Abstract:
A comprehensive and effective system at detecting unauthorized hazardous materials such as explosives potentially placed by terrorists in cargo or freight, such as air cargo, is disclosed. The system is cost effective and is non-disruptive to shippers of cargo. The system provided in one or more embodiments is capable of virtually guaranteeing the continuous security and integrity of cargo or freight during the storage and transit process. The system provides a combination of advanced x-ray technology and packaging technology. A method is disclosed comprising the steps of applying X-rays with an X-ray machine to freight and placing a cover on the freight. The step of placing the cover on the freight may include locking the cover on the freight with a lock. The lock may include an electronic memory, which is programmed with a unique code, which identifies the freight and indicates whether it has been tampered with.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/266,347 filed Oct. 8, 2002. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus concerning preventing cargo from being used by terrorists to send dangerous materials such as explosives into the United States.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The absence of a comprehensive screening system for cargo, such as air cargo, represents a major soft spot in the current United States security system, such as the air travel security system. A report prepared by the Federal Aviation Administration&#39;s office of aviation security research and development in October of 2001 warned of “catastrophic” flaws in the air cargo security system, according to “USA Today”™ in May of 2002. On Jun. 10, 2002, the “Washington Post”™ reported that an internal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) analysis described security for cargo on passenger planes as “easily circumvented.” The “Washington Post”™ quoted an internal TSA report as stating: “Cargo is likely to become—and may already be—the primary threat vector in the short term.” Still another TSA document placed the risk of a terrorist attack via cargo as high as “35 to 65 percent,” according to the “Washington Post”. According to an internal assessment, TSA needs to “improve [cargo] security and reduce risk as soon as possible,” the Post reported.  
         [0004]     Currently as much as forty percent of air cargo is shipped on passenger planes. Only a negligible percentage of cargo is currently screened—as little as two to four percent, according to current Transportation Security Administration head John Magaw. At present the air cargo security system depends almost entirely on “known shipper” rules. While rules have been tightened since October of 2001, there is broad agreement among experts and officials that nothing in the current system guarantees against determined terrorists gaining access to air-bound cargo and planting an explosive device. Given that roughly seventy-five million tons of cargo is shipped by air in the United States annually from scores of airports, the system presents potential attackers with multiple points of vulnerability.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The present invention, in one or more embodiments, provides a system that is comprehensive and effective at detecting explosives in cargo or freight, such as air cargo. A cost-effective system is provided which is non-disruptive to shippers of cargo. The system provided in one or more embodiments is capable of virtually guaranteeing the continuous security and integrity of cargo during the storage and transit process. The present invention, in one or more embodiments, provides a combination of advanced X-ray technology and packaging technology.  
         [0006]     The present invention, in one or more embodiments, comprises the steps of applying X-rays with an X-ray machine to freight and placing a cover on the freight. The step of placing the cover on the freight may include locking the cover on the freight with a lock. The lock may include an electronic memory, which is programmed with a unique code, which identifies the freight and indicates whether the freight has been tampered with.  
         [0007]     An alarm may be activated if the X-ray machine detects the presence of unauthorized explosive or hazardous materials within the freight, such as hazardous materials that might be placed in the freight by terrorists. The method, in at least one embodiment, may include visually examining the X-ray imagery of the freight when the alarm is activated. The method may include examining the freight by direct visual inspection if the examination of the X-ray imagery of the freight is not satisfactory and notifying law enforcement authorities if the visual examination of the X-ray imagery of the freight reveals a suspected hazardous or explosive material.  
