SELF-CONTAINED REMOVABLE AND COLLAPSIBLE APPARATUS FOR THE SECURE DELIVERY AND STORAGE OF PARCELS

Abstract

An apparatus for housing a delivered parcel and a method for operating the apparatus. The apparatus can include a self-contained receptacle that is collapsible, removable, and securable to a floor, and can house and secure a parcel within the self-contained receptacle. A lid can be attached to the self-contained receptacle and is slideable with respect to the self-contained receptacle to allow access to the self-contained receptacle for a delivery of the parcel by a courier. The apparatus can include a base or bases secured to the ground that can create a channel within the self-contained receptacle, wherein the channel is lockable with a key that can be positioned into a channel (or channels) when anticipating a delivery of the parcel. The apparatus can prevent the theft of packages/parcels delivered to and left at residences and business.

Claims

1. An apparatus for housing a delivered parcel, comprising: a self-contained receptacle comprising at least one base, wherein the self-contained receptacle is collapsible, removable, and securable to a floor, and houses and secures a parcel within the self-contained receptacle; a lid attached to the self-contained receptacle, wherein the lid is slideable with respect to the self-contained receptacle to allow access to the self-contained receptacle for a delivery of the parcel by a courier; and a locking mechanism comprising a combination lock and a mounting, wherein the locking mechanism secures the lid to the self-contained receptacle with the combination lock and the mounting, wherein the combination code is provided to the courier in advance of the delivery of the parcel to allow the courier to unlock and slide the lid into an open position and place the parcel within the self-contained receptacle and slide and lock the lid into a closed position to secure the parcel within the self-contained receptacle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one base secured to the ground forms a channel within the self-contained receptacle, wherein the channel is lockable with a key that is positioned into the channel when anticipating a delivery of the parcel, thereby creating a secure delivery depot.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one base comprises a base plate.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of base plates including the at least one base, the at least one base comprising a base plate.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each base plate among the plurality of base plates is securable to a surface by an adhesive.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the plurality of base plates comprise a circular plate and the base plate upon which the circulate plate is located.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the circular plate is rotable about a center to engage with and insert into at least one rail among a plurality of rails.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial diagram of an apparatus for housing a delivered parcel, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a cut-away view of the apparatus for housing a delivered parcel depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away view of a secured base plate with a key engaged, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a cut-away view of a secured base plate, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for housing a delivered parcel, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a cut-away view of an apparatus for housing a delivered parcel, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for housing a delivered parcel, with a lid shown in place, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for housing a delivered parcel, with side/panel shown removed, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a gap with a side lid lock that can be implemented in accordance with an embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for housing a delivered parcel, with a side lid lock mechanism and with an inside-out view with two panels removed, in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0044] FIG. 11 illustrates a cut-away perspective view of a locking mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate one or more embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. Exemplary embodiments are intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the composition, apparatus and systems as described herein.

[0046] A more complete understanding of the apparatus disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the existing art and/or the present development, and are, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the assemblies or components thereof. In the drawings, like reference numerals may be used throughout to designate similar or identical elements.

[0047] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any example embodiments set forth herein; example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, subject matter may be embodied as an apparatus, methods, processes, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense.

[0048] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, phrases such as “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or “in an example embodiment” and variations thereof as utilized herein may or may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, the phrase “in another embodiment” or “in another example embodiment” or “in alternative embodiment” and variations thereof as utilized herein may or may not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of example embodiments in whole or in part.

[0049] In general, terminology may be understood, at least in part, from usage in context. For example, terms such as “and,” “or,” or “and/or” as used herein may include a variety of meanings that may depend, at least in part, upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B, or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to describe combinations of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms such as “a,” “an,” or “the”, again, may be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term “based on” may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part on context.

[0050] Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

[0051] The modifier “about” used in connection with a quantity may be inclusive of the stated value and can have a meaning dictated by the context (for example, it may include at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity). When used with a specific value, it should also be considered as disclosing that value. For example, the term “about 2” also discloses the value “2” and the range “from about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.”

[0052] Although embodiments are not limited in this regard, the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used herein may include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms “plurality” or “a plurality” may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. For example, “a plurality of widgets” may include two or more widgets. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein may not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather can be used to distinguish one element from another. The terms “a” and “an” herein may not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather can denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial diagram of an apparatus 100 for housing a delivered parcel, in accordance with an embodiment. The apparatus 100 can function as a self-contained receptacle that includes one or more walls such as a wall 106, a wall 108, and so on. In this regard, the ‘apparatus’ may also be referred to as a self-contained removable/collapsible receptacle.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 is generally shaped in the form of a box having four walls including the wall 106, the wall 108 and two other walls (not shown in FIG. 1 but depicted in FIG. 7 as wall 107 and 109). The aforementioned walls form the self-contained receptacle. It can be appreciated that the apparatus 100 may be implemented with a plurality of walls, the number of which may include four walls, five walls, six walls, and so on. A preferred embodiment will likely include four walls. However, other embodiments can include more than four walls (e.g., an octagonal shaped self-contained receptacle or other configuration).

