Enclosure security device

• US 20060232380A1
• Filed: 03/29/2006
• Published: 10/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/01/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lockin Security, LLC
• Original Assignee: Lockin Security, LLC
• Inventors: Lucas, Donald L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,339,473 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.720
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/08 operating on brakes or brake systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1003 Alarm systems characterised by arm or disarm features
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1004 Alarm systems characterised by the type of sensor, e.g. current sensing means using door lock sensors B60R25/1001
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/102 a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/104 characterised by the type of theft warning signal, e.g. visual or audible signals with special characteristics
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/305 using a camera
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5004 For antitheft signaling device on protected article
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5226 Combined dead bolt and latching bolt

Abstract

A device for securing a gated enclosure includes a latch including a power lock motor and a bolt. The power lock motor is operable to engage the bolt with a catch portion of a pin protruding from the gate when the gate is closed, thereby preventing extraction of the pin from the device. The device includes a switch operated by a key to activate the latch. The device can include an electric horn, a light, a battery, and circuitry powered by the battery, the circuitry operable to send a signal to one or more of the horn and the light.

Claims

1. A trailer security device, wherein the trailer comprises a moveable gate configured for opening and closing, the device comprising:

a housing having a plurality of side walls, wherein one of the side walls is a rear wall configured for mounting to an interior surface of a wall of the trailer, wherein another of the side walls is a facing wall facing an interior surface of the gate when the gate is closed, wherein the facing side wall comprises an aperture configured to receive a protruding member attached to the gate at an angle sufficient to allow the protruding member to extend through the aperture when the gate is closed, wherein the protruding member comprises a catch portion having an aperture;

an actuator mounted within the housing; and

a bolt having a distal end coupled to the actuator and a proximate end configured to enter the aperture of the catch portion when the gate is closed, wherein activation of the of the actuator causes the bolt to enter the aperture of the catch portion to engage the protruding member when the gate is closed, thereby preventing extraction of the protruding member from the structural housing, and wherein preventing extraction of the protruding member from the housing prevents opening of the gate.

2. The trailer security device of claim 1, further comprising a key/signaling assembly configured to activate one or more security deterrent devices upon detecting opening of the moveable gate.

3. The trailer security device of claim 2, wherein one of the one or more security deterrent devices is a horn.

4. A method for securing an enclosure using a security device, the method comprising:

mounting a pin onto an inner surface of a gate of the enclosure, wherein the pin is mounted in alignment with an aperture in a housing of a self-contained security device mounted on an interior surface of the enclosure, wherein the pin includes a catch with an aperture, and wherein the housing includes a locking assembly including a dead bolt in alignment with the aperture of the catch with the pin is extended through the aperture of the housing;

closing the gate of an enclosure, wherein closing the gate causes the pin to extend through the aperture in the housing of the security device;

engaging the dead bolt with the catch, wherein engaging causes the dead bolt to enter the aperture of the catch to thereby prevent retraction of the pin;

arming the security device by setting a detection switch to detect movement of the gate;

monitoring for movement of the gate to detect a breach in security; and

activating one or more security deterrent components in response to detecting the breach in security.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein engaging comprises inserting and turning a key that activates a latch to drive the dead bolt.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein engaging a dead bolt with the catch is performed by an actuator in response to a radio frequency (RF) device.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein detecting the breach in security comprises detecting a vibration of the gate.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein detecting the breach in security comprises detecting opening of the gate.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein activating one or more security deterrent components includes sending one or more signals from a control component of the security device to the one or more security deterrent components, wherein the signals cause the one or more security deterrent components to perform a process comprising:

locking one or more brakes of a trailer;

flashing one or more lights;

sounding an alarm; and

delivering a security breach message to a remote communication device.