GB2448668A

GB2448668A - Secure Parcel Reception Unit With Separate Lockable Reception Compartments

Info

Publication number: GB2448668A
Application number: GB0707775A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Cuddy; David Prescott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-04-23
Filing date: 2007-04-23
Publication date: 2008-10-29
Also published as: GB0807455D0; GB2448668A8; GB2449734A; GB0707775D0

Abstract

A secure parcel reception cabinet which receives goods in separate reception compartments, wherein the parcels do not drop vertically into the compartments. The cabinet may have a lockable outer door. Each compartment within the cabinet preferably has doors which are held in a "stand off "or ready position, pull down to the horizontal to enable delivery, and are then slammed shut into a locked position, to await opening with a dedicated key. Each compartment may have a unique barcode available for scanning which provides proof of delivery. An alarm may be provided to alert the homeowner when a delivery has been made. In use the unit securely receives parcels when the homeowner is not at home.

Description

* 2448668

I

Parcel Reception Unit

Background

Phenomenal growth in Internet retail activity has generated a similar increase in the demand for direct deliveries to the purchaser at their home or other nominated address.

It is not always convenient or possible for the purchaser to be available when a delivery is due at the delivery address.

As a result time is wasted by the purchaser waiting for a delivery, a "missed delivery" may be recorded by the delivery company, or a re-delivery is scheduled thereby wasting time and fuel resources going through the final delivery process all over again.

Statement of Invention

This device is a simple and secure solution to the problem of accepting and validating multiple deliveries without the purchaser being physically present at the time of those deliveries.

Advantages * The purchaser does not need to be present to physically receive the delivery.

* The device can accept multiple deliveries on the same day without compromising the security of items already delivered.

* The design and operation of the device does not involve the delivered item being "dropped" into a secure area thus minimising the possibility of damage at the point of delivery.

* The delivered item/items are held securely until unlocked and accessed by the purchaser using their unique security key.

* Each delivery should be a "one-tnp" delivery thereby removing the requirement for re-deliveries and wasted resources.

* Barcode security within the compartments enables a "proof of delivery" mechanism.

* The device is scaleable in size to cater for differing sizes of delivery, depending on the typical buying profile of individual users.

Introduction to Drawings

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the following drawings: Drawing 114 Fig. I Delivery cabinet shown front view (elevation) with outer door closed.

Fig. 2 Delivery cabinet side view (elevation).

Fig. 3 Delivery cabinet with front outer door open to show internal doors In a "held open position. (Ready to receive delivery.) (Perspective view) Drawing 2/4 Fig. 4 Delivery cabinet in cross-section with outer door closed and inner doors in the "held open" position. . (Ready for delivery).

Fig. 5 Delivery cabinet with outer door open, and inner doors closed position.

(Delivery received).

Drawing 3/4 Fig. 6 Cross-section of one of the inner doors in the "held open" position.

Showing lock "A" and ball catch "B" Fig. 7 Cross-section of one of the inner doors in the closed position.

The curved line and arrows illustrates the direction, and extent, of movement of the inner doors. Also lock "A" and ball catch "B" Dotted outline shows the compartment door in the fully open "delivery positions NCn Drawing 4/4 Fig. 8 Broken perspective view showing inner door about to close, indicating door stop "D". Also ball catch "B".

Fig. 9 Broken perspective view showing inner door closed., indicating door stop "D". This provides extra security to the lock mechanism.

Also indicates the position of unique barcode "E".

Detailed description

The parcel reception device is housed within a cabinet and is designed to effect the safe and secure reception of boxes and packages when the recipient is not in attendance.

The cabinet can be of varying size, and construction materials, and it can contain differing sizes and number of parcel reception compartments, all with the same mechanism and movement.

The cabinet would have the facility for secunng it to, an adjacent wall, and/or a solid floor or ground structure.

The accompanying drawings are conceptual; this cabinet would have a weatherproof outer construction and be suitable for external use in a residential setting, larger versions would be used commercially, "built in" versions would be suitable for new build situations, and other variations would be suitable for the foyers of private flats/apartments. All these versions having the same principle of mechanism and movement.

The cabinet would have an outer door hinged at the side. This door is held closed by a simple latch,. It may also have a friction stay on larger versions.

On opening the outer door, one, two, or more parcel reception compartment doors are visible.( Fig. 3) These doors are hinged at their bottom edge, and have a key operated lock on the top edge, as can be seen in drawing 3/4, figs. 6 and 7, and drawing 4/4 figs. 8 and 9. This lock is of the "till lock" type which locks automatically when the door is pushed shut. There is also a handle beneath the lock.(f,g 3) On the inner aspect of each compartment door is a unique barcode.(Drawing 4/4 Fig 9 "E") This can be scanned by delivery personnel, and provides a "proof of delivery" mechanism. This barcode can be linked to the location and individual compartment, and the scanning of it by the carrier acts in lieu of a signature.

In figs 3 and 4, these inner doors are shown in a "held open" position, ready to receive a parcel. This position is maintained by a small ball catch inserted in both sides of the door, and locating into the frame of the cabinet.(Drawing 1/3 fig 6 "B") These inner doors open downwards, a "stops or friction stay restricting the movement to horizontal. The carrier opens the outer door, then pulls open the door of an appropriately sized compartment, which has previously been set in the "held open" position. The compartment door is now in the position shown inFig7 "C". The package or box is inserted into the compartment, the barcode can be scanned, and the door is then lifted and swung past the held open point, (fig 6), to the fully closed position. (Fig 7). Where it meets the stop bar ( "D" in fig 8).

In this position, the lock mechanism at the top edge of the door operates. The door cannot then be reopened until the key holder returns to retrieve the package.

Some versions could include a micro switch connected to the locking mechanism, in order to operate a recipient alert system, either local or remote.

When no deliveries are expected, the inner door or doors can be left locked in the fully closed position to eliminate any possibility of malicious use. Where there is an outer door lock this can also be secured.

Claims

Claims 1. A parcel reception unit, which receives goods, either as

single, or multiple deliveries, in separate reception compartments within the unit, retains the goods securely and, avoids possible damage to contents caused by dropping into a receiver at the point of delivery.
2. A parcel reception unit according to claim 1, in which there are reception compartment(s) each with a door which can be held in 3 different positions; uheld open" or Ready position; "fully open" or Delivery position; and "fully closed" Locked and Secure position.
3. A reception compartment according to claim 2, has a unique barcode on the inner aspect of the door.
4. A reception compartment according to claim 2, has a door which can only be opened with a dedicated key.
The parcel reception unit, according to claim 1, can contain reception compartment(s) according to claim 2, of varying number and size, all operated by the same principles, to cater for deliveries ranging from an A4 type package, to a large box or carton, receiving an individual delivery in each reception compartment.
6. A reception compartment, according to claim 2, which can be fitted with a micro switch to operate a recipient alert system when the compartment door is closed.
7. The reception compartment(s) according to claim 2, are housed in a cabinet with an outer door.
8. The cabinet, according to claim 7, will have a means to allow its fixing to an adjacent permanent structure.