CA2757830A1 - Intelligent enclosures - Google Patents
Intelligent enclosures Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2757830A1 CA2757830A1 CA2757830A CA2757830A CA2757830A1 CA 2757830 A1 CA2757830 A1 CA 2757830A1 CA 2757830 A CA2757830 A CA 2757830A CA 2757830 A CA2757830 A CA 2757830A CA 2757830 A1 CA2757830 A1 CA 2757830A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wall
- fastener
- electronics
- user
- enclosure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/10—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property
- G07F17/12—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property comprising lockable containers, e.g. for accepting clothes to be cleaned
- G07F17/13—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property comprising lockable containers, e.g. for accepting clothes to be cleaned the containers being a postal pick-up locker
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
- G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
- G07C9/00896—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys specially adapted for particular uses
- G07C9/00912—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys specially adapted for particular uses for safes, strong-rooms, vaults or the like
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
- G07C9/30—Individual registration on entry or exit not involving the use of a pass
- G07C9/32—Individual registration on entry or exit not involving the use of a pass in combination with an identity check
- G07C9/33—Individual registration on entry or exit not involving the use of a pass in combination with an identity check by means of a password
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
This invention relates to a fastener system for an enclosure having one or more walls wherein at least one wall provides an opening to the enclosure comprising at least one fastener for fastening a first wall to a second wall upon receiving a suitable signal and releasing the first wall from the second wall upon receiving a suitable signal, electronics, and a user interface.
Description
Intelligent Enclosures FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a closure for a compartment. More specifically, this invention relates fastener or system of fasteners for an intelligent enclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Arrays of lockers or similar enclosures are widely known and found in a variety of locations, such as in schools, public transportation depots, shopping malls, etc. There is a high demand to provide people a location to secure personal belongings.
Current locker systems utilize a key lock, a combination lock, or a similar manual locking system for providing security to the locker space. The problem is that keys go missing and combination codes are forgotten thereby locking a user out of accessing his/her belongings. Therefore there is a demand for a keyless and combination free solution to locking an enclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a fastener system for an enclosure having one or more walls wherein at least one wall provides an opening to the enclosure comprising at least one fastener for fastening a first wall to a second wall upon receiving a suitable signal and releasing the first wall from the second wall upon receiving a suitable signal, electronics, and a user interface. For purposes of describing this invention, the first wall will be a locker door and the second wall will be a wall on the locker body but one skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of elements may comprise the first and second wall.
The fastener preferably further comprises material adapted to contract when activated. The material adapted to contract when activated is preferably shape memory alloy wire and has crimped lead attached. Shape memory alloys are known and are usually made predominantly or wholly of titanium and nickel. They may also include other material, such as aluminium, zinc and copper. A shape memory alloy is capable of adopting one shape below a predetermined transition temperature and changing to a second shape once its temperature exceeds the transition temperature.
Conversely, when the shape memory alloy cools below the transition temperature, it is capable of adopting the first shape again. In connection with the various aspects of the present invention, the shape memory alloy contracts when heated in situ. Shape memory alloy wire currently available, such as that sold under the trade mark Nitinol, is capable of contracting by about 3% when activated by heating.
Activation of the material adapted to contract when activated is preferably achieved through electrical resistance heating, with a wire feed to the assembly.
Activation of the shape memory alloy wire can be initiated from a central location, using the wiring system of, for example, the home the lockset is located in. It is also within the scope of this invention that the activation is initiated by remote means, such as a hand held tool operating through the use of any suitable form of energy, including microwave, electric magnetic, sonic, infra-red, radio frequency and so on.
The scope of the invention in its various aspects is not necessarily limited to the use of shape memory alloy. Other material may also be useful. Also, while activation may take place through heating, other means of activation may be suitable and are within the scope of this invention.
This invention relates to a closure for a compartment. More specifically, this invention relates fastener or system of fasteners for an intelligent enclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Arrays of lockers or similar enclosures are widely known and found in a variety of locations, such as in schools, public transportation depots, shopping malls, etc. There is a high demand to provide people a location to secure personal belongings.
Current locker systems utilize a key lock, a combination lock, or a similar manual locking system for providing security to the locker space. The problem is that keys go missing and combination codes are forgotten thereby locking a user out of accessing his/her belongings. Therefore there is a demand for a keyless and combination free solution to locking an enclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a fastener system for an enclosure having one or more walls wherein at least one wall provides an opening to the enclosure comprising at least one fastener for fastening a first wall to a second wall upon receiving a suitable signal and releasing the first wall from the second wall upon receiving a suitable signal, electronics, and a user interface. For purposes of describing this invention, the first wall will be a locker door and the second wall will be a wall on the locker body but one skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of elements may comprise the first and second wall.
