Patent Publication Number: US-2021172202-A1

Title: Electronic locking apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/943,564 filed on Dec. 4, 2019, entitled “TOOL ALARM LOCKING APPARATUS,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The embodiments relate to locks and, more specifically, to electronic locks to secure tools. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Locking devices are commonly used to protect property, such as real estate, bicycles, and other personal items. Historically, mechanical locks utilize a mechanical fastening device that is released by a physical object (such as a key, keycard, fingerprint, RFID card, or similar device), or by supplying information (such as a number or letter combination or a password). 
     Tools are a common target of theft from both jobsites and homes. Existing locking devices include lockboxes and tool locks, which rely on traditional locking mechanisms. Such existing devices may be tampered with by lockpicks, cutters, angle grinders, and other tools. 
     While many locks are constructed of resilient materials, such as hardened metals, to increase the integrity of the device and prevent the ability to forcibly open the lock, given the proper tools, skilled thieves are often still able to remove the lock from whatever item it is securing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     The embodiments provided herein disclose an electronic locking apparatus, including a housing having a locking mechanism to accept a key. A cable is attached to the left side of the housing and extends to a first end, including a locking base. The locking base releasably engages with a receiver positioned on the housing. The locking mechanism selectively engages and releases the locking base from the receiver. The cable is dimensioned to secure a toolbox to permit unauthorized entry thereto. An alarm system includes at least one audio element and at least one visual element and is in electrical communication with the cable to determine if the cable is tampered with. An interface is in operable communication with the alarm system to permit the user to select alarm instructions of the alarm system. The electronic locking apparatus may be readily deployed on various toolbox configurations to secure the toolbox when in a locked configuration. 
     In one aspect, the alarm system comprises a memory configured to store alarm instructions. 
     In one aspect, the alarm instructions instruct the audio element to produce sound through at least one speaker positioned on the housing. 
     In one aspect, the alarm instructions instruct the visual element to emit light via an LED positioned on the housing. 
     In one aspect, the alarm system further comprises a transceiver to emit an alert signal to a remote device. 
     In one aspect, the locking base is configured as an elongated member capable of at least partially extending through an aperture at a center of the receiver. 
     In one aspect, the housing includes a pivotable door to permit access to an interior of the housing. 
     In one aspect, the locking mechanism includes one of a keyed cylinder, a combination cam, and an electronic cam including a fingerprint scanner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the tool alarm locking apparatus securing a toolbox, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the housing and internal components of the electronic locking apparatus, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the electronic locking apparatus and locking mechanism, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the housing of the electronic locking apparatus, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cutaway view of the power switch and power source of the electronic locking apparatus; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the electronic locking apparatus, according to some embodiments; and 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a block diagram of the alarm system, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to a system and method of use. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom. 
     Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to the system and method. Accordingly, the system components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. 
     As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second”, “top” and bottom”, and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. 
     In general, the embodiments provided herein relate to an electronic locking apparatus for a toolbox or other selectively openable container. The electronic locking apparatus includes an alarm, which is activated when the electronic locking apparatus and/or the toolbox is tampered with. The electronic locking apparatus may be readily deployed on various toolbox configurations to secure the toolbox when in a locked configuration. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the electronic locking apparatus  100  configured to secure and lock a toolbox  103  via cable  104  extending around the toolbox to prevent the toolbox  103  from being opened and/or tampered with. The illustrated example in  FIG. 1  shows the electronic locking apparatus  100  in a locked configuration wherein the cable  104  extends around the toolbox  103  and prevents the doors  106 ,  108  from being opened. Once in the locked configuration, the electronic locking apparatus  100  is armed and capable of emitting audible and visual alarms, as well as transmitting alerts to a remote device. 
