Abstract:
An automated vehicle cargo door system comprises a cargo door comprising a plurality of panels hingeably assembled to one another, a pair of door tracks, a plurality of wheels rollingly assembling the door to the door tracks, a drive motor, a linear motion controller operably engaged with the drive motor, and a linkage removably engaging the linear motion controller and the cargo door. A release mechanism comprises an operational component located external to a vehicle cargo area. The release mechanism is in operative communication with the linkage, wherein the linkage can be disengaged from the linear motion controller by the release mechanism, thus allowing a user to open the cargo door should the motor become inoperable.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/288,279, filed on Dec. 19, 2009, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a vehicle security system, and more particularly, a door management system comprising a deadbolt door locking system and a roll up door automated door mechanism, each comprising an external emergency release allowing release of the lock should a failure occur in either mechanism. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to a cargo vehicle security system comprising a deadbolt door locking system for each of a single door and a double door. The cargo vehicle security system further comprising an automated door opening system for opening a roll up door. 
     An overhead door opening system for use in conjunction with a roll up cargo door is known. The implementation has a variety of configurations. Each of the systems are limited should the overhead door opening system fail. The configuration of most cargo vehicles provides a single access to the cargo area, that being the roll up cargo door. Should the overhead door opening system fail, the system locks the user from accessing the cargo area. 
     The overhead door opening system allows the door to move vertically while the vehicle is traveling and passes across bumps or other vibration introducing features along the path of travel. The play in the overhead door opening system allows the cargo door to jump up and down, allowing smaller items to slide under the door, cause potential damage to the door or door opening system, and the like. The noise can be distracting to the driver or other occupants of the vehicle. 
     Several door locking deadbolt systems are known. Each of the deadbolt configurations secures the door to a vehicle frame member. The deadbolt and actuator can be secured to the door, with the deadbolt pin being moveably configured to engage with the frame member. Alternately, the deadbolt and actuator can be secured to the frame member, with the deadbolt pin being moveably configured to engage with the vehicle door. Should the locking system fail, leaving the deadbolt engaged and the door locked in a closed position. A failure would keep a driver from accessing the interior of the vehicle. A failure during an accident would keep rescue workers from accessing the occupants of the vehicle via the doors. 
     Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a device that secures a vehicle, while allowing access to the secured compartments should the securing system fail. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the known art and the problems that remain unsolved by providing a method and respective apparatus for securing a cargo vehicle. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the invention consists of a cargo roll up door opening system, the system comprising: 
     a roll up cargo door providing access to a cargo enclosed area; 
     an overhead door opening system comprising:
         a drive motor,   a linear motion controlling mechanism;   a disengaging linkage providing a removably engaging coupling between the roll up cargo door and the linear motion controlling mechanism; and       

     a release mechanism operationally located external to the cargo enclosed area and engaging with the disengaging linkage wherein the user can operate the release mechanism from outside the cargo enclosed area causing the disengaging linkage to disengage the coupling between the roll up cargo door and the linear motion controlling mechanism. 
     In one aspect, the release mechanism is a rotatable handle located on an exterior of the roll up cargo door. 
     Yet another aspect, the release mechanism utilizes a cable between an external operable element and the disengaging linkage. 
     While another aspect, the release mechanism utilizes a linkage between an external operable element and the disengaging linkage. 
     With yet another aspect, the linkage provided between the roll up cargo door and the linear motion controlling mechanism includes a limited sliding interface allowing the linear motion controlling mechanism to move a predetermined distance before engaging to move the roll up cargo door. 
     Yet another aspect, the limited sliding interface operates a door securing deadbolt interface. 
     Regarding another aspect, an actuator operates a door securing deadbolt interface engaging a deadbolt at a location to limit the vertical motion of the roll up cargo door by positioning the deadbolt to interfere with a motion of the wheel along the track. 
     In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the invention consisting of: 
     a deadbolt actuating assembly having a deadbolt sliding mechanism for securing a door in a closed position against a door frame; and 
     a mechanical safety release mechanism operationally located external to an enclosed area accessed via the door, wherein said mechanical safety release mechanism engages with the deadbolt sliding mechanism wherein the user can operate the mechanical safety release mechanism from outside the enclosed area causing the deadbolt sliding mechanism to disengage the coupling between the door and the door frame. 
