Patent Publication Number: US-2021166531-A1

Title: Anti-theft atm casing

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. Ser. No. 16/101,578, entitled “Modular Armor”, and filed 13 Aug. 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to anti-theft devices, in particular a device to prevent theft of and tampering with Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), vending machines and the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     ATM machines, vending machines and the like are targets for thieves intending to steal cash stored therein. In order to prevent such tampering, ATM&#39;s and vending machines are typically at least partially encased in a casing or protective armor. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to armor and an anti-theft casing for an ATM. 
     Embodiments of one aspect of the invention provide modular armor for an ATM. The armor includes a rear modular armored panel including a first rear lateral edge, a second rear lateral edge and a rear bottom edge, where multiple lateral connectors are disposed on the first rear lateral edge and on the second rear lateral edge. The rear modular armored panel further includes a rear bottom extension extending from the rear bottom edge, a first side modular armored panel including a first side rear extension extends from a first side rear edge of the first side modular armored panel, The first side rear extension includes multiple apertures designed to receive multiple lateral connectors disposed on the first rear lateral edge, and a first side bottom extension extends from a first side bottom edge of the first side modular armored panel. At least one aperture is designed to receive a ground connector disposed in the first side bottom extension. A second side modular armored panel includes a second side rear extension extending from a second side rear edge of the second side modular armored panel, and the second side rear extension includes multiple apertures designed to receive multiple lateral connectors disposed on the second rear lateral edge. A second side bottom extension extends from a second side bottom edge of the second side modular armored panel, where at least one aperture is designed to receive a ground connector disposed in the second side bottom extension. A base modular armored panel includes a first intermediate platform including a first intermediate proximal edge, where at least one aperture designed to receive a ground connector is disposed on the first intermediate platform, and where a first remote perpendicular wall extends vertically upwards from the first intermediate proximal edge, a first elevated platform including a first elevated remote edge and a first elevated proximal edge, where the first elevated platform is connected to the first remote perpendicular wall at the first elevated remote edge, and where a first proximal perpendicular wall extends vertically downward from the first intermediate proximal edge thereof, a central platform including a first central lateral edge and a second central lateral edge, where the central platform is connected to the first proximal perpendicular wall at the first central lateral edge thereof and where a second proximal perpendicular wall extends vertically upwards from the second central lateral edge thereof, a second elevated platform including a second elevated remote edge and a second elevated proximal edge, where the second elevated platform is connected to the second proximal perpendicular wall at the second elevated proximal edge thereof, and where the second remote perpendicular wall extends vertically downward from the second elevated remote edge thereof, and a second intermediate platform including a second intermediate proximal edge, where at least one aperture designed to receive a ground connector is disposed on the second intermediate platform, and where the second intermediate platform is connected to the second remote perpendicular wall at the second intermediate proximal edge thereof, a front modular armored panel including a first side front extension configured to be rotatably connected to the first side modular armored panel, and a second side front extension configured to be releasably secured to the second side modular armored by a locking element, where the modular armor includes at least one ground connector designed to be threaded through the at least one aperture in the first intermediate platform, the at least one aperture in the bottom extension of the first side modular armored panel and into the ground, and at least one ground connector designed to be threaded through the second intermediate platform, the bottom extension of the second side modular armored panel and into the ground. 
     The term “ATM” as noted herein refers to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), vending machines, arcade machines, and other such devices that store money or goods and may benefit from additional protection against tampering. 
     Embodiments of another aspect of the invention relate to an anti-theft ATM casing with panels configured to surround both sides, front and rear of the ATM and to lock the ATM therein. At least one of the casing panels includes an anchoring flange and a plurality of casing anchor bolts to secure the ATM casing to the ground. The anchoring flange(s) extend from a bottom portion of at least one of the panels and include an anchoring flange cover, configured to prevent access to the plurality of casing anchor bolts. 
     More specifically, the anti-theft ATM casing includes casing panels including a front panel; a rear panel; a right side panel; and a left side panel, wherein the rear panel has a right lateral edge and a left lateral edge; the right side panel has a rear lateral edge; the left side panel has a rear lateral edge; and the front panel has a right lateral edge configured to pivotably connect to the right lateral edge of the right side panel; and the front panel has a left lateral edge configured to reversibly and lockably connect with the left lateral forward edge of the left side panel. The panels have lateral connectors (a) disposed at the right lateral edge of the rear panel and at the rear lateral edge of the right side panel, and which correspond to and are configured to reversibly connect there-between; and (b) disposed at the left lateral edge of the rear panel and at the rear lateral edge of the left side panel, which correspond to and are configured to reversibly connect there-between. Locking elements are disposed at the left lateral edge of the front panel and at the front lateral edge of the left side panel to facilitate locking there-between; and a plurality of casing anchor bolts are configured to secure the ATM casing to the ground. At least one of (i) the rear panel, (ii) the right side panel; and (iii) the left side panel includes an ATM casing anchoring mechanism including an anchoring flange extending from a bottom portion of at least one of (i) the rear panel, (ii) the right side panel; and (iii) the left side panel and configured to receive the plurality of casing anchoring bolts. The anchoring flange includes an anchoring flange cover, configured to prevent access to the plurality of casing anchor bolts. 
     In some embodiments, the ATM casing anchoring mechanism is integrally formed with at least one of the rear panel, the right side panel; and the left side panel. In some embodiments, the anchoring flange is integrally formed with at least one of (i) the rear panel, (ii) the right side panel; and (iii) the left side panel. In some embodiments, the anchoring flange is integrally formed with the right side panel; and (iii) the left side panel. 
