GB2443634A - Home delivery unit with proof of delivery and access codes - Google Patents

Abstract

A unit for parcel delivery comprises a container having a lockable door and means for generating access codes. Each parcel delivered is individually secure within the unit by removable partitions 9 in slots 11. The unit utilizes a removable electronic lock and keypad 5. The generation of single use access codes and receipt codes provides a full audit trail. A full size removable insulated cool bag insert may be provided. The unit is preferably secured 6 to a fixed object such as a house. In use the container allows multiple parcel deliveries and collections to be made when people are not at home.

Description

I

Multiple Parcel receipt and dispatch unit This invention relates to a receptacle for accepting multiple parcels and making parcels available for pick up, without the need for people to wait in. Each parcel delivered into the unit is secure from each other. Parcels can be picked up from this unit while parcels delivered remain in complete security within.

When people order goods via the internet, telephone or in person, the single most problematical element is the home delivery. Retailers and couriers generally do not specify, and definitely do not guarantee which day delivery will be made.

The time of delivery is also nearly always unknown. Given today's busy lifestyles the option of waiting in for deliveries on unknown days at unknown times is unacceptable.

The Government's Logistics task force estimates that 60% of parcel deliveries are unsuccessful first time. Many couriers will make a second attempt but a large proportion of these are also unsuccessful. This leads to the goods returning to the couriers depot, for the customer to pick up. With the plethora of courier companies, depots can be 20-30 miles away and further. If the customer fails to pick up the goods the courier will return the parcel to the supplier, and potentially the scenario begins all over again. In short, all involved, the customer, supplier and retailer all suffer inconvenience and unnecessary cost.

Additionally the supermarkets are investing large sums in expanding their very popular grocery home delivery services.

Although they do generally offer a two hour window for delivery this means that it can be difficult to secure the window you require due to high demand, and you are tied in to waiting in for the two hours chosen.

However, utilising this invention resolves all these scenarios while complying with the requirements of the three parties involved.

The unit is a rigid but lightweight receptacle that can be stored away when not in use. The unit has front handles that can be used in conjunction with the built in wheels to move it to the chosen place to receive goods. The unit simply pushes on to a supplied fixing bracket that is secured to a fixture such as a wall or post. The unit can be released and stored when required by simply opening the access doors and pushing the release button.

The unit incorporates a removable electronic lock and keypad that would normally be stored within the home when not in use.

This lock and keypad has an internal backup battery and rechargeable batteries that power it. The lock has a keypad that uses keys 0-9, A-F to generate unique access codes and receipt codes.

Additionally there are further function keys that enable the owner to class these keys as single use, for couriers, or permanent, for friends and family.

The unit has double front doors that are opened by keying in a six digit access code into the electronic lock and keypad.

Opening both front doors will give access to the full capacity of the unit. Once a parcel is placed into the unit it can then be secured within the unit away from other deliveries. This is achieved by using the mesh dividers that are stored on the inside of the front doors. The dividers are colour coded to match the vertical and horizontal divider guides formed on the inside of the unit. Simply slide a horizontal one into the next available guide above the parcel, and then slide a vertical one, or more to meet the edge of the horizontal one.

You simply clip on a small padlock, which is again stored on the inside of the front doors to fully secure the parcel.

The owner is supplied with the key, and a copy, which will open all the padlocks supplied. If the owner places a parcel in for collection then they simply slide a blanking rod into the vertical guide to cover the height of the parcel, and slide in a horizontal divider. Then if a delivery is made the vertical divider will not drop down to block access to the parcel to be collected. The parcel delivered will still be fully secured above the parcel to be collected.

Included within the unit is a removable full size insulated cool bag. This bag has external fittings that can be secured into the divider guides, thus providing a sealed skin within the unit. The bag has a front zipper allowing full access. The bag also has netting pockets stitched within allowing freezer blocks to be left within to keep the internal temperature low enough to store perishables for an extended time.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the external view of the unit Figure 2 shows the internal view of the unit Figure 3 shows the removable electronic lock and keypad Figure 4 shows the removable insulated cool bag In figure 1, the main body of the unit 1 is moved to and from its secure position by using the front handles 4 and the built in wheels 3. Access to the unit is made by keying a six digit code into the electronic lock and keypad 5. This will release the front door 2. Once the doors are opened a parcel delivery or recovery can be made. Once the delivery has been made and the doors closed the unit locks and if the code was single use then access cannot be made again by that person without another code.

Figure 2 shows the internal configuration of the unit. The unit is fixed to the wall by means of the wall locking point 6 that fixes to the wall bracket supplied with the unit. Simply pressing the middle button of the wall locking point 6 releases the unit for moving to store. On the inside of the front doors 2 components to make individual parcels secure are fixed. The horizontal mesh dividers 10 are colour coded the same as the horizontal divider guides 12. The vertical mesh dividers 9 are colour codes the same as the vertical divider guides 11. By simply sliding these into place around the parcel and securing with one of the padlocks 8 fixed inside the front doors 2, the parcel is made secure from all other deliveries. The padlocks in the unit all have a single key supplied. If a parcel for collection is placed in the unit then by placing a blanking rod 7 into the vertical divider guide 11, and then sliding in a horizontal mesh divider 10, it remains accessible even when a secured parcel/s are located above.

Figure 3 shows the removable electronic lock and keypad 13.

This unit will generally be stored on charge in the home. The unit also has an internal backup battery. The code keys 16 and function keys 14 are used to generate access codes and receipt codes. All codes are displayed on the backlit LCD screen 17.

Couriers can receive delivery receipts, showing the receipt code, unit serial number, date and time via the on board USB port 15.

Figure 4 shows the removable insulated cool bag 18 that fits into the unit. It has netting pockets 19 sewn into the inside that enable freezer blocks to be inserted to maintain a cool temperature over an extended time, for perishable goods such as a supermarket would deliver. The insulated cool bag 18 is access and sealed by a zipper 20.

Claims (5)

1. Claims I. The unit allows for deliveries to made to an address without

   the need for someone to be in attendance to receive the goods.
2. 2. The unit accordance to claim 1, can receive multiple deliveries from multiple persons while maintaining full security for each said delivery.
3. 3. The unit can allow goods to be collected while maintaining full security for any deliveries.
4. 4. The unit provides a full audit trial. The owner generates an access code and receipt code. The owner passes both codes to the retailer. The retailer passes the access code to the courier. The courier uses the access code to deliver the goods and the unit gives the receipt code back to the courier. The courier can either manually note the receipt code or use the on board USB port.
5. 5. The use of access codes that become inoperable once used.