Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle

Abstract

The invention is a self-locking, secured, vented package receptacle for holding delivered packages that is quick and easy for the delivery person to operate. The package receptacle includes six walls forming a hollow box. Two opposing vertical walls include a plurality of vented apertures. One vertical wall includes a half-ring used to secure the package receptacle to another structure by the method of a chain or similar device. One vertical wall includes one part of a locking mechanism. One horizontal wall functions as a floor and includes feet to support the receptacle. One horizontal wall functions as a lid and includes one part of a locking mechanism, an emergency release, operation instructions, and two hinges that hold the lid open and allow the lid to be manually shut.

Description

PRIOR ART

There exist many proposed ways of preventing porch piracy of delivered packages. These include:

• • Apparatus for Receiving Mail and Parcels and Respective Operating Method; Pub. No. US 2022/0117430 A1
  • Apparatus for Receiving and Storing Articles; Pub. No. US 2023/0029102 A1
  • Combination Outdoor Furniture and Locking Package Storage; U.S. Pat. No. 10,881,235 B1
  • Delivered Package Securement System; U.S. Pat. No. 11,498,600 B2
  • Lockable Security Container; Pub. No. US 2019/0313826 A1
  • Maileybox System and Method; Pub. No. US 2022/0061571 A1
  • Method, Apparatus, and Systems for Accepting, Returning or Exchanging Parcels and Deliveries; U.S. Pat. No. 11,206,939 B2
  • Outdoor Furniture Containing a Fortified Drop Box for the Exterior of a Home and Method of Use Thereof; U.S. Pat. No. 10,835,046 B2
  • Package Security Device; U.S. Pat. No. 10,383,472 B2
  • Parcel Box for Receiving and Keeping Parcels in a Theftproof Manner; U.S. Pat. No. 8,740,056 B2
  • Parcel Securing Assembly; U.S. Pat. No. 10,653,262 B1
  • Receptacle for Receiving a Package and Preventing Theft of the Package; Pub. No. US 2022/0395125 A1
  • Secure Package Receptacle for Receiving Drone Deliveries; U.S. Pat. No. 11,583,122 B2
  • Secure Parcel Delivery Receptacle; U.S. Pat. No. 11,103,096 B1
  • Security Container; Pub No. US 2022/0267048 A1
  • System and Method for Secure Lock Box with Near Proximity Awareness; Pub. No. US 2018/0177319 A1
  • Theft Proof Storage Container; U.S. Pat. No. 11,344,144 B2
  • Theft-Resistant Box; U.S. Pat. No. 11,363,902 B1
  • Vented Package Lockbox; Pub. No. US 2020/0268187 A1

The problem with previous inventions is that they require more time and effort from the delivery person than most delivery personnel are able or willing to put forth.

Additionally, some of the previous inventions require modifying a building, use of electricity or batteries, or coordination between the delivery person and the receiver of the package. All of these elements are inconvenient for both parties and reduce the chances of the delivered package being secured.

Additionally, most of the prior art is expensive to manufacture. Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle is designed to be simpler and cheaper to manufacture than inventions shown in prior art.

Of the prior art, Vented Package Lockbox; Pub. No. US 2020/0268187 A1 is most similar to the invention described in this Specification document. The Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle described in here is different from the prior art in key areas.

Vented Package Lockbox; Pub. No. US 2020/0268187 A1 is designed such that securing the package receptacle creates permanent alteration to a structure. The Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle is designed to be secured without damaging or altering any structure.

Vented Package Lockbox; Pub. No. US 2020/0268187 A1 is designed to be semi-permanently installed. This makes it difficult to use by renters and others who cannot alter their building. The Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle is designed to be easily transferred between buildings, making it feasible for renters to use.

Vented Package Lockbox; Pub. No. US 2020/0268187 A1 is a more complex design than the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle, thus making the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle more adaptable to various residential, commercial, and aesthetic applications.

In summary, Vented Package Lockbox; Pub. No. US 2020/0268187 A1 is a complex design for semi-permanent installation when it is possible to permanently alter the structure to which the lockbox is secured, thus making it unlikely to be useful to residential and commercial renters. The Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle is a simpler design for temporary installation, thus making it more likely to be useful to residential and commercial renters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to delivered package protection. More specifically, this invention provides a self-locking, securable security container that is quick and easy for the delivery person to operate without any training and requires minimal inconvenience from the person receiving the package.

Other package receptacles intended to prevent porch piracy do not contain the combination of features in this invention. This invention solves the problem none of the prior art addresses because this invention takes little time or knowledge for the delivery person to secure the delivered item nor does it permanently alter the structure to which it is secured.

