Lockable Lid for Container

Abstract

A removable lid adapted to lock to a tote. A combined lid, tote and tote liner is disclosed. The lid has a durable planar portion, a first end with a locking mechanism, which may engage the tote, and a second end having another lock or an undercut portion that slides on an end of the tote and secures to the tote. The lockable lids can be adapted to retrofit a tote or may be used with enhanced totes to complement the added security of the lid. The lid can have various locking mechanisms and a variety of other security features. In a preferred embodiment, a liner with tabs can be inserted in a base of a tote for added security. The lid may include an activation box for an enhanced security mode. Activation boxes in the lid may be used with a command box and a control center.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application asserts priority from provisional application 61/308,460 filed on Feb. 26, 2010 and provisional application 61/357,195 filed on Jun. 22, 2010, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a lockable container in general and in particular to use with a lockable security lid that may be adapted to work in conjunction with smart security systems. A tote security monitoring system is disclosed, including an activation box in the lid.

Goods are transported in a variety of containers. For transporting goods, companies have invested in relatively expensive nestable plastic distribution containers, sometimes called totes. The nesting design of plastic totes, including with attached lids (usually two but sometimes one hinged lid), can save space during return shipping and storage. Such durable distribution containers are reusable long-term. Plastic distribution containers benefit our environment by being reused and then recycled at the end of their long life cycle.

Plastic distribution totes often have molded features, such as hand grips or handles between stacking protrusions on each end. A wide variety of components can be molded into plastic or enhanced composite totes.

Distribution totes with attached lids are common for use in distributing pharmaceuticals or other valuable items. The hinged attached lids can offer tamper-evident security when used in conjunction with plastic cable ties or labels that extend across the opening of the hinge attached lid sections. But such distribution totes lack robust security features.

Theft of expensive pharmaceuticals is a problem, but completely replacing long-term reusable totes would also be a large expense. A majority of the theft of pharmaceuticals occurs when the drugs are being transported by the “last mile” carrier to the pharmacies. The PVC plastic totes common at this level are not as secure as practical.

Tops of totes currently with two hinge attached lid sections are currently easy to breach, such as by prying apart the middle seam of the lids on the tote. In some instances, the plastic walls themselves can be easily breached.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a separate lockable security lid that can be used with existing distribution totes, including those with two hinge-attached lids that are common in distributing pharmaceuticals, and can also be used with improved custom-made totes and other reinforcements of enhanced totes. In one embodiment, the lockable security lid fits over and can lock to the top of existing distribution totes with two hinge-attached lids. Also, existing totes can be hardened with security liners so reusable lockable lids are not simply a security lid on an otherwise breachable tote. In addition to hardening existing totes, follow-on concepts and enhanced totes are disclosed in a lid, tote, and liner combination where the lid can be used on future designs.

A separate removable lid is adapted to lock to a tote. The lid includes a durable planar portion, a first end with a locking mechanism having a component that engages the tote, and a second end having a second lock or an undercut portion that slides on an end of the tote and secures to the tote. The lid preferably has a lip that extends below the top planar portion and a concealed undercut portion to prevent tampering.

The lid can have a variety of locking mechanisms. The lid may include a variety of security features and electronics.

In a preferred embodiment, a liner preferably with tabs can be inserted in the base portion of a tote for added security. The tabs may extend over the edge of the tote and cooperate with the locking mechanism of a security lid.

A tote security system can have a lid with a durable substantially planar portion having an aperture adjacent to a first end including a living hinge pivotable from the planar portion. A pivoting first end flap extending from the living hinge can have a channel that aligns with the aperture in the planar portion. A security bolt or cable can pass through the aperture in the planar portion and the channel of the pivoting first end flap to prevent the pivoting first end flap from pivoting along the living hinge when the bolt or cable is inserted.

The lockable container and a lockable security lid are not restricted to use with the transport of pharmaceuticals by the “last mile” carrier to the pharmacies. The enhanced containers and lids could be used to transport other valuables, such as jewels, or high-security items, such as confidential paperwork.

Separate lockable security lids can be initially used with existing or hardened totes, and can continue their life with next generation enhanced totes. The lids can be adapted to retrofit a tote with a tapered, stackable, nestable base portion, a hinged lid section attached to the base portion with stacking protrusions on each side of a handle. Also, the locking lid may be used with custom or enhanced totes to complement with added security of the lid.

The lid may include an activation box for an enhanced security level. Activation boxes in the lid of a tote may be used in connection with a command box and a control center.