The fastener preferably further comprises material adapted to contract when activated. The material adapted to contract when activated is preferably shape memory alloy wire and has crimped lead attached. Shape memory alloys are known and are usually made predominantly or wholly of titanium and nickel. They may also include other material, such as aluminium, zinc and copper. A shape memory alloy is capable of adopting one shape below a predetermined transition temperature and changing to a second shape once its temperature exceeds the transition temperature.
Conversely, when the shape memory alloy cools below the transition temperature, it is capable of adopting the first shape again. In connection with the various aspects of the present invention, the shape memory alloy contracts when heated in situ. Shape memory alloy wire currently available, such as that sold under the trade mark Nitinol, is capable of contracting by about 3% when activated by heating.
Activation of the material adapted to contract when activated is preferably achieved through electrical resistance heating, with a wire feed to the assembly.
Activation of the shape memory alloy wire can be initiated from a central location, using the wiring system of, for example, the home the lockset is located in. It is also within the scope of this invention that the activation is initiated by remote means, such as a hand held tool operating through the use of any suitable form of energy, including microwave, electric magnetic, sonic, infra-red, radio frequency and so on.
The scope of the invention in its various aspects is not necessarily limited to the use of shape memory alloy. Other material may also be useful. Also, while activation may take place through heating, other means of activation may be suitable and are within the scope of this invention.
2 For purposes of this invention, the fastener is built into an adjustable shelf for use within the enclosure (i.e. locker). By building the fastener into a shelf, this makes the fasteners system easily retrofitted for most locker assemblies. One skilled in the art will recognize that this invention is also suitable for newly built locker assemblies.
One the front of the locker or in the vicinity of a plurality of lockers is a user interface. This interface is in the form of a computer screen and offers a user any number of choices for the use of the locker assembly. In one setting, a package may be stored within the locker by either that particular user or a different user and the user now has a need to access the package. Once a user desires access to the enclosure and makes the desired selection for activity, the user interface will prompt for an access code. Only users with the proper access code will be granted access. Once the code is accepted the interface will prompt a user as to the locker that is to be accessed and it is possible that time that a message may be delivered to the user. At the same time this happens a signal is sent to the fastener from the controlling electronics to unlock the first wall from the second wall allowing the user access inside the enclosure. As the user takes the contents from the locker, a log will be kept as to when/how the user accessed the enclosure. It is also possible for other factors to be measured, such as what was taken by measuring weights, how long the user was accessing the enclosure, etc. Any number of factors may be monitored and stored by the electronics depending on a user's needs.
In another setting a user may be leaving a package for a different user to pick up at a later date. When dropping a package into a locker, the user will encounter other options for the locker. An access code as described above is still needed, but a user will need to select the type of enclosure that is needed to house the package. Once that
One the front of the locker or in the vicinity of a plurality of lockers is a user interface. This interface is in the form of a computer screen and offers a user any number of choices for the use of the locker assembly. In one setting, a package may be stored within the locker by either that particular user or a different user and the user now has a need to access the package. Once a user desires access to the enclosure and makes the desired selection for activity, the user interface will prompt for an access code. Only users with the proper access code will be granted access. Once the code is accepted the interface will prompt a user as to the locker that is to be accessed and it is possible that time that a message may be delivered to the user. At the same time this happens a signal is sent to the fastener from the controlling electronics to unlock the first wall from the second wall allowing the user access inside the enclosure. As the user takes the contents from the locker, a log will be kept as to when/how the user accessed the enclosure. It is also possible for other factors to be measured, such as what was taken by measuring weights, how long the user was accessing the enclosure, etc. Any number of factors may be monitored and stored by the electronics depending on a user's needs.
In another setting a user may be leaving a package for a different user to pick up at a later date. When dropping a package into a locker, the user will encounter other options for the locker. An access code as described above is still needed, but a user will need to select the type of enclosure that is needed to house the package. Once that
3 selection is made, a user will put the package in the enclosure and the locker will fasten.
An email or other type of electronic message can also be sent via controlling electronics to the recipient notifying them that the package is ready for pickup.
In all situations, the administrator of the fastening system can be granted access to the enclosures. This is particularly useful in emergency settings where is it imperative that a locker is opened or in schools for example when teachers or other school officials must have access to a locker.
The signals to and from the fastener and other monitoring capabilities can be transmitted wirelessly or through hard wiring via controlling electronics.
