AU2021221769A1

AU2021221769A1 - Automotive and marine locking system

Info

Publication number: AU2021221769A1
Application number: AU2021221769A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Alfred Carl Russo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-26
Filing date: 2021-08-25
Publication date: 2022-05-12

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of controlling a locking system installed in a vehicle, the locking system comprising one or more locks, each for locking a corresponding access area, wherein disabling any one of the locks will allow a 5 closure means for the corresponding access area to be opened. The method comprises: receiving at least one input in relation to a vehicle operation status or a vehicle door status; monitoring whether an unlock signal in respect of any one of the one or more locks has been entered; and disabling any one of the one or more locks, if an unlock signal in respect of that lock is detected and a 10 vehicle safety condition is met. (Figure 9-1) 9/10 04 00 m Y-i V-1 0 r144 obo 00 01

Description

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AUTOMOTIVE AND MARINE LOCKING SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to an automotive or marine locking system.

BACKGROUND ART

Tradesmen often store their tools, chemicals of a trade and parts in a lock up compartment located on their utility vehicles (i.e. utes, trailers, caravan, storage boxes on job sites) and the like. The tools and parts are often of considerable value and it is necessary for each compartment in the carrier to be locked for security and insurance requirements

In practice, tradesmen may forget to lock one or more of the toolbox access doors. Even if they do remember, it can be time consuming to individually lock each toolbox access door.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, there is disclosed a method of providing a locking system comprising one or more locks, each for locking a corresponding access area, the locking system being installed in a vehicle. The method includes: providing an input means for each of the one or more locks to enable input of an unlock signal in respect of any of the one or more locks; and providing a locking system controller which is configured to disable any one of the one or more locks, if an unlock signal in respect of that lock is detected and a vehicle safety condition is met.

The vehicle safety condition can comprise one or more of the following: a handbrake of the vehicle is on, an engine of the vehicle is off, all door or doors of the vehicle are unlocked.

A signal from the controller to disable any of the locks may time out after a predetermined period of time.

The input means can be switching means provided at each of the access area.

The locking system controller can be configured to interface with a control or data system of the vehicle.

The locking system controller can be configured for connection with a data communication system of the vehicle. This may be a CAN bus.

The locking system controller can be a control module within a controller for accessories of the vehicle.

Each access area can be adapted to be closed by a closure means subject to be being locked by a corresponding one of the one or more locks, wherein closing the closure means will automatically lock the closure means.

The method can comprise providing a control means for transmitting an override input to enable or disable all of the locks.

The control means can be a remote control means, an interface provided on a mobile device in communication with the locking system, or an interface provided within a display device of the locking system.

In a second aspect, disclosed is a method of controlling a locking system installed in a vehicle, the locking system comprising one or more locks, each for locking a corresponding access area, wherein disabling any one of the locks will allow a closure means for the corresponding access area to be opened. The method comprising: receiving at least one input in relation to a vehicle operation status or a vehicle door status; monitoring whether an unlock signal in respect of any one of the one or more locks has been entered; and disabling any one of the one or more locks, if an unlock signal in respect of that lock is detected and a vehicle safety condition is met.

In some forms, the vehicle safety condition is met if the at least one input in relation to a vehicle operational status or a vehicle door status includes one or more of the following: an input indicating a handbrake of the vehicle is on, an input indicating an engine of the vehicle is off, an input indicating all door or doors of the vehicle are unlocked.

The method can comprise timing out a control output to disable any of the locks after a predetermined period of time.

The predetermined period of time can be user-adjustable.

The method can comprise outputting an alarm before said timing out of the control output to disable the lock, if the closure means corresponding to the lock has not been opened in the predetermined period after the control output is provided.

The at least one input in relation to the vehicle operation status or vehicle door status can be obtained from a data communication system of the vehicle.

The at least one input in relation to the vehicle operation status or vehicle door status can be provided by a vehicle control system.

The locking system can further comprise one or more secure access locks, wherein disabling of any one of the secure access locks further requires receiving an access input which matches one or more stored access data.

The method can comprise providing control outputs to disable the locks on stand-by, and providing the control output in respect of any of the locks when an unlock signal in respect of that lock is received.