     In some embodiments, the front panel and a forward portion of the right side panel each comprises a recess configured to house corresponding portions of the locking elements. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of (i) the rear panel, (ii) the right side panel; and (iii) the left side panel comprises an inner wall and an outer wall with a hollow space there-between. In some embodiments, within at least one hollow space there is located at least one of reinforcement plank. 
     In some embodiments, within at least one hollow space there is at least one plank is associated with, or attached to, one or more of the panels via one or more plank holders. In some embodiments, the planks are disposed between spaced apart the plank holders in a plank receiving space. 
     Potential advantages of some embodiments include that the ATM anti-theft casing can be installed in an ATM fixed to the ground; and the casing is easily assembled/installed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may be more dearly understood upon reading of the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof, with reference to the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical ATM. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of modular armor, according to embodiments of the present invention, with an ATM positioned within. 
         FIGS. 3-6  are perspective views of modular armored panels, respectively, a rear panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a base panel, of the modular armor, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the base panel installed on bottom extensions of the side panels and the rear panel, according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a front modular armored panel of the modular armor, according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a method for assembling the modular armor, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an anti-theft casing for an ATM, of the present invention, in accordance with embodiments thereof. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the anti-theft casing installed around an ATM. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective exploded view of a side panel of the ATM anti-theft casing, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 13A-13C  show detailed views of an embodiment of an anchoring mechanism of the present ATM anti-theft casing. 
     
    
    
     The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings referred to above. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience or clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and similar parts. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features/components of an actual implementation are necessarily described. 
       FIG. 1  shows a typical prior art ATM  100  including two major portions: an interface portion  110  configured to be accessible to a user, and a safe portion  120 , which should be inaccessible to users and accessible to operators. Interface portion  110  typically includes components that enable users to interact with ATM  100  in order to perform financial transactions. In most cases, interface portion  110  communicates with a computer (not shown) located inside ATM  100 . The computer is connected to a display  112  for presenting information to the user; a keypad  114  (or “touch” display) for enabling the user to enter a pin code and other such information; a card reader  116  enabling the user to insert or swipe a magnetic card; and a printer  118  for printing transaction receipts. Interface portion  110  may include other components, such as cameras, power supplies, speakers, and the like. 
     Safe portion  120  includes a safe and a cash distributing mechanism  123  disposed on a front surface thereof, for dispensing cash stored in the safe to users. Safe portion  120  further includes a safe door  124 , located on a front side thereof, which generally has a hinged side  126   a  and a safe door opening side  126   a  opposite to the hinged side. In some cases, safe door  124  serves as the primary target for the tampering, since the safe door is vulnerable to various forms of attack. For example, a vertical seam (not shown) disposed at safe door opening side  126   b  of safe door  124  is a common and vulnerable location for attacks, for example, by a crowbar applying brute force on safe door  124  to fold the safe door or to crack the safe door&#39;s lock(s). A plurality of holes (not shown) are commonly drilled through a bottom surface of safe portion  120  may include a plurality of holes to allow ground connectors such as anchor bolts to be accommodated therein, for securing ATM  100  to a solid base or the ground to prevent removal of the ATM. 
       FIG. 2  shows ATM  100  positioned within modular armor  210 , according to embodiments of the invention. Modular armor  210  is configured to provide at least a portion of ATM  100  with protection from tampering. Such tampering may include drilling, applying blunt force, cutting and so on. 
     In some embodiments, modular armor  210  includes a plurality of modular armored panels that are connected directly or operably to each other and are secured by a base modular armored panel  212 . The modular armored panels of modular armor  210  may be formed of the same or various materials, thickness, and dimensions. In some embodiments, modular armor  210  is designed to closely encase ATM  100  so as to prevent excessive vacant space inside the armor, which may ease tampering with the modular armored panels of modular armor  210 . In some embodiments, the modular armored panels of modular armor  210  include a first side modular armored panel  214 , a second side modular armored panel  216  and a rear modular armored panel  218 . Additionally, modular armor  210  further includes an openable front modular armored panel  219 , which is configured to be openable for enabling ATM  100  to be inserted the modular armor and further configured to be closed and locked, for securing the ATM therein. 
     In some cases, modular armor  210  is box-shaped, wherein first side modular armored panel  214  is parallel to second side modular armored panel  216 . Additionally, both first and second side modular armored panels  214  and  216  may be perpendicular to front modular armored panel  219  and to rear modular armored panel  218 . In some embodiments, front modular armored panel  219  and rear modular armored panel  218  are parallel to each other. 
     In some embodiments, at least some of the modular armored panels have the same predetermined height. In some cases, the predetermined height is at least as high as the top surface of the safe portion of ATM  100 . In further embodiments, the at least some of the modular armored panels may extend upwards, above the interface portion of ATM  100 . In yet another embodiment of the invention, additional extension modular armored panels may be connected on top of the modular armored panels. In such cases, the extension modular armored panels may surround the interface portion of ATM  100 . 
     In some embodiments, modular armor  210  is be formed from various types of steel, such as plate steel, stainless steel, and abrasion-resistant (AR) plate steel. In some embodiments, at least one of the modular armored panels is formed of a single sheet of metal, folded to form its final shape. Folding the metal plates is both cheaper and more durable than welding. In some embodiments, modular armor  210  is made only with folded metal panels and without any welds. 
     In some embodiments, the weight of modular armor  210  is below 100 Kg, including all the modular armored panels  214 ,  216 ,  218 , and  219 , as well as base modular armored panel  212 . In some embodiments, the weight of the entire modular armor is in the range of 50-80 Kgs. In some embodiments, the weight of modular armor  210  enables the modular armor to be shipped by air. Thus, the shipping costs for the modular armor may be low due to the low weight. Additionally, when modular armor  210  is shipped, modular armored panels  214 ,  216 ,  218 , and  219  may be placed one on top of the other, creating an efficient package that occupies less space than pre-fabricated armor. 