         [0008]     The method may further include visually inspecting the cover on the freight and thereby determining if the cover has been tampered with. The method may further include querying the electronic memory on the lock to determine if the freight is satisfactory and to determine if the freight can be loaded onto a carrier vehicle. The carrier vehicle may typically be an aircraft. The carrier vehicle may also be a boat, a truck, a train, or any other vehicle for carrying freight or cargo. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]      FIG. 1  shows a flow chart of a method in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a pallet with freight box or cargo placed on top of the pallet;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3A  shows a first perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention along with a first perspective view of a pallet and the location of a freight box with a first plate of the apparatus inserted between the freight box and the pallet;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3B  shows a second perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3A  and a second perspective view of the pallet of  FIG. 3A  and the location of a freight box with a second plate of the apparatus inserted between the freight box and the pallet;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5A  shows a first attachment device of the apparatus of  FIG. 3A  with a first loop inserted into a first ring of the first attachment device;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5B  shows a second attachment device of the apparatus of  FIG. 3A  with a second loop inserted into a first ring of the second attachment device;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6A  shows a first lock which has been inserted into the first loop and the first ring of the first attachment device so that the first loop is attached to the first attachment device;  
         [0017]      FIG. 6B  shows a second lock which has been inserted into the second loop and the first ring of the second attachment device so that the second loop is attached to the second attachment device;  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a freight enclosure or freight cover for use in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention including a top portion and a bottom portion with the top portion and bottom portion separated; and  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view the freight enclosure or freight cover of  FIG. 7  with the top and bottom portions attached together.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a flow chart  10  of a method in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. At step  10 , a cargo pallet, such as cargo pallet  400  which is comprised of pallet  200  and freight box  300  shown in  FIG. 2 , is X-ray scanned without a freight cover. The pallet  200  and freight box  300  can be X-ray scanned by a shipper at the shipper&#39;s own airport facility or (for smaller shippers) can be X-ray scanned by a multi-shipper location at an airport, train shipping station, bus shipping station, or truck shipping station. X-ray scanning can be performed by an advanced X-ray machine utilizing both backscatter and penetrating X-ray technology. Such technology has proven highly effective in detecting explosives, yielding few “false positives” and virtually no “false negatives.” The X-ray machine may be of a type which scans pallets and their freight at the rate of about twenty per hour, and which provides an automatic audible and/or visual warning if the X-ray machine determines that the cargo pallet  400  contains suspicious materials.  
         [0021]     In the event that a cargo pallet  400  trips or activates the alarm of the X-ray machine at step  14 , a trained technician next performs an instant visual examination of the X-ray images on the X-ray machine at step  16 . If the security issue is not resolved satisfactorily through the initial visual examination of the X-ray imagery at step  18 , then the cargo pallet  400  is set aside and carefully physically, manually, and/or directly visually examined at step  20  by a qualified inspector. In general, no more than five out of one hundred cargo pallets (i.e., pallets including cargo) can be expected to trip the alarm of the X-ray machine, and visual inspection of X-ray imagery should be sufficient to resolve the security issue in three of four of such cases. This means that only one to two percent of cargo pallets will be set aside to undergo later lengthier inspection by a qualified security inspector.  
         [0022]     If the cargo pallet  400  is not acceptable at step  22  after physical and manual examination at step  20 , then cargo pallet  400  is rejected at step  24 . The appropriate law enforcement authorities may then be notified to handle a suspicious cargo pallet, such as a cargo pallet suspected of containing explosives.  
         [0023]     If the cargo pallet  400  is determined to be acceptable, i.e., the cargo pallet  400  did not trip the alarm at step  14  or was determined to be acceptable after either visual X-ray examination at step  18 , or physical and manual examination at step  22 , then the cargo pallet  400  is next immediately fitted with a freight cover at step  26 , to form a cargo pallet with freight cover  402 , shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Typically, the vast majority of cargo pallets (ninety-eight to ninety-nine percent) pass the screening test or tests and are fitted with a freight cover. The freight cover is a durable one, an example of which is apparatus  110 , shown by  FIGS. 3A-6B  and which is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 6,907,712 issued Jun. 21, 2005 to Garfinkle, incorporated herein by reference. The freight cover, such as apparatus  110 , may cover the freight box  300  on all sides except for the bottom of the freight box  300  which contacts the pallet  200 . Alternatively, a freight cover may be provided which covers all sides of the freight box  300  including the bottom of the freight box  300  which contacts the pallet  200 . The freight cover, such as apparatus  110 , is designed to allow forklifts to continue to move the cargo pallet and freight cover  402  by picking up the pallet  200  and thereby picking up the freight  300  and the freight cover  110 . The freight cover  110  is then sealed and/or locked with a tamper-resistant, disposable electronic lock at step  28 , such as by locks  180  and  184  in the manner shown by  FIGS. 3A-6B .  
         [0024]     Each electronic lock, such as locks  180  and  184 , typically includes a microchip or electronic memory within the lock, which is programmed with a unique encrypted code indicating the contents of the cargo pallet  400  and the “okay” status of the cargo pallet  400 . The locked freight cover, such as the apparatus  110  with locks  180  and  184 , protects the cargo pallet  400  and particularly the freight  300  from tampering during subsequent storage and transport and provides immediate and obvious visual evidence if tampering has occurred. A terrorist cannot reach the cargo or freight  300  without breaching the freight cover, such as apparatus  110 , which will show an obvious tear, or breaking the tamper-resistant electronic lock or locks such as lock  180  and  184 . The encrypted electronic code in each lock&#39;s chip makes each lock, such as locks  180  and  184 , virtually impossible to counterfeit. At the same time, the freight cover  110  should be sufficiently durable not to be breached in normal freight handling. In this case where two locks are used, lock  180  and  184  may have the same unique code.  
