WO2018224664A1

WO2018224664A1 - Secure storage container

Info

Publication number: WO2018224664A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/065203
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Smalley
Original assignee: Delcaptiv Limited
Priority date: 2017-06-09
Filing date: 2018-06-08
Publication date: 2018-12-13
Also published as: GB201709250D0; GB2563388A; GB2563388B

Abstract

A secure storage container (100) for receiving delivered items comprises a storage receptacle (101), an attachment means (102) for securing the storage receptacle (101) to a surface (104) through a letterbox hole (103), and a locking mechanism (107) for securing the contents of the storage receptacle (101). The storage receptacle (101) is reversibly collapsible such that in can be stored compactly and quickly attached to the surface (104) for receipt of a delivery. The container (100) is also arranged to communicate with a server (602) for authenticating access requests to the container (100).

Description

SECURE STORAGE CONTAINER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a secure storage container for securely storing goods. More specifically, it relates to a secure storage container for receipt and storage of items delivered to a location when a recipient is not available to receive the items in person. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the enormous uptake in internet usage, customers' shopping habits have significantly changed. Rather than visiting a local high street in order to find a particular item, customers are able to view and choose between a multitude of businesses and products online in order to obtain the item they are looking for. The increase in internet shopping has therefore led to an increase in delivery of said items to customers' personal addresses. With the majority of deliveries taking place during normal business hours, it is commonplace for the intended recipient of a delivery to be unavailable to personally receive it. Many items can be simply posted through a letterbox at the delivery address. However, problems arise where an item is too large to securely deliver it to the address or requires proof of delivery. This then results in items not being delivered, a neighbor being disturbed, or the item being left in a publicly accessible place near the entrance of the delivery address.

In order to overcome this issue, delivery services post 'missed delivery' notices at an address when an item cannot be delivered securely. This notice informs the intended recipient of the delivery attempt, and details further actions to be taken to obtain the item. For example, the notice may explain where the item may be located and at what times it can be accessed. As an alternative resolution, either using the 'missed delivery' notice, or via an alternate means of communication, the intended recipient of a delivery is prompted to arrange a new delivery time, wherein an attempt can be made to deliver the item again, when the recipient is likely to be available.

However, both of these solutions have shortcomings. Typically, once a delivery has been missed, it is not possible to rearrange delivery, or retrieve an item from a designated location, until at least 24 hours after the missed delivery time. As such, the recipient may be dissatisfied with having to wait to retrieve the item, especially if its delivery is urgent. In order to overcome the above issues, some businesses have set up local delivery points, wherein parcels can be delivered and then collected at the convenience of the customer. These include lockers which, once an item has been placed inside it, can only be opened using a pass code known by the intended recipient of the item. However, such delivery points are generally located within other business' premises, such that the customer cannot retrieve their items when the business is closed. Further, the customer is also inconvenienced by having to travel to the delivery point.

Embodiments of the present invention aim to overcome these problems by providing a reversibly collapsible secure storage container for receiving delivered items.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the problems associated with delivering items, discussed above, a first aspect of the present invention provides a secure storage container, comprising: storage receptacle, comprising one or more rigid walls and an aperture arranged to allow receipt of items into the receptacle, wherein the storage receptacle is reversibly collapsible; an attachment means, arranged to attach the storage receptacle to a surface via a letterbox in the surface; and a locking mechanism, arranged to lock and unlock the storage receptacle; wherein the attachment means comprises: a securing portion; an anchor, arranged to securely connect the attachment means to the storage receptacle; and at least one connecting bar, arranged to secure the securing portion to the anchor; and at least one extension bar, extendable from the securing portion, wherein said at least one extension bar is at least partially located within the securing portion and arranged to reversibly extend from the securing portion between a retracted position and a fully extended position, wherein the at least one extension bar is spring-biased to extend beyond the length of the securing portion, and in use, the securing portion is arranged such that it is able to pass through a letterbox in a surface and the at least one extension bar is arranged to reversibly extend from the securing portion, preventing the securing portion from passing through said letterbox in said surface in a deployed configuration.

