GB2401149A - Secure multi-compartment delivery container - Google Patents

Abstract

A container comprises an body, having an opening lid (3) , a lockable access door (8, figure 1), separate holding and loading areas (9, 6) where the holding and loading areas are partitioned into multiple compartments. The container operates in the manner of a night safe, allowing goods to be deposited into the loading area when the lid is open, before being transferred to the holding area when the lid is closed (Figure 3) and preventing the goods from being retrieved via the way the were deposited, by means of flaps (1, 5) blocking the path. Preferably the partitions (7) are moveable to change the size of the compartments. The walls of the container may be hollow for holding ballast, such as water, sand or concrete.

Description

2401 1 49 Secure Multi Delivery Storage Unit 1.:lutroduction Home shopping

Is becoming increasingly popular via the Internet, Catalogues, TV adverts, Brochures and Newspapers. Although this is generally thought of as a more convenient form of shopping, delivery of these items may cause great Inconvenience to the purchaser.

The problems arise when the recipient is unavailable to receive the items being delivered. This may result In the items being left unsecured or in an adjacent property where security may be compromised In some cases alternative delivery dates have to be negotiated or a visit to a central collection point such as the Post Office.

It is intended that the Present innovation would provide an affordable secure delivery unit, which allows for multiple deliveries. This would allow numerous deliveries to be made on the same day without the need for the recipient to be At home.

2. Proposed Invention The unit is accessible for deliveries to be made but impossible to extract items once deposited except by the owner.

This is achieved without the requirement of expensive sophisticated locking mechanisms including keypads and combination locks.

The unit is to be made from a weather resistant material to withstand direct sunlight, rain, frost and Ice. This will enable the unit to be positioned in the most convenient place on the premises for delivery access.

To maintain stability and moderate severe temperature changes within the unit, the unit will consist of an outer and inner wall. There will be sufficient space between the two walls to allow ballast such as water, sand or concrete to be injected Into the walls of the unit once in the desired position.

Separate Movable compartments can be added to ensure contrasting goods such as fragile objects, clothing, perishable or frozen goods may be separated from each other ensuring cross contamination Is prevented.

For frozen/chilled items, Ice packs may be inserted prior to the deliveries in the appropriate compartments ensuring goods remain frozen/chilled until retrievals made.

Compartments can be clearly labelled for the delivery firms Access to the unit by the recipient Is made via a key locking door positioned at the front elevation of the unit.

The units will be made in various colours and sizes ensuring the units can blend with their environment and not look unsightly or take up excessive space for recipients requiring lesser volumes on home deliveries.

The unit is a stand-alone unit without any requirement for electrical or other external supply.

Attached are the following details; Page 2 - Fig 1 -showing 3D view of unit showing access lid open Page 3- Fig 2 - showing 3D view of unit showing access lid closed Page 4 Fig 3- side view of unit showing access lid closed Page 5 Fig 4 - side view of unit showing access I'd open Page 6 Key to 3D views of unit and side views Page 7 Key to 3D views (cant).

Key to 3D - Views of unit and side views.

1 & 5 - Secure Retaining flaps These are curved rigid flaps attached to the side and front of the unit Fig 1 and to the lid and lid sides Fig 5 These work in conjunction with each other ensuring that entry to the holding area Fig 6cannot be gained on opening or closing the access lid. Loading bays Fig 6 will be completely covered when closing the access lid before goods can enter the holding area Fig 9 via the access! space Fig 10.

2 - Cushioning Rest Flap Attached to the rear and side elevations of the unit to ensure smooth transfer of the delivered goods to housing area Fig 9 below secure retaining flap Fig 2 for added security.

3- Access Lid Curved on top to protect unit against elements. Handle on top (not shown) pulling upwards for access. Limited opening to 45 degrees with aid of retaining pins allowing access to loading bays Fig 6 pull access lid back down to deposit delivered goods.

4- Flow of Goods Arrow showing natural flow of delivered items via loading bays Fig 6, against secure retaining flap Fig 1 and down onto cushioning rest flap Fig 2, into secure holding area Fig 9, via access space Fig 10.

6- Loading Bays Loading areas come into view for access once access lid has been lifted past secure retaining flaps Fig 5 (approx 22.5 degrees). Once loaded, closing the lid will allow loading bays containing delivered Items to be lowered against secure retaining flap Fig 1, depositing into holding area when fully closed via access space Fig 10.

7 - Partitions Movable compartments within the loading bay Fig 6 of the access lid to separate goods into relevant compartments Corresponding partitions to be fitted to the Base Unit to receive deposited goods. Partitions to be clearly marked for nature of goods A. Frozen, Clothes, Fragile etc. 8 - Opening Door Positioned on the front elevation of the unit with key locking mechanism at top of the door. Hinges at base to allow access to holding area Fig 9 by recipient.

9- Holding Area At base of unit with sloping floor that graduates on a curve from the back of the unit to the front with aid of cushioning rest flap Fig 2 enabling delivered goods to rest below secure retaining flap Fig 1 close to door opening Fig 8.

10- Access Space Positioned to the rear of unit allowing sufficient space for goods to enter holding area Fig 9 via loading bays and secure retaining flap Fig 1.

Claims (1)

1 A stand alone secure multi delivery storage unit comprising access lid compartments secure retaining and cushioning flaps 2 A unit as claimed in Claim 1 with hinged access lid pulling upwards for access limited opening with aid of retaining pins allowing access to loading bays 3 A unit as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2 containing movable partitions forming compartments within the loading bay 4 A unit as claimed in Claim 1 Claim 2 and Claim 3 Curved secure retaining flaps attached to the side and front of the unit and to the access lid and sides A unit as claimed in Claim 1 Claim 2 Claim 3 and Claim 4 Cushioning flaps attached to the rear and side elevations below secure retaining flaps 6 A unit as claimed in Claim 1 Claim 2 Claim 3 Claim 4 and Claim 5 Access door positioned on the front elevation of the unit with key locking mechanism hinged at the base or side 7 A unit as claimed in Claim 1 Claim 2 Claim 3 Claim 4 Claim 5 and Claim 6 Unit to be made from weather resistant material consisting of outer and inner walls in various colours and sizes A secure multi delivery storage unit as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings