Abstract:
A method for controlling access to a storage unit owned by an owner, wherein a renter has access to the storage unit unless the owner receives the legal right to deny the renter access to the storage unit and decides to do so. In this method, the storage unit is secured by a lock that is, at least in part, controlled by the renter. A remotely controllable lockout assembly, however, is capable of over locking the storage unit so that the renter can no longer gain entry when the lockout assembly is activated. The method includes remotely controlling the lockout assembly to deny the renter access to the unit when the owner receives the legal right to deny the renter access to the storage unit and decides to do so.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/821,700, filed Jun. 25, 2007, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/174,714 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,236,085, filed Jun. 18, 2002. The complete disclosure of these applications are incorporated here by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Self-storage units, in the United States, are typically rented on a monthly basis with the rent for each month being due on the first day of that month. If the rent is not paid by the tenth day of the month, the owner of the facility gains the legal right to lock out the renter, so that the renter no longer has access to the storage unit. Accordingly, on the eleventh day of each month, the manager of a self-storage facility typically has the task of walking around the facility and over locking all of the units for which the renter of the unit has not paid his rent for the current month. This is done by placing an additional lock on the storage unit door, through a hasp specially set for this purpose. For a large facility with hundreds of storage units this task can take two to four hours. 
     Another characteristic of self-storage facilities is that they are typically fenced and gated. The gate is controlled by a keypad that is linked to a computer. Each renter is associated with a key sequence that the renter enters into the keypad in order to enter and exit the facility. The computer notes the renter&#39;s presence in the facility. The computer to which the keypad is linked typically runs a computer program specially designed for facilitating the management of a self-storage facility. When a renter pays his or her rent, this information is logged into the computer. Accordingly, on the eleventh day of the month it is a simple matter to obtain a list of unit numbers for which the rent has not been paid. 
     Although self-storage unit renters are typically careful to secure their goods, in a large facility with hundreds of renters there are likely to be a fair number of instances, every month, of a renter forgetting to lock his unit when he has completed his tasks at the facility and is prepared to leave. This, of course, leaves the storage unit vulnerable to thievery. Every instance of thievery lowers the reputation of the facility and results in a certain amount of extra work for the manager. 
     It is an unfortunate truth of the self-storage industry that some facility managers engage in thievery. Although the tenant places his own lock on a unit, a manager may be quite knowledgeable about locks and may know how to pick a lock, or even have another key that works for the lock, in his collection of locks and keys that are used for over locking units. Accordingly, many renters would appreciate some additional assurance that their goods are safe from a thieving manager when locked in the storage unit. 
     Thieves that break into storage lockers by cutting off the lock constitute another problem for storage facility owners, operators and renters. Addressing this problem, locks that include an alarm mechanism that makes an audible sound or transmits a radio frequency signal are known in the prior art. There could be a problem in the use of these locks in a facility with hundreds of locked units, however, because it would not be immediately evident which lock was producing the alarm signal. 
     Another problem encountered in the self-storage industry is that of renters losing their keys. Because a key to a rental unit is not an item that would typically be used on an everyday basis, many renters may place this key in a location that is subsequently forgotten. When this happens, the lock must be cut off the storage unit, creating more work for the facility manager and an unwanted expense to the renter. 
     SUMMARY 
     A method will be described for controlling access to a storage unit using an overlock assembly including a processor operably connected to a transceiver and an actuator linked to a moving arm. The method may comprise payment by a user of at least one periodic payment for access to the storage unit, recording each periodic payment in a computer with memory and a transceiver, the computer located remotely from the storage unit and the overlock assembly. Following a grace period initiated by the user failing to remit the periodic payment, a first coded signal may be transmitted from the computer to the overlock assembly and on receiving the first coded signal at the overlock assembly transceiver moving the arm of the overlock assembly to an overlock position to prevent access to the storage unit and operating the overlock assembly in an overlock state. 