Working scenarios for a monitoring system include podding, on road, normal delivery and abnormal removal or wrong delivery. Specific features may be used in the appropriate mode and in certain modes powered down when various capabilities are not required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features of this disclosure and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent, and the disclosure itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of lids, liners, containers and systems taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a removable lid that can be attached to a tote;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a lockable lid fitting over the top of a tote;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an end of a lockable lid relative to attaching to the tote;

FIG. 4 shows a lower perspective view of a lockable lid with a mechanical key pad and a mechanical lock backup;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a lockable lid touch screen with a mechanical lock backup;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a lockable lid with a biometric fingerprint reader and a mechanical backup;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a lockable lid with a locking mechanism includes an IR wireless receiver and a coded transmitter;

FIG. 8 shows a view of an end of a lid with an undercut portion relative to a tote;

FIG. 9 shows a lower perspective view of an underside lid with an installed device;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a lid, liner and tote;

FIG. 11 shows a mechanical lock in an unlocked state;

FIG. 11a shows fork-shaped pin and button as part of an unlocked locking mechanism;

FIG. 12 shows a mechanical lock in a locked state;

FIG. 12a shows fork-shaped pin and button as part of a locked locking mechanism;

FIG. 13 shows a lid with an extended button in the unlocked state;

FIG. 14 shows a lid with a flush button in the locked state;

FIG. 15 shows a lid with an exposed mechanical lock as it would be used in conjunction with a tote;

FIG. 15a shows a perspective view of a stacking protrusion;

FIG. 16 shows where an activation box can be incorporated into a lid;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the activation box in a ghost lid;

FIG. 18 shows an end view of the activation box with example components;

FIG. 19 shows a command box;

FIG. 20 shows an exploded view of a sample command box;

FIG. 21 shows system architecture of a control center in conjunction with a series of command boxes in turn in conjunction with activation boxes in lids;

FIG. 22 shows a screen of a control center with a sample tote security monitoring system;

FIG. 23 shows a sample universal sensor terminal;

FIG. 24 shows a local wireless sensor network;

FIG. 25 shows a wireless sensor network including a series of local wireless sensor networks;

FIG. 26 shows a sample working scenario of podding;

FIG. 27 shows a held-held device of a command box indicating a podding status;

FIG. 28 shows computer screens of a control center indicating a podding status;

FIG. 29 shows a block diagram of possible operation of a system;

FIG. 30 shows perspective view of a lid with a pivoting first end and a security bolt above a tote;

FIG. 31 shows a cross sectional view of a lid with a pivoting first end and a security bolt attached to a tote;

FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of a security bolt above a lid;

FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of a security bolt;

FIG. 34 shows a cross sectional view of a security bolt inserted in an attached lid with a cutting tool attached to the lid;

FIG. 35 shows a cross sectional view of a security bolt inserted in an attached lid with a cutting tool attached to the lid; and

FIG. 36 shows a cross sectional view of a cutting tool attached to the lid severing the security bolt.

The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the disclosure that are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any manner. Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a lid 20 can be used with base 22, such as the tote 24 as shown. The lid 20 is adapted to seal or lock to the base 22. The preferred completely-removable, separate lid 20 consists of a top planar portion 26, a first end 28 with a locking mechanism 30, and a second end 32. A preferred embodiment as shown may include a lip 34 that extends below the entire top planar portion 26 so the lid 20 completely covers the top portion of the tote 24. The top planar portion 26 is rigid enough to resist forced entry into the tote 24 to deter breach of the tote 24. The lid 20 and its components can be made out of a variety of materials, including plastic, ABS, PA and fiberglass, glass-filled nylon, Co-PP and talc filler, and a variety of composites or metal or combinations of these. The lid 20 is a visual deterrent as well as being physically difficult to breach.

The base 22 is shown as a tote 24 with a tapered, stackable, nestable base portion 40, two hinge lid sections 42 and 43 attached to the base portion 40, a handle 44 (preferably on each end) with stacking protrusions 46 and 47 on each side of the handle 44. The stacking protrusions 46 and 47 are typically used for nesting purposes when totes are stacked. In one embodiment, the tote 24 can be an existing container retrofitted with an enhanced security locking lid 20 or as detailed below, the tote 24 may be custom or enhanced to complement with added security of the lid 20.

The first end 28 can have a variety of locking mechanisms 30. For example, the locking mechanism 30 can be a mechanical lock 60, such as a keyed lock. The lid 20 and locking mechanism 30 may have locking bolts 63 that engage the tote 24 to hinder removal of the first end 28 of the lid 20 from the tote 24 as shown in cut-away FIG. 3. Per FIG. 4, the locking mechanism 30 can be a mechanical key pad 65 with a mechanical lock 60 backup. A key pad 67 could be used by itself or in combination with a keyed lock 60. FIG. 5 shows a touch screen 69 with a mechanical lock 60 backup. A key pad 67 of the locking mechanism 30 could be electronically, mechanically or biometrically activated. FIG. 6 shows a biometric fingerprint reader with a mechanical lock 60 backup. The locking mechanism 30 could be remotely activated, such as with an IR wireless receiver 71 and a coded transmitter 73 to unlock as shown in FIG. 7.

A mechanical lock embodiment is shown in FIGS. 11-14. The particular locking mechanism 30 can be embedded in the lid 20, such as behind a lock cover 52. FIG. 15 shows a lid 20 with a mechanical lock 60 exposed on a lid 20 as it would be used in conjunction with a standard base 22. A lock cover 52 can be secured to the lid 20 to enclose a mechanical lock 60 in the lip 34. A lock cover 52 may be fastened by standard fasteners or adhesive means, and may be made of ABS, PA and fiberglass or Co-PP with embedded talc. FIGS. 11 and 13 show a mechanical lock 60 in an unlocked state. FIGS. 12 and 14 show the mechanical lock 60 in a locked state. In this particular embodiment, a fork-shaped pin 64 engages a portion of the base 22 to prevent the lid 20 from opening when locked. A button 66 as part of the locking mechanism 30 can extend from the lid 20 when unlocked as seen in FIG. 14, and the button 66 can be retracted or flush with the outer surface of the lid 20 when locked as shown in FIG. 14. Springs 75 can facilitate the extension and retraction of the button 66.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the second end 32 of the lid 20 has an undercut portion 50 that slides on an end of the tote 24 and captures a portion of the tote 24, such as one or both stacking protrusions 46 and 47. The second end 32 preferably secures on such a protruding portion and slides onto one end to capture the tote 24. This undercut portion 50 prevents a thief from breaching the lid 20 by getting a hand or a tool between the lid 20 and the tote 24. The second end 32 can snap down or slide over the end of the tote 24 to in effect function as a hinge wherein the first end 28 can lock the lid 20 to the tote 24. While this physical sliding hinge attachment is preferred, any locking mechanism 30 can also be used on the second end 32 of the lid 20.

As shown in FIG. 9, the lid 20 may include a variety of other security features 70. Preferably on the underside of the lid, security features 70 can be added. Tracking modules 72, such as a GPS tracker, are an option to house in the lid 20. Transmitting or recording devices can be used for tracking, impact or intrusion information. Electronic intrusion detection and tracking can help maintain security of the contents of the tote 24. Impact sensors 74 can help maintain quality control. Dumb and smart versions can both be used with selected features incorporated into the lid 20. The sensors can be incorporated into an activation box 82 as shown in FIGS. 16 through 18.

The tote 24 can be used as part of a larger system as more fully detailed below. The system architecture between activation boxes 82 in the lid 20, the command box 84 as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, and the control center 86 are collectively shown in FIG. 21.

In a preferred embodiment, a liner 80 can be inserted in the base portion 40 of a tote 24 for added security. The liner 80 can be sheet metal that is highly puncture resistant, a combination of materials including PVC and wire mesh, or a variety of composite materials with desired characteristics. The liner 80, either retrofitted or part of an enhanced tote, secures to base portion 40, preferably to be tapered, stackable, and nestable. For retrofitted totes, the liner 80 can be adhered inside a standard existing tote 24, or in composite totes, the liner 80 may be part of a composite lamination.

The liner 80 may have tabs 88, such as the four shown in FIG. 10. The tabs 88 may extend over the edge of the tote 24 and surround the stacking protrusions 46 and 47 or similar geometry. In a locking mechanism 30 having locking bolts 63, the tabs 88 may have apertures 89 that surround the locking bolts 63 extending from the secured lid 20 when inserted in the apertures 89. Thus, the tabs 88 can reinforce the locking security.

In addition to hardened plastic totes, the liner 80 can be made of metal with its conductive benefits. Wire or electrical contacts from the lid 20 may form contacts as part of sensors or other electronics in the lid 20. A metal liner may make is easier to hook up sensors for various electronic devices for easy reusability of the lid 20 and tote 24.

The tabs 88 can also provide contact areas for intelligent features. Contacts can be used for power or information transmission. As such, an electromagnetic lock would be harder to breach wherein locking bolts 63 magnetically interact with the tabs 88 or other receiving geometry. If a magnet is activated, the normal release mechanism will not allow the locking bolt 63 to pull back from the receiving socket to prevent removal of the locking mechanism 30 if forced.

A particular embodiment of a lid 120 is shown in FIGS. 30-32 wherein the top planar portion 126 may have a living hinge 127 with a pivoting first end 128, such as a flap. The living hinge 127 and pivoting first end 128 may be molded into and as part of the lid 120. The top planar portion 126 may have an aperture 129 passing through the planar portion 126 adjacent to the living hinge 127.

The pivoting first end 128 may include a channel 131 that aligns with the aperture 129 in the planar portion 126. The channel 131 may be molded integrally with the lid 120. Also, preferably in that same area, the lid 120 may include a recessed area 133 with a first end aperture window 135 that may be used with a cutting tool 136 further described below.

A security bolt 138 can be adapted to pass through aperture 129 in the planar portion 126, then the channel 131 of the pivoting first end 128. The security bolt 138 may be disposable plastic and a means to provide both physical and electronic security. As shown in FIGS. 30-36, the head 139 of the security bolt 138 may include a surface on head 139 for labeling or a bar code for viewing or scanning. As shown, the head 139 aligns flush with the aperture 129 in the planar portion 126. The security bolt 138 preferably has a locking portion 141 that is adapted to be secured into the channel 131, preferably with respective lips or barbs. The security bolt 138 may include a thinner portion 145 along its elongated rod.

The security bolt 138 or other component, such as a cable, provides physical security as a locking mechanism 30 when passed through aperture 129 in the planar portion 126 and the channel 131 to prevent the pivoting first end 128 from pivoting along the living hinge 127. Physical security can be enhanced when the security bolt 138 also passes through a hole 151 in the base 22.

An RFID tag 190 can be built into or adhered to a surface of the security bolt 138. The RFID tag may be molded into the locking end portion 141 of the security bolt 138 for general purpose or for notification of tampering or authorized removal. An RFID tag 190 could be incorporated into any portion of the security bolt 138 to provide electronic security. The RFID tag 190 can preferably operate between 860-960 MHz with an antenna along the security bolt 138 with example dimensions of 95 mm×8.2 mm. The example RFID tag 190 may preferably be EPCglobal Class 1 Gen (version 1.2.0) compliant and ISO-18000-6C complaint.

As shown in FIG. 31, the lid 120 may include a molded pocket 152 on the inside of the lid 120, which offers scalability in the levels of security with the potential for adding enhanced security features 70.

Enhanced lids 20 and enhanced totes 24 can be made and used after existing retrofitted totes are recycled. The stacking protrusions 46 and 47 can be reinforced or specific features for receiving locking bolts 63 or other components of a locking mechanism 30 can be incorporated into enhanced totes 24. The material options include composites, fiberglass, sheet plastic, wire mesh, carbon fiber mesh, and combinations of these. A composite lamination may also have integral ink packets to show and mark penetration points.

The disclosed lid 20 can help to substantially:

Retrofit existing totes

Increase deterrence

Increase physical security

Reduce damage and loss

Provide options for new custom and enhanced totes with various features.

An enhanced lid may be part of a larger system for an enhanced security level. Activation boxes 82 in the lid 20 may be used in connection with a command box 84 and a control center 86.

The lid 20 may include variations of activation boxes 82 for an enhanced security level. An activation box 82 may be as simple as passive RFID tag 90 without the need for an internal power supply. Features including the locking mechanism 30 may be enhanced, such as a mechanical lock, to a combination padlock to a digital pass code lock (or other e-lock system that can be pass code protected). An activation box 82 may include E-lock, motion detectors 92 and GPS/GSM tracking modules 72.

As an example FIG. 18 shows a premium activation box 82, which may also include a Li-ion battery (possibly 700 mAh Lithium Polymer) 94 connected to a GSM/GPRS/GPS communication/tracking module 72 with a GSM/GPRS antenna 96. A GPS module may assist with lost item tracking, and the GPRS module may assist with data transmission. GPRS communications may be sent between an activation box 82 and a control center 86, such as during lost tracking. Other electronic features of the activation box 82 may include an audible alarm 98 and a motion detection module 92, which may include an accelerometer 100, a tilt sensor 102 or other capabilities that may monitor abnormal motion. Specifications may include 5 mg slight motion to 2 G shock and large angle tilting. The RFID tag 90 may preferably be active in premium activation boxes. RFID tags 90 may be used for inventory and positioning, and specifications may include long range read (such as 5 to 7 meters) and ultra high frequency (i.e. 2400-2483 MHz ISM) or otherwise in a license-free band. An MCU based controller circuit is also contemplated. Sensor terminals are further described below.

