GB2355708A

GB2355708A - Secure storage container

Info

Publication number: GB2355708A
Application number: GB9925385A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Stuart Fox
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-10-28
Filing date: 1999-10-28
Publication date: 2001-05-02
Also published as: GB9925385D0

Abstract

A secure storage container 11 for receiving goods delivered to a home or a factory ordered via the internet comprises a closure and an access device. The access device secures the closure and is activatable by a code. The closure is preferably a lid 12 hinged to the container that is provided with a locking catch 14 corresponding to a locating device 15. The access device is preferably a combination lock with a programmable, electronic keypad (17, figure 2) that is located on lid 12. The container can be thermally insulated, refrigerated, liquid impermeable, divided into two or more sections and secured to the outside of a building.

Description

2355708 This invention relates to a secure storage container which is

simple in construction and suitable for a secure delivery and/or collection process.

With the advent of the Internet there has been a great increase in purchasing goods for home or factory delivery. In turn this has created a requirement for a secure delivery/collection process to avoid the need for someone to be available to receive the goods or, where appropriate, return empty containers.

The object of the present invention is to provide a secure storage container which lends itself to a process for delivery and/or collection which is simple to administer but secure.

According to the present invention a storage means adapted to allow secure collection/delivery of product comprises a storage container, closure means associated with the storage container, access means for securing the closure means whereby the access means is activatable by a code.

According to a ftirther aspect of the present invention a storage means comprises a storage container, closure means for the storage container and access means for securing the closure means, the access means being activatable by a code; when used in a secure delivery and/or collection process in which the closure means is used to shut the storage container, a code is used to activate the access means thereby securing the closure means thereby unlocking the closure means, the closure means is opened, product is delivered and/or collected from the storage container, the closure means is 11 shut and the access means is then activated by the code thereby securing the closure means.

The storage means may simply be a box with a hinged lid as a closure means; preferably of a substantially rigid material. Preferably the access means comprises a key pad with numbers or symbols which is activated by a sequence, the code, which can be changed whenever required; such devices are well known in the art. Alternatively the access means could be a combination lock, again well known in the art.

The storage container may be a single compartment or two or more separate compartments, the latter allowing storage of different product types e.g. dry and frozen. Providing the storage container with thermal insulation increases its usefulness, allowing temperature control of products.

In a preferred embodiment, the storage means is provided with a temperature control means such as a refrigeration unit.

For security purposes the storage means is preferably affixed to a substantially immovable object such as a building. The closure means is preferably substantially flush with on outer surface of the immovable object.

The storage means according to the present invention is suitable for use as a secure delivery point for home or factory deliveries e.g. food deliveries from supermarkets. One process would be for one party to place an order for product, secure the access means with a code, notify that code when placing the order, when the product is delivered the code is used to activate the access means the product is put in the storage container, the closure means is shut and the code is used to activate the access means. The product remains there until released by the use of the code. Where the storage means is provided with temperature control means, this can be set at an appropriate temperature for the product ordered. If required, the code can be changed for each order, thereby giving a very secure delivery point. By using this process there is no need for anyone to be available to accept a delivery; The storage means can also be used where empty containers are to be returned, often but not necessarily at the same time as a delivery is made.

As will be appreciated, the storage means can be used for a variety of applications such as to aid catalogue shopping and telephone/Internet ordering of products including frozen foods.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure I is a perspective view of a storage means with closure means in an open position; Figure 2 is a front view of the closure means of Figure I but in a closed position; and Figure 3 is a front view of the opening of the storage container in Figure 1, without the closure means shown.

With reference to Figure 1, a storage means 10 consists of a storage container which is essentially a rigid rectangular box I I e.g. of hard plastic or metal based. Typical dimensions could be 80 cm long x 45 cm. wide x 20 to 25 cm high but these could be varied to suit the application. The closure means consists of a lid 12, hinged at 13 to the box I I and provided with a locking catch 14 which corresponds with a locating device 15. Optionally a refrigeration unit 16 is provided adjacent the box 11, in this case positioned at the underside.

With reference to Figure 2, a programmable keypad 17 is located on the lid 12 adjacent a handle 18.

With reference to Figure 3, this shows the front view of the box 11, with lid 12 detached for clarity, with a fitting collar 19 e.g. of a resilient elastomeric material. A fixing bolt 20 can be fitted at each of the four comers for attaching the container to the building.

In use a product is inserted in box 11, refrigeration unit 16 (if present) can be switched on if required, the lid 12 is closed about hinge 13 so that locking catch 14 locates with device 15. A code is punched into key pad 17 to secure the catch 14. Fitting collar 19 ensures a good seal between lid 12 and box 11. Subsequently the code is punched into keypad 17, lid 12 is opened and product removed from box 11.

Claims

1. A storage means adapted to allow secure collection and/or delivery of product comprises a storage container, closure means for the storage container and access means for securing the closure means, the access means being activatable by a code.

2. A storage means according to Claim 1, in which the storage container comprises a box.

3. A storage means according to Claim I or 2, in which the storage container is divided into two or more separate compartments.

4. A storage means according to any preceding claim, in which the storage container is thermally insulated.

5. A storage means according to any preceding claim, in which the closure means is a lid.

6. A storage means according to any preceding claim, in which the closure means is hinged to the storage container.

7. A storage means according to any preceding claim, in which the access means comprises an electronic key pad.

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8. A storage means according to any preceding claim, in which the access means comprises a combination lock.

9. A storage means according to any preceding claim, in which the access means is re-programinable to change the code.

10. A storage means according to any preceding claim, in which the storage means is provided with a temperature control means.

11. A storage means according to Claim 10, in which the temperature control means comprises a refrigeration unit.

12. A storage means according to any preceding claim, in which the storage container is affixed to a substantially immovable object.

13. A storage means according to Claim 12, in which the substantially immovable object is a building.

14. A storage means according to Claim 12 or 13, in which the storage container is positioned so that the closure means is substantially flush with the outer surface of the substantially immovable object.

15. A storage means according to any preceding claim, which is substantially liquid impermeable.

16. A storage means according to any preceding claim, which is substantially rigid.

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17. A storage means according to Claim I and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

18. A storage means according to Claim I substantially as hereinbefore described.

19. A storage means according to any preceding claim when used in a secure delivery and/or collection process in which the closure means is used to shut the storage container, a code is used to activate the access means thereby securing the closure means, subsequently the same code is used to activate the access means thereby unlocking the closure means, the closure means is opened, product is delivered to and/or collected from the storage container, the closure means is shut and the access means is then activated by the same code thereby securing the closure means.

EAF/AMM