Claims
- 1. A system for the secure delivery of a retail good comprising:
a wireless key comprising a first cellular telephone that transmits a first unlocking signal to a geographically distant central server, the wireless key physically separate from a secure receptacle, a receiving unit, the receiving unit comprising a central processing unit communicatively connected to a programmable memory, the receiving unit cooperatively positioned with the secure receptacle and communicatively connected to the geographically distant central server, said receiving unit receiving a second unlocking signal from the geographically distant central server, the secure receptacle comprising a cover and a body, the body defining an interior within the secure receptacle, the body configured to possess an opening from which a retail good can be placed or removed from the interior of the secure receptacle, and the body further dimensioned to receive a plurality of retail goods, the secure receptacle further comprising a locking mechanism communicatively coupled to the central processing unit and cooperatively positioned to securely engage the cover against the body and over the opening, thereby preventing access to the interior of the secure receptacle when desirable, at least one access code stored in the programmable memory, of which one of the secure access codes comprises a current secure access code, and the wireless key further comprising a face and a plurality of buttons, the plurality of buttons located on the face, a combination of the buttons comprising the current secure access code, a successful entry of the current secure access code using the buttons resulting in the processing of the second unlocking signal by the central processing unit and the subsequent release of the locking mechanism to allow the cover to be displaced from over the opening of the secure receptacle.
- 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of buttons comprise buttons marked with alphanumeric indicia.
- 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the programmable memory stores more than one code, and a code system contained in the programmable memory and executed by the central processing unit selects the current access code.
- 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the geographically distant central server is communicatively connected to the receiving unit through the Internet.
- 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiving unit further comprises a pager, the pager communicatively connected to the central processing unit.
- 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiving unit further comprises a second cellular telephone, the second cellular telephone communicatively connected to the central processing unit.
- 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiving unit further comprises a modem, the modem communicatively connected to the central processing unit.
- 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiving unit further comprises a computer within a residence of a user, the computer communicatively connected to the central processing unit.
- 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a keypad cooperatively positioned to the secure receptacle and communicatively connected to the central processing unit, the keypad used to alter any of the secure access codes stored in the programmable memory.
- 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the input device comprises a keypad cooperatively positioned with the secure receptacle.
- 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the input device comprises the wireless key.
- 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the input device comprises a computer within a residence of a user.
- 13. A system for the secure delivery of a retail good comprising:
a wireless key comprising a two-way pager that transmits a first unlocking signal to a geographically distant central server, the wireless key physically separate from a secure receptacle, a receiving unit, the receiving unit comprising a central processing unit communicatively connected to a programmable memory, the receiving unit cooperatively positioned with the secure receptacle and communicatively connected to the geographically distant central server, said receiving unit receiving a second unlocking signal from the geographically distant central server, the secure receptacle comprising a cover and a body, the body defining an interior within the secure receptacle, the body configured to possess an opening from which a retail good can be placed or removed from the interior of the secure receptacle, and the body further dimensioned to receive a plurality of retail goods, the secure receptacle further comprising a locking mechanism communicatively coupled to the central processing unit and cooperatively positioned to securely engage the cover against the body and over the opening, thereby preventing access to the interior of the secure receptacle when desirable, at least one access code stored in the programmable memory, of which one of the secure access codes comprises a current secure access code, and the wireless key further comprising a face and a plurality of buttons, the plurality of buttons located on the face, a combination of the buttons comprising the current secure access code, a successful entry of the current secure access code using the buttons resulting in the processing of the second unlocking signal by the central processing unit and the subsequent release of the locking mechanism to allow the cover to be displaced from over the opening of the secure receptacle.
- 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of buttons comprise buttons marked with alphanumeric indicia.
- 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the programmable memory stores more than one code, and a code system contained in the programmable memory and executed by the central processing unit selects the current access code.
- 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the geographically distant central server is communicatively connected to the receiving unit through the Internet.
- 17. The system of claim 13, wherein the receiving unit further comprises a second pager, the second pager communicatively connected to the central processing unit.
- 18. The system of claim 13, wherein the receiving unit further comprises a cellular telephone, the cellular telephone communicatively connected to the central processing unit.
- 19. The system of claim 13, wherein the receiving unit further comprises a modem, the modem communicatively connected to the central processing unit.
- 20. The system of claim 13, wherein the receiving unit further comprises a computer within a residence of a user, the computer communicatively connected to the central processing unit.
