Patent Publication Number: US-2009217718-A1

Title: Intermodal physical security device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/011,198 filed on Jan. 15, 2008, and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed towards a cargo lock for intermodal shipments and tractor trailers. The security device provides for redundant power sources, and is used with both U.S. type truck cargo trailers as well as intermodal ocean cargo trailers. The invention provides a robust locking mechanism which can be opened only through the use of a password transmitted wirelessly through a Bluetooth® communication protocol to the security device. Any Bluetooth® equipped transmitting device such as a telephone or Blackberry® which houses the resident software program that may be used to unlock the security device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to types of cargo locks. For instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,536,815; 6,331,022; and 5,857,721 are directed to types of cargo locks. Various types of electronic monitors and sensors are also employed with cargo door locks as taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,092,404 and 7,091,857 as well as U.S. Publications 2004/0055345 and US2004/0108938. 
     However, there remains room for improvement and variation within the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A fully enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying drawings and photographs. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the security system mounted to a storage container according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the security system mounted to the interior side of the storage compartment door; 
         FIG. 2A  shows an upper latch assembly housing; 
         FIG. 2B  shows an alternative embodiment of the security system according to the invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a secondary latch assembly mounted on a second storage compartment door; 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-section view of the latch assembly carried by a mounting plate affixed to the interior side of the storage compartment door; 
         FIG. 5  shows an operator for moving the latch assembly and a master lock actuator according to the invention; 
         FIG. 5A  shows the incorporation of a keypad tamper-resistant control for the master lock assembly according to the invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows an alternative embodiment of the security system; 
         FIG. 7  a schematic representation of a wireless locking device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment of the security system according to the invention; and, 
         FIG. 9  shows an alternative embodiment of the security system with a removable operator incorporating an electronic keypad for operating the master lock assembly. 
         FIG. 10  is an alternative embodiment of an external locking apparatus designed to interengage vertical bars associated with the rear doors of a tractor trailer and/or intermodal container. 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  are schematic views showing the respective unlocked and locked engagement of a security device as positioned on external support bars of a transportation container. 
         FIG. 13  is a view of the embodiment seen in  FIGS. 11 and 12  showing the differing engagement of the security device without a support bar of a shipping container. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates new options and functional features for use with a handheld wireless device which may be used to lock and unlock a security device while also generating information on the container manifest and recording security lock event logs. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions. 
     In describing the various figures herein, the same reference numbers are used throughout to describe the same material, apparatus, or process pathway. To avoid redundancy, detailed descriptions of much of the apparatus once described in relation to a figure is not repeated in the descriptions of subsequent figures, although such apparatus or process is labeled with the same reference numbers. 
     Referring now to the drawings, the invention will be described in more detail. As best shown in  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the present invention is an internally mounted security system A or latch assembly used to secure an entryway for a storage compartment B. Typically the storage compartment is a storage container of the type often found at a construction site or used by semi-tractor trailers. Generally, these storage compartments have two large doors  10  and  12  which are located at one end of the compartment to gain access to the compartment interior  11 . The components of the security system used to secure the doors are advantageously mounted on the interior sides of the doors within the storage compartment interior in order to eliminate tampering with the locking components and prevent unauthorized access to the contents of the storage compartment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the security system includes a primary latch assembly  14  carried on the interior side of first door  10  for latching the door in a closed position to prevent access to the storage compartment interior. Because the latch assembly is disposed entirely within the compartment interior when door  10  is locked in a closed position, there is nothing on the outside of the storage compartment that may be tampered with to attempt to gain access the compartment interior. Primary latch assembly  14  has an engaged position for latching movable door  10  in a closed position in which the entryway for the compartment interior is closed off, and a disengaged position wherein door  10  may be opened to provide access to the compartment interior. 