The storage receptacle preferably comprises a plurality of rigid walls connected to each other via hinges.

The storage receptacle preferably comprises a slot arranged to provide access to a mail receiving section provided within the receptacle.

The receptacle preferably further comprises: a lid, attached to the receptacle by a hinge and arranged to cover the aperture, wherein the locking mechanism is arranged to lock and unlock the lid when covering the aperture.

The container preferably further comprises a control module, arranged to electronically control the locking mechanism.

The container preferably further comprises an override switch, arranged to unlock the locking mechanism independently of the control module.

The container preferably further comprises a power source located within the receptacle, arranged to power the locking mechanism, the control module and the override switch. Preferably, the control module is configured to send and receive signals, and is arranged to communicate with an external device.

The storage receptacle preferably comprises: a base panel, forming the base of the receptacle; and at least one securing lug, arranged to restrict movement of the base about a hinge when actuated.

Preferably, a wall of the receptacle comprises a recess, arranged to receive a first part the attachment means.

Preferably, the attachment means is telescopic.

Preferably, the at least one connecting bar is telescopic. Preferably, a first telescopic part of the at least one connecting bar comprises one or more holes and a second telescopic part of the at least one connecting bar comprises a spring-loaded push button arranged to fit in the one or more holes, such that the length of the at least one connecting bar can be adjusted. Preferably, the securing portion comprises one or more holes and the at least one extension bar comprises a spring-loaded push button arranged to fit in the one or more holes, such that the position of the extension bar relative to the securing portion can be adjusted. A second aspect of the invention provides, attachment means for attaching a storage receptacle to a surface via a letterbox in the surface; the attachment means comprising:

a securing portion;

an anchor, arranged to securely connect the attachment means to said storage receptacle;

at least one connecting bar, arranged to secure the securing portion to the anchor; and at least one extension bar, extendable from the securing portion;

wherein said at least one extension bar is at least partially located within the securing portion and arranged to reversibly extend from the securing portion between a retracted position and a fully extended position,

wherein the at least one extension bar is spring-biased to extend beyond the length of the securing portion, and

in use, the securing portion is configured such that it is able to pass through a letterbox in a surface when the at least one extension bar is in said retracted position and the at least one extension bar configured to prevent the securing portion from passing through said letterbox in said surface in a deployed configuration

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of delivering an item to a secure storage container in accordance with the first aspect, said secure container comprising a control module arranged to electronically control the locking mechanism which is configured to send and receive signals and is arranged to communicate with an external device, said method comprising the steps of: receiving, from a first user, a first unique identifier; identifying, using the first unique identifier, a storage container; sending, to the control module of the storage container, a signal which causes the storage container to unlock a locking mechanism; receiving, from the first user, a second unique identifier; and sending, to the control module of the storage container, a signal which causes the storage container to lock said locking mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages and benefits of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following description and accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of a secure storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the secure storage container of Fig. 1 ;

FIGURE 3a shows a schematic plan view of the secure storage container of Fig. 1 when deployed;

FIGURE 3b shows a schematic plan view of the secure storage container of Fig. 1 when partly deployed;

FIGURE 4 shows a plan view of an attachment means of the secure storage container of Fig. 1 ; FIGURE 5 shows a plan view of a connecting bar of the attachment means of Fig. 4;

FIGURE 6 shows a plan view of an extension bar of the attachment means of Fig. 4;

FIGURE 7 shows a system diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGURE 8 shows a flow diagram of a method of receiving an item at a secure storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A secure storage container and method of securely delivering items to the secure storage container in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in Figures 1 to 8. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an embodiment of the present invention relates to a secure storage container 100. The secure storage container 100 comprises a storage receptacle 101 , an attachment means 102, and a lock mechanism 107. The attachment means 102 is arranged such that it is anchored to a rear face 1 10 of the secure storage receptacle 101 . The secure storage receptacle 101 comprises a lid 108 which covers an upper aperture, such that the secure storage receptacle 101 is capable of receiving items through the aperture and securing them when the lid 108 is closed. The lock mechanism 107 is located inside the secure storage receptacle 101 , in proximity to the lid 108. The lock mechanism 107 prevents unauthorised access to the contents of the secure container 100, by providing a means of manually or automatically locking and unlocking the lid 108.

The attachment means 102 is arranged to extend away from the rear face 1 10 of the receptacle 101 , thus forming an anchor 301 (shown in Figure 4), within the receptacle 101 , and a securing portion 302 (also shown in Figure 4), distal to the receptacle 101 .

The securing portion 302 of the attachment means 102 is arranged to be passed through a letterbox hole 103 in a surface 104 e.g. a door, a mail box or a wall, such that the securing portion 302 is located at an interior side 1 1 1 of the surface

104 (e.g. inside a house or inside a mail box). The securing portion 302 is then further arranged to be configured such that it is unable to pass through the letterbox 103. In this manner, the container 100 is securely attached to an external side 1 12 of the surface 104, preventing it from being removed.

The securing portion 302 of the attachment means 102 is further arranged such that it can be configured to be retracted from the letterbox 103. However, it is important that such a reconfiguration can only be achieved by accessing the internal side 1 1 1 of the 25 surface 104. In the present embodiment, the storage receptacle 101 , when the container 100 is in place, blocks access to the letterbox

103 via the external side 1 12 of the surface 104, thus preventing access to the attachment means 102 when the lid 108 is closed. Therefore, advantageously, the container 100 can only be removed by someone with access to the internal side 1 1 1 of the surface 104.

Further details of the receptacle 101 , the attachment means 102 and the locking mechanism 107 are described below in relation to the remaining Figures.

Receptacle structure

Referring now to Figures 3a and 3b, the storage receptacle 101 is of reversibly collapsible construction, such that the container 100 may be compactly stored. The receptacle 101 is constructed of numerous sidewall panels 202 which are joined longitudinally by hinges 201 formed from the sidewall panels 202. The receptacle 101 further comprises the lid 108 and a base panel 109, both of which are hinged to a rear panel 202r of the panels 202 of the receptacle 101 to allow for their relative movement. The rear panel 202r defines the rear face 1 10 of the receptacle 101 .

As shown in Figure 3a, the hinges 201 allow the receptacle 101 to form a collapsible rigid box structure. The hinges 201 are integrally formed from the sidewall panels 202 which slot together in the form of a finger joint and are held in place using steel rods which are located along longitudinal edges of the sidewall panels 202. The hinges 201 are arranged such that the panels 202 are unable to be forced beyond the intended shape of the rigid box shape. In order to prevent the sides of the receptacle 101 from being forced inward, thereby collapsing the container 100, the base panel 109 is secured against the inner walls of the receptacle. Securing lugs are provided to prevent the base panel 109 from moving. Specifically, the securing lugs prevent the base panel 109 from being forced upwards, inside the receptacle 101 , thereby securing the structure of the receptacle 101 from undesired collapsing. The securing lugs may be mechanically, electronically or otherwise activated in order to secure the base panel 109 within the receptacle 101 . As shown in Figure 3b, the hinges 201 are arranged to allow the panels 202 to fold inwards, such that the front panel 202f of the receptacle 101 rests close to the rear panel 202r when the receptacle 101 is collapsed, thus reducing the volume of the secure container 100 for storage. Prior to collapsing of the panels 202, the securing lugs are withdrawn from the base panel 109, and the base panel 109 is folded upwards, to rest against the rear panel 202r of the receptacle 101 .

As discussed above, the attachment means 102 is anchored to the rear panel of the receptacle 101 via an anchor 301 . As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the attachment means 102 is anchored to the receptacle 101 by being at least partially disposed within the receptacle 101 , thus preventing the attachment means 102 from being withdrawn from the receptacle 101 . Since the container 100 blocks the letterbox 103 in the surface 104, the receptacle 101 further comprises a preformed slot 105 to facilitate delivery of mail when the container 100 is in situ.

