WO2015150753A1

WO2015150753A1 - Container for delivered goods and system and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2015150753A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/050941
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Stuart ARCHBOLD; Yannis Archbold
Original assignee: Shopbox Systems Limited
Priority date: 2014-03-31
Filing date: 2015-03-27
Publication date: 2015-10-08

Abstract

The invention relates o improvements to a container which is provided for receipt of delivered goods and which allows the goods to be received and retained in the container in a secure manner and in the required condition upon delivery by the intended recipient. The invention provides apparatus for the provision of proof of delivery of the goods into the interior of the cavity, and locking means which can be selectively accessed in different ways by the person making the delivery and the recipient subsequently removing the goods. Improved means are also provided to allow the storage of goods which are required to be held in chilled or frozen conditions for a period of time.

Description

Container for delivered goods and System and Method of Use Thereof

The invention which is the subject of this application relates to a system for utilising a container for the delivery of goods thereto. The container is suitable for containing goods securely and, if necessary, preserving the condition of the goods for a period of time once placed in the container, usually at a predetermined temperature and/or at specific temperature conditions.

The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, for use in providing selective and/or predetermined access to the inside of the container. Additionally, the invention is particularly suitable for receiving delivered goods at the recipient's premises, whether the premises are attended or unattended at the time of delivery, and for allowing said goods to be securely held at, or in the vicinity of, the premises until the recipient is able to be present to receive the goods. The premises may be business, domestic or any other form of premises

Delivery to a home, business or retail premises of goods such as foodstuffs, electrical items, clothes and the like from retail suppliers is known. As these goods are often perishable, required to be chilled or frozen, and/ or of significant value, leaving the goods outside or with a person in neighbouring premises is not a viable option. As a result, presently, the delivery of these goods is required to be within a relatively narrow band of time, often early evening, when most recipients are likely to be in the premises or the retail premises are open. This makes the delivery process expensive to operate as the deliveries cannot be spaced throughout the day and there is congestion of delivery slots around peak times, employees may be required to be paid more for working different hours, and the recipients are disturbed and/or may be concerned by having persons at their door in the evening.

More recently the applicant has devised a system for providing containers that address the abovementioned problems. Security and access to these containers needs to be controlled to ensure the container can only be opened by the intended recipient and authorised delivery personnel or other service providers. In addition, goods delivered to unattended premises cannot currently obtain a satisfactory proof of delivery (POD), which is conventionally provided by a signatory at attended premises.

The storage apparatus can be provided for the delivery of goods to one recipient or may be split into a number of receiving areas for the delivery of goods to a number of recipients, each of which can gain access to their goods by using a suitable security system.

In either case, the storage area can be split into different storage environments, such as to provide an area for the storage of goods in an ambient environment, and/or an area for the storage of goods in a chilled environment and/or an area for the storage of goods which are frozen at the time of delivery. This can be achieved by the use of eutectic plates in selected positions within the storage apparatus so as to maintain the required temperature conditions for a suitable period of time which allows the condition of the goods to be maintained from the time of delivery at the storage apparatus until the goods are collected from the storage apparatus and can then be moved for further storage by the recipient.

While the use of eutectic plates would be advantageous, it is found that the bulk and size of the same make them difficult to incorporate into the apparatus. It is found that in practice the conventional eutectic plates which are available have a relatively slow heat absorption speed such that in practice and for use in the storage containers of the type to which the application relates, the speed of absorption, and hence cooling ability which can be achieved is not sufficient.

Therefore it is an aim of the present system is to provide a container which has at least one compartment in which goods are required to be stored at a temperature range which is below ambient conditions and in which the desired cooling effect can be achieved using improved eutectic plate designs in order to allow the goods to be maintained in the required condition as they await collection.

It is a further aim of the invention to provide a locking system that addresses the problem of monitoring secure depositing and access to goods via the container.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide proof of delivery of items to a container.

