THEREFOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention is in the field of automated cash machines, in particular an access mechanism for an ATM to facilitate convenient loading of cash from the front area of the ATM. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Automatic teller machines (ATMs) can provide continual and automated cash withdrawal and deposit services, as well as other banking type services, without the need for a bank teller. ATMs are most commonly mounted in an outer wall of a bank. Such ATMs are loaded with cash from the inside of the bank, and the front of the ATM protrudes outside the wall where it is accessed by customers.

[003] However, some ATMs are designed to be completely inside and protected by another structure or building, such as a mall or a convenience store. On the other hand, some ATMs are designed to be completely outside, such as at drive-through islands outside of banks.

[004] US 4,856,437 discloses an ATM with apparatus for turning the entire ATM between its normal-operating position and a service-access position. Turning occurs about a vertical axis that is moved transversely of itself during turning so that the ATM can be used in an enclosure of minimum dimensions. R & D Sheetmetal Ltd. provides an ATM design that allows the entire ATM to rotate within its enclosure: http://www.randdsheetmetal.co.uk/security- products/atm/atm-rotator-kiosk/. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] The present invention relates to an automated teller machine

(ATM) enclosure and cash-loading access mechanism therefor, in particular a mechanism to facilitate convenient cash loading via the front area of the ATM. This mechanism is particularly useful for, but not limited to, ATMs/ATM enclosures whose back side is butted up against an outside or indoor wall, such as an outside wall of a gasoline station, a store, or the like.

[006] The ATM cash-loading access mechanism facilitates cash loading into a cash-loading section of the ATM. The mechanism is configured to allow the forward extraction of the inner works of the ATM, including a cash-receiving compartment, and the rotation of that compartment to allow access thereto. Cash loading is thereby facilitated in situations where there is no access to the cash-receiving compartment from the rear of the ATM. [007] In accordance with embodiments of one aspect of the present invention there is provided an access mechanism for a cash-loading drawer of an ATM enclosure (which may also be referred to herein as an ATM cash loading access mechanism or the like). The mechanism includes an ATM inner works withdrawal device configured to move an ATM inner works of the ATM, the inner works including the cash-loading section, from a position inside the ATM enclosure to a withdrawn position at which the inner works is withdrawn beyond the sides of the enclosure; and an inner works pivoting device configured to allow rotation of the inner works sideways, whereby there is access to the cash-loading section for loading cash. [008] In some embodiments, the inner works withdrawal device comprises a rail mechanism with extending rails configured to allow withdrawal of the inner works.

[009] In some embodiments, the rails are supported at least at a proximal end thereof by rail wheels. [010] In some embodiments, the inner works pivoting device comprises an inner works support plate having a turn table configured to allow rotation of the ATM inner works.

[011] In some embodiments, the inner works support plate comprises support plate wheels configured to support the inner works support plate and allow the inner works support plate to roll outward from the ATM enclosure and back inward.

[012] In some embodiments, the inner works pivoting device is pivotably connected to an inner works pivot housing. [013] In some embodiments, the inner works support plate comprises at least one radially arranged support wheel configured to support the inner works.

[014] In some embodiments, the inner works pivoting device includes one or more pivot stoppers to control the extent of pivoting of the inner works.

[015] In some embodiments, wherein the pivot stoppers include magnets.

[016] The present ATM enclosure can utilize a “through-the-wall-ATM”, which is loaded from the rear, and allow use in a secure enclosure, for either outdoor or indoor use, in cases where rear loading is not possible / accessible, i.e. whereby the ATM is loadable from its front.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[017] The invention may be more clearly understood upon reading of the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [018] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an ATM enclosure in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. [019] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the ATM enclosure of Fig. 1 with the inner works thereof forwardly extracted.

[020] Fig. 3 is a side view of Fig. 2.

[021] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an ATM cash loading access mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, with the ATM inner works thereon.

[022] Fig. 5 is a rear view of the ATM cash loading access mechanism of Fig. 4.

[023] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of Fig. 5. [024] Fig. 7 is a side view of Fig. 6 with the ATM cash loading access mechanism in an extended state.

[025] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of Fig. 7.

