Abstract:
A locking apparatus is disclosed including a lock box member and a first auger. The lock box member comprises at least one sidewall, a bottom wall including a first aperture, and a plurality of cover portions. The plurality of cover portions are selectively positionable in open and closed positions. The sidewall, the bottom wall and the plurality of cover portions define an interior portion when the cover portions are positioned in their closed positions. The lock box member further comprises structure to lock the cover portions in their closed positions, wherein the plurality of cover portions cooperate to form a second aperture therebetween when positioned in their closed positions. The first auger is attached to the lock box member.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a locking apparatus capable of supporting an additional element. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Recreational activities, such as trips to the beach, often involve setting up personal belongings in a common area. Often, the belongings must be tied down or otherwise secured to prevent unwanted movement or removal thereof. 
     Once the belongings have been set up and secured, it is often desirable to leave the common area for a period of time. In certain situations, it may also be desirable to leave personal valuable items behind, such as when one wishes to swim in the ocean, for example. However, when personal valuable items are left behind, such items are susceptible to being lost or stolen. To ensure their safekeeping, it is desirable to store the personal valuable items in a secure place where they are not accessible by third parties. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to produce a portable device that offers a lockable storage area for safekeeping of personal items, wherein the device can be securely implanted in the ground. It would also be desirable if the device could secure additional elements in place to prevent unwanted movement or removal thereof. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a locking apparatus is provided. The locking apparatus comprises a lock box member, a first auger and receiving element structure. The lock box member comprises: at least one sidewall, a bottom wall including a first aperture, and a plurality of cover portions. The plurality of cover portions are selectively positionable in open and closed positions. The at least one sidewall, the bottom wall and the plurality of cover portions define an interior portion when the cover portions are positioned in their closed positions. The plurality of cover portions cooperate to form a second aperture therebetween when positioned in their closed positions. The first auger is attached to the lock box member. The first auger comprises a first member having opposing first and second ends spaced apart from one another. The first member first end defines a threaded portion. The receiving element structure is positioned within said lock box member and extends into or near the second aperture defined by the lock box cover portions when in their closed positions, wherein the receiving element structure is adapted to receive an additional element therein. 
     In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a locking apparatus and element combination is provided. The locking apparatus comprises a lock box member and a first auger. The lock box member comprises at least one sidewall, a bottom wall, and cover structure. The cover structure is selectively positionable in one of an open and a closed position. The at least one sidewall, the bottom wall and the cover structure define an interior portion when the cover structure is positioned in its closed position. The first auger comprises a first member having opposing first and second ends spaced apart from one another. The first member first end defines a threaded portion. An attachment system releasably couples the first auger first member to the lock box member. The additional element extends through an aperture defined in the lock box member. Receiving element structure is located within the interior portion of the lock box member for receiving the additional element therein. The receiving element structure comprises a tube and securing structure to secure the additional element in position relative to the lock box member. The securing structure is accessible only when the cover structure is located in its open position. 
     In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a locking apparatus is provided. The locking apparatus comprises a lock box member, a first auger and a second auger. The lock box member comprises at least one sidewall, a bottom wall including an aperture, and cover structure. The cover structure is selectively positionable in one of an open and a closed position. The at least one sidewall, the bottom wall and the cover structure define an interior portion when the cover structure is located in its closed position. The first auger is associated with the lock box member and comprises a first member having opposing first and second ends spaced apart from one another. The first member first end defines a threaded portion capable of being threaded into ground. The second auger comprises a second member having opposing first and second ends spaced apart from one another. The second member first end defines a threaded portion and is adapted to pass through the aperture in the lock box member bottom wall so as to allow the second member first end to be threaded into ground. The second auger is not capable of being removed from ground when the cover structure is in its closed position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention can best be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view, partially in cross section, of a locking system installed in the ground in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective top view of the locking system illustrated in  FIG. 1  shown in a closed position; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective top view of the locking system illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  shown without first and second cover portions; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective bottom view of the locking system illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the locking system illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  with the first and second cover portions open; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged top perspective view of a portion of the locking system illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; and 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a locking system including a second auger in accordance with another embodiment of the invention without first and second cover portions. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a locking apparatus  10  constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The locking apparatus  10  comprises a lock box member  12 , an associated first auger  14  and a receiving element structure  15 , see also  FIG. 3 . The locking apparatus  10  is adapted to support an additional element  16 , such as an umbrella, although other types of elements (not shown) can be supported as desired, such as a fishing rod, for example. 
