LAMINATE AND USE OF THE SAME

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminate structure (10) having an alarm mat (2) integral therewith. The laminate is intended particularly for the construction of security containers and security rooms and the alarm mat (2) is constructed from one or more insulated, electrically conductive threads, wires, filaments and the like (5, 5'), or from one or more light-conducting optical fibers. The thread or threads (5, 5'), or the optical fibre or fibres, is/are disposed in the form of continuous meshes, loops or eyes, for instance of the kind obtained when knitting, crocheting or weaving. The laminate structure (10) has at least one outer layer or sheet (1) which is connected to the alarm mat (2). The invention also relates to a use of the laminate structure (10) in the construction of a container casing or in the construction of a space or room (40) in which objects to be protected from unauthorized access are stored.

Description: LAMINATE AND USE OF THE SAME The present invention relates to a laminate structure according to the preamble of Claim 1. The invention also relates to the use of the laminate structure in the construction of a container casing or in the construction of a room or space intended for the storage of theft-attractive articles and the like. Because of the increase in criminal activities among other things, there is a great demand for more posi¬ tive forms of transportation and storage of valuable articles and theft-attractive objects of different kinds. The transportation of money between different geo¬ graphical locations is one example of areas in which greater security is desired. In cases of this nature, it is necessary to undertake large and expensive security measures, in order to protect the valuables from theft and robbery to an acceptable extent. The cost in achieving this is considerable, and the design of the necessary transport vehicles is both problemat¬ ic and complicated. One method of meeting the aforesaid problems is to equip the transport container concerned, which may have the form of a case, with one or more destructive elements which are activated to destroy the contents of the container, should an unauthorized person at¬ tempt to open the container and remove its contents. The fact that the contents of the container will be destroyed and rendered unusable if an unauthorized attempt is made to force the container, will act as a theft deterrent until some creative person devises a method of preventing activation of the destructive elements. A case in which banknotes are transported is _.ι_ concrete example of a transport container in the context intended here. The banknotes can be rendered useless as legal tender, by equipping the case with dye cartridges which are activated so as to stain the banknotes should an unauthorized attempt be made to open the case. It will be understood from this that there is a need for a not-easily forced container, which in the case of a portable container shall be as light as possible. The container will, of course, be equipped with a reliable alarm system or security system, of which at least certain parts are located within the container. The system is constructed so that the destructive element or elements will always be activated before the security system for the destructive element can be rendered safe by unauthorized methods and before the valuables stored in the container can be removed therefrom unlawfully. For instance, the security system must have a short reaction time, so as to prevent the system being disarmed by means of a so- called high speed weapon, for instance. Such security systems and destructive elements are already known and commercially available, and it is therefore unnecessary to describe such systems and destructive elements in more detail here. It should be mentioned, however, that the security system can, of course, be designed to afford the burglar only a very short, limited length of time in which to attempt to force the container before the destructive element is activated, despite the fact that the security system has not been triggered by the attempt to force the container. The main object of the present invention is to provide a particularly designed laminate structure which can be used to great advantage in the construction o_ a wall or a casing of a security container or of a security room or' space. This object is achieved with a laminate structure defined in the following Claims and also with the use of such a laminate. Among the many advantages afforded by the invention is that it can be made thin and light in weight, which, of course, imparts weight advantages to the transport container in which the laminate is used, for instance. The inventive laminate is constructed in a manner which enables the laminate to handle effectively such external disturbances as magnetic fields, static electricity and the like. The laminate can be given a rigidity or stiffness which enables a self-carrying container to be con¬ structed therefrom. The laminate can be manufactured in desired shapes and curves, therewith enabling containers of complicated shapes to be produced with the aid of the inventive laminate. When desiring to complement an existing construction with a protective shell, this can be readily achieved with the aid of the inventive laminate. For instance, separate, angled corner laminates can be prefabri- cated. The invention will be described in more detail with reference to exemplifying embodiments thereof and also with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is an exploded perspective view which illus¬ trates the construction of an inventive laminate; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the laminate; Figure 