EP1226776A2 - Device for the secure delivery of bulky items - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for distributing and/or arranging parcels comprises a holder (14) fixed to a receiver in an authorized region of the receiver and a collecting device (16, 18) connected to the holder to receive and enclose a parcel and to form a closable and removable connection with the holder. The collecting device interacts with a first key unit which is connected to the receiver via a letterbox opening for seizing the object in the collecting device, and interacts with a second key unit which can open and remove the connection.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for access-protected Distribution and / or delivery bulky Objects, the invention being particularly related usable with bulky mail or parcel shipments is.

During mailings in standardized envelope sizes Delivery recipient usually via his mailbox (with a corresponding width of the letter box opening) are deliverable without the recipient of the delivery receive the delivery item personally must make the delivery of packages or other bulky Goods typically receive personally required by the deliverer of the recipient. This condition relies less on a (partially still necessary) personal delivery of a receipt or Like receipt, rather the deliverer has Post parcels normally no other way secure, protected against unauthorized access by third parties Handover, as by personal handing over to the delivery recipient. Especially in times of increasing anonymity of neighborhood environments and increasing The risk of theft is therefore in the absence of a delivery recipient to be delivered only in exceptional cases Parcel shipments simply placed on the doorstep or at Given to neighbors. Rather, the absence of a delivery recipient the failure of the delivery attempt so that either a new delivery (with the corresponding additional effort) or the consignee is asked to send the shipment to be picked up at a distribution point.

In times of increasing postal or mail traffic, in particular also to private customers who are growing meet their needs via shippers, always at the same time fewer households during typical delivery times are at home during the day is therefore the above described, traditional practice when delivering bulky Objects unsatisfactory and in need of improvement.

The object of the present invention is therefore a device for access-protected (i.e. against theft or other misuse secured by third party distribution and / or delivery of bulky items and / or thermally sensitive goods, such as food create that make it possible in particular for a deliverer should, the goods to be delivered into the sphere of a delivery recipient to bring without this for personal Acceptance must be present.

The task is accomplished by the device with the features of the main claim solved; advantageous developments of Invention are described in the subclaims. additional protection is claimed for a method for access-protected Distribution and / or delivery bulky Objects, in particular for use or operation the device according to the main claim or on it related device sub-claims.

In an advantageous manner according to the invention, it enables the on the stationary, fixed mounting device attachable receiving device on the one hand, for Picking up the object to be delivered receiving device fixed and not removable by third parties in the Fix the access area of the delivery recipient (which is typically in an entrance door or other Outside of the home of the delivery recipient can). On the other hand, the receiving device is like this trained that by means of access protection and thus secured first deliverable to the delivery recipient Key (the first key unit) of the recipient the goods can access, namely after using the first key unit, the (still attached to the mounting device) receiving device has opened.

Removing the receiving device from the holding device, for the purpose of reusing the Reception facility by a delivery company at a other delivery recipient, takes place with the help of the invention provided second key unit by the Deliverer, typically after the delivery recipient has removed the delivery item.

As a rule, the first and second key units are also different so the delivery recipient, who has the first key unit in his mailbox is the recording device to access the Open the item to be delivered, but not the receiving device itself can detach from the mounting device (which would require the second key unit, the however, usually with the deliverer or the delivery company remains).

This advantageously has the effect that the invention Reception devices not by careless removal lost by the recipient or to others Way can be damaged.

According to a preferred development of the invention provided that the delivery recipient after access on the receiving device and after removing the The first key unit left to him leads back to the delivery circle, namely by that he was the key unit in the receiving facility deposited and thus also for collection by the Provides delivery company. According to a preferred On the one hand, this improves the development of the invention realized that a corresponding in the receiving device Bracket in the interior for the first key unit is provided, the receiving device then, for example with With the help of a locking or snap mechanism, without using a key can be closed again and, more preferably, a viewing window or the like. What is provided from the outside Determine whether the first key unit sits in its holder within the receiving device. This would not only be the purpose of the orderly return the first key unit by the delivery recipient causes, but also a determination by a delivery service provider possible that the delivery recipient has removed the item to be delivered and in this respect the receiving device is ready for collection again.

In this way, an indicator or display function can be used for an access or removal process realize, of course, this also on others Way realized, for example by means of a signal lamp or the like can be.

Another preferred development of the invention provides before, closing or opening the invention Receiving container and / or a coupling or connecting this receptacle with the holder to be implemented electronically or electromechanically, in an otherwise known manner, the units required for this Control logic, electromechanical actuators like magnetic bolts or electric motors as well as wireless ones Have power sources. That way it is then enables, instead of a traditional, mechanical acting key as the first or second key unit for this then chip cards, magnetic cards, with a suitable one to use optical code printable cards etc., whereby then in this implementation variant of the invention could also offer the respective cards or the like as Key units without return (i.e. as one-way items) to realize. Another variant would be that, in the manner of an - electronic or mechanical - Combination lock the connection between the receiving device and mounting device, and / or opening the Receiving device realized by a delivery recipient , then an associated letter or Number code the role of the first or second key unit takes up within the scope of the invention.

In particular, therefore, sees a favorable further development such, electronically or electrotechnically based variant the invention also before, date and time of opening the receiving device according to the invention by means of the to register the first key unit, for example by means of a an electronic date or time recording unit Memory chip. This then results in particular the possibility of opening the recording unit to reliably monitor and document, ultimately also with the purpose of providing evidence on the question of a Removed by a user.

Furthermore, according to a further preferred development, the provision of electronic components (and consequently the presence of an appropriate power supply) the possibility of the opening, actuation or filling status the receiving device according to the invention in a cheaper way, process-promoting way. It is so in particular provided according to training, for example by means of a optical signal lamp or the like, an externally visible, provide visual indication that a user has a shipment sent to him by opening the recording unit has received.

In particular within the scope of (included in the invention) System concept, it would also be possible to use the inventive Recording unit with a radio signal device or the like. wireless display unit, which, for example, in response upon opening by a user using the first Key unit, this actuation of a base station (Central) signaled via radio (preferably under transmission associated identification or position data of a corresponding device), and so through the base station an organization or control of exchange and collection processes such a device by a delivery service provider be performed.

This system concept is conceivable within the scope of the invention both as a point-to-point connection to a base station, d. H. in the manner of an individual signaling a Condition, as well as periodically emitted radio information to delivery service providers who, in response to a received signal, then an immediate exchange or can pick up the device.

While embodiments of the invention focus on one Separation in the locking mechanisms (connection between Holding device and receiving device on the one hand, Provide opening mechanism of the receiving device on the other hand), is part of an alternative implementation the invention also conceivable an embodiment in which a through a common connection and locking device realized unit combines both purposes. Here would be the realizable advantage of an excluded Delivery recipient access to the connection between Mounting device and receiving device are omitted, however, such an embodiment would potentially a lower mechanical or manufacturing technology Can mean effort. To that extent, the invention could then also be used first and second key unit identical his.

Alternatively, the (the First key unit assigned to delivery recipient) on the combined connection and locking device act that only one to open the receiving device intended section can be operated while the second (remaining with the delivery service provider) Key unit, in the manner of a master key, for complete detachment of the unit, including removal the receiving device from the holding device, could be trained.

In terms of construction, the receptacle can be considered essential Element of the receiving device according to the invention realize different ways, both with flexible Container walls (in the manner of a mail bag with correspondingly resilient, tear-resistant material), or as a solid, typically cuboid box with corresponding fixed side walls, being for both forms of realization (or mixed forms of these, like a sack-like one Construction with a rigid base part) different, preferred standardized sizes can be provided and for example, in the case of particularly large deliveries, the corresponding Pick-up device also with rollers or the like. Transport aids can be set up to a delivery service provider to make handling easier.

According to a further development, it is also conceivable that the invention Still receiving device or the receptacle adapt more specifically to certain delivery or logistics purposes, for example in that for the container walls accordingly Insulating material (against heat or cold) selected is to z. B. to ensure frozen goods can by using transparent material for the container walls is selected to assess the fill level of the receptacle to be able to, or by, for example, for advertising purposes or promoting a unified visual identity as part of a system concept when using the inventive Device, outer walls of the receptacle with suitable imprints, images and logos or Instructions for use are provided.

As a result, the present invention is surprising in offered an opportunity in a simple and elegant way with which the dilemma in delivering bulky Goods to recipients not present in person - private persons, Companies or other target groups - namely an additional effort through new delivery attempts or Accepting the risk of misuse with (insecure) deposit of the delivered goods, solved and one for all participants satisfactory in the logistics or delivery process Result can be managed. It can be assumed that additional costs incurred by the present device within a very short time due to expected savings in the case of omission of multiple deliveries as well as by Time and convenience gain on the part of the delivery recipient can be compensated. Especially in times of increasing Relocation of household utilities from personal purchase to order from senders, about the Internet, should the present Invention will be of fundamental importance in the future.

