Resource Container And Positioning Method And Apparatus

Abstract

A transportable container is provided with at least one resource wherein the transportable container is positioned and secured at a predetermined location prior to an occurrence of a civilly-catastrophic event. Consideration-based private civil security subscriptions from subscribers are accepted with respect to providing civilly-catastrophic event-based access to the transportable container. The container may be secured at the predetermined location and is configured such that the container remains operative to provide the civilly-catastrophic event-based access relative to the predetermined location after the transportable container experiences a civilly-catastrophic event.

1 . A method comprising:
 providing a transportable container with at least one resource;   accepting consideration-based private civil security subscriptions from subscribers with respect to providing civilly-catastrophic event-based access to the transportable container;   positioning the transportable container at a predetermined location prior to an occurrence of a civilly-catastrophic event; and   securing the transportable container at the predetermined location such that the container remains operative to provide the civilly-catastrophic event-based access relative to the predetermined location after the transportable container experiences a civilly-catastrophic event.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing a transportable container comprises providing a transportable container having a structure arranged and configured to remain operative to provide the civilly-catastrophic event-based access after the transportable container experiences a civilly-catastrophic event. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transportable container comprises a reinforcement arrangement. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the transportable container comprises environmental protection. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the environmental protection comprises a substantially water-proof seal. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the environmental protection comprises a substantially air-tight seal. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the environmental protection comprises an insulation layer. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein environmental protection comprises a positive air pressure capability to discourage airborne contaminants from entering the transportable container. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the environmental protection comprises a radiation-blocking barrier. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the environmental protection comprises a climate control mechanism to control at least one: temperature, humidity, pressure. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the transportable container comprises a substantially positive buoyant configuration such that the transportable container will float on a liquid. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the transportable container has a shape comprising at least one of: rectangular; cylinder; cone; sphere. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transportable container has a point of access to provide access to the at least one resource by an authorized beneficiary. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the point of access is configured to be locked through a locking mechanism. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein providing a transportable container includes providing a plurality of transportable containers, each of the plurality of transportable containers having a point of access with a distinct locking mechanism. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein providing civilly-catastrophic event-based access further comprises unlocking a locked point of access from a location remote therefrom. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the transportable container includes a plurality of compartments and each of the plurality of compartments including a distinct locking mechanism. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising confirming an identity of an authorized beneficiary in order to unlock one of the plurality of compartments. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the distinct locking mechanisms are unlocked remotely therefrom. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising confirming an identity of an authorized beneficiary prior to providing the access to the transportable container. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the identity of the authorized beneficiary is confirmed by at least one of: biometrics; an identification card; a still image; visual confirmation; an admission card; a password; a pass code; voice print; words. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising providing one of the pass code, the password, or the words to an authorized beneficiary through a transmission including at least one of: an Internet transmission, a wireless transmission, a radio transmission, a television transmission, an audible transmission, a visual transmission, a microwave transmission, a cellular transmission, a digital transmission. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the transmission is scrambled. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising upon confirmation of the authorized beneficiary's identity, automatically notifying at least one designated contact person upon the subscriber's entry into the transportable container. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising upon confirmation of the authorized beneficiary's identity, automatically documenting the identity of the access. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising documenting unauthorized attempts at access. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transportable container has a size and weight configured to be moved by a transport. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the transport comprises at least one of: truck, car, railcar, airplane, airship, blimp, ship, boat, hovercraft, hydrofoil, hydroplane, beast of burden, submarine, motorcycle, amphibious craft; and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transportable container comprises one of: truck, car, railcar, airplane, airship, blimp, ship, boat, barge, hovercraft, hydrofoil, hydroplane, submarine. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing a transportable container comprises providing a transportable container mislabeled as to its contents such that a non-subscriber is unaware of the at least one resource therein. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing a transportable container comprises providing a transportable container including an indicia on at least a portion of an outer surface thereof rending the container highly visible. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource comprises a life-sustaining necessity. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the life sustaining necessity comprises at least one of: hydration, nourishment, shelter, security; environmentally borne threat abatement, medical supplies, environmental control equipment, weapons. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the life-sustaining necessity comprises at least one of: a consumable necessity of human life; a non-consumable necessity of human life. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource includes a water purification apparatus. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource comprises water. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource includes a fluid pump. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource comprises a non-necessity of human life. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , where the non-necessity of human life comprises at least one of: a luxury consumable item; a luxury non-consumable item; non-human nourishment; non-essential clothing; barter medium; an entertainment apparatus; an educational tool; physical conditioning, exercise, and maintenance training and equipment; crafts supplies and training; sports equipment and facilities; a comfort food item. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource comprises a consumable resource including at least one of: food supplies, potable water; finite air supplies, batteries, hygiene supplies, sanitation supplies. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource comprises a non-consumable resource including at least one of: clothing items, personal protection items, bed linens, beds, food preparation items, repair and maintenance equipment, evacuation tools, navigation equipment, rescue tools and supplies, shelter items. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource includes medical facilities and supplies associated therewith. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource includes living quarters. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the living quarters includes at least one of: sleeping accommodations; food preparation facilities, personal hygiene facilities; sitting accommodations; sanitation facilities. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource includes a transport vehicle. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein the at least one resource includes a transport vehicle fuel storage tank. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource includes an inventory of spare parts. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource includes a power source. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the power source includes at least one of: a wind-based power generator; a photonically-based power generator; a fluid-based power generator; thermo-electric power generator; stored-energy power generator. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource includes an apparatus to provide refrigeration. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource includes communication equipment. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource include a surveillance device. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 52 , wherein the surveillance device comprises a closed circuit television. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource includes a transmitter. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 54 , wherein the transmitter permits remote access to the transportable container. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 54 , wherein the transmitter permits remote surveillance of transportable container. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource includes a plurality of subdivided units sized and configured for a plurality of subscriber's previously provided personal resource. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one resource includes a locating signal comprising at least one of flare, beacon, tracer, flag, illumination source, an Internet transmission, an audible transmission, a wireless transmission, a visual transmission, a microwave transmission, code, strobe, a radio transmission, a television transmission, a cellular transmission, a digital transmission. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 58 , wherein the locating signal is triggered automatically when the container is moved. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 58 , wherein the locating signal is triggered manual in a location remote from the container. 
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing the transportable container comprises providing a plurality of transportable containers. 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the plurality of transportable containers are arranged together. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the plurality of transportable containers are stacked. 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the plurality of transportable containers are locked together. 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein positioning the transportable container comprises positioning each of the plurality of transportable containers at one of a plurality of distinct predetermined locations. 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein each distinct predetermined location is spaced a predetermined distance from another distinct predetermined location. 
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the predetermined distance is about 5 to about 10 miles. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein each of the plurality of transportable containers are located proximal to a populated area. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein positioning each of the plurality of transportable containers comprises:
 staging the plurality of transportable containers at an initial position; and   transporting the plurality of transportable containers from the initial position to the plurality of predetermined locations in anticipation of the occurrence of a civilly-catastrophic event.   
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 69 , wherein staging the plurality of transportable containers at an initial position comprises staging a portion of the plurality of transportable containers at one of a plurality of initial positions. 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing a transportable container comprises providing a transportable container configured to be subdivided into a plurality of smaller transportable containers. 
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined location is proximate to the subscriber. 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising repositioning the transportable container from the predetermined location to a second predetermined location and securing the transportable container at the second predetermined location such that the container remains operative to provide the civilly-catastrophic event-based access relative to the second predetermined location after the transportable container experiences a civilly-catastrophic event. 
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein securing the transportable container includes the application of at least one of: bolts, screws, chains, cement, anchors, nails, adhesive, bands, straps, cables, caissons, rebar, stakes, tether. 
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 74 , wherein securing the transportable container comprises attaching a first end of the tether to the container, driving an anchor into a surface, and attaching a second end of the tether to the anchor. 
     