The panels 202 of the receptacle 101 may be formed of any suitably secure and rigid material, for example, HDPE or tin. The receptacle 101 preferably has a waterproof IP rating of at least 1 1 .

The receptacle 101 is ideally dimensioned such that it has an internal volume of 0.25 cubic metres, allowing storage of many commonly delivered items. However, alternative sizes are possible depending on the specific purpose of the container

100. For example, the receptacle 101 may have dimensions of 1200mm by 500mm by 350mm.

The receptacle 101 can also comprise a tamper prevention means, in order to deter unauthorised access. The means can sound an alarm with increasing durations based on the frequency or severity of detected tampering. For example, a first detected attempt at access may result in a 5 second alarm, whereas a second attempt may result in a 10 second alarm, with further increasing alarm durations as the number of attempts increases. The tamper means may comprise, for example, a built-in stability sensor which is activated and deactivated by correct deployment of the lid 108.

The receptacle 101 may also comprise a recess 106 within its rear face 1 10, for receipt of the attachment means 102 when the container 100 is being stored, advantageously reducing the volume of the stored container 100 further. In an alternative embodiment, the lid 108 and the base panel 109 may be hinged to a front panel 202f of the panels 202 of the receptacle 101 instead of to the rear panel 202r.

Attachment means

Referring now to Figure 4, the attachment means 102 is comprised of an anchor

301 , a securing portion 302, three connecting bars 303, and two extension bars 304. The attachment means may be made from a combination of plastic and steel.

As discussed above, the anchor 301 is disposed at least partially within the receptacle 101 . The attachment means 102 may freely rotate between the recess 106 and being perpendicular to the rear face 1 10 of the receptacle 101 . The connecting bars 303 extend from the anchor 301 , at one end, through the rear face 1 10 of the receptacle 101 . The connecting bars 303 are connected to the securing portion 302 at the other end. Thus, in use, the connecting bars 303 extend through the letterbox 103 of a surface 104, such that the securing portion 302 is located at the internal side 1 1 1 of the surface 104.

The extension bars 304 are at least partially located within the securing portion

302. The extension bars are spring-loaded using integral springs. Once the securing portion 302 is located at the internal side 1 1 1 of the surface 104, the extension bars 304 extend from within the securing portion 302, by use of a spring button 502 (shown in Figure 6). The extension bars 304 are arranged such that, when fully extended, the total width of the extension bars 304 and the securing portion 302 is wider than the letterbox 103. Therefore, when the extension bars 304 are fully extended, it is not possible to retract the securing portion 302 through the letterbox 103.

In order to prevent reorientation of the attachment means 101 to fit the securing means 302 through the letterbox 103 when the extension bars 304 are fully extended, it is preferable that the connecting bars 303 are spaced apart to match the width of the letterbox 103.

Although Figure 4 depicts three connecting bars 303, embodiments of the present invention may comprise any number of connecting bars 303. For example, there may be a single connecting bar 303. However, preferably, there are at least two connecting bars 303, in order that they may be spaced apart so as to prevent reorientation of the attachment means 101 , as described above. With reference to Figure 5, the connecting bars 303 are telescopic, in order to aid the collapsible nature of the secure container 100 and to ensure a tight fit of the attachment means 102 against the surface 104. A first outer telescopic part 403 of the connecting bar 303 comprises one or more holes 401 in its circumferential surface (only shown in Figure 5), within which a spring-loaded push button 402 (only shown in Figure 5) of an inner second telescopic part 404 is located.

Activating the push button 402 allows for movement of the first and second telescopic parts 403, 404 with respect to each other. In this manner, the connecting bars 303 may be extended to one of several discrete lengths to match the thickness of the surface 104 to which the secure container 100 is to be attached. Alternatively, instead of spring-loaded push buttons 402, a fixed rod may extend along the length of the telescopic parts 403, 404, such that, when being secured, the rod can be pulled in order to secure the receptacle 101 tight against the surface 104.

