GB2592037A

GB2592037A - Storage apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2592037A
Application number: GB2001974.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexander Shute Neil; Johnson Duncan
Original assignee: Volumatic Ltd
Current assignee: Volumatic Ltd
Priority date: 2020-02-13
Filing date: 2020-02-13
Publication date: 2021-08-18
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-13
Also published as: GB2592037B; GB202001974D0

Abstract

An apparatus for securely retaining documents, the apparatus having a cover plate 4 and receptacle; the receptacle having a frame 3 having an opening to access a pouch and at least one channel 31a&b for receiving an edge of the cover plate to cover the opening of the frame and prevent access to the interior of the when the cover plate is in a closed position; the frame having a first formation 32a&b located remotely from the at least one channel; the cover plate having a second formation located remotely from the edge of the cover plate; the first and second formation shaped to interlock and resist removal of the cover plate in a direction transverse to the major surface of the cover plate. The first formation may be a protrusion having a first portion which is upstanding, and a second portion located at the end of the first portion; and the second formation may be a recess. The apparatus may include a locking means, such as an interlocking tongue and groove, for irreversibly locking the cover plate in a closed position on the receptacle.

Description

STORAGE APPARATUS

This invention relates generally to an apparatus for the secure storage of valuable documents such as bank notes. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to an apparatus comprising a cover plate and a receptacle for the secure storage of valuable documents such as bank notes.

Typically, at a point of sale such as a cashier's desk in a supermarket, a container is io suspended beneath the desk for the intermittent receipt of bank notes. The container may be used to store notes as they are taken from customers, and/or as an overflow for a till on or in the desk. For example, when the collected notes of a particular denomination in the till reaches a given level they may be transferred to the container, thereby offering enhanced security compared to keeping the store of notes in the till. Periodically, containers loaded with stored bank notes are taken by security personnel to a bank or other secure storage facility. More usually, however, containers loaded with stored bank notes are taken by staff to a central counting room, where the bank notes are counted and bagged for transport to the bank or other secure facility.

Some containers currently in use are rigid boxes which slide into and out of guides beneath a counter whereby they are supported. Provision is normally made for locking them in position. The front face of such a container is typically upwardly inclined and has an exposed top opening through which one or more notes can be inserted. Behind the inclined front face is a barrier with a central, vertical slot. A plunger mechanism, hinged near the bottom of the barrier, can be manipulated (when bank notes have been inserted) to push them through the slot into the cavity within the container. Containers of this kind have numerous drawbacks. They are expensive to produce and are not adequately tamper proof. Money behind the slotted barrier is still accessible through the opening and can be "fished out" using, for example, adhesive tape. Moreover, the relatively clumsy plunger mechanism can trap fingers and damage nails.

An advance in the storage of cash at point-of-sale terminals has been marketed and sold by the applicant under the trade mark Counter Cache Intelligent or CCi (both RTM). This device stores received documents (e.g. valuable documents such as bank notes and the like) in a receptacle. It is particularly desirable, and is known, to lock (e.g. irreversibly lock) a cover to the receptacle, such that the contents of the receptacle cannot be accessed during storage or transport of the apparatus. As used herein, the term "irreversibly lock" means that the cover either cannot be removed from the receptacle or that removal of the cover from the receptacle can only be effected through breaking or otherwise tamper evidently damaging a component of the apparatus.

EP1503351 comprises a receptacle for use in the CCi device. The receptacle is formed from a rigid frame spanned by a flexible pouch, the frame having parallel sides provided with channels which receive side edges of a cover in the form of a plate. The cover plate is slidable along the channels to close the frame and thereby prevent access to the contents of the receptacle. The leading edge of the cover forms an irreversible lock with the frame when fully inserted.

It is a first non-exclusive object of the invention to provide an apparatus which forms a more secure engagement between the cover and the receptacle.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for securely retaining documents, the apparatus comprising a cover plate and a receptacle, the receptacle comprising a frame and a pouch, the frame comprising an opening to access the pouch, the frame further comprising at least one channel for (e.g. slidably) receiving an edge of the cover plate in use to cover the opening of the frame and to prevent access to the interior of the pouch of the receptacle when the cover plate is in a closed position, wherein the frame comprises a first formation located remotely from the at least one channel, the cover plate comprises a second formation located remotely from the edge of the cover plate, the first and second formation being shaped to interlock to resist (e.g. prevent) removal of the cover plate in a direction transverse to the major surface of the cover plate.