The command box 84 as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 can be used for enhanced security in conjunction the activation box 82 in the lid 20 and a control center 86 to be further defined below. The command box 84 may include hand-held device 104, such as a PDA/Smart Phone based RFID reader. Specification for an RFID reader may include an ultra-high read rate—peak at 150 tags/sec, 440 kbps tag-to-reader data rate profile, data buffer, RFID information and sensor information local storage. An RFID inventory system may operate between the activation box 82 and the command box 84. A variety of handheld devices can be used for display and GSM/GPRS communication. System specifications for a hand-held device module may include WinCE 5.0/Windows mobile compatible, 400 MHz CPU, 128 MB RAM, QVGA LCD, and Wifi, RS232, GSM/GPRS or other current wireless communication devices. The hand-held device 104 may include a GPRS module, which may be used for communication, including to a control center 86, such as during inventory. A GPS module may be used for item or vehicle tracking. As shown in FIG. 20, Li-ion battery 110 (i.e. 2800 mAh Lithium Polymer battery) can be connected to various components, and a 12V car charger 112 may be a plug-in for power. The command box 84 may have a main board per the example shown with a RFID reader and an alarm 116, including an audible alarm. An inventory management system may be incorporated into system software. A DC fan 118 may be used in association with an aperture or vent 120 in the body of the command box 84.

A control center 86 may work in conjunction with the command box 84 and activation box 82 of the lid 20. The control center 86 may include a monitoring workstation 124 and a GSM module, including web-based monitoring portals as an option. A monitoring workstation 124 may include a plurality of screens 126 used with available technology, including or surpassing Windows XP/Vista OS compatible equipment and a SQL server 2008 database or otherwise available system specifications. FIG. 22 shows a screen of a control center with an example of a tote security monitoring system. A variety of other database management systems are possible. Systems include alarm systems and vehicle tracking systems. E-lock pass code can be managed and sent via SMS.

A multi-physics sensor terminal 192 can be mounted with an appropriate box and used in conjunction with a wireless datalogger and wireless data router. As shown in FIG. 23, a universal sensor terminal 192 may be plug-play with high-speed data acquisition. A preferred built-in 2.4G wireless transmission module may work within a local wireless sensor network (LWSN) as shown in FIG. 24 with an optional GSM/GPRS/3G module or optical fiber (for far-end LWSN) to connect to a single control center 86 with monitoring, such as including web-based systems or alarm systems, which may include emailing capabilities. The various sensors may be used for gas, humidity, acceleration, temperature, tilt, strain, stress, lighting, wind speed, load cell and moisture.

A smart security system may have a variety of features. For example, a smart tote security system that could include an intelligent monitoring solution (IMS). An IMS can be used to monitor real-time structural, mechanical and environmental hazards on the target and to provide guidance on planned maintenance to promote safety and productivity. The components of this intelligent monitoring solution may include a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) monitoring system, such as FIG. 25, having multiple Local Wireless Sensor Networks of FIG. 24 incorporated into FIG. 25.

Working scenarios for the system include podding (i.e. FIG. 26), on road, normal delivery and abnormal removal or wrong delivery. Specific features may be used in the appropriate mode and in certain modes powered down. In each mode, such an indication may be made (i.e. “podding”) on held-held devices 104 of the command box 84 and computer screens 126 of the control center 86 per FIGS. 27 and 28. A block diagram of possible operation is shown in FIG. 29.

The podding mode per FIG. 26 can preserve power and help realize cost savings in monitoring, including Wifi operation. In enhanced systems, RFID inventory systems start scanning. E-lock and motion detection can switch from Off to ON. The command box 84 can upload inventory status to a control center 86.

On the road, the system can have RFID inventory system syncs at regular intervals, such as 5-10 minutes, and the command box 84 can upload inventory status to the control center 86.

In normal delivery, the system can have RFID inventory system start scanning. E-lock can switch from ON to Off, such as with a pass code sent via GSM. Motion detection modules can switch from ON to Off. The system can upload delivery status to the control center 86.

For abnormal removal or wrong delivery, an E-lock can be triggered with GPS tracking switches from Off to ON. Similarly, abnormal motion can trigger GPS tracking switching from Off to ON. Undesired removal or delivery can trigger an audible alarm 98. The activation box 82 can upload GPS information to the control center 86. The control center 86 can confirm alarm signals with the command box 84 though GSM.

