WO2019195919A1

WO2019195919A1 - System and method for transporting controlled substances

Info

Publication number: WO2019195919A1
Application number: PCT/CA2019/050395
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dwaine Mcneil; Dallas MCNEIL; Dean MCNEIL
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-04-11
Filing date: 2019-04-02
Publication date: 2019-10-17
Anticipated expiration: 2020-10-11
Also published as: CA3095225A1; CA3001033A1

Abstract

A container and a method for transporting controlled substances are provided. The container comprises a locking assembly configured to lock and unlock the cap to the housing. A processing structure executing instructions to measure a time after the container is closed and locked by the locking assembly. A computer system comprising instructions executed by the computer device for operating the container is also provided. The instructions comprise verifying the identity of the user, verifying if the container is closed, instructing the locking assembly to lock or unlock the container, setting a timer and displaying a time of the timer. The invention is designed to help reduce drivers driving under the influence of controlled substances and to provide a transparent tool for both law enforcement and to protect the end user from false arrest.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to Canadian App. No. 3,001,033 filed on April 11, 2018. The contents of which are explicitly incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD

[0002] This invention is in the field of transportation containers, and more specifically to secure transportation of controlled substances such as pharmaceuticals or drugs.

BACKGROUND

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 9,600,636 to Xu et al. describes a medication compliance cap system, cap assembly, and associated methodology enhance compliance of a user's prescribed or scheduled medication regimen. A“smart” or intelligent medication cap assembly that communicates wirelessly with a remote medication compliance application or software executable via a personal computing device. A power source and signal-generating circuitry are housed within an inner cap housing and an outer cap housing, which circuitry is selectively switched on and/or off via engagement with an upper container rim of a medication container. The medication compliance application schedules medication-taking events and alerts the user when a medication-taking event is due. The user may stop the alert by removing the medication cap assembly from a medication container, at which time an alert cessation signal is transmitted to the medication compliance application. [0004] U.S. Pat. No. 9,597,262 to Morgan et al. discloses a medication administration tracker that includes a medication container. A lid is releasably securable to the bottle and may include at least one indicator configured to produce an indication when prompted. A time keeper and a processor are integrated into the lid. The time keeper keeps time and the processor is operatively connected to the indicator and the time keeper. The processor is programmable to receive at least a dosage time and activate the indicator when the time keeper reaches the dosage time.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,081,807 to Lai et al. describes a user-friendly electronic pill reminder devices that converts regular conventional pill bottles to automatic reminder pill bottles. When the user closes the pill bottle cap on the bottle container, the electronic timer, with factory predetermined time interval, is automatically activated. That activated timer generates alert signals not only to remind user when the last pill has taken but also to remind the user to take his/hers next dose at time-out. The reminder device and alert signals are automatically deactivated and reset when the user opens the pill bottle cap (to take contents from the bottle container). SUMMARY

[0006] The aspects as described herein in any and all combinations.

[0007] According to one aspect, there is provided a container comprising: a housing for storing a controlled substance; a cap configured to removably couple to the housing and seal the housing; a locking assembly configured to lock and unlock the cap to the housing; a processing structure executing instructions from a memory to: measure a time after the container is closed and locked by the locking assembly. [0008] In a further aspect, the housing further comprises: an outer chassis, a middle chassis assembly, and an inner chassis for holding the controlled substance; the inner chassis being removably placed in the middle chassis assembly and the middle chassis assembly being removably placed in the outer chassis. [0009] In a further aspect, the locking assembly comprises a locking ring fastened to the cap and a locking rod extended from the middle chassis assembly; the locking ring comprises a channel for receiving the locking rod to prohibit the cap from rotating.

[0010] In a further aspect, the locking assembly further comprises a servomotor to drive the locking rod to insert or retract from the channel of the locking ring upon receiving an electronic lock or unlock signal.

[0011] According to another aspect, a method of using a container is provided wherein the container comprises: a housing for storing a controlled substance, a cap configured to couple to the housing and a locking assembly to lock the cap to the housing. The method comprises: closing the housing with the cap; generating an electronic closing signal and sending the electronic signal to a processing structure; locking the cap to the housing with the locking assembly; generating a locking signal and sending the locking signal to the processing structure; measuring a time when the processing structure receives the closing signal and the locking signal; and displaying the measured time on a display.

