SECURE STORAGE SYSTEMS AND METHODS
First Claim
1. A secure storage system comprising:
- a shell having a closed configuration in which the shell defines an interior space generally inaccessible from outside the shell, and an open configuration in which the interior space is accessible, the shell comprising;
a first shell member;
a second shell member; and
a joint that movably couples the first shell member to the second shell member to enable the shell to move between the closed configuration and the open configuration;
a locking mechanism within the interior space, the locking mechanism having a locked position in which the locking mechanism restricts motion of the shell to the open configuration, and an unlocked position in which the locking mechanism permits motion of the shell to the open configuration; and
a first wireless receiver within the interior space, wherein the first wireless receiver receives a first signal and, in response to receipt of the first signal, initiates a first action selected from the group consisting of causing the locking mechanism to move from the locked position to the unlocked position, and causing a first notification to be transmitted to a user;
wherein the first shell member comprises;
a metal layer comprising a first aperture aligned with the first wireless receiver; and
a signal-permeable layer that spans the first aperture to enclose the first wireless receiver within the interior space in a manner that permits transmission of the first signal through the first aperture to the first wireless receiver.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A secure storage system may provide secure, portable, and rapidly accessible storage for articles such as firearms. Such a system may have a shell with first and second shell members that can be closed to keep the articles secure, or opened to provide accessibility. A locking mechanism may be used to lock the shell in the closed configuration. The locking mechanism may be controlled by a wireless receiver that receives a signal to unlock the shell. The shell may have a signal-permeable layer that enables the signal to pass through the shell. The first and second shell members may have mounting features that enable articles within the shell to be secured to the shell in a variety of positions and/or orientations. The system may also include a location sensor that detects the location of the shell and notifies the user when the shell is outside an approved zone.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A secure storage system comprising:
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a shell having a closed configuration in which the shell defines an interior space generally inaccessible from outside the shell, and an open configuration in which the interior space is accessible, the shell comprising; a first shell member; a second shell member; and a joint that movably couples the first shell member to the second shell member to enable the shell to move between the closed configuration and the open configuration; a locking mechanism within the interior space, the locking mechanism having a locked position in which the locking mechanism restricts motion of the shell to the open configuration, and an unlocked position in which the locking mechanism permits motion of the shell to the open configuration; and a first wireless receiver within the interior space, wherein the first wireless receiver receives a first signal and, in response to receipt of the first signal, initiates a first action selected from the group consisting of causing the locking mechanism to move from the locked position to the unlocked position, and causing a first notification to be transmitted to a user; wherein the first shell member comprises; a metal layer comprising a first aperture aligned with the first wireless receiver; and a signal-permeable layer that spans the first aperture to enclose the first wireless receiver within the interior space in a manner that permits transmission of the first signal through the first aperture to the first wireless receiver. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for manufacturing a secure storage system, the method comprising:
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providing a first shell member; providing a second shell member; movably coupling the first shell member to the second shell member with a joint such that the first shell member and the second shell member cooperate to define a shell comprising a closed configuration in which the shell defines an interior space generally inaccessible from outside the shell, and an open configuration in which the interior space is accessible; providing a locking mechanism; positioning the locking mechanism within the interior space such that the locking mechanism has a locked position in which the locking mechanism restricts motion of the shell to the open configuration, and an unlocked position in which the locking mechanism permits motion of the shell to the open configuration; providing a first wireless receiver; positioning the first wireless receiver within the interior space such that, in response to receipt of a first signal, the wireless receiver initiates a first action selected from the group consisting of causing the locking mechanism to move from the locked position to the unlocked position, and causing a first notification to be transmitted to a user; wherein providing the first shell member comprises; forming a metal layer comprising a first aperture that, after the first wireless receiver is positioned within the interior space, is aligned with the first wireless receiver; forming a signal-permeable layer; and positioning the signal-permeable layer to span the first aperture to enclose the first wireless receiver within the interior space in a manner that permits transmission of the first signal through the first aperture to the first wireless receiver. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for initiating an action in a secure storage system, the method comprising:
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transmitting a first signal to the secure storage system, the secure storage system comprising; a shell having a closed configuration in which the shell defines an interior space generally inaccessible from outside the shell, and an open configuration in which the interior space is accessible; a locking mechanism within the interior space, the locking mechanism having a locked position in which the locking mechanism restricts motion of the shell to the open configuration, and an unlocked position in which the locking mechanism permits motion of the shell to the open configuration; a first wireless receiver within the interior space; passing the first signal through a signal-permeable layer that spans a first aperture formed in a metal layer of the shell; receiving the first signal in the first wireless receiver; and in response to receipt of the first signal in the first wireless receiver, initiating a first action selected from the group consisting of causing the locking mechanism to move from the locked position to the unlocked position, and causing a first notification to be transmitted to a user. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification