articles for storing valuables such as safes and ATM&#39;s are often mounted on a ground surface with secure anchor bolts to prevent removal. ATM&#39;s which usually contain large amounts of cash are particularly vulnerable in smash and grab raids on premises in which such ATM&#39;s are located. The frequency of vandalism of ATM&#39;s using vehicles is increasing necessitating a solution to make such devices more secure and with a greater ability to withstand heavy vehicle impact. To date there has been no adequate means to enable such floor mounted devices to satisfactorily resist impact loads. 
         [0004]    ATM&#39;s machines have a rigid body made of steel or similar. They are usually rigidly fixed to a ground surface usually of concrete or other hard stand surface with an ‘in ground’ expanding type bolt such as a locksain or dynabolt. The use of a plurality of expanding bolts secures the ATM to the hard stand surface and provides some limited security against theft. 
         [0005]    Other measures employed to secure an ATM to a plinth base from under the ATM is a chain assembly which locks down ATM&#39;s using additional bolts and/or ‘chemical’ bolts. The chain assembly has a finite length and does not expand upon impact or gradually dissipate energy. Rather any energy dissipation is abrupt once the chain is taut. The general approach security of ATM&#39;s has been to locate them in secure positions such as at the rear of a premises to remove ready theft access. There is a long felt want in the industry to improve the security of ATM&#39;s, security safes and particularly ground mounted safes which have poor resistance to horizontal loadings such as those which might be applied in a criminal ram raid. 
         [0006]    In recent times the employment by criminals of mechanical devices such as a vehicle, truck, tractor, hydraulics by thieves has been used to disengage ATM cabinets from the ground. The ‘Ram Raid’ as it has become known is known for its quick execution and is a fast growing target of criminals along with safes and vending machines. 
         [0007]    Sudden and violent impacts with a vehicle as in ‘ram raid&#39;s” uses the rigid ATM body when being tipped over to provide the necessary leverage to extract fastening expander bolts connecting it to the ground. When the ATM is successfully disengaged from the ground thieves can load the machine into a vehicle and depart the area with the ATM. This allows the thieves, in private, to cut open the ATM and retrieve the enclosed cash or valuable contents. 
         [0008]    At present there is no satisfactory means available to fully secure such articles as floor mounted ATM&#39;s, safes and vending machines particularly from unwanted impact load applied in such activities as ram raids. 
       INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention provides an assembly and method for enhancing the physical security of articles such as those used to hold cash or valuables, such as an ATM (automatic teller machine), safe or vending equipment. More particularly the invention provides an energy absorbing assembly and method for securing a ground mounted article such as but not limited to a safe, ATM and the like and which is capable of withstanding high impact loads and particularly horizontally applied loads. 
         [0010]    This present invention is designed to withstand and absorb much of the horizontal load energy applied by vehicle ‘ram raid’ attacks which would otherwise shear off the article from its anchorages. The invention also provides resistance to other loadings such as rotational moments and combined rotational moments and shear loadings. 
         [0011]    One object of the assembly and apparatus of the present invention is to provide energy dissipation when a fixed article such as an ATM is subject to impact which reduces loading that would in the absence of such energy dissipation result in unwanted separation of the article from its anchorages. 
         [0012]    In its broadest form the present invention comprises: 
         [0000]    an assembly for securing an article to a surface, the assembly comprising:
 
at least one connecting member each including means at a first location to secure said member to said surface and means at a second location to secure said member to said article;
 
the connecting member having means to dissipate energy in the event of a load on said article, the energy dissipation means allowing the connecting member to extend under said impact thereby restraining the article from separation from said connecting member.
 