     The alarmed locking apparatus  100  may be configured to secure various toolbox  103  configurations, including tool cabinets, tool sheds, toolboxes (portable or stationary), or other containers wherein tools are stored. The alarmed locking apparatus  100  may be especially useful for situations wherein tools are left unattended for long periods of time, making them vulnerable to theft or tampering. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the housing  200  and internal components of the electronic locking apparatus  100 . The housing  200  comprises a locking mechanism having a receiver  204  to releasably engage with the locking base  306  (see  FIG. 3 ). A speaker  208  is operable to produce a sound upon reception of an alarm signal to act as a theft deterrent. The housing  200  provides protection from debris, moisture, shock, and tampering of the internal components of the electronic locking apparatus  100 . A cavity  210  is provided within the housing  200  for the electrical components to be disposed therein, including a PCB, microprocessor, transceiver, power source (e.g., batteries), and necessary wiring. 
     In some embodiments, the power source may include lithium batteries, rechargeable batteries, solar cells, or other power sources known in the arts. Further, the electronic locking apparatus  100  may include an external power source. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the electronic locking apparatus  100  and locking mechanism  300 . The locking mechanism  300  is at least partially disposed through a sidewall  301  of the housing  200  and is configured to accept a key  303  to lock and unlock the locking mechanism  300  during use. In the illustrated example, the electronic locking apparatus  100  is illustrated in a locked configuration with the locking base  306  engaged with the receiver  204 . An interface  305  is provided to allow the user to activate and deactivate the alarm system. The interface may include one or more buttons, one or more displays (e.g., touch screen displays, interactive displays, and the like), one or more indicators  307  (e.g., LED lights), and the like. Indicator  307  is illustrated in an exemplary embodiment to show how an indicator, such as an LED light, may be positioned on any surface of the housing  200 . The locking base  306  is disposed at a first end  309  of the cable  104  to connect and disconnect from the receiver  204  when the key  303  is turned. In such, the locking mechanism  300  is in communication with the receiver  204  to retain the locking base  306  therein when the key  303  is turned to the locked position. A second end  311  of the cable  104  is attached to the housing  200  to provide a closed loop once the locking base  306  at the first end  309  is engaged with the receiver  204 . 
     In some embodiments, the interface  305  allows the user to select from a plurality of preprogrammed operational settings stored in a memory. For example, the user may cycle through alarm settings, e.g., the volume, intensity, pitch, and sequence of sound emitted from the speaker, or visual alarms, such as the color, intensity, or sequence of the LED lights. In another example, the interface  305  may allow the user to turn the electronic locking apparatus  100  to the ON function or OFF function. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the housing of the electronic locking apparatus  100  wherein the back surface  400  of the housing  200  at least partially includes the speaker  208  to emit sound when the alarm system is activated. The key  303  is engaged within the locking mechanism  300  to allow the user to connect and disconnect the locking base  306  from the receiver  204 . 
     In some embodiments, and in further reference to  FIG. 4 , the housing  200  may include a first half  402  and a second half  404 , which are separable via the locking mechanism  300  to permit the user to access internal components of the electronic locking apparatus  100 , such as to replace the batteries. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a cutaway view of the power switch  500  and power source  501  provided within the interior  503  of the housing  200 . Illustrated are batteries  505  providing power via electrical circuitry known in the arts. The power switch  500  may function to turn the device ON and OFF, or to activate and deactivate the alarm. The power switch  500  is disposed in the interior  503  such that the user must have the key  303  to unlock the door  603  (see  FIG. 6 ) and access the power switch  500 . In such, the apparatus  100  cannot be powered off accidentally or intentionally without the key  303 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the electronic locking apparatus  100  having the locking base  306  disengaged from the receiver  204 . The locking base  306  includes an elongated member  600  configured to extend at least partially through an aperture  601  in the center of the receiver  204 . A door  603  is pivotally engaged with a top side  605  of the housing  200  to permit the user to access and interact with the interior  503  of the housing  200 . A cable retainer  607  may be provided on the left side  609  of the housing  200  such that the user may wrap the cable  104  for organization when not in use. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a block diagram of the alarm system  700  including a memory  710  to store alarm instructions  715  and programmed having alarm protocols such as light intensities and sequences provided by the visual elements  730 . The alarm instructions  715  may also include sound frequencies, intensity, and sequences provided by the audio elements  740 . A printed circuit board (PCB)  720  is provided in communication with the cable  104  to determine if the cable  104  has been tampered with. The interface  305  allows the user to select alarm instruction  715  or other operational functions of the apparatus  100  as described herein. The power source  501  provides electrical power to the components of the alarm system  700 . A transceiver  750  sends and receives signals to and from a remote device  760  in the event the cable  104  is severed or otherwise tampered with, and an alarm is activated. The remote device  760  may be a smartphone, tablet, computer, or other electronic device capable of sending and receiving information over a network. The remote device  760  may belong to the owner of the tools, a jobsite manager, local authorities, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the alarm system  700  in the activated state is configured to produce an auditory alarm when the locking mechanism  300  is tampered with. An interface  305  may be provided on the locking base  306  to display the status of the locking indicator  307  and/or to provide a user interface for the user when locking and unlocking the apparatus  100 . An indicator  307  may be provided on the locking base  306  to indicate the status of the locking mechanism  300  (such as by indicating a locked or unlocked status). The indicator  307  and interface  305  may function as visual alarm systems if the apparatus  100  is tampered with. 