The method can comprises enabling all of the locks included in the system, upon detection of an override control signal.

In a third aspect, disclosed is a control apparatus comprising a processor configured to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

In a fourth aspect, disclosed is a vehicle mounted storage system comprising one or more compartments, adapted to be locked by a locking system comprising one or more locks, each for locking a corresponding compartment, wherein operation of the one or more locks are controlled by a control apparatus mentioned above.

The one or more locks can be each coupled to a corresponding actuator for disabling or enabling the lock, wherein a control output from said control apparatus to the actuator will disable the lock.

The control apparatus can be provided by an accessories control system of a vehicle to which said system is mounted.

The accessories control system can be configured to provide a user interface for display in a display screen, to enable control of the locking system, to enable entry of a control setting in respect of the locking system, or both.

In a further aspect, disclosed is a vehicle including a vehicle mounted storage system mentioned above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a utility vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a block diagram of an automotive locking system for the vehicle of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of an electrical latch of the automotive locking system of Figure 2;

Figures 4 to 6 are diagrams of example wiring for the automotive locking system of Figure 2;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a boat in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a caravan in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 9-1 is a schematic depiction of a control logic for a plurality of locks in accordance an embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 9-2 is a schematic depiction of a control logic for a plurality of locks in accordance another embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 10 is a schematic depiction of a user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 11 is a schematic depiction of a vehicle having installed therein a system of lockable compartments in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 12 depicts a process for unlocking a compartmenting in a system of lockable compartments, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

Disclosed is a system of lockable compartments provided for a vehicle, and a method for control the unlocking and unlocking of the lockable compartments. The system may be retrofittable to a vehicle, or may be included during the manufacturing of a vehicle. The control of the lock or unlock states of the compartments utilise signals indicating one or more operational states of the vehicle. Therefore, in retrofittable embodiments, the system will include a control module which is configured to interface with the vehicle. For instance the control module may interface with the vehicle CAN bus.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an automotive locking system. As shown in Figure 1, the locking system is used to lock one or more storage area access doors 102 custom-fitted to the cargo tray 104 of a working utility vehicle 106.

The five access doors 102 provide access to at least one internal toolbox storage area and/or parts storage area. The access doors 102 include four side access doors, and a rear access door at a rear of the vehicle 106, and tail under storage which 102 provides access for improved access to stored tools and parts by a tradesman.

Figure 2 shows the retro-fitted automotive locking system 200 for the vehicle 106. The locking system 200 includes electrical locks 202 for locking the access doors and draw 102. The locks 202 can be serially interconnected for a common access door 102. A junction box 204 is electrically coupled to the locks 202. Actuators 206 with LEDs are provided for coupling to the junction box 204, and for actuating to lock the access doors 102 with the locks 202.

The actuators 206 can include switches 208 inside the vehicle 106 that lock respective access doors 102. In Figure 2, two switches 208 can individually unlock two access doors 102, by actuating or controlling one or more serial locks on each access door 106. The system is scalable to lock other doors by including another junction box 204.

Control of the compartments may be done from control means which can be wired to the accessories control of the vehicle, wired to the junction box, or both, or wireless. One or more of types of control means may be provided. This allows multiple control points for providing individual locking or unlocking of the compartments.

An example of a remote control means is a wireless remote entry key 210 (e.g. fob) for the vehicle 106. The junction box 204 can include a wireless remote entry key 210 if the vehicle 106 does not have this function. The key 210 or junction box 204 communicates with the vehicle controller 212 to lock the compartments of the vehicle canopy when using vehicle fobs or central locking. The junction box 204 is electrically coupled to the vehicle bus wiring loom 214 from the vehicle controller 212.

Incorporated in system 200, is connection to vehicle door open symbol on the vehicle dash which indicates when doors are open for safety when driving the vehicle. The system can be connected to the vehicle 106 with a separate door alarm and indicator light or panel to warn the driver when any or all doors 102 are open in service body or toolbox.

The user may use the wireless remote entry key 210 to conveniently lock the all retrofitted locks 202, together with the vehicle passenger cabin doors which are original equipment (OE) and locked in a conventional manner. Advantageously, the locks 202 rapidly lock the retro-fitted access doors 102 simultaneously to obviate the need to lock each access door 102 individually and reduce the likelihood of otherwise leaving an access door 102 unlocked.

