Patent Application
20070194916
The present invention relates to cargo security sensors, and more specifically to mounting of cargo security sensors.
Traditionally, security devices for containers have included mechanical devices such as locks. These security devices have evolved over time to include more complicated devices having a variety of additional features such as sensors and systems for communicating when the sensor detects a breach of the container. Typically, all of these security devices have been fixed to the containers in some manner. More specifically, these security devices are typically bolted to or secured to the containers in a manner not allowing for easy removal and movement and mounting to an alternate container. These security devices typically have a wired connection to a security unit. This wired connection not only requires a complicated routing of cables, but also requires a physical coupling between the security device and the security unit. With increasing security requirements for transported packages, the need for being able to move security devices between containers has grown in importance. This allows for added flexibility in the use of the devices, such as easy and quick installation and removal, while not requiring invasive mounting to the containers that the devices are coupled to.
A container includes a first body member, a second body member moveable from a closed position to an open position relative to the first body member, and a sensing apparatus. The sensing apparatus includes a signal-emitting device providing a first signal and having a first mounting structure non-invasively mounted to one of the first and second body members. The sensing apparatus further includes a wireless sensing device including a sensing element configured to sense the first signal and a second mounting structure non-invasively mounted to the other of the first and second body members such that the sensing element is able to sense the first signal when the first body member is in the closed position. The signal emitting device and sensing device may each be releasably secured via adhesives so they can be used with different containers.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating various preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
As seen in
Signal-emitting device 26 may be mounted to container door 24 at or near free end 32. Wireless sensing device 28 may be mounted to container front wall 17 at or near opening 34, or to any area of the container 12 where device 26 will be in proximity to where the door 24 is closed, such as sidewall 14. Signal-emitting device 26 and wireless sensing device 28 are mounted in a manner such that when door 24 is in an open position (shown in
As seen in
Wireless sensing device 28 may include a mounting bracket 42 having coupling elements 44 attached thereto providing engagement with front wall 14 in a manner similar to that shown regarding signal-emitting device 26 and door 24 in
Wireless transmitter 50 is capable of transmitting a wireless signal, for example an electromagnetic wave signal, a magnetic field signal, a radio frequency (RF) signal, or possibly even an optical signal. Merely for exemplary purposes, the transmitter 50 will be described as generating an RF signal. Processing circuit 52 is in communication with sensing element 48 and wireless transmitter 50 and causes the RF signal to be transmitted when the sensing element 48 fails to sense the signal (such as a magnetic field) provided by signal-emitting portion 40 of signal-emitting device 26. The RF signal is transmitted to the container security unit 30.
Some countries may have regulations related to RF signal transmission. For example, in Japan unlicensed transmitters are allowed below 322 Mhz with 500 μV/m field strength of 3 meters. If a transmitter is initially above a desired threshold, it may be desirable to attenuate the signal. In order to attenuate the RF signal, a metallic material, such as foil tape may be used to cover all or a portion of wireless transmitter 50.
Container security unit 30 may be located within container 12 as shown in
In an alternative arrangement shown in
It is understood that a number of additional configurations may be used in addition to those already described regarding containers 12, 112. Signal-emitting device 26 may be mounted to a first portion of the container structure, such as a container lid, moveable relative to a second portion of the container structure having wireless sensing device 28 mounted thereto. Also, while signal-emitting device 26 has been described as being mounted to a moveable structure, such as the first portion of the container structure noted above, it is understood that wireless sensing device 28 may be mounted to a moveable structure instead. For example, referring to
It is also understood that containers 12, 112 may be any of a variety of containers. More specifically, containers 12, 112 may be shipping containers. Containers 12, 112 may additionally be capable of operating in a maritime environment or in aerospace applications.
While various preferred embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications or variations which might be made without departing from the inventive concept. The examples illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit it. Therefore, the description and claims should be interpreted liberally with only such limitation as is necessary in view of the pertinent prior art.
