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This invention discloses a lockbox or safe for storing possessions, which can be installed in a closet in a manner that requires opening the lockbox before it can be removed from the closet. This is done by providing one or more extensions (such as side walls, rigid shafts, or end caps) that can be

This invention discloses a lockbox or safe for storing possessions, which can be installed in a closet in a manner that requires opening the lockbox before it can be removed from the closet. This is done by providing one or more extensions (such as side walls, rigid shafts, or end caps) that can be extended outwardly from either or both sides of the lockbox. When retracted, the lockbox has dimensions that allow it to be inserted into the closet through the closet door. After it is positioned on the floor of the closet, the compartment door is opened. This provides access to a mechanism that controls the positioning of the extensions, such as bolts or cotter pins that interact with multiple spaced holes in sliding mechanisms. The extension locking mechanism is unlocked, and the extensions are pushed outwardly until they press against the side walls of the closet. As long as the lockbox remains locked, the extensions pressing against the side walls of the closet will prevent the lockbox from being removed from the closet, unless the door jamb-and/or closet walls are destroyed. Since such destruction is beyond the capability and desire of most thieves, the lockbox and its valuables will be secure against most attempted break-ins. For homes or apartments, these lockboxes can also be screwed or bolted to the floor or wall of a closet, using screws or bolts that can be removed only when the lockbox is open. These lockboxes can also be secured in a similar manner inside automobile trunks.

대표청구항 ▼

A lockbox for storing possessions, wherein the lockbox has dimensions suitable for installation in a closet having a closet door, a door jamb, and side walls which are spaced further apart than the width of the closet door, comprising an enclosure shell which encloses a storage compartment with a lo

A lockbox for storing possessions, wherein the lockbox has dimensions suitable for installation in a closet having a closet door, a door jamb, and side walls which are spaced further apart than the width of the closet door, comprising an enclosure shell which encloses a storage compartment with a lockable door that governs access into the compartment, wherein the compartment encloses (a) at least one track for holding a slidable width extension member, and (b) a locking mechanism for a width extension member, and wherein the enclosure shell has a fixed width in the range of about 50 cm (20 inches) to about 85 cm (34 inches), and also comprising at least one width extension member, a portion of which emerges from an orifice in the enclosure shell and which is mounted, in a slidable and lockable manner, in the track enclosed within the compartment, wherein the locking mechanism for the width extension member can be reversibly locked and unlocked only by an operator having access into the storage compartment through the lockable door, thereby allowing the operator to: (1) retract or remove the width extension member; (2) insert the lockbox into a closet having opposed side walls spaced apart from each other a fixed distance which is greater than the width of the enclosure shell, through a closet doorway having a door jamb on each side; (3) lock the width extension member in an extended position that presses against one side wall of the closet while an opposed end of the enclosure shell presses against and opposed side wall; via access to the compartment through the compartment door; (4) close and lock the door that governs access into the compartment, thereby rendering it impossible to remove the lockbox for the closet without structurally damaging the closet until the lockable door is opened to provide access to the locking mechanism for the width extension member.