As such, the system can, in effect, be like mobile warehouse management without the warehouse wherein the products are moving, rather than being in storage in a warehouse. The system can monitor and track lids 20 secured on hardened totes 24.

A cutting tool 136 can be used in conjunction with the security system including a security bolt 138 of FIGS. 31-36. Example tools 136 are shown in FIGS. 34-36. The cutting tool 136 may attach on a lid 130, such as recessed area 133. The cutting tool 136 may include a lever 153 that pivots on a pivoting means 155 (i.e. spring or hinge), an attachment means 157 for removably attaching to the lid 120, and a cutting device 159, such as a replaceable blade. The movement of the lever 153 directs the cutting device 159, preferably through the first end aperture window 135, into the security bolt 138, preferably in alignment with a thinner portion 145. FIG. 35 shows the cutting tool 136 as attached to the lid 120 in cross sectional detail before cutting, and FIG. 36 show the lever 153 pivoted toward the lid 120 with the cutting device 159 driven through the security bolt 138. The cutting tool 136 makes removal of the security bolt 136 quick and easy, but otherwise, the security bolt 138 would be difficult to remove.

This disclosure has been described as having exemplary embodiments and is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations using its general principles. It is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications and equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as recited in the following claims. Further, this disclosure is intended to cover such variations from the present disclosure that come within the known or customary practice within the art to which it pertains.

Claims

1. A separate removable lid adapted to lock to a tote comprising:

a durable planar portion,

a first end with a locking mechanism having a component that engages the tote,

a second end having an undercut portion that slides on an end of the tote and secures to a portion of the tote, and

a lip that extends below the top planar portion wherein a top portion of the tote can be covered and secured.

2. The lid of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism is build into the lip on the first end.

3. The lid of claim 1 wherein the component that engages the tote is a locking bolt as part of a mechanical lock.

4. The lid of claim 3 wherein the locking bolt operates in conjunction with a keyed lock.

5. The lid of claim 3 wherein the locking bolt is used in conjunction with a key pad.

6. The lid of claim 1 wherein the component of the locking mechanism is a sliding fork-shaped pin with a button as part of the locking mechanism that can extend from the lid when unlocked, and the button can retract to be flush with an outer surface of the locking mechanism when locked.

7. The lid of claim 1 further comprising an activation box.

8. The lid of claim 7 wherein the activation box includes an active RFID inventory system that syncs at regular intervals.

9. The lid of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism includes an IR wireless receiver and a coded transmitter.

10. A tote security system including a stackable tote, the improvement comprising a reusable lid adapted to lock to the tote including:

a durable substantially planar portion,

a lip that extends below the top planar portion to overlie a top portion of the tote;

a first end with a first locking mechanism substantially in the lip having a sliding component that engages the tote to hinder removal of the first end from the tote; and

a second end attachable to a portion of the tote.

11. The tote security system of claim 10 wherein the lid includes an activation box.

12. The tote security system of claim 10 wherein the second end has an undercut portion that slides on a distal end of the tote and secures to the top portion of the tote.

13. The tote security system of claim 12 wherein the second end is pivotable on the distal end of the tote when the first end is not secured to the tote.

14. The tote security system of claim 10 wherein the second end includes a second locking mechanism.

15. The tote security system of claim 10 wherein the tote is hardened with a durable security liner in a base portion of the tote.

16. The tote security system of claim 15 wherein the liner has tabs extending over a top edge of the tote and surrounding stacking protrusions on the tote to cooperate with the locking mechanism of the lid.

17. The tote security system of claim 10 further including an activation box with electronic security components.

18. A tote security system comprising a tote and a lid adapted to lock to the tote, the lid having a durable planar portion having an aperture adjacent to a first end,

the first end with a locking mechanism including a living hinge pivotable from the planar portion with a pivoting first end flap having a channel that aligns with the aperture in the planar portion; and

a security bolt that can pass through the aperture in the planar portion and the channel of the pivoting first end flap; wherein when inserted in the aperture and channel, the security bolt prevents the pivoting first end flap from pivoting along the living hinge.

19. The tote security system of claim 18 further comprising a cutting tool removably attachable to the lid, the cutting tool including a lever and a cutting device adapted to pass through a first end side window in the pivoting first end flap to cut through the security bolt.

20. The tote security system of claim 18 wherein the living hinge and the pivoting first end are molded into and as an integral part of the lid.