Security device for the protection of cargo transport containers

• US 5,615,247 A
• Filed: 10/11/1994
• Issued: 03/25/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thomas O. Mills
• Original Assignee: Thomas O. Mills
• Inventors: Mills, Thomas O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bost, Dwayne D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Chernoff, Michael B.
• Application Number:
  US08/321,327
• Time in Patent Office: 896 Days
• Field of Search: 379/58, 379/59, 379/56, 379/63, 379/60, 379/44, 235/385, 235/383, 235/384, 455/33.1, 455/54.1, 340/539, 340/540, 340/541, 342/457
• US Class Current: 455/411
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/06 by tampering with fastening
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/08 by opening, e.g. of door, of window, of drawer, of shutter, of curtain, of blind
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/008 Alarm setting and unsetting, i.e. arming or disarming of the security system
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/0376 using a special technique to detect tampering, e.g. by ultrasonic or optical means
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/04 with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems

Abstract

A security device for the protection of cargo transport containers for use in the cargo transport industry. Once activated, the device notifies a security company that a break-in has taken place through the use of a cellular phone network. The security device utilizes a pair of cables exposed to the outside of the cargo transport container. In use, the cables are threaded through the door handles of the cargo transport container. Once the cables are joined on the outside of the cargo transport container, the device is armed. The security device becomes secure once a security code is entered by a user. Once the security code is entered and the cables are connected, the cargo doors may not be opened unless done by an authorized person. Should the pair of cables become disconnected or cut during transport of the container, the device will transmit a high frequency signal to a security company via a cellular telephone network. The cables contain lights embedded within them that blink in a rotating fashion when the device is armed to inform the user that the alarm is ready for use. The device is disarmed through the transmission of data from a remote location, thereby disarming the device via the cellular network after proper authorization has been received.

Claims

1. An integrated security device for the protection of cargo containers comprising:

a mobile base module adapted for placement within an interior aspect of a cargo container;

at least one cable in electrical communication with said base module thereby creating an electronic circuit wherein at least a portion of said cable is positioned exterior to said cargo container and through an exterior closing mechanism of said cargo container there by sealing an exterior opening to the cargo container;

an input device for transmitting an alphanumeric identification code into an electronic memory of said mobile base module;

at least one power source, disposed within said mobile base module and in electrical communication with said electronic circuit;

a remote data collection facility capable of transmitting and receiving a command data created by said electronic circuit; and

means for radio-telecommunications between said base module and said remote data collection facility for receipt and transmission of said common data.

2. The integrated security device of claim 1 wherein said electronic circuit further comprises:

a microcontroller interfaced with said input device and said means for radio-telecommunications;

a plurality of lights disposed within an insulative covering located within said at least one cable; and

a random access memory capable of storing said identification code, connected to said microcontroller.

3. The integrated security device of claim 2, wherein said at least one cable further comprises:

a plurality of wires individually connected at one end by said plurality of lights and at the other end to said microcontroller; and

a means for connecting said at least one cable, emerging from said interior aspect of said cargo container, at a location exterior said cargo transport container, whereby said cable, once connected, ensures circuit continuity and prevents access to said cargo transport container.

4. The electronic circuit of claim 2, wherein said at least one cable further comprises a means for indicating circuit continuity having said plurality of evenly spaced lights connected in parallel to said microcontroller such that said lights blink in a sequential fashion upon the condition of establishing circuit continuity.

5. The integrated security device of claim 2, wherein said input device has means for transmitting said alphanumeric identification code to said random access memory via said electronic circuit.

6. The integrated security device of claim 2, wherein said radio-telecommunications means further comprises a means for accessing a cellular telephone network upon detection of discontinuity in said electronic circuit such that said data from said random access memory may be transmitted to said remote data collection facility.

7. The integrated security device of claim 2, wherein said remote data collection facility further comprises a means for receiving said alphanumeric identification code and status of continuity for said electronic circuit, transmitted by said cellular network.

8. The integrated security device of claim 2, wherein said remote data collection facility further comprises a means for transmitting said data to said electronic circuit by said cellular network.

9. An integrated security device for the protection of cargo containers comprising:

a mobile base module adapted for placement within an interior aspect of a cargo container;

at least one cable in electrical communication with said base module thereby creating an electronic circuit;

an input device for transmitting an alphanumeric identification code into an electronic memory of said mobile base module;

a remote data collection facility capable of transmitting and receiving a command data created by said electronic circuit;

means for radio-telecommunications between said base module and said remote data collection facility for receipt and transmission of said command data;

a microcontroller interfaced with said input device and said means for radio-telecommunications;

a plurality of lights disposed within an insulative covering located within said at least one cable;

a random access memory capable of storing said identification code, connected to said microcontroller; and

at least one power source, disposed within said mobile base module and in electrical communication with said electronic circuit.

10. The integrated security device of claim 9, wherein said at least one cable further comprises:

a plurality of wires individually connected at one end by said plurality of lights and at the other end to said microcontroller; and

a means for externally connecting said at least one cable emerging from said interior aspect of said cargo container, at a location exterior said cargo transport container, whereby said cable, once connected, ensures circuit continuity and prevents access to said interior aspect of said cargo container.

11. The integrated security device of claim 9, wherein said at least one cable further comprises a means for indicating circuit continuity having said plurality of evenly spaced lights connected in parallel to said microcontroller such that said lights blink in a sequential fashion upon the condition of establishing circuit continuity.

12. The integrated security device of claim 9, wherein said input device has means for transmitting said alphanumeric identification code to said random access memory via said electronic circuit.

13. The integrated security device of claim 9, wherein said radio-telecommunications means further comprises a means for accessing a cellular telephone network, upon detection of discontinuity in said electronic circuit, such that said data from said random access memory is transmitted to said remote data collection facility.

14. The integrated security device of claim 9, wherein said remote data collection facility further comprises means for receiving said alphanumeric identification code and status of continuity for said electronic circuit transmitted by said cellular telephone network.

15. The integrated security device of claim 9, wherein said remote data collection facility further comprises a means for transmitting said data to said electronic circuitry by said cellular network.

16. The method for securing cargo transport containers comprising the steps of:

placing a mobile base module, having connected thereto, a plurality of electronic cables, within an interior aspect of a cargo transport container;

closing a cargo transport container door, provided on said cargo transport container so as to allow for the emergence of said plurality of electronic cables to an exterior aspect of said cargo transport container;

positioning said plurality of cables, connected to said mobile base module, through a rubber seal located on an edge of said cargo transport container door provided on said cargo transport container, and through a means for closure located on said cargo transport container doors;

connecting said plurality of cables at their protruding ends, once positioned through said means for closure located on said cargo transport container doors, thereby creating a closed electronic circuit;

inputting an alphanumeric identification code into an electronic memory located within said mobile base module;

transmitting through a cellular network command data, thereby activating and deactivating said electronic circuit.