Patent Abstract:
A modular vault assembly including a plurality of vault modules variable in number and including a primary vault and one or more secondary vaults. The secondary vaults are interconnected in successively adjacent relation and a leading secondary vault is connected adjacent to the primary vault. The primary vault and each of the secondary vaults respectively include a master door and a slave door having a locking mechanism disposable in a locked and unlocked orientation. The locking mechanism of the leading secondary vault is manually positioned in the unlocked orientation from an interior of said primary vault and each of said locking mechanisms of a remainder of the secondary vaults is manually positioned, successively, in the unlocked orientation from an interior of a preceding, next adjacent one of the plurality of secondary vaults. Each master and slave door includes a sensor assembly indicating the locked orientation of a corresponding locking mechanism.

Full Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The present application is based on and a claim of priority is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to a provisional patent application that is currently pending in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, namely, that having Ser. No. 62/341,915 and a filing date of May 26, 2016, and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to safes, vaults and armored cabinets, and, in particular, to a modular vault assembly, which have several vault modules including interior storage compartments and/or enclosures which are connected to one another in a successively adjacent array. Specifically, the present invention relates to the overall structure, components and methods which enable the simplification of logistics and installation, and prevent or significantly restrict a break-in or other unauthorized entry on the connection joints and overall structure of the individual vault modules. 
       Description of the Related Art 
       [0003]    Vaults, safes and like structures are utilized in a variety of applications and environments to provide protection and safekeeping for different categories of valuables. In addition to conventional valuables such as money, jewelry, etc. it is common practice to provide protective structures for a variety of larger items including confidential records, documents, computers and similar equipment. 
         [0004]    It is generally well known that conventional vaults, safes, etc. are manufactured and constructed from materials such as steel or other metals as well as concrete and various types of construction materials selected because of their strength and resistance to access, such as by different types of tools and/or equipment. However, protective structures utilizing this type of construction are heavy, cumbersome and are sometimes integrated into the construction of a building in which they are located. In addition, traditional safes and vaults are designed with minimal joints and moving parts. 
         [0005]    As used in many practical applications such as banks, a typical vault or safe will have a single solid body and a single non-removable door. Such a construction maximizes the security of the structure, but includes certain disadvantages. Big safes are extremely heavy and therefore hard to transport and install. The logistics associated with the manufacturer, handling, transporting, etc. of safes or like protective structures becomes burdensome. For practical applications which require an even bigger secure storage space, construction of vaults or secure rooms becomes the only option. In many cases these construction projects are expensive, lengthy and require special personnel and conditions under which installation and/or construction may be accomplished. 
         [0006]    In order to overcome problems and disadvantages of the type set forth above there is need for a vault, safe, or like protective structure, which is designed and structured to be modular. Such a modular construction would preferably comprise a modular vault assembly comprising a plurality of vault modules which are variable in number through the interconnection of additional vault modules to one another. In addition, an improved and proposed modular vault assembly may include each of a possible plurality of vault modules including a plurality of panels or like structure which may be armored or otherwise constructed to resist access to the interior storage area by unauthorized personnel. Moreover, the plurality of panels or like structural components used to construct different ones of the vault modules may be designed, dimensioned and configured to be interconnected such that the plurality of vault modules are disposed in immediately adjacent and in some circumstances accessible relation to one another. 
         [0007]    However, construction of a plurality of interconnected, successively adjacently disposed vault modules should also include additional safety features such as being structured to protect the joints, seams or interfacing portions of such interconnected vault modules. It is commonly recognized that such joints, seams and like interfacing portions of a vault are frequently the most vulnerable or weakest area of the vault. As a result, unauthorized entry is frequently attempted by attacking such areas using a variety of different penetrating tools, machinery, etc. It should therefore be a feature of an improved and proposed modular vault assembly to include structural features which protect such seams, joints and/or interfacing portions in order to prevent or at least significantly restrict access to interior storage areas of modular vault assemblies at these more vulnerable locations. Other areas of concern which should be addressed by an improved modular vault assembly relates to the closing, locking, accessing and controlling the operative position and status of multiple doors, each of which may be associated with a different one of a plurality of vault modules. 
