RECEPTACLE GATEWAY APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENABLING SECURE PACKAGE DELIVERY

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a receptacle gateway apparatus and method for secured delivery of packages into a container. The gateway includes an opening in the container adequate for receiving delivery of a package. In an embodiment the gateway includes a gateway door that is lockable but it is intended that the gateway will not be locked thus allowing unencumbered access for the delivery person to insert the packages through the gateway. The container has a second door that when opened allows for removal of packages. The gateway includes a sensor adapted to identify when a package is delivered through the gateway. The gateway includes a communications device adapted to communicate to an external device such as a light, cellular telephone, doorbell, security system, internet server and home controller. Information about the container and deliveries to the container can be communicated to the user. Embodiments of the gateway for the secure package delivery container include a proximity detector, safety release, heating and cooling system, and light. The gateway can further include a chute, and in an embodiment, a chute that telescopes outwardly from the container.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The technology generally relates to an apparatus and method for delivery persons to insert packages into a secure package delivery receptacle through a gateway. More specifically, the technology relates to a package deliver receptable and method including a gateway having package insertion sensing and communication capabilities thus allowing for improved access to and delivery of packages to the delivery receptacle.

BACKGROUND

With the proliferation of ecommerce, it has become increasingly desirable to provide a secure package delivery container to thwart the theft of articles left by delivery personnel on porches, next to garages, in driveways, etc. The art is replete with solutions to the burgeoning home delivery theft market. The state-of-the-art of proposed solutions create yet additional problems. With each unique container comes its own set of keys, codes, communications, wireless commands and the like to either access or lock the container. One can only imagine the number of keys, combinations, codes or tools a delivery person must carry with them to access all the containers they may encounter on any given day. Then of course there is the issue with multiple deliveries where another round of unlocking and/or locking must occur. How can this be accommodated in an efficient and effective manner that secures the delivered package but does not increase the amount of time the delivery person must spend in the delivery process?

A further drawback found in much of the prior art is the need for the delivery person to open a door to insert the package thus creating more work for the delivery person and slowing down the delivery process.

Additionally, there is a safety concern with existing automatic, or self-locking devices. Some prior art containers automatically lock upon closing. These containers pose a safety hazard if a child climbs into the container and the door is shut thus locking the child inside.

A further drawback existing in much of the prior art is the need to open the container to determine if a parcel has been inserted. Similar to checking the mail on a daily basis, many receptacle containers in the prior art require the user to open the container, often by unlocking, on a regular basis to check if a package has been delivered or not.

U.S. Pat. No. 729,110 to C. P. Young (“Young”) discloses a rural-delivery letterbox consisting of a receptacle box with a flanged, moveable front wall. The front wall, or door, is opened to insert the mail into the receptacle. This prior art requires the delivery person to open a door to insert the parcel into the container increasing the time and effort required by the delivery person thus discouraging the usage of this container. Additionally, there is not any notification to the recipient of insertion of a package.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,412,368 to E. S. Tascher (“Tascher”) discloses a delivery chute which according to its disclosure will deliver with certainty and without damage to the lower or first package from a line or stream of packages that are supplied continuously. The apparent objective of the disclosure is to prevent pressure on the following packages against the lowest package so that it can be removed easily and without damage. This invention requires mechanical pivots and stopping mechanisms and is for transfer of packages into stores, trucks, warehouses, etc. proving inefficient for daily, repeated home package delivery.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,004,346 by Architectural Mailboxes discloses a container utilizing a rotatable drum opening where parcels can be put into the container via a door at the top of the container. The parcels then fall to the bottom of the container where they are removed by the user from a locked section located at the bottom of the container. This disclosure requires the delivery person to open a door to insert the parcel into the container increasing the time and effort required by the delivery person thus discouraging the usage of this container. Additionally, there is no notification to the recipient of insertion of a package.

Other delivery receptacles are known in the prior art including United States Post Office and other package receipt containers. These mailboxes or containers do not have monitoring or communications system to notify the recipient when a letter or package is delivered and also allow related actions such as the remote locking or unlocking of the container, the turning on of lights, or other security measures initiated remotely by the user. Additionally, these containers often require the delivery person to open a cover or door, sometimes with the further requirement of input of a key, code or credential.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a gateway allowing a package to be inserted into a container, or receptacle, where the delivery person does not have to do anything more than simply put the package into the opening. Additionally, there is a need in the art for notification to the recipient of the insertion of the package into the container and for safety features to aid in preventing a person such as a child being locked in the receptacle.

SUMMARY

A gateway for a secure package delivery container comprising a container defining a storage volume where the container has a container body formed of at least one wall and a bottom. The container has a door or access cover operably attached to the container body where the access cover is adapted to be moved from an open position to a closed position. A user engageable locking device secures the access cover to the container body in the closed position.

The container has a gateway for receiving packages. The gateway forms an opening in the container body of suitable size to allow for inserting packages through the gateway into the container. In a first of several nonlimiting embodiments, the gateway has a door that opens as a package is being delivered through the gateway. Upon insertion of a package through the container gateway, the system wirelessly communicates with the recipient, or other designated individuals or external devices, that a package has been inserted into the container thus notifying the recipient of delivery and eliminating the need for the container owner to periodically check if there is a parcel in the container, often times only to find no package inside. In nonlimiting embodiments, this wireless communication may also initiate other activities related to the delivery or container such as: the locking or unlocking of the container; communicate with a wireless device such as a home controller or internet server; the heating or cooling of the container; the lighting of the container or surrounding area; the setting of a timer or alarm; the activation/deactivation of a camera for video surveillance either inside or outside of the container; and/or the activation/deactivation of a sprinkler system.

The gateway is utilized by the person delivering the package to insert the package into the container. This opening may have a cover, or flap, preventing rain, snow, birds, animals, etc. from entering the container. Integrated into the gateway is a sensor capable of detecting the insertion of a package into the opening and a communication device. Upon the insertion of the package into the opening by the delivery person, the resulting movement of the package through the gateway triggers the sensor which in turn activates the communications device to transmit notification to the recipient(s) of the insertion of the package, and/or transmit instructions to activate or deactivate various associated devices.

Further embodiments include a chute or protective shield encompassing the opening enhancing the protection of the opening from the weather and animals; and an electronic eye that may further enhance the sensing of a package being inserted into the container. This electronic eye may be positioned inside the protective chute and, upon the detection of a package inside the chute, cause the cover, or flap, to open mechanically allowing insertion of the package into the container without any pressure being applied.

Another nonlimiting embodiment includes a proximity detection device integrated with the gateway that can cause various actions to be activated upon the detection of a nearby person. These activities can include lighting up of the gateway opening or chute to allow the package to be inserted at night or in dark conditions; the mechanical opening of the cover, or flap, allowing insertion of the device without any pressure being applied; the checking of the container lock status and locking of the container if not locked; notifying the container owner that a person has entered into the area of container; and/or activating a camera or video surveillance. This proximity detection sensor could be an ultrasonic, electromagnetic or infrared sensor; or it could be a pressure sensitive mat placed upon the floor of the porch or receiving area that is in communication with the gateway.

In another nonlimiting embodiment, a switch is in the proximity of the gateway that is in communication with the gateway and, when activated, is capable of initiating activity related to the gateway such as the lighting of the opening or chute, the mechanical opening of the cover, locking the container, notification to the container owner, and/or activating video recording or communications.

Another nonlimiting embodiment of the gateway includes integrated accelerometer and GPS devices to detect the movement or location of the gateway and the ability to notify the owner if the gateway is being moved.

Another nonlimiting embodiment of the gateway includes a thermometer device located on the inside of the opening to determine the temperature inside the container and the ability to notify the owner of this status.

Another nonlimiting embodiment of the gateway includes a safety switch located on the inside of the opening. This switch, which may take the form of a fluorescent pull chain similar to those found in automobile trunks, functions as a safety device in the circumstances of a person being locked into the container. When activated, this safety switch can unlock the container, and/or notify the container owner of its activation.

Another nonlimiting embodiment of the gateway includes a counter in the gateway that keeps track of the number of packages that have entered the container and the ability to notify the owner of this status.

Another nonlimiting embodiment of the gateway includes a keypad on the opening or protective chute to allow the person inserting the package to enter a message, ID number, or other information when delivering the package and the ability to notify the recipient of this message or ID.