     In some embodiments, the alarm system  700  is triggered when an alarm indicator  307  is severed, thus breaking a circuit which triggers an alarm response. 
     In some embodiments, the alarm system  700  further comprises a visual alarm. The visual alarm may be at least one strobe light, flashing LED(s), or similar visual element. 
     In some embodiments, locking base  306  may also include one or more status indicators  307 . Status indicators  307  may be configured to provide a locked status of the tool lock and/or to alert a user when a communication was received by the system. Status indicators  307  may include light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s), speakers, and/or other audio and/or visual indicator of a particular status. As just one example, an LED may be illuminated in red to show that a particular tool lock is currently locked, while an LED (the same or different) may be illuminated in green to show that the tool lock is unlocked and disarmed. It will be appreciated that any indicator device, such as a speaker or interface display screen may be usable as a status indicator. 
     In some embodiments, the lock arm is an elongate U-shape. The lock arm may have a first end pivotably engaged within the locking base  306  and a second end selectively engageable within a receiving cavity of the locking mechanism  300 . The lock arm may alternatively comprise a plurality of links so as to be flexibly wrapped around and through the tools. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus  100  is operable using an application provided on a mobile device. The apparatus  100  may utilize Bluetooth or similar communication means to communicate with a mobile device and permit the user to control the various features of the apparatus  100  using the mobile device. For example, the user may download an application using their mobile device to permit the user to lock, unlock, or receive alerts from the apparatus  100  via the mobile device. In another example, the alarm signal may be transmitted to the mobile device if the apparatus is tampered with. 
     The apparatus  100  may also include one or more securement mechanisms. Securement mechanisms may be chains, rods, and/or other flexible and/or rigid components that may be used to secure a tool to another object such as a structure, toolbox, tool chest, lockbox, or other item known in the arts. The securement mechanism may be used in combination with the cable  104 , or as a cable replacement to suit specific requirements, such as uniquely shaped, dimensioned or arranged toolboxes. Securement mechanisms often include metallic components that are resistant to cutting and other forces that may break the securement mechanism. At least one end of each securement mechanism may be removably secured within the locking base  306 . For example, a lock latch or other mating feature may be provided at one end of the securement mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, the cable  104  is made of a cut-resistant material. In such, the cable  104  is tamperproof without the use of advanced cutting equipment. Electrical wiring may be disposed within the cut-resistant material such that if the cut-resistant material is breached, broken, or severed the alarm will be activated. 
     In some embodiments, the alarm system  700  includes a power source  501 , a microprocessor in operable communication with the power source  501 , and an interface  305  in operational communication with the microprocessor. The microprocessor places the alarm system  700  in the activated state when the locking mechanism  300  is engaged. The interface  305  is used to place the alarm system  700  in the deactivated state. The interface  305  may include a plurality of control buttons and an interface display screen. The alarm system  700  may further comprise a transceiver  750  chip in operational communication with the microprocessor to allow for remote notification of an alarm to a personal electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes one of a keyed cylinder and combination cam, or an electronic cam including a fingerprint scanner or similar biometric scanner. The locking mechanism  300  may thus be locked and unlocked using a key  303 , a combination dial, or a fingerprint, respectively. 
     An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.