         [0008]    Therefore, as indicated a simple and practical solution for the secure storage for a large volume of different types of goods is a modular vault assembly that is built to define a secure storage structure having a plurality of storage areas which may be at least partially segregated but operatively accessible in a predetermined manner. Moreover, the overall structure and design of the operative components associated with and at least partially defining a modular vault assembly should facilitate delivery and transportation of such components to a site or location of use, where the modular vault assembly can be assembled on-site at the selected premises. Also, somewhat similar to modular furniture, the various operative components of a preferred and proposed modular vault assembly can be shipped in boxes, transported in standard commercial vehicles, and be handled by a limited number of installers, without the necessity of specialized equipment or training and in a reasonable amount of time. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is directed to a modular vault assembly comprising a plurality of vault modules which may vary in number through the interconnection or addition of different numbers of such vault modules to one another. 
         [0010]    As such, one or more preferred embodiments of the modular vault assembly includes the plurality of vault modules comprising a primary vault and at least one secondary vault. However, in a practical application the plurality of interconnected vault modules may include a plurality of secondary vaults connected to one another in successively adjacent or contiguous relation to one another. Also, in such a successively adjacent array of secondary vaults, a leading or first secondary vault is connected directly and immediately adjacent to the primary vault. As such and as referred to herein the first or leading secondary vault would be the first in the successive, immediately adjacent array of secondary vaults. 
         [0011]    As used herein, the term “vault” is meant to be interpreted in a broad and/or generic manner and is meant to include and describe similar safes, armored or protective cabinets or similarly structured protective storage units, which incorporate the distinguishing, inventive structural and operative features of the one or more preferred embodiments of the modular vault assembly of the present invention. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, the at least one primary vault includes a master door, wherein the one or more secondary vaults each include slave doors. Both the master door and the one or more slave doors include a locking mechanism preferably defined by an interconnected locking linkage connected to a control unit or structure. As indicated in greater detail herein the control units associated with each of the slave doors may be manually accessible and positionable to dispose the locking mechanism, and more specifically the locking linkage into a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation. In cooperation there with, the locking mechanism and corresponding locking linkage may include a control unit which is mechanically and/or electrically operated by means of a user interface. Moreover, such a user interface is utilized to establish user authentication of one or more individuals attempting to access the primary vault. Such a user interface may be operated and/or activated by a biometric input such as a fingerprint and or iris scanner. In the alternative, such an indicator unit may require the user input or digital scanning of a of a of an alphanumeric code, barcode or the like. 
         [0013]    However, upon determination of user authentication, the user interface will activate or operate the control unit associated with the locking mechanism of the master door thereby disposing the corresponding locking linkage into the unlocked orientation. This will allow the master door to open and provide full user access to the interior storage area thereof. As explained in greater detail hereinafter, the structural and operative features associated with the modular vault assembly and in particular with the one or more secondary vaults may then be successively opened or have access provided thereto by means of manual access, successively, to the next adjacent secondary vault, wherein manual access will be accomplished by a user from the preceding primary or secondary vault. 
         [0014]    Additional features of one or more embodiments of the present invention includes each of the master and slave doors having a sensor assembly which is operative to at least indicate the locked orientation of the corresponding master or slave door which it is operatively associated. The aforementioned indicator unit is connected to each of the sensor assemblies and, as indicated is operative to indicate a status of each of the master and slave doors, at least in terms of the respective locking mechanisms being in a locked orientation or an unlocked orientation. Additional features of the indicator unit may also provide a clear indication and/or display as to whether the respective master and slave doors are in an open orientation or a closed orientation. Moreover, in order to keep one or more users efficiently informed of the status of each of the master and slave doors, the indicator unit may include a visual display which may have audible indicators or alarms. Such display is preferably mounted on a visually accessible position on the master door associated with the primary vault. 
         [0015]    Additional structural features of each of the vault modules including both the primary vault and the one or more secondary vaults include an access restricting construction or structure. This comprises at least a rear panel, a top panel, a bottom or floor panel and oppositely disposed side panels. Each of these panels are formed from an access restricting material such as an armored material or other material which is resistant to penetration by the tools or machinery of one or more unauthorized individuals attempting to obtain access to the interior storage area of the various vault modules. Also, in order to more effectively protect the interior storage area, the aforementioned access restricting panels are collectively disposed in substantially surrounding relation to the interior storage area and thereby at least partially define the interior boundaries thereof. 
