Container with a lock system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a container lock system. The system comprises a door assembly having at least two door panels attached to a container, a locking assembly configured to at least one of lock and unlock the door panels to provide access to the container, a control device in communication with the computing device via a network. The control device receives a request to at least one of lock and unlock the door assembly from a user device. The control device authorizes and sends the request to the computing device to at least one of unlock and lock the door assembly by at least one of activating and deactivating the locking assembly. The container lock system enables to lock the container from inside without a visible lock on a front portion.

Description

CONTAINER WITH A LOCK SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONThis application claims priority to Danish Patent application No. PA 2023 30128 titled, "CONTAINER WITH A LOCK SYSTEM", filed on 18 July 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention disclosed herein generally relates to a shipping container with a lock system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a shipping container lock system designed to lock a containOer from the inside, without having a visible lock on front side via a control device as a mobile application.BACKGROUND

[0002] Containers are transport systems that ensure that the goods or loads to be transported are transported reliably without damage and they are placed in the wagon space. The container, which provides easy, comfortable, and economical transport, is especially used in international transport systems. They are metal packaging systems used to ensure holistic and systematic transport and to organize it quickly and comfortably. The types of containers used within the scope of logistics services are used in rail transport, sea transport, and road transport.

[0003] Containers are often left unattended outdoors. Naturally, one wants to prevent any unauthorized person from opening the shipping container. In addition, one must also confirm that the doors of the container need to be locked during transportation, and the cargo is also required to arrive safely at its destination. This could be achieved by fitting the container with a container lock. While criminals can open or manipulate a standard container seal quite easily, a container lock must ensure that unauthorized persons are unable to gain access to the shipping container, thereby one can prevent fraud, damage, break-ins, and theft.

[0004] Different types of container lock existing in the current art, are as follows: (1 ) Seal Protector: A seal protector is a square steel lock that you fit over the seal, making it impossible to get to and thus preventing manipulation of the container seal. In addition, a seal protector will also protect your doors against unauthorized opening. (2) Separate Container Padlock: Another way to provide extra protection for container doors is to use a separate padlock. Padlock will be put through the opening of the container seal. This container padlock provides maximum resistance if anyone should attempt to saw, drill, cut through or grind off the lock. (3) Mechanical Container Lock: fitting a removable basic container lock over the locking bars of the container and secure it using a padlock, and (4) Electronic Container Lock: E-container is fitted as lock over the bars on the outside of the container, and identifies who accesses the cargo and enables one to manage user access permissions remotely, allowing lock / unlock commands to be sent via Bluetooth® from any smart devices.

[0005] A prior art, WO 2016 / 116903 A1 of Malvestiti, discloses a security system for a goods carriage container comprising at least one electromechanicallock, fixable inside the container at one of its doors, and at least one electronic actuation and control group, fixable inside the container and operatively connected, through a communication system, to each electromechanical lock. The electronic actuation and control group in turn comprises a GPS receiver with integrated antenna, configured for detecting information on the geographical coordinates of the container during its transportation steps, a data transceiver device, configured for sending the information on the geographical coordinates of the container to a remote control station and for receiving instructions from the remote control station in order to monitor and control the electromechanical locks, at least one electronic actuation and control means, capable of activating or deactivating each electromechanical lock based on the instructions received from the remote control station, and at least one device for generating and / or storing electrical energy, configured for electrically powering all the components of the security system.

[0006] Another prior art, US 2019 / 0153751 A1 of Wegener et al., discloses locking system and a method for locking a container having an actuator for actuating a locking bolt, a container locking controller for controlling the actuator, a container communications device associated with the container locking controller for receiving a locking code, and a container code acquisition device for acquiring a locking code, wherein the container locking controller performs a comparison of received and acquired locking codes and in the event of a correct, matching locking code actuates the actuator, and wherein a central controller generates the locking code and transmits it to the container communications device through a dial-up communications network and a communications code is provided and delivered to the container locking controller by way of the container code acquisition device in such a manner that the container communicationsdevice can be activated thereby. However, none of the above-cited prior art references discloses about the lock component that is a piston lock assembly comprising a piston rod and a piston body, wherein the piston rod is configured to extend to push the respective door panels from the opening of the container, thereby opening the door assembly. In addition, they fail to disclose a control device that is in communication with the computing device and the user device via the same network, and the locking assembly implemented with a database and blockchain technology.SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention discloses a container lock system. The system comprises a door assembly attached to a container. The container comprises a plurality of sidewalls defining an enclosed interior space and an opening at a side of the container to provide access to the interior space. The door assembly comprises at least two door panels pivotally attached to two opposing sidewalls of the container at a portion proximal to the opening of the container. Each door panel is configured to cover at least a portion of the opening, thereby the door assembly seals the opening of the container.

[0008] The system further comprises a locking assembly configured to at least one of lock and unlock the door panels to provide access to the container. The locking assembly comprises at least two lock components coupled to each door panel. The locking assembly further comprises a computing device in communication with the lock components. The computing device is configured to enable the lock components to lock and unlock the door assembly with respectto the container. The system further comprises a unique identification code to identify the container.

[0009] The system further comprises a control device in communication with the computing device via a network. The user device is associated with a user in communication with the control device via the network. The control device is configured to receive a request to at least one of lock and unlock the door assembly from the user device. The request comprises the unique identification code. The control device is further configured to authenticate and send the request to the computing device to at least one of unlock and lock the door assembly by at least one of activating and deactivating the locking assembly.

[0010] The container lock system further comprises a database in communication with the control device via the network. The database comprises information related to the user and a status of the door assembly. The status includes locked status and unlocked status. The container lock system further comprises a blockchain in communication with the control device via the network. The blockchain comprises information related to the user and the status of the door assembly.

[0011] The container lock system further comprises a location detection assembly comprising global positioning system (GPS) configured to track a location of the container in real time and sends a location information of the container to the blockchain. The container lock system further comprises a power source module configured to supply power to the locking assembly. The power source module comprises one or more rechargeable batteries.

[0012] Further, the control device is configured to enable the user input information related to the user and the unique identification code to identify the container. The control device is configured to enable the user to send request to at least one of lock and unlock the door assembly. The request further includes sealing of the door assembly. The control device is configured to authenticate the identity of the user before sending the request to the computing device. The control device is configured to store details related to the request and status of the door assembly at the blockchain and the database. The control device is configured to: enable the user to send a request to at least one of lock and unlock the door assembly for a third person.

[0013] It is essential that the lock component is a piston lock assembly comprising a piston rod and a piston body. The piston rod is configured to extend to push the respective door panels from the opening of the container, thereby opening the door assembly. The piston rod is configured to retract within the piston body to retract the respective door panels towards the opening of the container, thereby closing the door assembly. The piston lock assembly is coupled between the respective door panel and the sidewalls of the container.

[0014] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a container lock system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method for registering with the system to control locking and unlocking of the container, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling sealing, locking and unlocking the container, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling unlocking of the container, according to an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1 , a container lock system 100 comprises a door assembly 102 attached to a container 104. The container 104 comprises a plurality of sidewalls (106A, 106B, 106C, 106D, 106E) defining an enclosed interior space 108 and an opening 1 10 at a side of the container 104 to provide access to the interior space 108. The door assembly 102 comprises at least two door panels (102A, 102B) pivotally attached to two opposing sidewalls (106A, 106B) of the container 104 at a portion proximal to the opening 110 of the container 104. Each door panel (102A, 102B) is configured to cover at least a portion of the opening 110, thereby the door assembly 102 seals the opening 110 of the container 104.

[0020] The container lock system 100 further comprises a locking assembly 1 12 configured to lock the door panels (102A, 102B) to seal the opening 110 of the container 104. The locking assembly 1 12 is further configured to unlock the doorpanels (102A, 102B) to provide access to the interior space 108 of the container 104. The locking assembly 112 comprises at least two lock components (1 14A, 114B, 116A, 116B) coupled to each door panel (102A, 102B). At least two lock components (114A, 114B) are disposed at the door panel 102A. The lock component 114A is disposed at an upper portion of the door panel 102A and the lock component 114B is disposed at a lower portion of the door panel 102A. The lock components (114A, 114B) extend from the door panel 102A and the sidewall 106A.

[0021] Further, at least two lock components (116A, 116B) are disposed at the door panel 102B. The lock component 116A is disposed at an upper portion of the door panel 102B and the lock component 116B is disposed at a lower portion of the door panel 102B. The lock components (116A, 116B) extend from the door panel 102B and the sidewall 106B. The lock components (114A, 114B, 1 16A, 116B) are a piston lock assembly. The piston lock assembly comprises a piston rod and a piston body. The piston rod is configured to extend to push the respective door panels (102A, 102B) from the opening 110 of the container 104, thereby unlocking the door assembly 102 and providing access to the internal space 108 of the container 104.

[0022] The piston rod is configured to retract within the piston body to retract the respective door panels (102A, 102B) towards the opening 110 of the container 104, thereby closing the door assembly 102 and restricting access to the internal space 108 of the container 104. In one embodiment, the piston lock assembly is coupled to an actuator. The actuator is configured to control the piston lock assembly. In another embodiment, any electronic / mechanical system could be used to control the lock components (114A, 114B, 116A, 1 16B).

[0023] The locking assembly 112 further comprises a computing device 118 in communication with the lock components (114A, 114B, 1 16A, 116B). The computing device 118 is configured to enable the lock components (114A, 1 14B, 116A, 116B) to lock and unlock the door assembly 102 with respect to the container 104. The locking assembly 1 12 further comprises a power source module configured to supply power to the locking assembly 112. The power source module comprises one or more batteries 130. The battery 130 is a rechargeable battery. The system 100 further comprises an electrical socket to recharge the batteries 130. In one embodiment, batteries 130 are lithium iron phosphate batteries. In another embodiment, batteries 130 are lithium polymer batteries.

[0024] In an embodiment, the computing device 1 18 is configured to control the actuator to control the piston rod assembly. In another embodiment, the computing device 118 is configured to control the locking assembly 1 12. The locking assembly 1 12 further comprises a unique identification code to identify the container 104 and the respective locking assembly 112. The system 100 further comprises a control device 122 in communication with the computing device 118 via a network 128. The system 100 further comprises a user device 124 associated with a user. The user device 124 is in communication with the control device 122 via the network 128. A standardized communication protocol is established between the components of the system, for example, a wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The network 128 enables the components of the system 100 to share and receive data.

[0025] In one embodiment, the control device 122 is a server. The server comprises one or more processors and one or more memory modules. The memory module comprises a set of program modules executed by the processor. The system 100 further comprises a database 126 in communication with the control device 122. The control device 122 enables the user to lock and unlock the locking assembly 112 of the door assembly 102 of the respective container 104. The user device 124 comprises a user interface that enables the user to access the control device 122 to lock and unlock the locking assembly 112 of the door assembly 102 of the respective container 104.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method of operation of the system 100 is disclosed. The control device 122 enables the user to submit one or more user information to register with the system 100 and create a user account. On creating the account, the control device 122 is configured to enable the user to sign in to the system 100 via the user interface of the user device 124. If the user already has an account, the user is enabled to directly sign in to the system 100. The user information is stored in the database 126. The control device 122 is configured to enable the user to raise a request to at least one of lock or unlock the door assembly 102. In another embodiment, the control device 122 is configured to enable the user to raise a request to at least one of lock or unlock the door assembly 102 for a third party.

[0027] The control device 122 is configured to receive a request to at least one of lock and unlock the door assembly 102 from the user device 124. The request comprises the unique identification code. The unique identification code is used to authenticate and validate whether the person who wants to open the container 104, has the necessary permits. In another embodiment, ID verification,passwords or other security measures could be used to verify the identity of the user. The control device 122 is configured to send the request to the computing device 118 to at least one of unlock and lock the door assembly 102 by at least one of activating and deactivating the locking assembly 112.