         [0013]    Preferably each connecting member moves upon an impact load on said article between a first state in which the connecting member is unextended and a second state in which the connecting member is extended in at least one direction as the article moves. 
         [0014]    Preferably, each connecting member is fastened at the first location to a ground surface and via said second location to the article. 
         [0015]    The connecting member may take many forms allowing various options for the construction of the energy dissipation assembly. For example the connecting member may be a series of brackets or plates or any combination of same. The connecting member may be one bracket or one plate. Where a bracket is used, the bracket will preferably includes at least one or a series of corrugations formations such as a V shaped formation or folds intermediate opposite ends of each brackets which are capable of expansion under load such as when in tension. 
         [0016]    Each bracket is capable of a displacement in a direction which allows a rotation and/or stewing of the article away from a line of applied load. The connection member is capable of displacement vertically laterally at the sane time. The connecting member may also be a helical spiral or a plate assembly having at least one plate providing connection between the article and the ground. 
         [0017]    According to one embodiment, the ground engaging plate has a cut region which forms a deformable portion of the plate and which is capable of movement out of the plane of the plate when an impact load is applied to the article connected to the plate. The article is preferably connected to the deformable portion via the base of the article. The fasteners may be expendable bolts such as locksains or dynabolts but other fastening means may be employed. 
         [0018]    In another broad form the present invention comprises: 
         [0000]    an assembly for dissipating energy generated by a force applied to an article fixed to a ground surface via the assembly,
 
the assembly comprising at least one connecting member having a first part which is fastened to the ground surface,
 
at least a second part fixed to said device,
 
the connecting member including means to enable the member to expand along at least one dimension in the event of an impact load applied to the article to which it is attached; said expansion means allowing dissipation of energy generated by a Loading to the device; thereby restraining the device from separation from said at least one connecting member.
 
         [0019]    In one broad form the present invention comprises: 
         [0000]    an assembly for dissipating energy generated by a force applied to an article fixed to a ground surface,
 
the assembly comprising at least one expandable member having a first part which is fastened to the ground surface,
 
at least a second part fixed to said device,
 
the expandable member including means to enable expansion along at least one dimension in response to an impact load applied to the article to which the member is attached; the expansion of the expandable member allowing dissipation of energy generated by a loading to the article; thereby restraining the device from complete separation from fastening said at least one bracket.
 
         [0020]    According to a preferred embodiment said expandable member comprises, at least one corrugation intermediate the ends of said member. According to an alternative embodiment the expansion means comprises a series, of corrugations between said first and second ends of each said at least one bracket. Preferably, the bracket is capable of displacement in a direction parallel to the direction of an applied load. According to one embodiment the bracket allows a rotational component of the displacement of the device on impact. 
         [0021]    In another broad form the present invention comprises: 
         [0000]    an energy absorbing bracket for dissipating energy generated by a force applied to an article fixed to a ground surface by the bracket,
 
the bracket comprising a first part at one end which is fastened to the ground surface, a second part at a second end fixed to said device,
 
the bracket including means to enable the bracket to displace along at least one if its dimensions in the event of an impact load applied to the article secured by the bracket; said displacement allowing dissipation of energy generated by a loading to the article; thereby restraining the article from separation from the bracket and from said ground surface.
 
         [0022]    In another broad form of a method aspect form the present invention comprises: 
         [0000]    a method for allowing a ground mounted article to absorb energy generated by a force applied to the article when fixed to a ground surface,
 
the method comprising the steps of:
 
a) taking at least one bracket member having a first connection means at a first end,
 
b) fixing the first end to the ground surface,
 
c) taking a second end of the at least one bracket;
 
d) fixing the second end to said article,
 
e) arranging the bracket so that the bracket can expand along at least one dimension in the event of an impact load applied to the device; said expansion allowing dissipation of energy generated by a loading to the article; thereby restraining the article from separation from said at least one bracket member.
 
         [0023]    According to a preferred embodiment the method comprises the further step before fixation of the at least one bracket of introducing a series of corrugations or folds in the bracket between said first and second ends of each said at least one bracket thereby allowing the bracket to displace in a direction parallel to or normal to the direction of an applied load. 
         [0024]    In another broad form the present invention comprises: 
         [0000]    an energy absorbing bracket for dissipating energy generated by a force applied to an article fixed to a ground surface by the bracket,
 
the bracket comprising a first part at one end which is fastened to the ground surface, a second part at a second end fixed to said device,
 
the bracket including means to enable the bracket to expand through at least one if its dimensions at said intermediate portion in the event of an impact load applied to the article secured by the bracket; said expansion allowing dissipation of energy generated by a loading to the device; thereby restraining the article from complete separation from anchorages.
 
         [0025]    According to one embodiment the intermediate portion of the bracket includes a series of folds or corrugations, which tend to unfold consequent upon impact on said device. 
         [0026]    In another broad form the present invention comprises: 
         [0000]    a kit for fixation to a ground mounted article to enable it to absorb and dissipate energy generated by a force applied to the article when the article is fixed to a support surface,
 
the kit comprising at least one connecting member having a first part which is fixable to the ground surface, and a second fixable to said device,
 
the connection member including means to enable the bracket to expand along at least one dimension in the event of an impact load applied to the article;
 
fasteners for fastening the bracket member to the article and to the ground;
 
a housing for covering the connection member device once said brackets are installed.
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    The present invention will now be described according to preferred but non limiting embodiments and with reference to the accompanying illustrations wherein: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  shows a typical ATM machine with operator control panel layout and including a cover plate covering connection assemblies. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  shows an energy dissipation connection assembly ram raid energy absorbing assembly with the cover plate removed to reveal the components of the devise. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  shows an end view profile of a connecting member with expandable folds according to one embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  shows an end view profile of a connecting member with expandable folds according to another embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  shows an end profile of a cover plate providing a housing for the connecting members of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  shows an enlarged view of the connecting member of  FIG. 3   
           [0034]      FIG. 7  shows an enlarged view of a cover plate housing which houses connecting members of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  shows the connecting members of  FIGS. 3 and 4  fully expanded. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  shows a typical ATM container fitted with two connecting members and cover housings. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  shows an ATM cabinet with a connecting member reacting in response to a load applied to the ATM. 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  shows a side elevation view of an ATM machine showing a cover housing. 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  shows an ATM machine reacting to an applied frontal load and showing a connecting member reacting to the impact by expansion. 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  shows a connecting member fitted to a wall of an abbreviated article showing ground fastener. 
           [0041]      FIG. 14  shows an enlarged view of an abbreviated ATM displaced in response to an impact load and with connecting member expanding to dissipate energy. 
           [0042]      FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a connecting member partially expanded. 
           [0043]      FIG. 16  shows a typical expansion bolt used as an anchorage for the connecting member fitted to the ATM and ground surface. 
           [0044]      FIG. 17  shows an enlarged view of an abbreviated ATM with an expandable connecting member fitted to a ground surface and ATM. 
           [0045]      FIG. 18  shows a security bracket used to cover and secure a ground mounted expansion bolt. 
           [0046]      FIG. 19  shows an end elevation view of a bracket according to one preferred embodiment. 
           [0047]      FIG. 20  shows a perspective exploded view of the bracket of  FIG. 19  and adjacent cover plate. 
           [0048]      FIG. 21  shows a side elevation view of a connecting bracket assembly fitted to an ATM via a support plinth. 
           [0049]      FIG. 22  shows a perspective view of the connecting bracket assembly. 
           [0050]      FIG. 23  shows the connecting bracket assembly isolated from the support plinth. 
           [0051]      FIG. 24  shows an exploded view of a connecting assembly formed from co operating plates for an ATM, according to an alternative embodiment. 
           [0052]      FIG. 25  shows the arrangement of  FIG. 24  partially assembled 
           [0053]      FIG. 26  shows the arrangement of  FIG. 25  fully assembled with ATM engaged with anchor plates. 
           [0054]      FIG. 27  shows an enlarged view of a tab connection with energy dissipating tear bridges. 
           [0055]      FIGS. 28  A &amp; B shows a front view of an ATM machine reacting to impact load from a vehicle and mode of expansion of the connecting plate assembly. 
           [0056]      FIG. 29  shows an enlarged front view of an ATM subject to lateral load with connecting plates under expansion. 
           [0057]      FIG. 30  shows a side view of the arrangement of  FIG. 29   
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0058]    Further features and benefits will be apparent by reference to the drawings and ensuing detailed description of the preferred embodiments which disclose the best mode contemplated in carrying out the invention. The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or its application or uses. With reference to the drawings, like numerals designate like and corresponding parts throughout 