A yet further aim of the present invention is to provide a locking system to provide time dependent and/or time independent access to a container.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a locking system that can provide timed and/or un-timed delivery for the use of delivery personnel or agents in making unattended deliveries of goods. Said system optionally providing a delivery and/or a receipt confirmation to complete the supply chain. Typically there is no need for manual intervention. In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a container system, said system including at least one container, access to the inside of which is controlled by one or more lock means and said system including at least one delivery verification means wherein said delivery verification means includes one or more scanners, image capture devices, weighing scales and/or any combination thereof to verify the presence of one or more articles within the interior of the container.

Typically the delivery verification means provides the owner of the container and/ or the delivery agent with verifiable evidence of proof of delivery of the article to the interior of the container. Further typically the image capture devices are one or more cameras, which can take a picture of the interior of the container with the article or articles positioned therein.

Typically the delivery verification means includes a scanner means and/or digital camera means and/or scales located in or on the interior of the container. Further typically the delivery verification means scans and/or takes an image of at least part of the delivered goods when the same are placed inside the container and the container is in a locked closed condition. The scan and/or image can include the part of the item packaging that includes any or any combination of barcodes, markings, pictures, brands, words on the goods or packaging and/or the like.

Preferably the scan and/or image is taken when the container is closed. The scans and/or images are typically stored to provide proof or verification of delivery. Further typically information regarding the time container is opened and/or closed is stored along with the scans and/ or images to verify that the container was closed with the goods inside the same. In one embodiment the articles may be required to be placed into the container in a specific orientation and/or position.

For example once the container is locked, then the goods are photographed in the locked box. Typically because the delivery agent cannot then re-use a Delivery Agent PIN, further access is not possible. As such the retailer or delivery agent has transferred ownership of the goods to the owner of box and the recipient has a secure POD.

In one embodiment container includes one or more lighting means or light sources to enable the scans and/or images to be taken when the container is closed.

In one embodiment the scanner and/or camera means located on the interior of the container can be used to verify that the correct goods are being inserted into the container.

In one embodiment there is provided a locking system for use with a container, said system including at least one lock means and a receiver means in communication with the at least one lock means wherein said lock means is actuated on receipt of at least one signal from an electronic device external to, and/or separate from the container, said at least one signal generated in response to a user input or request.

As such, the proprietor is able to lock or unlock via electronic devices such as a phone running an app, fob, Bluetooth wireless technology etc.

Preferably the locking system includes one or more processor means to process the at least one signal received by the receiver means. Typically the user is any one of any combination of; the intended recipient of the goods, proprietor, delivery agent, delivery personnel and/or primary user of the container. Further persons may be allowed access by permission of the intended recipient. However, most typically the proprietor of the container is the intended recipient of the goods.

Typically actuation of the lock means includes opening (unlocking) of the lock means and/or closing (locking) the lock means. In a preferred embodiment the lock means is at least opened on request of a user.

Preferably the container is a storage apparatus for delivered goods as disclosed in the applicants pending and granted patents WO2012/ 175967 and GB2333095B herein incorporated by reference.

Preferably the at least one signal is a wireless and/or radio frequency (RF) signal. Typically the signal is a Bluetooth™ signal or other such short wave radio signal.

Typically the electronic device is a cellular or mobile phone, electronic fob, PDA, laptop, tablet computer and/or the like. Further typically the electronic device runs one or more software applications (apps) such that the device can emit an electronic signal at the request of the user of the device. For example, an appropriately designed app could be executed on a user's mobile phone to emit a Bluetooth signal that is received by the locking system and the lock means is unlocked and/or opened on receipt of said signal.

Typically the electronic device includes software means to control the generation of the at least one signal. Typically the software means includes one or more programs, applications (Apps) and/or the like

In one embodiment the proprietor and/or delivery person inputs one or more personal identification numbers (PINs) into an electronic device to unlock and/or open the lock means. Typically the proprietor and/or delivery person inputs one or more personal identification numbers (PINs) into an electronic device to open the container. The container may also be opened by the intended recipient using a keypad provided on the container and at which time they enter a pre-defined PIN number or code.

Preferably, the locking system is paired with at least one of the proprietor's electronic devices, such as a security token or other such small electronic device or fob, mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop and/or the like. Typically the pairing conducted using one or more of the Bluetooth™ protocols. Further typically the Bluetooth™ profiles of the receiver means and the at least on electronic device are compatible such that the receiver means can receive information from the electronic device.