A further nonlimiting embodiment includes a protective chute or shield around the opening as described above that will telescope out upon activating a switch or the activation of a proximity sensor.

Another nonlimiting embodiment includes one or more motion detectors attached to the gateway inside the container that will detect movement inside the container. This is a safety feature to allow notification to the container owner in the circumstances of a child or animal being inside the container. This safety feature may be offered in conjunction with the gateway but will more prevalently be a part of the container than as part of the gateway. The gateway will not be locked in normal use thus allowing the delivery person to freely insert the package into the gateway. Preferably, the gateway will be of such size that it will be almost impossible for any child to enter through the gateway

Thus, disclosed is a simpler, easier to use, quicker and improved apparatus, and method for delivery persons to insert packages into a secure and/or weatherproof receptacle. The apparatus and method solve problems existing in the prior art including not requiring the delivery person to open any doors, covers, latches, etc.; or enter any codes, keys, credentials, wireless signals, etc. in order to deliver a package. The delivery person can simply slide the package through the gateway into the container thus making it easier and quicker for the delivery person. The package once inserted is secure in the receptacle and the system user is alerted to the presence of the package and is able to remotely initiate security measures related to the delivery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, an appreciation of the various aspects is best gained through a discussion of various examples thereof. Referring now to the drawings, exemplary illustrations are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent the illustrations, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limiting or restricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplary illustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of an embodiment of a receptacle gateway for secure package delivery container;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a receptacle gateway for a secure package delivery container with the container door in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a receptacle gateway for a secure package delivery container with the gateway door in an open position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a receptacle gateway for a secure package delivery container with wireless communications;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a secure package delivery container with a climate control system;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a receptacle gateway for a secure package delivery container with an alternative embodiment of the gateway; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the method of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary illustrations of receptacle gateway apparatus and method are shown in the attached drawings. However, the embodiments discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

As used herein, the phrase “state of the gateway” refers to any characteristic of the gateway, including, but not limited to, whether the gateway is locked or unlocked, the passing of a package through the gateway into the storage volume of the container, whether an object is moving within the container, the air temperature of the storage volume, the location of the container, the direction the container is traveling, the velocity of the container, whether the container is receiving power, whether the container is being heated, whether the container is being cooled or indicia of the contents of the container.

With initial reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a receptacle gateway apparatus 100 is shown located on a porch 10 of a structure with a doorbell 20 mounted on a wall 30 by a door 25. Although the receptacle gateway apparatus 100 is shown in a residential environment it is intended that it can equally have commercial application. The receptacle gateway apparatus 100 comprises a container 110 having a container body 120 formed of at least one wall 130 and a bottom 140. The receptacle gateway apparatus 100 has an access cover 150 adapted to be moved from an open position to closed position. Although the access cover 150 is on the top of the container it is contemplated that as an alternative a door to retrieve the packages may be a door on the front or side of the container rather than a cover.

A user engageable locking device 160 and lock 170 secures the access cover 150 to the container body 120 in a closed position. The locking device 160 may be a simple lock or a “smart” lock capable of remote operation. The user engageable locking device 160 is operable to lock the access cover 150 in the closed position thus preventing the removal of any contents of the container 110. In an embodiment, the locking device 160 can be locked without credentials and upon an input from a user as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/444,398 and incorporated herein by reference as if repeated word for word. As used herein “credentials” shall refer to any means used to identify a user including, but not limited to, a barcode, an RFID tag, a numerical code, an alphanumerical code, a key, a combination, a wireless input, or a user identification.

The receptacle gateway apparatus includes a gateway 185 comprising a suitably sized opening in the wall 130 of the container 110. The gateway 185 includes a door 187 adapted to be moved from a closed to an open position to allow for delivery of a package into the container 110. Preferably, the gateway 185 is of a size adequate to accept a range of package sizes. The gateway 185 is not intended to be of a certain limiting size.