         [0059]      FIG. 1  shows an assembly  1  which comprises a typical Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)  2  as would for instance be installed in retail premises. ATM  2  shows a typical customer layout for providing cash withdraw facility. Assembly  1  further comprises an energy dissipation connection assembly  4  (see  FIG. 2 ) located behind cover  3  fitted to the right and left hand sides of ATM  2 . The installation of two assemblies  4  produces optimal security should the ATM cabinet suffer an impact such as from a ram raid. 
         [0060]      FIG. 2  shows a ‘ram raid energy absorbing devise’ with the cover plate  3  removed to reveal the components of the assembly  4 .  FIG. 3  shows the profile of assembly  4  ram raid energy absorbing devise with three folds  6 . The folds shown in this example are a concertina of folded metal of a suitable thickness to create a number of compressed aligned folds. The space collected between folds  6  allows expansion outward between the inner plates when stretched by such an event as a vehicle impact on the ATM container. 
         [0061]      FIG. 4  shows an assembly  4  according to an alternative embodiment with profile of folds  7 . This example uses less folds and hence inner plates and saves space in the final assembled configuration, but does not have the same expansion capacity as presented in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 5  shows a profile of a cover plate  8  as an example of how the assemblies  4  would be covered from being damaged or tampered with. A return fold  9  secures the top from separation from the wall of the ATM  2 . The return  10  allows a sealing from the environment and the outside floor. 
         [0063]      FIG. 6  shows an enlarged view of an energy dissipation assembly of the type shown in  FIG. 3  ready for fitting to an ATM. Inner panels  11 ,  12 , 13 , 14 ,  39 , 40   41  are made from a folded piece or welded or stitched joined pieces of suitable material as shown  FIG. 8 . The inner panels  11 ,  12 , 13 , 14 , 39 , 41  are in this example compressed into this shape during the manufacturing process. Holes  15  are generally larger to provide access for bolts heads to pass through so to fix the energy dissipation assembly to the ATM body. Holes  16  are to provide a location to bolt the energy dissipation assembly to the ground. Holes  17  are to fit the cover plate of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 7  shows an enclosure cover plate for the ‘ram raid energy absorbing devise’  3  providing a cover  4  to prevent easy access to the components; that make up the energy dissipation assembly. Holes  18  are to allow a screw to fix the cover plate to the assembly. 
         [0065]      FIG. 8  shows an example of an energy dissipation assembly plate  20  prior to folding into a complete configuration. This example shows the larger access holes  15  for allow tools such as a matching drive socket and bolt heads to pass through to the smaller  19  mounting points needed to fix the assembly to the ATM body. These smaller mounting holes may include additional material to provide a more secure fixing or reduce stress tearing by to impact of the vehicle. We show the inner panels  11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 39 ,  41  and folds  36 , 37 , 38 . As stated earlier the number of folds, size, form, fixings, material used and thickness etc. are adjustable to suit the application. 
         [0066]      FIG. 9  shows an assembly similar that of  FIG. 1  including ATM  2  fitted with two energy dissipation assemblies protected by cover plates  3 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 10  shows an ATM cabinet  2  after it has received an impact from a load applied in the direction of arrow  21 . In this example the energy dissipation assembly  22  has extended out to absorb the energy of the impact. The energy dissipation assembly  4  under cover  3  also respond by bending to restrict the movement of the ATM  2 . The cover plate  4  has fallen away as a result of the impact. At all times the ATM remains secured to the expandable energy dissipation assembly preventing theft. 
         [0068]      FIG. 11  shows aside elevation view of an ATM  2  fitted with two energy dissipation assemblies  4  (opposite side obscured) with the cover plates  3 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 12  shows an ATM  2  after it has received an impact from a load applied in the direction of arrow  24 . In this example the energy dissipation assembly  4  both Left and Right allow the inner plates  11 , ( 12 ,  13  obscured),  39 , to expand at their folds thereby absorbing the energy of the impact. 
         [0070]      FIG. 13  shows a energy dissipation assembly  4  without the cover plate  3  absent, to the side of an ATM partially abbreviated by a fixing bolt  25 . Both ends of the folded inner plates are fixed. One side is attached to the ATM body with standard fixing bolts  25  and the other is fixed to the ground  31  using expansion bolts  26 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 14  shows the expansion of the inner plates  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  39 ,  40  when the ATM body  2  has been subject to impact load. These plates have been expanded by the energy of impact and leverage provided by the ATM body. During the impact energy stored in the vehicle&#39;s momentum is transferred into the ATM body. Such energy has and will cause an energy shock that can dislodge and eject the ATM cabinet from its normal internally fitted expander bolts  27 . 