     Yet another aspect, the mechanical safety release mechanism utilizes a cable between a release aiding member and the deadbolt sliding mechanism. 
     While another aspect, the mechanical safety release mechanism utilizes a mechanical linkage between a release aiding member and the deadbolt sliding mechanism. 
     In yet another aspect, the mechanical safety release mechanism further incorporates an inertial release activating mechanism wherein the inertial release activating mechanism ensures the deadbolt sliding mechanism is positioned in a disengaged configuration. 
     With another aspect providing a safety release mechanism integrated with an airbag activation sensor. 
     While another aspect utilizes a weight positioned within a containment member allowing for a horizontal plane motion of freedom. 
     These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  presents a side, elevation view of an automated overhead door opening system integrated into a trailer portion of a cargo vehicle; 
         FIG. 2  presents a rear, elevation view of the trailer portion of a cargo vehicle of FIG.  1 ; 
         FIG. 3  presents a side, elevation view of an exterior release mechanism in communication with a disengaging linkage of the automated overhead door opening system, shown in an engaged configuration; 
         FIG. 4  presents a side, elevation view of the exterior release mechanism in communication with the disengaging linkage of the automated overhead door opening system, shown in a disengaged configuration; 
         FIG. 5  presents a rear, elevation view of an exterior release mechanism in communication with a disengaging linkage of the automated overhead door opening system, shown in an engaged configuration; 
         FIG. 6  presents a rear, elevation view of the exterior release mechanism in communication with the disengaging linkage of the automated overhead door opening system, shown in a disengaged configuration; 
         FIG. 7  presents a side, elevation view of a linkage arm and linkage bracket comprising a slideable engaging interface; 
         FIG. 8  presents a front, elevation view of a linkage arm and linkage bracket comprising a slideable engaging interface of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 9  presents a side, elevation view of an actuator and deadbolt assembly installed at a location to limit the vertical motion of the roll up cargo door by positioning the deadbolt to interfere with a motion of the wheel along the track; 
         FIG. 10  presents a detailed view of the actuator and deadbolt assembly of  FIG. 9 , further illustrating an exemplary emergency release mechanism; 
         FIG. 11  presents two exemplary actuator deadbolt locking embodiments for securing a vehicle door; 
         FIG. 12  presents an exemplary detailed diagram of the exemplary actuator deadbolt locking assembly incorporating an emergency release mechanism; 
         FIG. 13  presents an exemplary detailed diagram of the exemplary actuator deadbolt locking assembly incorporating an inertially operated emergency release mechanism; and 
         FIG. 14  presents partially sectioned side view of an exemplary linkage arm to track engaging assembly shown engaged in solid lines and disengaged in broken lines. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular embodiments, features, or elements. Specific structural and functional details, dimensions, or shapes disclosed herein are not limiting but serve as a basis for the claims and for teaching a person of ordinary skill in the art the described and claimed features of embodiments of the present invention. The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The present invention integrates an automated door opening assembly  120  into a cargo vehicle  100 . The cargo vehicle  100  includes commonly known features, such as a vehicle cab  102  and a cargo trailer  110  as presented in the exemplary illustration of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The vehicle cab  102  is accessible via a vehicle door  104 . A door window  106  is integrated into the vehicle door  104  providing visibility for the occupants. Contrarily, the door window  106  provides an easy access point for a criminal to obtain unauthorized entry into the vehicle cab  102 . The cargo trailer  110  is accessible via a trailer access door  112 ; the trailer access door  112  commonly being a roll up door comprising a plurality of trailer roll up door panels  114 . The plurality of trailer roll up door panels  114  is assembled via a series of door panel hinges  115 . The trailer access door  112  comprises a series of door wheels  116  engaged in a roll up door track  118 . The automated door opening assembly  120  maintains the trailer access door  112  at a fixed position, preferably either closed (as shown) or open (as understood). The automated door opening assembly  120  comprises an automated opener or drive motor  122  in communication with an opener track and drive assembly  124  (the drive assembly may alternately be referred to as a linear motion control assembly) for moveably positioning a linkage arm to door opening carriage or track engaging assembly  128 . The drive assembly can be a screw drive, a chain drive, a cable drive, and the like, including the interface provided between the opener motor  122  and a linear motion means. An opener linkage arm  126  extends between and couples the linkage arm to track engaging assembly  128  and the trailer access door  112  for opening/closing the trailer access door  112 , as well as maintaining the trailer access door  112  at a position. The automated opener motor  122  drives the opener track and drive assembly  124 . The linkage arm to track engaging assembly  128  is engaged with the drive components of the opener track and drive assembly  124 . The linkage arm to track engaging assembly  128  is connected to the trailer access door  112  via the opener linkage arm  126 . The automated opener motor  122  operates and moves the drive components of the opener track and drive assembly  124 , which drives the position of the linkage arm to track engaging assembly  128 . The resulting motion opens or closes the trailer access door  112  accordingly. When the automated door opening assembly  120  is not in operation, the automated opener motor  122  remains stationary, thus maintaining the trailer access door  112  in position. The opener track and drive assembly  124  can utilize a chain drive, a cable dive, a screw drive, and the like. The automated opener motor  122  can operate via AC or DC current. The preferred embodiment utilizes DC current, thus avoiding the need for an inverter. 