     
         76 . The container of  claim 75 , wherein the container has a positive buoyancy and the tether has a length sufficient to permit the container to float on a body of water. 
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 74 , wherein providing a transportable container comprises providing a transportable container with a mechanism for securing the transportable container included therewith. 
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein securing the transportable container comprises securing the transportable container to a pre-existing structure. 
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein securing the transportable container comprises at least partially burying the transportable container in the ground. 
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 79 , wherein securing the transportable container comprises fully burying the transportable container underground. 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising maintaining the at least one resource pending a need to permit subscription-based access to the transportable container. 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 81 , wherein maintaining the at least resource comprises monitoring an inventory status of the at least one resource. 
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 82 , further comprising communicating a low inventory status of the at least one resource. 
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing guidance to the secured transportable container for the subscriber. 
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 84 , wherein the guidance includes at least one of: globally positioning system (GPS) coordinates, an Internet communication or broadcast, a verbal communication, a written communication, a wireless communication, a visual communication, a microwave transmission. 
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 85 , wherein the visual communication includes at least one of: a beacon, a flag, a code, flare, strobe, illumination source. 
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein the code includes at least one of: a color code, an alphanumeric code. 
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 85 , wherein the wireless communication includes at least one of: an analog transmission, a radio transmission, a television transmission, a cellular transmission, a digital transmission. 
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing notification to a third party upon disturbance of the transportable container. 
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein the disturbance comprises unauthorized access to the transportable container. 
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein the disturbance comprises unauthorized movement of the transportable container. 
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein the disturbance comprises at least one of: submergence in a fluid, at least partially burying under debris, non-intentional movement. 
     