Most other inventions require significant effort on the part of the delivery person. This invention only requires that they push or pull the lid shut. Unlike most similar inventions, this invention requires no more time or operational knowledge than that required for closing a typical mailbox, thus increasing the likelihood of use by the delivery person.

Additionally, this invention does not require modifications to an existing structure. It can be operated without electricity or batteries and requires no coordination between the delivery person and the receiver of the package. It is suitable for temporary residential and commercial use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle can be secured to prevent the package receptacle from being removed without the owner's consent. This invention is designed to prevent porch piracy, to be easy and quick for delivery personnel to use, to be flexible in size and style to meet users' needs, be suitable for temporary installment without alteration to existing structures, and to have safety features to prevent death should a person or animal become locked inside the box.

The invention does not require electricity or batteries to operate. The lock may be operated by a battery, but this is not required. The invention can be operated completely mechanically without any electricity or batteries.

This invention is comprised of a bottom, four side walls, and a lid affixed by hydraulic hinge lift arms or any other hinge suitable for the purpose to one or more side walls. A lock is attached to the lid and one side wall so that the lid can be secured in a closed position. The hydraulic hinge lift arm or any other hinge suitable for the purpose holds the lid in the open position until the lid is manually closed. One side wall has a securing ring through which a cable can be passed to secure the box to a porch post or other immovable fixture. An emergency release is attached to the lid on the inside of the package receptacle. The emergency release is connected to the lock, allowing the lock to be disengaged from inside the package receptacle. All four sides have vents, holes, or any ventilation system that allows air to enter but prevents animals or weather from entering. This ventilation system allows airflow inside the package receptacle when the lid is closed, thus preventing suffocation should any person or animal become locked inside the package receptacle. These vents, holes, or any ventilation system that allows air to enter but prevents animals or weather from entering also allow for drainage should liquid collect in the package receptacle. Instructions to operate the secure package receptacle are on the inside of the lid, visible when the lid is open. A handle to aid in closing the lid is secured to the inside of the lid. Four feet are attached to the bottom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a three-quarter view from the front and side of the open package receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a view from the top of the open package receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a three-quarter view from the front and side of the closed package receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a three-quarter view from the back and side of the closed package receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a view from the back side of the closed package receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a view from the bottom of the package receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a view from the top of the closed package receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This description references attached drawings. In order to present a clear and concise description, the preferred embodiment of the invention is described. The description and drawings are representative of the invention; they should not be considered limiting in any manner.

Referencing FIG. 1, there is shown a three-quarter open front 2 and side 2 view of the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle. The invention has a lid 1, bottom 3, and plurality of side walls 2. In FIG. 1, the lid 1 is open.

Seen inside the package receptacle are the hydraulic hinge lift arms or any other hinge suitable for the purpose 4 attached to the lid 1 and two opposing side walls 2. The emergency release 5 is shown attached to the inside of the lid 1. Instructions for operation of the invention 7 and a handle 6 for closing the invention, and part of the lock 11 are also seen on the lid 1.

The Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle is any desired shape, material. The Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle may be made from steel, aluminum, wood, hard plastic, or any other material suitable for the purpose. Multiple Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacles may be constructed as a single unit with each compartment having its own lockable lid 1. The present embodiment shows the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle with a single compartment.

In all embodiments, the side walls 2 are connected to the bottom 3 and to each other. The connections are such that it is difficult to break the side walls 2 away from one another and from the bottom 3. The connections are such that a person could not break into the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle without tools or considerable force. In another embodiment, the bottom 3 and side walls 2 are formed as a single unit having strong angles to prevent the side walls 2 and the bottom 3 from breaking away from each other. In an embodiment with multiple compartments, the bottom 3, side walls 2, and compartment dividers may be formed as a single unit with strong angles to prevent any part from being broken away from another part.

The lid 1 is connected to one or more side walls 2 by one or more hydraulic hinge lift arms or any other hinge suitable for the purpose 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 1 is connected to two opposing side walls 2 by two hydraulic hinge lift arms 4, each hinge connecting one side of the lid 1 to one side wall 2. In all embodiments, the lid 1 is capable of being shut and locked in the shut position. In all embodiments, the hinges 4 hold the lid 1 open until the lid 1 is manually shut. In all embodiments, the hinges 4 are strong enough to prevent the lid 1 from shutting in a gust of wind, brush from an animal, or other incidental force. In all embodiments, the hinges 4 are loose enough to allow the average person to manually and easily shut and open the lid 1 without effort beyond what is accessible to the average human adult.

The Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle may be made in any desired dimension. Suggested dimensions include 12×12 inches, 18×18 inches, and 24×24 inches. These are not the only dimensions the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle may be made in.

