Security case

Abstract

The present invention is a self contained, portable security case or container. The case is secure in its locked condition by locks which are preferably operated by an electronic key. The electronic key can be programmed to open the case or container dependent upon various different conditions, for example, location, time, identification of operator, etc. In addition to the electronic key, a biometric identification device can be employed. The exterior of the case or container is made from different materials which are impermeable and resistant to heat, drilling and ballistic impact. A GPS type of location device located within the case enables the case to be tracked from remote locations.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A security case for storing and transporting an item in a secure manner, the case comprising:
 a lid coupled to a base and cooperating therewith to define a closable storage chamber;   at least one lock device located inside the case and operable to selectively maintain the lid locked in a closed condition to the base selectively resisting access to the storage chamber;   at least one electronic data input first device associated with the case;   at least one location device associated with the case and positioned therein, the location device being operable to selectively determine a location of the case;   a memory device associated with the case and positioned therein; and   a controller operably coupled to the memory device, location device, the data input first device and said lock device and operable to selectively permit said lock device to be moved to an unlocked condition when at least two of the location device and at least one first device provide acceptable first information to the controller, said controller being operable to compare the received first information to second information stored in the memory to determine if the received first information is acceptable and, if acceptable, authorizing the lock device to be unlocked and send a signal to the lock device to move to an unlocked condition.   
     
     
         2 . The security case of  claim 1  wherein the at least one first device including a plurality of said first devices. 
     
     
         3 . The security case of  claim 2  wherein said first devices including a biometric reading device and an electronic key device. 
     
     
         4 . The security case of  claim 2  wherein said controller is operable to determine if the security case location first information matches location second information in the memory to determine if the location first information is acceptable and, if so, authorize the lock device to move to an unlocked condition if the other first information is acceptable. 
     
     
         5 . The security case of  claim 3  wherein the location device is operable to provide route information to the memory device for storage, said route information including location and time of day at location. 
     
     
         6 . The security case of  claim 5  wherein the controller and memory being operable to provide an alarm if the security case is not following travel plan third information stored in the memory. 
     
     
         7 . The security case of  claim 2  including at least one first sensor coupled to the controller and memory device operable to determine if an unauthorized attempt to open the case or unauthorized opening is effected and to at least one of sound an alarm and send a signal of such event to a remote location. 
     
     
         8 . The security case of  claim 7  including at least one sensor operable to sense an attempt to physically tamper with the case. 
     
     
         9 . The security case of  claim 2  including a third device operably associated wirelessly with the controller and adapted to communicate with the controller and provide fourth information about its position relative to the case and, if too far, at least one of sound an alarm and send a signal to a remote location. 
     
     
         10 . The security case of  claim 2  wherein at least one of the first devices is a biometric sensor. 
     
     
         11 . The security case of  claim 10  wherein at least one said location device being a GPS device. 
     
     
         12 . The security case of  claim 11  wherein controller being operable to effect transmission of third information to a remote location. 
     
     
         13 . The security case of  claim 12  wherein the third information including at least one of case location, unauthorized attempts to open the case, deviation from a travel plan, and excess distance of a proximity sensor from the case. 
     
     
         14 . The security case of  claim 13  including a second biometric sensor wirelessly coupled to the processor to remotely provide biometric information to the controller. 
     
     
         15 . The security case of  claim 14  wherein said biometric information from the second biometric sensor can indicate at least one of location reached, time schedule and potential trouble for a courier. 
     
     
         16 . The security of  claim 2  wherein the portions of the lid and the base having multiple layers of material operable to resist unauthorized access to the storage chamber.