[0055] The apparatus 100 (i.e., the self-contained receptacle) includes one or more bases such as a base 102, which can be secured to the ground and located at, for example, a corner of the apparatus 100 or another appropriate location associated with the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 is operable as a collapsible and removable device that can be and secured to a floor utilizing a base (or group of bases) as discussed herein. The apparatus 100 can house and secure a parcel within the self-contained receptacle.

[0056] A lid (not shown in FIG. 1 but shown as lid 111 in FIG. 11) can be attached to the self-contained receptacle. Such lid can be slideable with respect to the self-contained receptacle to allow access to the self-contained receptacle for a delivery of a parcel by a courier.

[0057] In some embodiments, a combination lock (not shown in FIG. 1) and a mounting (not shown in FIG. 1) may be used with the apparatus 100. The locking mechanism 104 shown in FIG. 1 is generally triangular in shape and can include three layers or plates 120, 122, 124, which are also each generally triangular in shape. It should be appreciated that the locking mechanism 104 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 relates to the overall locking device used for securing the apparatus 100 to the ground. The plate 124 can function as a bottom adhesive plate and the plate 120 can function as a locking top base plate 120. The plate 122 is located between the plate 120 and the plate 124.

[0058] Note that the term ‘base’ as utilized herein can refer to an individual plate such as plates 120, 122 and/or 124. The term ‘bases’ utilized herein can refer to a group of plates such as plates 120, 122, and/or 124. Thus, the term ‘base’ may refer to a group of plates or bases as plates 120, 122, and/or 124, or can refer to an individual plate such as plate 120, 122, or 124.

[0059] The locking mechanism 104 can secure a lid (not shown in FIG. 1) to the self-contained receptacle with the combination lock and the mounting. In some embodiments, a combination code can be provided to a courier in advance of the delivery of the parcel to allow the courier to unlock and slide the lid into an open position and place the parcel within the self-contained receptacle and thereafter slide and lock the lid into a closed position to secure package within the self-contained receptacle.

[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates a cut-away view of the apparatus 100 depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment. Note that as utilized with the figures herein, identical reference numerals generally refer to identical or similar parts or elements. FIG. 2 thus depicts a more detailed and alternative view of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, and in particular, the locking mechanism 104. As shown in FIG. 2, the locking mechanism 104 can include the use of one or more base plates including the bottom adhesive plate 124 and the locking top base plate 120. Interlocking channels such as channels 112 may be cut into the box, which can engage with one another.

[0061] Thus, the apparatus 100 can function as a self-contained removable/collapsible device that can provide security for delivered parcels and can include one or more “bases” secured to the ground by an adhesive at a residence, a business' welcome mat, or an appropriate designated delivery area. The removable/collapsible receptacle attaches and secures (locks) into place. The previously mentioned lid can slide open to provide access for parcel deliveries and can be locked on the outside of receptacle by a combination lock and mounting.

[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away view of the locking mechanism 104 including the secured base plate with a key engaged, in accordance with an embodiment. That is, the locking mechanism 104 includes the aforementioned one or more plates 120, 122, and 124. The plate 122 is shown in FIG. 3 as locked in place between the plates 120 and 124. The “bases” composed of the base plates 120, 122 and 124 can be secured to the ground by an adhesive and positioned in such a manner to align with the apparatus 100.

[0063] The “bases” can be designed to create the channel(s) 112 with the receptacle. The channel(s) 112 can be “locked” by a key that can be positioned into the channel(s) 112 when anticipating or expecting a parcel delivery, thereby securing the apparatus 100 to the ground. The “lock” may only be removable by gaining access to the inside of the receptacle. The locking mechanism base(s) configured from the plates 120, 122 and/or 124 can be secured to a variety of surfaces for the purpose of creating a secure delivery depot.

[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates a cut-away view of a secured base plate of the locking mechanism 104, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the secured base plate includes the plates 120 and 124. As shown in FIG. 4, the plates 120 and 124 connected to one another and form a gap between the plates 120 and 124. The plate 122 can be inserted into the gap formed between the plates 120 and 124.

[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates cut-away view of an apparatus 101 for housing a delivered parcel, in accordance with an alternative embodiment. Note that the apparatus 101 is similar to the previously discussed apparatus 100, but includes some differences, such as the use of a circular plate 125 having a center 127 as part of a locking mechanism 134. The apparatus 101 also functions as a self-contained receptacle. The circular plate 125 sits above a plate 132 and is inserted into a side rail 126 and a side rail 128. The side rail 126 and the side rail 128 can respectively connect to the wall 106 and the wall 108 (e.g., like a lock for a window in a house).

