Electronic real estate lockbox system

• US 4,727,368 A
• Filed: 02/21/1986
• Issued: 02/23/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/1985
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: GE Interlogix Incorporated (General Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: Supra Products, Inc. (Carrier Global Corporation)
• Inventors: Larson, Wayne F., Henderson, Walter G.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ham, Mark E.
• Application Number:
  US06/831,601
• Time in Patent Office: 732 Days
• Field of Search: 70/63, 70/210, 179/2 A (U.S. only), 235/382, 235/382.5, 340/825.32, 340/306, 340/825.31, 340/825.56, 379/103
• US Class Current: 340/5.6
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 19/0005 Key safes E05B35/086 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0053 by operating the handle
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 1/32 Time-recording locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00769 with data transmission performed by wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00825 remotely by lines or wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00865 remotely by wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/08 With time considerations, e.g. temporary activation, valid time window or time limitations
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00571 operated by interacting with a central unit
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00817 where the code of the lock can be programmed
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00857 where the code of the data carrier can be programmed
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00896 specially adapted for particular uses
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/21 having a variable access code
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/215 the system having a variable access-code, e.g. varied as a function of time
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/27 with central registration
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5031 Receptacle

Abstract

Real estate lockbox and key designs are disclosed which provide a variety of operational features. Also disclosed is a comprehensive system that allows real estate boards and agencies to efficiently manage their lockbox operations. Features provided by the system include the ability to record all accesses to all lockboxes; transfer all or part of such records from the lockboxes to the real estate agency or board; organize and review such records at the agency or board offices; disable operation of various lockboxes during certain hours of the day; facilitate operation of lockboxes that are mounted in awkward or poorly lit locations; limit lockbox accesses to preselected agents, agencies or boards; and record diagnostic information with each operation of a lockbox or key.

Claims

1. A lockbox comprising:

a controlled-access compartment;

receiving means for receiving data from a key;

processing means for processing data received from the key and for allowing access to the lockbox compartment upon receipt of certain data from the key;

fastening means for releasably fastening the lockbox to a fixed object, the fastening means being operable to release the lockbox from the fixed object upon receipt of a release command; and

disable means for denying access to the lockbox compartment after receipt of the release command until after receipt of a lockbox reenable command.

2. The lockbox of claim 1 in which:

the receiving means receives data signals transmitted from an electronic key carried by an agent;

the fastening means is operable to release the lockbox from the fixed object upon receipt of an electronic release command; and

the disable means denies agents access to the compartment means after receipt of the electronic release command until after receipt of an electronic lockbox reenable command;

and in which the lockbox further comprises electronic memory means for recording information relating to accesses of the lockbox compartment.