     As more clearly shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , the lock box member  12  includes a bottom wall  18 , a side wall  20 , and cover structure  22 . The side wall  20  is substantially cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment. However, the side wall  20  may have other shapes, such as square, oval, and the like. First and second leveraging handles  24  extend radially outwardly from opposed sides of the side wall  20 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the bottom wall  18  includes an opening or aperture  18 A. 
     The cover structure  22  comprises a first cover portion  38  and a second cover portion  40 , see  FIGS. 2 and 5 . It is understood that additional or fewer cover portions can be used to form the cover structure  22  as desired. Each of the first cover portion  38  and the second cover portion  40  is coupled to the side wall  20  via a corresponding hinge (not shown) or other well known coupling structure so as to allow the first and second cover portions  38 ,  40  to move relative to the side wall  20  between a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , and an open position, as shown in  FIG. 5 . When the cover portions  38 ,  40  are in their closed positions, an interior portion  42  of the lock box member  12 , which is defined by the bottom wall  18 , the side wall  20 , and the cover structure  22 , is not accessible from an outside location  44  of the lock box member  12 . When the cover portions  38 ,  40  are in their closed positions, the first cover portion  38  overlaps the second cover portion  40 , see  FIG. 2 , so as to prevent the second cover portion  40  from being moved to its open position until the first cover portion  38  is first moved away from its closed position. Further, the cover portions  38 ,  40  cooperate when in their closed positions to define a second aperture  46 , see  FIG. 2 . The second aperture  46  is substantially axially aligned with the first aperture  18 A formed in the bottom wall  18 . The first cover portion  38  includes a slot  47  formed therein, see  FIG. 6 . When the first cover portion  38  or both the first and second cover portions  38 ,  40  are in an open position, the interior portion  42  of the lock box member  12  is accessible from the outside location  44  of the lock box member  12 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the lock box member  12  is formed from a polymeric material, although other materials may be used to form the lock box member  12  such as a wood or metal. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first auger  14  is formed from a polymeric material, although other materials may be used to form the first auger  14  as desired. The first auger  14  includes a generally cylindrical first member  48  having first and second ends  50  and  52 , see  FIG. 3 . The first end  50  includes a pointed tip  54  and a spiraling threaded portion  56 . 
     An attachment system  28  is provided for coupling the first auger  14  to the lock box member  12 . The attachment system  28  comprises support structure  29  and first and second fasteners, bolts  130  and wing nuts  130 A, in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure  29  comprises a substantially rectangular plate  129  formed integrally with the second end  52  of the first auger first member  48 . The plate  129  is secured to the bottom wall  18  of the lock box member  12  via the bolts  130  and the wing nuts  130 A, wherein the bolts  130  extend through openings  129 A in the plate  129  and openings  18 C in the lock box member bottom wall  18 . The wings nuts  130 A are coupled to the bolts  130  after they pass through the openings  129 A in the plate  129  and the openings  18 C in the lock box member bottom wall  18 . The wing nuts  130 A are only accessible for removal via the interior portion  42  of the lock box member  12  when either the first cover portion  38  or both the first and second cover portions  38  and  40  are open. Ledges  55  extend out from an outer surface  18 D of the lock box member bottom wall  18  and defines a recess  180  for receiving the plate  129 . The ledges  55  assist in transferring rotational forces from the lock box member  12  to the first auger  14 . 
     The receiving element structure  15  comprises a generally cylindrical tube  150  formed integral with the lock box member bottom wall  18 . The receiving element structure tube  150  extends out from an inner surface  18 E of the lock box member bottom wall  18  and is substantially axially aligned with the first aperture  18 A in the bottom wall  18 . A first end  150 A of the tube  150  preferably extends into or near the aperture  46  defined by the first and second cover portions  38  and  40  when closed so as to seal off the interior portion  42  of the lock box member  12  when the first and second cover portions  38  and  40  are closed, see  FIGS. 2 and 6 . 
