US20220267048A1

US20220267048A1 - Security container

Info

Publication number: US20220267048A1
Application number: US17/183,426
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert John Rogers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-24
Filing date: 2021-02-24
Publication date: 2022-08-25

Abstract

A security container configured to be releasably secured to a structure wherein the security container is movable between a stored position and a deployed position. In the deployed position the security container is operable to receive packages or similar objects. The security container includes a rear wall, a front wall, a bottom panel and sidewalls that are movably coupled in order to provide transition between the stored position and the deployed position. A top panel member is further provided to provide covering of the opening of the security container 100 in its deployed position. A communications module is further includes having elements such a motion sensor, a camera and a microphone wherein the communications module provides remote operation of the security container 100. An alarm module and weight sensors are further included and the security container 100 can be secured to the structure utilizing alternate embodiments of the securing member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to security containers, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a security container that is operable to be releasably secured adjacent to a structure such as but not limited to a house wherein the security container of the present invention is operable to receive packages and inhibit the theft thereof.

BACKGROUND

Millions of packages and/or priority documents are delivered to residential and commercial facilities on a daily basis. While these packages vary in sizes most are small in size. While some packages are designated with a signature requirement, many do not require a signature for release and are often left adjacent a front door or similar area. In North America, hundreds of millions of dollars of packages are stolen every year as a result of these packages being left outside of a structure for the intended recipient. This results in costs occurred by the manufacturers, insurers and delivery organizations. Additionally, many of these packages can be needed within a timely manner and their theft can have a negative impact on the intended recipient as well.
One issue with conventional delivery is the lack of a location or object where a package can be left that is secure. In the case of residential packages, most people may be gone during the day when the package is delivered and it is not reasonable for the delivery company to attempt to deliver the package such that the package can be signed for by the intended recipient. While some delivery drivers attempt to conceal the package by using a door mat or perhaps a plant, these techniques still do not prevent the theft of the package once the package has been left at the delivery location.
Accordingly, there is a need for a container that is configured to be secure adjacent to a front door or desirable location on a house or other structure wherein the container is operable to receive a package and inhibit access thereto. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a container that is collapsible so when not in use the container is in a collapsed position so as to be less intrusive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a collapsible security container that is configured to be releasably secured to a structure wherein the collapsible container is movable intermediate a first position and a second position such that the second position is operable to place the collapsible container in a position to receive packages.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a security container that is configured to be placed adjacent a door or similar area of a structure so as to receive packages therein wherein the security container of the present invention includes a rear wall placed adjacent to the structure and wherein the security container includes opposing sidewalls that are foldable.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible security container that is configured to be releasably secured to a structure wherein the security container further includes a bottom panel member that is operable to be moved between a first position and a second position.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a security container that is configured to be placed adjacent a door or similar area of a structure so as to receive packages therein wherein the present invention includes alternate embodiments of a securing member wherein the securing member is operable to releasably secure the security container adjacent a door or wall.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible security container that is configured to be releasably secured to a structure wherein the present invention further includes a communications module that is equipped with the necessary electronics to operably couple the security container to a wireless network.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a security container that is configured to be placed adjacent a door or similar area of a structure so as to receive packages therein wherein the present invention further includes a sensor module that can include motion sensors and weight sensors to detect receipt of a package.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible security container that is configured to be releasably secured to a structure wherein the present invention further includes a voice module that facilitates the ability to speak with a delivery person.
An alternate object of the present invention is to provide a security container that is configured to be placed adjacent a door or similar area of a structure so as to receive packages therein wherein in the first position the security container and the panel members thereof are folded adjacent each other.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in its second position; and

FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the present invention in its first position; and

FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention in its first position; and

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the present invention with the sidewalls partially folded; and

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention with the sidewalls partially folded; and

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the present invention with the top panel extended upward; and

FIG. 9 is a side view of the present invention with the top panel extended upward; and