[0012] According to another aspect, a computer system for operating a container is provided. The computer system comprises a computer device wirelessly communicating with the processing structure of the container. The computer device comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions executed by the computer device to cause the processing structure to operate the container. The instructions comprise: waiting for a user to enter a security code; verifying if the security code matches an internally stored security code; verifying if the container is closed; instructing the locking assembly to lock or unlock the container; upon locking the container, setting a timer; and displaying a time of the timer. [0013] The container and the computer system combine electronic security and GPS tracking to aid in safe, theft proof and recordable archived history logs. This helps make the system more transparent for both the end user, pharmacists, dispensing locations and law enforcement, who can also quickly and easily program the unit to help insure the correct instructions. Safe transport of the controlled substance are achieved. The system can also be used for a number of customized timer applications including dosages, and event scheduling.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] While the aspects are claimed in the concluding portions hereof, example aspects are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:

[0015] Figure 1 A is a side view of a transportation container;

[0016] Figure 1B is a perspective of the transportation container of Figure 1A;

[0017] Figure 1C is an exploded view of the transportation container of Figure 1 A;

[0018] Figure 1D is a perspective of a middle chassis assembly of the transportation container of Figure 1A; [0019] Figure 1E is another perspective of the middle chassis assembly of Figure 1D, showing the opposite side of Figure 1D;

[0020] Figure 1F is another perspective view of the middle chassis assembly of Figure 1D, showing the bottom of the assembly; [0021] Figure 1G is an exploded view of the middle chassis assembly of Figure 1D, showing the main components of the assembly;

[0022] Figure 2 is a front view of a remote; and

[0023] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example electronic system for the transportation container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Drug impaired driving is a significant concern for both prescription drugs and, with the legalization of cannabis, drug impaired driving is expected to increase in areas where cannabis has become legalized. Drug impaired driving may be more difficult to enforce as few testing systems exists for determining impairment. The detection of drug impaired driving involves extensive training of law enforcement officers and the criteria is not objectively measured. The lack of objective measurements makes drug impaired driving more susceptible to being challenged in court.

[0025] With control of drunk driving, alcohol is detectible through a breathalyzer that determines the blood alcohol level. The blood alcohol level may be strongly correlated to the impairment of an individual, such as 0.08 percent blood alcohol content (%BAC). With drug impaired driving, this type of standard measurement does not yet exist or is difficult to measure objectively. The measurement and/or length of impairment may also vary depending on the type of drug. The impairment may also be influenced if the person is under multiple types of medication that may collectively impair a driver more than if taken individually. As described herein, cannabis may be the example drug, but the aspects described may be equally applicable to other types of drugs that are known to impair a person.

[0026] In the example of cannabis, a level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may be detectable in a person for days, weeks, and/or sometimes months before a blood test or a saliva test shows zero usage. This detection time may far exceed a time period of impairment (e.g. an impairment time) making such measurements only indicative of cannabis use but not of impairment. Cannabis may also have inconsistent THC strengths between strains leading to varying impairment times. Civil liberties may also be a concern as demanding blood tests and saliva tests is considered by many to be intrusive without reasonable grounds to do so. The aspects described herein may provide a suitable resolution for one or more of these problems addressed. [0027] With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a transportation container 100 may have a cap or lid assembly 102 configured to couple to a housing 106. The cap 102 and housing 106 define an interior volume for storing pharmaceuticals, drugs, etc. (collectively referred to as drugs herein) and/or other paraphernalia for administering the drugs. In this aspect, the cap 102 may be coupled to the housing 106 using threads 104. As shown more clearly in FIG. 1B, a pair of grooves 116 may be present in the cap 102 in order to facilitate opening and/or closing the cap

102. In some aspects, the cap 102 may be coupled to the housing 106 in such a manner that the cap 102 forms an air tight seal with the housing 106. By being air tight, a smell of the cannabis may be reduced or eliminated within a vehicle or otherwise. The drug may also be protected from water damage in the event that the container 100 is exposed to moisture.

[0028] The transportation container 100 may have a timer 112 within the housing 106. The timer 112 may be a simple time display or an LCD display and may be controlled by a processing structure 300 described in further detail below. The timer 112 may be set to an impairment time of the drug(s) present within the container 100 and once the transportation container 100 is closed, the timer 112 may count to zero. The impairment time may be set by a computer (not shown) of a pharmacist and/or other drug dispensary. In an aspect, the impairment time may be set by a manufacturer of the transportation container 100 and/or may be based on a government regulation. In another aspect, the timer 112 may reset to zero when the container 100 is opened, and the timer 112 may count upwards indicating when the person last took a dose. In an aspect, the timer may be set by entering a date and time value and/or an hour and minute value.

[0029] The transport container 100, shown particularly in FIG. 1C, may comprise a locking ring 118 secured within the cap 102. In one aspect, the housing 106 may comprise an inner chassis

120, a middle chassis assembly 140 and an outer chassis 107. The inner chassis 120 may be placed within the middle chassis assembly 140 and the middle chassis assembly 140 may be placed within the outer chassis 107. In one aspect, the inner chassis 120 may be integrated with the middle chassis assembly 140. The controlled substance such as drugs may be placed in a zip lock bag. The zip-lock bag may then be placed inside the inner chassis 120. Placing the cap 102 on the housing 106 may be required to create a good seal. The middle chassis assembly 140 may comprise the timer 112 as well as other electronic components as described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 1D to 1G. [0030] The cap 102 and the housing 106 may have a lock 108 for maintaining the cap 102 and the housing 106 together. In the aspect shown in FIG. 1 A, the lock comprises a pair of loops 108 for receiving a shackle (not shown) of a padlock (not shown). The lock 108 may prevent unauthorized use of the transportation container 100. [0031] In another aspect shown in FIGS. 1C to 1E, the cap 102 may couple to the housing 106 using a locking ring 118. In this aspect, the locking ring 118 may be constructed of steel or other conductive material and may be securely fastened to the cap 102. A servomotor 142 may extend a locking rod 144 through a hole or channel 146 in the locking ring 118 in order to prohibit the cap 102 from rotating. The locking rod 144 and the locking ring 118 may be constructed of a material sufficiently strong to resist rotation of the cap 102. The material may be sufficiently strong to resist manual rotation and/or rotation by a motor, such as by a power tool. The servomotor 142 may retract the locking rod 144 in order to permit the cap 102 to rotate. In this aspect, the locking rod 144 may be constructed of steel or other metal. The electronic locking mechanism and alarms may be programmed to alert monitoring stations of concerned parties such as pharmacists and law enforcement in the event of a security breach to make the container much more secure.

[0032] In the aspect shown in FIG. 1A, present on the threads 104 may be a proximity switch 110 or other detector configured to determine if the cap 102 has been opened and/or closed as described in more detail below. In another aspect shown in FIG. 1D and 1E, a pair of conductive contacts 148 may be present on a top surface of the middle chassis assembly 140. When the cap

102 is closed, the conductive locking ring 118 (or a conductive bar 448 as shown in FIG. 1G) may electrically couple the pair of conductive contacts 148 to each other. The electrical circuit through the locking ring 118 may provide a secured signal to a processing structure 300 as described in further detail below. Alternatively, this feature may also be accomplished with proximity switches between the lid and the middle chassis assembly 140.

[0033] As shown particularly in FIG. 1D, the transportation container 100 may have one or more indicator lights 130, such as LEDs, that may provide information to the user of the container 100 or authorized monitoring parties. In the aspect shown, a power indicator 132 may be illuminated when the processing structure 300 is supplied with electrical power. A pair of lock/unlock indicators 134, 136 may indicate if the container 100 has been locked using the locking rod 144 and the locking ring 118. A pairing indicator 138 may be illuminated when the container 100 becomes paired with a remote 200. Control of these indicators 130 may be performed by the processing structure 300. The transportation container 100 may have one or more buttons or switches 150 for operating the processing structure 300. In this aspect, the container 100 has a lock button 152 for locking the container 100 and an unlock button 154 for unlocking the container 100.