As can best be seen in Figure 3, each lock 202 includes an electric latch 300 for latching an access door 106. Each latch 300 includes a rotary cam 302. Each latch

300 also includes a mechanical override 304 coupled to an override cable. A suitable lock 202 is the R4 EM Rotary latch manufactured by SOUTHCOTM or equivalent.

A method for retrofitting the automotive locking system 200 to the original equipment vehicle 106 is now described.

The method involves retrofitting the toolboxes including the access doors 102 to the tray 104 of the vehicle 106.

The method involves retrofitting one or more locks 202 to the access doors 106.

The method involves retrofit wiring the junction box 204 to the locks 202.

The method involves coupling the control means to the junction box 204 for control to lock or unlock the access doors 106 to the compartments. The switches 208 are retrofit wired to the junction box 204. The junction box 204 is also connected to the bus wiring loom 214 to couple the remote entry key 210 to the junction box 204 via the vehicle controller 212.

The electrical loom 214 and junction box 204 enable the simultaneously locking of all of the access doors 106 to the inner tool compartments along with the pre existing (OE) vehicle locking system using the remote entry key 210. The tradesman simply has to lock his vehicle 106 with the key fob 210, to automatically lock both the vehicle 106 and all compartments in the tool box.

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of an example control logic for the operation for a system of lockable compartments. The control logic is applied to a system where the locks for the compartments, and the closure means such as a lid, door or a canopy for closing the compartments are designed such that closing a door or closure means will cause it to be locked, i.e., the lock will be in a "locked" state. Each compartment is lockable by a separate lock 902, 904, 906. Three locks, corresponding to three compartments are shown. However, a different number of compartments and corresponding locks may instead be provided.

In addition to the "unlock" signals or inputs, the control logic requires one or more further inputs from the vehicle's control system 950, i.e. vehicle status signals, to disable the locks. One such input is a signal that the handbrake is on, or a "handbrake on" (or "vehicle parked") signal 922. A second input is a signal that the doors of the vehicle are unlocked, or a "car door unlocked" signal 924. A third input is a signal that the vehicle is not moving or the ignition is off, or "ignition off' signal 926. These are safety status inputs. These inputs may be provided directly by the vehicle's accessories system. Additionally or alternatively, messages from a communication system within the vehicle, such as a CAN bus, are provided for the status of the vehicle to be determined.

In the most preferred embodiments, all three inputs are required, for the unlock switching signal to take effect. Therefore, it will only be possible to unlock the compartments, if the handbrake is on, the vehicle is not moving, and the car doors are unlocked. These are safety measures to ensure the compartments will remain locked and closed while the vehicle is moving, and that they cannot be unlocked unless the handbrake is on for safety, and the user is out of the vehicle. This reduces the likelihood of accidental unlocking and opening of the compartments. It also helps to avoid the hazardous situation where the vehicle moves or rolls while the user is accessing the lockable compartment(s).

Each lock 902, 904, 906 is controlled by operation of a respective physical switch or button 912, 916, 916, whereby an "unlock" signal is required to disable a lock so as to unlock a compartment. In different embodiments, the switches 912, 916, 916 may be directly provided on a junction box, which houses or has connection to the main control module 900. Alternatively the switches 912, 916, 916 may be provided at the locations of the compartments, and wired to the junction box or main control module 900.

Additionally or alternatively, the switching control signal to unlock may be wirelessly transmitted from a device such as a key fob (e.g., see Figure 2) or a mobile device 930. For example, the mobile device may be a smart phone or tablet which is in data connection with the control module 900. As another additional or alternative method of operating the locks, the "unlock" switching signal maybe directly provided from the vehicle controller 950, such as via operation of a touchscreen control connected to the vehicle controller 950.

In Figure 9-1, the "handbrake on" or "vehicle parked" signal 922 is shown as a high input or "1", and the "car door unlocked" signal 924 and the "vehicle stopped" signal 926 are shown as a low input or "0" which are inverted to high input "1", for a multiplier or AND logic 928. However, this is an example which implements the above-mentioned logic.