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary securing member; and

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a securing member of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a security container 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.
An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.
Referring to the Figures herein, the security container 100 includes a plurality of walls 5, a bottom panel 10 and a top panel 15 all being movably coupled so as to facilitate the security container 100 being transitioned intermediate a collapsed/stored position and a deployed position. In the collapsed/stored position the security container 100 is folded as is illustrated herein in FIGS. 4 and 5 wherein the walls 5, a bottom panel 10 and a top panel 15 are all adjacent each other and further being generally parallel. In its collapsed/stored position the security container 100 is configured to minimize the amount of space occupied. A preferred utilization of the security container 100 is to place adjacent a structure such as but not limited to a single family home wherein the security container 100 is near a door. It is desirable when not in use for the security container 100 to be placed in its collapsed/stored position so to minimize its intrusion of square footage in the area in which the security container 100 has been placed. The security container 100 is manufactured from a lightweight rigid material such as but not limited to aluminum.
The security container 100 includes a rear wall 6 that is rectangular in shape having a first end 7 and second end 8. The rear wall 6 is planar in manner and configured to be placed adjacent a structure. Movably coupled to the rear wall 6 are the sidewalls 11, 12. The sidewalls 11,12 are movable between a first position and a second position so as facilitate the transition of the security container 100 between its deployed position and stored position. The sidewalls 11,12 include a first panel 13 and second panel 14 wherein the first panel 13 and second panel 14 are hingedly secured utilizing fastener 16. As the security container 100 is transitioned to its stored position, the hingedly secured panels 13,14 of the sidewalls 11, 12 fold wherein the first panel 13 and second panel 14 fold inward towards the interior volume 2 of the security container 100. This movement allows the front wall 25 to be transitioned towards the rear wall 6 having the sidewalls 11, 12 therebetween. While the embodiment illustrated herein has sidewalls 11, 12 having a hingedly secured first panel 13 and second panel 14, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the sidewalls 11,12 could be comprised of one panel or more than two panels in order to facilitate the ability to move between a first position and a second position as described herein.
Referring in particular to FIG. 2 the security container 100 includes a bottom panel 10 that is movably coupled to the lower edge 1 of the rear wall 6. As the security container 100 is transitioned to its stored position, the bottom panel 10 is hingedly moved upward so as to be adjacent and generally parallel with the rear wall 6 once the security container 100 is in its stored position. The bottom panel 10 is hingedly secured utilizing conventional suitable fasteners and it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the bottom panel 10 could be movably secured with a plurality of alternate techniques. The security container 100 includes a front wall 25 that is operably coupled to the sidewalls 11,12 distal to the rear wall 6. In the deployed position, the front wall 25 is distal to the rear wall 6 so as to form the interior volume 2 of the security container 100 in order to receive objects therein. The front wall 25 is operable to be moved adjacent to the sidewalls 11,12 when the security container 100 is transitioned to its stored position. The front walls 25 is operably coupled to the sidewalls 11,12 utilizing suitable durable fasteners.
A top panel 15 is hingedly secured to the support member 30 that is superposed the rear wall 6. The support member 30 sits atop the rear wall 6 and extends outward therefrom being perpendicular thereto. The arrangement of the support member 30 provides the necessary space for the bottom panel 10, sidewalls 11,12 and front wall 25 such the security container 100 is planar in manner in its stored position. The top panel 15 is hingedly secured to the support member 30 and will fold downwards so as to be adjacent the front wall 25 subsequent the front wall 25 being moved to place the security container 100 in its stored position. The top panel 15 further includes an indented surface area 33 wherein the indented surface area 33 is configured to have secured thereto outer surface building materials that either match or compliment the structure to which the security container 100 is secured.