     In order to latch door  10  to the storage compartment, primary latch assembly  14  includes reciprocating latch elements  16 ,  18 , and  20 . Latch elements  16  and  18  are vertical reciprocating latch elements aligned to engage top side  22  and bottom side  24  of storage compartment B when latch assembly  14  is in the engaged position. Top and bottom sides  22  and  24  include receiving members  26  for receiving latch elements  16  and  18  to latch door  10  in the closed position. In the preferred embodiment, the latch elements are formed from hardened metal rods resistant to bending or breaking from tampering. As shown in  FIG. 8 , adjustable connectors  162  are included in the rods to increase or decrease the effective length of the latch elements to vary the portion of the latch element that is received by the receiving members. The receiving members can be formed from holes, with or without reinforcement, cut into top and bottom sides  22  and  24 , having a sufficient diameter to receive latch elements  16  and  18 . In the preferred embodiment, receiving members  26  are made from hardened metal sleeves flush mounted into top and bottom sides  22  and  24  of the interior surface of the storage compartment, as best shown in  FIG. 1 . Latch element  20  is a horizontal reciprocating latch element aligned to engage the side of the storage compartment where only one door is provided to access the storage compartment. An additional receiving member can be mounted on the side of the storage compartment in order to receive latch element  20  and secure door  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , when two doors are provided which create an entryway into the compartment interior, horizontal reciprocating latch element  20  can be used to secure second door  12  in a closed and locked position. Second door  12  carries a secondary latch assembly  28  on the interior side of door  12  for latching the door in a closed position to prevent access to the storage compartment interior. When doors  10  and  12  are moved to the closed position and primary latch assembly  14  is moved to the engaged position, latch element  20  is moved horizontally to engage a securing bracket  30  and operate secondary latch assembly  28  as described herein below in more detail. In the preferred embodiment, secondary latch assembly  28  includes secondary reciprocating latch elements  32  and  34  vertically aligned to engage receiving members  26  and latch second door  12  in the closed and locked position together with first door  10  and storage compartment B. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , latch assembly  14  is shown with an upper housing  36  ( FIG. 2   a ) removed from lower housing  37  to expose the internal latch assembly components. Bolts  39  ( FIG. 4 ) are used to secure upper housing  36  to lower housing  37 . Latch assembly  14  includes a latch actuator, designated generally as  38 , connected to latch elements  16 ,  18 , and  20 . Latch actuator  38  is operated by an operator  40  ( FIG. 4 ) to move the latch assembly between engaged and disengaged positions, as described further below. In the preferred embodiment, latch actuator  38  is formed using a rack and pinion mechanism where pinion  44  receives operator  40  and is rotated in direction  42 . Toothed pinion  44  meshes with toothed racks  46 ,  48 , and  50  to complete the conversion of rotary movement of the pinion to linear movement of the racks and latch elements to position the latch assembly in the engaged or disengaged position. As pinion  44  is rotated in direction  42  to move primary latch assembly  14  to the engaged position, racks  46 ,  48  and  50  are extended in direction  52   a ,  52   b  and  52   c  simultaneously to force latch elements  16  and  18  into receiving members  26  carried in the top and bottom sides  22  and  24  of storage compartment B. In the preferred embodiment, latch element  20  is forced in direction  52   b  to engage securing bracket  30  and operate secondary latch assembly  28  to secure second door  12  in the closed and locked position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , secondary latch assembly  28  is carried on the interior compartment side of door  12  and includes abutment bar  54  which is engaged by horizontal reciprocating latch element  20 . Abutment bar  54  is pivotally attached to an upper pivot arm, designated generally as  56 , and a lower pivot arm, designated generally as  58 . Pivot arm  56  includes a first arm segment  60  pivotally connected to a mounting bolt  62  at a first end  64 , and a second end  66  pivotally connected to latch element  32 . A second arm segment  68  has a first end  70  pivotally connected to latch element  32  and a second end  72  connected to abutment bar  54 . Lower pivot arm  58  is of the same configuration, only inverted so that first arm segment  76  is pivotally connected to mounting bolt  78  and latch element  34  with second arm segment  77  connecting latch element  34  to abutment bar  54 . As latch element  20  is moved in direction  52   b , abutment bar  54  is engaged and moved in direction  52   d , which forces upper pivot arm  56  to extend in direction  52   e  and lower pivot arm  58  to extend in direction  52   f . As the pivot arms extend, latch element  32  is moved in direction  52   g  to engage receiving member  26  on top side  22  of storage compartment B, while latch element  34  is moved in direction  52   