The embodiment may be realised by different implementations as the skilled person will be able to devise. For instance, in the depicted embodiment, the combined control generated from the vehicle signals 922, 924, 936 is used to determine whether the switching lines for individual locks should be enabled (e.g., energised) to await the activation of the switches 912, 914, 916. However, in other examples, the switching signal may be directly provided as a control input to the control module 900, to determine whether to enable or disable the locks on the basis of the switching signal and vehicle status signals.

Specific implementations may also depend on whether the control module 900 is integrated with the vehicle's control system or vehicle accessories control, or if the control module 900 interfaces with the vehicle's CAN bus system.

In any of the embodiments, the system may further be configured to designate one or more compartments which require additional controls in order for the lock to be disabled. For instance, as shown in Figure 9-2, the system of lockable compartments includes a lock 908 which requires a further control input 928, so as to allow the disabling of the lock 908. The further control input 928 may be an access signal which is generated upon confirmation of a security access data, such as a code, or password, or biometric data such as fingerprint, being entered. The lock 908 will only be disabled if security access is granted, in addition to the other safety and control based inputs which are required for the other locks 902, 904.

The lock 908 can be used for compartments intended to store valuables or expensive equipment, or dangerous materials, etc. Conceivably, in embodiments where the user is controlling the system from a mobile device which can only be accessed by a recognised user, or where the user has already been authenticated (e.g., by entering an authentication data into an application interface), then the additional step of providing access input may not be required.

The access signal may be generated by the system controller 900 confirming whether the entered data matches the pre-set or user-set access data. The security access data may be entered via an input device in data connection with the controller 900 of the system. For example, the input device may be located on the junction box. Where there is an integration between the vehicle control 950 and the controller 900 for the locks, the security access code or password may be via an interface on the vehicle system. The verification of the entered code may be performed by the processing unit on the vehicle system and then provided to the control logic within the system controller 900 for the locks. As in the case with the switching control input, the security access input may be provided wirelessly, such as from a remote control, key fob, or a mobile device.

The locks may each be set to be on stand-by mode once the requirements for vehicle safety, vehicle door status, or any other access control condition or met, awaiting the user to provide the signal or command to unlock the corresponding compartments.

The input signal provided to each lock to "disable" may time-out after a predetermined period. Thus, the closure means for the compartment needs to be opened within this period. Otherwise, the signal will be removed, and the lock will return to the enabled state.

The "predetermined time" defines the duration that the closure means for the compartment can remain idle after the lock is disabled (i.e., unlocked). It may be adjustable by the user entering a control input into the controller - e.g., via a user interface provided on the junction box, the separated mounted in-vehicle controller, vehicle control screen (if accessories controls and the control for the locks are integrated), or from a user interface provided on a remote device. For instance it may be adjustable by up to 2 minutes.

In embodiments where there is integration between the control for the vehicle accessories and the control for the compartment locks, pressing a lock key to lock the vehicle may also enable the locks for the compartments.

As a further feature which may be included, the system provides an alarm function to output one or more of an audible, haptic, or visible alarm, under particular conditions. For example, an alarm may be output, e.g., a buzzer sounding, when the unlocked state of a compartment is about to time out while the compartment remains closed. In another example, an alarm condition is reached, when any of the compartments remains open, but the vehicle doors are locked or the user enters an input (i.e., from a key fob) to lock the vehicle doors, or one or more vehicle safety signals indicate the car is in an operational condition, e.g., handbrake off, or engine on, in which the compartments are required to be locked and closed. The alarms for these conditions may include a haptic or visual alarm, such as vibrations or flashing lights from the key fob or other remote control for the system of lockable compartments, or a light output such as a flashing light, or a visual alert on the vehicle control screen.

In the described embodiments, the system may further be configured to provide a reset mechanism, to override all current states of the locks (whether enabled or disabled). The override may cause all locks to be disabled. The reset mechanism can be accessed either as a particular physical reset button, or as a reset function from a control display on the vehicle control screen or an interface on a mobile device screen. Or the reset may be access by particular actions, such as by pressing and holding down a button on a key fob or another location on the control box (e.g., junction box) of the system.