     Rear modular armored panel  218  is designed to be placed vertically to the ground. In some embodiments, rear modular armored panel  218  is designed to be placed adjacent to a wall. In some embodiments, rear modular armored panel  218  includes a rear inner surface  301 , a rear outer surface  302 , a first rear lateral edge  303 , a second rear lateral edge  304 , a rear top edge  305  and a rear bottom edge  306 . In some embodiments, there are a plurality of rear holes  320 ,  321 ,  322 ,  323  and  324  in rear modular armored panel  218  for allowing one or more connectors to pass therethrough and be accommodated therein. The connectors may be used for securing rear modular armored panel  218  to a surface, such as a wall, located behind the rear modular armored panel. In some embodiments, rear modular armored panel  218  includes one or more apertures  315  to allow cables to pass from within modular armor  210  to a power source or other plugs located outside the modular armor. 
     In some embodiments, a rear bottom extension  307  protrudes from rear bottom edge  306  of rear modular armored panel  218 . In some cases, rear bottom extension  307  is L-shaped. Rear bottom extension  307  may protrude horizontally from rear inner surface  301  of rear modular armored panel  218  and is configured to be secured to base modular armored panel  212 . In some embodiments, rear bottom extension  307  protrudes from the entire length of rear bottom edge  306  of rear modular armored panel  218 . In some embodiments, rear bottom extension  307  includes a rear bottom protrusion element  308  and a rear bottom perpendicular element  309 . In some cases, rear bottom protrusion element  308  extends perpendicularly to rear modular armored panel  218 , for example forwards, and adjacent to the ground. Rear bottom perpendicular element  309  may extend substantially perpendicularly upwards from a distal edge of rear bottom protrusion element  308  and upwards. In some embodiments, rear bottom perpendicular element  309  is perpendicular to rear inner surface  301  of rear modular armored panel  218 . The dimensions marked as X and Y (the width of rear bottom protrusion element  308 ; and the height of rear bottom perpendicular element  309 ) are determined by the manufacturer/purchaser of the modular armor and may vary between models of the modular armor in accordance with the manufacturing capabilities and/or models. 
     In some embodiments, a plurality of rear lateral connectors is disposed on first and second lateral edges  303 ,  304  of rear modular armored panel  218 . The connectors, for example the rear lateral connectors, may be L-shaped. In some embodiments, there are first side rear lateral connectors  310   a  disposed on first rear lateral edge  303  and second side rear lateral connectors  310   b  disposed on second rear lateral edge  304  of rear modular armored panel  218 . In some embodiments, rear lateral connectors  310   a  and  310   b  are flush on the same plane of rear modular armored panel  218  and may have the same thickness. Rear lateral connectors  310   a  and  310   b  may be formed from a rear horizontal arm  311  and a rear vertical arm  312 . In some embodiments, rear horizontal arm  311  extends vertically/laterally outward from the lateral sides of rear modular armored panel  218 . In some embodiments, rear vertical arm  312  extends perpendicularly to rear horizontal arm  311  from a distal edge thereof. In some embodiments, rear vertical arm  312  and at least a portion of rear horizontal arm  311  are designed to enter an aperture located on the side modular armored panels (not shown). In such cases, rear lateral connectors  310   a  and  310   b  are used to connect side modular armored panels  214  and  216  to rear modular armored panel  218 . In some embodiments, first side rear lateral connector  310   a  faces downward, such that rear vertical arm  312  of each of first side rear lateral connectors  310   a  extends perpendicularly downwards toward rear bottom edge  306 . In some embodiments, second side rear lateral connectors  310   b  face upward, such that rear vertical arm  312  of each of second side rear lateral connectors  310   b  extends perpendicularly upward toward rear top edge  305 . The vertical flip of the vertical arms of lateral connectors  310   a  and  310   b  is configured to ease the assembly of modular armor  218 . In some embodiments, first side and second side rear lateral connectors  310   a  and  310   b  are equally spaced along the first and second edges of rear modular armored panel  218 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a first side modular armored panel  400  of modular armor  218 , which is designed to be placed vertically to the ground. In some embodiments, first side modular armored panel  400  includes a first side inner surface  401 , a first side outer surface  402 , a first side forward edge  403 , a first side rear edge  404 , a first side top edge  405  and a first side bottom edge  406 . In some embodiments, first side rear edge  404  includes a first side rear extension  407 ; and first side bottom edge  406  includes a first side bottom extension  410 . 
     In some embodiments, first side rear extension  407  protrudes from the entire length of first side rear edge  404  of first side modular armored panel  400  and from first side inner surface  401  thereof. First side rear extension  407  includes a first side rear protrusion element  408  and a first side rear perpendicular element  409 . First side rear protrusion element  408  extends from first side inner surface  401  of first side modular armored panel  400  and at first side rear edge  404  thereof in a perpendicular manner. In some embodiments, first side rear protrusion element  408  extends to a predefined distance from first side modular armored panel  400 , which is slightly larger than the size of the lateral connectors  310   a  disposed on a first side of rear modular armored panel  218  ( 300  in  FIG. 3 ). First side rear perpendicular element  409  extends perpendicularly from a distal edge of first side rear protrusion element  408  and towards first side forward edge  403 . In some embodiments, first side rear perpendicular element  409  extends to a predefined distance from first side rear protrusion element  408 , which is slightly larger than the width of the lateral connectors  310   a  disposed on the first side of rear modular armored panel  218 . 
     In some embodiments, a plurality of first side apertures  420   a - 420   e  is vertically distributed along the length of first side rear perpendicular element  409 . First side apertures  420   a - 420   e  are configured to receive therethrough a vertical arm and at least a portion of a horizontal arm of the lateral connectors (not shown), which are connected to a rear modular armored panel (not visible). Thus, first side apertures  420   a - 420   e  enable connecting first side modular armored panel  400  with rear modular armored panel  300 . In some embodiments, first side apertures  420   a - 420   e  are designed as elongated rectangles. In some embodiments, first side apertures  420   a - 420   e  are shaped similarly to a vertical cross section of lateral connectors  310   a ,  310   b . In some embodiments, first side apertures  420   a - 420   e  are equally spaced along first side rear perpendicular element  409 . 
     In some embodiments, first side bottom extension  410  protrudes from first side bottom edge  406  of first side modular armored panel  400 . Additionally, first side bottom extension  410  extends horizontally from first side inner surface  401  of first side modular armored panel  400  and is configured to be adjacently situated on the ground below modular armor  210 . In some embodiments, first side bottom extension  410  includes a first side bottom protrusion element  411  and a first side bottom perpendicular element  412 . First side bottom protrusion element  411  extends perpendicularly to first side modular armored panel  400  and substantially parallel to the ground. In some embodiments, first side bottom protrusion element  411  includes a squared recess in a first side distal rear corner  413  thereof. The squared recess may be designed to house at least a portion of bottom protrusion element  411  of the rear modular armored panel  218 . First side bottom perpendicular element  412  extends substantially perpendicularly upwards from a distal edge of first side bottom protrusion element  411  and towards first side top edge  405 . In some embodiments, first side bottom perpendicular element  412  is parallel to first side inner surface  401  of first side modular armored panel  400 . In some cases, the dimensions of first side bottom extension  410  are identical to the dimensions of the bottom extension of rear modular armored panel  218 , as aforementioned in  FIG. 3 . 
     In some embodiments, first side forward edge  403  of first side modular armored panel  400  includes a first side front perpendicular element  414 . First side front perpendicular element  414  may extend in a perpendicular manner from first side inner surface  401  of first side modular armored panel  400  and at first side front edge  403  thereof. In some embodiments, first side front perpendicular element  414  includes at least one front recess along the length thereof. In some embodiments, first side front perpendicular element  414  includes at least a front upper recess  415 , a front intermediate recess  416  and a front lower recess  418 . In some embodiments, upper front recess  415  and intermediate front recess  416  are configured to contain hinges  417   a  and  417   b , respectively, where those hinges are configured to connect a front modular armored panel (not shown). Hinges  417   a  and  417   b  may be replaced with any additional fitting mechanisms known to a person skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the front lower recess  418  may be configured to enable at least a portion of a base modular armored panel (not shown) to pass therethrough during the assembly of the modular armor. 
       FIG. 5  shows a second side modular armored panel  500  of the modular armor, configured to be placed substantially vertically to the ground. In some embodiments, second side modular armored panel  500  includes a second side inner surface  501 , a second side outer surface  502 , a second side front edge  503 , a second side rear edge  504 , a second side top edge  505 , and a second side bottom edge  506 . In some embodiments, second side rear edge  504  includes a second side rear extension  507  and second side bottom edge  506  includes a second side bottom extension  510 . In some cases, second side rear extension  507  second side bottom extension  510  are designed as a mirror image of the rear L-shaped extension and the bottom L-shaped extension of the first side modular armored panel (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
     In some embodiments, second side rear extension  507  protrudes from the entire length of rear edge  504  of the second side modular armored panel  500  and from second side inner surface  501  thereof. Second side rear extension  507  includes a second side rear protrusion element  508  and a second side rear perpendicular element  509 . Second side rear protrusion element  508  extends from second side inner surface  501  of second side modular armored panel  500  and at second side rear edge  504  thereof in a substantially perpendicular manner. In some embodiments, second side rear protrusion element  508  extends to a distance from second side modular armored panel  500 , that distance being slightly larger than the size of the lateral connectors  310   b  disposed on the second lateral side of rear modular armored panel  218 . Second side rear perpendicular element  509  extends perpendicularly from a distal edge of second side rear protrusion element  508  and towards second side front edge  503 . In some embodiments, second side rear perpendicular element  509  extends to a distance from second side rear protrusion element  508 , that distance being slightly larger than the width of the lateral connectors  310   b  disposed on the second side of rear modular armored panel  218 . 
     In some embodiments, a plurality of second side apertures  520   a - 520   e  is vertically distributed along the length of second side rear perpendicular element  509 . The plurality of second side apertures  520   a - 520   e  are configured to receive therethrough a vertical arm and at least a portion of a horizontal arm of the lateral connectors (not shown), which are connected to a rear modular armored panel (not shown), connecting the second side modular armored panel  500  with rear modular armored panel  218 . In some embodiments, second side apertures  520   a - 520   e  are designed as elongated rectangles. In other embodiments, the plurality of second side apertures  520   a - 520   e  may be shaped similarly to a vertical cross section of the lateral connectors  310   b  disposed on the second lateral side of rear modular armored panel. In some embodiments, the plurality of second side apertures  520   a - 520   e  are equally spaced along second side rear perpendicular element  509 . 
     In some embodiments, second side bottom extension  510  protrudes from second side bottom edge  506  of the second side modular armored panel  500 . Additionally, second side bottom extension  510  may extend horizontally from second side inner surface  501  of the second side modular armored panel  500  and is configured to be situated adjacently to the ground below the modular armor. In some embodiments, second side bottom extension  510  includes a second side bottom protrusion element  511  and a second side bottom perpendicular element  512 . Second side bottom protrusion element  511  extends perpendicularly to second side modular armored panel  500  and adjacent to the ground. In some embodiments, second side bottom protrusion element  511  includes a squared recess in the distal rear corner  513  thereof. The squared recess may be designed to house at least a portion of the bottom protrusion element of rear modular armored panel  300 . Second side bottom perpendicular element  512  extends substantially perpendicularly upwards from a distal edge of the second side bottom protrusion element  511  and upwards towards second side top edge  505 . In some cases, second side bottom perpendicular element  512  may be parallel to second side inner surface  501  of the second side modular armored panel  500 . In some cases, the dimensions of second side bottom extension  510  are identical to the dimensions of the bottom L-shaped extension of the first side modular armored panel, as aforementioned in  FIG. 4 . 
     In some embodiments, second side front edge  503  of the second side modular armored panel  500  includes a second side front perpendicular element  514 . Front perpendicular element  514  may extend from second side front edge  503  perpendicularly to the second side modular armored panel  500  and from second side inner surface  501  thereof. In some embodiments, second side front perpendicular element  514  defines at least one front recess  515  therein. In such cases, at least one aperture  516  is disposed on the second side modular armored panel  500 , and in close proximity to at least one front recess  515 . In some embodiments, at least one front recess  515  is configured to accommodate at least a portion of a locking element such as half of a hasp for placing a lock therein. In such cases, the second half is situated on the front modular armored panel (not shown). 
       FIG. 6  shows a base modular armored panel of the modular armor, according to exemplary embodiments of the subject matter.  FIG. 6  shows a base modular armored panel  600 , which is configured to be installed on and to hold together the first side, the second side and the rear modular armored panels. In some embodiments, base modular armored panel  600  is installed on the extensions of the first side, the second side and the rear modular armor panels. Base modular armored panel  600  is designed with at least one aperture therein for allowing at least one ground connector therethrough for connecting base modular armored panel  600  to the ground below the modular armor. In further embodiments, base modular armored panel  600  is designed with at least one additional aperture for allowing at least one connector, which may be ground connector or a connecting element to base modular armored panel  600 , arriving from an ATM residing inside the modular armor therethrough for connecting the ATM directly to the ground. 
     Base modular armored panel  600  includes a base central platform  610 , a base first and second elevated platforms  620   a  and  620   b , extending from a first and a second central lateral side of base central platform  610 , and a first and a second base intermediate platforms  630   a  and  630   b  extending from the elevated platforms  620   a  and  620   b . In some embodiments, central platform  610  is shaped as a rectangle, having a central front edge  611 , a central first lateral edge  612 , a second central lateral edge  613  and a rear edge  614 . In some embodiments, central platform  610  may include at least one aperture disposed therein. In some cases, central platform  610  includes three apertures  616   a ,  616   b  and  616   c , for receiving therethrough and accommodating therein ground connectors for connecting base modular armored panel  600  to the ground below the modular armor. In some embodiments of the invention, the length of central platform  610  is about the length of rear modular armored panel  300  minus twice the distance X of the two extensions of first side and second side modular armored panels. 
     In some embodiments, a first elevated platform  620   a  is connected to first central lateral edge  612  of central platform  610  by a first proximal perpendicular wall  622   a . A second elevated platform  620   b  is connected to second central lateral edge  613  of central platform  610  with a second proximal perpendicular wall  622   b . In some embodiments, first and second proximal perpendicular walls  622   a  and  622   b  extend just above the distance Y of the bottom perpendicular elements of first, second and rear modular armored panels. In some embodiments, elevated platforms  620   a  and  620   b  are attached to a first and second elevated extension  623   a  and  623   b , respectively, extending beyond rear edge  614  of central platform  610 . In such case, first and second elevated extensions  623   a  and  623   b  may have a length that is about the length of the bottom extension of rear modular armored panel  300 . In some embodiments, first and second elevated platforms  620   a  and  620   b  are identical to each other. In other embodiments, first and second elevated platforms  620   a  and  620   b  are mirror image of each other. In some embodiments, first and second elevated platforms  620   a  and  620   b  and the first and second elevated extensions  623   a  and  623   b  are formed with a smooth texture, configured to ease sliding devices, such as ATMs, thereon. In some embodiments, each of first and second elevated platforms  620   a  and  620   b  may include at least one aperture disposed thereon. In such cases, the at least one aperture disposed thereon may be used for fitting at least a portion of the ATM therethrough. In other embodiments, at least one aperture may be used for passing therethrough and accommodating therein connectors for connecting the ATM through the first and second elevated platforms  620   a  and  620   b  to the ground below the modular armor. 
     In some embodiments, the first elevated platform  620   a  is connected to a first intermediate platform  630   a  by a first remote perpendicular wall  624   a  extending from a first elevated remote edge  625  thereof. The second elevated platform  620   b  is connected to a second intermediate platform  630   b  by a second remote perpendicular wall  624   b  extending from a second elevated remote edge  626  thereof. First and second remote perpendicular walls  624   a  and  624   b  are extending perpendicularly downwards from remote edges  615  and  616  of first and second elevated platforms  620   a  and  620   b . In some embodiments, first and second remote perpendicular walls  624   a  and  624   b  are parallel to first and second proximal perpendicular walls  622   a  and  622   b . In some embodiments, the height of the first and second remote perpendicular walls  624   a  and  624   b  may be smaller than distance Y, and in further embodiments is about Y minus the width of the bottom protrusion element. The height of first and second remote perpendicular walls  624   a  and  624   b  is designed to bring first and second intermediate platforms  630   a  and  630   b  to be in contact with bottom protrusion elements  411 ,  511  of first side and second side modular armored panels  400 ,  500 , respectively. 
     In some embodiments, first and second intermediate platforms  630   a  and  630   b  include at least one aperture for allowing ground connectors to pass therethrough and to accommodate the ground connector therein. In some embodiments, first intermediate platform  630   a  is positioned above bottom protrusion element  411  of first side modular armored panel  400  and second intermediate platform  630   b  is positioned above bottom protrusion element  511  of second side modular armored panel  500 . In further embodiments, at least one aperture in the first intermediate platform  630   a  is positioned above at least one aperture in bottom protrusion element  411  of first side modular armored panel  400 . Additionally, the at least one apertures in second intermediate platform  630   b  may be positioned above at least one aperture in bottom protrusion element  511  of the second side modular armored panel  500 . In such cases, the ground connector that passes through the at least one aperture in first and second intermediate platforms  630   a  and  630   b  and into the ground below the modular armor, also passes through the at least one aperture in bottom protrusion elements  411 ,  511 , of first side and second side modular armored panels  400 ,  500 , respectively. Thus, by accommodating the ground connector through the at least one aperture in first and second intermediate platforms  630   a  and  630   b , the modular armor is secured to the ground and the base modular armored panel secures the first side, second side and rear modular armored panels. In some embodiments, the ground connectors may be anchor bolts. In other embodiments, the ground connectors may be screws that are configured to be connected to matching threaded bores beneath the modular armor. 
     In some embodiments, a first slot  635   a  extends through the first proximal perpendicular wall  622   a  and through the first remote perpendicular wall  624   a . Additionally, a second slot  635   b  extends through the second proximal perpendicular wall  622   b  and through the second remote perpendicular wall  624   b . In some embodiments, the first slot  635   a  and the second slot are situated along an axis, extending beyond rear edge  614  and in parallel thereto, and is further perpendicular to the first and second elevated platform  620   a  and  620   b . In some embodiments, the first and second slots  635   a  and  635   b  are dimensioned to receive therein a portion of the bottom perpendicular element (such as the bottom perpendicular element  309  of  FIG. 3 ) of a bottom extension of the rear panel. Thus, first and second slots  635   a  and  635   b  are configured to secure rear modular armored panel  300  to the ground. 
       FIG. 7  shows the base modular armored panel of  FIG. 6 , installed on the bottom extensions of the front side modular armored panel of  FIG. 4 , second side modular armored panel of  FIG. 5  and rear modular armored panel  300  of  FIG. 3 , according to exemplary embodiments of the subject matter. A base modular armored panel  700  is located on a first side bottom extension  730  belonging to a first side modular armored panel, on a second side bottom extension  740  and on a rear bottom extension  750  belonging to rear modular armored panel  300 . As shown, a central platform  701  is placed on the same plane with three bottom protrusion elements  732 ,  742  and  752  of bottom extensions  730 ,  740  and  750 . As mentioned, with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 5 , each of bottom extensions  730 ,  740  and  750  including bottom protrusion elements  732 ,  742  and  752  and bottom perpendicular elements  734 ,  744  and  754 . In some embodiments, first side bottom protrusion element  732  of first side bottom extension  730  is installed underneath a first intermediate platform  702  of base modular armored panel  700 . In some embodiments, first side bottom perpendicular element  734  is disposed in a space defined between a first remote perpendicular wall  703 , a first elevated platform  704  and a first proximal perpendicular wall  705 . In some embodiments, first side bottom perpendicular element  734  is designed to be in close proximity to first remote perpendicular wall  703 . In such cases, at least one aperture  735  in first intermediate platform  702  is located above at least one aperture  736  in first side bottom protrusion element  732 . Thus, a ground connector may be inserted to and be accommodated in at least one aperture  735 , at least one aperture  736  and the ground below the modular armor. 
     In some embodiments, a second side bottom protrusion element  742  of second side bottom extension  740  is installed underneath a second intermediate platform  706  of base modular armored panel  700 . In some embodiments, a second side bottom perpendicular element  744  of second side bottom extension  740  resides in a space defined by a second remote perpendicular wall  707 , a second elevated platform  708  and a second proximal perpendicular wall  709 . In some embodiments, second side bottom perpendicular element  744  is designed to be in close proximity to second remote perpendicular wall  707  of base modular armored panel  700 . In such cases, at least one aperture  745  in second intermediate platform  706  is located above at least one aperture  746  in second side bottom protrusion element  742 . Thus, a ground connector may be inserted into at least one aperture  745 , at least one aperture  746  and the ground below the modular armor. 
     In some embodiments, rear bottom perpendicular element  754  of rear bottom protrusion element  750  is designed to be inserted into a first slit  710  located between first elevated platform  704  and a first elevated extension  711 . Additionally, rear bottom perpendicular element  754  is designed to be inserted into a second slit  712  located between second elevated platform  708  and a second elevated extension  713 . In some embodiments, rear bottom perpendicular element  754  is designed to be in contact with the rear edge of central platform  701  when base modular armored panel  700  is installed thereon. In such cases, first and second elevated extensions  711  and  713  are placed above a rear bottom protrusion element  752  of rear bottom extensions  750 . Thus, rear modular armored panel is secured to base modular armored panel  700 . In some embodiments, the first side, second side and the rear bottom protrusion elements are located throughout their entire length on the same plane. 
     In some embodiments, all the apertures disposed in base modular armored panel  700  and bottom extensions  730 ,  740  and  750  have a similar diameter. In some embodiments, the aforementioned diameter is designed to accommodate a ground connector such as an anchor bolt. In some embodiments, the apertures located on the elevated platform may include a larger diameter to accommodate a larger ground connector. 