h  to engage receiving member  26  on bottom side  24  of storage compartment B. Because abutment bar  54  is pivotally connected on both ends, a guide member  80  is carried by abutment bar  54  to keep the plate in a fixed vertical position. Guide member  80  is received by guide bracket  82  which maintains abutment bar  54  in proper vertical alignment with horizontal latch element  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a cross section of latch assembly  14  is shown carried on the interior side of door  10  by a mounting plate  84 . Because many doors on storage containers do not have flat surfaces where the latch assembly can be mounted, a mounting plate  84  can be anchored to the door to provide a flat surface for the latch assembly to be carried on the door. As well, the mounting plate provides a solid reinforcing plate that would have to first be defeated before the latch assembly components could be tampered with. In the preferred embodiment, door anchors  86  are inserted into door  10  which provide a reinforced structure to attach mounting plate  84  to the door. Bolts  88  are inserted through mounting plate  84  and into door anchor  86 . As the bolts are tightened into door anchors  86 , mounting plate  84  is secured against door  10  and provides a solid reinforcing structure to the door, which increases the tamper-resistance of the latch assembly and storage compartment door. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , a mounting plate  90  is also used to carry secondary latch assembly  28  on the interior side of door  12 . Plate  90  is also mounted to door  12  as described above using door anchors  86 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , in the preferred embodiment, operator, designated generally as  40 , is shown having a handle  41  attached to a shaft  43  which can be manually operated to engage and disengage latch assembly  14 . Handle  41  is also removable in order to eliminate any security system components on the exterior of door  10 . To engage with pinion  44  ( FIG. 4 ), handle shaft  43  is provided with a key  92  that is received in keyway  94  of pinion  44 . This allows handle  41  to rotate pinion  44  and operate latch assembly  14 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , because operator  40  must be inserted through door  10  to rotate pinion  44 , when operator  40  is removed, a hole is created which can be used to tamper with latch assembly  14 . By simply providing a magnetic key locking cover  96  with a magnetic key  97  (as shown in  FIG. 9 ) mounted to the exterior side of door  10 , the hole can be covered and the latch assembly can not be tampered with. 
     As can best be seen in  FIG. 2 , a master lock assembly  98  is operatively connected to latch assembly  14  for controlling whether latch actuator  38 , and ultimately latch assembly  14 , can be operated between engaged and disengaged positions. Master lock  98  is carried by mounting plate  84  on the interior compartment side of door  10 . Master lock  98  includes a first locking part  100  that interlocks with a second locking part  102  carried by latch actuator  38 . Master lock  98  has a locked position wherein first locking part  100  is locked together with second locking part  102  to prevent latch actuator  38  from moving latch assembly  14  to the disengaged position. Master lock  98  also has an unlocked position wherein first locking part  100  and second locking part  102  are unlocked to allow latch actuator  38  to move latch elements  16 ,  18 , and  20  to the disengaged position which allows doors  10  and  12  to open. In the preferred embodiment, first locking part  100  is a hardened metal deadbolt which can be inserted through opening  104  in lower housing  37  of latch assembly  14 . The deadbolt can be replaced by any member which prevents the latch assembly from moving between engaged and disengaged positions, such as a pin that would be inserted into one of the latch elements. Preferably, the deadbolt interlocks with second locking part  102 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , second locking part  102  is a notch formed in rack  46  which receives first locking part  100 . The notch must be of a sufficient size and depth to receive first locking part  100  and prevent rack  46  from moving. Second locking part  102  may comprise a number of various members, such as a bracket, that can be carried by the latch actuator or other components of the latch assembly that can interlock with first locking part  100  and prevent the latch assembly from operating. In the preferred embodiment, master lock assembly  98  is a mechanical lock capable of retracting first locking part  100  from second locking part  102 . Mechanical locks are well-known in the art, and only a description necessary to the understanding of the present invention is disclosed herein. A suitable mechanical lock is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,142,388. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , master lock assembly  98  ( FIG. 2 ) is operatively associated with a master lock actuator  108  operable from outside the storage compartment through door  10  for moving first locking part  100  to the unlocked position. When latch assembly  14  is in the engaged position with door  10  closed and master lock assembly positioned to the locked position, access to the storage compartment interior is prevented. The master lock actuator must be operated in order to unlock the master lock assembly and allow latch assembly  14  to be moved to the disengaged position so that the door may be opened. In the preferred embodiment, master lock actuator  108  comprises a key which is inserted through a keyhole  107  in door  10  and is received by master lock assembly  98 . Turning master lock actuator  108  unlocks master lock assembly  98  by retracting first locking part  100 , as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,388. A keyhole cover, designated generally as  106 , is provided to prevent tampering with the keyhole that could lead to tampering with master lock assembly  98 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , keyhole cover  106  includes a rotating lid  110  that is used to prevent any tampering with the keyhole itself or the internally mounted security system components. Lid  110  may be locked in a closed position covering keyhole  107  by any number of well known locking means. In an alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 5   a , a tamper-resistant master lock control  112  is provided for controlling operation of master lock assembly  98  between locked and unlocked positions from outside said compartment. The tamper-resistant master lock control has an activated condition wherein the master lock actuator may be operated to unlock the master lock assembly. In the preferred embodiment, tamper-resistant master lock control  112  comprises a combination keypad lock  112  which sets the tamper-resistant master lock control in the activated condition when the correct combination is entered on the combination keypad. Thus, entering the correct code on combination keypad  112  allows master lock assembly  98  to be operated by master lock actuator  108  so that first locking part  100  is retracted from second locking part  102  to allow latch assembly  14  to be moved to the disengaged position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2B , an alternative embodiment is provided wherein master lock assembly  98  includes a solenoid  114  mounted on the interior side of door  10 . Solenoid  114  includes a solenoid arm  116  connected to first locking part  100 . Solenoid arm  116  is extended and retracted by the solenoid to moved first locking part  100  between locked and unlocked positions with second locking part  102 , respectively. Tamper-resistant master lock control  112  is operatively associated with solenoid  114  and has an activated condition wherein the solenoid arm is retracted to move first locking part  100  to the unlocked position, allowing the latch assembly to be disengaged and door to be opened. In this embodiment, tamper-resistant master lock control  112  is an electronic remote control  118  operated from outside the storage compartment. Remote control  118  sets the activated condition of tamper-resistant master lock control  112  for activating solenoid  114  so that solenoid arm  116  moves first locking part  100  to the retracted unlocked position. Referring to  FIG. 7 , remote control  118  transmits a signal to an antenna  120  which sends that signal to a solenoid control  122 . Solenoid control  122  may be a simple switch which completes a circuit or a microprocessor requiring a particular signal or code in order to activate the solenoid and set the activated condition from the remote control. The solenoid control then allows power from power supply  124  to flow to solenoid  114  and retract solenoid arm  116 . When the signal stops, solenoid control  122  shuts off power to the solenoid, which then extends solenoid arm  116 , by way of gravity, spring or other well known means, to interlock first locking part  100  with second locking part  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a particularly advantageous embodiment of tamper-resistant master lock control  112  is provided. In  FIG. 9 , the tamper-resistant master lock control is incorporated into handle  41  of operator  40 . The tamper-resistant master lock control includes a keypad  126  operatively associated with solenoid control  122  for controlling activation of solenoid  114  ( FIG. 7 ). As described above, master lock assembly  98  includes a solenoid with a solenoid arm  116  that is extended and retracted by the solenoid to move first locking part  100  between locked and unlocked positions with second locking part  102 , respectively. Solenoid control  122 , incorporated into handle  41 , includes a microprocessor in electronic communication with electronic keypad  126 . The microprocessor receives an activation code from electronic keypad  126  to provide the activated condition for the tamper-resistant master lock control. Thus, when the correct code is entered on electronic keypad  126 , the microprocessor sends code and power from power supply  124 , incorporated into handle  41 , along pathway  125 . A second solenoid control  123  is proved within the compartment interior for receiving the code and power. If the corrected code is received by second solenoid control  123 , power is then sent to solenoid  114  to retract first locking part  100 . In order to transfer power and code from operator  40  to second solenoid control  123  and solenoid  114 , shaft  43  includes a first contact  91  for providing electronic communication with a second contact  93  carried within the compartment interior by latch assembly  14 . When shaft  43  is inserted into pinion  44 , first contact  91  is aligned with second contact  93  to provide a transfer point for