     The trailer access door  112  is generally an assembly comprising a plurality of trailer roll-up door panels  114 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Each of the trailer roll up door panel  114  utilizes a pair of door wheels  116  located on each of the outer edges of the trailer roll up door panel  114 , preferably proximate the corners. A keypad remote  170  or a remote operation transmitter  172  can be used for operating the automated door opening assembly  120 . The user can enter a code and any required instructions into the keypad remote  170 . Upon verification of the entered information, the keypad remote  170  transmits an activation signal to a receiver in the automated opener motor  122 . The automated opener motor  122  acts accordingly. Similarly, the user simply depresses an actuation button on the remote operation transmitter  172  to transmit a signal to the receiver in the automated opener motor  122 . The remote operation transmitter  172  allows the driver to retrieve items from inside the cargo trailer  110 , begin walking away and automatically lower the trailer access door  112 . As the driver approaches the cargo vehicle  100 , the user can utilize the remote operation transmitter  172  to open the trailer access door  112  such that the trailer access door  112  is opened when the driver arrives. An opener release handle  140  allows the driver to release the linkage arm to track engaging assembly  128  from the opener track and drive assembly  124 , providing access to the cargo trailer  110  should the automated door opening assembly  120  fail. An automated locking assembly  160  can be provided to limit the motion of the trailer access door  112  as desired. Alternately, the remote operation transmitter  172  can be a proximity type device, whereby the system automatically detects when the remote operation transmitter  172  is within range and subsequently opens the door. When the system detects the remote operation transmitter  172  is out of range, the system begins a delay process to ensure the remote operation transmitter  172  is out of range. Upon verification that the remote operation transmitter  172  is out of range, the system closes the door. 
     Details of an exemplary emergency release system are presented in  FIGS. 3 through 6  and  14 . An engagement release lever  130  is used to engage and release the linkage arm to track engaging assembly  128  with the opener track and drive assembly  124 . The linkage arm to track engaging assembly  128  includes a drive member mating component  132  operated by the engagement release lever  130 . The engagement release lever  130  includes a mating component cam  131  that repositions the drive member mating component  132  in accordance with a drive member mating component engaging motion  136 . In an engaged configuration (shown in solid lines), the mating component cam  131  engages drive member mating component teeth  134  of the drive member mating component  132  with a drive member  138  located within the opener track and drive assembly  124 . In a disengaged configuration, (shown in broken lines), the mating component cam  131  disengages drive member mating component teeth  134  from the drive member  138 . The linkage arm to track engaging assembly  128  comprises the components providing a removably engaging coupling, including the drive member mating component  132  in operational communication with the engagement release lever  130 . The exemplary embodiment illustrates a commonly known screw drive configuration. It is understood that the system can be adapted to any drive configuration. The opener release handle  140  engages with the engagement release lever  130  via a release cable  144 . The release cable  144  can be a cable, a linkage, or any other form of intermediary means, generally referred to as a release control element. The release cable  144  can be actuated via a cam such as a release operable arm  142  attached to the opener release handle  140 . When the driver rotates the opener release handle  140  into a release position opener release handle  140 ′ ( FIGS. 4 and 6 ), the release operable arm  142  is rotated into a release position release operable arm  142 ′, pulling the release cable  144 ′. The release cable  144 ′ (released configuration) positions the engagement release lever  130 ′ in the respective released configuration. The opener release handle  140  can include a lock  146  to ensure against disengagement of the linkage arm to track engaging assembly  128  by an unauthorized party. It is understood that any form factor for a release mechanism that is operable from the exterior of the cargo trailer  110  is desirable. Other exemplary means includes a simple pull ring. The pull ring can be provided positioning a locking bar through the ring. 