[0066] FIG. 6 illustrates a cut-away view of an apparatus 103 for housing a delivered parcel, in accordance with an alternative embodiment. In the alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, a locking mechanism 136 can be implemented, which includes a partially circular plate 135 and a base plate 132 upon which the circular plate is located. The partially circular plate 135 can rotate in the direction indicated by arrow 142 about a center 137 to engage with and insert into the rails 126 and 128. The apparatus 103 is also an example of a self-contained receptacle.

[0067] It should be appreciated that the various securing mechanisms discussed herein, such as the locking mechanism 104, the locking mechanism 134, and the locking mechanism 136 can be designed to be inconspicuous. That is, they are configured not to drawn attention to the securing mechanism by means of their size and hiding in plain sight. All that is needed to conceal the securing mechanisms is, for example, a welcome mat or a covering.

[0068] The locking mechanisms 104, 134, and 136 can be configured from a base plate that can be secured to the ground with an adhesive on the bottom side. The apparatus 100, the apparatus 101 or the apparatus 103 can be configured with corresponding channels near the bases that allow the “lock” to function. The top of the apparatus 100 can be configured with a unique configuration that can be designed with a purpose of creating a channel within the removable/collapsible receptacle to allow the lid to slide open/close. A “key” can be utilized to secure the apparatus 100, 101, or 103 to the ground.

[0069] The key can easily slide into place when the receptacle is engaged for a delivery and can be attached to the box and/or or a slit may be provided inside of the self-contained receptacle for storage of the key and/or the slit.

[0070] The self-contained receptacle (e.g., such as the apparatus 100, the apparatus 101, and the apparatus 103) can be designed to be self-contained. The only way to disable the locking mechanism is to have access to the inside of the receptacle. The only way to deconstruct the self-contained receptacle is to have access to the receptacle without a lid (such as the lid 111 shown in FIG. 11).

[0071] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus 100 for housing a delivered parcel, with a lid 111 shown in place, in accordance with an embodiment. Note that the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 also depicts a wall 107 and a wall 109. It can be appreciated that the apparatus 100 can include four walls including the previously discussed wall 106 and wall 108.

[0072] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus 100 for housing a delivered parcel, with the wall 109 (e.g., a side/panel) shown removed, in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 8 is provided to show a different perspective of the interior of the apparatus 100. The locking mechanism 134 is also shown in FIG. 8 at a bottom corner of the apparatus 100. It can be appreciated that although a single locking mechanism is shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, additional such locking mechanisms can be used at the other corners. Thus, in some embodiments, a single locking mechanism such as the locking mechanism 134 can be implemented, and in other mechanisms other similar locking mechanisms may be utilized to secure the other corners of the apparatus 100.

[0073] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a gap 117 with a side lid lock mechanism 119 that can be implemented with the apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment. Note that the side lid lock mechanism 119 may be formed from one or more circular rings that can engage with the lid 111. A combination or key padlock may be inserted into the circular rings to secure the lid 111 to the apparatus. Such a combination or key padlock may be positioned within the gap 117 and hang from the circular rings when secured in place to the lid/wall of the apparatus 100 via the side lid lock mechanism 119.

[0074] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus 100 for housing a delivered parcel, with the gap 117 for the side lid lock mechanism 119 (not shown in FIG. 10), in accordance with an embodiment.

[0075] FIG. 11 illustrates a cut-away perspective view of the locking mechanism 134, in accordance with an embodiment. Note that in the embodiment of the locking mechanism 134 depicted in FIG. 11 a different configuration can be implemented with protruding plate(s) that angularly extend from the walls of the apparatus 100 and cover and secure at least a part of the circular plate.

[0076] The self-contained receptacle disclosed herein can be multi-purposed. In some embodiments, the self-contained receptacle can look and function as a faux flower planter box, for example, when not expecting a delivery. That is, the self-contained receptacle can be configured in various shapes and manners that can disguise it, i.e., in this example as a faux flow planter box. When not in use the self-contained receptacle can be inverted and used as a tote for storage or in a manner the owner sees fit.

[0077] In some embodiments, the self-contained receptacle can be configured with four panels and a lid. Two long sides and two short sides can create the general shape of the apparatus 100 (i.e., the self-contained receptacle/box). The four panels can include groove channels that can correspond and slide into place to create the receptacle. These panels can be connected at the joints of the apparatus 100. The lid can function as a structural support for the receptacle by sliding into the self-contained receptacle (i.e., the apparatus 100) rather than on top. The lid can function as the top when a delivery is expected and the box is engaged, and as the bottom when self-contained receptacle is used as a general tote. The self-contained receptacle is also collapsible and disassembles for easier storage.

[0078] The corners of the self-contained receptacle can be designed in a manner that can provide more surface area for the key to secure the self-contained receptacle to a locking mechanism. This surface area can be extended for use as, for example, finger grips for tote when the self-contained receptacle is not in use. The lid may be removable from the four walls and can slide in to create the “lid”. The lid can include a locking mount that can secure the lid to the self-contained receptacle when a combination lock is in place.

[0079] It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. It will also be appreciated that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.