         [0016]    In addition to the plurality of access restricting panels, each of the vault modules, including both the primary vault and the one or more secondary vaults, includes a doorframe integrated into the construction of each panel to the extent of substantially surrounding the outer periphery of each of the master and slave doors. Further, the aforementioned locking linkage is cooperatively disposed with the integrated doorframes so as to interact in locking engagement therewith, when the mechanical linkage is disposed in the aforementioned locked orientation. 
         [0017]    Therefore, operation and use of the modular vault assembly of the present invention includes an initial access to the primary vault through the unlocking of the mechanical linkage associated there with and the positioning thereof in an open orientation. This is accomplished by user authentication of the user interface unit, as set forth above. Subsequent to the opening of the master door and acquired access to the interior storage area thereof, a user may manually access the control unit and linkage assembly of the next adjacent secondary vault, referred to a herein as the first or leading vault in the successive array of adjacently interconnected secondary vaults. This is accomplished by passing at least the hand of a user, through the interior of the primary vault and into the interior of the secondary vault for the manual access and operation of the control unit of the locking linkage. Such manual access and manipulation will therefore accomplish the positioning of the locking linkage of the first, leading or immediately next adjacent secondary vault into the unlocked orientation. As a result the slave door of this first or leading, next adjacent secondary vault will be open, thereby providing full physical access of a user to the interior thereof. Once the first or leading secondary vault is opened and accessed, the user may then open the next adjacent, successive secondary vault by manually accessing through insertion of his hand, arm etc. into the interior of the next successively adjacent secondary chamber to manually manipulate the control unit thereof. 
         [0018]    By virtue of the above noted operative features, each of the successively adjacent secondary vaults may be successively accessed and opened. Further, in order to provide efficient and accurate communication to an authorized user, the aforementioned sensor assemblies associated with each of the locking mechanisms of each of the master and slave doors will provide an indication, through the visual display (LEDs), audible signals, etc. that each of the locking mechanisms of each of the master and slave doors are or are not in a locked orientation. Such an indicated status is beneficial due to the fact that the previously open master and or slave doors may be in a closed orientation but not locked. By viewing the indicator unit and associated display one or more authorized users will be able to tell in fact which doors are closed but unlocked and which doors are closed but locked. Further, the locking of the previously opened master and slave doors can only be accomplished when all of the doors are in a closed orientation and action has been taken to substantially concurrently dispose the plurality of locking mechanisms in the locked orientation. Such may be accomplished by an exteriorly accessible handle or activating structure mounted on the exterior of the master door associated with the primary vault. 
         [0019]    As set forth herein the modular vault assembly of the present invention is sufficiently versatile from a structural standpoint to retain and store a variety of items including larger items such as computers, tablets, projectors, laboratory equipment, files, etc. In order to facilitate such storage while also effectively providing access to these categories of stored items, they may be at least temporarily located on or within a mobile cart, such as a rolling or wheeled cart. Accordingly, the present invention includes one or more embodiments comprising at least one of cart vault which is dimensioned, configured and overall structured to accommodate the receipt and storage of such a mobile cart therein. Moreover, distinguishing structural features associated with such a cart vault which differentiate it from a conventional safe, vault, etc. is the positioning and structuring of the interior supporting floor of the cart vault in a substantially level orientation with an exterior supporting surface disposed immediately adjacent the entrance/door of the cart vault. Such a substantially level orientation will illuminate any dangers, inconveniences and more effectively facilitate entrance and withdrawal of the mobile cart from the interior of the cart vault. 
         [0020]    As also explained in greater detail, the term “substantially level” is meant to define and describe that the levels between the interior floor of the cart vault and the exterior, immediately adjacent supporting surface would be the same or equal. However, in certain structural modifications where in the cart vault includes an interior floor which includes a protective armored panel or plate, the term “substantially level” may include a slight elevation of the interior floor of the cart vault to the extent of a few millimeters. Such a minor difference in the minimally raised position of the interior floor would not provide any obstructing obstacle to the entry and removal of the rolling cart relative to the interior of the cart vault. 
         [0021]    As also emphasized herein, security features of the modular vault assembly of the present invention include the covering or otherwise protecting of all joints, seams, junctions, interfaces, etc. between adjacently disposed and connected modular vaults. To this extent, the one or more cart vaults includes a somewhat enlarged or modified door preferably including a protective, deep pending skirt located at a bottom portion thereof. Such skirt may be integrally or otherwise fixedly secured to the door of the cart vault and be dimensioned, disposed and configured to cover or overlie an exterior periphery of the interior floor of the cart vault and any open areas associated there with. 
