GB2406201A

GB2406201A - Apparatus for secure exchange of postal items

Info

Publication number: GB2406201A
Application number: GB0322147A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steve Bungard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-09-22
Filing date: 2003-09-22
Publication date: 2005-03-23
Anticipated expiration: 2023-09-22
Also published as: GB0322147D0; GB2406201B

Abstract

When a delivery person wish to deliver or collect a package he rings door bell 10. If the house holder is out a control computer 4 can be set to place a call to the house holder either to a mobile phone 5 or a land line phone 6. The householder can then speak with the delivery man via an intercom 7. Once the householder is satisfied that the deliver person is bonafide the house holder can issue a code via the phone to the control computer to unlock the secure container 2. Within the container there can be a bar code which can be used to confirm delivery/exchange and weigh scales to monitory whether items have been place in the container or removed. An alarm may also be associated with the container to prevent miss use.

Description

240620 1 Apparatus for Secure Exchange of Postal Items This invention

relates to apparatus for the secure delivery and/or collection of postal items, for use particularly, but not exclusively, when the recipient is absent from the exchange location.

Many items sent by post or courier require signed confirmation of receipt by the recipient. This allows the sender to confirm that the package has been received safely, and has not been mislaid in transit. However, this kind of arrangement is dependent on the intended recipient being present at the point of delivery to sign the appropriate documents. If that person is absent, the package may have to be transported to a depot and collected at some inconvenience to the recipient, or re- delivered at another time or to another address, or even returned to the sender. Each of these events incurs unnecessary cost.

To avoid the problems associated with missing a delivery, many people will wait for prolonged periods at one address, which is inconvenient and wastes time.

Further, if a postal item is to be securely collected from one location, the sender must be present to ensure a safe exchange.

The object of the present invention is to provide a novel approach.

According to the present invention apparatus for exchange of a postal item comprises a container provided with lock means, control means adapted to control the lock means and to communicate with communication means at a different location, in which the lock means can be operated by the communication means, when it is in communication with the control means, in use.

ln a preferred construction exchange confirmation means may be provided Inside the container, and can be accessed by the deliverer when the container is opened.

In one construction the control means can comprise a computer provided with a first telephone, and the communication means can be a second telephone at a different location. The control means can further comprise an intercom provided at the entrance to the delivery address. In a preferred construction, when the item carrier operates the intercom, the computer uses the first telephone to contact the second telephone. When the holder of the second telephone answers, the call can be accessed from the intercom.

Preferably the item courier and the holder of the second telephone can communicate verbally via the first and second telephones, and commands can be sent to the lock means from the second telephone to the first telephone and via the computer so the container can be accessed by the item carrier, to make a delivery or a collection.

The exchange confirmation means may comprise a coded stamp, a barcode, security number or any other suitable mechanism which can be accessed only when the container is open, and which can be recorded.

In a preferred construction the exchange confirmation means can further comprise means to detect changes in the content of the container. In one construction a weight scale can be provided inside the container, and the weight recorded by the scale can be communicated to the second telephone, so the user of the second telephone can know if an item has been placed in the box, or removed from it.

Preferably the container is a secure box, which can be suitably secured In place, adjacent the intercom at the entrance to the delivery address, and which can be provided with an alarm system. Further, the lock means can also be operated directly by means of a key.

The electricity supply for the components described above may be supplied from the premises where the container is installed, from a battery or a solar panel.

The invention can be performed in various ways, but one embodiment will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which Figure 1 is a diagrammatic display of apparatus according to the present invention.

In Figure 1 apparatus for exchange of a postal item 1 comprises a container, in the form of security box 2, which is provided with lock 3, control means, in the form of computer 4, which is adapted to control the lock 3 and to communicate with communication means, in the form of second telephone 5 or 6, at a different location.

The lock 3 can be operated by the second telephone 5 or 6, when it is in communication with the computer 4, in use, as described below.

First telephone (not visible) is provided as part of the internal workings of the computer 4. The control means further comprises an intercom 7, which is connected to the computer 4.

The intercom 7 is also connected to the security box 2, such that the computer 4 can control the opening and closing of the lock 3. The computer 4 is connected to a telephone land line socket 8, and can be connected to either land line telephones, for example 5, via a land line 9, or it can be connected to mobile telephones, for example 6, via a mobile telecommunications network.

The intercom comprises a door bell button 10, a speaker (which is covered by grill 11), microphone (which is accessed through aperture 12) The security box 2 is provided with an integral weight scale 13, a controlling processor 14, exchange confirmation means in the form of bar code 15, sensor 16, which detects when the lid 17 is opened, and securing plate 18, provided with apertures 19 through which bolts can pass so the box 2 can be secured to the ground. The lock 3 can be operated by key 20, or by the controlling processor 14.

In use the apparatus 1 can be operated in two modes. In a first stand-by mode, when door bell 10 is pressed, a bell (not shown) rings inside the premises.

This mode would be used when the user is present at the premises, and can meet the item carrier in person.