         [0072]    The inner plates  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14  and  39  of the energy dissipation assembly  4  by the expansion will cause them to bend in an opposite direction from the applied load. In the process of these plates bending the energy is dissipated allowing the ATM cabinet and the energy dissipation assembly remains somewhat intact. Energy absorbed by the energy dissipation assembly also reduces the energy levels appearing at the expander bolt fixing points  25  and  26 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 15  shows a side view of the energy dissipation assembly  4  after being expanded as described in  FIG. 14  with corresponding numbering. The inner plates have bent out from their original shape as shown in  FIG. 13 . The energy required to do this is the reason the energy dissipation assembly  4  can keep the fixings  25  and  26  from disengaging. The amount of energy absorbed and dissipated is dependant on the type of inner of material making up the plates, the number of folds, the size and structure of the energy dissipation assembly. 
         [0074]      FIG. 16  shows a typical expansion bolt in ground  31 , In this example a small compression washer  32  made of a nylon or rubber type compound is used. This is fitted to assist in separation of the two surfaces of ground  31  and energy dissipation assembly and the head of the bolt  25  which attached to the ground  31 . This aids in reducing the transferring of shock energy from a vehicle coming from ATM  2  and into the ‘ram raid energy absorbing devise’  3  through into the expansion bolt  26  and hole in ground  31 . 
         [0075]    A compression washer made of a nylon or rubber type compound is also placed between the ATM cabinet  2  of energy dissipation assembly  4  to also separate the components from direct metal to metal contact. This removes the direct energy transference between the ATM  2  with device  4 . Bolt  25  joins ATM cabinet  2  and energy dissipation assembly. The nylon washer separates the two sides from having direct metal to metal contact so to reduce energy transfer. 
         [0076]      FIG. 17  shows how the energy dissipation assembly  4  covered by cover  3 , is fixed to the ATM body  2  with the bolt  25  and washer  32  and ground anchor  26 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 18  shows a security bracket  33  which is used to cover and secure the ground expansion bolt  26 . By fixing using the bolt  26  holding the ATM cabinet the ability to remove the expansion bolt with tools is greatly reduced. The bolt  25  used to attached the ATM cabinet  2  to the energy dissipation assembly  4  can be a security bolt  25  or have the drive head cut off or filled with a resin  34  to reduce its use. 
         [0078]    The bracket of  FIGS. 19-24  will now be described.  FIG. 19  shows an elevation view of a bracket  50  according to a preferred embodiment. Bracket  50  comprises a first end  51  and second end  52 . First end  51  includes a channel formation  53  and opening  54  through which a fastener  55  is placed to secure bracket  50  to a ground surface. Fastener  55  may be of the expanding bolt type such as a dynabolt or locksain. Second end  52  comprises a formation  56  including wall  57 . Wall  57  preferably includes an opening through which a fastener may be placed to secure end  52  of bracket  50  to a safe ATM or the like. Intermediate ends  51  and  52  there is a region  58  comprising a series of corrugations or ridges and valleys which provides inbuilt capacity for bracket  50  to extend through a number of degrees of freedom including vertically, laterally, rotationally, axially, up or down side to side or a combination of any of the aforesaid degrees of freedom. 
         [0079]      FIG. 20  shows a perspective exploded view of the bracket  50  of  FIG. 19  and adjacent cover plate  60 . From the perspective view, series of openings  54  of channel  53  can be seen. Also series of openings  61  of wall  57  are seen which receive a fastener for fixation of bracket  50  to an ATM. 
         [0080]      FIG. 21  shows a cross sectional elevation view of a connecting bracket assembly  70  connected to an ATM  71  via a plinth  72 . According to this embodiment, assembly  70  has a first end  73  connected via fastener  74  to base  75  of ATM. End  76  of assembly  70  receives fastener  77  to secure assembly  70  to base  78  of plinth  72 . 
         [0081]    Bracket assembly  70  may be manufactured from a flat plate in which are introduced alternate folds such that the overall length of the bracket assembly when fitted to the ATM is at its shortest and in the event that a load is applied to the ATM is capable of undergoing an extension longitudinally, laterally, rotationally or axially. The plate in the above example is a concertina of folded metal of a suitable thickness to create a number of compressed aligned folds forming valleys and troughs which allows expansion or stretching under load by such an event as a vehicle impact on the ATM container. The ATM would typically rotate or be subject to shear force under load in which case the bracket assembly dissipates that energy. 