In a further alternative embodiment, the connecting bars 303 are not telescopic. Instead, they may be single-piece rigid rods designed for a specific thickness of structure and of simpler construction than the adjustable connecting bars 303 described above.

With reference to Figure 6, a sectional view of the securing portion 302 and one extension bar 304 is shown. The extension bar 304 is spring-biased such that it extends beyond the length of the securing portion 302. The securing portion 302 may comprise one or more holes 501 in its circumferential surface within which a spring-loaded push button 502 of the extension bar 304 may be located, thus allowing for the extension bars 304 to be held within the securing portion 304, against the spring-bias. As with the connecting bar 303, the use of multiple holes 501 in the securing portion 302 allows the length of the extension bar 304 to be controlled.

Although Figure 4 depicts two extension bars 304, embodiments of the invention may comprise only one extension bar 304 acting to prevent passage of the securing portion 302 through the letterbox 103. In another alternative embodiment, the anchor 301 is not disposed within the receptacle 101 . Instead the anchor 301 may be attached to the receptacle 101 using nuts and bolts, screws, or any other suitable form of attachment mechanism. Arranging the container 100 in this manner may simplify construction. Locking mechanism In order to protect the contents of the container 100, a locking mechanism 107 is provided to secure the lid 108 to the receptacle 101 . The locking mechanism 107 is located on the inside of the receptacle 101 , in proximity to the lid 108. The locking mechanism 107 may be any form of lock which can be electronically controlled, for example, an electromagnetic locking mechanism or an electronic strike or an electronic deadbolt.

Referring now to Figure 7, a control module 601 is located within the receptacle 101 in order to allow remote control of the locking mechanism 107. The control module 601 is arranged to communicate with a remote control module server 602, via e.g. a wireless or wired internet connection or GSM, in order to receive a lock/unlock signal and then send a signal to the locking mechanism 107 to lock/unlock accordingly.

Management of the control module 601 may be performed by an interface device 604, such as a recipient's mobile phone or computer, which may further be installed with an interfacing application such as an app. A secure link (e.g. a WiFi (RTM)link, or a Bluetooth (RTM)link) between the control module 601 and the interface device 604 allows a user to unlock the container 100 upon request. The control module 602 has various options available to the recipient, for example, an unlock time, defining the amount of time the device remains unlocked once the unlock signal has been received. In order to power the control module 601 and the locking mechanism 107, a power source 605, such as a battery, is also located within the receptacle 101 . Alternatively, a power plug (not shown) may extend from the attachment means 102, for powering the control module 601 and locking mechanism 107 via a mains power socket.

In case of failure of the control module 601 , a manual override switch 1 14 is located on the attachment means 102 (see Figure 2). The override switch takes the form of a push button located on the securing portion 302, such that it is only accessible from the internal side 1 1 1 of the surface 104. Pushing the override switch causes the sending of an electrical signal to the locking mechanism 107, causing it to open. This override operation bypasses the control module, using a wired connection directly between the override switch and the locking mechanism 107.

Method of delivery With reference to Figures 7 and 8, once the secure container 100 is attached to the surface 104, it may be used for the receipt of delivery items.

As discussed above, the control module 601 of the container 100 is arranged to communicate with locking mechanism 107. The control module 601 is further arranged to communicate with the control module server 602, a scanning device 603 and the interface device 604.

Upon placing an order for delivery, a recipient indicates whether a secure container 100 is to be used for receipt of the delivery. Before the delivery is due to be received, the recipient places the container 100 in a desired location, as described above. The recipient then notifies the control module server 602, via the interface device 604, that a delivery is expected and the container 100 is in place.