- 21. The system of claim 13, wherein an input device is communicatively connected to the central processing unit, the input device used to alter any of the secure access codes stored in the programmable memory.
- 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the input device comprises a keypad cooperatively positioned with the secure receptacle.
- 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the input device comprises the wireless key.
- 24. The system of claim 21, wherein the input device comprises a computer within a residence of a user.
- 25. A system for the secure delivery of a retail good comprising:
a wireless key comprising a computer within a residence of a user that transmits a first unlocking signal to a geographically distant central server, the wireless key physically separate from a secure receptacle, a receiving unit, the receiving unit comprising a central processing unit communicatively connected to a programmable memory, the receiving unit cooperatively positioned with the secure receptacle and communicatively connected to the geographically distant central server, said receiving unit receiving a second unlocking signal from the geographically distant central server, the secure receptacle comprising a cover and a body, the body defining an interior within the secure receptacle, the body configured to possess an opening from which a retail good can be placed or removed from the interior of the secure receptacle, and the body further dimensioned to receive a plurality of retail goods, the secure receptacle further comprising a locking mechanism communicatively coupled to the central processing unit and cooperatively positioned to securely engage the cover against the body and over the opening, thereby preventing access to the interior of the secure receptacle when desirable, at least one access code stored in the programmable memory, of which one of the secure access codes comprises a current secure access code, and the wireless key further comprising a face and a plurality of buttons, the plurality of buttons located on the face, a combination of the buttons comprising the current secure access code, a successful entry of the current secure access code using the buttons resulting in the processing of the second unlocking signal by the central processing unit and the subsequent release of the locking mechanism to allow the cover to be displaced from over the opening of the secure receptacle.
- 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the plurality of buttons comprise buttons marked with alphanumeric indicia.
- 27. The system of claim 25, wherein the programmable memory stores more than one code, and a code system contained in the programmable memory and executed by the central processing unit selects the current access code.
- 28. The system of claim 25, wherein the geographically distant central server is communicatively connected to the receiving unit through the Internet.
- 29. The system of claim 25, wherein the receiving unit further comprises a pager, the pager communicatively connected to the central processing unit.
- 30. The system of claim 25, wherein the receiving unit further comprises a cellular telephone, the cellular telephone communicatively connected to the central processing unit.
- 31. The system of claim 25, wherein the receiving unit further comprises a modem, the modem communicatively connected to the central processing unit.
- 32. The system of claim 25, wherein the receiving unit further comprises the computer within a residence of a user, the computer communicatively connected to the central processing unit.
- 33. The system of claim 25, wherein an input device is communicatively connected to the central processing unit, the input device used to alter any of the secure access codes stored in the programmable memory.
- 34. The system of claim 33, wherein the input device comprises a keypad cooperatively positioned with the secure receptacle.
- 35. The system of claim 33, wherein the input device comprises the wireless key.
- 36. The system of claim 33, wherein the input device comprises the computer within a residence of a user.
- 37. A system for the secure delivery of a retail good comprising:
a receiving unit comprising an antenna and a first central processing unit, the receiving unit cooperatively positioned with a secure receptacle, the first central processing unit communicatively connected to the antenna, and the antenna communicatively connected to a wireless key via a wireless link, the wireless key comprising a programmable memory, a second central processing unit, and a transmitter that transmits an unlocking signal that is received by the antenna, the wireless key physically separate from the secure receptacle, the secure receptacle comprising a cover and a body, the body defining an interior within the secure receptacle, the body configured to possess an opening from which a retail good can be placed or removed from the interior of the secure receptacle, and the body further dimensioned to receive a plurality of retail goods, the secure receptacle further comprising a locking mechanism communicatively coupled to the first central processing unit and cooperatively positioned to securely engage the cover against the body and over the opening, thereby preventing access to the interior of the secure receptacle when desirable, at least one secure access code stored in the programmable memory of which one of the secure access codes comprises a current secure access code, and the wireless key further comprising a face and a plurality of buttons, the plurality of buttons located on the face, a combination of the buttons comprising the current secure access code, a successful entry of the current secure access code using the buttons processed by the second central processing unit and resulting in the transmission of the unlocking signal via the wireless link to the receiving unit and the release of the locking mechanism to allow the cover to be displaced from over the opening of the secure receptacle.
- 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the plurality of buttons comprise buttons marked with alphanumeric indicia.