         [0082]      FIG. 22  shows a perspective view of the bracket assembly  70  of  FIG. 21  with plinth  72  isolated from the ATM and with corresponding numbering.  FIG. 23  shows a perspective view of the bracket assembly  70  of  FIG. 21  isolated from the plinth  72 . Bracket  70  of  FIG. 23  is preferably made from a folded piece or welded or stitched joined pieces of suitable material as shown. In the example bracket assembly  70  shown, a flat plate of suitable thickness undergoes a series of folds forming first and second ends  73  and  76  and intermediate said ends a series of concertina expandable folds  79  compressed during the manufacturing process. End plate  73  includes openings  80  which receive fasteners  74  (see  FIG. 21 ) and end  76  includes openings  81  which receive fasteners  77  (see  FIG. 21 ). This example shows larger access openings for fasteners and to allow tools such as a matching drive socket and bolt head to pass through to connecting points needed to fix the bracket assembly  70  to the ATM body. The number of folds, size, form, fixings, material used and thickness etc. are adjustable to suit the application. 
         [0083]      FIG. 24  shows an exploded view of a connecting assembly  90  comprising a first ground engaging plate  91  and second plate  92  which is disposed intermediate the ATM  93  and first plate  91 . First plate  2  will normally assume the general shape of a base  94  of the ATM but it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that plates  91  and  92  may be a variety of shapes to accommodate the particular installation circumstances. Plate  91  according to the embodiment shown comprises openings  95 ,  96  and  97  through which fasteners  130  (see  FIG. 29 ) penetrate to secure plate  91  to an anchorage surface such as a concrete slab. Plate  91  includes cut outs which form tabs  98 ,  99  and  100 . These tabs allow plate  91  to undergo displacement when a load such as a rotation is applied to the end of plate  91  which acts as an energy dissipater. Plate  91  also includes fastening points  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107 . which oppose corresponding points  108 ,  109 ,  110  and  111  on plate  92 . Co operating Plate  92  includes openings  101 ,  102  and  103  which align with openings  95 ,  96  and  97  in plate  91  allowing access to fasteners  130  (see  FIG. 29 ) when plates  91  and  92  are engaged. Plate  92  includes cut outs which form tabs  120 ,  121 ,  122  and  123 . These tabs are connected to base  94  of ATM  93  via openings  112 ,  113 ,  114  and  115  which receive fasteners which also penetrate openings  116 ,  117   118  and  119 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 25  shows with corresponding numbering the arrangement of  FIG. 24  partially assembled with plates  91  and  92  engaged but with ATM  93  isolated.  FIG. 26  shows the arrangement of  FIG. 25  fully assembled with ATM  93  fully engaged with connecting anchor plates  91  and  92 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 27  shows an enlarged view of a tab  123 . Tab  123  (as with the remaining tabs) each have a series of tear bridges  124  which join tab  123  to plate  92  across cut out  125 . In the event of impact load on ATM  93 , tear bridges fail allowing tabs connected to ATM  93  to follow the displacement of the ATM. Tear bridges may be lengthened or shortened depending upon the level of resistance required in each installation. 
         [0086]      FIGS. 28  A&amp;B shows a front view of an ATM machine  130  reacting to impact load from a vehicle  131  and mode of expansion of the connecting plate assembly  132 . In 
         [0087]      FIG. 29  shows an enlarged front view of ATM  93  subject to lateral load with connecting plates-schematically under expansion/extension and with corresponding numbering. 
         [0088]      FIG. 30  shows an alternative side view of the arrangement of  FIG. 29   
         [0089]    This arrangements described above according to various embodiments absorb and dissipate energy created by sudden and repetitive violent impact and leverage created by a vehicle or other high energy equipment. This may be achieved by a variety of geometries such as extension, expansion, elongation, rotation, bending and which induce compression, tension, shear, moment or any combination of the above. 
         [0090]    The embodiments show how the assembly may work with an ATM (automatic teller machine). This invention can be used on any type of rigid or soft container such as a vending machine, ticket dispensing machine, gate, door, wall or window frame or any item which might be subjected to a violent physical or explosive attack. 
         [0091]    An ATM will be normally bolted down on the ground using 4× expansion bolts. These bolts by their design will keep the ATM container secured to the ground. The mechanical design of these bolts to the ATM body is both rigid and with little or no capacity to flex when violent impact pressure is applied to the cabinet. The bolts attaching the ATM cabinet are only as strong as the size and quality of the bolt hole, expander bolt installation, the material making up the ground material. 