When a postal worker/courier arrives at the recipient's delivery address, the postal worker uses the scanning device 603, such as a PDA, to scan a bar code 1 13

(see Figure 1 ) at the exterior of the container 100. The bar code 1 13 is an identifier unique to the container 100. The scanning device 603 then sends an unlock request to the control 5 module server 602, via GSM or an internet connection. The unlock request may contain authentication information relating to the delivery in order to authenticate the request. The authentication information contains information which identifies the container 100 and also provides further information relating to the delivery. The control module server 602 receives the authentication information S701 and determines the identity of the recipient's container 100 using the bar code 1 13 information S702. The control module server 602 further checks the information against the information held corresponding to the container 100. If successfully authenticated, the control module server 602 sends a signal to the control module 601 of the container 100 indicating that the locking mechanism 107 should be unlocked to allow for delivery of an item S703. The control module server 602 also sends a notification to the scanning device 603, confirming that the container 100 has been unlocked, and also notifying the postal worker of any special requirements relating to the recipient, which are stored on the control module server 602.

The control module 601 subsequently sends a signal to the locking mechanism 107, causing the mechanism 107 to unlock, allowing access for the postal worker. At the same time, the control module 601 records the time of delivery for the recipient's information.

Once unlocked, the postal worker is able to open the lid 108 of the receptacle 101 and place the delivery within it. Subsequently, the postal worker scans a second bar code (not shown) with the scanning device 603, located within the receptacle 100, which is only accessible once the container 100 has been unlocked. Scanning the second barcode with the scanning device 603 causes a signal to be sent to the control module server 602, by the scanning device 603 and via the internet connection, confirming that the delivery has been completed. Upon receiving the completion signal S704, the control module server 602 may then send a further signal to the control module 601 , requesting that the locking mechanism 107 is locked. The control module server 602 may also send a notification to the interface device 604 confirming that the delivery has been completed S705, which may also include the time of delivery. Instead of a second barcode, a push button may be placed inside the receptacle 101 which, when pressed, causes the control module 601 to notify the control module server 602 that the delivery has been completed. The signal will contain a unique identifier for identifying the container 100.

As a further security measure, upon returning to the container 100, the recipient is requested to visually confirm that the delivery has been completed. The recipient may interact with the control module server 602, using the interface device 604, to confirm delivery, and also provide any further comments, for example, relating to any damage to the delivered items.

In an alternative embodiment, the method does not require the use of barcodes in order to gain entry to the container 100. For example, the recipient of the container 100 may set up a password, using the interface device 604, to be used for gaining entry to the container 100. Such a password may be transmitted to the postal worker's scanning device 603. As such, when the postal worker arrives at the container 100, he can use a wireless link, e.g. WiFi (RTM) or Bluetooth (RTM), to communicate with the control module 601 . The postal worker may then provide the password for unlocking. In this manner, the postal worker may also confirm the completion of the delivery wirelessly. In a further alternative, the method may comprise a combination of barcodes and passwords in order to increase security.

As discussed above, the recipient may define a time limit in which the container 100 remains unlocked after an unlock signal has been received. In this manner, if confirmation of delivery is not received from the postal worker, the container 100 will automatically lock after a predefined time has passed.

In an alternative method, although the recipient has indicated that a container 100 is to be used for receipt of the delivery, the container 100 may not be placed on the surface 104 for the receipt of items if the recipient is available to receive the delivery personally. In this manner, the recipient may notify the control module server 602 that, despite previous indications, the container 100 will not be used for receipt of a delivery. Upon arrival at the delivery location, the postal worker may then proceed as normal.

The above embodiments describe one way of implementing the present invention. It will be appreciated that modifications of the features of the above embodiments are possible within the scope of the independent claims.

Features of the present invention as claimed are defined in the appended claims. While particular combinations of features have been presented in the claims, it will be appreciated that other combinations, such as those provided above, may be used.