     An overlock system for use with a secured space will also be described comprising a computer including a computer transceiver configured to send a first coded signal, computer memory for recording transactions and a program for recording scheduled periodic payments associated with the secured space by a user as well as an overlock assembly that includes an arm that moves between an overlock position and an open position, an overlock transceiver for receiving coded signals from the computer, a power supply and a logic unit operably connected to the power supply and the overlock transceiver. Following a grace period starting subsequent to a lapse in payments of the scheduled periodic payments the computer may generate the first coded signal and on receiving the first coded signal the overlock assembly operates in an overlock state and sets the arm to the overlock position preventing access to the secured space. 
     The foregoing and other objectives, features and advantages will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a lock. 
         FIG. 2  is an interior view of the lock of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an another interior view of a lock. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of a storage unit locking apparatus. 
         FIG. 4A  is an illustration of an installed overlock system. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of a computer monitor display that shows graphics for programming and monitoring a storage facility. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram that describes, at least in part, operation of a locking system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show a combination lock  10 , having a keypad  12 , on the face of a lock body  14 , adapted to accept and recognize a combination entered by a user. Keypad  12  is preferably a water-tight membrane dome type. The recognition task requires electric power, which may be provided by batteries  16 . If the entered code matches a set code in a logic mechanism  18  and if the lock is in user controlled state (see below), a solenoid  20  retaining a shackle  24  is placed in a state that permits shackle  24  to be pulled outwardly from body  14 , thereby freeing a shorter leg  50  of the shackle  24 . Springs  26  urge the shackle  24  upwards into an open state.  FIG. 3  is an electronic key lock  30  that uses a magnetic key reader  32  to read a magnetically encoded key  34 . The following disclosure applies to lock  30  as well as lock  10  with all references to a “combination” modified to refer to a key  34 . 
     As noted in the Background section, most self-storage facilities are operated on a month-to-month rental basis. Rent is typically due on the first of each month and in most American states, if the renter has failed to pay by the tenth day of the new month, the owner of the facility receives the right to deny the renter access to her storage unit. To facilitate this denial of access, the lock  10  includes an automatic lockout feature. A radio frequency (RF) transceiver  40 , inside lock  10  is capable of receiving a coded message that places the lock  10  in a lockout or overlock state, wherein lock  10  remains locked even if the correct combination is entered into the keypad  12  and received by logic unit  18 . If the lock  10  is in lockout state, the user, upon depressing any keypad key, is advised by a red light  44  that the lock  10  is in the lockout state and that he should see the facility manager, rather than attempting to unlock the lock  10 . After the combination is entered a green light  42  advises the renter that the lock  10  is open. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the remotely controlled lockout system is implemented by a separate, remotely controlled, door lock  46 . For example, a mechanism could be provided on the inside of a storage unit door  45  that could be automatically activated to prevent the door from opening. One advantage of having the lockout unit  46  placed inside the storage unit is that unit  46  could receive electrical power from the same source that powers the storage unit interior light. A separately lockable small door  48  could provide exterior access to unit  46 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A  a remotely controlled lockout system or overlock system  58  similar to  FIG. 4  is illustrated in more detail. Door lock or overlock assembly  46  is shown with door  45  providing access to a secured space or rental storage unit. Overlock assembly  46  is shown here including an arm or moving arm  60  and an overlock solenoid or other actuator  62  coupled to arm  60  by a link  62 A. 
     Operation of actuator  62  may move arm  60  between an open or disengaged position that allows entry to the storage unit and an overlock, secured or engaged position which engages a portion of door  45  such as a hasp, plate or receiver  60 A. Arm  60  is shown moved to the overlock or engaged position from an open position which is indicated by the dotted lines. In the overlock position movement of door  45  relative to the storage unit is limited. Overlock assembly  46  may further include a logic unit or overlock processor  64  operably connected to actuator  62 , overlock memory  65 , a power supply  66  and a transceiver  68 . Power supply  66  may include power storage such as a battery and may be connected to line power  66 A in order to provide a charge to power supply  66 . 