both power and code from solenoid control  122  to second solenoid control  123 . If the entered code corresponds to an unlock command retained by second solenoid control  123 , power from power supply  124  is sent to solenoid  114  to retract first locking part  100  to allow operator  40  to rotate pinion  44  and disengage latch assembly  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an alternative embodiment for the security system is shown. Latch actuator, designated generally as  38 , includes a rotary hub  128  carried by the interior side of door  10 . Operator  40  is connectable to the rotary hub from outside the storage compartment and is rotatable to rotate the hub inside the compartment. Rotary hub  128  includes a plurality of latch arms  130 ,  132  and  134  connecting to the latch elements. Latch elements  16 ,  18  and  20  are pivotally connected to the latch arms so that when the hub is rotated to move the latch assembly to the engaged position, latch element  16  extends in direction  52   a , latch element  18  extends in direction  52   c  and latch element  20  extends in direction  52   b  to latch with the storage compartment or engaged secondary latch assembly as described previously above. An additional latch arm  136  includes second locking part  102  for interlocking with first locking part  100  to prevent rotary hub  128  from rotating. Master lock actuator, designated generally as  108 , includes a handle  138  operable from outside the storage compartment through door  10  for moving first locking part  100 . Handle  138  is connected to lifting bar  140  so that when handle  138  is moved in direction  52   i , lifting bar  140  is moved in direction  52   j  along with first locking part  100 . However, master lock assembly, designated generally as  98 , includes a stop  142  which must be moved before master lock actuator  108  may be operated. Stop  142  is pivotally attached to the interior side of door  10  above first locking part  100  to prevent movement of the first locking part to the unlocked position. Master lock assembly  98  further includes a solenoid  144  operatively associated with stop  142 . The solenoid includes a solenoid arm  146  and a connector linkage  148  connecting the solenoid arm to stop  142 . Solenoid arm  146  is retracted by solenoid  144 , as described above, to move stop  142  in direction  52   k  to allow movement of first locking part  100  in direction  52   j . A tamper-resistant master lock control, designated generally as  112 , is operatively associated with solenoid  144  and includes an activated condition wherein solenoid arm  146  is retracted. In the preferred embodiment of the security system shown in  FIG. 6 , tamper-resistant master lock control  112  includes an electronic remote control operable from outside the storage compartment and sets the activated condition for activating solenoid  144  as described in detail above. In a further advantageous embodiment of the security system shown in  FIG. 6 , tamper-resistant master lock control  112  includes a combination lock operated from outside the storage compartment which is directly connected to stop  142 . Entering the correct combination sets the activated condition which allows the combination lock to rotate and move stop  142  in direction  52   k  to allow movement of first locking part  100 . The combination lock can also be unlocked through use of a key or other well known means for operating locks. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an alternative embodiment for the security system is shown. In this embodiment, master lock actuator  98  and operator  40  have been combined to provide a single handle for moving first locking part  100  and rotating latch actuator  128 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , a latch actuator is provided in the form of a rotary hub  128  pivotally connected to the interior of door  10  with latch arms  130 ,  132  and  134  connected to latch elements  16 ,  18  and  20 . Handle  150  on the outside of the storage compartment is connected through door  10  to bar  152  for rotating rotary hub  128  and lifting first locking part  100 . Latch arm  136  includes an extended portion  154  with a rounded outer edge  156 . The extended portion of latch arm  136  is connected to bar  152  by linkage  158 , which is pivotally attached to both bar  152  and extend portion  154  of latch arm  136 . Extended portion  154  further includes second locking part  102  for receiving first locking part  100  as described in detail above. When handle  150  is moved in direction  521 , bar  152  is moved in direction  52   m  which first raises first locking part  100  in direction  52   m  before rotating hub  128 . Bracket  160  is provided which helps maintain first locking part in proper vertical alignment with second locking part  102 . As rotary hub  128  is moved in direction  52   n , rounded outer portion  156  of extended portion  154  of latch arm  136  allows first locking part  100  to ride along the edge as the hub is rotated. When the hub is moved back to the engaged position opposite direction  52   n , first locking part  100  will drop into second locking part  102  and prevent the hub from rotating. As was described in detail above, a stop  142  is provided for preventing first locking part  100  from being moved. The stop is connected to a solenoid  114  operated associated with a tamper-resistant master lock control of the type disclosed above. 