- 39. The system of claim 37, wherein the plurality of buttons comprise buttons marked with color indicia.
- 40. The system of claim 37, wherein the programmable memory stores more than one code and a code system contained in the programmable memory and executed by the first central processing unit selects the current access code.
- 41. The system of claim 37, wherein a programming device is communicatively coupled to the programmable memory to upload at least one access code.
- 42. The system of claim 37, wherein the plurality of buttons on the face of the wireless key are communicatively coupled to the programmable memory to upload at least one access code.
- 43. A system for the secure delivery of a retail good comprising:
a receiving unit comprising an antenna, a programmable memory and a central processing unit, the receiving unit cooperatively positioned with a secure receptacle, the central processing unit communicatively connected to the antenna and the programmable memory, and the antenna communicatively connected to a wireless key via a wireless link, the wireless key comprising a transmitter that transmits a plurality of unlocking signals in sequential order, the plurality of unlocking signals received by the antenna, the wireless key physically separate from the secure receptacle, the secure receptacle comprising a cover and a body, the body defining an interior within the secure receptacle, the body configured to possess an opening from which a retail good can be placed or removed from the interior of the secure receptacle, and the body further dimensioned to receive a plurality of retail goods, the secure receptacle further comprising a locking mechanism communicatively coupled to the central processing unit and cooperatively positioned to securely engage the cover against the body and over the opening, thereby preventing access to the interior of the secure receptacle when desirable, at least one secure access code stored in the programmable memory of which one of the secure access codes comprises a current secure access code, and the wireless key further comprising a face and a plurality of buttons, the plurality of buttons located on the face, a combination of the buttons comprising the current secure access code, a successful entry of the current secure access code using the buttons resulting in the transmission of the plurality of unlocking signals via the wireless link to the antenna, the processing of the plurality of unlocking signals by the central processing unit, and the release of the locking mechanism to allow the cover to be displaced from over the opening of the secure receptacle.
- 44. The system of claim 43, wherein the plurality of buttons comprise buttons marked with alphanumeric indicia.
- 45. The system of claim 43, wherein the plurality of buttons comprise buttons marked with color indicia.
- 46. The system of claim 43, wherein the programmable memory stores more than one code and a code system contained in the programmable memory and executed by the central processing unit selects the current access code.
- 47. The system of claim 43, wherein an input device is communicatively connected to the central processing unit, the input device used to alter any of the secure access codes stored in the programmable memory.
- 48. The system of claim 47, wherein the input device comprises a keypad cooperatively positioned with the secure receptacle.
- 49. The system of claim 47, wherein the input device comprises the wireless key.
- 50. A process for the delivery of a retail good, comprising the steps of:
programming at least one programmable access code into a programmable memory, ordering through a first telecommunications device by a user at least one retail good from a supplier, delivering at least one retail good by the supplier to a secure receptacle, entering a user access code by the user into a wireless key, the wireless key being physically separate from the secure receptacle, processing the user access code entered into the wireless key, and disengaging a locking mechanism of the secure receptacle, thereby allowing the user to gain access to at least one retail good previously ordered and delivered.
- 51. The process of claim 50, wherein the access code comprises knowledge-based information that distinguishes the user who ordered at least one retail good from an unauthorized user attempting to gain access to the secure receptacle.
- 52. The process of claim 51, wherein the access code comprises a combination of alphanumeric characters.
- 53. The process of claim 51, wherein the access code comprises a combination of colors.
- 54. The process of claim 50, wherein the access code comprises physical characteristics of the user.
- 55. The process of claim 54, wherein the physical characteristic of the user comprises a finger print.
- 56. The process of claim 54, wherein the physical characteristic of the user comprises a voice print.
- 57. The process of claim 50, wherein the programming the programmable access code into the programmable memory comprises the steps of:
downloading from a web site to a supplier's wireless key the programmable access code, the programmable access code previously designated by the user, transmitting the programmable access code by a low frequency signal to a receiving unit physically integrated with the secure receptacle, and uploading the programmable access code into the programmable memory from the receiving unit.
- 58. The process of claim 50, wherein the programming the programmable access code into the programmable memory comprises the steps of:
accessing a modem through the Internet, the modem being physically integrated with the secure receptacle and communicatively coupled to the programmable memory, downloading from the Internet the programmable access code designated by the user, and uploading the programmable access code into the programmable memory.