     The receiving element structure tube  150  is capable of receiving the additional element  16  therein. The additional element  16  may extend completely through the tube  150  and pass into a bore in the generally cylindrical first member  48 . It is also contemplated that the tube  150  and first member  48  may comprise a single, connected element extending through the opening  18 A. 
     The receiving element structure  15  further includes securing structure  58  for securing the additional element  16  to the tube  150 . In the embodiment shown, the securing structure  58  comprises an attachment ring  58 A positioned about the receiving element structure tube  150 . The attachment ring  58 A is fixedly coupled to the tube  150  via a bolt  58 B extending through a threaded bore in the ring  58 A and a threaded bore in the receiving element structure tube  150 . The bolt  58 B has a tip which engages the additional element  16  so as to frictionally hold the additional element  16  secured in position within the receiving element structure tube  150 . 
     A lock receiving member  61  is integral with and extends laterally and axially out from the attachment ring  58 A. The lock receiving member  61  extends through the slot  47  formed in the first cover portion  38  when the first cover portion  38  is in its closed position, see  FIG. 6 . An opening  61 A in the lock receiving member  61  is adapted to receive a portion of a locking device (not shown) such as a padlock. When the locking device portion extends through the opening  61 A in the lock receiving member  61  with the first and second cover portions  38  and  40  closed, the locking device portion prevents the first and second cover portions  38  and  40  from being opened. Optionally, a theft deterrent device, such as a motion sensing device or a global positioning device, and an alarm may be located within the interior portion  42  of the lock box member  12  or elsewhere within the apparatus  10  so as to generate an alarm signal (audible and/or visual) if the apparatus is moved from a desired location or otherwise disturbed. 
     The apparatus  10  may be used by inserting the tip  54  of the first auger  14  into the ground G and rotating the handles  24  of the lock box member  12  in a clockwise direction while applying a downward force to the handles  24 . It is understood that if the threaded portion  56  of the first auger  14  is threaded in an opposite direction, the handles  24  are rotated in a counter-clockwise direction to implant the apparatus  10  into the ground G. This motion causes the threaded portion  56  of the first auger  14  to drive into the ground G so as to move the auger  14  deeper into the ground G. 
     Once the apparatus  10  is in a desired position, such as where the bottom wall  18  is near or abuts the ground G, the additional element  16  can be inserted into the receiving element structure tube  150 . It is understood that the apparatus  10  is capable of functioning without the additional element  16  if desired. The bolt  58 B of the securing structure  58  is then rotated to secure the additional element  16  to the apparatus  10 . Optionally, all or part of the first member  48  of the first auger  14  may receive an elongate member  69 , such as an umbrella shaft, for example, of the additional element  16  therein. 
     With at least one of the cover portions  38 ,  40  in an open position, items (not shown) such as wallets, keys, or other personal items, can be disposed in the interior portion  42  of the lock box member  12 . Thereafter, all of the cover portions  38 ,  40  can be positioned in closed positions with the first cover portion  38  overlapping the second cover portion  40 . While the first cover portion  38  is in a closed position, the lock receiving member  61  extends through the slot  47  formed in the first cover portion  38 . 
     A locking device (not shown), such as a combination lock or a key pad lock, is then secured to the lock receiving member  61  and locked to lock the first and second cover portions  38  and  40  in their closed positions. It is understood that other means to lock the cover portions  38  and  40  in their locked positions can be used as desired, such as wherein one of the cover portions  38 ,  40  includes an integral locking device (not shown), for example. Once the items are locked in the apparatus  10 , the theft deterrent device (not shown), if installed, can be activated. If the apparatus  10  is thereafter moved while the theft deterrent device is activated, an alarm will be triggered. 
     Once the first and second cover portions  38  and  40  are in their locked positions, the interior portion  42  of the lock box member  12  cannot be accessed from the outside location  44  of the lock box member  12 , thus keeping the items therein safe from being lost or stolen. Further, since the securing structure  58  used to secure the additional element  16  to the apparatus  10  is located in the interior portion  42  of the lock box member  12 , the securing structure  58  cannot be accessed while the cover portions  38 ,  40  are in their closed positions. Accordingly, the additional element  16  cannot be removed from the apparatus  10  while the cover portions  38 ,  40  are in their closed positions. Additionally, since the wing nuts  130 A, which, as noted above, are used in combination with the bolts  130  to secure the first auger  14  to the lock box member  12 , are inserted through the interior portion  42  of the lock box member  12  so as to be coupled to the bolts  130 , the wing nuts  130 A cannot be accessed or removed to separate the first auger  14  from the lock box member  12  while the cover portions  38 ,  40  are in their closed positions. 
