1. Field
The present invention is directed to an alarm system to be used with security safes.
2. State of the Art
Many individuals and businesses keep money and/or valuables in on-site personal security safes. In comparison to large-scale bank vaults, such safes are relatively small, lightweight, and inexpensive. These safes may be as small as a cubic foot or less in volume, for example, to be mounted in a wall. Or they may be several dozen cubic feet in volume and adapted to be free standing. They are typically formed having a shell of heavy gauge steel. A door is provided a locking mechanism, such as a combination lock, to allow access to the interior.
Large scale vault-type safes, such as those used in banks, are constructed with various security devices built in to alert the bank when an attempt is made to open the vault. For example, such vaults may include an electronic eye or other sensors to trigger an alarm when the vault door is opened. However, many personal safes, such as those purchased by businesses or individuals to store smaller quantities of items, are not so constructed. The security of such compact safes is typically dependent upon the structural integrity of the safe walls and the door during a break in attempt.
Such personal safes are not impervious to being broken into. Various methods have been devised for breaking open the door or cutting into the safe. Thieves may use a crowbar or other mechanical means of jamming the door open. Or they may use, for example, an acetylene cutting torch to cut a hole in the side of the safe or door. One method is to cut a hole big enough to gain access to the lock or opening mechanism of the door.
There remains a need for an alarm system adapted to be used with personal or compact safes to trigger an alarm upon attempts to break into the safe.