Referring also to FIG. 2, the receptacle gateway apparatus with the access cover 150 in an open position is shown, revealing a storage volume 105. In the immediate embodiment, the access cover 150 is operatively attached to the container body 120 by a pair of hinges 145. A locking mechanism 163 associated with the user engageable locking device 160 is shown securely attached to the access cover 150 and positioned to permit the access cover 150 to be locked in a closed position. Although the container body 120 is disclosed in a rectangular shape in the present embodiment, any suitable shape is contemplated, including a cylindrical body, a hexagonal body, a square body, etc. Likewise, any suitable number of walls 130 may be provided to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The container 110 may be formed of wood, plastic, metal, stone, and any composite material known in the art or hereinafter developed. Hardware 190 is shown attached to the bottom 140 for securing the receptacle gateway apparatus 100 in a location. It is also contemplated that hardware 190 for securing the apparatus 100 may be located on the back, sides, or top of container 110 and be of various forms including brackets, anchor pins, or eye bolts. Although container 110 is illustrated in a completely constructed form, it is contemplated that container 110 can be shipped to the user in component parts and assembled by the user.

Referring now also to FIG. 3, in a nonlimiting embodiment the receptacle gateway apparatus 100 is shown with the door 187 of the gateway 185 in a partially open position with an internal sensor 195 on the inside of the receptacle gateway apparatus 100 proximate to the gateway 185. The internal sensor 195 is adapted to sense when a package is inserted through the gateway. The sensor 195 includes any suitable type of sensor known to those skilled in the art. For example, sensor 195 could be a pressure sensor that signals when the door 187 is opened. Alternatively, sensor 195 could be an electronic “eye” that sees the movement of the door 187 or a package through the gateway. The sensor 195 is connected to a communications device 165 which receives signals from the sensor 195. The insertion of a package by a delivery person into the container 110 through the gateway 185 triggers the sensor 195 which in turn activates the communications device 165 to transmit notification to the recipient(s) of the insertion of the package, and/or transmit instructions to activate or deactivate various associated devices. The sensor 195 and communications device 165 may be integrated into one device.

In a nonlimiting embodiment, the sensor 195 is adapted to count the number of times that a package is inserted and communicate this information to the user through the communications device 165, thus informing the user of the number of deliveries made.

The door 187 is attached by hinges 225 to the container 110. Suitable hinges include any type of hinge known to those skilled in the relevant art. The door 187 pivots on the hinges 225 into a fully open position (not shown) thus allowing for placing a package into the container 110 without opening the access cover 150 of the container 110. The door 187 may also be automatically opened by an opening device 189. The opening device 189 includes any suitable type of door opener known to those skilled in the art. The opening device 189 is in communication with the communications device 165. Therefore, the door 187 can be remotely opened by communicating a signal to open the door to the communications device 165. The opening device 189 is also connected to an opening switch 191. The opening switch 191 is for example a button suitable for allowing a delivery person to press the button and automatically open or close the door 187.

The gateway 185 further includes a gateway lock 188 that can lock the door 187 in the closed position thereby preventing further deliveries or any attempt to reach into the container 110 through the gateway 185. The gateway lock 188 is in communication with the communications device 165 and remote controllable through the communications device 165.

Referring now also to FIG. 4, in a nonlimiting embodiment the secure package delivery receptacle gateway apparatus 100 is shown having a processor 168 provided to retrieve instructions and execute arithmetic logic units. Nonvolatile memory (not shown) may be provided to store instructions. Alternatively, a microcontroller may be substituted for processor 168. The processor 168 and microcontroller are known to those skilled in the art.

The communications device 165 may provide instructions to command the gateway 185 to be in an unlocked or locked state. The communications device 165 may notify the recipient of delivery of a package and accordingly may institute instructions to unlock the gateway 185 so that an additional package may be deposited therein. The communications device 165 may transmit signals to or receive signals from an external device 173, including, but not limited to: a light 171, a cellular telephone 172, a doorbell 175, a security system 179, a home controller 177 or an internet server 178. The external device 173 may be any device known in the art or developed in the future capable of transmitting signals to or receive signals from the communications device 165. Although the operation of a transmitter has been disclosed, the invention also contemplates the addition of a receiver, or a transceiver in place of a transmitter and receiver. It should be understood that any means known in the art, or developed in the future, for communicating wireless signals is intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present embodiment. It should be understood that a number of frequency bands may be operationally enabled in the present embodiment to communicate with various devices, for example 850 MHz, 1900 MHz and 1700 MHz to communicate with cellular phones 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz to communicate with a Wi-Fi router, 3.5 GHz to communicate with satellite and 2400 MHz to communicate with Bluetooth.

