Shred box with alarm system

Abstract

The container for retaining paper to be shredded includes an alarm for generating an audible signal when tilted. The alarm includes first and second position sensors for generating first activation signals in response to a change in position in first and second directions, respectively. It also includes an auditable signal generator and control circuitry responsive to the activation signals for activating the signal generator. The control means preferably includes a sensitivity adjustment and a timer means for adjusting the duration of the audible signal. The container further includes an access door to permit removal of the contents of the container which a reinforced locked.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority is claimed on Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/194,147, filed Sep. 25, 2008.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to paper shredding systems including a container for retaining paper to be transferred to a remote location to be shredded and more particularly to such a container including a tilt alarm and a reinforced lock.

2. Description of Prior Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

Paper shredders are well known in the art for disposing of paper containing confidential or otherwise sensitive material. Small quantities of such paper are commonly shredded on site using self-contained portable shredders located on the premises, such as in offices or homes. However, when larger quantities of such paper require shredding, the paper is often collected and shipped to a remote location for shredding by larger machines in order to increase efficiency and reduce cost.

In the latter instance, containers into which paper to be shredded can deposited are located throughout the facility. For example, in a multiple floor office building, containers could be positioned at a central location on each floor or within each office suite. Paper deposited in those containers would be collected periodically and sent by truck or other means of transport to a remote location for shredding.

The containers themselves are usually box-like, hence the name “shred box”. The shred box commonly has an entrance slot or opening on or near the top. Further, an access door at the front is provided. Paper is deposited into the shred box through the entrance slot. The accumulated paper within the shred box is removed by opening the access door.

The shred box is not very secure. Paper in the shred box can be removed simply by tilting the box so that the paper falls out through the entrance slot. Even if the access door is locked, the lock can be opened relatively easily using a small tool or letter opener.

Since the shred boxes may be situated in an office or in a common area such as a hall, they may be accessed easily by unauthorized individuals seeking to obtain the documents to be shredded for non-legitimate purposes. The purpose of my invention is to provide a more secure shred box to deter that kind of theft.

It is, therefore, a prime object of the present invention to provide a secure shred box.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shred box with an alarm system for generating an audible signal when titled.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shred box with an alarm system including a tilt sensor.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shred box with an alarm system including first and second position sensors.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shred box with an alarm system including a sensitivity adjustment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shred box with an alarm system including a timer for regulating the duration of the alarm signal.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shred box with an alarm system including an access door for permitting removal of the contents and a reinforced lock for the access door.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objects are achieved by a providing a container for retaining paper to be shredded of the type having an opening through which paper to be shredded may be deposited. The container includes alarm means associated with the container for generating an audible signal when the container is tilted.

The alarm means includes a first position sensor for generating a first activation signal in response to a change in position in a first direction. It also includes auditable signal generating means and control means responsive to the first activation signal for causing the audible signal generating means to generate the audible signal.

The alarm means further includes a second position sensor for generating a second activation signal in response to a change in position in a second direction. The control means is responsive to the second activation signal for causing the audible signal generating means to generate the audible signal.

The control means preferably includes a sensitivity adjustment.

The control means preferably also timer means for adjusting the duration of the audible signal.

The container further includes an access door to permit removal of the contents of the container.

The container further includes a lock on the access door. The lock includes a latch adapted to protrude from the lock when the lock is in the locked state. A recess is provided in the container wall for receiving the latch to prevent the door from opening. A metal plate is fixed to the container wall. The plate includes a substantially planar section having an opening aligned with the container wall recess.

The container wall has an edge. The plate has a second section adjacent the edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

To these and to such other objects that may hereinafter appears, the present invention relates to a shred box with an alarm system as described in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shred box receiving paper to be shredded;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shred box with the access door open;

FIG. 3 is a sectional elevation view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 showing the lock reinforcement;

FIG. 4 is a local perspective view taken at arrow 4 of FIG. 2 showing the alarm unit mounted within the shred box;

FIG. 5 is a prospective view of the alarm unit receiving a battery;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the components of the alarm unit;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the alarm unit circuitry;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the shred box being tilted causing the alarm to generate an audible signal; and

FIG. 9 is a side sectional elevation view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As seen in the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, the present invention related to a box-like container, generally designated A, for retaining paper to be shredded, hereinafter referred to a shred box. Shred box A has a top 10, side walls 12, a bottom 14, a rear wall (not shown) and a front. The front including a stationary section 18 and a hinged access door 20. Access door 20 is shown closed, in FIGS. 1 and 9 and open in FIG. 2. As seen in FIG. 2, the interior of the box may contain a bag 22 or the like to retain paper to be shredded, after same is deposited in the shred box.

