Environmentally controlled container

Abstract

A package delivery system wherein packages are distributed through a distribution center's deliverymen. Badges are worn by the deliverymen. The badges include an electronic identifier identifying the deliveryman as well as the company/distribution center, that employs them. On approaching the building's receptacle, the signal from the badge allows the receptacle's locking mechanism to be functional; thereby allowing only authorized deliverymen to gain access to the interior of the receptacle.

Claims

1. A package receptacle comprising: a) a container having a first and second door allowing entry into an interior of the container, wherein, in a locked state, the first door is secured by a first locking mechanism, and, wherein, in a locked state, the second door is secured by a second locking mechanism unique from the first locking mechanism, either door permitting access to the interior of said container, said container being configured to be placed exterior to a building and withstanding environmental conditions therefrom; b) an ambient temperature sensor generating temperature data indicative of an ambient temperature; and, c) an environmental system located within the container, said environmental system being inactive when said container is empty, said environmental system selectively activating a cooling mechanism or a heating mechanism based on the temperature data from the ambient temperature sensor to maintain a selected environmental condition within the container when a package is within the container.

2. The package receptacle according to claim 1, further including, a presence sensor activating the environmental system when the package is within the container.

3. The package receptacle according to claim 2, wherein the presence sensor includes an alert mechanism alerting a user that a package is within the container.

4. The package receptacle according to claim 3, wherein the first door is located at a top of the container.

5. The package receptacle according to claim 3, further including a logging mechanism activated by the first door such that said logging mechanism stores data indicative of a time that the first door was opened.

6. The package receptacle according to claim 3, wherein, the container extends through a wall such that the first door is located on an exterior of the wall and the second door is located on an interior of the wall.

7. The package receptacle according to claim 6, wherein the second door includes a window for user viewing into an interior of the container.

8. A package delivery system comprising: a) a distribution center containing packages configured for delivery to an individual entity by a carrier; b) a badge worn by the carrier identifying the carrier and having an electronic identifier of the carrier, said carrier delivering a selected package from the distribution center to a chosen location; c) a package receptacle located at the chosen location and having, 1) a first and second door allowing entry into an interior of a container, wherein, the first door is secured by a first locking mechanism responsive to the electronic identifier, the second door is secured by a second locking mechanism, 2) a camera focused on an area proximate to the first door, said camera being responsive to a presence proximate to said first locking mechanism and producing an image thereof, 3) communication means for communicating the image to a remote apparatus, and further communicating activation of the first locking mechanism to the distribution center, and, 4) wherein, the first locking mechanism is activated by a signal from the remote apparatus to reveal the first locking mechanism; d) an environmental system located with the container adapted to maintain a selected environmental condition within the container; and, e) a presence sensor activating the environmental system when a package is within the container.

9. The package delivery system according to claim 8, wherein the package receptacle includes a logging mechanism recording a time stamp of an operation of the first locking mechanism and an identifier of the electronic identifier.

10. The package delivery system according to claim 7, wherein the communication means further communicates activation of the first locking mechanism to the distribution center.

11. A package receptacle comprising: a) a container having a first and second door allowing entry into an interior of the container, wherein, in a locked state, the first door is secured by a first locking mechanism, and, wherein, in a locked state, the second door is secured by a second locking mechanism; b) a barrier mechanism adapted to selectively prevent access to the first locking mechanism; c) a camera focused on an area proximate to the first door, said camera being responsive to a presence proximate to said first locking mechanism and producing an image thereof; d) communication means for communicating the image to a remote apparatus; and, e) wherein, the barrier mechanism is responsive to a signal from the remote apparatus to reveal the first locking mechanism.)

12. The package receptacle according to claim 11, further including, an electronic logging mechanism recording a time when the first door of the container is opened.

13. The package receptacle according to claim 11, wherein the first door is located at a top of the container.

14. The package receptacle according to claim 12, wherein, the container extends through a wall such that the first door is located on an exterior of the wall and the second door is located on an interior of the wall.

15. The package receptacle according to claim 13, wherein the second door includes a window for user viewing into an interior of the container.