Accordingly, the communications device 165 is capable of sending signals to and receiving signals from any wireless devices known in the art. Furthermore, it should be understood that the secure receptacle gateway apparatus 100 of the present invention may be hard wired, such as by a LAN, WAN or Ethernet cabling using any suitable protocol known to those skilled in the art. The communications device 165 may communicate the state of container to any external device 173.

The communications device 165, including any external device 173, is operable to remotely instruct the opening of the door 187 of the gateway 185. The opening mechanism (not shown) as known to those skilled in the art, is activated by the communications device 165 to open or close the door 187. This capability allows for remotely instructing the opening of the door 187 thus allowing a delivery into the receptacle gateway apparatus 100 by a delivery person without requiring the delivery person to open the door. Similarly, the door 187 may be closed in the same manner thus allowing the delivery person to leave a delivery without opening or closing the door 187.

The communications device 165 is also in communication with an external communications device 225 including a microphone 230 and camera 220 for providing communications between a user and delivery person or other person within proximity to the receptacle gateway apparatus 100. The external communications device 225 may also include a motion detector 222.

In a nonlimiting embodiment, the communications device 165 is also in communication with an internal object sensing device 240. The internal object sensing device 240 includes an internal camera 221. The internal object sensing device 240 may also include a load cell, proximity sensor, IR LED and IR detector, or other light source photodetector (not shown) may be used to detect the presence of an object in the container 110. Alternatively, the internal object sensing device 240 may include a lowlight CMOS (not shown) to identify the presence of an object in the container 110.

In a nonlimiting embodiment, the external communication device 225 may also include a pressure mat 231 adapted to sense the presence of a person standing on the mat and automatically open the door 187 of the gateway 185. The pressure mat 231 is connected by a cord 232 to the communications device 165. Alternatively, the pressure mat 231 may be wirelessly connected to the communications device 165. In a nonlimiting embodiment, the external communications device 225 is capable of sensing the presence of a person such as a delivery person approaching the receptacle gateway apparatus 100. Communications systems may be adapted from existing systems such as the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,819,867 titled, Low-Power-Consumption Audio/Video Recording and Communication Doorbell. Other communications systems known to those skilled in the art may also be used. Further, the communications device 165 may be in communication with an automated doorbell system as known to those skilled in the art. In addition, the communications system 165 may be in communications with an external switch and/or video camera that can be used to activate the opening of the door 187 of the gateway 185.

In a nonlimiting embodiment, the communications device 165 is also in communication with a thermometer 233 to measure the temperature of inside of the container 110.

In a nonlimiting embodiment, the communications device 165 may also be in communication with a location sensing device 250. A GPS chip (not shown) provides the actual location of the container 110 within a range of approximately 5 meters by communicating with satellites and transmitting the data to an external device 173. Examples of such a chip include the Nano Hornet GPS module having an integrated patch antenna. Another example is the BCM47755 chip by Broadcom capable of communicating with L1 and L5 satellites. The location sensing device 250 may also comprise at least one of a magnetometer, gyroscope or accelerometer for determining the location, or movement, of the container 110. A magnetometer senses magnetic fields and can provide a heading relative to the Earth's magnetic North Pole. A gyroscope provides orientation details about the container 110. The accelerometer detects how fast the container 110 is traveling at any given time.

In a nonlimiting embodiment, a safety switch 237 is located on the inside of the container 110. This switch, which may take the form of a fluorescent pull chain similar to those found in automobile trunks, functions as a safety device in the circumstances of a person being locked into the container 110. When activated, the safety switch 237 will unlock the container 110. It may also notify the user via the communications device 165 of its activation. In a nonlimiting embodiment, a light 240 to illuminate the gateway is attached to the container 110. The light 240 may also be in communication with the communications device 165 thereby allowing for remote operation of the light.

