Abstract:
An apparatus serving as a portable, lockable secure shell that prevents unauthorized physical and electrical signal access to a device enclosed within the shell. The apparatus comprises a case, a lid, a locking mechanism, cooling means, and charging means. When closed, the apparatus provides Faraday cage protection to an enclosed device to block external electronic, electromagnetic, and radio frequency signals from reaching the enclosed device, which preserves data stored in the device in its original form. In addition, the apparatus prevents clandestine access to an electronic device, which creates an obstacle to unauthorized access of information stored on the device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/034,719, filed Aug. 7, 2014. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable. 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not Applicable. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention relates to security systems for portable electronic devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to prevention of unauthorized physical and electrical access to portable communication devices such as cell phones and tablets. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0006]    Recent discoveries relating to the scope of electronic surveillance by the National Security Agency have given rise to growing concern for privacy especially in communication via personal electronics. Many people believe that technologies exist to enable remote activation of a cell phone without the user&#39;s knowledge or permission. As a result, an unauthorized party might intercept data streams or gain access to private and personal data stored on the phone. These concerns raise issues surrounding each individual&#39;s right to privacy and potential violation of the Fourth Amendment dealing with search and seizure. In particular, there have been several recent investigations into the use of a controversial electronic surveillance device, generally known as a STINGRAY. The STINGRAY is used for remotely capturing data from mobile telephones. It mimics a cell tower so all mobile phones in the area communicate with it and provide information, including location data. Purportedly, the STINGRAY is capable of obtaining this data even when the mobile phone is not being used to make a call. 
         [0007]    In addition to public concerns, the judicial system, law enforcement and various government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, would benefit from an apparatus capable of enabling secure transportation of a cell phone for maintenance of forensic evidence. For example, if a police officer seizes a cell phone during a traffic stop or other action, it is in the interest of the judicial system to prevent data alteration or deletion from the cell phone. If the cell phone is not segregated from cell phone communications signals, the owner of the cell phone can remotely lock or remotely delete data from the cell phone. To lock a cell phone, delete data, alter data or wipe data, a user causes a command to be sent to the cell phone from another connected device or computer. 
         [0008]    Law enforcement must deal with ensuring that proper procedures are followed whenever acquiring any evidence, including cell phones, which can have large amounts of data stored on the phone. Clearly, a law enforcement officer is motivated to ensure that he or she is not accused of improper handling or tampering of a seized cell phone. Likewise, law enforcement&#39;s forensic examiners prefer that a seized cell phone be delivered in its original state. Hence, such examiners would benefit from a solution to mitigate data deletion, tampering, and corruption while a cell phone is in custody of law enforcement. 
         [0009]    Consequently, a need exists for an apparatus to secure electronic devices to both maintain a device&#39;s original state and to prevent data deletion, tampering, or corruption, particularly when the device has been acquired or seized during the course of a law enforcement or other government action. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0010]    In view of the foregoing described needs, an embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus comprising a portable, lockable enclosure that prevents physical and electrical signal access to an electronic device, such as a cell phone. Although illustrated herein as providing physical and electronic security of a typical cell phone, such as an iPhone, the apparatus is scalable to accommodate other electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, hard drives, Global Positioning System (GPS) location devices, and music players, among others. For simplicity and clarity, we herein refer to the above-described types of devices as simply “electronic devices” or “devices”. 
         [0011]    The apparatus, hereinafter a secure shell, comprises a case and lid which, when closed, serves as a physical enclosure and Faraday cage to prevent both physical and electronic signal access to a device. In various embodiments, the secure shell includes other features to support cooling and charging of an enclosed device. 
         [0012]    When a communication device such as a cell phone is radio-isolated, the device will consume battery life more quickly while repeatedly attempting to acquire a signal. In a second embodiment, the apparatus includes means for charging a device to ensure that the device maintain its original power and data state without compromising Faraday cage protection. Means for charging include an inductive charging mat, a separate power connector deployed within the case, and a supplemental battery incorporated as a module within the case. Where a power cord is required, Faraday cage protection is maintained by use of a signal-resistant port. The signal-resistant port is configured such that electrical power is transmitted internally but external electromagnetic and radio frequency signals are blocked from reaching the antenna of the enclosed device. Either a power outlet or an external battery may be used to provide power to the device from an external source. 