[0034] Turning to FIGS. 1E and 1G, the middle chassis assembly 140 may house a main control board 400 and a secondary control board 402. The main control board 400 comprises a processing structure 300 of the transportation container 100 as shown in FIG. 3. The processing structure 300 may comprise a processor 302 executing instructions from a memory 304 (e.g. a tangible computer-readable medium). The memory 304 may comprise random access memory and read-only memory. The processor 302 may receive the signal from the switch 110 or the conductive contacts 148 indicating when the transportation container 100 has been opened or closed. On receiving the signal from the switch 110 or the conductive contacts 148, the processor 302 may reset a counter within the memory 304. The processor 302 may receive time signals from a clock 308 in order to decrement and/or increment a counter in memory 304 corresponding to an amount of time. The processor 302 may then provide instructions to the secondary control board 402 that may control the display of the timer 112 in order to display the amount of time. In this aspect, the LCD display controller may comprise an Arduino or Genuino board or an equivalent board with an LCD screen or an LCD touch screen compatible with a Hitachi HD44780 driver.

[0035] A battery pack 306 may provide electrical power to the processing structure 300. In this aspect, the battery 306 may be a 12-VDC battery pack having a bank of rechargeable batteries used to maintain a low current power source for the electronic components of the middle chassis assembly 140. The battery pack may be charged by either plugging the battery pack into a 12- VDC outlet of a vehicle or by an AC/DC 12-V charger using connector 408. A 5-VDC power regulator 406 may regulate the 12-V power source to 5-V in order to supply the processing structure 300 and/or other electronic components.

[0036] The processing structure 300 may be supplied with power when the user sets a master power switch to an "on" position. When the power is supplied to the processing structure 300, the timer 112 may become illuminated. The supplied electrical power and/or battery power may be monitored via an analog input (not shown) and displayed on the timer display 112. In some aspects, the monitored power may be transmitted to a mobile device 802 for display on the mobile device's display.

[0037] When the power supplied by the battery 306 and/or the connector 408 drops below a threshold level (such as 10-VDC), the processing structure 300 enters a failsafe position and activates the servomotor 142 to cause the locking rod 144 to lock the container 100. The container 100 may remain locked until electrical power is supplied and/or an unlock command may be initiated by pressing the unlock button 154. In some aspects, an alarm signal may be sent to a piezo-electric buzzer or speaker 410.

[0038] In another aspect, a tamper proximity switch 404 may be provided on the bottom of the middle chassis assembly 140. The middle chassis assembly 140 may be secured to the housing 106 using one or more screws (e.g. three screws) at the bottom of the assembly. When the middle chassis assembly 140 becomes installed in the housing 106, the tamper proximity switch 404 may be closed. A tamper status LED indicator (not shown) may also be provided on the container 100 to indicate that tampering has not occurred to the middle chassis assembly 140. The tamper proximity switch 404 may be disabled when a technician performs maintenance on the transportation container 100. In some aspects, if the tamper proximity switch 404 has not been disabled, a tamper signal may be sent to a GPS tracking system 310 for the processing structure 300 to record a position of the tampering. In order to minimize tampering, at least a portion of the electrical wires may be routed through the middle chassis assembly 140 in a redundant, random, and/or excessive configuration to detect drilling and cutting into a small area of the container 100.

[0039] In another aspect, two terminal boards 412, 414 may be provided on the bottom of the middle chassis assembly 140. The terminal boards 412, 414 may be used to connect the wires coming from all the electronic components from the middle chassis assembly 140 to a common area in the bottom of the middle chassis assembly 140. The terminal boards 412, 414 may be used for board mounted fuses and labeling. The terminal boards 412, 414 may allow the middle chassis assembly 140 to be modular in design, making the container 100 easier to assemble and/or for technicians to service, as the modularity allows easy access to all the components and/or connections. [0040] The transportation container 100 may have a tracking sensor 114 such as a RF receiver configured to transmit and/or receive an indication signal from a remote shown in FIG. 2. The indication signal may be received from the remote 200 in order to indicate the presence of the transportation container 100. A law enforcement officer may then know that the transportation container 100 is present and the office may ask the person when the last dose was taken. In some aspects, the remote 200 may receive a value on the timer 112. The remote 200 may comprise a housing 202 for holding electronic components. A power control 204 may control power supplied to a processor 352 within the remote 200. When the power is supplied, a power indicator 206 may be lit. The remote 200 may also comprise a signal strength indicator 208 comprising a distance to the transportation container 100. In this aspect, a number of light emitting diodes (LEDs) may correlate to a distance to the transportation container 100. In other aspects, the remote 200 may comprise a mobile phone having a display.