In one embodiment the proprietor and/or intended recipient of the goods can generate at least one or more delivery identification codes and/or delivery PINs. Typically the delivery identification codes are generated using any one or any combination of software, Apps, and/or the like, and/or by a server which creates a PIN using one or more algorithms.

In one embodiment the receiver means accepts more than one PIN or alphanumeric code. Typically the proprietor and/or intended recipient of the goods will have at least one first PIN. In one embodiment the system includes a Primary PIN. Typically this PIN is unique to the owner of box or recipient of goods. Further typically only the proprietor/owner of the box can change the Primary PIN.

In one embodiment the system includes a Manufacturer's Master PIN Code (MMPIN) . Typically the MMPIN is used to reset and/or generate a new Primary PIN, for example in case the owner loses their Primary Pin No.

In one embodiment the system includes Delivery Identification Codes (DIC) and/or PINs.

Typically each delivery agent will have their own unique PIN or DIC which allow will access to a container in use. Further typically the DIC identifies or otherwise includes information that can identify the delivery company or agent.

Alternatively or in combination, delivery agents are issued with DICs unique to each container or container proprietor.

In one embodiment the DIC will allow access to the container for a predetermined time such as a day. Typically the DIC will be deactivated for a unique box only until the owner or proprietor has opened the box using the Primary PIN Number. Typically, at this point the DIC will be re activated ready for subsequent deliveries by that Delivery Agent. This prevents the delivery agent from first delivering items, locking the container and providing photographic POD in the locked box, but then reopening the box and removing the goods

In this way multiple deliveries can be made by different delivery agents and POD can take place each time box is re locked showing all the goods that should have been delivered. A such, second or subsequent delivery agents cannot steal or otherwise remove the earlier deliveries without being detected, because the POD shows which items have been delivered to the container and when they have been removed. Typically the photographs should show all the goods delivered as they build up inside the container.

In one embodiment predetermined delivery agents or companies have one or more Master DIC(s) . Typically Master DICs allow such users to deliver to any container

In one embodiment the system includes an Owner's Unique DIC. Typically the owner of the box will have both a Primary PIN and an Owner's Unique DIC. This Owner's Unique DIC can be issued to any delivery company or agent. Typically such a delivery agent is an occasional or 'one off delivery agent that is not usually given their own DIC. Further typically the Owner's Unique DIC will only allow access to the container once, until the owner uses the Primary PIN to recover the goods. Preferably the owner can change their Owner's Unique DIC at any time.

In one embodiment the proprietor can generate second and/or further single use delivery identification codes and/ or delivery PINs.

Typically each container includes a unique identification code or identification number.

In one embodiment each electronic device includes a unique identification code or identification number. In one embodiment each delivery agent and/or personnel has a unique identification code or identification number.

Typically the items being delivered include at least one identification code or identification number.

In one embodiment the system includes delivery notification means. Typically the delivery verification means scans and/or captures an image of the parcel bar code or the like and notifies the owner of delivery. In one embodiment the supplier from where the goods originate is notified of delivery.

Further typically the delivery notification is sent via text or MMS message, email, and/or the like.

In one embodiment the delivery identification codes and/ or delivery PINs are generated using any one or any combination of algorithms, software, Apps, and are typically generated and distributed for use by a centralised sever.

In one embodiment the PIN codes and/or DICs are entered manually. Typically a keypad is provided on the electronic device and/or the container in use.

In one embodiment the delivery identification code or PIN is not displayed to the delivery person. Typically the code or PIN is transmitted and/or communicated to the receiver means without being displayed to the delivery person.

In one embodiment the PIN number for of delivery by a particular company is the same for all containers. In another embodiment, on the day of intended delivery the PIN for use that day or other period of time will be distributed by a central server. Preferably the delivery identification code and/or PINs are generated using an algorithm and/or encryption software that uses at least the date and/or time of delivery. Typically the delivery identification code and/or PINs are generated using an algorithm and/or encryption software that uses any one or any combination of a container unique identification code/number, an electronic device unique identification code number, delivery agent DIC and/or personnel unique identification code or number, date and/or time of delivery.