         [0013]    In another version, means for dissipating heat is provided as a feature of the apparatus. Heat dissipation ensures that the temperature of an enclosed device is maintained in a desired operational range. Heat may be generated either via the device itself, or, for example, by leaving the secure shell with the device in a hot environment such as the interior of a car. Heat dissipation is important to avoid higher temperatures that might cause the device to be permanently damaged or data on the device to be corrupted. 
         [0014]    In one configuration, heat dissipation is provided via heat conductive heat transfer from the interior of the case to a heat sink, where the heat is radiated out of the interior of the case. In another configuration, heat dissipation occurs via the use of a phase change pad located in the interior of the case or adjacent the exterior of the case. The phase change pad reduces temperature by conversion of a solid cooling material in the pad to a gel or liquid. In another configuration, the phase change pad and heat sink may be used cooperatively to dissipate heat. 
         [0015]    For physical security, the case includes a lock. In one configuration, the lock is a combination lock. Additionally, other access barriers, such as biometric identification, e.g., a fingerprint, may be incorporated as a requirement for unlocking and opening the shell. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the apparatus holding a cell phone with the lid open, according the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a closed state; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3A  is a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a closed state; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3B  is a front elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a closed state; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3C  is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a closed state; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3D  is a rear elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a closed state; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of major elements of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the apparatus in a closed state; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 6  with the lid removed; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the second embodiment with the device removed to illustrate the power connector and cooling means; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6 , taken along cutting plane A-A; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the case of  FIG. 6  utilizing a phase change pad for cooling; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the case of  FIG. 6  utilizing conductive heat transfer cooling. 
       
    
    
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    One object is to provide a physical security system for portable communication devices such as cell phones, smart phones, and other handheld or portable data devices. 
         [0032]    Another object is to provide a secure enclosure to prevent electronic tampering with a device caused by application of an external electrical field or signal. 
         [0033]    Another object is to provide a secure enclosure having an integral charging system to allow a device to maintain its original state while in the enclosure. 
         [0034]    Another object is to provide a secure enclosure that prevents overheating of a device while the device is within the enclosure. 
         [0035]    Another object is to provide a secure enclosure having an environmental barrier and internal cushioning to minimize damage to a device enclosed in the case while in transit or exposed to the environment. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or its uses. Before the inventive subject matter is described in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. 
         [0037]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventive subject matter belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the inventive subject matter, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein. 
         [0038]    It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of the apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention. The apparatus constitutes a secure shell  10  comprised of a case  20  and lid  30 . The secure shell  10  further includes a locking mechanism  40  and latch  50  to fasten and lock the lid  30  in a closed position. The case  20  further includes a sealing O-ring  60  to create a sealed interface between the lid  30  and case  20 . The case  20  is sized to receive a device C. 
         [0040]    The case  20  in combination with lid  30  provides a complete Faraday cage and physical barrier to prevent physical and wireless signal access to the device C when the lid  30  of the shell  10  is closed. The case  20  and lid  30  of the shell  10  are sized to enclose an entire device C. 
         [0041]    In use, the device C sits inside the shell  10 . For exemplary purposes, the invention described herein is shown as housing an APPLE IPHONE, a well-known cell phone. However, the secure shell  10  is scalable in size and adaptable in shape to support any phone capable of wireless communication. In addition, the secure shell  10  may be adapted to house any electronic device capable of wireless communication, such as a tablet computer, GPS device, or laptop computer. 
         [0042]    Now referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the secure shell  10  in a closed state is shown. The locking mechanism  40  ensures latch  50  is fully engaged and cannot be released without the proper lock combination. When the latch  50  is engaged, it holds the lid  30  in place in a closed position until the latch  50  is unlocked. 
         [0043]    Now referring to  FIGS. 3A through 3D , various views of the secure shell  10  are illustrated in greater detail.  FIG. 3A  is a top view of the secure shell  10 ;  FIG. 3B  is a front view of the secure shell  10 . The locking mechanism  40  and latch  50  are accessible via the front face  22 . Latch  50  is rotatably attached to the front face  22  via lower pivot shaft  52 . The latch  50  includes a lip  54  at its upper extent for engaging with lid  30 . Lid  30  includes a perimeter edge  31 , a back edge  34 , and a tongue  38 . 