Advantageously, by having the interlock inboard of the peripheral edge of the cover plate and the channel provides the apparatus with a relatively stronger or more effective means to prevent removal of the cover plate from the frame. An attempt to remove the cover plate in a direction transverse to its major surface will result in the interlocking formations becoming more rigidly and inflexibly locked due to the angle that the force is applied. This effect is enhanced in comparison to locating the interlocking formations adjacent to or within a or the channel.

Further, the provision of the inboard interlock means that the edges of the cover plate and the channels can be configured to inhibit relative vertical motion therebetween, thereby providing a second securement.

Even more advantageously, an attempt to disengage the channel from the edge of the cover plate may be evident from visual inspection of the apparatus. This is because provision of the interlocked first and second formation means that application of a force of such magnitude is required that tamper-evident damage is inevitably caused to one or more component of an apparatus of the invention. Therefore, the first and second formations of io the apparatus of the invention provide enhanced security by making it more difficult to remove the cover plate from the apparatus, and additionally by providing evidence of tampering.

In embodiments, the first formation and second formation may together comprise a male formation and a female formation. That is, the first formation may comprise a male formation or a female formation, and the second formation may comprise a male formation or female formation, complementary to the first formation.

In embodiments, the first formation and the second formation together may comprise a protrusion (e.g. an elongate protrusion) and a recess (e.g. an elongate recess).

In embodiments, the (e.g. elongate) protrusion may have a first portion upstanding (e.g. perpendicularly) from the major surface of the frame or the cover plate. In embodiments, the (e.g. elongate) protrusion may have a second portion located at the end of the first portion. In embodiments, the second portion is perpendicular in relation to the first portion.

In embodiments, the second portion may be in parallel relations to the major surface of the frame or the cover plate.

In embodiments, the (e.g. elongate) protrusion may have an L-shaped or a T-shaped profile when viewed in side elevation. In embodiments, the (e.g. elongate) recess may be shaped to cooperate with the L-shaped or a T-shaped profile.

In embodiments, the (e.g. elongate) protrusion is located on the frame of the receptacle and the (e.g. elongate) recess is located on the cover plate. In alternative embodiments, the (e.g. elongate) protrusion may be located on the cover plate and the (e.g. elongate) recess is located on the frame of the receptacle.

In embodiments, the first formation is slidably received within the second formation, in use.

Advantageously, once the first formation of the frame is engaged with the second formation of the cover plate, removal may be effected only by slidably releasing the cover plate from the frame. The apparatus may be configured to prevent slidably removing the cover plate from the frame such that the cover plate is irreversibly locked to the frame. Any attempt to remove the cover plate from the frame in a direction that is transverse to the major surface io of the cover plate is prevented by the at least one channel, and further enhanced by the interlocking formations according to the invention.

In embodiments, the first formation (e.g. an elongate protrusion) is integrally formed with the frame of the receptacle. For example, the frame of the receptable may be formed from a plastics, e.g. a polymeric, material which is moulded. The first formation may be integrally moulded with the frame of the receptacle to provide evidence that the apparatus has been tampered with or otherwise compromised.

In embodiments, the second formation (e.g. a recess) is integrally formed with the cover plate. For example, the cover plate may be formed from a plastics, e.g. a polymeric, material which is moulded. The second formation may be integrally moulded within the cover plate.

Advantageously, the provision of an integrally formed first formation and/or second formation provides relatively enhanced strength against attempts to remove the cover plate from the apparatus. Additionally, it is almost certain that any aggressive attempt to remove the cover plate will result in damage to the first formation and/or the second formation. For example, in embodiments wherein the first formation is a protrusion, the protrusion may become broken or snap from the frame of the receptacle.

In embodiments, at least a portion of the first formation and/or the second formation is in parallel relations to at least a portion of the at least one channel when in the closed position.

In embodiments, the first formation and/or the second formation is spaced from the at least one channel by a distance greater than the outer width of the at least one channel.

Advantageously, this type of spacing provides an interlocking first and second formation with enhanced strength towards attempts to remove the cover plate. The greater distance between the interlocking formations and the channel provides an apparatus wherein the cover plate is less easily flexed in a direction transverse to its major surface. This provides enhanced resistance towards any tampering attempt.

The frame may be rigid. The frame may be formed from a rigid material, for example, a plastics and/or a polymeric material. Advantageously, in these embodiments, the frame does not flex around the opening when objects are inserted into the receptacle, in use.