In one embodiment at least part of the algorithm and/or security software is executed remote from and/or separate to the electronic device by a centralised server. Typically at least part of the delivery identification code and/or PIN is generated outside of the electronic device. Further typically the delivery identification code and/or PIN is generated and sent to the electronic device.

In one embodiment the electronic device receives the delivery identification code and/or PIN by electronic message such as SMS, email and/or the like.

Preferably if the delivery identification code (DIC) and/or PIN is received by the locking system outside of a time and/or date or on a day when another prioritised delivery is expected, the DIC use can be prevented such that for that period the lock means will not be actuated or opened. Typically the time and/or date period is predetermined. In one embodiment the proprietor or the intended recipient can select the time period. Preferably the time period is 24 hours.

In one embodiment the communication means allows the system to receive and/or send data via one or more telecommunications networks. Typically the communication means allows the system to receive and/or send data via cellular or mobile networks . Further typically the communication means includes a SIM card.

In one embodiment the system includes at least one clock means. Typically the clock means provides accurate information regarding the time and/or date when items are placed inside and/or removed from the container, and images or scans of the items are made, when the PINs or DICs are entered and/or the like.

Typically the lock means includes any one or any combination of mechanical locks, magnetic locks, and/or the like.

A method of actuating a lock means on the receipt of one or more wireless signals from an electronic device.

Typically the wireless signal is a Bluetooth™ communication signal.

Preferably the lock means is part of the container.

Further typically, when the container is opened the delivery is made and when the container is closed a message is transmitted to indicate that the delivery has been made, most typically via an App to the deliver person's mobile phone or other communication device and subsequently from the device to a centralised control when a signal is available to a remote database such as that operated by a centralised server.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of actuating a lock means, said lock means part of a locking system including a receiver means wherein said lock means is actuated on receipt of at least one wireless signal from a remote electronic device.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a container locking system, wherein said lock means is actuated on receipt of a wireless signal.

In a yet further aspect of the invention there is a method of providing an access code or PIN to a remote device and/or container, said remote device capable of receiving and/or transmitting at least one wireless signal wherein said access code and/or PIN is generated using any one or any combination of; container unique identification code or number; electronic device unique identification code or number; selected or predetermined delivery time(s); item identification code or identification number; owner or intended recipient's master identification code or PIN.

In a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a method or system for confirming that goods or items have been delivered to and/or are secured in a container, said method including the steps of taking an image and/or scanning at least part of the goods or items when positioned in the container and after the container is closed and/or locked.

In one embodiment one or more items of information concerning the delivery of the goods, such as; when the container was opened, by whom the container was opened, when the container was closed and/or locked, and the scanned data and or images of the goods inside the box can be stored as an inventory, database, customer purchase history, parcel tracking and/ or the like. In one embodiment the one or more items of information concerning the delivery of the goods, such as; when the container was opened, by whom the container was opened, when the container was closed and/or locked, and the scanned data and or images of the goods inside the box can be sent to a monitoring company, delivery company, retailer, customer and/or the like and most typically to a centralised server.

In certain cases where, for example, there are concerns about the storage conditions required for certain goods and the need to maintain these conditions for a period of time, such as for example frozen goods, it is possible to prevent the opening of the container to received further deliveries until the previously delivered goods have been removed by the recipient. This allows the conditions within the container to be maintained for a longer period of time and thereby ensures that frozen or chilled goods can be maintained in that condition for the required time until removal from the container.

In one aspect of the invention there is provided an item for use in preserving an environment within a predetermined temperature range, said item provided with a body defined by side, top and bottom walls and, intermediate the side walls, are provided a plurality of spaced apart apertures which pass between the said top and bottom walls.

