Patent Application
20230309730
A secure outdoor storage system comprising: i) a container configured to receive and hold a delivered item; ii) a lid coupled to the container and configured to cover an opening of the container; and ii) a base on which the container is securely mounted. The base is configured to be securely connected to a structure. The secure outdoor storage system further comprises iv) a electronic locking mechanism; and v) an electronic control module for controlling the opening and closing of the lid.
The present application relates generally to storage containers and, more specifically, to a delivery and storage container that appears as a plant pot.
Online shopping continues to grow as consumers become accustomed to the convenience and speed of home delivery of purchased items. It is much easier to find products in an online store than in a bricks-and-mortar store and online shopping eliminates the time and inconvenience of traveling to a physical store. However, these improvements are not without drawbacks.
The delivery of clothes, electronics, groceries and more to millions of homes every day has resulted in an explosion of package thefts from the front doors of homes. Package theft and claims that delivered goods were “damaged during shipping” or “not delivered” plague the business of home delivery. Quite often, goods are damaged during shipping because they are exposed to the public or left on a porch for hours without any protection from the elements. This costs merchants and consumers hundreds of millions of dollars per year.
To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, it is a primary object to provide a secure outdoor storage system comprising: i) a container configured to receive and hold a delivered item; ii) a lid coupled to the container and configured to cover an opening of the container; and ii) a base on which the container is securely mounted. The base is configured to be securely connected to a structure. The secure outdoor storage system further comprises iv) a electronic locking mechanism; and v) an electronic control module for controlling the opening and closing of the lid. The effectiveness of the storage system is enhanced by the use of fake greenery installed on the top of the lid to better blend within the system's physical surroundings.
In one embodiment, the control module is configured to communicate with a wireless mobile device associated with the user.
In another embodiment, the secure outdoor storage system further comprises a secure outdoor storage system with a locking mechanism that is mechanical.
In another embodiment, the secure outdoor storage system further comprises a secure outdoor storage system with a locking mechanism that is mechanical where the mechanism locks automatically when the cover is pushed down.
In a yet further embodiment, the secure outdoor storage system further comprises a locking mechanism for maintaining the lid in a closed position on the container.
In a yet further embodiment, the secure outdoor storage system further comprises collapsible sides in an accordion-like shape.
In one embodiment, the control module is configured to open and close the locking mechanism.
In another embodiment, the secure outdoor storage system further comprises a scale disposed in the interior of the container.
Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:
The present disclosure describes a secure outdoor storage system that provides increased security, flexibility, and convenience to consumers who order products, including food or groceries, for delivery. A delivery person places the delivered products into the secure outdoor storage system and the secure outdoor storage system keeps its contents safe from theft, vandals, and animals, protected from weather until the consumer is able to remove the delivered products from the protective storage system. The storage space within the system can be compartmentalized to allow for multiple packages.
The disclosed secure outdoor storage system functions as a heavy-duty safe, and a remotely accessible security system. The secure outdoor storage system can be bolted to a concrete foundation or a wooden deck on the exterior of a building or other structure. The secure outdoor storage system is waterproof. The secure outdoor storage system comprises actuators that control the opening and closing of the lid of the protective storage system. The disclosed secure outdoor storage system device keeps the objects within it safe from theft harsh weather conditions.
The locking mechanism securing the lid can be magnetic or mechanical in nature. The magnetic lock embodiment may be activated and deactivated by electrical or mechanical means. The locking mechanism can be activated by the user pushing down on the lid.
The disclosed secure outdoor storage system provides a convenient, secure, home-based environment for accepting deliveries. This enables the safe delivery of a greater range of products to homes. Cash, temperature-sensitive prescription medicine, alcoholic beverages, and higher value merchandise are just a few products that may be delivered at a consumer's home without the consumer being there to receive it in person.
Although the present disclosure has been described with an exemplary embodiment, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