Wireless transmission can occur through any acceptable means.
One skilled in the art will recognize that the electronics may be in the form of a computer with appropriate software. One skilled in the art will also recognize that the electronics may be one or more set of electronics arranged in a desired fashion to control the fastener system.
Other advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of the drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a view of the locker in a closed position.
Figure 2 is a view of the locker in an open position.
Figure 3 is an angled view of the locker in a closed position.
Figure 4 is an angled view of the locker in an open position.
An email or other type of electronic message can also be sent via controlling electronics to the recipient notifying them that the package is ready for pickup.
In all situations, the administrator of the fastening system can be granted access to the enclosures. This is particularly useful in emergency settings where is it imperative that a locker is opened or in schools for example when teachers or other school officials must have access to a locker.
The signals to and from the fastener and other monitoring capabilities can be transmitted wirelessly or through hard wiring via controlling electronics.
Wireless transmission can occur through any acceptable means.
One skilled in the art will recognize that the electronics may be in the form of a computer with appropriate software. One skilled in the art will also recognize that the electronics may be one or more set of electronics arranged in a desired fashion to control the fastener system.
Other advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of the drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a view of the locker in a closed position.
Figure 2 is a view of the locker in an open position.
Figure 3 is an angled view of the locker in a closed position.
Figure 4 is an angled view of the locker in an open position.
4 Figure 5 is a screen shot from a typical first page of the user interface.
Figure 6 is a screen shot of the user interface prompting for an access code.
Figure 7 is a screen shot of the user interface relaying a message to a user picking up a package.
Figure 8 is a screen shot of the user interface assisting a user dropping of a package.
Figure 9 is a screen shot of the user interface assisting a user to send a message to a package recipient.
Figure 10 depicts a schematic view of an arrangement of a number of lockers controlled by multiple electronics.
Figure 11 depicts a view of a locker in the opened position.
Figure 12 depicts a detailed view of the fastener in the open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figures 1-4 and 10-12 depicts a fastener system for an enclosure 2 such as a locker. One the front of the locker 2 is a user interface 4. This user interface assists a user in accessing the locker 2. The fastening system comprises a fastener 6 for fastening or unfastening a first wall 12 to/from a second wall 14. The fastener 6 can be contained within an adjustable shelf 10 that is able to retrofitted into existing lockers 2 as seen in Figs. 1-4 or built into the locker 2 as seen in Figs 10-12.
Figures 5-9 detail possible screenshots that may be produced by the user interface 4. If a user desires access to a locker 2, then he/she must follow the prompts on the the
Figure 6 is a screen shot of the user interface prompting for an access code.
Figure 7 is a screen shot of the user interface relaying a message to a user picking up a package.
Figure 8 is a screen shot of the user interface assisting a user dropping of a package.
Figure 9 is a screen shot of the user interface assisting a user to send a message to a package recipient.
Figure 10 depicts a schematic view of an arrangement of a number of lockers controlled by multiple electronics.
Figure 11 depicts a view of a locker in the opened position.
Figure 12 depicts a detailed view of the fastener in the open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figures 1-4 and 10-12 depicts a fastener system for an enclosure 2 such as a locker. One the front of the locker 2 is a user interface 4. This user interface assists a user in accessing the locker 2. The fastening system comprises a fastener 6 for fastening or unfastening a first wall 12 to/from a second wall 14. The fastener 6 can be contained within an adjustable shelf 10 that is able to retrofitted into existing lockers 2 as seen in Figs. 1-4 or built into the locker 2 as seen in Figs 10-12.
Figures 5-9 detail possible screenshots that may be produced by the user interface 4. If a user desires access to a locker 2, then he/she must follow the prompts on the the
5 user interface 4. In situations where the locker 2 must be unlocked to access a package, a user will operate the fastener system through the user interface 4 and the user interface will communicate with the fastener 6 via a signal from electronics 8 that the fastener 6 should unlock releasing the first wall 12 from the second wall 14 and the allowing the user access.
When the user needs to secure the locker 2 the first wall 12 is joined the second wall 14 by way of the fastener 6 joining its parts 6a and 6b and the user interface 4 receives the signal via the controlling electronics 8 and responds appropriately.
It will be appreciated that changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without limiting the spirit and scope of the invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the various arts, the invention disclosed herein is not limited to the examples set out and has wide applications in many areas, representing significant advances in the relevant art. In particular, the invention provides a fastener system which is far more sophisticated compared to prior art fastener systems for enclosures, permitting the application of modem technology.