Fig. 1:

eine Frontansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur zugriffsgeschützten Distribution und/oder Zustellung sperriger Gegenstände nach einer ersten, bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 2:

eine Seitenansicht der Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1 mit Aufnahmeeinrichtung und dieser zugeordneter Verschlussmechanik;

Fig. 3:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer als Wandbügel realisierten Halterungseinrichtung zur Verwendung mit dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 1, Fig. 2;

Fig. 4:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Verschlusselements zur Verwendung im Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 1, Fig. 2;

Fig. 5:

eine schematische Ansicht zum Verdeutlichen des Zusammenwirkens zwischen der Verschlussmechanik gemäß Fig. 4 und einem Sack als Aufnahmebehälter gemäß Ausführungsbeispiel Fig. 1, Fig. 2;

Fig. 6:

eine alternative Ausführungsform zur Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1 mit einem Container als Aufnahmeeinrichtung und

Fig. 7:

eine Detailansicht des Containers gemäß Fig. 6.

Further advantages, features and details emerge from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments and from the drawings; these show in

Fig. 1:

a front view of the device for access-protected distribution and / or delivery of bulky items according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2:

a side view of the representation of Figure 1 with the receiving device and this associated locking mechanism.

Fig. 3:

a perspective view of a mounting device realized as a wall bracket for use with the embodiment of FIG. 1, FIG. 2;

Fig. 4:

a perspective view of a closure element for use in the embodiment of FIG. 1, FIG. 2;

Fig. 5:

4 shows a schematic view to illustrate the interaction between the closure mechanism according to FIG. 4 and a sack as a receiving container according to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, FIG. 2;

Fig. 6:

an alternative embodiment to the representation of FIG. 1 with a container as a receiving device and

Fig. 7:

6 shows a detailed view of the container according to FIG. 6.

As shown in Fig. 1, is below one (otherwise known) mailbox system 10 in a house wall 12 a flat U-shaped steel bracket 14 as a mounting device anchored in the context of the invention. On closable at the end by means of a closure element 16 Bag 18 as a receptacle for bulky items, about postal parcels, is in the illustration shown in Fig. 1 by the action of the closure element 16 firmly with the steel bracket 14 connected, the closure element 16 on the one hand by a pair of locking arms 20 (Fig. 4, Fig. 5) ensures that when swung into a closed position Locking arms 20 gather the opening side of the bag 18 and therefore an access-protected closure the same can be achieved, and in addition by a in a guide groove 22 of the closure element 16 provided, cooperating with the bracket 14 locking element a lockable connection between the locking element 16 and steel bracket 14 can be made. Doing so via a schematically shown eyelet 24 of the closure element 16 the sack 18 is connected to the element 16 in such a way that both units also in an open state of the sack 18 are inseparable.

The locking element 16 with two keys is specific (not shown) operable, a first key through an otherwise known locking mechanism in the locking element 16 to unlock the locking arms 20 and thus to allow user access to the sack 18 is trained. A second key (not shown) unlocks the locking bolt in the guide groove 22 and thus allows the closure element 16 (with bag 18) from the steel bracket 14.

The bag 18 is otherwise known from a permanent, preferably realized waterproof material and such dimensioned that he is inserting common package sizes allows.

The use or operation of those shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 Device is as follows: A delivery service provider leads the goods to be delivered, such as a bulky parcel, in the open Sack 18 and closes it by pivoting the locking arms 20 in a locking position (Fig. 2) around the opening area of the sack 18. In front He fastens the combination at the delivery address from closure element 16 and thus closed bag 18 on the steel bracket 14 in front of the delivery recipient's front door and throws the first key (suitable for opening the locking arms 20, that is to enable access on the bag 18, but not for releasing the closure element 16 from the bracket 14) in the mailbox 10, which is offers, in addition, a written notice with a Instructions for opening the delivery recipient. The first key is also particularly suitable Plastic or other recyclable or simple and easy to manufacture material.

Upon return, the recipient of the delivery will find the in sack attached in the manner described (against abusive or unauthorized access protected by third parties), takes the key from his mailbox and unlocks it Closure element 16 so that the open position (according to Fig. 5) to access the package contained in the bag 18 is released.

After removing the package, he throws the first key in the bag 18 and closes it again by snapping or locking the locking arms 20 in the locking position (according to Fig. 2).

The delivery service provider will resolve the issue on a later visit with the help of the second key remaining with him Closure element 16 from the steel bracket 14 and takes the combination from element 16 and bag 18 for further use again with.