         [0022]    It is further noted that as a practical matter, the cart vault may comprise one of the aforementioned plurality of secondary vaults. However the structural features of one or more embodiments of the cart vault could also be included or integrated in the structure of the primary vault. 
         [0023]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the modular vault assembly of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  wherein the modular vault assembly of the present invention comprises a variable number of vault modules. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view in exploded form of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2  wherein a plurality of vault modules are unassembled but in a cooperatively disposed position for interconnection. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view in exploded form of the various operative components of each of the vault modules which may be interconnected to form the modular vault assembly of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view in detail of a portion of a panel and/or reinforced plate which may define a portion of one or more of the operative components as represented in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view in exploded form of a locking mechanism, including locking linkage associated with each of the doors of the vault modules of the modular vault assembly as represented in at least  FIG. 1-3 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is an elevational view in partial cutaway of the locking mechanism and associated locking linkage of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is a perspective detail view of a sensor assembly operatively associated with the locking mechanism as represented in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the modular vault assembly of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view in partial cutaway representing details of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
       [0035]    Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0036]    As represented in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to a modular vault assembly generally indicated as  10  in at least  FIGS. 1-3 . The modular vault assembly  10  comprises a plurality of vault modules which may vary in number by adding, through interconnection to one another, different numbers of the vault modules. By way of example, and with primary reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2  the plurality of vault modules include at least a primary vault  12  and one or more secondary vaults, each indicated as  14 . As also represented in  FIG. 3 , interconnection of the plurality of vault modules, including the primary vault  12  and the one or more secondary vaults  14  is in a continuously successive array, wherein the plurality of vault modules are arranged in immediately adjacent and or contiguous relation to one another. 
         [0037]    A comparison of the modular vault assemblies  10  as represented in  FIGS. 1 and 2  indicates that the primary vault module  12  may be accompanied by different numbers of secondary vault modules  14 . Further the primary vault module  12  may be located at different positions, such that one or more secondary vault modules  14  may be disposed on opposite sides of the primary vault module  12 . Also, modular vault assembly  10  includes a plurality of secondary modules  14 , at least some of which may be successively interconnected in immediately adjacent and/or contiguous relation to one another. 
         [0038]    It is recognized in the vault and/or safe industry that potentially vulnerable areas of such protective structures may include the joints, seams, junctions, interfaces, etc. between connected ones of the compartments or vault modules. Therefore, in order to protect such potentially vulnerable areas, each of the primary module  12  and one or more secondary modules  14  are structured to include protective features such as side frames  17  which overlie, cover or substantially minimize any exposure of such areas or locations of interconnection including, but not limited to, the aforementioned joints, junctions, interfaces, etc. As also represented throughout the Figures, one or more security cameras  15  may be strategically located on or in an observing relation to the modular vault assembly  10 . 
         [0039]    In addition, each of the vault modules, including each of the primary vault  12  and one or more secondary vaults  14  include doors which provide full body access to the interior storage areas  18  as represented in at least  FIGS. 3 and 4 . More specifically, the at least one primary vault  12  includes a “master door”  20  and each of the one or more secondary vaults  14  includes a “slave door”  22 . Each of the master and slave doors  20  and  22  may be pivotally connected to corresponding ones of the primary vault  12  and one or more secondary vaults  14  by appropriate hinge structures. As such each of the doors  20  and  22  may be selectively disposed between the closed orientation, as represented in  FIGS. 1-3  and an open orientation, as represented in the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , to be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. Further, when in the open orientation, a user is permitted full physical access to the interior storage area  18 , assuming that the interconnected vault modules are sufficiently dimensioned to allow entry of an authorized user to the interior storage area  18 . 
         [0040]    With further regard to at least  FIG. 1 , the primary vault  12  and the master door  20  associated therewith may be structured to include and an exterior handle or like structure  24  as well as a user authentication unit  26  disposed on an exterior frontal surface of the master door  20 . Also, an indicator unit  28  may be mounted in a visual observable location on the exterior of the master door  20 . In the alternative, such an indicator unit  28  may be mounted at least partially on the interior of the primary vault  12  as represented in  FIG. 8 . The structural and operative features of these units/components will be described in greater detail hereinafter. 
