Patent Application
20230414025
Home delivery of packages is becoming increasingly common. For example, consumers are able to make online purchases of a product via the Internet. Such packages, when delivered, are often left outside of a home or building where the package is delivered to. Here, it is assumed that a person inside the home or building will come to the door and take the delivered package inside so that the package is secure.
Unfortunately, theft of such delivered packages is also becoming increasingly common. Even if the delivered package is somewhat hidden, such as behind a plant or fence, the delivered package is still subject to theft (until the person inside the home or building comes outside to secure the delivered package).
Accordingly, in the arts of package delivery to a home or building, there is a need in the arts for improved methods, apparatus, and systems for securing such delivered packages from theft.
A system for securing packages has a support pole secured proximate to a hinged side of a door; a frame secured to the support pole; a securing means secured to the door frame and to the door; and a package box that is secured to the frame and that receives a delivered package. The package box is defined by a front panel, a bottom panel rotatably secured to the front panel, a lid panel rotatably secured to the frame, and a first and second plurality of side members rotatably secured to the frame and the front panel. When the package box is in a folded position, the front panel, the bottom panel, and the lid panel are oriented vertically and are proximate to the frame. When the package box is opened, the front panel extends outwardly in a vertical orientation and the bottom panel rotates downwardly to a horizontal orientation
The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
The delivered package security system 100 is located proximate to the outside surface of the door 12. In
Preferably, the folded package box 104 is relatively thin. As illustrated in
The disclosed systems and methods for a delivered package security system 100 will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations, however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.
Throughout the following detailed description, a variety of examples for systems and methods for a delivered package security system 100 are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.
The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.
“Substantially” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.
“Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps not expressly recited.
Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation.
“Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components. “Secured to” means directly connected without intervening components.
“Communicatively coupled” means that an electronic device exchanges information with another electronic device, either wirelessly or with a wire based connector, whether directly or indirectly through a communication network. “Controllably coupled” means that an electronic device controls operation of another electronic device.
Returning to
The securing plates 110 are configured to prevent slippage of the support pole 102 after installation. Securing plates 110 may be permanently or releasably secured to the lower portion and the upper portion of the door frame 10. Here, the securing plates 110 are configured to receive and secure the ends of the extended support pole 102. In other embodiments, the securing plate 110 is part of the support pole 102.
A front panel 112 and a bottom panel 114 are vertically oriented and adjacent to each other when the package box 104 is in the folded position. In a preferred embodiment, the lower edge 116 of the bottom panel 114 is hinge coupled to the outer edge 118 of the bottom panel 114.
Optionally, the front panel 112 may include side members 120 and the bottom panel 114 may include side members 122. The side members 120, 122 improve the aesthetic appearance of the delivered package security system 100 when the package box 104 is in the folded position. Further, the side members 120, 122 strengthen the structure of the delivered package security system 100, thereby making theft of a secured package more difficult.
The controller system 106 is enclosed in a tamper resistant cover 124. When the package box 104 is in the folded position, the width and thickness of the cover 124 may the same as, or substantially the same as, the width and thickness of the front panel 112 and the bottom panel 114 to give the delivered package security system 100 a slim and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The outside surface of the front panel 112, the bottom panel 114, and the cover 124 may be painted or otherwise treated in any manner to further improve the aesthetic appearance of the delivered package security system 100. In an example embodiment, the outside surfaces of the front panel 112, the bottom panel 114, and the cover 124 are made of weather resistant brushed steel.
In a preferred embodiment, the folded package box 104 is locked (secured) and cannot be opened in the absence of authorization from the controller system 106. When a package is delivered, the arrival of the delivery person may be indicated to the controller system 106. In response to the arrival of the delivery person, the folded package box 104 is released by the controller system 106.
In some embodiments, the delivered package security system 100 includes a smart lock 602 (
A frame 306 is rigidly secured to the support pole 102 and the securing means 108 (
The inner edge 308 of the bottom panel 114 is rotatably hinged to the bottom portion of the frame 306. As the bottom panel 114 moves downward into a horizontal orientation or substantially horizontal orientation, the hinged inner edge allows rotation of the bottom panel 114 while keeping the bottom panel 114 secured to the frame 306.
When in the opened position, a plurality of horizontally aligned side members 310 form the left and right sides of the opened package box 104. In a non-limiting example embodiment, the proximal ends of the side members 310 are rotatably secured to the frame 306. The distal ends of the side members 310 are rotatably secured to the side edges of the front panel 112. Accordingly, when the package box 104 is closed and in its folded position, the side members 310 are substantially vertically oriented. Preferably, the side members 310 are hidden from view by the sides 120 of the front panel 112 when the package box 104 is closed.
During opening of the package box 104, as the front panel 112 moves outward and downward into its vertical orientation, the hinged side members 310 rotate downwardly from their substantially vertical orientation. When the package box 104 has been opened, the side members 310 are then in a substantially horizontal orientation.
Preferably, the side members 310 are made of a rigid material that is tamper resistant. In a preferred embodiment, the side members 310 may be strengthened steel wires or bars. Other embodiments may employ flexible chains, steel cables or the like as the side members 310.