In one embodiment the apertures are provided as a series of parallel slots. Typically the slots are spaced equally apart. In one embodiment the size, number and/or spacing of the apertures is determined with respect to the particular temperature range which is to be maintained but, in any case, are designed to increase the effective surface area of the plate whilst maintaining the overall size of the plate and, if possible, reducing the same whilst maintaining, and preferably improving the cooling effect which can be achieved. For example, if the temperature which is to be maintained is for frozen food, there may be a smaller number of slots and/or the same may be smaller in size. In one embodiment the item is manufactured from a moulded plastic material and define a cavity therein which contains a eutectic solution with a predetermined freezing temperature. The items can then be placed into a cooling environment, such as a freezer, prior to use to bring the item to the required temperature for subsequent use.

In one embodiment the sidewalls are provided with a series of recesses and protrusions which again may aid the cooling effect. In addition or alternatively the protrusions and recesses can be provided and located so as to allow the items to be placed in position with respect to the storage apparatus and therefore act as a mechanical locating means for the items with respect to the apparatus.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for the storage of items therein, said apparatus including at least one storage area in which goods are required to be stored for a predetermined period of time at a temperature range which is controlled, and wherein said apparatus includes at least one item for location with the said apparatus in order to allow the said control of the temperature range.

Typically the said controlled temperature range is less than ambient.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the following figures wherein:

Figures l a-l c show a container in accordance with one aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate embodiments of eutectic plats which may be used in conjunction with the apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and

Figures 6a-c illustrate an embodiment of apparatus in accordance with the invention.

The home delivery network is inefficient, particularly in the UK where the cost for a delivery is usually between Jl 2- J17. Due to people being unavailable to receive goods and parcels at certain times of the day route planning is particularly inefficient. Ensuring goods and parcels can always be delivered will reduce delivery costs, reduce the environmental impact of deliveries and improve customer satisfaction.

Referring firstly to Figures 6a— c there is illustrated an example of a container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In this case the container 202 includes abody 204, and lid 206 which is selectively movable between the closed position shown in Figure 6a and the open position shown in Figures 6b and c.

In this embodiment the interior of the body is provided with three compartments; compartment 208 which is for the receipt and storage of goods delivered in a frozen condition, compartment 210 which is for receipt and storage of goods in a chilled condition and compartment 212 which is for the receipt of goods which can be stored in ambient conditions . The interior walls, base and/or lid of the compartments 208, 210 can be formed of or include eutectic plates of the type which are subsequently described herein in order to retain the required temperature conditions in the respective compartments. The container may be provided with a power supply and/or the eutectic plates can be removed to allow the same to be brought to a condition to provide the cooling effect.

When delivering the goods the deliverer can gain access to each of the compartments 208, 210, 212 to place each of the delivered goods in the appropriate compartment for storage until the recipient removes the same. The lid also includes a display screen and lock control system 214 which allows the container lid to normally be held in a locked condition when the lid is closed as shown in Figure 6a. Access can be gained to unlock the lock system in the manner as now described.

Another example of a container 2 is shown in figures l a-c wherein goods can be inserted into the container and the same securely locked. In this example the container is equipped with a keypad 4 and Bluetooth™ connectivity so that the user can open the container using a PIN code entered using the keypad 4.

The present system provides Proof of Delivery (POD) by using a container equipped with a scanner and/or a digital camera and/or the like. The bar code or another identification means of the item being delivered can be scanned or photographically recorded when being loaded into the container and/or, importantly when the article is within the container when it is closed. In addition, or alternatively, a camera can be used to take a digital image of the item inside the box. If the box is equipped with telecommunications connectivity the intended recipient can be contacted via text message, email and/or the like with information regarding when the box was opened, when it was closed, along with the barcode details and/or an image of the actual goods inside the closed or re-locked box. By using a locking system of the type subsequently described the goods are securely held until the owner removes the same.

In any event photographic evidence is in one embodiment provided of the delivered goods being inside the box. This POD evidence can be circulated to delivery companies, box owners and the providers of the goods to fully validate the supply chain process. Typically, every time the lid or door into the container is closed after having been opened an image capturing device in the container such as a camera, and, if required, a flash light source within the container, is activated to take an image of whatever is inside the container at that time.