Description

DRAWINGS IN BRIEF

[0021] FIG. 1 graphically illustrates the distribution system of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates and embodiment of the invention in which the interior of the container is environmentally maintained.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention mounted into a wall of a dwelling.

[0024] FIG. 4 graphically illustrates an embodiment of the invention which communicates with a remote apparatus to control operation/acceptance of a package.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention which utilizes a door to prevent access to the locking mechanism.

DRAWINGS IN DETAIL

[0026] FIG. 1 graphically illustrates the distribution system of the present invention.

[0027] This illustration provides a graphical environment in which the present invention is utilized. A package is sent 15A from Warehouse 10 to the delivery van 11. The delivery van's operator 12 takes the package 15B and deposits it 15C, into container 13. In this illustration, container 13 is separate from the house 14 but the invention is not so limited.

[0028] The package is secured within container 13 until the recipient retrieves it from container 13.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates and embodiment of the invention in which the interior of the container is environmentally maintained.

[0030] In this embodiment, container 20 is supported by stand 22. On one side of container 20 are two doors 21A and 21B. In this embodiment, door 21A is contained within door 21B, thereby allowing the delivery personnel to unlock door 21A via lock 26A. The recipient is able to retrieve the package via door 21B by using lock 26A.

[0031] Sensor 24, contained within container 20, determines if a package has been placed within container 20 and alerts the recipient via light 23. In certain climes, there is a need to either warm (for frigid climes) or cool (in hot climes) the package until it is retrieved by the recipient so that the contents do not go bad (e.g. chocolates being delivered in the Arizona summer). In this case, sensor 24 also activates the AC/heater 25 which has been previously set to either cool or heat appropriately.

[0032] Sensor 24, in some embodiments, also includes an electronic memory which is used to record when door 21A or door 21B is opened. This time stamps the use of the container as proof of the delivery of the package.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, door 27 opens (28) automatically when a package 29 is being delivered via a drone. The drone places package 29 into the container and departs. When the package is within container 20, door 27 closes and latches.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention mounted into a wall of a dwelling.

[0035] In this embodiment, container 30 is positioned in wall 34 so that an exterior door 31B, with lock 32B, is accessible to the delivery personnel. The package is placed within container 30 allowing the recipient to view through window 33 to see that a package exists. The recipient then unlocks door 31A via lock 32A and removes the package.

[0036] This embodiment is equipped with a sensor 35 which identifies when the delivery personnel arrives and also serves as a camera to record/time stamp the individual involved. Sensor 35, in some embodiments, is also a transmitter to inform the recipient that that a package has been delivered (as shown later).

[0037] As with earlier embodiments, this embodiment is optionally equipped with an environment control for the interior of container 30.

[0038] FIG. 4 graphically illustrates an embodiment of the invention which communicates with a remote apparatus to control operation/acceptance of a package.

[0039] As the delivery personnel, wearing badge 42, approaches building 40 with container 40, a sensor 41, as described earlier, receives signal 44A from the electronics within badge 42. This signal activates transmission 44B from container 40 to the owner/operator's handheld electronic apparatus 43. Transmission 44B communicates that an authorized person (as identified by badge 42) has approached container 40, and in one embodiment provides a picture of the individual. The owner/operator, via apparatus 43, then selectively enable the exterior lock (not shown) in container 41 via signal 44C.

[0040] Furthermore, in some embodiments, sensor 41 transmits the time stamp to the warehouse (discussed earlier) that deliver has been made. This permits the warehouse to keep up-to-date records relating to the package.

[0041] This embodiment provides an additional level of security providing real time notification and access/no access determination.

[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention which utilizes a preliminary door/barrier to prevent access to the locking mechanism.

[0043] The container's door face 50 is shown. Recess 51 permits the locking mechanism 52 to be recessed behind the door and is accessible via an opening in the door (not shown). This embodiment is useful with the embodiment of FIG. 4 which allows the owner/operator to activate motor 54 to swing cover 53 as indicated arrow 55 away from the recess 51 so that the delivery personnel can unlock (via lock 52) the door.

[0044] It is clear that the present invention provides a secure and efficient package delivery system.