         [0044]    The locking mechanism  40  is a combination lock having rotatable discs  42  and a sliding release button  43  to release the latch  50 . Cover plate  53  provides access to internal components of the latch  50 . The cover plate  53  is attached to front face  22  via four lock screws  12 . 
         [0045]    When the secure shell  10  is closed, the case  20  in conjunction with lid  30  provide a physical access barrier and electronic and radio frequency signal barrier. To ensure appropriate Faraday properties, the case  20  and lid  30  are made of appropriate conductive materials to provide the Faraday effect when the secure shell  10  is closed. Appropriate conductive materials include, among others, conductive metals such as nickel, copper, gold, silver, titanium and aluminum; conductive fibers impregnated with any of the conductive metals or carbon. 
         [0046]    A Faraday cage, also known as a Faraday shield, is an enclosure that prevents external electromagnetic and radio frequency interference with any object placed inside the enclosure. A Faraday cage may be formed from a conductive material, a mesh of conductive material, a foundational mesh impregnated with conductive material, or a combination of these. The 
         [0047]    Faraday cage construct ensures that electrical charges applied to the secure shell  10  remain on the exterior of the secure shell  10  and do not create an electric field within the interior cavity  23  of the secure shell  10 . 
         [0048]    In one version, the Faraday cage effect is produced by using appropriate conductive material to form the case  20  and lid  30 . In another version, the Faraday cage is produced by embedding or layering a conductive mesh within or outside the case  20  and lid  30 . The grid spacing of the mesh is such that it produces the effect of a Faraday cage and blocks all external electrical fields. 
         [0049]    In another version, the case  20  and lid  30  are made of transparent material, such as plastic or glass, wherein a conductive mesh is sandwiched within the plastic or glass. In another configuration, the lid  30  is made from toughened glass, such as CORNING GORILLA GLASS, wherein the toughened glass has been modified to include a sandwiched conductive layer with contact points to provide a complete Faraday cage effect. 
         [0050]    Where transparent material is used for the case  20  or lid  30 , a user may visually confirm the contents of the secure shell  10  without opening the lid  30 , thereby avoiding exposure of the device C to external electromagnetic signals. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 3B , in greater detail, the locking mechanism  40  is a combination lock having three rotatable discs  42 . The locking mechanism  40  is integrated with the front face  22  of the case  20  using lock cover plate  44 . The lock cover plate  44  is secured by four lock screws  12 . The lock cover plate  44  covers the internal components (not shown) of the locking mechanism  40  to prevent tampering. The lock screws  12  are threaded into the case  20  using a locking substance applied to the screws  12  that ensures that the screws  12  may not be removed after assembly. The rotatable discs  42  are marked with a sequence of numbers or symbols. When the numbers or symbols on all discs  42  are rotated to the correct unlock position, the sliding release button  43  may be actuated and the locking mechanism  40  releases the latch  50  to open the lid  30 . 
         [0052]    In another version, (not shown herein) the locking mechanism  40  may include an electronic biometric lock, able to recognize certain unique physical characteristics of a user, such as a fingerprint, hand print, retina pattern, or voice. When there is a match between the data entered by the user and the stored data on the secure shell  10 , the locking mechanism  40  releases the latch  50  to open the lid  30 . 
         [0053]    Now referring to  FIG. 3C , a bottom view of the secure shell  10  and case  20  is shown. The case  20  includes a bottom face  27 . Bottom face  27  includes a recess perimeter  29  circumscribing the bottom face  27 . The recess perimeter  29  mates with the perimeter edge  31  of the lid  30  when the lid  30  is tucked underneath the bottom face  27  of the secure shell  10 . 
         [0054]    Now referring to  FIG. 3D , the rear face  24  of the secure shell  10  is illustrated. Hinge pins  32  extend from back edge  30  of the lid  30  to rotatably and slidably engage in receptor channels  36 . Receptor channels  36  are secured to the case  20  via multiple lock screws  12 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view emphasizing the underside of the secure shell  10  is illustrated. The bottom face  27  of the case  20  is circumscribed by recess perimeter  29  which conforms to and mates with the perimeter edge  31  of the lid  30 . Thus, when the lid  30  is moved to the bottom of the secure shell  10  via the receptor channels  36  and rotated underneath the bottom face  27  of the case  20 , the lid  30  fits into the recess formed by the bottom face  27  and the recess perimeter  29 . When lid  30  is stored adjacent the bottom face  27 , an underside  35  of the lid  30  faces outward. The underside  35  may include various printed information regarding use and operation of the secure shell  10  to ensure that the secure shell  10  functions effectively. 
         [0056]    Now referring to  FIG. 5 , a partial exploded view of the secure shell  10  emphasizing a view from the rear face  24  of the case  20  is provided. Case  20  includes O-ring channel  62  for receiving O-ring  60 . O-ring channel  62  circumscribes the perimeter of case  20  along an upper surface  21  of case  20 . With O-ring  60  embedded in  0 -ring channel  62 , a compressible sealing surface is created. Thus, when the lid  30  is closed against the upper surface  21  of the case  20 , a seal is created between the O-ring  60  and the underside  35  of the lid  30  to protect the device C from external environmental affects including fluids, dust and other potential contaminants. 
         [0057]    Secure shell  10  is shaped as an essentially rectangular box wherein the case  20  is comprised of a front face  22 , a rear face  24 , and two sides  26 , all of which extend vertically from the bottom face  27  to form an interior cavity  23 . The interior cavity  23  is bounded about its perimeter by an upper surface  21  having an outer perimeter edge  25 . The interior cavity  23  is sized to receive and engulf a device C. In other embodiments, the secure shell  10  may be shaped and sized differently to fit various other types of devices. 
         [0058]    Lid  30  is sized to fit within the outer perimeter edge  25  of the upper surface  21  when the secure shell  10  is closed. Lid  30  includes hinge pins  32  that extend from a rear edge  33  to be slidably and rotatably received in receptor channels  36 . Receptor channels  36  are secured to the case  20  using lock screws  12 . Lid  30  includes a tongue  38  located at a front edge  39  of the lid  30  for locking engagement with a lip  54  of the latch  50 . 
         [0059]    With the lid  30  open, hinge pins  32  engaged within the receptor channels  36  allow the back edge  33  of the lid  30  to slide down adjacent the bottom face  27  of the secure shell  10 . The receptor channels  36  are secured to the rear face  24  of the case  20  by lock screws  12 . The lock screws  12  used throughout the case  20  are preferably threadably engaged along with the application of a film that prevents the lock screws  12  from being removed once the case  20  is assembled. 
         [0060]    When the lid  30  is moved fully through the receptor channels  36 , the lid  30  is rotatable on the hinge pins  32  such that the lid  30  may be swung about and under the bottom face  27  to be tucked away against the bottom face  27 , thereby providing access to the interior cavity  23  of the secure shell  10 . 
         [0061]    When the lid  30  is in a closed position, the lid  30  compresses the O-ring gasket  60  to create a tight seal while the under face  35  of the lid  30  creates a conductive contact with upper surface  21  of the case  20 , thus enabling the Faraday cage properties. In various configurations, the under face  35  of the lid  30  can include a contact ridge whose height is lower than the extended height of the O-ring gasket  60  before compression during closing. Thus, the O-ring gasket  60  is compressed until the contact ridge touches the outer perimeter edge  25 . To ensure adequate sealing and sufficient surface contact, proper tolerance is required between the tongue  38  of the lid  30  and the lip  54  of the latch  50  when closed. 
         [0062]    Now referring to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus in a closed position is illustrated. Those items that are changed from the description in the first embodiment, secure shell  10 , are identified by numbering in the  100   s.  In this embodiment, secure shell  100  supports charging of device C while enclosed in the secure shell  100 . The lid  130  is rotatably engaged with the case  120  via case hinge pins  128 . The locking mechanism  40  and latch  50  are consistent with descriptions in the first embodiment of the secure shell  10 . 