[0041] In some aspects, the remote 200 may have an elapsed time indicator that indicates the time elapsed since the container 100 was last opened. This elapsed time indicator may be indicated by a color of light. For example, a red light may indicate the detected container 100 was opened less than 2-hours ago. A green light may indicate the detected container 100 has been closed for over 2-hours. A white light may indicate the container 100 is detected in a 15- foot range.

[0042] The processing structure 350 may comprise a processor 352 executing instructions from a memory 354 (e.g. a tangible computer-readable medium). The memory 354 may comprise random access memory and read-only memory. The processor 352 may receive a power signal from the power switch 204 and provide a power on signal to the power indicator 206. A signal strength may be provided by the processor 352 on the signal strength indicator 208. A battery 306 may provide electrical power to the processing structure 350.

[0043] The processing structure 300 may comprise a wireless transceiver 314 for communication with one or more remotes 200. In some aspects, the transceiver 314 may be a Bluetooth® 4.0 wireless transceiver, which allows the BLE controller to receive command via a Bluetooth protocol, or other form of tracker. The remote processing structure 352 may transmit a beacon broadcast to any transportation containers 100 within a predetermined distance (e.g. 1-15 feet). When the container processing structure 300 receives the beacon from the remote processing structure 352 via a transceiver 364, the container processing structure 300 may respond with a signal strength and/or the timer 1 12. In another aspect, the processing structure 300 may activate an LED indicating the presence of the remote 200. The remote processing structure 352 may then display this signal strength on the signal strength indicator 208.

[0044] In another aspect, the processing structure 300 may comprise a global positioning system (GPS) tracker system 310. The processor 302 may periodically read one or more GPS coordinates from the GPS tracker system 310 and store the GPS coordinates in memory 304. The processor 302 may only activate the GPS system 310 when the battery 306 is supplied with power from the 12-VDC outlet of the vehicle.

[0045] In another aspect, the computer of the pharmacist and/or drug dispensary may communicate with the processing structure 300 via the transceiver 314. The computer (not shown) may comprise a processor, memory, long term storage, and a transceiver. The computer may comprise a database of impairment times for one or more drugs. The computer may provide the processing structure 300 with the impairment time via the transceiver 314. The processing structure 300 may then store the impairment time within the memory 304. In some aspects having more than one drug, a plurality of impairment times may be provided to the processing structure 300. The processing structure 300 may store all of the impairment times or may store a maximum impairment time within the memory 304. [0046] In an example use, a user may open the container 100, remove a dose of the drug from the container 100 and the timer may reset to zero. The user may then be able to look at the timer 112 and know when the last dose of the drug was taken. When the impairment time is complete, responsible users may then know that they are reasonably certain they are no longer impaired.

[0047] This container 100 may allow officials to determine if cannabis (or other drug) is being transported in a vehicle using the locator/tracking system as described. As the official approaches the vehicle, the official's remote 200 that may locate the container 100 within a 15- foot range. The remote 200 may indicate the presence of the container 100 by an auditory, visual, and/or vibration. This indication may be before communicating with the driver of the vehicle. The official may be able to question the driver to determine if the driver is being evasive and/or provides false information.

[0048] The officials may be able to determine if the container 100 was opened since the container 100 was provided to the user. For example, if the user was provided with the container 100 at a dispensary, the official would know based on the timer 112 that the container 100 was opened before the user reached their home. An independent weight scale may also be used to determine the amount of the drugs removed from the container or the weight scale may be incorporated into the electronics of the container. [0049] According to some aspects, the remote 200 may present a list of containers 100 within a predetermined range (e.g. l-l5-feet).

[0050] According to some aspects, the remote 200 may comprise password protection in order to restrict use of the remote 200 to authorized officials. In some aspects, the communication between the remote processing structure 350 and the transportation container processing structure 300 may be encrypted. In yet more aspects, the memories 304, 354 may be encrypted to prevent tampering.