3 illustrates schematically one method of constructing an alarm mat; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a transport container/security container constructed from inventive laminates; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an openable, overlapping join between the laminates of the contain- er shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an advantageous cable throughlet in an inven¬ tive laminate; Figure 7 is a schematic, perspective view illustrating an example of a space defining structure constructed from inventive laminates; and Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one corner part of the structure illustrated in Figure 7. The illustrated laminate 10 includes a first outer sheet or layer 1, an alarm mat 2 and a second outer sheet or layer 3 (see Figures 1 and 2). The first outer sheet 1 is comprised, for instance, of a fiberglass mat or a textile mat, although other types of mats, cloths or sheets can be used. The outer sheet 1 may also consist of paint or a gel coating. The alarm mat 2 is intended to indicate or to detect an attempt to make a hole in the laminate 10. The alarm layer/alarm mat 2 is comprised of a fine-mesh net structure, for instance a knitted, crocheted or woven structure. The material used is an electrically conductive material, and may have the form of wires, filaments or strips of metal or an electrically con¬ ductive plastic material, hereinafter referred to genetically as threads. The "threads" 5 of material used are coated with an insulating layer. For in¬ stance, the threads may consist of copper threads coated with an insulating varnish of the type normally used in small electric motors. A net structure con- sisting of varnished copper wires having a diameter of 0.3 mm and a mesh density or mesh size of about 1 mm is a non-limiting example of one conceivable net structure. Optical fibres may also be used. Figure 3 illustrates very schematically one method of constructing an alarm mat 2 in accordance with the invention. The alarm mat 2 shown partially in Figure 3 is a knitted structure. When the structure is knitted with a single thread 5 solely two thread ends are obtained with the mat, such as to obtain a continuous electric circuit. The mat 2 may alternatively be con¬ structed from double threads 5, 5', which results in two continuous electric circuits. According to one highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the aforesaid electric circuits are connected together so that the mat 2 will obtain a single electric circuit in which current flows in different directions in the mutually parallel threads 5, 5'. This connection 6 of the parallel threads 5, 5' is illustrated schematic¬ ally in Figure 3, and the arrows show the contraflow of electric current through said threads 5, 5' through the meshes, loops or eyes of the mat 2. The alarm layer/alarm mat 2 is thus comprised of a fine-mesh material, and a central inventive feature of the mat is that it is constructed from one or more insulated, electrically conductive threads, and that the thread or threads is/are disposed to form mutually integral meshes, loops or eyes, for instance of the kind obtained when knitting, crocheting or weaving thread material. This also applies to the use of optical fibres. The inventive alarm mat is extremely capable of re¬ sisting disturbances in the form of electromagnetic force fields, static electricity and the like. Prevailing technical requirements on the alarm layer 2, such as mesh density, the number of electric cir¬ cuits provided, the flexibility of the mat, and so on, are factors which control the choice of an appropriate method of manufacture. One or more electric signals are transmitted through the mat 2 and any attempt to make a hole in the laminate 10 will result in the fracture of a thread, or a number of threads in the mat, causing the electric signal to be interrupted and an alarm to be triggered . The same applies to the use of optical fibres with regard to light signals passing through the mat. The second outer layer or sheet 3 is conveniently constructed in the same manner or in a similar manner to the first outer layer or sheet l. In the majority of cases, the laminate 10 is used so that the outer sheet 1 will form the exterior of the container and the second sheet or layer 3 will form the interior of said container, and the finish and construction of respective outer layers or sheets may be varied accordingly. When manufacturing the laminate 10, the sheets 1-3 are joined together in some appropriate manner, for in¬ stance by gluing, injection-moulding or press-moulding techniques. A number of different adhesive binders can be used in this regard, for instance polyester resin or other resins may be used, therewith to produce a stable laminate. When manufacturing the laminate, it is possible, of course, to impart a number of differ¬ ent shapes to the laminate, in addition to a flat shape. For instance, a security container or a securi¬ ty case can be produced from solely two curved lami- nate sections which overlap one another at their meeting point. An example of a transport container or case 20 constructed in this way is illustrated in Figure 4. The case 20 illustrated in Figure 4 is constructed from two particularly shaped inventive laminate sec¬ tions 10a and 10b, said sections being so configured that when the case is closed, the laminate sections will overlap in an overlap zone 21 which presents the smallest possible gap or clearance 22 between the overlapping parts. The case 20 is typically provided with a handle 23 glued to the outside of the case, and also with hinge means, locking devices, etc., which are mounted in a manner which excludes the necessity of perforating the laminate