         [0092]    Should the pressure applied become greater than the ability of the bolt or ground to contain the pressure, the bolt or the ground will fail, allowing the bolt to release from the ground. It is therefore important that the ground anchorages and connections form the assembly to the ATM are very strong. The connection assembly is installed on the ground and onto the external surface at each side of the cabinet or at any sides deemed open to physical attack. To ensure best security practices additional connection assemblies may be installed where high energy is to be resisted. 
         [0093]    The length height and size on the selected connection assembly is based on the size of the container to which it is fitted. The material for the energy dissipation assembly is preferably flexible and high strength such as but not limited to steel with sufficient strength and flexibility to facilitate the action of flexing and expanding without tearing under applied loads. Materials including steel, stainless steel, plastic, resin, aluminum, polymer, fiberglass, any combination of materials or other suitable materials not described may be sued. Material thickness and the folds of the flexing material are adjustable to facilitate the action of flexing and expansion when attacked as described. By creating a concertina of a suitable material this creates a form of mechanical shock absorber with stored plastic or elastic energy. 
         [0094]    The effect is to dissipate the energy of impact and to reduce the stresses on the outer fixings, allowing these fixings to remain intact and connected to the ATM body and the ground. 
         [0095]    Fitting the fixing bolts or similar to the ground and the ATM body should be carried out in such a way that little or no opportunity is given to extract them when the connection assembly is completely installed. 
         [0096]    In one such configuration bolts are fitted between the ATM body and the ground and with a rubber or nylon or similar material washer. Being of a suitable thickness it provides a spongy and flexible separation between each components metal surface. This spongy washer allows for movement and flexing when pressure from a fulcrum or impact pressure being transferred to the other side of the connection to the other. It also allows the two surfaces to flex and to reduce the shock of impact between both surfaces. 
         [0097]    Fitting to the ATM body is via screws or bolts into the cabinet of the ATM. Such a bolt can be fitted by providing either a hole of sufficient size in the cabinet as to allow a nut to be fitted inside the cabinet and to then draw the bolt down using a socket or other suitable hand tool. A high tensile bolt of suitable capacity to support this assembly under expected physical load is used employing a threaded hole of matching thread to the bolt into the ATM cabinet steel. 
         [0098]    In another example where access to the internal side of the container in restricted, a thread is tapped into the ATM body material and a high tensile ‘hex’ head bolt is then wound onto the thread fixing the assembly onto the ATM cabinet. A ‘hex’ is then filled with a suitable resin or two part hardening putty to prevent and matching tool the ability to draw the bolt out. 
         [0099]    Once the ‘ram raid energy absorbing devise’ has been correctly installed a cover plate is fixed, using fixing screws to ensure that it does not cause any opportunities of injuring the users of the ATM. In all appearances it looks like a skirting board and is best shown in  FIG. 1 . This also allows the components to be secure from damage from cleaning machines or collecting of foreign material or tampering which may impede the performance of energy dissipating connection assembly. 
         [0100]    The energy dissipating assembly is deformed during an impact on an article held by the assembly. The deformation allows gradual energy dissipation. 
         [0101]      FIGS. 10 and 28  A &amp;B show a vehicle impact to an ATM from the side which has rotated/tilted the ATM cabinet. The inner plates of the energy dissipating assembly are forced upward and in this process they are absorbing the energy of the impact. The plates are folded metal of a suitable thickness and as the energy stored by the folding together is expelled over the distance of by and through the expansion of inner plates. 
         [0102]    While the expansion bolts on the inside of the ATM container received the full force of the impact through the rigid body shell, they are subject to the disengaging from the ground. The expander bolts holding the assembly on the side where the vehicle has hit receives a smaller portion of the energy expelled from the impact. 
         [0103]    Should the impact be repeated the flexing plates would again reduce the impact pressure on the bolts. The assembly on the opposite side of the ATM container would also receive energy from the impact. The present invention provides a plurality of alternate constructions which can be adopted to achieve the desired results and capabilities. In this disclosure, non limiting examples are shown. 
         [0104]    It will be recognized by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention as broadly described herein without departing form the overall spirit and scope of the invention.