     A slip linkage bracket assembly  150  can be integrated into the automated door opening assembly  120 . The slip linkage bracket assembly  150  allows the opener linkage arm  126  to move between a lockdown position referenced as  126 ′ and a door lift position referenced as  126 . The slip linkage bracket assembly  150  is fabricated having a linkage arm bracket  152  with a vertical slot  154  arranged vertically therethrough. A linkage pin  156  is disposed through the engaging end of the opener linkage arm  126 . The linkage pin  156  is slideably positioned through the vertical slot  154  of the linkage arm bracket  152 . A linkage biasing member  158  (the upper and lower portions being illustrated with the center removed for presentation purposes) can be assembled maintaining the opener linkage arm  126  in a raised position. The slideable engagement between the opener linkage arm  126  and the linkage arm bracket  152  allows the automated door opening assembly  120  to partially move independently of the trailer access door  112 . This difference in movement can allow for a variety of operations. A first option would be the inclusion of an automated locking assembly  160 . The automated locking assembly  160  provides a deadbolt lock by automatically engaging a deadbolt locking bar  162  with a receiving aperture within the roll up door track  118  to create a mechanical lock between the trailer access door  112  and the roll up door track  118 . A locking bar bracket  164  guides and maintains the orientation of the deadbolt locking bar  162 . A locking bar biasing member  166  ensures the locking assembly control cable  168  remains in a tensile state. As the opener linkage arm  126  moves to an opening position, referenced as  126 ′, the opener linkage arm  126  pulls the locking assembly control cable  168  upwards placing the linkage pin  156  in a position against an upper edge of the vertical slot  154 , referenced as  156 ′. The applied tension to the locking assembly control cable  168  causes the deadbolt locking bar  162  to disengage from the roll up door track  118 . A cable expansion assembly  169  can be provided along the locking assembly control cable  168  to compensate for tolerances, shock, and the like. The exemplary cable expansion assembly  169  is a biased expansion assembly. When the trailer access door  112  is lowered, the opener linkage arm  126  removes the tension from the locking assembly control cable  168 , thus the locking bar biasing member  166  biases the deadbolt locking bar  162  to engage with the aperture of the roll up door track  118 . An emergency release handle (similar to the opener release handle  140 ) can be integrated with the locking assembly control cable  168  should the automated door opening assembly  120  or other operable element fail. It is understood that the sliding engaging design (as shown) can alternately be operable via a pivotal motion to engage and disengage the locking bar from the track. The locking bar would pivot between a locked and an unlocked orientation. 
     A remote deadbolt assembly  180 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , can be integrated as an alternative to the automated locking assembly  160 . The remote deadbolt assembly  180  includes a deadbolt actuator  182  for operating a deadbolt pin  184 . The deadbolt pin  184  is slideably assembled through a deadbolt bracket  185 , wherein the deadbolt bracket  185  provides support and registration of the deadbolt pin  184  to a deadbolt receiving aperture  186  through the roll up door track  118 . The deadbolt actuator  182  moves an actuating arm  183 . A linkage arm  188  provides connectivity between the actuating arm  183  and the deadbolt pin  184 . The deadbolt pin  184  is inserted above a contacting surface of the door wheels  116  at a distance identified as gap “G”. The gap “G” allows an unauthorized party to move the trailer access door  112  upwards allowing a proximity alarm sensor  198  to change state. An emergency release cable  190  is included, as a component of the remote deadbolt assembly  180  allowing a party to disengage the deadbolt pin  184  from the deadbolt receiving aperture  186  should the deadbolt actuator  182  or another component fail. A release ring  192  can be provided at a distal end of the emergency release cable  190 , aiding the party in pulling the emergency release cable  190 . At least one redirecting element  194  can be utilised to redirect the emergency release cable  190  as desired to properly disengage the deadbolt pin  184  from the deadbolt receiving aperture  186 . The release ring  192  can be secured via a locking bar to ensure against unauthorized disengagement. 
     The trailer access door  112  is one of several potential access means to the cargo vehicle  100 . Security is required at all access means to properly secure the cargo vehicle  100 . A two-door security configuration is presented in  FIG. 11 , with exemplary detailed embodiments being presented in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . An exemplary vehicle door assembly  200  demonstrates several potential locking means for securing a primary door  202  and a secondary door  204 . Each door  202 ,  204  generally includes a door window  206 , which unfortunately, provides an access means for an unauthorized party. The unauthorized party could break the door window  206 , allowing the party to unlock the door and simply open the primary door  202  via a door handle  208 . The primary door  202  overlaps a mating edge of the secondary door  204 , thus only requiring a means for securing the primary door  202 . 
     The vehicle door assembly  200  can be secured via either a door-to-door deadbolt assembly  220  or a door to frame deadbolt assembly  230 . The door-to-door deadbolt assembly  220  comprises a configuration similar to the remote deadbolt assembly  180  ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ). The door-to-door deadbolt assembly  220  includes a deadbolt actuator  222  for operating a deadbolt pin  224 . The deadbolt pin  224  is slideably assembled through a deadbolt bracket  225 , wherein the deadbolt bracket  225  provides support and registration of the deadbolt pin  224  to an aperture provided in the adjacent door (or doorframe for a single door). The deadbolt actuator  222  moves an actuating arm  223 . A linkage arm  228  provides connectivity between the actuating arm  223  and the deadbolt pin  224 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, the door to frame deadbolt assembly  230  engages the primary door  202  with a doorframe  210 , securing the door in a closed position. The door to frame deadbolt assembly  230  includes a deadbolt actuator  232  and a deadbolt pin  234 . The deadbolt actuator  232  adjusts the deadbolt pin  234  to engage and disengage with a deadbolt receiving aperture  238  through the doorframe  210 . The door to frame deadbolt assembly  230  can include a deadbolt assembly mounting bracket  231  for attaching the deadbolt actuator  232  to the primary door  202 . Power is provided to the deadbolt actuator  232  via a power source  260 . Power is transferred between the various components via a series of electrical cables  266 . The components can be connected to a ground connection  264 , such as the chassis of the cargo vehicle  100 , which is commonly used. An optional time delay  262  can be provided between the power source  260  and the deadbolt actuator  232 , allowing the user time to exit the vehicle prior to actuation of the deadbolt actuator  232 . The door to frame deadbolt assembly  230  can be operated via a keypad remote  170  or remote operation transmitter  172  as previously described. Should a component fail in the door to frame deadbolt assembly  230 , the operator would be denied access to the cargo vehicle  100 . An emergency release cable  240  is secured directly or indirectly (such as via a release arm  236 ) to the deadbolt pin  234  allowing the user the ability to disengage the deadbolt pin  234  from the deadbolt receiving aperture  238  as needed. A release ring  242  can be provided at a distal end of the emergency release cable  240  for aiding a party in disengaging the deadbolt pin  234  from the deadbolt receiving aperture  238 . The emergency release cable  240  can be guided through at least one redirecting element  244  to provide proper operative flow. Although a cable is illustrated, it is understood that any mechanical configuration can be utilized, such as a cantilever, a series of linkages, and the like. The release ring  242  can be secured via a locking bar to ensure against unauthorized disengagement. 
     An inertial release mechanism  250  can be integrated with the door to frame deadbolt assembly  230  as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The inertial release mechanism  250  disengages the deadbolt pin  234  by driving the release arm  236  to a position referenced as  236 ′. The inertial release mechanism  250  utilizes an inertial release actuator  256  positioned on or within a supporting surface (not shown). An inertial release cable  252  is attached between the inertial release actuator  256  and the release arm  236 . The inertial release cable  252  can be routed through one or more inertial release cable controls  254  as needed to adequately route the inertial release cable  252 . The inertial release actuator  256  moves from a set position to an inertial releasing position referenced as  256 ′. During an abrupt change in motion, the inertial release actuator  256  is repositioned. The inertial release actuator  256  would be of a sufficient mass to apply a tension to the inertial release cable  252 , thus moving the release arm  236 . The inertial release mechanism  250  can be combined with the emergency release cable  240 . It is understood that an emergency release system can be integrated with an airbag activation sensor. 
     The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications or equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all the embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.