[026] Fig. 9 is an exploded side view of Fig. 8.

[027] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary inner works support plate of the present ATM cash loading access mechanism.

[028] Fig. 11 is a view as in Fig. 8, with an exemplary pivot housing of the present ATM cash loading access mechanism, pivoted sideways.

[029] Fig. 12 is a top perspective exploded view of Fig. 11 .

[030] Fig. 13 is a bottom perspective exploded view of Fig. 12. [031] Figs. 14 and 15 are respective perspective exploded and non- exploded views of Fig. 2 with the inner works of the ATM pivoted sideways.

[032] Fig. 16 is a view as in Fig. 4 with the inner works of the ATM pivoted sideways. [033] Fig. 17 is a side view of an exemplary inner works support plate in accordance with embodiments of the present ATM cash loading access mechanism.

[034] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of another exemplary inner works support plate in accordance with embodiments of the present ATM cash loading access mechanism.

[035] The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention refers to the aforementioned accompanying drawings. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience or clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [036] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features/components of an actual implementation are necessarily described.

[037] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary automated teller machine (ATM) enclosure in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The ATM enclosure is configured for use in an outdoor setting, including being attached to or backed-up to an outside wall, such as an outside store wall. For such purpose, the ATM enclosure is configured to allow loading cash from the front.

[038] Referring additionally to Figs. 2 and 3, the ATM enclosure includes a front 20; sides 22; and a rear 24. The ATM enclosure may also have an overhanging or protruding top portion 26, which can provide protection to the ATM enclosure’s front 20. Rear 24 may be configured for attaching to a wall, such as an outside store wall. Front 20 typically includes means for user communication with the ATM’s computer (not seen), such as buttons and/or a touch screen, as well as a bank card slot, cash dispensing slot and a slot for receiving a deposit, and so on. The ATM enclosure may also include a duty door lock cover 28; and a lock device 30, for locking the ATM enclosure, while also allowing unlocking for access. [039] Figs. 2-4 show the inner works 32 of the ATM, supported and a partially housed by an inner works pivot housing 34, whose function will become clear. Inner works 32 includes a cash-loading section 36, typically including a handle 38, which may also include a lock.

[040] Figs. 3 and 4 also show a rail mechanism 40 to facilitate the forward withdrawal of front 20 and inner works 32 from the ATM enclosure, which can be accomplished by any means per se, for example manual pulling on the front, using a handle, etc. In some embodiments, rail mechanism 40 is designed in a manner in which the rails are directly supported in a sturdy fashion, and which is attached to a rail base 42 (Fig. 4). Rail mechanism 40 includes extending rails 44 supported at least at a proximal end by rail wheels

50 (Fig. 7) that support an inner works support plate 46 to which inner works pivot housing 34 is pivotably connected to, as will be describe in more detail below.

[041] Figs. 5-8 are additional front, side and perspective views of rail mechanism 40 and its associated components, as noted above, for forwardly withdrawing inner works 32. The associated components constitute an ATM inner works withdrawal device 48, which may also include rail wheels 50 (Fig. 7), which can fit within a wheel receiving cut-out 52 (Fig. 8) in the front edge of rail base 42. ATM inner works withdrawal device 48 facilitates moving inner works 32 from an initial position inside the ATM enclosure, to a withdrawn position at which the inner works clears the enclosure (is withdrawn beyond the enclosure).

[042] As seen in Fig. 9, located above ATM inner works withdrawal device 48 is an inner works pivoting device 54 that is disposed on inner works support plate 46. Pivoting device 54 includes a pivot plate or turn table 56 and a rotation pin unit 60. Rotation pin unit 60 may be connected to the center of the bottom of inner works pivot housing 34 and to the center of turn table 56.

[043] Fig. 10 depicts an example of turn table 56, which is configured to pivot in or on inner works support plate 46. A rotation pin unit receiving aperture 62 is also shown. A rotation pin 64 of rotation pin unit 60 is disposed in aperture

62 and is fastened to support plate 46 by pin unit fasteners 66.