In some embodiments, after the system detects that the vehicle is in a secured status - i.e., one of more of the conditions being met: the vehicle is parked, the engine is off, and the doors are unlocked - the system will check the status of the lockable compartments. This may include checking to see if the locked are enabled, and may further include checking to see if the closure means for the compartments are open. The system outputs an indicator to show the result of the status check - for instance this may be shown as a visual display 1002 on a control console screen 1000 inside the vehicle (see Figure 10). Alternatively or additionally, the indicator may include a physical visual output such as a light which will have different outputs, e.g., lights of different colours, or solid or flashing lights, to indicate different states of the lock.

In embodiments where the control of the system is integrated with a control system for the vehicle (e.g., see Figure 11), the system may be configured to provide a user interface to be displayed on the vehicle control screen. However, a separate control screen may instead be shown on a separately mounted display, usually inside the vehicle, for embodiments which are not integrated with the vehicle's accessories control system.

Figure 10 displays an example interface display. The interface 1002 in this example displays a schematic of the vehicle 1004, which shows a map of where the compartments or locks 1006 being controlled are located. The locks 1006 may be displayed differently to indicate if they are open, locked, or faulty. In this example, the controller for the system of lockable compartments is integrated with an accessories control system. Thus, the interface 1002 integrates the status display for the compartments (i.e., schematic of the vehicle with maps of the compartments 1004), with controls for other accessories of the vehicle, such as one or more lighting control toggles 1008, 1010 to turn work light on or off.

Figure 11 schematically depicts a vehicle 1100 having fitted thereto a system of lockable compartments 1120. The control system 1102 of the vehicle includes an accessories controller 1104 for controlling accessories such as door locks, sound, lights, seats, temperature setting, etc. The control system 1102 further includes a vehicle operation control system 1106 which provides signals indicating the state of the ignition, handbrake, etc. The controller 1122 for controlling the locks 1124, 1126, 1128 of the system 1120 is integrated with an accessories control system 1104 of the vehicle 1100, so that control of the locks 1124, 1126, 1128 may be performed from the accessories system (e.g., a touch screen control) of the vehicle 1100. The controller 1122 functionally interfaces with the vehicle operation controller 1106 so that it can obtain the required safety status input, such as state of the handbrake, ignition, etc. The controller 1122 provides control signals to a junction box 1130, which is wired to the locks 1124, 1126, 1128. An input device or interface 1132 may be coupled to or included with thejunction box 1130 to accept user inputs. The safety input signal and the switching control signal from wired switches located on the compartments or directly input to the controller 1122, or wirelessly received from remote devices (e.g., remote control or mobile devices), are provided to a control logic circuit on the junction box to operate the locks.

It will be understood that in alternative embodiments, the wiring for the locks (and if applicable, also the wiring for the compartments) may be integrated with the wiring of the vehicle. In these embodiments, a junction box may not be required. However, for the ease of operating physical switches located on or near the compartments, a wiring or junction box may nevertheless be provided.

Figure 12 depicts an example process of operating the system of lockable compartments, to unlock one of the compartments. At step 1202, the vehicle is unlocked. At step 1204, the control module receives an input (e.g., a "high" input) showing the unlocked status or a message from the vehicle CAN to relay the unlocked status. At step 1206, the system checks the status of the compartments, including whether the compartments are locked. If there is a fault condition, such as one or more of the compartments not being locked, the system may output an alert or alarm at step 1208. Otherwise, once the required vehicle safety conditions are satisfied (e.g., handbrake on, ignition off) at step 1210, the system will receive an input or a message from the vehicle CAN to confirm the vehicle now has a "safe" status at step 1212. At step 1214, the user enters a control command or presses a button to unlock a particular compartment. At step 1216, the system receives the unlock signal. As the vehicle safety and car door conditions are met, and there is no fault condition detected, the compartment will unlock at step 1218.

As described, the locking of the compartments may be done individually wherein by closing the access door for a compartment, the compartment will be automatically locked. The compartments may further be locked at the same time subject to certain vehicle safety status checks - e.g., if any of the safety status required to make "unlocking" available is not met. For instance, upon the ignition of the vehicle being switched on, or the car door being unlocked, or the hand brake becoming 'off', all of the compartments will be locked and the control to unlock any of the compartments will be disabled.