The security container 100 is designed to be releasably secured to a structure or a door of a structure so as to receive packages or other objects. FIGS. 10 and 11 submitted as a part hereof illustrate embodiments of the securing member 40. In one embodiment the securing member 40 includes a buckle member 41 secured to the inner surface of the rear wall 6 wherein a strap 42 is operably coupled therewith. The strap 42 extends outward from the security container 100 through a void between a door 99 and a wall 98. Secured to the strap 42 is stop member 43 wherein the stop member 43 inhibits the movement of the security container 100 provided the strap 42 is secured to the buckle member 41. An alternative embodiment of the securing member 40 is illustrated in FIG. 11. This embodiment includes a body 44 that is manufactured from metal or other suitable material and is formed so as to surroundably mount a bottom edge of a conventional door. The front lip member 45 includes a fastener 46 wherein the fastener 46 is configured to mateably coupled with a fastener disposed within the interior volume 2 of the security container 100 or secured to the rear wall 6 thereof. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the fastener 46 could be formed in numerous alternate shapes and sizes to achieve the desired objective. While two embodiments of the securing member 40 have been illustrated and discussed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the securing member 40 could be provided in various alternate embodiments and achieve the desired objective discussed herein.
The security container 100 includes a communications module 50 wherein the communications module 50 includes the necessary electronics to store, receive, transmit and manipulate data. The communications module 50 provides the ability for a user of the security container 100 to connect and operate the security container 100 utilizing conventional wireless communication protocols. The communications module 50 further includes a motion sensor 51, a microphone 52 and a camera 53. The motion sensor 51 is operable to detect movement proximate the security container 100 and upon detection thereof will transmit a notification to a user wherein the user can subsequently access the camera 53 to visually see the area near the security container 100. If a package or object is required to be deposited into the security container 100, the user can utilize the communications module 50 to unlock the locking mechanism 60 in order to provide an individual access to the interior volume 2. While one camera 53 is illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that more than one camera 53 could be utilized.
The locking mechanism 60 is a conventional electromagnetic lock and it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the security container 100 could employ numerous alternate types of locks. The microphone 52 is a conventional audio microphone and allows a remote user of the security container 100 to communicate with a person adjacent the security container 100. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the security container 100 is operated by a software application that resides on a portable computing device such as but not limited to a smartphone. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that a locking mechanism 60 could be employed that provides access to the security container 100 without engagement from a remote user such as but not limited to a combination lock.
The security container 100 further employs weight sensors 57 that are positioned in the bottom panel 10. The weight sensors 57 are embedded into the bottom panel 10 and are configured to detect a weight change on the bottom panel 10. The weight sensors 57 are operably coupled to the communications module 50 and ensuing detection of a change in weight on the bottom panel 10 a signal will be sent to the communications module 50 wherein a subsequent transmission can be delivered to a remote user. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that more than one weight sensor 57 could be deployed.
An alarm module 70 is further provided on the security container 100. The alarm module 70 is operably coupled to the communications module 50 and is configured to provide both an audio alarm and an alarm signal to a remote user in the event unauthorized access is attempted to the security container 100. While not particularly illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the interior volume 2 or a portion thereof be climate controlled so as to maintain a temperature suitable for receipt of perishable goods. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the climate control could be executed through conventional refrigeration elements and further employ insulation on all or a portion of the security container 100. Additionally, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the security container 100 could be electrically coupled to a power source of the structure to which it is secured or have its own independent power source.
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A security container configured to be movable intermediate a collapsed position and a deployed position wherein in the deployed position the security container is operable to receive items therein wherein the security container comprises:

a compartment, said compartment having a plurality of walls, a bottom panel and a top panel configured to create an interior volume suitable in size to receive objects therein, said plurality of walls including a rear wall, said rear wall operable to be placed adjacent a wall of a structure, said plurality of walls including two sidewalls and a front wall, wherein said two sidewalls are movably coupled with said rear wall and said front wall; and

wherein in the collapsed position the plurality of walls, bottom panel and top panel are all adjacent each other and in said deployed position said sidewalls are perpendicular with said rear wall and said front wall with said front wall being distal to said rear wall and said top panel being positioned over an opening of the compartment.

2. The security container as recited in claim 1, wherein in said deployed position said bottom panel is perpendicularly oriented between said rear wall and said front wall.

3. The security container as recited in claim 2, and further including a securing member, said securing member having a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being integral with said compartment, said second portion being secured to the structure, said first portion and said second portion configured to operably couple.

4. The security container as recited in claim 3, and further including a communications module, said communications module having electronics to store, receive, transmit and manipulate data, said communications module including at least one camera, at least one microphone and at least one motion sensor so as to facilitate remote operation of the security container.

5. The security container as recited in claim 4, and further including a locking module, said locking module configured to inhibit movement of the top panel ensuing the compartment being moved to the deployed position.

6. A security container that is movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position wherein the security container is operable to facilitate secure receipt and retention of at least one object wherein the security container comprises:

a rear wall, said rear wall being planar in manner, said rear wall having an upper edge and a lower edge, said rear wall having a first end and a second end;

a first sidewall and a second sidewall, said first sidewall being movably coupled to said first end of said rear wall, said second sidewall being movably coupled to said second end of said rear wall, said first sidewall and said second sidewall being movable between a first position and a second position;

a bottom panel, said bottom panel being movably coupled to said rear wall proximate the lower edge thereof, said bottom panel being movable between a first position and a second position, in said second position said bottom panel being perpendicular to said rear wall and extending outward therefrom;

a front wall, said front wall being planar in manner, said front wall having an upper edge and a lower edge, said front wall having a first end and a second end, said front wall being movably coupled to said first sidewall proximate the first end of said front wall, said front wall being movably coupled to said second sidewall proximate said second end of said front wall; and

a top panel, said top panel being hingedly secured to a support member, said support member being positioned along the upper edge of said rear wall, said top panel configured to cover an opening of the security container in its deployed position.

7. The security container as recited in claim 6, wherein said support member extends outward from said rear wall and is perpendicular thereto, said support member extending a length so as to allow said first sidewall, said second sidewall and said front wall be adjacent each other and underneath said support member when the security container is in its collapsed position.

8. The security container as recited in claim 7, and further including a securing member, wherein said securing member includes a first portion disposed in or secured to the security container and a second portion disposed in or secured to the structure to which the security container is adjacent.

9. The security container as recited in claim 8, and further including a communications module, said communications module having electronics to store, receive, transmit and manipulate data, said communications module including at least one camera, at least one microphone and at least one motion sensor, said communications module operably coupled to a remote computing device having a software application providing remote operation of the security container.

10. The security container as recited in claim 9, and further including at least one weight sensor, said at least one weight sensor being disposed in said bottom panel and configured to detect a change in weight thereon.

11. The security container as recited in claim 10, wherein said first sidewall includes a first panel and a second panel, said first panel and said second panel being of equivalent size, said first panel and said second panel being hingedly secured, said first panel and said second panel configured to fold so as to be adjacent each other when the security container is in its collapsed position.

12. The security container as recited in claim 11, and further including a locking module, said locking module operable to inhibit opening of the top panel without permitted access thereto, said locking module being an electromagnetic lock.

13. The security container as recited in claim 12, wherein said second sidewall includes a first panel and a second panel, said first panel and said second panel of said second sidewall being of equivalent size, said first panel and said second panel of said second sidewall being hingedly secured, said first panel and said second panel of said second sidewall configured to fold so as to be adjacent each other when the security container is in its collapsed position.

14. The security container as recited in claim 13, wherein one embodiment of the securing member includes a buckle member, said buckle member being disposed within the interior volume of said security container, said buckle member being operably coupled to a strap member, said strap member having a first end and a second end, said second end of said strap member being disposed within an interior of the structure to which the security container is adjacent, said second end of said strap member having a stop member fastened thereto.

15. The security container as recited in claim 14, wherein the interior volume of the security container is climate controlled.