The present invention is not based on that described above Limited embodiment; so it offers in particular, the bag 18 as the receptacle Recording device according to the invention by suitable materials or configurations for any application to modify accordingly. In addition to suitable insulating Materials can in particular also be transparent Materials selected to give an insight into the sack (which, for example, is the immediate Would enable determination of whether the delivery recipient removed the package and the first key in Sack 18).

Additionally or alternatively, it is possible, cf. 6 and 7, the sack 18 through a container arrangement to be replaced with rigid walls, here a closure element again on the one hand for attachment to Bracket 14 provides, and on the other hand a lid 28 of the container 30 according to FIG. 6, FIG. 7 for opening as a reaction releases on actuation of the first key.

It is particularly preferable to use the bracket 14 to be provided in a standardized or standardized amount, so that especially in the arrangement of FIGS. 6, 7 always a proper fit of the container 30 can be achieved can. According to a further development, it also offers containers - be it as a sack or as a container with solid walls - in different sizes, adapted to typical parcel or Consignment sizes to be provided.

Other alternative training options of the invention provide the primarily mechanical described above Locking mechanism with a corresponding conventional Keys to be replaced by an electronic or electromechanical one Locking mechanism, for example by means of electromechanical Locking pin, a suitable key card laser unit or the like. It is also conceivable for the closure element to be provided with a key keyboard so that a User only the first key in the form of a suitable one Must enter a combination of numbers or numbers, just like the delivery service provider his second key to enable release from bracket 14.

A possible further training also provides that the first and the second key together both locking tasks loosen, namely the connection to the bracket 14 and the closure sack 18; however, this is a less preferred, worsened form of implementation the invention.

Another preferred development of the invention would provide that in the arrangement of FIGS. 1 to 7 a means provided for the secure storage of the first key is in such a way that the delivery service provider to you Looking from the outside can see that the first key secured by the user inside the receiving device was deposited.

It turns out that almost any form of implementation of the invention are conceivable, with additional reference to this is that both the outer walls of a sack-shaped Recording device (Fig. 1 to Fig. 5), as well as one container-shaped receiving device (Fig. 6, Fig. 7) ideal carriers for both advertising prints and corresponding ones Notices are such as warnings of dangerous or content requiring special treatment, or but areas for company names, logos and visuals Presentation to promote a system identity.

Claims (13)

Device for access-protected distribution and / or delivery of bulky items, in particular parcel shipments
a holding device (14) assigned to a delivery recipient and immovably fastened in an access area of the delivery recipient
and a receiving device (16, 18) assigned to the holding device (14), which is designed for the lockable receiving and wrapping of at least one of the bulky objects and for establishing a lockable and removable connection to the holding device (14),
the receiving device for interacting with a first key unit that can be delivered to the delivery recipient via a letter box opening for accessing the object received in the receiving unit
and is designed to cooperate with a second key unit provided and designed to release the lockable and removable connection. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving device is designed as a receiving container (18; 30) which has flexible and / or rigid container walls and an access opening which can be opened with the first key unit. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the container walls are heat or cold insulating. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the receptacle (18; 30) has at least partially transparent container walls. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the receiving device has means for receiving the first key unit in an inner region of the receiving device and is designed to be lockable after accessing the object without actuating the first key unit. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the holding device is provided in an outer region and a support element (14), preferably formed from a metal, wood, plastic or stone material, embedded in a floor or a wall (12) ), which is designed to interact with the receiving device. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the receiving device has an electrically, electromechanically or electronically acting locking and / or locking device which can be actuated by means of the first and / or second key unit. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the first key unit is designed as a chip, magnet or code unit interacting with the locking and / or locking device. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the locking and / or locking device is assigned a magnetic strip or optical reading unit, and / or input keys for an opening code which can be read visually from the first or second key unit and can be input by means of the input keys , Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first key unit is made as a metal or plastic element for a mechanical locking unit of the receiving device. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the receiving device can be connected to the holding device by means of a common connecting and closing device and can be opened to access a picked-up object, the first and the second key unit either being identical or as a combination is trained by individual and general keys. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the recording device has means for preferably electronically detecting and storing an actuation of the recording device with the first key unit, the point in time being storable, in particular, electronically readable and evaluable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by means for displaying a filling and / or opening state of the receiving device, these means preferably having an optical signal unit and / or a wireless radio signal unit, which further preferably cooperates with one for coordinating a plurality of Devices trained base unit are set up.

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