An enterprise facility having a plurality of enterprise associates can further have a plurality of delivered-package vaults that each have a selectively-lockable access portal. At least some of these delivered-package vaults are not generally assigned to any particular associate but instead are assigned on an as-needed basis. At least some of the delivered-package vaults include a sensor disposed and configured to detect a level of sanitation within the delivered-package vault. The control circuit operably couples to that sensor and serves to detect a level of sanitation within the corresponding delivered-package vaults to determine when cleaning of a particular one of those delivered-package vaults is required. By one approach the control circuit can automatically task one or more persons with cleaning a delivered-package vault that requires such attention.

Methods, systems, and apparatus for an automated mailbox system. The automated mailbox system includes a personal device configured to manage a robot. The robot includes a base that forms a foundation for the robot and is coupled to a post. The robot includes a mailbox having a door. The mailbox is configured to receive documents when in the open position. The robot includes a transportation component that moves the robot in multiple directions among multiple locations. The transportation component is configured to move the robot in a first direction to a first location.

A locker for receiving and retaining one or more packages includes an enclosure, the enclosure defining a storage cavity, the storage cavity configured to receive and retain the one or more goods, a radio signal sensing assembly disposed on the enclosure for sensing radio signals, the radio signal sensing assembly disposed on the enclosure in an orientation such that the radio signal sensing assembly can detect the presence of radio signals within the storage cavity.

A secure containing device with an adjustable volume for receiving and safeguarding items includes a bag, a rear cover, a mounting element connected to opposite sides of the bag, a lock assembly on the rear cover and protruding toward the mounting element, and an active element overlapping with the mounting element. When the mounting element moves to a closed position, the bag is compressed. When the mounting element moves to an unfolded position away from the rear cover, the bag presents a containing space. When the mounting element is in the unfolded position, the active element is movable and rotatable relative to the mounting element to cover a top of the bag and engage with the lock assembly.

An apparatus for securely delivering and receiving a package having a first receptacle with at least one sidewall, a roof and a platform contiguous with the at least one sidewall, the platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, and at least one open space between the roof and the top surface of the platform operatively arranged to receive mail or a package; and, a second receptacle including a first wall having a first upper edge and a first lower edge, a second wall having a second upper edge and a second lower edge, a third wall having a third upper edge and a third lower edge, and a fourth wall having a fourth upper edge and a fourth lower edge where the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall are contiguous and arranged to create a closed space.

This invention involves a novel method, device, system and apparatus to receive, return or exchange packages and goods securely, and to monitor and control a parcel receptacle remotely. The invention comprises of a DoorBox and a Smart DoorBox and utilizes a parcel receptacle and a host of electronic features and Internet of things (IOT) technologies. The security, apparatus is connectable to any fixture, including to one or more parcel receptacles. The parcel receptacles can be secured via a physical cable and a security apparatus, or secured via connectivity to a wireless network. The parcel receptacles can also be secured via a GPS module, accelerometer and other technological devices inside parcel receptacle. The locking mechanism in the security apparatus and/or on the parcel receptacle can be of technological in nature using the latest advancements in IOT and other wireless technologies, or alternatively, involve simple locking mechanisms. The apparatus allows access to parcels to authenticated users only and involve many safety features including an audible alarm, mobile-app alerts, camera and a host of advanced features. The parcel receptacle can be integrated with smart home systems and can have a host of security features to monitor, alert any intruders.

This invention involves a novel method, device, system and apparatus to receive return or exchange goods and services at one's doorstep securely. The invention involves a novel security apparatus and a parcel receptacle. The security apparatus is connectable to any fixture, including to one or more parcel receptacles. The parcel receptacles can be of many types. The parcel receptacles can be secured via a physical cable and a security apparatus, or secured via connectivity to the wireless network of a parcel recipient. The parcel receptacles can also be secured via a novel GPS module, accelerometer and other technological devices inside parcel receptacle. The locking mechanism in the security apparatus and/or on the parcel receptacle can be of technological in nature using the latest advancements in wireless technology, or alternatively, involve simple physical lock and key mechanisms. The apparatus allows access to parcels to authenticated users only, and involve many safety features including an audible alarm and other tamper-proof mechanisms to ensure safety of parcels.

An apparatus for receiving and preventing unauthorized access to deliveries has an enclosure, a moveable roof on the enclosure, a rotatable basket within the enclosure, and a connecting member coupling motion of the roof and the basket. The basket is rotatable between an upright and an upside-down position. The roof is moveable between an open position in which the basket is accessible and a closed position in which the basket access is blocked. When the roof is moved to the open position, the connecting member rotates the basket to the upright position thereby allowing a user to place the article into the basket. Moving the roof to the closed position rotates the basket to the upside-down position thereby causing the article to drop out of the basket towards the bottom of the enclosure. The enclosure may open into a chute or building for delivering the parcels to a remote location.

A system for the delivery and secure receipt of packages from unmanned vehicles to improve security and protection of the packages upon delivery. A UAV receptacle provides a water-protected interior to protect a package. The UAV receptacle includes a door in one side that allows a reception tray to extend out and back in, and which locks to protect the package so received. The UAV receptacle detects a drone in proximity. Upon confirming that delivery is for the UAV receptacle, the reception tray extends to a reception position. A sensor detects the package on the reception tray upon delivery from the drone. The reception tray is of a mesh material to reduce water retention. The UAV receptacle retracts the reception tray and closes a door to seal the package within the UAV receptacle. The UAV receptacle may notify user devices that the package has been received.

Disclosed herein is a drone docking station for deposit of items/goods delivered by a drone to a secured receptacle. Items can be delivered to a receptacle at a curb, mailbox, post, porch, in-ground vault, and window to a multi-parcel receptacle with an expanding floor/accordion station that has a specific residential/commercial address with various optional features. Features include communication systems between the station and drone; security; hot and cold temperature control and preservation of the goods before and after delivery; battery charging and exchange station; a collector to identify explosive materials, anthrax, etc.; ultraviolet system to eradicate disease, virus and harmful materials; an ozone applicator to eradicate disease, virus and harmful materials; weather monitoring; tag and track of vehicles and packages; facial recognition camera and software for pets and humans; and local two-way speakers; LED lights that strobe flash, and a flood light.