[0028] The computing device 118, on receiving the request from the control device 122, the computing device 1 18 controls the lock components (1 14A, 114B, 116A, 116B) to unlock and / or lock the door assembly 102. If the request requires unlock the container 104, the computing device 118 triggers the actuator to expand the piston rod to open the door panels (102A, 102B). In another embodiment, the computing device 118 deactivates the electronic lock to open the door panels (102A, 102B). If the request requires locking the container 104, the computing device 118 triggers the actuator to retract the piston rod to close the door panels (102A, 102B). In another embodiment, the computing device 1 18 activates the electronic lock to close the door panels (102A, 102B).

[0029] The locking assembly 112 of the system 100 further comprises a location detection module configured to determine the location of the container 104. The location detection module comprises a global positioning system (GPS) 120 that tracks the container 104 location in real time and sends this information to a blockchain 132. The blockchain 132 records and stores data about the container's position and load status, including lock status. Further, the lock status of the container 104 including a locked status and an unlocked status is registered in the blockchain 132. This ensures that the container 104 is securely locked from the inside and that the lock has been secured by an authorized user.

[0030] Due to the built-in GPS 120, the blockchain 132 could also display the current position of the container 104, even when the container 104 is locked. The system 100 is configured to allow the user to check the exact position of the container 104 and ensure that the container 104 has not been moved without permission, as well as the container 104 has been securely locked from the inside. Further, the event of opening and / or closing of the container 104, time and date of the event of opening and / or closing the container 104 and the details of the user who open and / or close the container 104 are stored at the blockchain 132 as a detailed record. By integration of the locking assembly 112 and GPS 120, the system 100 obtains an integrated solution that delivers increased security and traceability. The built-in GPS 120 tracks and monitors the position of the container 104, while the blockchain 132 ensures that only authorized users could unlock the lock and gain access to the container 104. At the same time, the lock’s status, and the unlocking and locking log could be recorded and accessed via the blockchain 132, which provides a reliable history and the possibility of real monitoring and management of the container 104.

[0031] Further, materials, for example, stainless steel are used to protect electronic components against physical damage and corrosion. It is a suitable material for making cabinets or protective boxes for electronics. Further, high- performance thermoplastic materials, such as polyamides (i.e. nylon) or polycarbonate are used to protect electronic circuits. These materials are known for their good insulation properties and durability.

[0032] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method 200 for registering with the system 100 to control the locking and unlocking of the container 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. At step 202, the controldevice 122 enables the user to submit one or more user information to register with the system 100 and create a user account. On creating the account, the control device 122 is configured to enable the user to sign in to the system 100 via the user interface of the user device 124. If the user already has the account, the user is enabled to directly sign in to the system 100.

[0033] At step 204, the control device 122 enables the user to add the details of the container 104, for example, the unique identification code to identify the container 104.

[0034] At step 206, the control device 122 adds the details of the container 104 and registers with the system 100.

[0035] At step 208, the control device 122 further receives the details such as a product number of the container 104 or the locking assembly 112. The control device 122 is further configured to receive the details as a machine-readable code, for example, a QR code. Further, the details are stored in the database 126. On adding details, the control device 122 enables the user to select a request to lock, unlock or seal the container 104. At step 210, the method 200 ends. FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method 300 for controlling sealing and locking of the container 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. At step 302, the control device 122 enables the user to submit one or more user information to register with the system 100 and create a user account. On creating the account, the control device 122 is configured to enable the user to sign in with the system 100 via the user interface of the user device 124. If the user already has the account, the user is enabled to directly sign in to the system 100.

[0036] At step 304, the control device 122 is configured to enable the user to create a request to seal the container 104. At step 306, the control device 122 is configured to enable the user to create a request to lock the container 104. At step 308, the control device 122 is configured to enable the user to create a request to seal and lock the container 104. The control device 122 is configured to enable the user to unlock the door assembly 102 for other users (referred as receiver).

[0037] At step 310, the control device 122 is configured to submit the request. At step 312, the control device 122 is configured to enable the user to select the request depending on the receiver. At step 312, the control device 122 is configured to store the details of the selection of the user in the database 126. At step 314, the control device 122 is configured to store the details of the selection at the blockchain 132. The details stored at the blockchain 132 are used for verification during the unlock process of the container 104. At step 316, the method 300 ends.

[0038] FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method 400 for controlling locking of the container 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. At step 402, the control device 122 enables the user to submit one or more user information to register with the system 100 and create a user account. On creating the account, the control device 122 is configured to enable the user to sign in with the system 100 via the user interface of the user device 124. If the user already has the account, the user is enabled to directly sign in to the system 100.

[0039] At step 404, the control device 122 is configured to enable the user to select a request or an order to unlock the container 104. At step 406, on selecting the request, the control device 122 requests the user to post model details. At step 408, the selection made by the user is confirmed and stored at the database 126. At step 410, the selection made by the user is confirmed and stored at the blockchain 132. At step 412, the control device 122 enables the computing device 118 to unlock the locking assembly 112 of the door assembly 102.

[0040] Advantageously, the container lock system 100 enables to lock the container 104 from inside without a visible lock on a front portion, or a door assembly 102 of the container 104. The piston lock assembly ensures a second lock for the container 104. The authentication steps of the container lock system 100 are configured to prevent unauthorized access to the container 104. The integration of blockchain 132 and GPS 120 create an even more secure and efficient container lock system 100.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A container, comprising: a door assembly attached to a container, wherein the container comprises a plurality of sidewalls defining an enclosed interior space and an opening at a side of the container to provide access to the interior space, wherein the door assembly comprises at least two door panels pivotally attached to two opposing sidewalls of the container at a portion proximal to the opening of the container, each door panel is configured to cover at least a portion of the opening, thereby the door assembly seals the opening of the container; a locking assembly disposed at an interior side of the container, wherein the locking assembly is configured to at least one of lock and unlock the door panels to provide access to the container, wherein the locking assembly comprises at least two lock components coupled to each door panel, a computing device in communication with the lock components configured to enable the lock components to lock and unlock the door assembly with respect to the container, and a unique identification code to identify the container; a control device in communication with the computing device via a network, anda user device associated with a user in communication with the control device via a network, the control device is configured to: receive a request to at least one of lock and unlock the door assembly from the user device, wherein the request comprises the unique identification code, and authenticate and send the request to the computing device to at least one of unlock and lock the door assembly by at least one of activating and deactivating the locking assembly, characterized by, that the control device is in communication with the computing device and the user device via the same network and the lock component is a piston lock assembly comprising a piston rod and a piston body, wherein the piston rod is configured to extend to push the respective door panels from the opening of the container, thereby opening the door assembly.

2. The container of claim 1 , further comprises: a database in communication with the control device via the network, wherein the database comprises information related to the user and a status of the door assembly, wherein the status includes locked status and unlocked status, and a blockchain in communication with the control device via the network, wherein the blockchain comprises information related to the user and the status of the door assembly.

3. The container of claim 1 , further comprises a location detection assembly comprising global positioning system (GPS) configured to track a location of the container in real time and send a location information to the blockchain.

4. The container of claim 1 , further comprises a power source module configured to supply power to the locking assembly, wherein the power source module comprises one or more rechargeable batteries.

5. The container of claim 2, wherein the control device is configured to: enable the user to input information related to the user and the unique identification code to identify the container, enable the user to send request to at least one of lock and unlock the door assembly, authenticate the identity of the user before sending the request to the computing device, and store details related to the request and status of the door assembly at the blockchain and the database.

6. The container of claim 1 , wherein the control device is configured to: enable the user to send a request to at least one of lock and unlock the door assembly for a third person.

7. The container of claim 1 , wherein the lock component is an electronic lock.

8. The container of claim 1 , wherein the piston rod is configured to retract within the piston body to retract the respective door panels towards the opening of the container, thereby closing the door assembly.

9. The container of claim 1 , wherein the piston lock assembly is coupled between the respective door panel and the sidewalls of the container.

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