     As seen in reference to  FIG. 10  is an alternative embodiment of a security device which may b positioned externally. Security device  200  defines a first securement member  210  which is adapated for engaging a bar on the external of tractor trailer or intermodal container. A second securement member  220  is positioned on the opposite end of security device  200 . As seen, the second securement member  220  is adapted for the engagement of at least one of a bar location of an intermodal container or alternatively engaging a tractor trailer bar location. While the illustrated embodiment illustrates a third securement member  230 , such a configuration is optional and is not preferred unless all three bars exist on a container to be secured. As further seen in  FIG. 10 , a top surface  202  of the security device  200  defines a tapered face that facilitates water runoff. A plurality of clear lenses  204  are designed to allow for the transmission of light so that a solar panel (not illustrated) can be used to power the internal electronics of a locking mechanism including keeping charged a rechargeable battery. 
     Set forth in  FIGS. 11 and 12  are schematic views of an alternative locking device showing the unlocked  FIG. 11  and locked  FIG. 12  positions of the security apparatus. As seen in  FIG. 12 , a solenoid  242  may be used to engage a latch  240  which as seen in  FIG. 12  provides a locking force around the container bar. Since the opposing bar is secured by respective securement members  220  and  210  on opposite sides of the central door seam, when the security device  200  is engaged, the doors of the container cannot be opened. For purposes of illustration,  FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate a rear view of the device  200 . The back housing member which encloses and helps secure the electronics and locking member are not illustrated. 
     As seen in reference to  FIG. 13 , the security device  200  is shown in an unlocked state and is able to swivel about the container bar associated with securement member  210 . This allows the security device  200  to be pivoted out of the way so that the doors may be opened and then pivoted back into place such that securement member  220  will come into contact with the associated container bar such that the security device when actuated secures the respective bars together, thereby preventing opening of the container doors. 
     It is understood and appreciated that the electronic locking mechanisms of the various embodiments may take a variety of forms. There are a number of electronic locks and solenoid controlled locking mechanisms that may be utilized to provide the internal locking mechanism for the illustrated embodiments of both the interior cargo security systems as well as the external security device. 
     For the various embodiments set forth herein using an electronic locking and unlocking mechanism, another aspect of the present invention is to provide a wireless receiver in communication with the solenoid or other electronic locking mechanisms such that the engagement and disengagement of a lock can be controlled by an external signal. Preferably, the receivers associated with the locking apparatus are responsive to a signal transmitted via a Bluetooth® device which must transmit a predetermined PIN number in order to unlock the device. The nature of Bluetooth® technology is such that the Bluetooth® device does not have to be in an active service area in order to transmit the proper signal. Alternatively, the receiver can be receptive to a unique tone from a touch tone phone. 
     Using Bluetooth® and other radio control enabled devices allow for a wide variety of varying levels of security to be adopted for the security device. In the simplest embodiment, the Bluetooth® receiver can be “open” such that any Bluetooth® transmitter which transmits a proper coded sequence will activate the locking mechanism. However, whenever increased security is desired, software associated with the receiver and circuit boards comprising the electronics of the locking mechanism can be configured so that only authenticated wireless devices may be able to transmit the proper codes. In other words, a non-authenticated cell phone, even if transmitting the proper code sequence, will not be recognized. 
     Additionally, the locking mechanism can be in communication with one or more GPS location devices such that the proper Bluetooth® code will only be accepted by the security device within a defined geographic region (geofencing). This provides additional protection such that even individuals having access to the code are unable to access the container contents until the container is physically present within a defined geographic location. 
     As part of the communication protocol between the wireless device and the security device, appropriate software, operating systems, and hardware can be present in both the authorized wireless device and the security device such that the security device and/or wireless device maintains a log of locking and unlocking events, including capturing identifying information of the wireless device used. The monitoring software can also be integrated with inventory management tools such as using RFID technology to monitor and track inventory. The wireless device can be used to generate inventory and manifests at each point when the container is accessed. One such example of an inventory manifest can be seen in reference to  FIG. 14 . 
     Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, devices, and methods, such description is for illustrative purposes only. The words used are words of description rather than of limitation. It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged, both in whole, or in part. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained therein.