         [0025]     Cargo, such as freight  300 , covered with the freight cover  110 , locked with locks  180  and  184 , and coded that has satisfactorily passed the X-ray scanning step can then be safely stored at any authorized transportation location, such as an airport location, until actual loading onto the carrier vehicle, such as an aircraft. At the time of loading onto aircraft, for example, the freight cover  110  and locks  180  and  184  undergo a visual inspection for tampering at step  30 , and the microchip within each lock  180  and  184  should be queried electronically for “okay” status of the cargo pallet  400  at step  32 . The locked freight cover  110  plus locks  180  and  184  ensures the integrity of the cargo pallet  400  from the time it is X-rayed and approved until it arrives at its final destination. If the freight cover  110  and locks  180  and  184  are not tampered with and the electronic lock provides an “okay” status, then the cargo pallet  400  with the freight cover  110  and locks  180  and  184  can be loaded onto an aircraft, for example at step  34 .  
         [0026]     The combination of X-ray and sealed and/or locked freight cover packaging yields a system of maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness, enabling shippers to achieve a comprehensive X-ray inspection system with minimal disruption to the shipping process and at minimal cost per unit. Because the freight cover  110  and coded lock or locks, such as locks  180  and  184  ensure against tampering during storage and subsequent transit, the scan and freight cover system of embodiments of the present invention gives shippers time flexibility in determining when to schedule X-rays of cargo. This means that X-rays can be scheduled at any time after arrival of the cargo pallet  400  at the airport (or transportation hub or location such as a bus station, train station, or trucking station) and before loading onto the carrier vehicle, such as an aircraft. It also allows maximally cost-effective use of X-ray equipment, by enabling smaller shippers to use X-ray equipment of larger shippers and safely move and store the cargo pallet  402  (including freight cover  110  and locks  180  and  184 ) after X-ray and after freight covering and locking until actual loading on the aircraft or other carrier vehicle.  
         [0027]     The use of the sealed, durable, and locked freight cover is an important part to delivering a comprehensive and cost-effective system in at least one embodiment of the present invention. In the absence of the freight cover, cargo would have to be X-rayed at or near the point of loading on the aircraft, or other carrier vehicle, at the time of cargo pallet  400  loading onto the carrier vehicle. Such an approach would require many more X-ray machines, vastly increasing overall costs of the total security system. In addition, the need to X-ray at the time of loading would impose unacceptable delays.  
         [0028]     Under the system, method, and apparatus of embodiments of the present invention, each X-ray machine can be expected to handle approximately 6,000 cargo pallets, such as cargo pallet  400 , per month, or roughly 200 per ten hour day.  
         [0029]     For the airport example, a large airport, such as JFK airport, shipping approximately 50,000 cargo pallets per month, would require nine to ten X-ray machines. Medium-sized airports, assuming that they ship 20,000 cargo pallets per month, would require about four X-ray machines. Assuming that the 111 U.S cargo certified airports are handling a total of just over 3 million cargo pallets per month, or 10,000 per hour in a ten hour day, the entire system could be served by just over 500 X-ray scan and freight cover systems of embodiments of the present invention. This contrasts very favorably with the thousands of machines that would have to be purchased if cargo pallets were to be X-rayed at or near the point where the cargo pallets are loaded onto the aircraft. In addition, the X-ray scan and freight cover system avoids the delays inherent in point-of-loading screening systems.  
         [0030]     Based on these broad assumptions, it is possible to develop an estimate of total system costs, both initial and recurring. Individual X-ray systems may cost $1.2 million installed, with a recurring maintenance cost of about 18% per year, Disposable electronic tamper-resistant locks, of which locks  180  and  184  in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  may be an example, are typically priced at $6 each. Durable freight covers, such as apparatus  110  described by  FIGS. 3A-6B , for use with the present invention may be $20 each, but at least half can be reused 1-3 times. Assuming that 40% of freight covers are used once, 20% are used twice, 20% are used three times, and 20% are used four times, the cost of the freight cover comes to just over $12 per pallet. Freight cover and lock together add just over $18 cost per pallet. Cost estimates are listed in Table 1.  
                                         TABLE 1                       Estimated Costs for Comprehensive X-ray scan       and freight cover cargo security system                   Initial Costs            X-Ray System and Installation   $600 million for 111 airports            Recurring Costs            X-Ray System Maintenance   $108,000 per year for 111 airports       Freight Cover   $12 per cargo pallet       Tamper-Resistant Electronic Lock   $6 per cargo pallet                  
 
         [0031]     In other words, the initial system can be deployed nationwide for less than $1 billion. On the basis of the above assumptions, the initial cost of deploying X-ray equipment would be $600 million. Ongoing maintenance charges would be $108 million per annum The freight cover, such as apparatus  110  and lock of the type such as lock  180 , assuming only one lock is used, would cost just over $18 per pallet. Finally, there will be the costs of a few personnel to operate the X-ray machine and to inspect suspect cargo pallets. The inspectors would likely be federal employees.  
         [0032]     In short, the X-ray scan and freight cover system offers a highly affordable comprehensive solution to a serious immediate security threat.  
         [0033]     A further benefit of the present invention, in one or more embodiments, discloses that a single X-ray scan can cover cargo pallets for the entire transit process. Cargo that transfers aircraft at a second airport will typically undergo the same visual inspection for tampering and electronic querying of the lock, such as shown in  FIG. 1  at steps  30  and  32 . The cargo typically does not have to be X-rayed a second time. This also saves costs for shippers.  
         [0034]     The present invention, in one or more embodiments, has the potential of being expanded not only throughout the United States air cargo system, but also abroad, through international agreement. That is, cargo undergoing the same X-ray scan and freight cover inspection regime in the United Kingdom would typically not need to be rescanned and inspected when it arrives for re-transit in the United States.  
         [0035]     The invention, in one or more embodiments, offers protection of cargo against water damage, tampering, and theft and, as a result, provides insurance savings A system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention would provide a comprehensive solution to the problem of securing the U.S. air cargo against terrorism.  
         [0036]     Since the X-ray scan and freight cover system integrates existing, well established off-the-shelf technology, the system holds out the prospect of a rapid, relatively inexpensive comprehensive solution to what is widely recognized as an urgent and immediate security threat. The first step to achieving this solution could be a six-month prototype implementation period for integrating, fine-tuning, testing, and certifying the system, such as preferably in a real shipping environment. Once the system has been fine-tuned and tested by the manufacturer and certified by the Transportation Security Agency, it can be deployed nationwide.  
         [0037]     The six-month prototype could consist of a single X-ray machine situated in a single airport facility. The prototyping process may include the following steps: (1) System installation and integration: for example an X-ray system may be installed at a selected Emery™ airport facility. (2) Employee recruitment and training: For example, during this phase, X-ray operators and inspectors may be recruited and trained. Emery™ employees at the facility may be trained in operation of an X-ray scan and freight cover system in accordance with the present invention. (3) Operational testing: During this phase, all freight and/or pallets at the Emery™ facility during three separate two-week-long trial periods can be made to undergo the X-ray scan and freight cover process. Time measurements can be taken of the pallet X-ray scanning and freight covering process. Best practices will be developed with an eye to maximizing the efficiency of X-ray scanning and freight covering of cargo or freight and minimizing disruption to the shipping process. (4) Component testing: In this phase, performance of individual components can be assessed, including X-ray performance and dependability. Freight cover performance and durability will be carefully assessed. Electronic locks and related equipment can be assessed for performance and durability. Any necessary changes in practices or product design may be introduced. (5) “Red team” testing: In this phase, supervised by the Transportation Security Agency, a “red team” of government agents can first devise and then execute measures designed to defeat or circumvent the system by tampering with cargo and attempt to plant simulated explosive materials. (6) Final testing and certification. The final phase, which can be conducted under TSA supervision, will repeat tests described in steps (2) through (4) as a prerequisite to final certification of the system.  
         [0038]     The entire prototyping process can be achieved at a cost of $2 million. At the end of the nine-month period, TSA will have in hand a proven, affordable solution to the threat posed by cargo vulnerability, such as air cargo vulnerability.  
         [0039]      FIG. 3A  shows a first perspective view of the apparatus  110  or freight cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. along with a first perspective view of the pallet  200  and the location of the freight box or cargo  300  with a first plate  178  of the apparatus  110  inserted between the freight box  300  and the pallet  200 . The apparatus  110  can be considered to be a type of freight cover in accordance with the X-ray scan and freight cover system in various embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 3B  shows a second perspective view of the apparatus  110  of  FIG. 3A  and a second perspective view of the pallet  200  of  FIG. 2A  and the location of the freight box  300  with a second plate  174  of the apparatus  110  inserted between the freight box  300  and the pallet  200 .  FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of the apparatus  110  of  FIG. 3A .  
         [0040]     The apparatus  110  has a top portion  112 , and sides  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and  120 . The top portion  112  and sides  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and  120  may be said to define an enclosure having an opening. The enclosure may be said to enclose a chamber  110   a  defined by top portion  112 , and sides  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and  120 . Inside the chamber  110   a  is located a freight box  300 . The freight box  300  may be, for example, a box for a refrigerator or a box for an oven or any other box holding any other type of goods or freight. The freight box  300  may be replaced by any other type of freight or cargo such as a plurality of smaller freight boxes.  
         [0041]     The apparatus  110  also includes straps  140  and  142 . Each of the straps  140  and  142  may be a rope, a cord, a strap, or a similar device. The strap  140  is fixed, at its first end, to an attachment device  150 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . The strap  142  is fixed at its first end, to an attachment device  152 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . Most of the strap  140  is shown in dashed lines and lies inside of a sleeve  130  which is fixed at the bottom of sides  120  and  118  as shown in  FIG. 3A . Most of the strap  142  lies inside of a sleeve  132  which is fixed at the bottom of sides  116  and  114  as shown in  FIG. 3B . The strap  140  ends in a loop  140   a  at the second end of the strap  140 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . Similarly, the strap  142  ends in a loop  142   a  at the second end of the strap  142 , as shown in  FIG. 3A .  
         [0042]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the attachment device  152  includes openings  162   a ,  162   b ,  162   c , and  162   d  formed in rings  163   a ,  163   b ,  163   c , and  163   d . Similarly, the attachment device  150  includes openings  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c , and  160   d  formed in rings  161   a ,  161   b ,  161   c , and  161   d.  Each of the rings  161   a - d  and  163   a - d  may be metal rings. Each of the rings  161   a - d  and each of the rings  163   a - d  are fixed to a base material  150   a  and  152   a , respectively, of the attachment devices  150  and  152 , respectively Each of the rings  161   a - d  and  163   a - d  may be comprised of three sections, which may be an outer section, a middle section, and an inner section. The sides  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and  120 , the top portion  112 , and the base material  150   a  and  152   a  may be made of the same material which may be TYVEK™ or any other water resistant and/or durable material.  
         [0043]     In  FIG. 4 , a ring  175  is shown inserted through a hole  174   a  in the plate  174 , and the ring  175  is thereby connected to the plate  174 . Similarly, a ring  179  is shown inserted through a hole  178   a  in the plate  178 , and the ring  179  is thereby connected to the plate  178 . The ring  175  is also shown inserted into a hole  119   a  in a sleeve  119 . The sleeve  119  is fixed to the sides  114  and  120  of the apparatus  110 . Similarly, the ring  179  is also shown inserted into a hole  117   a  in a sleeve  117 . The sleeve  117  is fixed to the sides  116  and  118  of the apparatus  110 .  
         [0044]     In operation, an individual would place the apparatus  110  over freight or cargo, such as the freight box  300 , which is sitting on the pallet  200 , so that the freight is completely covered by the apparatus  110 . In this manner, the apparatus  110  is positioned as in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The apparatus  110  has an open end  121  whose location is shown in  FIG. 4 , which is like the open end of an open box. The plates  174  and  178  are then slid under the freight box  300 , substantially at the corners of the apparatus  110  as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Each of the plates  174  and  178  may have a thickness, T 1  shown in  FIG. 3A , of ⅛ of an inch.  
         [0045]     The individual would then insert loop  140   a  into one of the openings  162   a - d  of the attachment device  152 , such as into opening  162   d  as shown in  FIG. 5A . Similarly, the individual would insert loop  142   a  into one of the openings  160   a - d  of the attachment device  150 , such as into opening  160   a  as shown in  FIG. 5B . The individual would then insert a loop  181  of a lock  180  through the loop  140   a  and the opening  162   d  so that the strap  140  is connected to the attachment device  152  at the end where loop  140   a  is located, as shown in  FIG. 6A . The loop  181  would be pressed into the base  182  to lock the lock  180 . Similarly, the individual would insert a loop  185  of a lock  184  through the loop  142   a  and the opening  160   a  so that the strap  142  is connected to the attachment device  150  at the end where loop  142   a  is located, as shown in  FIG. 6B . This causes the straps  140  and  142  to be connected together and tightened so that the sides  114 ,  116 ,  118  and  120  fit snugly around the perimeter of the freight box  300 .  
         [0046]     Locks  180  and  184  have serial numbers  182   a  and  186   a , respectively, which are both “555”. This can be used as an identification number for the particular freight box  300  or the pallet  200 . The pallet  200  may be any type of pallet and may have a base  202 .  
         [0047]     The apparatus  110  protects freight, such as freight box  300 , lying within the chamber  110   a  enclosed by top  112 , and sides  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and  120  from water damage, from theft, and from the high insurance costs associated with water damage and theft. The apparatus  110  is made of durable, lightweight, resistant material such as TYVEK™. The apparatus  110  is typically one piece. The apparatus  110  protects freight far better than typical plastic wrappings. Plastic wrappings may allow water to penetrate the freight. Further plastic wrappings are easy for a thief to open and to steal from and to reapply plastic wrapping without detection.  
         [0048]     The locks  180  and  184  typically have to be broken for a thief to obtain access to the freight box  300  inside the apparatus  110 . If the locks  180  or  184  are broken. it provides evidence of tampering of the freight box  300  and/or the apparatus  110 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the locks  180  and  184  are of the form such that once they are opened, they cannot be resealed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each pallet or each collection of freight on a pallet, may have its own apparatus  110  and at least one lock, like lock  180  or  184 , with a unique serial number.  
         [0049]     Because tampering can easily be detected, an insurance company can easily determine when the apparatus  110  was tampered with and, if necessary, appropriately ascertain liability for the damage to the freight. The apparatus  110  acts as an effective deterrent against would-be thieves.  
         [0050]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a freight enclosure or freight cover  510  for use in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention including a top portion  512  and a bottom portion  600  with the top portion  512  and the bottom portion  600  shown separated.  FIG. 8  shows a perspective view the freight enclosure  510  of  FIG. 7  with the top portion  512  and the bottom portion  600  attached together. The top portion  512 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , has a box structure. The top portion  512  is comprised of side  514  (and an opposite side not shown), side  518  (and an opposite side not shown), and top side  516 . The side  514  (and its opposing side), side  518  (and its opposing side), and top side  516  form an enclosed first area. The top portion  512  can be placed on top of freight, an object, or a package, so that the freight, object or package, lies inside the first area enclosed by the sides  514  and  518  (and their opposing sides) and the top side  516 .  
         [0051]     Side  518  of the top portion  512  is comprised of a VELCRO™ section  530  which may be comprised of hooks or loops of a VELCRO™ system. The VELCRO™ section  530  may be thought of as a section of a sealing device in accordance with the present invention. Similarly, side  514  of the top portion  512  is comprised of a VELCRO™ section  532  which may be comprised of hooks or loops of a VELCRO™ system. The VELCRO™ section  532  may be thought of as a section of a sealing device in accordance with the present invention. The VELCRO™ sections  530  and  532 , in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , lie inside the first area enclosed by the sides  514  and  518  (and their opposing sides) and top side  516 . There can also be a VELCRO™ section on the side opposite to side  518  near the bottom of that side, similar to opposing VELCRO™ section  530 , which also lies inside the box structure of top portion  512 . There can also be a VELCRO™ section on the side opposite side  514  near the bottom of that side, similar to opposing VELCRO™ section  532 , which also lies inside the box structure of top portion  512 . The VELCRO™ sections  530  and  532  on the top portion  512  are shown in dashed lines to show that they are inside the box structure of top portion  512 .  
         [0052]     The top portion  512  is also comprised of a first set of zipper teeth comprised of portions  520  and  522 . Portion  520  of the first set of zipper teeth has a plurality of zipper teeth (such as tooth  520   a ), which are attached to the side  518  of the top portion  512 . The side opposing side  518  (not shown) also has a plurality of corresponding zipper teeth, not shown. Portion  522  of the first set of zipper teeth has a plurality of zipper teeth (such as tooth  522   a ), which are attached to the side  514  of the top portion  512 . The side opposing side  514  (not shown) also has a plurality of corresponding zipper teeth, not shown. The zipper teeth of portions  520  and  522  and their opposing portions not shown, are seamlessly connected so that a zipper or zippers can move around the entire freight enclosure  510  along the first set of zipper teeth.  
         [0053]     The top portion  512  may be made of a durable waterproof fabric material, such as TYVEK™, which was created by DUPONT™. TYVEK™ is a lightweight, durable fabric that can withstand the punishment of the elements of the weather and of heavy usage. The first set of zipper teeth, including teeth on the sides  514  and  518  and their opposing sides, can be sewn into the fabric material of top portion  512 . The first set of zipper teeth can be sewn inside the first area enclosed by the sides  514  and  518  (and their opposing sides) and top side  516 . The first set of zipper teeth, in one embodiment, would not normally be able to be seen from the perspective shown by  FIG. 7  (unless the TYVEK™ material of top portion  512  is transparent), and for that reason in  FIG. 7 , the plurality of teeth  520  and  522  are shown in dashed lines.  
