WO2015107270A1

WO2015107270A1 - System and method for delivering an order

Info

Publication number: WO2015107270A1
Application number: PCT/FI2015/050029
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marika LISKI
Original assignee: Foodmail Finland Oy
Priority date: 2014-01-20
Filing date: 2015-01-20
Publication date: 2015-07-23

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for delivering an order to a purchaser and to a method in which the system is used. The system comprises - a locker (1, 1 a, 31 ) having at least one box (7) that can be opened and locked for storing an order, and a temperature adjusting device (17) arranged to maintain a desired temperature inside the box (7), - a key of the order supplier for opening the box (7), - a key of the purchaser for opening the box (7), - a mailbox (10) attached in connection with the box (7).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING AN ORDER

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is a system and a method for delivering an order to a certain purchaser according to the preambles of the independent claims presented below. The invention relates especially to a new way of delivering products to a locker that can be opened by a purchaser or to a corresponding space that can be locked. PRIOR ART

Ordered goods, such as letters or mail-orders, are typically delivered to a mailbox, automatic parcel dispenser or corresponding space that can be locked and to which the purchaser possesses a key. However, there are many products that cannot be delivered to mailboxes or corresponding spaces due to unsuitable temperature of these spaces for storing products. In practise, for example food products have been delivered to households mainly after working hours when the purchasers are at home for accepting them.

Storing ordered products at a suitable temperature is especially challenging outdoors in warm or cold weather. It is also challenging, for example in rural area or elsewhere, where electrical network is not available.

Some systems for delivering an order to a certain purchaser are described in patent publications US 2001045449 A1 , US 2013144428 A1 and WO 0161537 A2.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to reduce or even eliminate the above- mentioned problems appearing in prior art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a box or a corresponding space having a suitable inside temperature for each current ordered product. An object of the present invention is to provide a common storage room for mail and heat sensitive orders.

An object of the present invention is to provide a storage room for heat sensitive orders outdoors, in areas without connection to electrical network, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the objects mentioned above, among others, the system and the method for delivering an order to a certain purchaser, and other objects of the invention, are characterised by what is presented in the characterising parts of the enclosed independent claims.

The embodiment examples and advantages mentioned in this text relate, where applicable, to both the system and the method according to the invention, even if this is not always specifically mentioned.

A typical system according to the invention for delivering an order to a purchaser comprises

- a locker comprising

o at least one box that can be opened and locked for storing an order, o a temperature adjusting device arranged to maintain a desired temperature inside the box

- a key of the order supplier for opening the box, and

- a key of the purchaser for opening the box.

A typical system comprises a mailbox attached in connection with the box.

A typical method for delivering an order to a purchaser comprises at least the following steps:

- inserting an order into an ordering system;

- structuring a delivery according to the order;

- opening a box with a key of the order supplier;

- placing the order into the box and locking the box;

- setting a desired temperature inside the box; - monitoring the temperature inside the box;

- maintaining desired temperature inside the box by using a temperature adjusting device;

- opening the box with the key of the purchaser;

- removing the delivery from the box;

- placing mail into the mailbox which is in connection with the box;

- opening the mailbox with the same key of the purchaser as the box;

- removing mail from the mailbox. One advantage of the invention is that now it is easy to deliver both mail and, for example food products, to the same purchaser. A box provided with a temperature adjusting device, and a mailbox attached in connection with it, may have the same key of the purchaser. This way, the purchaser can have both his mail and, for example food products, with the one and the same key.

The mailbox is typically in the same locker as the temperature adjustable box. There may be distance between the mailbox and the box, such as a partition wall or thermal insulation. On the other hand, the mailbox and the temperature adjustable box can be in connection with each other so that the content of the mailbox is attempted to be maintained at the same temperature with the box.

One advantage of the invention is that products requiring a certain temperature for storing can now be delivered safely to the purchaser. It is not necessary for the purchaser to pick up the products immediately, but whenever he desires. For example, a food shop may deliver bags of groceries to the box of the purchaser any time during the day, and the purchaser may pick up his bags of groceries after his working hours or some other time.

The invention makes it possible to deliver food products more easily, for example to rural areas, at a time suitable for the distributor.

The temperature adjusting device may comprise a cooling device of the box, or a heating device of the box, or both. The refrigeration unit may be, for example compression-driven. The heating device may comprise, for example an electric resistor, by means of which the inside temperature of the box can be adjusted as desired. Some food products, for example, require cooling outdoors or indoors. Heating is required, for example outdoors during cold season, for preventing freezing and, on the other hand, for products requiring special storing temperature that is higher than outside air temperature or room temperature. Desired temperature may be, for example +0 - +10, or +2 - +8, or +3 - +6 degrees Celsius. The temperature adjusting device may comprise temperature sensors for measuring the temperature inside the box.

In an embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a battery compartment and a battery to be positioned therein for storing electricity required by the temperature adjusting device. The battery can be charged by supply current, or possibly by solar panels of the system, or by other charging system. It can be conceived, that the person delivering mail or ordered products to the box may charge the battery, when necessary, by high-power charger or the like quick charger.

In an embodiment of the invention, the temperature adjusting device maintains the battery compartment and the battery therein at a desired temperature. Operation of the batteries depends on their storing temperature. This way, the products delivered to the box, such as food products, as well as the batteries, are at a temperature suitable for them. In an embodiment of the invention, the battery compartment is maintained in the same desired temperature as the box for storing the order. The box and the battery compartment may be inside the one and the same thermally insulated space, whereby the temperature adjusting device controls the temperature in this space. For example, suitable temperature for food products, such as +0 - +10, or +2 - +8, or +3 - +6 degrees Celsius, is suitable also for storing and operating temperature of common batteries. Typically, a purchaser is a certain or a predetermined person, that is a person who has made an order, or a person to whom he has given right to take from the box the goods delivered therein. This purchaser possesses the key of the purchaser of a certain box, or the key is delivered to him when he has made an order, or when the order is to be collected from the box.

The key of the order supplier and the key of the purchaser can be any means suitable for opening boxes. For example, keys can be mechanical keys, electronic keys or electric codes, which open the box by being inserted into a reading device in the box or in its vicinity.

A typical locker has side walls, a bottom and a roof, a rear wall and a front wall. Usually, the door of a box or boxes is situated on the front wall of the locker, but it can be conceived, that the door of a box is on some other part of the locker. A box may have more than one door.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is a computer unit in connection with the locker, being arranged to control electric operations of the locker and/or the box, for example controlling temperature to be as desired. The computer unit can comprise, for example:

- a computer and a memory and a program arranged to be run in the memory,

- data transfer means for sending messages between the locker parts and other part of the system,

- means for handling electric key codes.

Ordering system can be, for example an internet based ordering system, wherein the purchaser chooses from his terminal the products he wants by means of a user interface, after which the system notifies the order supplier about the order. The order supplier collects a delivery based on the order products. The order supplier opens a certain box with the key of the order supplier and transfers the delivery into that box. When the purchaser picks up the delivery, he opens the box with the key of the purchaser of the box. The purchaser and the order supplier may possess their keys permanently. On the other hand, a key, for example a code key, may be available to the purchaser or the order supplier for a certain limited period of time, for example, for a month, a week or only during one order delivery.

In one embodiment of the invention, temperature of the box is always maintained approximately the same, close to +4 degrees Celsius, for example, between +2 and +7 degrees Celsius, for example. Thus, for example many food products can be left in the box even for a long period of time without a risk of them being perished or frozen.

In one embodiment of the invention, temperature can be set from the box or in its vicinity. Thus, the order supplier, for example, can set the temperature of the box suitable for the delivered products when dispatching the delivery into the box.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system comprises several boxes connected to each other, each box having its own key of the purchaser. The boxes can be located each in its own locker, or several boxes may be located in one locker. One system according to the invention comprises one or several keys of the order supplier by means of which certain several boxes or all boxes of the system can be opened. Such a system of several boxes can be located in a shopping centre or in connection with workplaces, for example. In one embodiment of the invention, there is a delivery sensor in connection with the box, detecting the delivery in the box and indicating outside the box about the presence of the delivery. Detection may be performed by a scale connected to the floor of the box, for example. Detection may also be performed by a lever or a code, for example, which is activated by the order supplier when placing the delivery into the box. Presence of the delivery in the box may be indicated, for example by means of a signalling device outside the box, such as a signal light. Presence of the delivery in the box may also be indicated by an electric transmitter. Such a transmitter may notify the purchaser about the presence of the delivery by means of an electric network, for example by a text message or by email.

