GB2394509A

GB2394509A - Secure delivery box

Info

Publication number: GB2394509A
Application number: GB0224814A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Welland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-10-25
Filing date: 2002-10-25
Publication date: 2004-04-28
Also published as: GB0224814D0

Abstract

A delivery box (1) is provided with a keypad (4) which allows a door (3) or lid to be opened when a correct code is entered, the code may for example form part of the postcode or address to where the item is being delivered. Proof of delivery is provided which may be in the form of a printed slip (5) or may take the form of a signal sent between the box and the delivery company. Furthermore the recipient may also be informed that a delivery has been made.

Description

23g4509 Intelligent Parcel Deposit Box The idea of this invention is to

allow the safe deposit of deliveries to an address and to provide a proof of delivery to that address. This proof of delivery is provided without the addressee being present, so allowing delivery during unsocial hours (e.g. at night), and when the addressee is absent.

The invention consists of a secure box fixed to the ground or wall or other securing point either internally or externally to a building. Access to the inside of the box is controlled by a door or lid, either a simple door or lid, or a more secure one-way device (like in a safe deposit box) depending on the level of security required.

This door is locked, and may be opened via a keypad and the inputting of the correct security pass. This pass is gettable by the user and may range from low-level security, for example using the postcode as written on the address label of the item to be delivered, or for higher-

level security it may be any other pre-agreed security pass as arranged between the addressee and the delivery company or person. This security pass information may be written on the address label relating to the item to be delivered, or stored separately.

Once the pass is entered, the door may be opened and the delivery deposited. The delivery company may then request a proof of delivery by pressing the appropriate button on the keypad. This proof of delivery may be on the most basic level a simple printed slip via a receipt printer, incorporating for example the boxes unique identification, date, time, and any inputted information the delivery person or company provides. On a higher level there can be an exchange of information between the box and the delivery company via a bar code reader or similar or via wired or wireless connection between the parcel deposit box and the electronic apparatus of the delivery company. This exchange provides proof of delivery to both the parcel deposit box and to the delivery company or person and may include the time and date of delivery, the delivery persons identification, details regarding the delivered item, any outstanding charges, damage or the like, and an electronic identification unique to each box. The information resulting from the information exchange between the delivery company and the parcel delivery box is stored by the parcel deposit box.

This information may also be integrated with the tracking systems used by delivery companies.

Notification to the addressee that a parcel has arrived, activated by use of the box, may be via simple indication (such as a light or signal on the box), on a display on the box, or via a wired or wireless connection allowing for example e-mail notification, text notification, or notification via bluetooth or similar wireless network to an appropriate device. In a similar way, the information stored by the box as a result of the printing of a proof of delivery slip or as a result of the exchange of information between the box and the delivery companies electronic apparatus can be made available to the addressee. Thus the addressee can be notified of a delivery, the date and time of delivery, who it was delivered by, the exact nature of the delivery, and other relevant details.

Electrical power for the box may be provided by a variety of means, for example mains power, power over the telephone or cable line, or batteries charged by solar power or by an electro-mechanical charging device activated by, for example, the opening of the door, so allowing use where an electrical supply is not readily available. Rechargeable batteries can provide backup in case of power failure.

A specific embodiment of the box is shown in figure 1 In this example, the steel box (I) is fixed to the ground by two bolts (2) and has a hinged door to the front (3). The keypad (4) allows access to the interior and a receipt printer is provided for simple printing of a proof of delivery receipt (5). Also provided is a wireless connection facility to allow exchange of information between the box and the delivery companies electronic apparatus (6), so providing the company and the addressee with proof of delivery. Indication of a delivery is via a light (7) and via the telecommunications cable (8). Power in this case is via an electrical cable (8)

Claims

Intelligent Parcel Deposit Box 1) An intelligent parcel deposit box consisting of a secure container with a unique identification that allows the delivery of items to an address with the ability to provide a proof of delivery without the necessity of the addressee being present.
2) An intelligent parcel deposit box as in claim 1 where there is the ability to provide proof of delivery to both the addressee and the delivery company or person without the necessity of the addressee being present.
3) An intelligent parcel deposit box as in claim 1 where proof of delivery is via an exchange of information between the container and the delivery person or company and their apparatus.
4) An intelligent parcel deposit box as in claim 1 where the container also allows the addressee to be notified by local or remote means of the exact nature and details of the delivery.
5) An intelligent parcel deposit box as in claim 1 where the information exchange may be integrated with the tracking systems used by delivery companies.
6) A parcel deposit box substantially as claimed herein described and illustrated in Figure 1