sections. A number of electrical contact or detectors 24 and 25 are mounted immediately inwards of the overlapping zone 21, the devices 24 being carried by a strip 26 bonded to the laminate section 10a and the devices 25 being carried by a further strip 27 glued to the other laminate section 10b. The strips 26 and 27 will preferably extend around the full perimeter of the container 20, and an appropriate number of electric contact devices 24, 25 are therewith mounted around the container perimeter. A security cage is formed by mutually connecting the respective alarm mats 2 of the laminate sections 10a and 10b and the electrical contact devic¬ es 24 and 25, so as to form one or more electric signal circuits. The circuit or circuits is/are broken when a thread 5, 5' in the mat 2 is fractured or cut as a result of attempting to make a hole in the con¬ tainer, and it will be understood from this that the mat 2 will extend over the whole of the container surface. A mat overlap is also provided in the overlap zone 21. The signal circuit will also be broken when attempting to widen the gap 22, by bending apart the overlapping parts of respective laminate sections in an attempt to unlawfully force the container 20. When attempting to widen the gap, the space between the devices 24 and 25 will alter and therewith break the electric circuit. Mounted inside the container 20 is an electronic unit and one or more ampules or cartridges which contain a destructive agent, for instance dye cartridges. The electronic unit is constructed so as to activate the cartridges or ampules immediately the circuit is broken, so as to destroy or render useless the _ „,--„-- _ PCT/SE93/00412 valuables stored in the container 20. Activation and deactivation of the alarm system/electronic unit is effected with the aid of an appropriate high security code system. Naturally, the container or case 20 will also contain a current supply source. It is conceiv¬ able in this regard to preset a time at which the destructive element is activated or triggered, with the intention of introducing an additional stress factor for those attempting unlawful access to the container. With regard to the inventive security container 20, it has been established in practice that the inventive alarm mat 2 consisting of mutually integral meshes, loops or eyes, will function as a particularly effec¬ tive guard against external disturbances, for instance in the form of magnetic fields of different kinds and electrostatic fields and the like, in addition to its aforedescribed hole-security function. This second function . is achieved because the tensions induced or the disturbances generated by such external distur¬ bances are dampened by the laminate so quickly as to enable the reaction time of the electronic unit to be made so short as to render it impossible to disarm the destructive element in time, even when firing, for instance, a high speed weapon towards the activating device of the destructive element. Due to the very rapid damping of disturbance signals, the risk of the disturbance element being triggered as a result of a false alarm caused by said external disturbances is greatly reduced. A thread (wire, filament, band, etc.) and an electric circuit is, in many instances, a suffi¬ cient protection against external disturbances in the form, e.g., of powerful magnetic fields and transient voltages. However, the arrangement of two mutually parallel threads which are connected in an electric circuit with in which current flows in opposite direc¬ tions affords a still better resistance to external disturbances» The inventive alarm mat 2 will thus effectively prevent disturbance of the electronic and data equipment carried within the container construct¬ ed from the inventive laminate sections 10. It will be understood that a refined security system based on the use of the inventive laminate structure can be constructed in many different ways. It will be evident that the aforedescribed container or case 20 can thus be used effectively for the safe transport of valuable commodities. Figure 6 illustrates an example of a throughlet for a signal-carrying cable 30 arranged in one laminate section 10. In the illustrated case, an overlap zone 31 is conveniently provided in the mat 2, so as to eliminate the possibility of a hole being made through the laminate section 10 without resulting in an alarm. In the case of a knitted mat 2, it is possible to provide an overlap zone of sufficient dimensions for the purpose intended, by knitting a so-called button¬ hole in the alarm mat. The cable throughlet shown in Figure 6 may be used in conjunction with the illus¬ trated security case 20, for instance. Figure 7 illustrates an example of a security space or room 40 built from inventive laminate sections 10. When constructing the room 40, it will preferably be ensured that the joint regions of the laminate sec- tions include overlap zones 41 (see Figure 8), so that the mat 2 will be continuous, as described above with reference to the case 20. Although not shown, each overlapping joint is suitably provided with bend- indicating contact devices, similar to the embodiment aforedescribed with reference to the case 20. Some overlapping joins may also be adhesively bonded. Overlapping of adjacent laminate sections at the corners of the room structure 40 can be facilitated with the aid of separate, angled laminate strips 10c. The laminate strips 10c or the angled corner strips may, of course, be placed internally of respective laminate sections 10. The room structure 40 is provid¬ ed with a door 42, or some similar entrance, and means for indicating overlapping and bending of the laminate section devices will also be provided around the door or like entrance. The inventive