In a second mode, when the door bell 10 is pressed a signal is sent to the computer 4. The computer 4 then uses the internal first telephone to make a telephone call to a second telephone 5 or 6. (It will be appreciated that the second telephone can be any telephone which is connected to a telecommunications network. The user can program the computer 4 with any telephone number to call, at which they can be reached. Therefore, telephones 5 and 6 could be any desired land line or mobile communications network telephones).

When the second telephone 5 or 6 is answered, the call is connected to the Intercom 7, and a telephone conversation can take place between the item carrier and the user. During the call a first tone signal can be sent by the second telephone or 6 which is received by the computer 4. The computer 4 then sends an electrical signal to the lock 3 via the controlling processor 14. The lock 3 is released and the item carrier can access the inside of the box 2 to make a delivery or a collection. In addition, the item carrier can access the bar code 15, which can act as a signature for confirmation of receipt of an item. When the lid 17 of the box 2 is closed again the lock automatically closes.

During the call a second tone signal can be sent, which can activate an internal or external alarm (not shown). This can be done if the user suspects that the user of the intercom is not genuine.

When a delivery or collection is made, the weight scale 13 will record the addition or removal of any items. This information can be sent to the second telephone 5 or 6, and it can be recorded by the controlling processor 14 and/or the computer 4.

If at any time an attempt is made to tamper with the box 2, the sensor 16 will recognse if the lid 17 is opened, and an associated alarm (not shown) can be activated.

It will be appreciated that the invention can be performed in various other ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the operating modes of the apparatus can be changed so the door bell will always ring, or the computer can be programmed to call one telephone number, then another if no answer is received. In addition, the operating modes of the apparatus can be controlled by the second telephone, using tone signals.

In another alternative embodiment the intercom can be part of a wider intercom system incorporated into the premises. With such an arrangement the communication means at a different location can simply be part of the Intercom system, and no telephone is required. Such an arrangement could be used in a large building when it would be inconvenient to meet the item carrier in a lobby or entrance hall.

Thus apparatus for a secure exchange of a postal item is provided, which removes the need for the intended recipient, or sender, to be present at the point of exchange. (

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item comprising a container

provided with lock means, control means adapted to control the lock means and to communicate with communication means at a different location, in which the lock means can be operated by the communication means, when it is in communication with the control means, in use.
2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which exchange confirmation means are provided inside the container.
3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 in which the control means comprises a computer provided with a first telephone, and the communication means at a different location can be a second telephone, and in which a signal can be sent between the first telephone and the second telephone which operates the lock means.
4. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 in which the control means further comprises an intercom provided adjacent the container and connected to the computer, such that a telephone call between the first telephone and the second telephone can be accessed at the intercom.
5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 in which the intercom is provided with a door bell mechanism.
6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 in which the second telephone can be any telephone which can be contacted by the first telephone, and the dialling number of the second telephone in use is pre-programmed into the computer.
7. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 in which the second telephone is a mobile telephone.
8. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 or 7 in which the exchange confirmation means is a barcode which can be scanned.
9. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 in which the container is provided with means to detect changes in the content of the container.
10. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 in which the means to detect changes in the content of the container is a weight scale, the measurements of which can be recorded by the computer means.
11. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 10 in which the measurements can be sent to the second telephone in use.
12. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 11 in which the lock means can be operated by a key.
13. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item substantially as described herein and as snown in the accompanying drawing.

13. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 12 in which the container is a box comprising a base portion and a lid portion, and which is provided with an alarm and a sensor, and in which when the lid is opened without the use of the key or a signal received by the first telephone, the alarm is activated.

14. Apparatus substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawing.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows ' g Claims 1. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item comprising a container, lock means for said container, an intercom adjacent said container, a first telephone, control means and a second telephone at a different location to the container, in which when the intercom is accessed in use, the control means creates a telephone call between the first telephone and the second telephone such that a verbal conversation is conducted between a user of the intercom and a user of the second telephone, and in which in use the lock means is operated by the control means when a signal is sent from the second telephone to the first telephone.

2. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item as claimed in Claim 1 in which exchange confirmation means are provided inside the container.

3. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item as claimed in Claim 2 in which the control means comprises a computer.

4. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item as claimed in Claim 3 in which the intercom is provided with a door bell mechanism.

5. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item as claimed in Claim 4 in which the second telephone can be any telephone which can be contacted by the first telephone, and the dialling number of the second telephone in use is preprogrammed into the computer.

6. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item as claimed in Claim 5 in which the second telephone is a mobile telephone.

r ( : l r 7. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item as claimed in Claim 5 or 6 in which the exchange confirmation means is a barcode which can be scanned.

8. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item as claimed in Claim 7 in which the container is provided with means to detect changes in the content of the container.

9. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item as claimed in Claim 8 in which the means to detect changes in the content of the container is a weight scale, the measurements of which can be recorded by the computer means.

10. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item as claimed in Claim 9 in which the measurements can be sent to the second telephone in use.

11. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item as claimed in Claim 10 in which the lock means can be operated by a key.

12. Apparatus for exchange of a postal item as claimed in Claim 11 in which the container is a box comprising a base portion and a lid portion, and which is provided with an alarm and a sensor, and in which when the lid is opened without the use of the key or a signal received by the first telephone, the alarm is activated.