Claims

1 . A secure storage container, comprising:

a storage receptacle, comprising one or more rigid walls and an aperture 5 arranged to allow receipt of items into the receptacle, wherein the storage receptacle is reversibly collapsible;

an attachment means, arranged to attach the storage receptacle to a surface via a letterbox in the surface; and

a locking mechanism, arranged to lock and unlock the storage receptacle; 0 wherein the attachment means comprises:

a securing portion;

an anchor, arranged to securely connect the attachment means to the storage receptacle;

at least one connecting bar, arranged to secure the securing portion to the5 anchor; and

at least one extension bar, extendable from the securing portion; wherein said at least one extension bar is at least partially located within the securing portion and arranged to reversibly extend from the securing portion between a retracted position and a fully extended position,

o wherein the at least one extension bar is spring-biased to extend beyond the length of the securing portion, and

in use, the securing portion is configured such that it is able to pass through a letterbox in a surface when the at least one extension bar is in said retracted position and the at least one extension bar configured to prevent the securing 5 portion from passing through said letterbox in said surface in a deployed configuration.

2. A container according to claim 1 , wherein the storage receptacle comprises a plurality of rigid walls connected to each other via hinges.

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3. A container according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the storage receptacle further comprises a slot arranged to provide access to a mail receiving section provided within the receptacle.

4. A container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle further comprises:

a lid, attached to the receptacle by a hinge and arranged to cover the aperture,

wherein the locking mechanism is arranged to lock and unlock the lid when covering the aperture.

5. A container according to claim 4, wherein the container further comprises a control module, arranged to electronically control the locking mechanism.

6. A container according to claim 5, wherein the container further comprises an override switch, arranged to unlock the locking mechanism independently of the control module.

7. A container according to claim 6, wherein the container further comprises a power source located within the receptacle, arranged to power the locking mechanism, the control module and the override switch.

8. A container according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the control module is configured to send and receive signals, and is arranged to communicate with an external device.

9. A container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the storage receptacle comprises:

a base panel, forming the base of the receptacle; and

at least one securing lug, arranged to restrict movement of the base about a hinge when actuated.

10. A container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a wall of the receptacle comprises a recess, arranged to receive a first part the attachment means.

5 1 1 . A container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment means is telescopic.

12. A container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connecting bar is telescopic.

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13. A container according to claim 12, wherein a first telescopic part of the at least one connecting bar comprises one or more holes and a second telescopic part of the at least one connecting bar comprises a spring-loaded push button arranged to fit in the one or more holes, such that the length of the at least one 5 connecting bar can be adjusted.

14. A container according to any of claims 12 to 13, wherein the securing portion comprises one or more holes and the at least one extension bar comprises a spring loaded push button arranged to fit in the one or more holes, such that the o position of the extension bar relative to the securing portion can be adjusted.

15. An attachment means for attaching a storage receptacle to a surface via a letterbox in the surface; the attachment means comprising:

a securing portion;

an anchor, arranged to securely connect the attachment means to said 5 storage receptacle;

at least one connecting bar, arranged to secure the securing portion to the anchor; and

at least one extension bar, extendable from the securing portion; wherein said at least one extension bar is at least partially located within 0 the securing portion and arranged to reversibly extend from the securing portion between a retracted position and a fully extended position, wherein the at least one extension bar is spring-biased to extend beyond the length of the securing portion, and

in use, the securing portion is configured such that it is able to pass through a letterbox in a surface when the at least one extension bar is in said retracted 5 position and the at least one extension bar configured to prevent the securing portion from passing through said letterbox in said surface in a deployed configuration.

16. An attachment means according to claim 15, wherein the attachment o means is telescopic.

17. An attachment means according claim 15 or 16, wherein the at least one connecting bar is telescopic. 5 18. A method of delivering an item to a secure storage container as defined in claim 8 or any claim dependent directly or indirectly on claim 8, comprising the steps of:

receiving, from a user, a first unique identifier;

identifying, using the first unique identifier, said storage container;

0 sending, to the control module of the storage container, a signal which causes the storage container to unlock the locking mechanism;

receiving, from the user, a second unique identifier; and

sending, to the control module of the storage container, a signal which causes the storage container to lock said locking mechanism.

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