Typically the proof of delivery service is activated each time the lid is opened by a delivery agent and so using this system second or subsequent delivery agents cannot steal or otherwise remove the earlier deliveries without being detected, because the POD shows which items have been delivered to the container and when they have been removed by being able to identify the lid being opened by a deliverer and the lid being opened by the recipient. The captured images show all the goods delivered as they build up inside the container.

The present invention, in one embodiment, allows a lock to be actuated (opened and/or closed) using a signal generated by a separate portable electronic computing device such as a smart phone, tablet computer and/or the like. Typically the deliverer enters a security code or PIN to actuate the lock and the recipient can access the container by entering the appropriate number or code into a keypad or other code recognition means provided on the container. In addition to the powered means for actuating the lock, a manual opening device can be provided for the container which can be accessed if, for example, a failure of the power supply causes the powered means to be unusable for a period of time.

In one example, the PIN which is to be used can be generated using a 'shared secret' in which a shared secret number is known only by the container lock control mechanism and those with permission to open the container such as the computer device operated by the deliverer of the goods to the container. Thus, when the deliverer needs to open the container, an algorithm runs on the deliverer's computing device which utilises the shared secret number along with a number of other variables, referred to as Variable Set Y, to generate the PIN.

This PIN which is generated is then used by the deliverer/user in order to access the container. When the code is entered the container lock controller runs the Algorithm using the shared secret and the Variable Set Y in order to produce a PIN.

Provided that both the deliverer's computing device and the controller's lock computing device both use the same algorithm with the variable set Y and the shared secret then the PIN entered by the deliverer/user and the PIN generated by the container lock controller will match and the controller will open. If the two aforementioned PINs do not match then the container lock will not open.

In one embodiment the lock controller will have a clock with the date and time which can be used as one of the components of Variable Set Y. In such a way the container will be capable of being opened by a secure PIN that changes every day or even every hour, and the deliverer's computing device will be able to generate the correct PIN so long as it too has the correct date/ time.

The following would be an example of the algorithm which can be used:

Variable Set Y = {Todays Date (dd/mm/yy); Box Unique ID number;

Shared Secret = X

PIN generated by the following:

Multiply ^cdd' by 'mm' by 'yy' by 'Box Unique ID number' by 'X' to get the 'Raw PIN'

Take the last 4 digits of the 'Raw PIN' to get the access PIN

So, for instance, if the date were the 23rd of January 2012 (23 /01 / 12) , the box's unique ID number were 2452; and the shared secret was 2539. Then the Raw PIN would be 23 x 01 x 12 x 2452 x 2539 = 1718273328. The access pin would then be 3328

The container lock controller may have two PINs. The first would be for the deliverer computing device and would use the mechanism discussed in the above document. The second PIN would be set by the user who receives the goods via the container and would not change. This dual PIN arrangement would mean that the user could access the box with a PIN that would not change, and only they would know. While the Delivery Agent would have a PIN that would only work for a limited period of time. This would ensure that delivery agents could not re-access the box at a later date using the same PIN.

In one embodiment an additional number may be entered into the keypad of the deliverer's computing device after the PIN which would be used to identify the delivery company. This would allow the system to communicate to the user which delivery had been made if multiple deliveries were expected.

In an alternative embodiment each container, when installed is given a unique access code (Primary PIN) set by the personal user of the box. Part of the system may also include a subscription to an unattended delivery service.

The Primary PIN is unique to the owner of box or recipient of goods . A Manufacturer's Master PIN Code (MMPIN) is used to reset and/or generate a new Primary PIN, for example in case the owner loses their Primary Pin No.

Alternatively or in combination, delivery agents can be issued with Delivery Identification Codes (DICs) which are unique to each container or container proprietor.

Preferably a DIC will allow single access to a box. Once a particular DIC is entered it will be deactivated for that particular box until the owner or proprietor has opened the box using the Primary PIN Number. Typically, at this point the DIC will be re activated ready for subsequent deliveries by that Delivery Agent. This prevents the delivery agent from first delivering items, locking the container and providing photographic POD in the locked box, but then reopening the box and removing the goods.