The opening of the frame may have flaps but preferably is absent flaps (i.e. it is 'flapless') that require opening to enable objects to be inserted into the receptacle, in use.

In embodiments, the thickness of the frame and/or the portion of the frame in between or adjoining the first formation to the channel, may be at least 0.7 mm thick. For example, the frame or a portion thereof (e.g. the portion between or adjoining the first formation to the channel) may be at least 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, or 1.1 mm thick. In embodiments, the frame of a portion thereof may be between 0.7 and 1.1 mm thick, e.g. from any one of 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0 mm to any one of 1.1, 1.0, 0.9, 0.8 mm thick. In embodiments, the remainder of the frame excluding the portion between or adjoining the first formation to the channel may be approximately 0.7 mm thick, for example, between 0.5 to 0.9 mm thick, e.g. between any one of 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 mm to any one of 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6 mm thick.

Advantageously, the portion of the frame between or adjoining the first formation to the channel may be reinforced by using a greater thickness of material in this area. This provides enhanced strength to the frame and cover plate, when in the closed position, to prevent attackers from accessing the receptacle by removing the cover plate. Moreover, the reinforced frame is less likely to flex, which means that the first formation is more likely to break and provide evidence of tampering during a sustained and determined attack.

In embodiments, the frame of the receptacle has a leading end and a trailing end, and wherein the first formation (e.g. an elongate protrusion) extends (e.g. endlessly or without interruption) from the leading end to the trailing end of the frame.

In embodiments, the cover plate comprises a leading end and a trailing end. In embodiments, the second formation (e.g. a recess) extends (e.g. endlessly or without interruption) from the leading end to the trailing end of the cover plate.

Advantageously, an interlocking formation which extend (e.g. endlessly or without interruption) from the leading end to the trailing end of the apparatus provides an enhanced means to resist or prevent an attempt to remove the cover plate from the frame.

In embodiments, the first formation and/or the second formation may be located in between io the opening and the at least one channel of the frame. In embodiments, the first formation may be located towards the centre of the frame of the receptacle. In embodiments, the second formation may be located towards the centre of the cover plate.

In embodiments, the frame comprises a first channel and a second channel. In embodiments, one or both of the first and second channel is located at the periphery or side edge of the frame. The first and second channels receive respective peripheral portions of the cover plate.

The or each channel may be formed from a first wall, an upstanding wall (e.g. an upstanding peripheral wall), which upstanding wall preferably extends at right angles to the first wall, a second wall extending from the upstanding wall, (e.g. upstanding peripheral wall), at least a portion of the second wall preferably overlying at least a portion of the first wall (e.g. may extend in parallel relations to the first wall). The second wall may have a free edge. A return wall may extend from the free edge, for example, at least a portion of the return wall may extend over at least apportion of the upstanding wall. In an embodiment the return wall may extend in parallel relations to the upstanding wall. Preferably the return wall is of smaller dimensions than the upstanding wall so as to provide an aperture, e.g. an elongate aperture through which, in use, a portion of the cover plate may extend.

The cover plate may comprise a first elongate edge portion and/or a second elongate edge portion, e.g. for receipt in a respective channel of the frame. The first elongate edge portion may comprise a base and a first upstanding body or wall and/or the first elongate edge portion may comprise a first inboard body or wall. The first upstanding body or wall may be located at the periphery of the first elongate edge portion. The second elongate edge portion may comprise a base and a second upstanding body or wall and/or the second elongate edge portion may comprise a second inboard body or wall. The second upstanding body or wall may be located at the periphery of the second elongate edge portion. The first and/or second upstanding body of wall and/or the first and/or second inboard body or wall may be locatable or located in the at least on channel, e.g. in a respective channel.

In an embodiment the first upstanding body or wall and the first inboard body or wall are joined by a connecting portion. In an embodiment the first upstanding body or wall and the first inboard body or wall are separate. In an embodiment the second upstanding body or wall and the second inboard body or wall are joined by a connecting portion. In an io embodiment the second upstanding body or wall and the second inboard body or wall are separate.

In embodiments, the frame comprises a further first formation located remotely from the at least one channel, the cover plate comprises a further second formation located remotely from the at least one channel of the frame when the cover plate is in the closed position, the further first and second formation are shaped to interlock and are configured in use to resist (e.g. prevent) removal of the cover plate in a direction transverse to the major surface of the cover plate.

