AU2012101817A4

AU2012101817A4 - Electronically Lockable Parcel Delivery Receptacle with or without wireless connectivity and in conjunction with authority to leave.

Info

Publication number: AU2012101817A4
Application number: AU2012101817A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Cillian Stockdale
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-12-12
Filing date: 2012-12-12
Publication date: 2013-01-17
Anticipated expiration: 2020-12-12

Abstract

Abstract Delivery Receptacle- a device to ensure the secure receipt of deliveries via storage in a cabinet fitted with an electronic combination or other lock. In addition it may have Wi-Fi or RFID connectivity to alert the owner to a delivery and allow further information to be transmitted to or from the cabinet and the electronic combination lock allowing remote locking and unlocking. The physical operation of the receptacle can then be complemented with a user agreement consisting of an authority to leave which determines risk in any goods left in the receptacle.

Description

1 Electronically Lockable Parcel Delivery Receptacle with or without wireless connectivity Background/ Technical Problem For some time goods have been delivered to locations both domestic and commercial in a manner which does not ensure their security, leaves doubt as to the passing of risk in the goods and does not alert the owner to the fact that a delivery has been made. This new product has been designed to overcome the absence of security for delivery of goods. In addition it has been designed to have the capability to wirelessly transmit data via radio waves to or from the delivery receptacle. The aim of this design feature is to enable the user of the receptacle to be advised when a delivery is made and have the capacity to open or lock the receptacle remotely. In addition employing appropriate sensors the wireless device could allow the user to be notified when the door or doors is/are opened, sense the conditions inside or outside the receptacle, reset the codes on the combination lock and even scan and transmit data from the barcode of a delivery. Solutions to Problem/ Advantageous Effects of Invention The first unique feature of this invention is that it is designed for outdoor use. This is a significant feature since it will inevitably be housed outside for accessibility. The receptacle may take the form of a galvanised steel box, a plastic or other synthetic structure or even a cement /masonry object. The key aspects of the structure itself are that it is weatherproof and can be used outside, is capable of effectively securing its contents and that it has at least one door to gain access. In terms of locating and fixing the receptacle the diagrams show an example that is fixed to the ground. However the scope of this invention is not limited to such models and variations would include the ability to fix it onto a wall, via a chain to a secure object, through a fence or wall (for application to properties with a secure perimeter) and even in windows. A second feature is that it can be opened through the use of a combination lock. This renders it accessible to couriers or other persons who have obtained the code via electronic means such as a smartphone or computer. In addition the delivery receptacle can have an electronic device fitted which facilitates communication wirelessly between the receptacle and its sensors or nodes and the user. Thirdly the wireless electronic device may also be capable of activating the locking mechanisms of the receptacle remotely when an appropriate wireless signal is received. The wireless device will connect with a base station which is then lined to the wireless network of a house or business. The wireless device will communicate with the base station- transmitting electronic data via radio waves. This communication will be two way or the wireless device can also link directly to a compatible unit such as a computer, smartphone or other suitable unit. The functionality that results from the use of some or all of the above features are as follows: -the unit can be stored outside and can protect its contents from the weather -the unit can be opened by the owner with a code or a by another person with the appropriate code -the unit can be opened multiple times for multiple deliveries 2 -the wirelessly connected electronic unit can sense, via electronic impulse, whether the door or doors of the unit have been opened (magnetic door sensor).This information can then be transmitted to the connected base station and forwarded on -the wirelessly connected electronic unit can sense via attached thermocouple the temperature inside or outside the receptacle -the wirelessly connected electronic unit can send an electronic signal to the locking system allowing the lock to be opened or closed remotely - the wirelessly connected electronic unit can be attached to a digital camera, allowing the door sensor to trigger the operation of the camera. The image from the camera can then be transmitted back to the base station and onwards to a pre-determined location -the wirelessly connected electronic unit can be connected to other sensors, sender units or electronic devices such as barcode scanners to enable the collection and sending of data. Lastly but significantly the Parcel Delivery Receptacle can be used in conjunction with an Authority to Leave document or a contractual legal document which the user accepts the terms of prior to its use. This document clearly illuminates that the risk in any goods passes to the consumer once they are locked within the Receptacle. This will clarify the legal position about the whom the risk rests with and allow carriers to deposit items in the Receptacle without further concern for any liability. The invention may be better understood by reference to the illustrations of embodiments of the invention which are as follows: Figure 1. shows a possible configuration of the parcel delivery receptacle in its simplest form with a battery operated weatherproof electronic combination lock attached. In this form the receptacle can be fixed (via the drill holes in the bottom or via a stainless steel eyelet, chain and padlock) at any location outside a house that is accessible to a courier. Multiple parcels can be placed inside the receptacle and it can be secured by the deliverer after each is placed inside. When viewed in conjunction with an authority to leave, this system provides security of delivery/storage, protection from the weather for the parcels and certainty as to the passing in risk of any delivery from the carrier to the user of the receptacle. Figure 2. shows another configuration of the parcel delivery receptacle with the same lock however used in conjunction with an electronic device that enables wireless or RFID connectivity to the lock. This device is contained within a housing and is fixed within the interior of the receptacle and wired to the lock on the door. The effect of this will be that the electronic lock can be controlled from a remote location - information can be transmitted wirelessly to the device that then sends electronic signals to the lock. The lock can then be operated remotely, and also if it used the device can advise the owner electronically that a delivery has been made. In addition the functionality of the device can be expanded to connect to temperature sensors, digital cameras, barcode scanners, microphone and speakers, signature pads (for signature collection at point of delivery) among others and can convey relevant information to or from the receptacle.

Claims

1. A delivery receptacle for outdoor use with a door or doors at least one of which is secured by the use of an electronic combination lock, the code for which is obtained electronically.

2. A delivery receptacle with a lockable door or doors which houses a wirelessly connectable unit which is attached to sensors which monitor the delivery receptacle and is capable of communicating the data from those sensors wirelessly to a linked network.

3. A delivery receptacle which combines either claim 2 with the additional functionality that the wirelessly connectable unit can activate the locking mechanism of the receptacle electronically when an appropriate signal is received.

4. A delivery receptacle which combines any or all of the claims 1 to 3 inclusive.

5. A delivery receptacle which combines any or all of the claims 1 to 3 inclusive which is also insulated.

6. A delivery receptacle which combines any or all of the claims 1 to 3 inclusive which is refrigerated.

7. A delivery receptacle which combines any or all of the claims 1 to 3 inclusive which is also combined with an Authority to Leave document which determines that risk in any goods passes to the user of the receptacle upon them being securely placed within the receptacle.

8. A delivery receptacle as herein before described with reference to figures 1 to 2 of the accompanying drawings.