         [0041]    With primary reference to  FIG. 4 , each of the plurality of vault modules, including both the primary vault  12  and one or more secondary vaults  14  include a plurality of panels or like components. The component panels may be formed from an access or penetration resistant material such as a metallic, composite or other appropriate materials which resists penetration or breakage by conventional or customized tools or machinery which may be used by unauthorized personnel to gain access thereto. More specifically, each of the primary vault  12  and one or more secondary vaults  14  comprise a door  20 ,  22 ; a rear panel  23 ; a top or roof panel  25 ; a bottom or floor panel  27  and oppositely disposed side panels  29 . All of the indicated vault panels  23 ,  25 ,  27  and  29 , as well as the respective doors  20  and  22  are interconnected to one another in the manner indicated so as to at least partially define and determine the interior boundaries of the interior storage area  18 , as also at least partially represented in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0042]    Further with regard to  FIG. 4A , the aforementioned access or penetration resistant material may be in the form of metallic or other appropriate material plates  31 , which overlie the aforementioned vault panels or which are integrated therein. The protective panels  31  may therefore be considered “armored”, wherein  FIG. 4A  represents an armored or otherwise protective floor plate or panel  31 . 
         [0043]    As represented in at least  FIG. 5 , each of the master and slave doors  20 ,  22  include a locking mechanism generally indicated as  30 . The locking mechanisms  30  includes a locking linkage  32  activated or operated by a control unit  34 . Operation or positioning of the control unit  34 , such as rotation thereof  34 ′, serves to move the various arms  35  and the interconnected links  37  of the locking linkage  32  into an out of a locked orientation, as represented in  FIGS. 5-7  or out of the locked orientation, into an unlocked orientation. Moreover, the structural features and components of the locking linkage  32 , as represented, includes a plurality of locking bolts  36  each of which connected to the plurality of links  38  collectively disposed about the periphery of the doorframe  40 . The doorframe  40  is integrated into the construction of each of the primary and secondary vaults  12  and  14 . Also, the plurality of locking bolts  36  and the integrated doorframe  40  are cooperatively disposed and structured to define a locking interaction of the plurality of bolts  36  with the integrated doorframe  40 , when the locking mechanism  30  and locking linkage  32  is in the aforementioned locked orientation. As should be apparent, the unlocked orientation of the locking mechanisms  30  is at least partially defined by each of the plurality of locking bolts  36  being disposed out of the locking interaction with the integrated doorframe  40 . 
         [0044]    Additional structural features of each of the locking mechanisms  30  include the locking linkage  32  associated therewith being disposed and structured on an interior of the plurality of master and slave doors  20 ,  22 . Further a cover  23  may be disposed in overlying relation to the interior of the doors  20 ,  22 . As will also be explained in greater detail hereinafter, an access opening  23 ′ may be associated with at least the cover panels  23  associated with the slave doors  22  so as to provide manual access to a corresponding control unit  34 . 
         [0045]    With primary reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , each of the master and slave doors  20  and  22  also include a sensor assembly generally indicated as  50 . The sensor assembly  50 , may include a operated or activated sensor or other types of sensors such as pressure sensor. Therefore, the sensor assembly  50  may include a sensor unit  52  connected to or disposed in direct interaction with at least a portion of the locking linkage  32 , such as at locking links  38 ′ as indicated in both  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Moreover, when the locking linkage  38 ,  38 ′ are disposed in the locked orientation, the sensor unit as at  52  will detect the movement of the magnet member  52  into an appropriate location and/or proximity and be detected by the sensor unit  52 . The sensor assembly will thereby determine the status of the locking mechanism  30  being in the locked orientation. As also represented, movement of the magnet  52  disposed as it through a guide sleeve or pin  54  as it moves with the links  38 ′. Therefore, movement of the plurality of bolts  36  into the locked orientation, such as with interlocking relation with the integrated doorframe  40 , will concurrently move the magnet  54  into proximity to be sensed by the magnetic sensor  52 . 
         [0046]    Further, the sensor assembly  50 , associated with each of the master and slave doors  20  and  22  are interconnected to one another and to the indicator unit  28  as set forth above. As represented, the indicator unit  28  may be mounted in an observable location on the exterior of the master door  20  or alternatively on an interior portion of the primary vault  12 , as represented in  FIG. 8 . In yet another embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of sensor assemblies  50  may be interconnected to a remote and or central display panel for observation by a third-party. In addition, each of the indicator units  28  may include a visual display such as a plurality of color-coded LEDs. Alternatively and/or in combination there with, the indicator units  28  may be structured to generate sound signals or alarms which indicate the status of each of the doors  20 ,  22  and the associated locking mechanisms  30  being in either the locked orientation or the unlocked orientation, as described above. 