Locking and unlocking of any one or more of the compartments may be done via the control means, which may be a control interface for the integrated vehicles accessories control, a control interface of a separate control module which is not integrated with the vehicles accessories system, or a remote control means such as a remote controller or a personal device.

The disclosed system thus allows for a hands free control of the compartments, by enabling separate control over the unlock or lock state of each compartment, without the user having to use a key or keys to individually unlock and lock any compartment.

Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A method of providing a locking system comprising one or more locks, each for locking a corresponding access area, the locking system being installed in a vehicle, including:

providing an input means for each of the one or more locks to enable input of an unlock signal in respect of any of the one or more locks;

providing a locking system controller which is configured to disable any one of the one or more locks, if an unlock signal in respect of that lock is detected and a vehicle safety condition is met.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle safety condition comprises one or more of the following: a handbrake of the vehicle is on, an engine of the vehicle is off, all door or doors of the vehicle are unlocked.

3. The method of any preceding claim, whereby a signal from the controller to disable any of the locks will time out after a predetermined period of time.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the input means are switching means provided at each of the access area.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the locking system controller is configured to interface with a control or data system of the vehicle.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the locking system controller is configured for connection with a CAN bus system of the vehicle.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking system controller is a control module within a controller for accessories of the vehicle.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein each access area is adapted to be closed by a closure means subject to be being locked by a corresponding one of the one or more locks, wherein closing the closure means will automatically lock the closure means.

9. The method of any preceding claim, comprising providing a control means for transmitting an override input to enable or disable all of the locks.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the control means is a remote control means, an interface provided on a mobile device in communication with the locking system, or an interface provided within a display device of the locking system.

11. A method of controlling a locking system installed in a vehicle, the locking system comprising one or more locks, each for locking a corresponding access area, wherein disabling any one of the locks will allow a closure means for the corresponding access area to be opened, the method comprising

receiving at least one input in relation to a vehicle operation status or a vehicle door status;

monitoring whether an unlock signal in respect of any one of the one or more locks has been entered; and

disabling any one of the one or more locks, if an unlock signal in respect of that lock is detected and a vehicle safety condition is met.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the vehicle safety condition is met if the at least one input in relation to a vehicle operational status or a vehicle door status includes one or more of the following: an input indicating a handbrake of the vehicle is on, an input indicating an engine of the vehicle is off, an input indicating all door or doors of the vehicle are unlocked.

13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising timing out a control output to disable any of the locks after a predetermined period of time.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the predetermined period of time is user-adjustable.

15. The method of claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising outputting an alarm before said timing out of the control output to disable the lock, if the closure means corresponding to the lock has not been opened in the predetermined period after the control output is provided.

16. The method of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the at least one input in relation to the vehicle operation status or vehicle door status is obtained from a data communication system of the vehicle.

17. The method of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the at least one input in relation to the vehicle operation status or vehicle door status is provided by a vehicle control system.

18. The method of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the locking system further comprises one or more secure access locks, wherein disabling of any one of the secure access locks further requires receiving an access input which matches one or more stored access data.

19. The method of any one of claims 11 to 18, including providing control outputs to disable the locks on stand-by, and providing the control output in respect of any of the locks when an unlock signal in respect of that lock is received.

20. The method of any one of claims 11 to 19, including enabling all of the locks included in the system upon detection of an override control signal.

21. A control apparatus comprising a processor configured to perform the method of any one of claims 11 to 20.

22. A vehicle mounted storage system comprising one or more compartments, adapted to be locked by a locking system comprising one or more locks, each for locking a corresponding compartment, wherein operation of the one or more locks are controlled by a control apparatus as claimed in claim 21.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the one or more locks are each coupled to a corresponding actuator for disabling or enabling the lock, wherein a control output from said control apparatus to the actuator will disable the lock.

24. The system of claim 22 or claim 23, said control apparatus being provided by an accessories control system of a vehicle to which said system is mounted.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the accessories control system is configured to provide a user interface for display in a display screen, to enable control of the locking system, to enable entry of a control setting in respect of the locking system, or both.

26. A vehicle including a vehicle mounted storage system as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25.