A control apparatus includes a controller configured to generate an electronic key for unlocking a storage configured to be locked with an article stored therein, and a communication interface configured to transmit the electronic key generated by the controller to a terminal apparatus of a user in a case in which the user is forecasted to arrive at a store after a time slot for providing the article at the store has passed.

Delivery of items has long been subject to degradation through pilfery, improper handling, or exposure to excessive environmental conditions. By providing items for delivery, or a mobile locker or secure container with the item for delivery, with an identifier readable and reportable by networked devices, custody of the item can be determined along with any degradation event. As a result, the providing source for the item and the receiving customers may be assured that the item delivered is provided in acceptable condition.

A parcel safe system comprising a parcel safe in communication with a server, providing remote access and control of the system. The parcel safe system may be integrated into a home or building structure itself, significantly reducing the risk of package theft. The parcel safe system may use modular construction, allowing for customization, and may incorporate smart home technology. The parcel safe system may provide a controlled environment, suitable for temporary storage of groceries and prescriptions.

A lock can include a motor assembly, a gear assembly, and an unlocking assembly. The motor assembly can include a motor and a drive shaft. The gear assembly can include a cam, a pinion gear, and a pinion. The pinion gear can include a plurality of teeth disposed along only a portion of a perimeter of the pinion gear. The pinion gear can be configured to engage the pinion. The pinion can be configured to translate laterally to release a biasing member to unlock a door of a container.

A package-receiving container includes: a receptacle portion; a lid portion coupled to the receptacle portion and configured to control access to a receptacle volume associated with the receptacle portion; and a tether coupled to the receptacle portion, the lid portion, or a combination thereof; wherein: the tether is configured to engage at least one of: a door and a door jamb; and the package-receiving container is configured to receive a package within the receptacle volume. The package-receiving container may further include electronics features for smart home integration.

The method uses a status server in communication with a parcel allocation system. The parcel allocation system has one or more service points. At the service points (20) a reusable transport packaging (600) is provided and is reused by changing its content and the status server (730) is updated with a status (620) associated with the transport packaging ID (602), which status (620) is a function of a system event (54) performed in the parcel allocation system (400). The packaging (600) can be left at the service point (20). The service point (20) has storage means (201) for a packaging (602) and communication means (202) for receiving and transmitting data of system events (54). The system (700) has a status server (730) and packaging (600) for holding a piece (40). The system can receive (124) dataset (59) of a system event (54) from a parcel allocation system (400) and transmit (122) a status (620) of the packaging (600) to a parcel allocation system (400). The packaging (600) has a transport packaging ID (602) associated with a status (620) of the packaging (600), which status is dependent on the received dataset (59) of the system event (54) from the parcel allocation system (400). The parcel allocation system is a system wherein electronic tokens are transmitted between the server and a service point. The parcel allocation system (400) has one or more service points (20) and an external server (30).

A secure package receptacle for receiving a package. The receptacle comprises a storage area to receive the package. The storage area adopts at least the following statuses: free, in which the storage area is accessible and ready to receive the package; locked, in which the storage area is inaccessible; and reset, in which the storage area is accessible and ready to retrieve the package. A change in status of the storage area is determined based the current status and on the sensing of the opening and closing of a lockable door providing or preventing access to the storage area.

A method of operating an apparatus for receiving one or more mail items is described. The method includes activating the communication between a user interface device and a remote device; generating, by an electronic control unit, at least one random alphanumeric code; sending, via a network interface device, the random alphanumeric code to the remote device; sending, by the remote device and via the network interface device, an unlock signal based on the random alphanumeric code to the electronic control unit. An unlock signal is processed by the electronic control unit to unlock the movable closure element and allow one or more mail items to be introduced in or withdrawn from the internal cavity.

A contactless delivery locker may have a locker housing with a locker door fitted to the locker housing. A disinfecting system may be arranged to disinfect the locker content and a remotely actuable lock may be arranged to secure the locker door in a closed position and actuable to release the locker door. A controller associated with the lock may be configured to actuate the lock and a wireless interface may be connected to the controller and configured to receive a command to actuate the lock to release the locker door. The controller may operate to control actuation of the lock to release the locker door upon detection of a command to actuate the lock and release the locker door. The controller may be configured to report lock status information to a user to confirm if a locker has been opened after completion of a disinfecting cycle.

A mountable bracket includes a first leg configured to be coupled to a mounting surface, and a first sub-leg coupled to the first leg. The first leg is extended along a first axis and is configured to project from the mounting surface at a first angle to define a first engagement surface. The first sub-leg projects from the first leg at a second angle to define a second engagement surface. The second engagement surface and at least a portion of the first engagement surface form a first mounting rail configured to mate with a first attachment structure having a first opening width. The first engagement structure and a third engagement surface of a second leg form a second mounting rail configured to mate with a second attachment structure having a second opening width. The second opening width is greater than the first opening width.