[0051] Turning to FIG. 4, a system 800 of one or more mobile devices 802, and one or more computers 804, 806 may communicate with the programming structure 300. A software application may be used on the mobile device 802 and/or the computer device 804 to check and verify if the timer is set. The application may wait for the user to enter a security sequence. The container 100 may verify that the cap 102 is closed via the switch 112. If the timer 112 is set and the security sequence matches, and the cap 102 is confirmed to be closed, the application may be instructed to activate the servomotor 142 to move the locking rod 144 to lock the cap 102 into the closed position.

[0052] In another aspect, the software application may check to verify if the timer 112 is complete. The application may wait for the user to enter the security sequence. If the timer 112 is complete and the security sequence matches, the application may send instructions to activate the servomotor 142 to move the locking rod 144 into the unlocked/open position. [0053] In another aspect, the software application may wait for the user to enter a security sequence by pressing a combination of buttons on the container 100 that correspond to a security code determined when the application was first uploaded to the container 100 at the point of purchase. This security code may be matched with the unit serial number. The key sequence may be entered from the mobile device or the workstation/laptop.

[0054] In another aspect, the law enforcement officer or the user may request a status from the software application by entering a serial number and a password. The application may display the status information on the LCD display on the container 100, the mobile device 802, and/or the Workstation as required. The status information may comprise the following: a locked/unlocked status, a remaining time on the timer 112, an indication of the last time the container 100 was closed, a timer set point, a current DC voltage, and/or any other relevant information. [0055] In another aspect, the software application may include a dispensary application, a technical maintenance application, a law enforcement application, and a mobile device custom application.

[0056] The dispensary application may be used at a pharmacy or dispensary when the user purchases the container 100. The pharmacist or seller may plug a laptop or PC 804 into the container 100 via a mini USB port or other such connection. The seller may open the dispensary application to set the product information including weight and set the timer 112. The seller may close the container 100 and exit the application. Upon exiting the application, the container dispensary application may lock the container 100.

[0057] The technical maintenance application may allow a technician to maintain, customize, and program the software applications. The developer computer 806 may access the application in the container 100 via a mini USB port or other such connection. [0058] A law enforcer version of the custom application may also be provided to the law enforcement officer to be used on an officer's mobile device 802. The law enforcement application may allow a police officer to detect the container 100 if it is plugged into a vehicle l2-volt system and is above 10-VDC and the application is installed on the officer's mobile device 802. The officer may see a status and corresponding serial number when the officer's mobile 802 device becomes paired to containers 100 within a Bluetooth range.

[0059] Although the aspects described herein have a remote 200, the processes executing on the remote 200 may be executed in an application on a mobile smart phone and/or tablet 802.

[0060] In another aspect, a request to lock the container may be initialized by performing one of the following actions including pressing an open control button on the remote 200, pressing the lock button 134 on the container 100, requesting a Lock command on a mobile device (not shown) and/or requesting a LOCK command on a workstation or laptop (not shown).

[0061] In another aspect, a request to unlock may be initialized by performing one of the following including pressing a close control button on the remote 200, pressing the lock button 136 on the container 100, requesting an UNLOCK command on a mobile device 802 and/or requesting an UNLOCK command on a workstation or laptop 804.

[0062] Although the aspect described herein demonstrates the cap 102 being threadably coupled to the housing 106, other aspects may have the cap 102 friction-fitted. In yet another aspect, the housing may comprise a plastic bag and the bag may be closed using a slidable seal or an O-ring configuration, such as provided under the trademark Ziploc^®. [0063] In some aspects, the switch 110 may be a pressure activated switch. In other aspects, the switch 110 may require electrical conductivity between the cap 102 and the housing 106. In some aspects, the switch 110 may be located in another location other than the threads 104 so long as the switch 110 is activated when the cap 102 and housing 106 become coupled. [0064] In another aspects, the cap 102 may be locked (e.g. physically) to the housing 106 until the impairment time has passed. When the impairment time has passed, the processing structure 300 may unlock the cap 102 from the housing 106.