     
         93 . A container configured to withstand a civilly-catastrophic event, the container comprising:
 a support structure defining an interior space;   a reinforcing arrangement of the support structure arranged and configured such that the interior space remains accessible and operative after the container has experienced a civilly-catastrophic event;   a size and weight such that the container can be transported from a first location to a second location by a transport vehicle; and   a mechanical securing device arranged and configured to retain the container relative to the second location upon the container experiencing a civilly-catastrophic event such that the container remains operative to provide access to the interior space.   
     
     
         94 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises a water-proof seal. 
     
     
         95 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises an air-tight seal. 
     
     
         96 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises a support sufficient to retain the integrity of the interior space upon the container experiencing a civilly-catastrophic event. 
     
     
         97 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises a radiation-blocking barrier. 
     
     
         98 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises a positive air pressure within the interior space sufficient to discourage airborne containments from entering the interior space. 
     
     
         99 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises a climate control mechanism to control one of temperature, humidity, and pressure of the interior space. 
     
     
         100 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the support structure has a shape comprising at least one of: rectangular; cylinder; cone; sphere. 
     
     
         101 . The container of  claim 100 , wherein the support structure is a rectangular shipping container about 20 to about 40 feet long. 
     
     
         102 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the container comprises one of: boat, ship, barge, vehicle, aircraft, railcar, truck, car, airplane, airship, blimp, ship, hovercraft, hydrofoil, hydroplane, trailer, shed, crate. 
     
     
         103 . The container of  claim 93 , further comprising a point of access positioned to provide access to the interior space after the container has experienced a civilly-catastrophic event. 
     
     
         104 . The container of  claim 103 , wherein the point of access includes a locking mechanism. 
     
     
         105 . The container of  claim 104 , wherein the locking mechanism is unlocked through at least one of: biometrics; an identification card; a still image; visual confirmation; an admission card; a password; a pass code; voice print; words; a transmission. 
     
     
         106 . The container of  claim 104 , wherein the locking mechanism is unlocked from a location remote from the container using a wireless transmission. 
     
     
         107 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the mechanical securing device includes the application of at least one of: bolts, screws, chains, cement, anchors, nails, adhesive, bands, straps, cables, caissons, rebar, stakes, tether, a combination thereof. 
     
     
         108 . The container of  claim 107 , wherein the mechanical securing device include a first end of the tether attached to the container, an anchor driven into a ground surface, and a second end of the tether attached to the anchor. 
     
     
         109 . The container of  claim 108 , wherein the container has a positive buoyancy and the tether has a length sufficient to permit the container to float on a body of water. 
     
     
         110 . The container of  claim 109 , further comprising at least one deployment mechanism to apply the mechanical securing device in order to secure the container at the second location. 
     
     
         111 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the container is configured and arranged with positive buoyancy such that the container will float in a liquid. 
     
     
         112 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the container comprises fireproof material. 
     
     
         113 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the container is configured and arranged to be submergible. 
     
     
         114 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the container includes wheels upon which the container can be rolled. 
     
     
         115 . The container of  claim 114 , wherein the wheels are arranged and configured to be removed from the container. 
     
     
         116 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the container comprising a power source. 
     
     
         117 . The container of  claim 116 , wherein the power generator includes at least one of: a wind-based power generator; a photonically-based power generator; a fluid-based power generator; a thermo-electric power generator; a stored-energy power generator. 
     
     
         118 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the interior space comprises a plurality of units for segregating items stored therein. 
     
     
         119 . The container of  claim 93 , wherein the container includes a separation device such that the container can be divided into a plurality of containers. 
     
     
         120 . The method of  claim 93 , wherein the interior space further comprises accommodations for one or more people including at least one of: sleeping accommodations; food preparation facilities, personal hygiene facilities; sitting accommodations; sanitation facilities. 
     
     
         121 . The method of  claim 93 , wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the container comprises an indicia rendering the container visible.