In one embodiment of the invention, the temperature adjusting device is set on when the delivery is placed into the box. The order supplier, for example, may manually set on the temperature for example by means of a switch, or by a code. It is possible, that the delivery sensor in connection with the box, such as a scale, automatically sets on the temperature adjusting device when the delivery is placed into the box. It is also possible, that the temperature adjusting device is set on at a certain time, for example by a timer. It is also possible, that the temperature adjusting device is set on a certain period of time, for example 30 minutes prior to probable arrival of the delivery into the box.

In one embodiment of the invention, the temperature adjusting device is turned off when removing the delivery from the box. The purchaser, for example, may do this manually when picking up the delivery, or the temperature adjusting device may automatically be turned off by the delivery sensor in connection with the box upon removal of the delivery from the box. In one embodiment of the invention, there is an indoor light of the box and/or the mail box in connection with the locker. In one embodiment of the invention, there is a light that lightens the outside of the box or the locker. The electricity needed by the system according to the invention may be provided by supply current, battery, or the system may comprise its own generation of electricity, for example a solar panel. The locker according to the invention may be covered or otherwise protected from weather effects.

The actuators of the system, such as the temperature adjusting device, computer unit, delivery sensor and signalling device, may be used commonly by several boxes. For example, one computer can simultaneously monitor and control action of several boxes. It is possible, that the temperature adjustable box can not be locked. Thus, no keys are needed, either. Other described characteristics of the invention apply well to be used also in connection with this kind of a locker. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the enclosed schematic drawing, in which

Figure 1 shows a locker of the system according to the invention as seen in front, Figure 2 shows several lockers of the system according to the invention as seen in front,

Figure 3 shows a system according to the invention,

Figure 4 shows a locker of the system according to the invention as seen in front, Figure 5 shows a locker of the system according to the invention, and

Figure 6 shows a method according to the invention as a flow chart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES OF THE FIGURES

For the sake of clarity, some corresponding parts have the same reference numerals in different figures. Figure 1 shows a locker 1 of the system according to the invention. The locker 1 has side walls 2, a bottom 3 and a roof 4, a back wall is not shown in the figures. Upper part 6 of a front wall 5 of the locker has an opening and locking door 8 that closes the box 7. The lower part 9 of the front wall 5 of the locker has an opening and locking door 1 1 that closes the mail box 10. The door 8 of the box has a lock 12 having a keyhole 13. The door 1 1 of the mail box has a lock 14 having a keyhole 15. A lid of the mail box has a turnable flap 16 behind which there is a hole for placing mail deliveries inside the mail box 10. The lock 12 of the box is serialized so that it can be opened with the key of the order supplier as well as with the key of the purchaser. The lock 14 of the mail box can be opened only by the key of the purchaser.

The locker 1 has, under the box 7 in the examples of the figures, a temperature adjusting device 7, which is arranged to maintain a desired temperature inside the box. The temperature adjusting device 17 may have, for example, both a cooling device and a heating device. In case the locker 1 is placed indoors, there is usually no need for a heating device. Desired temperature can be adjusted by means of a regulating device placed inside the locker 1 or in its vicinity, for example inside the box 7. Temperature can be arranged to be controlled from elsewhere, for example by remote control, for example by text messages or via internet.

In the examples of the figures, the locker 1 has a computer unit 18, which controls electric activities of the locker. In the examples of the figures, the computer unit 18 is placed under the box 7. The computer unit 18 can comprise, for example:

- data transfer means for sending messages between the locker 1 and the rest of the system,

- handling of electric key codes,

- a delivery sensor observing the box 7, such as actuators of a scale at the bottom of the box 7.

