Devices, systems, apparatuses, and methods for smart cam locks and key lock boxes
AssigneeBoxLock, Inc.
InventorsBrad Ruffkess, Brian Vanhiel, Taylor Davis, Daniel K. Guthrie
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present disclosure generally relates to providing electronic locking systems. Using novel designs and network technology, the present systems, methods, and apparatuses can provide a secure alternative to a cam lock or a lock box for storing items that may be left unattended, without the use of a physical key. For example, in certain embodiments, the present systems, methods, and apparatuses can facilitate the locking and unlocking of a cam lock or a lock box by using a digital construct, an encryption system, and various native and/or third-party software components.
Claims28
An electronic cam lock, comprising:
- a cylindrical lock body encircled by a rotatable hand grip, wherein the rotatable hand grip is configured to rotate a cam rotatably affixed to a rear of the cylindrical lock body, wherein the cylindrical lock body further comprises an internal cavity and a front surface;
- a scannable media scanner embedded within the internal cavity of the cylindrical lock body and at least partially exposed out of the front surface of the cylindrical lock body, the scannable media scanner being configured to read scannable media that is external to the cylindrical lock body;
- an actuation button disposed on the front surface of the cylindrical lock body and operatively connected to the scannable media scanner, wherein the actuation button is configured to actuate the scannable media scanner when pressed;
- and
- a power supply operatively connected to the barcode scanner and the actuation button.
An electronic cam lock system, comprising:
- a cylindrical lock body encircled by a rotatable hand grip, wherein the rotatable hand grip is configured to rotate a cam rotatably affixed to the cylindrical lock body;
- a scannable media scanner embedded within the cylindrical lock body and at least partially exposed out of a surface of the cylindrical lock body, the scannable media scanner being configured to read scannable media that is external to the cylindrical lock body;
- a local storage operatively connected to the cylindrical lock body;
- and
- a processor operatively connected to the cylindrical lock body, the scannable media scanner, and the local storage, the processor being operative to:
- receive a plurality of datasets corresponding to a plurality of temporary scannable media files from a remote system, wherein at least one of the temporary scannable media files corresponds to a package expected to be delivered to an address associated with the electronic cam lock system;
- store the plurality of datasets in the local storage;
- read a particular scannable media file presented at the electronic cam lock system via the scannable media scanner;
- extract data from the particular scannable media file and compare the extracted data to the plurality of datasets corresponding to the plurality of temporary scannable media files in the local storage;
- and
- upon determination that the extracted data matches at least one of the plurality of datasets, unlock the cam by enabling rotation of the rotatable hand grip.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.