         [0054]      FIG. 7  also shows a first zipper  540  and a second zipper  550 . The zippers  540  and  550  are connected to the teeth  520  and also lie inside the enclosed first area bounded by the sides  514  and  518  (and their opposing sides) and top side  516 . For that reason, the zippers  540  and  550  are shown in dashed lines also, because normally the zippers  540  and  550  could not be seen from the perspective shown by  FIG. 7 . Zippers  540  and  550  include attachment portions  542  and  552  which attach the respective zippers to the first set of zipper teeth, for example at portion  520 . Zippers  540  and  550  may include loop portion  544  having an opening  546  and loop portion  554  having an opening  556 , respectively.  
         [0055]     The bottom portion  600  also has a box structure. The bottom portion  600  is comprised of sides  602 ,  604 ,  606 , and  610 , and bottom side  608 . The sides  602 ,  604 ,  606 ,  610 , and  608  bound an enclosed area A 2  shown in  FIG. 7 . Side  610  of the bottom portion  600  is comprised of a VELCRO™ section  630  which may be comprised of hooks or loops of a VELCRO™ system. The VELCRO™ section  630  may be thought of as a section of a sealing device in accordance with the present invention. Similarly, side  602  of the bottom portion  600  is comprised of a VELCRO™ section  632  which may be comprised of hooks or loops of a VELCRO™ system. The VELCRO™ section  632  may be thought of as a section of a sealing device in accordance with the present invention. The VELCRO™ sections  630  and  632 , in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , lie outside the area A 2 . There can also be a VELCRO™ section on the side  604  near the top of the side  604 , similar to opposing VELCRO™ section  620 , which also lies outside the area A 2 . There can also be a VELCRO™ section on the side  606  near the top of the side  606 , similar to opposing VELCRO™ section  632 , which also lies outside the area A 2 .  
         [0056]     The bottom portion  600  also includes a second set of teeth comprised of portions  620 ,  622 ,  624 , and  626 . The second set of teeth (portions  620 ,  622 ,  624 , and  626 ) on bottom portion  600  is designed to mesh with the first set of teeth on the top portion  512  comprised of portion  520  and its opposing portion (not shown), and portion  522  and its opposing portion (not shown), as shown by  FIG. 8 . The zippers  540  and  550  are used to connect the first set of teeth of top portion  512  with the second set of teeth of bottom portion  600  to thereby cause top portion  512  to be connected to bottom portion  600  as shown in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0057]     The top portion  512  of the freight enclosure  510  has a height of HT, which may be 59 inches. The bottom portion  600  has a height HB that may be 14 inches. When the top portion  512  and the bottom portion  600  are zipped together, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the top portion  512  overlaps the bottom portion  600  by a distance HO, which may be about three inches. The distance HO corresponds to the approximate internal location of the first set of teeth on the top portion  512  which are located about three inches up from an edge, such as edge  519  for side  518  shown in Fig T. After the top portion  512  and bottom portion  600  have been zipped together, the freight enclosure  510  has a final height of HF, which may be 70 inches. The side  518  of top portion  512  may have a length LT that may be 130 inches. The side  610  of the bottom portion  600  may have a length LB, shown in  FIG. 8 , which may be slightly less than the length LT of the top portion  512  to allow the top portion  512  to overlap the bottom portion  600 . For example, LB may be 129 inches. A close fit should be provided.  
         [0058]     The side  514  of the top portion  512  may have a width WT that may be 93 inches. The side  602  of the bottom portion  600  may have a width WB that may be slightly less than 93 inches, such as for example 92 inches, again to allow top portion  512  to overlap bottom portion  600 .  
         [0059]     In operation, an individual would place the freight or package onto bottom side  608  of the bottom portion  600 . The freight enclosure  510  is particularly useful for enclosing freight loaded on a large pallet. The freight should be placed and should be of a size so that the top portion  512  can be placed on top of the freight and joined with the bottom portion  600  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The freight will lie in the combination enclosed area of the freight enclosure  510  which is bounded by top side  516 , sides  514  and  518  (and their opposing sides) of top portion  512  and bottom side  608 , sides  602 ,  604 ,  606 , and  610  of the bottom portion  600 .  