         [0063]    Now referring to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of the secure shell  100  is shown with the lid  130  removed to illustrate placement of a device C within a cavity  123  of the secure shell  100 . The case  120  is comprised of a front face  122 , a rear face  124 , and two side faces  126  all of which extend vertically from a bottom face  127  to form an interior cavity  123 . A power cord  170  penetrates a side face  126  of the case  120 . Secure shell  100  includes means for charging a device C while enclosed within the secure shell  100 , whether open or closed. In one version, power is supplied to the secure shell  100  for charging a device by power cord  170 . Cord  170  passes through a signal-resistant port  172  which penetrates a side face  126  of the case  120 . The signal resistant port  172  is configured such that power passes through the power cord  170  to charge the device C, while external electromagnetic and radiofrequency signals are blocked when the secure shell  100  is closed. 
         [0064]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view of the case  120  without device C is provided. With the device C removed from the case  120 , the internal device power connector  174  is illustrated. In this example, the power connector  174  is of the type used by the most recent version of the APPLE IPHONE, known as a “LIGHTNING” connector. The LIGHTNING connector supports certain versions of products produced by APPLE including the IPHONE 5, IPHONE 5S, IPHONE 5C, IPOD TOUCH, IPOD NANO, IPAD, and IPAD MINI. The secure shell  100  is capable of adaption to support power connectors  174  for a plurality of electronic devices. The apparatus is modifiable to support electronic devices of many models with differences in size and power adaptors. The internal power connector  174  can be any of a USB connector, mini-USB connector, dock connector, or other type of connector matched to the device C with secure shell  100 . 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a cross-sectional view of the secure shell  100  shown in  FIG. 6  along the cutting plane A-A is shown. Device C is enclosed inside the secure shell  100  in a closed and locked configuration. The closed lid  130  completes the Faraday cage and blocks external electromagnetic and radio frequency signals including cellular and data signals. The device C is plugged into the internal power connector  174 . Inductive charging mat  200  is shown adjacent to the device C and the bottom face  127  of the case  120 . 
         [0066]    Now, still referring to  FIG. 9 , inductive charging means is provided to charge device C, eliminating the need for a physical power connector. Inductive charging is well-known technology but the inventor is unaware of any implementation of an inductive charging capability within the confines of a Faraday cage as described herein. In this version, inductive charging means includes an inductive charging mat  200  having a primary coil  210 . The charging mat  210  is placed within the case  120  underneath the device C. The primary coil  210  creates an electromagnetic field to inductively transfer energy to a separate receiver coil  220  connected to power the battery of the device C. An external power supply is similarly connected to the inductive charging mat  200  via power cord  170 . 
         [0067]    In another version, not shown herein, a supplemental battery is placed inside the shell  10  to extend the battery life of the device C while enclosed in the secure shell  100 . In one version, the supplemental battery is placed in the same location as the inductive charging mat  200 . The supplemental battery delivers its power to the device C via the same power connector  174  used to provide external power via the power cord  170 . 
         [0068]    Now, means for dissipating heat from the secure shell  100  and enclosed device C is described. In one version, shown in  FIG. 10 , heat dissipation is accomplished via inclusion of a phase change pad  300  within the case  120 . A substance with a high heat of fusion capable of absorbing large amount of heat is contained inside the pad  300  in solid form and changes to liquid or gel without raising its own temperature when the pad  300  absorbs heat from the device C. 
         [0069]    In another version, shown in  FIG. 11 , heat dissipation is accomplished using conductive heat transfer. A thermal conductive layer  400  comprises one or more materials with high thermal conductivity. The conductive layer  400  rests adjacent the device C and transfers heat away from the device C. The conductive layer  400  is configured to conductively transfer heat to the case  120  where various cooling configurations may be used including external heat transfer fins and other heat transfer schemas. Conductive heat transfer can be further supplemented by placing the secure shell  100  in a location supported by a separate fan that causes convective transfer of the heat away from the secure shell  100 . 
         [0070]    In other versions, both a phase change layer  300  and a conductive heat transfer layer  400  may be used in combination to enhance cooling of the secure shell  100  and its enclosed device C. 
         [0071]    The present invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments and features thereof. However, it should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the appended claims. The inventions illustratively disclosed herein may be practiced without any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.