In this way multiple deliveries can be made by different delivery agents and POD can take place each time box is re locked showing all the goods that should have been delivered. It can also provide confirmation to the issuer of the goods and/or the delivery company when the Primary PIN is used to remove the goods. The system also allows predetermined delivery agents or companies have one or more Master DIC(s) . Master DICs allow delivery to any container using a particular, or particular set of DICs.

The system includes an Owner's Unique DIC. Typically the owner of the box will have both a Primary PIN and one or more Owner's Unique DICs. This Owner's Unique DIC can be issued to any delivery company or agent but it is usually issued to a delivery agent that is an occasional or One off delivery agent, or an agent that is not subscribed to the ShopBox service and is not usually given their own DIC.

The DICs can be sent to the delivery person's electronic device and/or the user's box if it is equipped with telecommunications (usually 3G) connectivity.

In addition, or alternatively, a delivery slot can be sent to the delivery person and an algorithm executed on their electronic device to generate a delivery PIN or DIC. The same or similar algorithm is run on the box's printed circuit board (PCB) and if the PINs/DICs match the lock is actuated and the box can be opened. Usually, the box cannot be re-opened with the same PIN/DIC.

By utilising the unique box ID, date/time of delivery, and/or the delivery driver or company ID the service provider can make sure the right parcel/goods, reaches the right box at the right time.

Preferably an electronic confirmation can be issued (to confirm the right parcel was delivered to the right container) by the driver scanning a barcode or other such identification code located on an inside surface of the box or container. Turning to figure 2 wherein there is illustrated an example of a schematic diagram that shows the process for a user when opening the box with the proprietor or master PIN. A key step is the option of sending an SMS message 10 when the door of the box is opened 12 to remove the goods. The box in this example is equipped with a SIM card that allows connection of the box to a cellular data network. The SMS message can act as a Proof of Delivery or receipt of the delivered goods if it is sent to the party responsible for delivery and/or the vendor. This can also act as a security feature to send the owner of the box a text message to their mobile phone to inform them that the box has been opened.

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the process of opening the box with an App running on an electronic communications device. The lock of the container is opened on receipt of a PIN or DIC that is sent wirelessly to the box's processor via a receiver built into the housing. When the delivery person, in this example a driver, arrives at the box, they open the App on their Android device. The App 20 detects the correct container for the goods to be delivered to and then enter the deliverer PIN number therein to access the correct container and deliver the goods. If the PIN is correct the door opens and SMS messages can be generated and sent concerning some or each step in the process.

The person skilled in the art will also appreciate that this wireless method of opening the box can be used by the proprietor or user of the box. The user's Primary PIN is typically a Master PIN that is different to the delivery driver's PIN and which can be entered into the keypad on or associated with the container and access gained to the delivered goods. _ _Λ

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In one embodiment therefore the system may generate daily or weekly or other periodical PIN numbers which are replicated or stored on a centralised server and this enables delivery companies to deliver either by using their unique number into a hand held communication device which then creates a further number and thus allowing the opening of the container, typically via a Bluetooth connection, or by entering the generated PIN number directly onto a keypad provided on the container. In this way, should the delivery company employee leave the company they can no longer gain access to the containers as they will have no access to the delivery company communication device or the periodically changed PIN numbers. Typically the new access numbers are generated using suitable algorithms .

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5 there are illustrated two embodiments of an item in accordance with the invention.

In both Figures 4 and 5 there is illustrated an item in the form of a eutectic plate 102 which is formed of a body 104, having a cavity defined therein which contains a eutectic liquid which can be moved to a chilled or frozen condition and then maintain that condition for a prolonged period of time. This aids the maintenance of temperature in predefined storage environments such as in apparatus which is used for the home delivery or collection of foodstuffs and some of which may be required to be maintained in a frozen or chilled condition prior to the same subsequently being collected by the intended recipient.

In accordance with the invention the body includes a series of apertures 106 in the form of slots which allows air to pass through the apertures and between the top and bottom walls 110,108 of the body 104. The slots are parallel and the length and size of the same can be selected to allow specific temperature control effects to be achieved. For example, in Figure 5, every second slot is smaller in length whereas in Figure 4 the slots are of the same length and this reflects the fact that the item of Figure 5 is to be used for maintaining a temperature range which is lower, such as for a storage area for the receipt of frozen goods.

