Patent ID: 7880585

Claim:
A locking system for use with securable access to a rented storage unit comprising: a computer including: a first transceiver configured to send a first and a second coded radio frequency signal and to receive a third and a fourth coded radio frequency signal; and a program for recording rental payments associated with the storage unit; and a lock to secure access to the storage unit, the lock moves between a secured configuration and an open configuration, and operates in a first user controlled mode and a second computer controlled mode, the lock including: a housing; a first key interface for entering a user access code; an arm that moves between a secured position and an open position; an actuator that selectively engages the arm to limit movement; a second transceiver for communicating with the computer; memory for storing a lock access code; a power supply; and a logic unit operably connected to the actuator, the power supply, the memory and the transceiver, wherein the lock operates in the first user controlled mode in response to receiving the first coded signal from the computer, the first mode of operation allowing a user to energize the actuator and move the arm to the open position; and wherein the lock operates in the second computer controlled mode in response to the second coded signal from the computer, the lock in the second computer controlled mode preventing the user from energizing the actuator and moving the arm to the open position and the lock operates in the second mode following a grace period starting subsequent to a lapse in rental payments associated with the storage unit.