When the user needs to secure the locker 2 the first wall 12 is joined the second wall 14 by way of the fastener 6 joining its parts 6a and 6b and the user interface 4 receives the signal via the controlling electronics 8 and responds appropriately.
It will be appreciated that changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without limiting the spirit and scope of the invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the various arts, the invention disclosed herein is not limited to the examples set out and has wide applications in many areas, representing significant advances in the relevant art. In particular, the invention provides a fastener system which is far more sophisticated compared to prior art fastener systems for enclosures, permitting the application of modem technology.
6
Claims (6)
1) A fastener system for an enclosure having one or more walls wherein at least on of the walls provides an opening to the enclosure comprising:
at least one fastener for fastening a first wall to a second wall upon receiving a suitable signal and releasing said first wall from said second wall upon receiving another suitable signal;
at least one set of electronics for controlling signal communication; and a user interface.
at least one fastener for fastening a first wall to a second wall upon receiving a suitable signal and releasing said first wall from said second wall upon receiving another suitable signal;
at least one set of electronics for controlling signal communication; and a user interface.
2) The fastener system of Claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises smart memory alloy wire.
3) The fastener system of Claim 1 wherein said user interface is a touch-sensitive computer screen linked to said electronics.
4) The fastener system of Claim 3 wherein a user utilizing the user interface with an access code to send the suitable signal from the electronics to release the first wall from the second wall or to fasten the first wall to the second wall.
5) The fastener system of Claim 4 wherein said electronics monitor and log access to said enclosure and are able to send messages to users giving notice as to the fastener status.
6) The fastener system of Claim 1 wherein the electronics is two or more electronics set in an arrangement to control multiple fasteners.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US16686809P | 2009-04-06 | 2009-04-06 | |
| US61/166,868 | 2009-04-06 | ||
| PCT/US2010/030107 WO2010118037A1 (en) | 2009-04-06 | 2010-04-06 | Intelligent enclosures |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2757830A1 true CA2757830A1 (en) | 2010-10-14 |
Family
ID=42936531
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2757830A Abandoned CA2757830A1 (en) | 2009-04-06 | 2010-04-06 | Intelligent enclosures |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2417315A4 (en) |
| JP (2) | JP2012522917A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN102439252A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2757830A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2010118037A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107451885B (en) * | 2017-07-24 | 2023-12-15 | 徐州臣赐网络科技有限公司 | Basketball lease operation system and method |
| JP7058029B1 (en) * | 2021-05-17 | 2022-04-21 | 株式会社Hns | Locking device, storage box, and booklet |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0444776Y2 (en) * | 1985-04-10 | 1992-10-21 | ||
| JPH08209995A (en) * | 1995-02-01 | 1996-08-13 | Musashi Koki Kk | Centralized operation type locker device |
| JP2002165657A (en) * | 2000-12-02 | 2002-06-11 | Masaomi Shimizu | Magnet structural lock mechanism |
| GB2382421A (en) * | 2001-11-26 | 2003-05-28 | Bybox Holdings Ltd | Collection and delivery system |
| US7600301B2 (en) * | 2002-06-19 | 2009-10-13 | Telezygology, Inc. | Fixing and release systems and fastener networks |
| US20050075989A1 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2005-04-07 | Pitney Bowes Incorporated | Method for securely storing objects |
| US20050237149A1 (en) * | 2004-04-23 | 2005-10-27 | Jon Loftin | Over-lock for self-storage units |
| CN1959044B (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2010-07-14 | 中国国际海运集装箱(集团)股份有限公司 | Safe protection lock, safety system of physical distribution, and managerial approach |
| JP2008248651A (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2008-10-16 | Alpha Corp | Locker equipment |
-
2010
- 2010-04-06 CA CA2757830A patent/CA2757830A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-04-06 CN CN2010800224642A patent/CN102439252A/en active Pending
- 2010-04-06 JP JP2012503779A patent/JP2012522917A/en active Pending
- 2010-04-06 WO PCT/US2010/030107 patent/WO2010118037A1/en active Application Filing
- 2010-04-06 EP EP10762306.8A patent/EP2417315A4/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2015
- 2015-12-25 JP JP2015006558U patent/JP3204742U/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP2417315A1 (en) | 2012-02-15 |
| JP3204742U (en) | 2016-06-16 |
| JP2012522917A (en) | 2012-09-27 |
| CN102439252A (en) | 2012-05-02 |
| EP2417315A4 (en) | 2016-12-14 |
| WO2010118037A1 (en) | 2010-10-14 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20150226 |
|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20170926 |