       FIG. 4A  further includes a computer  70  with a computer transceiver  70 A and a wireless modem or repeater  72 . Transceiver  68  of overlock assembly  46  may be configured to communicate with computer  70  which runs a program recording transactions or periodic payments by users. Communication between computer transceiver  70 A and overlock transceiver  68  may use radio frequency signals and some signals may be relayed between computer  70  and transceiver  68  by repeater or modem  72 . Transceiver  68 , repeater or modem  72  and computer transceiver  70 A may use directional antennas to increase signal strength between communicating units. Overlock assembly  46  may operate in a user controlled state, an open state or an overlock state. 
     Overlock assembly  46  in response to a first signal from computer  70  may go into the overlock state with arm  60  in an engaged position. The first signal may be generated at the end of a grace period initiated by a scheduled periodic payment not being paid. The overlock state prevents user access to the storage unit when the appropriate fee for the storage unit is overdue. In response to a second signal from computer  70  overlock assembly  46  may go into the open state with arm  60  in an open position. 
     Signals between overlock assembly  46  and computer  70  may be coded signals. Where multiple overlock assemblies communicate with a single computer  70 , coded signals may include an “address” or unique identifier for a specific overlock assembly. Each overlock assembly may be associated with one unique identifier. By sending a coded signal from computer  70  all overlock assemblies may receive the coded signal but only the specific overlock assembly associated with the unique identifier may respond to the coded signal. Coded signals may also incorporate security methods such as encryption to prevent unauthorized access to overlock system  46 A. 
     Where overlock assembly  46  includes memory storing a code and a code interface as discussed below, and in response to a second coded signal overlock assembly  46  may operate in a user controlled state and arm  60  may remain in a locked position. While overlock assembly  46  operates in the user controlled state, when a user enters a code at the code interface that correlates to the code in memory, arm  60  may move to the open position. 
     Overlock assembly  46  may further include an override  74  that provides an alternate method for disengaging arm  60  from plate  60 A in the case of equipment failure. Override  74  may comprise a locked door or panel as discussed above. 
     Alternatively or in addition, override  74  may be a key mechanism that on inserting a compatible key will disengage one or more elements retaining arm  60  in the engaged position. Arm  60  may be spring biased. Moving arm  60  to an engaged position may bias the spring means so that in response to disengaging any couplings or coupled elements, arm  60  will automatically move to the open position. 
     Alternatively or in addition, override  74  may be a manual override system. This may allow a user inside the storage unit to manually disengage or override the position of arm  60  from inside the unit and provide egress from the unit. 
     Overlock assembly  46  may include a position sensor  76  operably connected to processor  64  that responds to the position of arm  60  or cycling of arm  60  between the open position and the closed position. An access record with a timestamp may be created for each cycle of arm  60  and stored in memory  65 . The access record may be transmitted as a coded position signal to computer  70 . On receiving the coded position signal, computer  70  may generate a message to the user. The message may be an email as described above or may be a text or voice message to a telephone. 
     Alternatively or in addition, transceiver  68  may function as a cell phone. Repeater  72  may be a cell phone tower and overlock transceiver  68  may send coded signals to repeater  72  acting as a cell phone tower which then connects with computer  70 , or a customer device such as computer  70 B configured with cell phone functionality. 
     Overlock assembly  46  may further include a status sensor  78  operably connected to processor  64 . Status sensor  78  may respond to motion, flame, heat, temperature, moisture, smoke or other stimulus. Status sensor  78  on detecting a stimulus may send a signal to processor  64 . Processor  64  may then generate a coded status signal indicating an appropriate response is required. 
     Overlock assembly  46  may be used in conjunction with a user operated lock assembly or system  80 . User operated lock assembly  80  is shown in dotted lines as it may be positioned on the outside of the storage unit. User operated lock assembly  80  as shown includes a lock processor  84  operably connected to a code interface  82 , depicted here as a keypad, a lock power supply  86 , lock memory  88  and a lock actuator  90 . Lock actuator  90  may be connected to one or more lock arms  92 . Lock arms  92  may move in response to operation of lock actuator  90  between open and locked positions. In a locked position arm  92  may engage a second plate or receiver  92 A of door  45 . 
     A user may enter an access code at code interface  82  that is compared to a code stored in lock memory  88 . When the entered code and the stored code correlate, processor  84  may operate lock actuator  90 . In response arm  92  may move to an open position to allow entry to the storage unit. Lock assembly  80  as shown here is an example. Lock assembly  80  could be any configuration that performs similar functions. 
     Lock  80  may be completely separate and operate independently from overlock assembly  46 . For example, lock assembly  80  may be a mechanical padlock where a key or a combination is entered at code interface  82 . The correct key or combination may cause lock arm  92  to move to an open position and allow entry to the storage unit while overlock assembly  46  is operating in the open state. 
     Alternatively, lock  80  may be partly or fully integrated into overlock assembly  46 . Arms  60  and  92  may be a single unit. The functions of other components such as processors  64  and  84  may also be integrated into a single unit. Overlock assembly  46  may include code interface  82  and memory  65  may store a code. Actuators, links and arms of the lock and overlock can be implemented in a variety of configurations that are well known to those with ordinary skill in the art. Components used may include solenoids, piezoelectrics, screw drives, linear drives, motors, mechanical links and levers or no links at all. The configurations shown are examples for illustration. 
     While for the purposes of illustration lock assembly  80  is shown mounted on an outside surface, and overlock assembly  46  is shown on an inside surface, these systems can be located on door  45  on a wall, on an inside surface or an outside surface. Regardless of the placement, arms  60  and/or  92  when moved to secure or overlock positions limit relative movement between the storage unit and door  45 . And while these examples may refer to a storage unit, this disclosure will apply to any secured space where a user pays periodic fees for access. 
     Currently, several computer programs are available for facilitating the management of a self-storage facility by, for example (see  FIG. 5 ), displaying a map  160  of the facility with each unit  162  color coded to indicate its status, ie, whether the unit is rented out, whether the rent has been paid for month, etc. When a renter pays her rent for the month, this information is entered into the program and is immediately available. Referring to  FIG. 6 , which shows a flow chart of the remote station system logic  110 , the computer automatically places in lockout state all of the units for which rent is delinquent (decision box  112 , leading to lock out state block  114 ). When the renter subsequently pays her rent (decision box  116 ), the lockout state is changed to a user controlled state (state block  118 ), for as long as the renter is in the facility (decision box  120 ). Whenever the renter is not in the facility (as indicated by the gate entrance and exit keypads) the lock  10  is placed in a temporary lockout state (state block  122 ). 
     Lock  10  transmits a signal to the remote station. Every lock  10  sends a unique identifying code every time it communicates with the remote station, so that the remote station can associate the communication with the storage unit and renter. In one use of this lock  10  transmit capability, a message is sent advising the remote station when the lock  10  has been placed in an unlocked state and when it has then been placed into a locked state. If a unit is unlocked when the renter enters his keypad combination to leave the facility, he is automatically notified of this condition so that he can return to relock his unit. 
     Lock  10  may also have an alarm feature. A short arm  50  of shackle  24  touches a short arm switch  52  and a shackle long arm  54  touches a long arm switch  56 . If both switches are opened, no alarm is given because this is a normal open state condition. But if the long arm switch  56  is opened while the short arm switch remains closed, then the shackle must have been cut (long arm  54  is urged outwardly by the spring action of switch assembly  52 ). In response an RF alarm signal, including the unique lock identifying code, is sent to the remote station. 