In addition the side walls, 1 12, 1 14, 116, 118 of the items are provided with a series of protrusions 120 and recessed areas 122 and either or both of these can be used to provided mechanical location of the item with the storage apparatus with which the same is to be used and therefore allows the items to be relatively easily positioned in and removed from the apparatus whilst at the same time ensuring the accurate location of the same when in use.

The design of the eutectic plate as described in the accompanying figures is found to increase the rate at which the plate can absorb heat energy for a given size of plate such that the cooling power which can be achieved is increased for a given size of plate and this is achieved by increasing the effective surface area using the apertures as herein described. In addition, the material from which the plates are made, typically plastic , can include an additive material which further enhances the cooling effect which can be achieved.

The increased cooling capacity enables the box to have less insulation making the box a more manageable external size.

Claims

1. A container system, said system including at least one container, access to the inside of which is controlled by one or more lock means and said system including at least one delivery verification means wherein said delivery verification means includes one or more of a scanner, image capture device, weighing scale to verify the placement and/or presence of one or more articles within the interior of the container.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the verification means capture an image of the article within the interior of the container.

3. A system according to claim 1 wherein the delivery verification means scans and/or takes an image of at least part of the delivered article when the same is placed inside the container and the container is in a locked, closed condition.

4 A system according to claim 3 wherein the part of the article is a part of the item packaging that includes any or any combination of barcodes, markings, pictures, brands, words on the goods or packaging and/or the like.

5 A system according to claim 1 wherein the system includes means to detect and store information regarding the time the container is opened and/or closed.

6 A system according to claim 1 wherein the interior of the container includes means to define the position of the article when placed in the container.

7 A system according to claim 1 wherein once the article has been placed in position in the container and the container is locked, the container can only be reopened by the desired recipient of the article.

8 A system according to claim 1 wherein the container includes one or more light sources to illuminate the interior of the container at least during the capture or scanning of an image of the article.

9 A system according to claim 1 wherein a receiver means is provided in communication with the lock means to actuate the same on receipt of at least one signal from an electronic device external to, and/or separate from the container, said at least one signal generated in response to a user input or request.

10 A system according to any of the preceding claim wherein the container includes at least two compartments for the receipt of articles therein and at least one of the compartments is provided in association with means to allow the temperature of the compartment to be maintained at a lower temperature than ambient for period of time.

1 1. A system according to claim 10 wherein the said means includes a body defined by side, top and bottom walls and, intermediate the side walls, are provided a plurality of spaced apart apertures which pass between the said top and bottom walls.

12 A system according to claim 11 wherein the apertures are provided as a series of parallel elongate slots.

13 A system according to claim 12 wherein the size, number and/or spacing of the apertures is determined with respect to the particular temperature range which is to be maintained.

14 A system according to claim 12 wherein the body is manufactured from a moulded plastic material and defines a cavity therein which contains a eutectic solution with a predetermined freezing temperature.

15 A system according to claim 14 wherein the said plastics material includes an additive material which includes the heat conductivity of the same so as to increase the rate of heat absorption and hence the ability for cooling to be provided.

16 A system according to claim 15 wherein sidewalls of the body include a series of recesses and protrusions which allow the items to be placed in position with respect to the container.

17. A system according to claim 1 wherein the proprietor and/or delivery person inputs one or more personal identification numbers (PINs) into an electronic device to unlock and/or open the lock means and the proprietor and/or delivery person inputs one or more personal identification numbers (PINs) into an electronic device to open the container.

18 A system according to claim 17 wherein the proprietor and/or intended recipient of the goods can generate at least one or more delivery identification codes and/or delivery PINs .

19 A system according to claim 1 wherein the container includes at least one clock means to provide data representing the time and/or date when articles are placed inside and/or removed from the container, and images or scans of the items are made, and/or when the lock is activated.

20 A method for confirming that articles have been delivered to and/or are secured in a container, said method including the steps of taking an image and/or scanning at least part of the article when positioned in the container and after the container is closed and/or locked.