The stationary front section 18 is provided with an elongated opening or slot 24. Slot 24 has a door 26 which is spring-loaded toward the vertical position, as seen in FIG. 9, but can be pivoted as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 towards a horizontal position to permit paper to be shredded to be deposited into the shred box through slot 24, as seen in FIG. 1.

A key actuated lock 28 is provided on access door 20. Lock 20 includes a cylinder 30 and a moveable latch 30 which moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the access of the cylinder as the key is rotated between open and locked positions, as it conventional.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, a reinforcing plate 32 is provided on the interior of side wall 12 in alignment with the position of lock 28, when the access door is closed. Plate 32 has a section 32a fixed to the interior surface of the side wall of the shred box and a section 32b, situated in a plane perpendicular to the place of plate section 32a, which is fixed to the exterior surface of the front edge of the side wall. A recess 34 is provided in plate section 34 for receiving latch of lock 28. Plate 32 increased the security of the box by making it much more difficult to open the lock with a small tool.

The shred box includes a battery powered alarm, generally designated B, consisting of a casing 36 and electrical components 38 designed to generate an audible signal when the box is tilted. As seen in FIGS. 2, 4, 8 and 9, alarm B is fixed to the interior surface of top 10 of the shred box. The alarm may be fixed to the top of the shred box by screws 40, as shown, or any other conventional means.

The alarm casing 36 consists of a base 36a which is fixed to the top of the box and a removable cover 36b which permits access to the alarm components 38, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. The components of the alarm are illustrated in block form in FIG. 6 and a schematic diagram is provided in FIG. 7.

The alarm includes a position sensor 42 for generating an activation signal in response to a change in position in a first direction, for example, tilting the top of the shred box toward one side or the other. It also includes an auditable signal generator, such as a bell 44, and control circuitry responsive to the activation signal from position sensor 42 for causing the audible signal generator to generate an audible signal.

The alarm also includes a position sensor 46 for generating an activation signal in response to a change in position in a second direction, for example tilting the top of the shred box toward the front or toward the rear, as seen in FIG. 8. The control circuitry is responsive to the activation signal from position sensor 46 for causing the audible signal generator to generate the audible signal. The first direction and the second direction are preferably orthogonal, but need not be.

The control circuitry preferably includes a sensitivity adjustment component 48. In the preferred embodiment, the sensitivity adjustment takes the form of a variable 50K resistor.

The control circuit also preferably includes a clock circuit or timer 50 for adjusting the duration of the audible signal. In the preferred embodiment, the timer takes the form of a variable 50 K resistor.

While only a single preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those modifications and variations which fall within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A container for retaining paper to be shredded of the type having an opening through which paper to be shredded may be deposited, said container comprising alarm means associated with the container for generating an audible signal when the container is tilted.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein said alarm means comprises a first position sensor for generating a first activation signal in response to a change in position in a first direction, auditable signal generating means and control means responsive to said first activation signal for causing said audible signal generating means to generate the audible signal.

3. The container of claim 2 wherein said alarm means further comprises a second position sensor for generating a second activation signal in response to a change in position in a second direction, said control means being responsive to said second activation signal for causing said audible signal generating means to generate the audible signal.

4. The container of claim 2 wherein said control means comprises a sensitivity adjustment.

5. The container of claim 2 wherein said control means comprises timer means for adjusting the duration of the audible signal.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein said container further comprises an access door to permit removal of the contents of the container.

7. The container of claim 6 further comprising a lock on said access door, said lock comprising a latch adapted to protrude from said lock when said lock is in the locked state, a recess in the wall of said container for receiving said latch to prevent said door from opening and a metal plate fixed to said container wall, said plate comprising a substantially planar section having an opening aligned with said container wall recess.

8. The container of claim 7 wherein said container wall has a edge and wherein said plate has a second section adjacent said edge.