     To remove the apparatus  10  from the ground G, the handles  24  of the lock box member  12  are rotated in a counter-clockwise direction while applying an upward force to the handles  24 . This motion causes the threaded portion  56  of the first auger  14  to release from the ground G. 
     The design of the apparatus  10  permits the opening and closing of the cover portions  38 ,  40  without removal of the additional element  16  from the apparatus  10 . Thus, items can be quickly and easily disposed in and removed from the lock box member  12 . Another advantage realized by the design of the apparatus  10  is that since the tube first end  150 A is positioned within or near the second aperture  46  formed by the cover portions  38 ,  40 , the entry of unwanted substances, such as sand or water, into the interior portion  42  of the lock box member  12  is reduced when the cover portions  38 ,  40  are in closed positions. 
     A locking apparatus  110  constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 7 , where like elements are referenced by like reference numerals. With the exception of a bottom wall  118  of a lock box member  112 , a side wall  120  of the lock box member  112 , and a second auger  172 , the apparatus  110  is substantially similar to the apparatus  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 . Accordingly, only the bottom wall  118  of the lock box member  112 , the side wall  120  of the lock box member  112 , the second auger  172 , and the associated functions thereof will be described. 
     The bottom wall  118  includes a second aperture  174  formed therein spaced laterally from the receiving element structure tube  150 . The second aperture  174  is adapted to receive the second auger  172  therein. 
     The side wall  120  is cylindrical in shape and includes a pair of opposed recesses  176  which define apertures or openings when the first and second cover portions  38  and  40  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) are in their closed positions. The apertures are adapted to receive cables (not show) therethrough. The cables may be used to secure additional structure (not shown), such as a small boat or bicycle, for example, to the apparatus  110 . The cables may include enlarged end portions that are sized to not fit through the apertures to militate against a removal of the cables from the apparatus  110 . 
     The second auger  172  includes a second member  178  having a first end  180  and a spaced apart second end  182 . The first end  180  includes a pointed tip  184  and a threaded portion  186 . In the embodiment shown, the threaded portion  186  extends along substantially the entire length of the second member  178 . The first end  180  is adapted to be inserted through the second aperture  174  formed in the bottom wall  118  of the lock box member  112 . The second end  182  includes a handle portion  188 A and a stop  188 B that is sized to not fit through the second aperture  174  formed in the bottom wall  118 . 
     Once the apparatus  110  is disposed in the ground (not shown) and while at least one of a first cover portion  38  and a second cover portion  40  are in an open position, the pointed tip  184  of the second auger  172  is inserted into an interior portion  142  of the lock box member  112  and through the second aperture  174  formed in the bottom wall  118 . The handle portion  188 A of the second auger  172  is then rotated in a clockwise direction while applying a downward force to the handle portion  188 A. This motion causes the threaded portion  186  of the second auger  172  to drive into the ground. It is understood that if the threaded portion  186  of the second auger  172  is threaded in the opposite direction than that shown, the handle portion  188 A is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction to implant the second auger  172  into the ground. 
     Once implanted into the ground, the second auger  172  militates against a removal of the apparatus  110  from the ground by providing additional resistance against an upward movement of the apparatus  110 , such as an unauthorized removal of the apparatus  110 . Additional augers (not shown) may be associated with the apparatus  110  as desired. The additional augers would provide further resistance against unauthorized removal of the apparatus  110 . When the second auger  172  is implanted in the ground and the handle portion  188 A is disposed entirely in the interior portion  142  of the lock box member  112 , unless at least one of the cover portions is in an open position, access to the second auger  172  is not available from an outside position  144  of the lock box member  112 . Accordingly, removal of the second auger  172  from the ground is militated against, thus maximizing a security of the apparatus  110 . 
     To remove the apparatus  110  from the ground, while at least one of the cover portions is in an open position, the handle portion  188 A of the second auger  172  is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction while applying an upward force to the handle portion  188 A. This motion releases the second auger  172  from the ground. Remaining removal of the apparatus from the ground is the same as that described above with regards to  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.