When the package box 104 is initially opened by the delivery person, the lid 312 is oriented in a vertical orientation behind the front panel 112. When the package box 104 is in its closed and folded position, the vertically oriented front panel 112 hides the lid 312 from view. Preferably, the lid 312 is made of a rigid, tamper proof material, such as a steel plate or the like.
In an example embodiment, a controller device 314 resides on the exterior surface of the controller system 106. The delivery person may actuate the controller device 314 to unlock the folded package box 104. Any suitable controller device 314 may be used in the various embodiments, such as a push button, a switch, or a key pad. If a keypad is used, the delivery person may enter a password to unlock the folded package box 104. In response to receiving a predefined pattern of actuation of the plurality of uniquely identified actuators by the delivery person, the folded package box 104 is released for unfolding.
Alternatively, or additionally, the folded package box 104 may be unlocked in a variety of other manners. In a preferred embodiment, an optional smart lock 602 (
Alternatively, or additionally, an example embodiment may include an image capture device 314. Upon approach by the delivery person, the controller system 106 transmits the image to a remote electronic device, such as a smartphone of the owner or other authorized person. Once the owner or other authorized person verifies the authenticity of the delivery person, the owner or other authorized person can then send an unlock command from their remote device back to the controller system 106 and/or the smart lock 602 to unlock the package box 104.
Alternatively, or additionally, a scanner 314 may be configured to scan a bar code, QR code, or the like, that is printed on an identification badge or card carried by the delivery person. Alternatively, or additionally, the code may be printed on the package label or the package itself. On arrival, the delivery person scans the code using the scanner 314. Once the code has been verified, the package box 104 is unlocked. The verification of the code (and therefore verification of the delivery person and/or package) may be done locally by the controller system 106 or remotely using another remote electronic device.
Alternatively, or additionally, a microphone 314 may detect words spoken by the delivery person. In one such embodiment, the delivery person may speak a predefined security code that would unlock the package box 104. Alternatively, the controller system 106 transmits the voice information to a remote electronic device, such as a smartphone of the owner or other authorized person. Once the owner or other authorized person verifies the authenticity of the delivery person, the owner or other authorized person can then send an unlock command that is received by the smart lock 602 from their remote device back to the controller system 106. Such an embodiment may be used with the above-described camera 314. A speaker 314 may be included to support a real time, two-way voice conversation between the delivery person and the owner or other authorized person.
Alternatively, or additionally, the controller system 106 may employ a radio frequency identifier (RFID) scanner that is configures to sense an RFID emitter in possession of the delivery person and/or secured to the package. When the RFID scanner detects presence of the RIFD tag, the package box 104 is unlocked.
Once the package box 104 has been opened, the delivery person places the package into the interior of the opened package box 104. Then, the lid 312 may be closed by the delivery person, as illustrated in
In a preferred embodiment, an optional smart lock 602 (
Some embodiments may include an optional tip tray 502 secured behind the vertically oriented lid 312. When the package has been placed into the package box 104 and the lid 312 has been closed to safely secure the delivered package, the tip tray 502 is exposed. A monetary tip, gift card, or the like left in the tip tray 502 may then be taken by the delivery person.
In response to receiving a first unlocking command, the smart lock 602 releases the frame latch 818 so that the first pin 604 can be drawn out from the first locking aperture 608. Accordingly, the delivery person may pull the front panel 112 outwardly and downwardly to open the package box 104.
Any suitable alternative locking system to retain the package box 104 in the folded position and to secure the lid 312 in a closed position may be used in the various embodiments. For example, but not limited to, retractable hooks, magnets, latches or the like may be used to secure the package box 104 in a tamper proof manner when the package box 104 is in the closed position as illustrated in
In the example embodiment illustrated in
The “J” shaped portion 612 of the securing means 104 is configured to engage the outside surface and the inside surface of the door 12 at the lower end of the door 12. During installation of the delivered package security system 100, the “J” shaped portion 612 may be slid into place around the lower edge of the door 12 when the door 12 is opened. When the door 12 is closed, the “J” shaped portion 612 may not be removed from the door 12 by an unauthorized person. Other securing means may be used to secure the frame 306 to the door 12, such as bolts, screws, clamps, hooks, magnets, or other objects.
The connecting member 614 has a first connecting portion 616 rotatably coupled to the frame 306 and an opposing second connection portion 618 rotatably coupled to the “J” shaped portion 612. A bar member 620 is rotatably coupled to the first and second connecting portions 616, 618. The bar member 620 may be rotatably coupled to the first and second connecting portions 616, 618 using a connector 622, such as a rod, pin, rivet, bolt/nut, clamp screw or the like. As described in greater detail herein below, the bar member 620 facilitates opening and closing of the door 12 while the delivered package security system 100 is secured to the door frame 10 and the door 12.
The processor systems 802, 812 include one or more microprocessors and memories to control operation of the controller system 106 and the smart lock 602, respectively. Any processor system now known or later developed are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure and to be protected by the accompanying claims.