       FIG. 8  shows a front modular armored panel  800  including a front inner surface  801  and a front outer surface  802 . Front modular armored panel  800  is formed from a single plate of uniform thickness. Front modular armored panel  800  is configured to serve as an openable door to the modular armor. As such, front modular armored panel  800  is configured to be connected to one of the side modular armored panels, and to be releasably secured to the other side modular armored panel. 
     Front modular armored panel  800  includes a front central panel  810  including a first side front extension  820  and a second side front extension  830 . First side front extension  820  extends perpendicularly from a first lateral edge  811  and from front inner surface  801  of front modular armored panel  800 . Additionally, second side front extension  830  extends perpendicularly from a second lateral edge  812  and from front inner surface  801  of front modular armored panel  800 . In some embodiments, first and second side front extensions  820  and  830  have the same length. In some embodiments, the length of one of first and second side front extensions  820  and  830  are larger than the other in order to allow the safe door of the ATM to be fully opened when front modular armored panel  800  is opened. In some cases, first side front extension  820  is larger than second side front extension  830 . In some embodiments, first side front extension  820  are rotatably connected to the first side modular armored panel by at least one hinge disposed in at least one recess in first side front extension  820 . The at least one hinge may be an upper hinge  840   a  and a lower hinge  840   b  disposed in an upper recess  845   a  and a lower recess  845   b  in first side front extension  820 . 
     In some embodiments, second side front extension  830  includes at least one aperture. In some embodiments, at least one aperture is a first aperture  835   a  and second aperture  835   b , disposed vertically to each other. First aperture  835   a  and second aperture  835   b  are designed to receive connectors therethrough for securing at least a portion of a locking element, which is configured to be secured to second side front extension  830 . In some embodiments, the locking element is further configured to be secured to the second side modular armored panel. In some embodiments, the locking element is a hasp for a lock. In such cases, half a hasp is disposed on second side front extension  830  by connectors accommodated in first and second apertures  835   a  and  835   b , and half a hasp is disposed on the second side modular armored panel. 
     Front modular armored panel  800  includes a cash interface reinforcing mechanism  850  situated in an opening (not shown) disposed in front central panel  810  of front modular armored panel  800 . In some embodiments, cash interface reinforcing mechanism  850  is designed to allow a secured access to the cash exchange mechanism (not shown) of the ATM residing inside the modular armor. In some embodiments, cash interface reinforcing mechanism  850  includes a shelf  852 , which separates the cash interface reinforcing mechanism  850  into a cash exchange portion  854  and an accommodation portion  856 . Cash interface reinforcing mechanism  850  defines a T-shaped aperture  857 , designed to enable users to pick up cash or other goods delivered by the ATM in cash exchange portion  854 . Additionally, cash interface reinforcing mechanism  850  includes an elevating wall  858 , designed to elevate cash interface reinforcing mechanism  850  from front central panel  810 . Additionally, elevating wall  858  produces a space, which allows cash to be delivered and stacked horizontally and also serves to increase the distance between the cash exchange mechanism of the ATM and the users. Elevating wall  858  of cash interface reinforcing mechanism  850  is perpendicularly bent at a distal portion  859  thereof, enabling distal portion  859  to be attached by connectors to front inner surface  801  of front central panel  810 . 
     In some embodiments, front nodular armored panel  800  may include additional apertures or recesses similar to accommodation portion  856 , for accommodating projections or other assemblies associated with the ATM residing inside the modular armor, as each model of an ATM be arranged slightly differently, resulting in a different front modular armored panel  800  with different dimensions, cutouts, and projections. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a method for assembling modular ATM armor, according to embodiments of the subject matter. In step  905 , all the panels of the modular armor are obtained. In some embodiments, the panels include: a first side modular armored panel, a second side modular armored panel, a rear modular armored panel, a base modular armored panel and a front modular armored panel. In step  910 , the rear modular armored panel is situated vertically on the ground. In cases where the ground is a sturdy component, such as concrete, a ground connector (such as anchor bolt) may be secured thereto. In some embodiments, rear modular armored panel is placed with the outer surface thereof in close proximity to or in contact with a wall. 
     In step  915 , the first side modular armored panel is threaded by the apertures on the rear extension thereof on first side lateral connectors  310   a , located on a first lateral side of rear modular armored panel. In some embodiments, first side lateral connectors  310   a  face downward. In such cases, the threading includes securing the vertical portion of first side lateral connectors  310   a  inside the apertures. For example, rear modular armored panel is pushed downwards, thus securing first side lateral connectors  310   a  in a space between the perpendicular element and the inner surface of the rear modular armored panel and partly below the apertures. 
     In step  920 , the second side modular armored panel is threaded by the apertures on the rear extension thereof on the second side lateral connectors  310   b , located on a second lateral side of rear modular armored panel. In some embodiments, second side lateral connectors  310   b  face upwards. In such a case, the threading secures the vertical portion of first side lateral connectors  310   a  inside the apertures. For example, after the apertures of the second side modular armored panel pass the vertical arm of first side lateral connectors  310   a , the second side modular armored panel is pushed downwards, thus securing second side lateral connectors  310   b  in a space between the perpendicular element and the inner surface of the rear modular armored panel, and partly above the apertures. 