Figure 2 shows a cabinet 19 according to the invention, wherein the system comprises several lockers 1 connected to each other. In this example, the lockers 1 are similar to those shown in Figure 1. The system has thus several boxes 7, and each box 7 has its own key of the purchaser. In the system of Figure 2, there can be one or more keys of the order supplier. This way, the order supplier can open more boxes 7, and is thus able to deliver orders into the same cabinet 19 for several purchasers. A system of several boxes can be located, for example in a shopping centre or in connection with workplaces.

Figure 3 shows functioning of a possible application of a system according to the invention. The system includes a locker 1 which, in the example of Figure 3, is described, for clarity's sake, similar to the locker 1 shown in Figure 1. Of course, the locker 1 can be of another kind, for example, a cabinet 19 according to Figure 2, or a locker 1 a according to Figure 4, or a locker 31 according to Figure 5. The system further comprises an internet based ordering system, wherein the purchaser chooses from his terminal 20 the products he wants by means of a user interface. The desired products form an order which electrically transfers through data network 21 to the system of the order supplier, for example to a server 22. The server further sends the order via the data network 23 to the terminal 24 of the order supplier. The order supplier collects the ordered goods as a delivery and delivers it into the box 7 of the purchaser. The system, for example a computer unit 18, notifies the purchaser about the arrival of delivery by means of a message, for example, by a text message, directly to the terminal 20 of the purchaser, or via data network 25 to the server 22, and from there further to the terminal 20 of the purchaser.

The purchaser and the order supplier may possess their keys, for example mechanic keys, permanently. On the other hand, a key, for example a code key, may be available to the purchaser or to the order supplier for a certain limited period of time, for example, for a month, a week, or only during one order delivery.

In one embodiment, the computer unit 18 sends information to the purchaser by its data transfer means when the delivery has arrived to the box 7. This information may comprise an identification and location of the box 7, as well as a purchaser's key code for the lock 12 of the box 7. This way, the purchaser knows from which locker 1 and from which box 7 to pick up his order. Upon arriving to the box 7, the purchaser uses his key code, for example inserts the key code into a terminal device nearby the locker 1 , whereby the correct box 7 opens.

In the examples of Figures 1 -3 and Figure 5, there is a mail box in connection with the box 7 provided with a temperature adjusting device. It is not, however, necessary for the invention. Figure 4 shows a locker 1 a according to the invention without a mailbox.

Figure 5 shows a locker 31 according to the invention operating mainly as the lockers 1 and 1 a shown in Figures 1-3. The locker 31 is intended for outdoors. It has a roof 4 and a mailbox 10 uppermost under the roof. A lid of the mail box has a turnable flap 16 behind which there is a hole for placing the mail deliveries inside the mail box 10. Under the mail box, there is a box 7 having an opening and closing door 8. Orders, for example food products, are placed into the locker 7 and removed from there by opening the door 8. Also the mail box can be emptied by opening the door 8. There is a drawer 32 in the lower part of the locker 31 having a service space 33. It may comprise, for example a battery compartment, where a power source for electrically operated devices of the locker 31 , that is a battery (not shown), is stored. Also necessary charging devices, the computer unit 18 (not shown), temperature adjusting device 17 (not shown) and other operating devices may be in the service space 33. The figure does not show locks of the door 8 or the drawer 32 - they can be mechanical or electrical, for example. A solar panel 34, which is arranged to charge the battery, is situated on the upper surface of the roof 4.

The mail box 10, the box 7 and the service space 33 are inside the same thermally insulated space, that is inside the walls, the roof and the floor of the locker 1. Thus, the temperature adjusting device 17 placed in the service space 33, monitors simultaneously the temperatures of the mail box 10, the box 7 and the service space 33. This way, suitable temperature for both food products and for the battery, such as +2 - +8 degrees Celsius, or +3 - +6 degrees Celsius, can be maintained in the entire locker 31 during hot season as well as during cold season.

Figure 6 shows a method according to the invention. In step 61 the purchaser orders the products he wants by means of a user interface, for example food products from the supplier's web page. Arrow 62 describes electric transfer of the order via data network to the system of the order supplier to step 63.

In step 63, the order is saved to the server of the order supplier, such as to the server of a store situated closest to the purchaser. The order supplier collects the ordered goods as a delivery and notifies an operator handling logistics about the completed or almost completed order in a manner shown by an arrow 64, to step 65. The store also notifies the data system monitoring the cabinet about the order in a manner shown by an arrow 66, to step 67. In step 67, for example the temperature of the box 7 can be set as required by the order a presumed order delivery time, in a manner as shown by an arrow 70. Information on the box of the purchaser, such as a key code, can be delivered to the operator handling logistics.

In step 65, the operator handling logistics picks up the delivery and delivers it to the box 7 of the purchaser, as shown by an arrow 68.

In step 69, sensors of the box 7 detect and notify, or the operator handling logistics notifies the purchaser about the delivery of the order by means of a message, for example by a text message, as shown by an arrow 72. As shown by an arrow 74, the delivery awaits in the box and the heating or cooling of the box maintains delivery at a suitable temperature. In step 71 , the purchaser picks up the delivery from the box 7.

It is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the described examples, but the claim scope is defined by the independent claims.

Claims

1. A system for delivering an order to a purchaser, the system comprising

- a locker (1 , 1a, 31 ), comprising

- at least one box (7) that can be opened and locked for storing the order,

- a temperature adjusting device (17) arranged to maintain a desired temperature inside the box (7),

- a key of the order supplier for opening the box (7),

- a key of the purchaser for opening the box (7),

characterized in that the system comprises a mailbox (10) attached in connection with the box (7).

2. The system according to claim 1 , characterised in that the temperature adjusting device (17) comprises a cooling device of the box.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the temperature adjusting device (17) comprises a heating device of the box.

4. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system comprises a solar panel for producing electricity needed by the temperature adjusting device (17).

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that the box (7) and the mailbox (10) attached in connection with it have the same key of the purchaser.

6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system comprises a delivery sensor attached in connection with the box, such as a computer unit (18) arranged to detect a delivery in the box (7) and to indicate outside the box about the presence of the delivery.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterised in that the delivery sensor (18) comprises a scale located in connection with the box.

8. The system according to any of the preceding claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the delivery sensor (18) comprises an electric transmitter which is arranged to notify the purchaser about the presence of the delivery by means of an electric data network (25, 21 ).

9. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system comprises

- several boxes (7) connected together;

- a specific key of the purchaser for each box (7);

- one or more keys of the order supplier for opening certain several boxes (7) or all of the boxes.

10. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system comprises a battery compartment (33) and a battery to be placed therein for storing electricity needed by the temperature adjusting device (17).

1 1. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the temperature adjusting device (17) is arranged to maintain the battery compartment and the battery therein at a desired temperature.

12. The system according to claim 1 1 , characterized in that the box (7) for storing an order and the battery compartment (33) are inside the same thermally insulated space, whereby the temperature adjusting device (17) is arranged to maintain the box (7) for storing an order, the battery compartment, and the battery therein at the same desired temperature.

13. A method for delivering an order to a purchaser, which method comprises at least the following steps:

- inserting an order into an ordering system;

- collecting a delivery according to the order;

- opening a box (7) with a key of the order supplier; - placing the order into the box (7) and locking the box (7);

- setting a desired temperature inside the box (7);

- monitoring the temperature inside the box;

- maintaining the desired temperature inside the box by using a temperature adjusting device (17);

- opening the box (7) with a key of the purchaser;

- removing the delivery from the box (7);

characterised in that the method comprises

- placing mail into the mailbox (10) which is in connection with the box (7); - opening the mailbox (10) with the same key of the purchaser as the box (7);

- removing mail from the mailbox (10).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterised in

- drawing electric current needed by the temperature adjusting device (17) from a battery that is kept in a battery compartment;

- maintaining temperature in the battery compartment at a desired temperature by using the temperature adjusting device (17);

15. Method according to claim 14, characterised in

- maintaining temperature in the battery compartment at the same desired temperature as in the box (7).