Secure cargo transportation system

#The invention relates to transportation systems. The invention also relates to security systems, lock systems, and access control.

#Valuable cargo is transported on a daily basis. It is desirable to secure the cargo against unauthorized access, so as to prevent tampering, theft of some cargo, or theft of all cargo.

#Cargo is typically secured using conventional locks, such as padlocks, which are opened using a metal key. For example, for cargo transported by semi-trailers, the cargo is typically secured by locking the trailer door with a padlock. The driver then carries the key.

#Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a secure cargo transportation system and a method for controlling access to a movable container.

#FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical perspective view illustrating a lock, controller, and key included in the system of FIG. 1.

#This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

#FIG. 1 shows a secure cargo transportation system 10 embodying the invention. The secure cargo transportation system 10 comprises a movable container or vehicle 12 including an enclosure 14 having an opening 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 12 is a semi trailer. In alternative embodiments, the movable container is defined by a train boxcar, a safe, a compartment in a boat or plane, or any other movable container. The vehicle 12 includes a door 18 movable relative to the opening 16 between a closed position, wherein the door 18 restricts access to the enclosure, and an open position (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the vehicle includes multiple doors 18, 20. The vehicle 12 includes an electronically actuable lock 22 to selectively lock or unlock the door relative to the enclosure. In embodiments having two doors, the primary door is locked with an electronically enabled or actuable lock 22, or both doors are locked with an electronically enabled or actuable lock 22 such that access to the enclosure requires unlocking at least one electronically actuable lock 22.

#More particularly, in the preferred embodiment, the doors 18 and 20 are fitted with an intelligent lock controller such as the lock controller sold by Intellikey Corporation, 551 S. Apollo Blvd., #204, Melbourne, Fla. 32901. In one embodiment, pre-existing mechanical cylinders can be replaced with electronic cylinders of the type sold by Intellikey, or the electronic cylinders can be installed initially. An electronic controller 24 is supported by the back of the door, inside the enclosure 14, or in other appropriate (preferably secure) location. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock 22 requires both an electronic key or signal and a mechanical key to open the lock. More particularly, a key 26 has a mechanical portion 28 as well as circuitry 30 supported therefrom (e.g., in the handle for the key) which communicates electronically with the lock (e.g., by radio frequency or magnetic coupling). In alternative embodiments, only an electronic key or signal is required to open the lock. Data communicated between the key and lock is encrypted, in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the key and lock provide multiple levels of access. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, seven masterkeying levels are available. The electronic controller 24 can be programmed to change whose key will open the lock and when. The circuitry 30 of the key 26 includes memory which carries access control information and identifying information for the user of the key. The controller 24 reads this information and determines whether the user of the key should be granted access. The controller 24 is programmable to grant access to the user of the key based on factors such as location and time. The memory of the circuitry 30 records an audit trail of in which lock the associated key 26 has been used. In addition to the electronic controller 24 being programmable, the circuitry 30 of the key 26 is also programmable, and access control and feature information can be changed for each key using a key programming unit available from Intellikey Corporation.