     In step  925  the base modular armored panel is installed on the protrusion elements of the first side, the second side and the rear modular armored panels. The installation includes placing the first intermediate platform of the base modular armored panel on the first side bottom protrusion element and inserting the first side bottom perpendicular element into a space beneath the first elevated portion of the base modular armored panel. The installation further includes placing the second intermediate platform of the base modular armored panel on the second side bottom protrusion element and inserting the second side bottom perpendicular element into a space beneath the second elevated portion of the base modular armored panel. The installation also includes placing the first and second slots of the base modular armored panel on the rear bottom perpendicular element, thus bringing the elevated extensions of the base modular armored panel above, and in parallel to the rear bottom protrusion element. 
     In step  930 , at least two ground connectors are vertically threaded through at least two apertures in the base modular armored panel. In some cases, at least one ground connector is threaded through at least one aperture disposed on the first intermediate platform of the base modular armored panel, through at least one matching aperture disposed on the first side bottom protrusion element and into the ground. Additionally, at least one ground connector is threaded through at least one aperture disposed on the second intermediate platform of the base modular armored panel, through at least one matching aperture disposed on the second side bottom protrusion element and into the ground. Additional bolts may be threaded through apertures located on the central platform of the base modular armored panel. In an optional embodiment, the modular armor is further secured by threading at least one ground connector through an aperture located in rear modular armored panel and into a wall situated behind the rear modular armored panel. 
     In step  935 , a front modular armored panel is connected to one of the side modular armored panels. In some embodiments, the front modular armored panel is connected to the first side modular armored panel via hinges. In step  940 , an ATM is situated inside the modular armor. The ATM may be slid, backside first, on the smooth top of the elevated platforms of the base modular armored panel until the ATM is fully situated on the base modular armored panel. In step  945 , the front modular armored panel is releasably secured to the second side modular armored panel by a locking element. In some cases, the locking element is situated on both the front modular armored panel and the second side modular armored panel. 
       FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of an anti-theft ATM casing  1210  wherein the casing is configured so that it is installable around a fixed ATM  1000 ; i.e. an ATM that is not mobile, or at least not necessarily mobile, meaning the ATM is not inserted/slid/rolled into the casing. Casing  1210  includes a plurality of anti-theft panels, in particular, a right side panel  1214 ; a left side panel  1216 ; a rear panel  1218 ; and a “closable door” panel or front panel  1219 , which is configured to act as a closure panel. Such a design obviates the need to slide ATM  1000  into the ATM armor or casing  1210  and allows the ATM to be fixed to the ground, or a floor or the like, 
     Herein the specification and claims, the terms “ground” and “floor”, and derivatives thereof, are used interchangeably to denote any surface upon which ATM  1000  may be located. 
     ATM  1000  includes a casing anchoring mechanism  1630 . Casing anchoring mechanism  1630  includes a plurality of casing-to-ground anchor bolts  1632  and an anchoring flange  1634  to connect ATM casing  1210  to the ground. Details of ATM casing anchoring mechanism  1630  are described below with reference to  FIGS. 13A-13C . 
     ATM casing  1210  has locking elements  1110 , which may be constituted by corresponding eyebolt like elements, as illustrated, configured to be locked to each other by a padlock (not shown) or the like. Locking elements  1110  may be located in corresponding locking element recesses  1112  of corresponding edge portions in a forward portion of right side panel  1214  and of front panel  1219 , as illustrated. 
       FIG. 11  shows ATM  1000  with ATM casing  1210  installed there-around. Casing  1210  is configured to provide at least a portion of ATM  1000  with protection from tampering, in particular to mitigate the chances of access to safe portion  120  ( FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an exemplary structure of right side panel  1214  having an inner wall  1300  and an outer wall  1302  defining a hollow space there-between. The other panels may, and preferably do, have a similar structure. The panels are preferably reinforced, as noted with reference to  FIG. 8 . As such, right side panel  1214  (and any or all of the casing panels), may include at least one reinforcement plank  1304  (three illustrated), made of any suitably sturdy material. Planks  1304  may be adhered to the panel(s) by a variety of means, including by an adhesive or using one or more fasteners, or the like. In a particular embodiment, plank  1304  is associated with or attached to one or more of the panels, such as right side panel  1214 , via one or more plank holders  1306 . Planks  1304  may be attached to plank holders  1306  or disposed between spaced apart plank holders, fitting into a plank receiving space  1308 , as illustrated. Plank holders  1306  themselves may be configured to provide strength to the panels so as to further reinforce the panels. It should be noted that each of the panels may be formed as a single wall, with or without reinforcement means (planks, beams, etc.). 
       FIGS. 13A-13C  show greater detail of an exemplary embodiment of casing anchoring mechanism  1630 . As noted above, casing anchoring mechanism  1630  includes casing-to-ground anchor bolts  1632  and anchoring flange  1634 . Mechanism  1630  also includes a non-tamper or protective anchor cover  1636 , which is configured to prevent or at least reduce access to the anchor bolts to help counteract removal of ATM  1000 . During attachment of the ATM casing to the ground, anchor bolts  1632  are threaded/inserted in through-holes in anchoring flange  1634 ; and bolted to the ground. 
     Anchor cover  1636  can be attached to anchoring flange  1634 , which can be L-shaped for such purpose, at a generally vertical outer strip  1638  of the flange, such as by fasteners  1640 , or by a hinge (not shown) to allow pivoting. Outer strip  1638  may be connected to a downwardly facing anchor cover strip  1642 . Inner cover tabs  1644  of anchor cover  1636  may first (or subsequently, depending on the particular design) be inserted into corresponding cover tab receiving slits  1646 , located near the lower edge of the panels, as illustrated with reference to right side panel  1214 . 
     It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplary and that there are various embodiments of the present invention that may be devised, mutatis mutantis, and that the features described in the above-described embodiments, and those not described herein, may be used separately or in any suitable combination; and the invention can be devised in accordance with embodiments not necessarily described above.