- 59. The process of claim 50, wherein the programming the programmable access code into the programmable memory comprises the steps of:
entering the programmable access code using a keypad physically integrated with the secure receptacle and communicatively coupled to the programmable memory, and uploading the programmable access code to the programmable memory.
- 60. The process of claim 50, wherein processing the access code further comprises the steps of:
comparing the user access code entered by the user with the programmable access code programmed into the programmable memory, the programmable memory physically integrated with the wireless key, pushing a button on the wireless key by the user to transmit a low-frequency radio wave signal, and transmitting the low-frequency radio wave signal from the wireless key to a receiving unit physically integrated with the secure receptacle, a receiving unit communicatively connected to the locking mechanism of the secure receptacle, the receiving unit comprising an antenna and a central processing unit.
- 61. The process of claim 60, wherein processing the access code further comprises the step of testing the sobriety of the user through a means for detecting a blood alcohol content.
- 62. The process of claim 50, wherein processing the access code further comprises the steps of:
transmitting a first unlocking signal from a second telecommunications device to a geographically distant central server, transmitting a second unlocking signal from the geographically distant central server to a receiving unit, the receiving unit physically integrated with the secure receptacle and communicatively coupled to a central processing unit, the central processing unit further communicatively coupled to the locking mechanism, and comparing the user access code entered by the user with the programmable access code programmed into the programmable memory, the programmable memory physically integrated with secure receptacle and communicatively coupled to the central processing unit.
- 63. The process of claim 62, wherein the second telecommunications device comprises a pager.
- 64. The process of claim 62, wherein the second telecommunications device comprises a first cellular telephone.
- 65. The process of claim 62, wherein the receiving unit comprises a modem.
- 66. The process of claim 62, wherein the receiving unit comprises a second cellular telephone.
- 67. The process of claim 62, wherein the receiving unit comprises a two-way pager.
- 68. The process of claim 62, wherein the receiving unit comprises a home computer within a residence of a user.
- 69. A process for the delivery of a retail good, comprising the steps:
programming at least one primary programmable access code into a first programmable memory, programming at least one secondary programmable access code into a second programmable memory, ordering through a first telecommunications device at least one retail good from a supplier by a user, delivering at least one retail good by the supplier to a secure receptacle, entering a primary user access code by the user into a wireless key, the wireless key being physically separate from the secure receptacle, entering a secondary user access code by the user into a keypad, the keypad being physically integrated to the secure receptacle, processing the primary user access code entered into the wireless key, processing the secondary user access code entered into the keypad, and disengaging a locking mechanism of the secure receptacle, thereby allowing the user to gain access to at least one retail good previously ordered and delivered.
- 70. The process of claim 69, wherein the primary and secondary access codes comprise knowledge-based information that distinguishes the user who ordered at least one retail good from an unauthorized user attempting to gain access to the secure receptacle.
- 71. The process of claim 69, wherein the primary and secondary access codes comprise a combination of alphanumeric characters.
- 72. The process of claim 69, wherein the primary access code comprises a combination of colors.
- 73. The process of claim 69, wherein the primary access code comprises physical characteristics of the user.
- 74. The process of claim 73, wherein the physical characteristic of the user comprises a finger print.
- 75. The process of claim 73, wherein the physical characteristic of the user comprises a voice print.
- 76. A process for ordering a plurality of retail goods, comprising the steps of:
ordering the plurality of retail goods through the Internet by a user, providing a secure receptacle to the user with a predefined volume to which the plurality of retail goods will be delivered by a delivery carrier, calculating the percent volume a retail good ordered by the consumer will occupy in the secure receptacle when the retail good is placed in the secure receptacle by a delivery carrier, summing the percent volume for each retail good ordered by the user to obtain a total percent volume occupied by the plurality of retail goods, indicating the total percent volume to the user through the Internet while the user is ordering the plurality of retail goods, and resetting the total percent volume to zero after the user removes the plurality of retail goods from the secure receptacle.
- 77. The process of claim 76, wherein the total percent volume consists of summing the percent volume for each retail good ordered by the user in a plurality of orders by the consumer and before.
- 78. The process of claim 77, wherein the plurality of orders comprise orders between different suppliers.
- 79. The process of claim 77, wherein the plurality of orders comprise orders between different times at which the user places an order.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from and incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/228,555, filed on Aug. 28, 2001.
PCT Information
Filing Document |
Filing Date |
Country |
Kind |
PCT/US01/26840 |
8/28/2001 |
WO |
|