laminate 10 can thus be used in the construction of containers, rooms or other spaces where it is desired to prevent access by making holes in the structure, for instance. If a hole is made in a structure comprised of the inventive laminate, a destructive element will be activated so as to render material stored in the space no longer valuable or unusable. An overlapping drill guard is provided at joins and doors, and electric contacts which function to break the signal circuit when an attempt is made to separate the join are provided inwardly thereof. These electric contacts are conveniently connected in series with the alarm mats, so as to reduce the number of current circuits. The inventive laminate can be used, for instance, in the construction of containers or cases for the trans¬ portation of valuable items, such as for cash trans¬ portation, security containers for use in motor vehi¬ cles and aircraft, weapon storage systems, inexpensive bank vaults, etc. The inventive laminate can also be used to provide around different containers, localities and spaces a shell which will make unauthorized access impossible without activating an alarm system or a destructive system. It will be understood that the inventive laminate may be constructed in various ways. ' In its simplest form, the laminate will consist solely of one alarm layer 11 arid one outer sheet or layer, provided that the alarm layer, or mat, is bonded adhesively to the outer layer in an effective and satisfactory manner. The laminate may include further layers or sheets of different kinds if so desired. The materials used may also vary. By way of non-limiting example, the laminate will suitably have a thickness of about 5 mm. Furthermore, it is often suitable for the laminate to be non-transpar¬ ent. The alarm mat is suitably baked, moulded or glued firmly in the laminate. The laminate may also be provided with stiffening means. In those cases when the laminate comprises optical fibres instead of electrically conductive threads, the remaining, peripheral equipment will, of course, be adapted to the use of optical fibres, and that the above description concerning electric current circuits will, instead, apply to light signal circuits. The invention is therefore not restricted to the aforedescribed and illustrated embodiments thereof, since modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the following Claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A laminate structure (10) having integral there¬ with an alarm mat (2) and intended particularly for the construction of security containers and security rooms, wherein the alarm mat (2) is constructed from one or more insulated, electrically conductive threads, wires or the like (5, 5'), or from one or more light conducting, optical fibres, c h a r a c - t e r i z e d in that the thread or threads (5, 5') , or the optical fibre or fibres, is/are disposed to form continuous meshes, loops or eyes, for instance of the kind obtained when knitting, crocheting or weav¬ ing. 2. A laminate structure according to Claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the meshes, loops or eyes are formed by at least two parallel threads (5, 5') or optical fibres which are so connected mutually (at 6) at their free ends as to form an electric circuit or a optical circuit in which current or light flows in mutually different directions in the parallel threads (5, 5') or fibres. 3. A laminate structure according to Claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the meshes, loops or eyes have a small size so as to provide a fine-mesh alarm mat (2) . 4. A laminate structure according to any one of Claims 1-3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the laminate (10) has at least one outer sheet or layer (1) which is joined to the alarm mat (2). 5. A laminate structure according to any one of Claims 1-4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the laminate (10) has a flat, curved or angled shape. 6. The use of a laminate structure according to any one of Claims 1-5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the laminate (10) is used to construct a container casing or a room (40) in which objects are to be protected against unauthorized access. 7. The use according to Claim 6, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the laminates (10) are joined with an overlap (21, 41); and in that the alarm mats (2) are connected one to another. 8. The use according to Claim 6 or 7, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d by using angled wall sections (10c) to provide overlapping joint zones (41) at the corners of the room (40) or the container. 9. A security container particularly intended for transporting valuable items, said container (20) including at least two laminate structures according to any one of Claims 1-5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the laminate structures (10a, 10b) overlap one another in an overlap zone (21); and in that means (24, 25) for detecting an attempt to separate the laminates (10a, 10b) in the overlap region (21) are provided inwardly of said overlap region. 10. A security container according to Claim 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the alarm mats (2) and the detecting devices (24, 25) are mutually con- nected in one or more electric circuits or optical circuits, wherein an unauthorized break in the elec¬ tric circuit or circuits, or in the optical circuit or circuits, will activate a destructive element provided within the container (20) and therewith render the items stored in the container unusable.

Inventors: LINDSKOG KJELL, LINDSKOG, KJELL
Applicants: LINDSKOG KJELL, LINDSKOG, KJELL
Application year: 1993
Main classification: E05G1
IPC codes: E05G1, G08B13