In embodiments, the first formation of the frame is located in between the opening and the first channel of the frame, and the further first formation is located in between the opening and the second channel of the frame.

In embodiments, the apparatus comprises a locking means configured in use to irreversibly lock the cover plate into a closed position on the receptable.

Advantageously, a locking means (e.g. an irreversibly locking means) prevents the cover plate from being removed in a slidable manner. The locking means may also further prevent the cover plate from being removed in a direction transverse to its major surface by providing an additional mechanism to fasten the cover plate to the frame.

In embodiments, the locking means comprises an interlocking tongue and groove.

In embodiments, the interlocking tongue is located on or formed with the cover and/or the groove is located on or formed with the frame of the receptacle.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings and, in particular, the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one aspect or embodiment of the invention are applicable to all aspects or embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for securely retaining bank notes according to the invention, the apparatus comprising a cover plate and a frame, and shown in a closed condition; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the frame of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a reverse perspective view of the frame shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cover plate of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a reverse perspective view of the cover plate shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in a closed condition, absent the flexible pouch; Figure 7 is a reverse perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is an end elevation of the apparatus shown in Figure 6; Figure 9 is a reverse end elevation of the apparatus shown in Figure 7; Figure 10 is a schematic of the end elevation of the apparatus shown in Figure 8; Figure 10A is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 10; and Figure 11 is an isometric view of a prior art receptacle.

Referring first to Figure 11, there is shown a receptacle 105 as disclosed in EP1503351. The receptacle 105 comprises a frame 107 which is provided with a flexible bag 108 for receipt of documents. The receptacle 105 is provided with a pair of flaps 110, between which is a gap through which notes are inserted, in use, for example using a plunger mechanism. The receptacle 105 is closed by a cover plate (not shown) which is slidable received in peripheral channels 111. The channels 111 are substantially H-shaped, each having substantially parallel innermost and outermost walls, joined by a joining wall. The innermost wall of each channel 111 has a free end to allow the cover plate to be received in the channels 111.

Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown an apparatus 1 for securely retaining documents such as bank notes according to an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 1 comprises a receptacle 10 having a pouch or bag 2 and a frame 3 closed by a cover plate 4 The pouch 2 may be formed from an at least partially flexible material, such as a plastics material (e.g. polypropylene or other suitable polymer film). The pouch 2 and the frame 3 may be formed from the same plastics material, so that (advantageously) recycling of the io receptacle 10 is more readily achieved (e.g. without having to first separate the pouch 2 from the frame 3). The frame 3 and the cover plate 4 may be formed from the same materials. Alternatively, the pouch 2 and frame 3 may be formed from different materials.

Referring also to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown a frame 3 of the apparatus 1. The frame 3 comprises a first end 3a and a second end 3b interconnected by a pair of opposed sides 3c, 3d. The sides 3c, 3d each comprise a slot or channel 31a, 31b for receipt of side edges of the cover plate 4. The channels 31a, 31b may be of the same fl-shaped form as those shown in EP1503351, each having substantially parallel innermost and outermost walls 3k and 3m respectively, joined by a joining wall 31 (see Figure 10A). The innermost wall 3k of each channel 31a, b has a free end 30 to allow the cover plate 4 to be received in the channels 31a, b.

The first end 3a of the frame comprises a lock cover 5 and a lock base 6. The lock covers is located over the lock base 6 and is attached to the frame 3. The lock base 6 is integrally formed with the first end 3a of the frame 3.

The frame 3 further comprises a pair of elongate formations 32a, 32b. In this embodiment, each of the formations 32a, 32b is an elongate protrusion having an L-shaped profile when viewed in side elevation with the free end of each protrusion facing towards a respective channel 31.

The formation 32a is located remotely from the channel 31a on the frame 3. Similarly, the formation 32b is located remotely from the channel 31b on the frame 3. That is, the formation 32a is spaced from the channel 31a, is independent from the channel 31a, and does not interact with the mechanism of the channel 31a in any way. In this embodiment, each formation 32a, 32b is located in between the channel 31a, 31b and an opening 0 of the frame 3, in parallel relations to each channel 31a, 31b. The formations 32a, 32b extend endlessly and without interruption from the leading end 3a of the frame 3 to the trailing end 3b of the frame 3.

The opening 0 is surrounded by the first end 3a, second end 3b and sides 3c, 3d. The opening 0 is configured (e.g. sized and shaped) to allow the insertion of bank notes therethrough, in use of the apparatus 1.

to The frame 3 shown in this embodiment is fabricated from rigid plastics material using a moulding technique. The area labelled "X" on the frame 3 in Figure 6 (which describes the area between the channel 31a and the formation 42b) has a wall thickness of 1 mm, which is approximately 0.3 mm thicker than frames of the prior art.

The pouch 2 (shown in Figure 1) is attached to the periphery of the frame 3 along the first end 3a, second end 3b and sides 3c, 3d, prior to use of the apparatus 1, to form the receptacle 10. The pouch 2 is ultrasonically welded to the periphery of the frame 3 along the leading end 3a, trailing end 3b and sides 3c, 3d.

Referring also to Figures 4 and 5, there is shown the cover plate 4 of the apparatus 1 of Figure 1. The cover plate 4 comprises a leading end 4a, a trailing end 4b, and a pair of side edges 4c, 4d. The cover plate 4 further comprises a pair of formations 42a, 42b. In this embodiment, each of the formations 42a, 42b is an elongate recess that is shaped to cooperate with the protrusions of the frame, e.g. the L-shaped profile of the protrusion 32a or 32b respectively.

The leading end 4a of the cover plate 4 comprises a tongue 7, which is integrally formed with the cover plate 4. However, the tongue 7 may be attached to the cover plate 4 prior to use thereof.

The cover plate 4, which is generally planar, is provided absent openings which might be large enough to allow access therethrough to the contents of the receptacle 10 (when the cover plate 4 is attached thereto).

The side edges 4c, 4d of the cover plate 4 are configured to engage (for example, in a sliding manner) in the channels 31a, 31b in each of the sides 3c, 3d of the frame 3, when the cover plate 4 is inserted thereinto. Each peripheral edge 4c and 4d may comprise one or more, e.g. a plurality of, upstands 4e, 4f, 4g (as are clearly seen in Figure 10), an inboard upstand 4e and an intermediate upstand 4f and an outboard upstand 4g.

The second end 3b of the frame 3 and the trailing end 4b of the cover plate 4 optionally each comprise a portion of a lock configured to irreversibly retain the cover plate 4 in the frame 3 when attached thereto.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 9, there is shown the frame 3 and the cover plate 4 in combination in a closed condition. Figure 8 shows an end elevation of the frame 3 and cover plate 4 in a closed condition from the perspective labelled A, shown in Figure 6. Figure 9 shows a reverse side elevation of the frame 3 and cover plate 4 in a closed condition from the perspective labelled B, shown in Figure 7.

When the cover plate 4 is in the closed position, formation 42a of the cover plate 4 is located remotely from the channel 31a of the frame 3. Similarly, the formation 42b of the cover plate 4 is located remotely from the channel 31b of the frame 3 when in the closed position. In this embodiment, each formation 42a, 42b of the cover plate 4 is located in between the channel 31a, 31b and the opening of the frame 3, in parallel relations to each channel 31a, 31b of the frame 3 when the cover plate 4 is positioned in a closed configuration. In this embodiment, the formations 42a, 42b extend endlessly and without interruption from the leading end 4a of the cover plate 4 to the trailing end 4b of the cover plate 4.

Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown a schematic of the side elevation of the apparatus shown in Figure 8. The width of the channel 31b on the frame 3 is shown as w1. The spacing between the channel 31b and the interlocked formations 32b, 42b on the frame 3 and cover plate 4 respectively is shown as w2. Therefore, the interlocked formations 32b, 42b are spaced from the channel 31b by a distance (w2) which is greater than the outer width of the channel 31b (w1).

In this embodiment, the formations (elongate protrusions) 32a, 32b are formed integrally (e.g. are integrally moulded) with the frame 3. The formations (elongate recesses) 42a, 42b are also formed integrally with the cover plate 3, for example, during a moulding process.

The formations (elongate protrusions) 32a, 32b and/or the formations (elongate recesses) 42a, 42b may also be formed from a resilient material such as a plastics material, e.g. a polymer such as polypropylene.

The apparatus 1 may optionally comprise a locking means or mechanism as described in Figures 1 to 7 (that is, the lock cover 5, the lock base 6, and the tongue 7 forming an interlocking tongue and groove mechanism). The locking means may be configured in use to irreversibly lock the cover plate 4 into a closed position on the frame 3 of the receptable (not shown).

The apparatus is suitable for securely retaining valuable documents such as bank notes.

In use, and with the frame retained in a document receiving device, such as the applicant's CCi device, bank notes or other documents are inserted through the opening 0 in the frame 3 and are retained within the pouch 2. When the pouch 2 is full or it is determined that the receptacle 10 (comprising the frame 3 and pouch 2) should otherwise be closed (for example to allow for secure transport of the bank notes) the cover plate 4 is secured to the frame 3 of the receptacle 10. The sides 4c, 4d of the cover plate 4 are slidably received into the slots or channels in the sides 3c, 3d of the frame 3 until the leading end 4a of the cover plate 4 is adjacent the first end 3a of the frame 3. The formations (the elongate protrusions) 32a, 32b located on the frame 3 are slidably received within the formations (the elongate recesses) 42a, 42b located in the cover plate 4 respectively. In this condition the tongue 7 of the frame 3 is aligned with the groove defined by the lock cover 5 and lock base 6. Further sliding of the cover plate 4 into the frame 3 causes the tongue 7 to be inserted into the groove, and hence between the lock cover 5 and the lock base 6. In the closed position, the cover plate 4 covers the opening of the frame and prevents access to the interior of the pouch of the receptacle (not shown). The trailing end 4b of the cover plate 4 may form a lock with the second end 3b of the frame 3 using mutually engaging portions of each respective part.

As will be appreciated, the peripheral edges of the cover plate 4 are received within the channels 31a, 31b of the frame 3 and access to the peripheral edges of the cover plate 4 is prevented by the overlying wall 31 of the channel 31a, 31b.

If the optional plural upstands (4e to 4g) are present, the outboard and intermediate upstand 4f, 4g will be located within the fl-shaped channels 31a, 31b, i.e. between inboard wall 3k and outboard wall 3m of the channel 31a, b, whereas the inboard wall 3k of the channel 31a is housed between the inboard upstand 4e and the intermediate upstand 4f, thereby further restricting or inhibiting access to the edge of the cover plate 4. By having the outboard upstand 4g adjacent the outboard wall 3m of the channel 31a, b and the intermediate upstand 4f adjacent the inboard wall 3k of the channel 31a, b the adjacent walls are mutually supportive in the event of an attempt to prise the cover plate 4 from the frame 3.

Advantageously, the formations 32a, 32b of the frame 3 are shaped to interlock with the respective formations 42a, 42b of the cover plate 4, and are configured in use to resist, and for example prevent, removal of the cover plate 4 in a direction transverse to the major surface of the cover plate 4, as illustrated by the arrow labelled F in Figures 8 and 10.

Engagement of the formations (elongate protrusions) 32a, 32b on the frame 3 of the receptacle with the formations (recesses) 42a, 42b on the cover plate 4 serves to prevent or further restrict removal of the cover plate 4 from the receptacle when in a closed condition.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that locating the interlocking first formation 32a, 32b in parallel relations to, but spaced from, the channels 31a, 31b of the frame 3, toward the centre of the frame 3, means that in order to bias the channels 31a, 31b of the frame 3 out of engagement with the side edges 4c, 4d of the cover plate 4, a relatively greater force is required. Were a user to push or pull or otherwise displace the major surface of the cover plate 4 away from the major surface of the frame 3 in an attempt to disengage the cover plate 4 from the channels 31a, 31b in the frame 3 of the receptacle, the interlocking first and second formations 32a, 42a, and 32b, 42b, would become more firmly and securely engaged, thereby preventing or restricting disengagement of the cover plate 4 from the channels 31a, 31b of the frame 3.

If an attempt to remove the cover plate 3 is made in a direction transverse to the major surface of the cover plate 3, then the first formations 32a, 32b (L-shaped protrusion) will be forced inwardly and towards each other, which increases their engagement within their respective second formations 42a, 42b (recesses).

Advantageously, location of the formations (elongate protrusions) 32a, 32b on the frame 3 and corresponding formations (elongate recesses) 42a, 42b on the cover plate 4 provide a tamper-evident means, which is remote from the channels 31a, 31b, and does not interfere or interact with the mechanism of securing the sides 4c, 4d of the cover plate 4 within the channels 31a, 31b of the frame 3. This is advantageous because the apparatus 1 therefore comprises an additional, independent, and separate interlocking means to the channels 31a, 31b to prevent the cover plate 4 from being removed. It is believed that these additional interlocking means make it more difficult to flex the cover plate 4, especially if it is fabricated from a resilient material, to disengage the sides 4c, 4d of the cover plate 4 from the channels 31a, 31b.