[0065] Although the aspects herein present the timer 112 on the cap 102, other aspects may have the timer 112 on the housing 106. In other aspects, when the timer 112 reaches the impairment time, an auditory indicator and/or a visual indicator may provide indication to the person that the person should no longer be impaired.

[0066] Although a particular size of the transportation container 100 are presented herein, other aspects may have larger or smaller containers 100, such as a pocket-sized container or a container large enough to hold a large amount. [0067] The container 100 may also be physically locked into a vehicle or other secure structure in a house or office using an electronic pairing system to couple the container 100 to this unique and secure structure.

[0068] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

What is claimed is at least:

1. A container comprising: a housing for storing a controlled substance; a cap configured to removably couple to the housing and seal the housing; a locking assembly configured to lock and unlock the cap to the housing; and a processing structure executing instructions from a memory to: measure a time after the container is closed and locked by the locking assembly.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the housing further comprising: an outer chassis, a middle chassis assembly, and an inner chassis for holding the controlled substance; the inner chassis being removably placed in the middle chassis assembly and the middle chassis assembly being removably placed in the outer chassis.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein the locking assembly comprises a locking ring fastened to the cap and a locking rod extended from the middle chassis assembly; the locking ring comprises a channel for receiving the locking rod to prohibit the cap from rotating.

4. The container according to claim 3, wherein the locking assembly further comprising a servomotor to drive the locking rod to insert or retract from the channel of the locking ring upon receiving an electronic lock or unlock signal.

5. The container according to claim 4, further comprising a lock button and an unlock button located on the middle chassis assembly to generate the electronic lock and unlock signal respectively.

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the processing structure decrements or increments a counter corresponding the amount of time being measured.

7. The container according to claim 6, further comprising a switch activating when the container is opened or closed; the switch generating an electronic signal to the processing structure to reset the counter.

8. The container according to claim 7, wherein the switch comprises a pressure activated button located on the middle chassis assembly for generating electrical conductivity between the cap and the housing.

9. The container according to claim 7, wherein the switch comprises a pair of contacts located on a surface of the middle chassis assembly and a conductive member in the cap; the electronic signal being generated when the pair of contacts comes in contact with the conductive member.

10. The container according to claim 9, further comprising a display timer located on the container to display the amount of the time being measured.

11. The container according to claim 10, further comprising a tamper proximity switch provided on the middle chassis assembly; the tamper proximity switch being closed when the middle chassis assembly is installed in the outer chassis.

12. The container according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality of status indicators including a power indicator, a lock/unlock indicator, and a tamper switch status indicator.

13. The container according to claim 12, further comprising a wireless transceiver to communicate with a computing device selected from: at least one of a remote, a computer device, and a mobile device via wireless communications.

14. The container according to claim 13, further comprising a pairing indicator located on the container to indicate when the container is paired with the computing device.

15. The container according to claim 14, wherein the computing device comprises a plurality of indicators selected from at least one of: a power indicator, a signal strength indicator, and an elapsed time indicator displaying the amount of time being measured.

16. The container according to claim 15, further comprising a global positioning system (GPS) to generate coordinates of a location of the container; the coordinates being stored in the memory of the processing structure.

17. A method of using a container, the container comprising: a housing for storing a controlled substance, a cap configured to couple to the housing, a locking assembly to lock the cap to the housing, the method comprises: closing the housing with the cap; generating an electronic closing signal and sending the electronic signal to a processing structure; locking the cap to the housing with the locking assembly; generating a locking signal and sending the locking signal to the processing structure; measuring a time when the processing structure receives the closing signal and the locking signal; and displaying the measured time on a display.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprises pairing the container with at least one computing device via wireless communication.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprises launching an application program in the at least one computing device to send a Close/Open command, and a Lock/Unlock command to the processing structure after the pairing step.

20. A computer system for operating the container of any of claims 1 to 16, comprising a computer device wirelessly communicating with the processing structure of the container, wherein the computer device comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions executed by the computer device to cause the processing structure to operate the container, the instructions comprise: waiting for a user to enter a security code; verifying if the security code matches an internally stored security code; verifying if the container is closed;

instructing the locking assembly to lock or unlock the container;

upon locking the container, setting a timer; and

displaying a time of the timer.