         [0047]    Therefore, as indicated throughout the Figures, at least some of the doors, including the slave doors  22  do not have an exterior handle or like structure. As a result, a user accessing one or more of the plurality of vault modules and/or secondary vaults  22  will not know whether all of the closed doors  20 ,  22  are in the locked or unlocked orientation. However, the indicator unit  28  will provide either a visual or audible signal (or both) as to whether the closed doors  20 ,  22  are locked or unlocked, when they are closed, by providing the appropriate or predetermined visual or audible signal. It is again as  20 ,  22  emphasized that each of the doors  20 ,  22  may in fact be closed but not be in the locked orientation. Also, all of the locking mechanisms  30  of the doors  20 ,  22  will only assume the locked orientation when all of the doors  20 ,  22  are in a closed orientation. 
         [0048]    Operation and use of the modular vault assembly  10  of the present invention includes an initial access to the primary vault through the unlocking of the mechanical linkage  30  associated with the master door  20  and the positioning of the master door  12  in an open orientation. This is accomplished by user authentication by the user interface unit  26 , as set forth above. The interface unit  26  may be structured for biometric scanning, digital code scanning or direct digital input of a predetermined authorization code. Upon entry or scanning by the interface unit  26 , a user is authenticated. This in turn results in the control unit  34  on the interior of the master door  22  positioning the locking mechanism  30  and locking linkage  32  to be automatically (electrically/mechanically) out of the locked orientation and into the unlocked orientation. Thereafter a pulling or other appropriate force being exerted on the external handle  24  will serve to move the master door  20  into the open orientation. However, the mere physical manipulation of the handle itself, without user authentication by the interface unit  26 , will not serve to dispose the lock mechanisms  30  of the master door  12  in the unlocked orientation. 
         [0049]    Subsequent to the opening of the master door  20  and acquired access to the interior storage area  18  thereof, a user may manually access the control unit  34  of the next adjacent secondary vault, referred to a herein and represented in at least  FIG. 2  as  14 ′. Therefore, the first or leading vault  14 ′ in the successive array of adjacently interconnected secondary vaults  14  is designated as the next one or more secondary vaults  14  connected immediately adjacent or contiguous to the primary vault  12 . Moreover, manual access to the interior of the first or leading secondary vault  14 ′ may occur by passing a hand or arm through an adjoining side panel  29  and into the interior of the first or leading secondary vault  14 ′ and through the access opening  23 ′, as represented and described with reference to  FIG. 5 . Therefore, manual access of at least the hand of a user from the interior  18  of the primary vault  12 , into the interior  18  of the first or leading secondary vault  14 ′ and through the access opening  23 ′ accomplishes the manual access to and manipulation/operation of the control unit  34  within the interior  18  of the next adjacent, first or leading secondary vault  14 ′. Such manual access and manipulation of the appropriate control unit  34  will accomplish the positioning of the locking linkage  32  of the first, leading or immediately next adjacent secondary vault  14 ′ into the unlocked orientation. As a result the slave door  22  of this first or leading, next adjacent secondary vault  14 ′ will be opened, thereby providing full physical access of a user to the interior  18  thereof. Once the first or leading secondary vault  14 ′ is opened and accessed, the user may then pass into the interior  18  of the secondary vault  14 ′ and open the next adjacent, successive secondary vault  14 . This is accomplished by manually accessing through insertion of his hand, arm etc. through an adjoining side panel  29  and into the interior of the next successively adjacent secondary chamber  14  and through and access opening  23 ′ to manually manipulate the control unit  34  associated there with. 