[044] Reverting to Figs. 5-9, pivoting device 54 may include one or a pair of pivot stoppers 68 to allow for convenient pivoting to the side of inner works 32, typically to a 90 degree position relative to the forwardly withdrawn position. Pivot stopper(s) 68 may include magnets 70, which can hold inner works pivot housing 34 (and thus inner works 32) in a stable position while being withdrawn. Magnets 70 are configured to provide a puling force so that, on the one hand they stably hold inner works pivot housing 34, and on the other hand allow for pivoting of the housing without undue force to allow for access to and loading of cash-loading section 36. If a pair of stoppers 68 is used, they are disposed at opposing diagonal positions, as illustrated. If a single stopper 68 is intelligently placed, it can hold inner works pivot housing 34 during withdrawal thereof via magnet 70; and then the adjacent face of the stopper can stop the pivoting. [045] As illustrated in Fig. 5, one or more of stopper(s) 68 may include a second magnet 71 to stabilize the positioning of inner works pivot housing 34 while ATM cash-loading section 36 is being loaded.

[046] Figs. 11-13 show inner works withdrawal device 48 in an extended

/ withdrawn position and inner works pivot housing 34 in a 90-degree/sideways pivoted position. As illustrated, pivot housing 34, when looking down from above, is pivoted 90 degrees in a clockwise direction, from its original (non-cash loading) position. It should be understood that pivot housing 34 can be pivoted counter clockwise, mutatis mutandis, in general, by positioning stoppers 68 at alternate diagonal positions. [047] As illustrated in Fig. 13, rail wheels 50 are position in a central forward position along inner works support plate 46. However, rail wheels 50 can be alternatively located, for example at the forward corners of support plate 46, with cut-out 52 correspondingly disposed so the wheels may fit therein. [048] Figs. 14-16 show inner works 32 in the withdrawal and pivoted position, ready for cash-loading section 36 to be opened and loaded with cash.

[049] Fig. 17 shows an embodiment of ATM inner works withdrawal device 48 in which inner works support plate 46 has connected thereto support plate wheels 72 configured to support inner works support plate 46 and allow the plate to roll outward from the ATM enclosure and back inward (i.e. wheels 72 touch the ground). Support plate wheels 72 can help relieve any possible cantilever stress on rails 44 and ease the forward withdrawal of inner works 32, and the insertion of inner works 32 back into the ATM enclosure.

[050] Fig. 18 illustrates an embodiment in which inner works support plate 46 includes inner works pivot housing support wheels 74 attached thereto, configured to allow inner works pivot housing 34 to rotate thereon. Wheels 74 are arranged radially defining a circle about a center point of plate 46 and protrude upward above plate 46 so that inner works 32 can rest thereon. Two housing support wheels 74 are illustrated, as typically the front of inner works 32 is particularly heavy, however, it should be understood that additional wheels 74 can be attached to plate 46, again, radially in the same or a concentric circle. This embodiment may be used to obviating the need for turn able 56, or supplement it to relieve stress thereon. In some embodiments, inner works pivoting device 54 is configured wherein plate 46 has wheels 74 that are height adjustable to adjust the amount of weight thereon by inner works 32.

[051] In the above description, the ATM inner works withdrawal device

48 was illustrated as only slightly clearing sides 22, whereby an ATM inner works pivoting device 54 was then required to facilitate rotating of inner works 32 for cash loading. Additionally or alternatively, ATM inner works withdrawal device 48, in particular rail mechanism 40, can be designed, mutatis mutandis, so as to allow inner works 32 to be withdrawn to the extent whereby there is space behind the inner works to access cash-loading section 36 for loading cash. In other words, ATM inner works pivoting device 54 is not necessarily required. [052] Additionally or alternatively, one or both sides 22 can be designed, mutatis mutandis, to open outwardly (for example including one or more hinges and a handle - neither shown) to the extent whereby inner works 32 can be pivoted by ATM inner works pivoting device 54 to access cash-loading section 36 for loading cash. In other words, ATM inner works withdrawal device 48 is not required.

[053] It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplary and various embodiments of the present invention may be devised, mutatis mutandis, and that the features described in the above-described embodiments, and those not described herein, may be used separately or in any suitable combination; and the invention can be devised in accordance with embodiments not necessarily described above.