         [0060]     The top portion  512  is placed over the freight and then zipped together to the bottom portion  600  by sliding the zippers  540  and  550  over the teeth  620 ,  622 ,  624 , and  626  on the bottom portion  600  until all or virtually all of the first set of teeth on top portion  512  are linked to their appropriate partners on the second set of teeth on the bottom portion  600 . For example, in  FIG. 2 , tooth  620   a  of the second set of teeth on bottom portion  600  is linked to teeth  520   a  and  520   b  of the first set of teeth on top portion  512 . The first and second sets of teeth can be considered to be part of a connection device for connecting the top portion  512  and the bottom portion  600 .  
         [0061]     After all the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth are linked together, the zippers  540  and  550  are brought closely together so that the loops  544  and  554  overlap and opening  546  is on top of opening  556 . At that point, a ring or lock  560  may be placed through the openings  546  and  556  and used to join the zippers  540  and  550  so that the zippers  540  and  550  are connected together. The lock  560  may then be locked. The lock  560  may have a code or serial number attached or engraved on it which may be unique for this piece of freight, or pallet, or this particular freight enclosure  510 .  
         [0062]     Once the lock  560  has been sealed, a flap is used to cover the joined first set of zipper teeth ( 520 ,  522 , and those teeth opposite  520  and  522  on top portion  512 ) and the second set of zipper teeth ( 620 ,  622 ,  624 , and  626 ). The “flap” is a part of the top portion  512  which may include the section on side  518  having a height HO from end  519  to the location where the teeth  520  are sewn (and may also include similarly located sections on side  514 , and on opposing sides opposite of side  514  and  518 ). The “flap” part of top portion  512  may include a VELCRO™ portion, which may include VELCRO™ portions  530  and  532  on sides  518  and  514  as well as VELCRO™ portions on opposing sides not shown. The VELCRO™ portions, such as  530  and  532 , may be located inside the box structure of the top portion  512  (i.e. bound by the sides  514  and  518  and their opposing sides and side  516 ). The purpose of this flap and additional VELCRO™ seal is to insure that no water may penetrate the joined first set of zipper teeth ( 520 ,  522 , and opposing teeth) and the second set of zipper teeth ( 620 ,  622 ,  624 , and  626 ). THE VELCRO™ sections  530  and  532  (and opposing portions join with VELCRO™ sections  630 ,  632 , and opposing portions respectively on the bottom portion  600  as shown by  FIGS. 7 and 8 .  
         [0063]     Following locking of the lock  560 , and the sealing of the VELCRO™ flap, the freight enclosure  510  is ready for transport.  
         [0064]     The lock  560  can be a metal seal of a type that once it has been opened it can not be relocked. In this manner, a person receiving the freight enclosure can tell whether the lock  560  and therefore the freight enclosure  510  contents have been tampered with or the contents removed.  
         [0065]     The immediately previous sending agent, therefore, can be absolved of liability for any missing or damaged freight discovered at a later time. As each receiving agent is asked to sign for the freight, he need only to check that the lock  560  is intact, that the freight enclosure  510  does not have any rips, and that the serial number is correct. If so, then he can sign with assurances. If the lock is broken, the pallet has possibly been tampered with, and a signature is not made until an inspection is concluded, with any missing or damaged freight attributable to the previous agent. Additionally, if there are any rips in the material, the agent may assume potential damage or theft has occurred. As this is not plastic wrapping, which is easily ripped or sliced open, tears may not be concealed by mere tape, as is common with plastic wrapping. If a pilferer attempts to slice open the freight cover and cover it up with tape, the next agent will see the tape as a warning that there has been tampering. This serves as an extremely affective deterrent to would-be thieves.  
         [0066]     In accordance with a method of an embodiment of the present invention, at each stage of transport of a freight enclosure  510 , an agent can check to see if the metal seal  560  or lock  560  has been tampered with. If it has not been tampered with, the agent can note this fact in a log sheet. Thus, it is possible to know during exactly what stage of transport tampering occurred. An agent receiving the enclosure  510  need only to check that the lock  560  is in tact and that the serial number is correct.  
         [0067]     The waterproof aspect of an embodiment of the present invention eliminates water damage to the freight inside the enclosure  510  when the freight enclosure  510  is exposed to rain, snow or other liquid accumulation. This assumes there are no lacerations to the freight enclosure  510 . The enclosure  510  may be comprised of TYVEK™ (for all the sides of both the top portion  512  and the bottom portion  600 ), which is a strong fabric used in the manufacturing of backpacks, tents and tarps. The United States military currently uses TYVEK™ for these and other purposes.  
         [0068]     Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention&#39;s contribution to the art.