     Sometimes renters forget the combination, or in the case of a key lock, lose the key  34 . In addition, there may be unforeseeable emergency reasons for needing to enter a storage unit, or the local police may serve a search warrant for a rental unit. In the past any such occurrence has typically resulted in the lock shackle being cut and a new lock being placed on the unit door. With lock  10 , however, a new combination may be uploaded into lock  10  from the remote location by radio frequency ( FIG. 6 , block  124 ), thereby sparing the facility manager from the task of walking to the storage unit and cutting off the lock. A request for a lock reprogramming (decision box  126 ), may be followed up with some evidence to show that the renter has approved the request (decision box  128 , see below). The reprogram feature could also be used to enable the facility manager to enter the unit in the event that the renter is so far behind in his rent payments that the owner has received the legal right to gain entry to the unit for the purpose of initiating sale of the renters possessions, in lieu of receiving rent payment (decision box  130 ). In this event, reprogramming would be permitted and the renter&#39;s combination would be deactivated (block  132 ). 
     The remote station&#39;s ability to change the combination to a lock  10  raises the possibility of a thieving manager changing the combination to a lock  10  for the purpose of being able to open the lock  10  and stealing unit contents. There are, however, a few natural safeguards against this sort of system abuse, as well as a few extra preventative measures that could be taken. 
     First, as each lock  10  is affirmatively over locked during facility closed times, the manager would have to enter the unit while the storage facility was open, potentially drawing attention to himself. Second, if the facilities manager were to change the lock combination for the purpose of illicitly entering the unit, he would have no way of knowing the renter&#39;s combination, so he would have no way of placing the lock  10  back into its original state. The tenant would then be unable to enter his unit and would realize that something was amiss. 
     Moreover, a log of all lock  10  activities is maintained at a secure location, so that it is unalterable by the facility manager. In one embodiment, one such log is maintained in the lock  10  itself. In yet another embodiment an Email or a page is automatically sent to both the owner and the renter (block  132 ) any time a lock  10  is reprogrammed to accept a new combination. If the renter has requested and or performed the reprogramming, this notice would come as no surprise and would not cause alarm. If the facility manager had reprogrammed the lock  10  without the renter&#39;s permission, however, the renter would likely invoke an investigation that would snare the thieving manager. 
     As an extra safeguard biometric data may be required for changing the key combination. For example, a finger print reader could be used to identify the renter. Alternatively, at the time of rental the renter enters into the computer a question and answer, such as, “what is the name of my dog,” “Charlie.” Any lock combination reprogram request is met with the question entered. If the correct answer is not entered into the computer in response, the lock  10  combination can not be changed. If the renter adequately identifies himself to the computer system, however, the now familiar ritual of cutting off a lock for which the key has been lost would no longer be necessary, saving time for both the renter and the facility manager. The renter need simply reprogram the lock from the remote station and then travel to the lock to apply the new combination. 
     Many advantages of the lock  10  should now be apparent. Using this lock, a storage facility can be converted to a facility in which every unit is alarmed, without the costly installation of a great number of alarm sensor and transmission units. Time is saved whenever it is necessary to lock renters out of their units, or to permit renter access after the rent has been paid. Any instance of an accidentally unlocked unit is brought to the attention of the facility manager. Because the locks are affirmatively over locked during periods when the facility is closed, a thieving manager would have to ply his trade during daylight hours. In order to provide these manifold advantages, however, lock  10  must be supplied with electric power. Batteries  16  are necessary for this purpose and the possibility of the batteries running down completely are anticipated in the embodiments. In one embodiment, a low power detector is included in the lock, and a signal, including an identification of the lock, is broadcast when a low battery condition is detected. In a related embodiment, if the batteries are permitted to run down, the lock  10  will remain in a locked state, unable to receive input from the key reader or keypad. The combination is stored in nonvolatile memory (typically electrically erasable programmable read only memory [EEPROM]), however, so that after the batteries have been replaced, the lock  10  may again be opened with the same combination as before. 
     The terms and expressions that have been employed in the foregoing specification are used as terms of description and not of limitation. There is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the disclosure is defined and limited only by the claims which follow.