         [0050]    By virtue of the above noted operative features, each of the successively adjacent secondary vaults  14 ′,  14  may be successively accessed and opened. Further, in order to provide efficient and accurate communication to an authorized user, the aforementioned sensor assemblies  50  associated with each of the locking mechanisms  30  of each of the master and slave doors  20  and  22  will provide an indication, through the visual display (LEDs), audible signals, etc. associated with the indicator unit  28 , that each of the locking mechanisms  30  of each of the master and slave doors  20  and  22  are or are not in a locked orientation. Such an indicated status is beneficial due to the fact that the previously open master and or slave doors  20  and  22  may be in a closed orientation but not locked. By viewing the indicator unit  28  and associated display, one or more authorized users will be able to tell in fact which doors  20 ,  22  are closed but unlocked and which doors  20 ,  22  are closed but locked. Further, the locking of the previously opened master and slave doors  20 ,  22  can only be accomplished when all of the doors are in a closed orientation and action has been taken to substantially concurrently dispose the plurality of locking mechanisms  30  in the locked orientation. Such may be accomplished by the exteriorly accessible handle or activating structure  24  mounted on the exterior of the master door  20  associated with the primary vault  12 . Moreover, when all of the doors  20 ,  22  are in a closed orientation and appropriate manipulation of the handle  24  will serve to substantially concurrently dispose all of the locking mechanisms  30  in the locked orientation. 
         [0051]    As set forth herein the modular vault assembly  10  of the present invention is sufficiently versatile, at least from a structural standpoint, to retain and store a variety of items including larger and/or heavier items such as computers, tablets, projectors, laboratory equipment, files, etc. In order to facilitate such storage, while also effectively providing access to these larger and/or heavier items, they may be at least temporarily located on or within a mobile cart, such as a rolling or wheeled cart. Accordingly, as represented in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the present invention includes one or more additional embodiments comprising at least one of cart vault  14 ′ which is dimensioned, configured and overall structured to accommodate the receipt and storage of such a mobile cart  60  therein. Moreover, distinguishing structural features associated with such a cart vault  14 ′ which differentiate it from a conventional safe, vault, etc. is the positioning and structuring of the interior supporting floor  62  of the cart vault  14 ′ in a substantially level orientation relative to an exterior supporting surface  100  disposed immediately adjacent the entrance/door opening of the cart vault  14 ′. Such a substantially level orientation between the supporting floor  62  and the exterior supporting surface  100  will significant reduce or substantially eliminate any dangers or inconveniences associated with the removal and/or entry of the mobile cart  60  within the interior  18  of the cart vault  14 ′. 
         [0052]    As clearly represented  FIG. 9 , the interior supporting floor of the cart vault  14 ′ may also include a reinforced armor plate or the like  31 ′ with which the correspondingly disposed bolt  36 ′ may enter actively lock. If such a structure armored floor plate  31 ′ were utilized, the supporting floor  62  would effectively include or be structured to comprise elongated tracks  62 ′ on opposite sides of the armored floor plate  31 ′. Accordingly, the tracks  62 ′ would assume the aforementioned substantially level orientation with the exterior surface  100 . 
         [0053]    As also explained in greater detail, the term “substantially level” as used herein with reference to the level or substantially coincident positioning of the interior supporting floor  62  and the exterior supporting surface  100 , is meant to define and describe that the levels between the interior floor  62 ,  62 ′ of the cart vault  14 ′ and the exterior, immediately adjacent supporting surface would be the same or equal. However, in certain structural modifications wherein the cart vault  14 ′ includes the interior floor  62  including the protective armored panel or plate  31 ′, the term “substantially level” may include a slight elevation of a few millimeters of the interior floor  62 ,  62 ′ of the cart vault  14 ′. Such a minor difference in the minimally raised position of the interior floor  62 ,  62 ′ would not provide any significant obstruction to the entry and removal of the rolling cart  60  relative to the interior  18  of the cart vault  14 ′. 
         [0054]    It is also emphasized that in the embodiment of  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the cart vault  14 ′ is indicated as being a secondary vault. However, the versatility of the structure of the modular vault assembly  10 ,  10 ′ could include the primary vault  12  being structured as the “cart vault”. 
         [0055]    As also emphasized herein, security features of the modular vault assembly  10 ,  10 ′ of the present invention include the covering or otherwise protecting of all joints, seams, junctions, interfaces, etc. between adjacently disposed and connected modular vaults  12 ,  14 ,  14 ′. To this extent, the one or more cart vaults  14 ′ includes a somewhat enlarged or modified door  22 , preferably including a protective, depending skirt  66  located at a bottom portion thereof. Such skirt  66  may be integrally or otherwise fixedly secured to the door  22  of the cart vault  14 ′. Further the protective skirt  66  is preferably dimensioned, disposed and configured to cover or overlie an exterior periphery of the interior floor  62 ,  62 ′ of the cart vault  14 ′ and any open areas associated therewith. 
         [0056]    Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4