Accordingly, were an attempt made to displace the channels 31a, 31b of the frame 3 into a position to disengage the cover plate 4, there is a relatively reduced likelihood that such an attempt would be successful. Furthermore, the formations 32a, 32b on the frame 3 would be relatively more likely to be damaged or broken were such an attempt made, due to the relatively greater forces to which the formations (elongate protrusions) 32a, 32b would need to be subjected to remove it from the recess. Additionally, if the cover plate 4 is subjected to high stress then the formations (elongate protrusions) 32a, 32b of the frame 3 may break or snap to provide evidence that the apparatus 1 has been tampered with.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the elongate protrusion need not have an L-shaped profile. The elongate protrusion may have a T-shaped profile, or any other shape that enables the tamper resistant means to perform its function.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for securely retaining documents, the apparatus comprising a cover plate and a receptacle, the receptacle comprising a frame and a pouch, the frame comprising an opening to access the pouch, the frame further comprising at least one channel for receiving an edge of the cover plate in use to cover the opening of the frame and to prevent access to the interior of the pouch of the receptacle when the cover plate is in a closed position, wherein the frame comprises a first formation located remotely from the at least one channel, the cover plate comprises a second to formation located remotely from the edge of the cover plate, the first and second formation being shaped to interlock to resist removal of the cover plate in a direction transverse to the major surface of the cover plate.
2. An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein first formation and the second formation comprise a protrusion and a recess.
An apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the protrusion has a first portion upstanding from the major surface of the frame or the cover plate, and a second portion located at the end of the first portion.
An apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein the second portion extends at an angle from the first portion.
5. An apparatus according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the second portion is in parallel relations to the major surface of the frame or the cover plate.
An apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the protrusion has an L-shaped or a T-shaped profile when viewed in side elevation, and the recess is shaped to cooperate with the L-shaped or a T-shaped profile.
An apparatus according to any of Claims 2 to 6, wherein the protrusion is located on the frame of the receptacle and the recess is located on the cover plate.
8. An apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the first formation is slidably received within the second formation, in use.
An apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein the first formation is integrally formed with the frame of the receptacle.
10. An apparatus according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein the second formation is integrally formed with the cover plate.
11 An apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein at least a portion of the first formation and/or the second formation is in parallel relations to at least a portion of io the at least one channel when in the closed position.
12. An apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein the first formation and/or the second formation is spaced from the at least one channel by a distance greater than the outer width of the at least one channel.
13. An apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the frame of the receptacle has a first end and a second end, and wherein the first formation extends from or proximate to the first end to or proximate the second end of the frame.
14. An apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the cover plate comprises a leading end and a trailing end, and wherein the second formation extends from or proximate the leading end to or proximate the trailing end of the cover plate.
15. An apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the first formation and/or the second formation is located in between the opening and the at least one channel of the frame.
16. An apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the frame comprises a first channel and a second channel, and one or both of the first and second channel is located at the periphery or side edge of the frame.
17. An apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the frame comprises a further first formation located remotely from the at least one channel, the cover plate comprises a further second formation located remotely from the at least one channel of the frame when the cover plate is in the closed position, the further first and second formation are shaped to interlock and are configured in use to resist (e.g. prevent) removal of the cover plate in a direction transverse to the major surface of the cover plate
18. An apparatus according to Claim 17 when dependent on Claim 16, wherein the first formation of the frame is located in between the opening and the first channel of the frame, and the further first formation is located in between the opening and the second channel of the frame.
19. An apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein one or more upstands are located at or proximate the edge of the cover plate.
20. An apparatus according to Claim 19, wherein plural upstands are provided at or proximate each edge of the cover plate
21 An apparatus according to Claim 19 or 20, wherein an inboard wall of a channel is located adjacent an upstand.
22. An apparatus according to any of Claims 19 to 21, wherein an outboard wall of a channel is located adjacent an upstand.
23. An apparatus according to any preceding Claim, comprising a locking means configured in use to irreversibly lock the cover plate into a closed position on the receptable.
24. An apparatus according to Claim 19, wherein the locking means comprises an interlocking tongue and groove.
25. An apparatus according to Claim 20, wherein the interlocking tongue is located on or formed with the cover and/or the groove is located on or formed with the frame of the receptacle.