Referencing FIG. 2, there is shown a view from the top of the open Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle with the lid 1 in the open position. This is the position the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle will be in when ready to receive a package.

Referencing FIG. 3, there is shown a three-quarter closed view from the front 4, or side 2 with the lock 11, and one side 2 of the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle. In this view, the lid 1 is closed. The lock 11 may be in any embodiment, mechanical, electrical, biometric, or other embodiment, such as a fob lock, that exists or may exist. In all embodiments, the lock 11 automatically engages when the lid 1 of the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle is shut.

Referencing FIG. 4, there is shown a three-quarter closed view from the back 2 and one side 2 of the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle with the lid 1 in the closed position. The securing ring 9 is seen on the back 2 and the vent apertures 8 are seen on the side wall 2. The supporting feet 10 are also seen. The feet 10 may take any embodiment that serves the purpose of supporting the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle above the surface on which it sits.

The secure package receptacle has a securing ring 9 attached to one or more side walls 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing ring 9 is attached to one side wall 2. The securing ring 9 is attached to the side wall 2 opposite the side wall 2 to which is attached the locking mechanism 11. The securing ring 9 may be placed anywhere on the side wall 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing ring 9 is placed at the bottom of the side wall 2. The securing ring 9 is made from the same material as the package receptacle. The securing ring 9 is joined to the side wall 2 such that it is difficult to break the securing ring 9 from the side wall 2. A person would need tools or considerable force to break the securing ring 9 from the side wall 2. In one embodiment, the securing ring 9 is formed as a single unit with the side wall 2 to which it is attached. In all embodiments, the package receptacle may be secured to a post or other stable feature by the method of a flexible cable and lock, such as those used to secure firearms.

Referencing FIG. 5, there is shown a view of the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle from the side 2 with vent apertures 8. FIG. 5 shows one of two opposing side walls 2 on which, near the bottom 3, are vents, holes, or any ventilation system 8 that allows air to enter but prevents animals or weather from entering. These vents, holes, or any ventilation system 8 that allows air to enter but prevents animals or weather from entering may take any shape or design that achieves the desired purpose. In this embodiment, the vent apertures 8 are circular openings. In this embodiment, on a 12×12 side wall 2 there are three 1-inch screened holes that allow air to enter but prevent animals or weather from entering. The lock 11, securing ring 9, and supporting feet 10 can also be seen in FIG. 5.

Referencing FIG. 6, there is shown a view from the bottom 3 of the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle. Attached to the bottom 3 are four feet 10 made from rubber or any other suitable material. These feet 10 are 0.5-inches tall and wide, or any embodiment that serves the desired purpose. These feet 10 may be made as a single unit with the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle or as separate pieces securely attached to the invention. These feet 10 function to elevate the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle above the surface the Self-Locking, Vented, Secured Package Receptacle sits on. The lock 11 and securing ring 9 can also be seen in this view.

It is submitted that the invention has been shown in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized that the modifications and departures within the scope of this description will be made by a person skilled in the art of manufacture. Referencing the above description and drawings, it is to be realized that all equivalent relationships to those described and illustrated are intended to be encompassed by the intended invention.

The drawings and descriptions included here are only illustrative of the principles of the invention. Since modifications will occur to one skilled in the art of manufacture, the invention should not be limited to the operation illustrated and described. All modifications and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention may be used.

Claims

1. A package receptacle comprising: a right side wall with a plurality of vent apertures;

2. The package receptacle of claim 1 further comprising one hydraulic hinge lift arm coupled to the right wall and the right side of the lid and one hydraulic hinge lift arm coupled to the left wall and the left side of the lid such that the lid remains open until manually moved to the closed position.

3. The package receptacle of claim 2 further comprising one hydraulic hinge lift arm coupled to the right wall and the right side of the lid and one hydraulic hinge lift arm coupled to the left wall and the left side of the lid such that the package delivery person is able to shut the lid by using minimal force to push or pull the lid in a downward direction.

4. The package receptacle of claim 2 further comprising one hydraulic hinge lift arm coupled to the right wall and the right side of the lid and one hydraulic hinge lift arm coupled to the left wall and the left side of the lid such that the lid is resistant to closure by wind, animals, and any other non-human or unintentional force.

5. The package receptacle of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of screens coupled to the plurality of vent apertures in the right and left walls.

6. The package receptacle of claim 1 further comprising an emergency release device being in operational arrangement with the locking apparatus.

7. The package receptacle of claim 4 further comprising the emergency release device being phosphorescent.

8. The package receptacle of claim 1 further comprising a handle coupled to the inside of the lid.