The transceiver 804 is configured to be communicatively coupled to a remote electronic device of the owner or other authorized person. Examples of the remote electronic device include a smartphone, a personal computer, a lap top computer, a note book, a personal device assistant (PDA) or the like. The owner or other authorized person can use the remote electronic device to generate lock commands and/or unlock commands (release commands0 that are transmitted to the transceiver 802 via a suitable communication system (not shown) using wireless or wire-based signals.
The transceiver 814 is communicatively coupled to the transceiver 804 in a preferred embodiment. In such embodiments, the transceiver 814 may employ a low power communication system, such as a near-field communication system. An example near-field communication is Bluetooth. Any suitable low power and/or near-field communication system now known or later developed may be used in the various embodiments. A low power near-field communication system is suitable because of the close proximity of the controller system 106 and the smart lock 602 to each other.
When the remote electronic device is a smart phone, the communication system is a cellular telephone system, such as a radio frequency (RF) wireless system. Here, the owner or other authorized person may use their smartphone or other portable electronic device to communicate with the controller system 106 and/or the smart lock 602 via the transceiver 802, 814.
Alternatively, the communication system may be a telephony system, the Internet, a Wi-fi system, Bluetooth, a near-field communication system, a microwave communication system, a fiber optics system, an intranet system, a local access network (LAN) system, an Ethernet system, a cable system, an infrared system, a satellite system, or a hybrid system comprised of multiple types of communication media. Additionally, embodiments may be implemented to communicate using other types of communication technologies, such as but not limited to, digital subscriber loop (DSL), X.25, Internet Protocol (IP), Ethernet, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and 4G/5G wireless networks. Also, embodiments of the transceivers 804, 814 may be configured to communicate over combination systems having a plurality of segments which employ different formats for each segment that employ different technologies on each segment. Any transceiver now known or later developed is intended to be within the scope of this disclosure and to be protected by the accompanying claims.
In practice, with the preferred embodiment illustrated in
After the delivery person has placed the package in the opened package box 104, the delivery person then closes the lid 312. In an example embodiment, the optional lid sensor 822 senses the covering of the package box 104 by the lid 312. The processor system 812 actuates the lid latch 820 to lock the lid. Here, the second pin 606 is locked into the second locking aperture 610.
When the owner or other authorized person arrives at the delivered package security system 100, the owner or other authorized person uses their remote device to communicate a lid release signal that is communicated to the controller system 106 and/or the smart lock 602. The lid latch 820 releases in response to receiving the lid release command such that the second pin 606 can be pulled out from the second locking aperture 610 as the lid 312 is opened by the owner or other authorized person.
Alternatively, or additionally, the owner or other authorized person may input instructions via the user interface 808 to unlock the lid 312. For example, if the user interface 808 is a key pad, then a security code could be manually entered to unlock the lid 312.
Alternatively, or additionally, a legacy key and lock device may be used to unlock the lid 312. The keyed lock may, in an example embodiment, be accessed on the surface of the lid 312, on the surface of the front panel 112, or on the surface of the cover 124 of the controller system 106.
Power is supplied to the various components of the controller system 106 and the smart lock 602 by a power supply 806, 816, respectively. An example embodiment employs one or more batteries as the power supply 806, 816. Alternatively, or additionally, the power supply 806, 816 may be a solar powered photovoltaic device. Alternatively, or additionally, the power supply 806, 816 may be connected to the electrical system of the building that is connected to a power grid.
One skilled in the art appreciates that, in the alternative, the owner (or other authorized person) may leave a package for pickup by a delivery person or another authorized person. The owner of the delivered package security system 100 simply opens the package box 104, places their package inside the package box 104, and then closes and locks the lid 312 as described herein. When the delivery person or other authorized person arrives, they release the locked lid 312 as described herein. For example, if the user interface 808 is a key pad, the delivery person or other authorized person enters a predefined code using the user interface 808 to unlock the lid 312. Alternatively, or additionally, the delivery person or other authorized person may get into contact with the owner using their mobile device. After verification of the identity of the delivery person or other authorized person, the owner then issues an unlock command to the smart lock 602. Once the lid 312 has been unlocked, the delivery person or other authorized person can remove the package that is being picked up.
Alternative embodiments of the delivered package security system 100 may use other types of securing means 108 to secure the package box 104. For example, but not limited to, the frame 306 may be secured to the support pole 102 only. A torsional spring fixed to the support pole 102 may allow the support pole 102 to pivot as the door 12 is opened or closed. Once the door 12 is closed, the torsional spring is energized or released to push the package box 104 into position in from of the door 12. When the door 12 is opened, the package box 104 follows the opening door and deenergizes the torsional spring.
An alternative embodiment omits the support pole 102. Rather, the “J” shaped portion 612 is sued to secure the package box 104 directly to the door 12. In such an embodiment, the inside of the “J” shaped portion 612 may be secured to the inside surface of the door 12 using a suitable fastener. Suitable fasteners include screws, bolts, magnets, and releasable plates (with rotatable screws).
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the delivered package security system 100 are merely possible examples of implementations of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.
Furthermore, the disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.