Referring now also to FIG. 5, in a nonlimiting embodiment, the receptacle gateway apparatus 100 is shown having a climate control system 200 located on the back side 125. The climate control system 200 may be a refrigeration system 205 or heating system 207. Power is provided to the refrigeration system 205 or heating system 207 by power cord 203. Additionally, insulated walls 210 may be provided to improve the efficiency of the climate control system 200. In the present embodiment electrical power is provided by an electric power cord 203, however other means may be provided to power the receptacle gateway apparatus 100 such as batteries, solar power, or wind power. It is contemplated that any necessary power conditioning circuitry is contained within the receptacle gateway apparatus 100. The climate control system 200 is in communication with the communications device 165 thus allowing the user to remotely control and activate or deactivate the refrigeration system 205 or heating system 207.

Referring now to FIG. 6, in a nonlimiting embodiment the gateway 185 of the receptacle gateway apparatus 100 includes a chute 273. The chute 273 extends outwardly away from the wall 130 of the container 110 and creates a pathway for inserting packages into the container through the gateway 185. The chute 273 also makes the receptacle gateway apparatus 100 more secure as it limits an ability for potential theft from occurring by limiting an ability to reach into the container and retrieve delivered packages. The chute also assists in preventing outdoor elements such as rain or snow from entering the container. The door 187 provides additional protection against both theft and the elements. An internal sensor 195 (not visible), as described above, provides information about whether packages have been delivered and may keep count of the deliveries. Alternatively, in a nonlimiting embodiment a chute sensor 275 is present on the chute 273 to provide information about whether packages have been delivered and potential count of the deliveries. As described above, the door 187 may be actuated open and closed by an actuating apparatus well known in the art.

In a nonlimiting embodiment, the chute 273 includes an internal chute 277 portion that extends into the container 110. The internal chute 277 advantageously increases theft protection by making it more difficult for someone to reach into the container 110 and retrieve any delivered packages. In a nonlimiting embodiment, the chute 273 including the internal chute 277 is adapted to telescope in an outwardly direction 279 from the container 110. The telescoping chute can be activated by the proximity detector which causes a motorized gear box to engage with a toothed gear track on the chute forcing the chute outward to the exterior of the container. The telescoping action of the chute can be powered by a DC Servo motor that rotates a connecting belt or chain moving the chute outward to the exterior of the container 110 or, in reverse, inwardly to the interior of the container 110. The DC Servo motors may be powered via a power cord, batteries, solar or wind.

In a nonlimiting embodiment, the gateway 185 has a keypad 253 adapted to allow a person to enter a message, identification number, or other information. The keypad 253 is in communication with the communications device 165.

Referring now also to FIG. 7, in operation, the gateway 185 of the receptacle gateway apparatus 100 is in a ready state 300 to receive a delivery of a package. Therefore, no credentials, codes or keys are needed to open the gateway 185 of the receptacle gateway apparatus 100 and put a package inside. The delivery person inserts the package into the gateway 185. A delivery 306 can then be made to the receptacle gateway apparatus 100. Upon insertion of a package into the receptacle gateway apparatus 100 through the gateway 185 the presence of the package being inserted through the gateway 185 is sensed 308.

Upon sensing the package in the gateway 185, the sensor 195 communicates 310 insertion of the package to the communications device 165. The communications device 165 then communicates 312 with the receptacle gateway apparatus 100 user that a package has been delivered and can activate other devices associated with the delivery 314.

In a nonlimiting embodiment, when the system is in the ready state 300 and a delivery is about to be made at step 304, external communications device 225 such as a microphone 230, camera 220, motion detector 222, or other proximity detector can be used to sense the presence of the delivery person preparing to make a delivery. The delivery person's presence can be communicated via the communications device 165 to an external device 173. The system user has ability to communicate with the delivery person and can activate other devices such as a lock, timer, heating or cooling, etc.

The method can then be repeated for subsequent deliveries beginning with the step of the gateway 185 being in a ready state 300. Thus, repeated deliveries may be made without the need of credentials to either unlock or lock the receptacle gateway apparatus 100. Repeated deliveries are accomplished simply by putting subsequent packages into the gateway. This will aid in the efficient and more expedient delivery of packages since the delivery person will not need to spend time searching for or inputting credentials such as a key or code to open the container.

Claims

1. A gateway for a secure package delivery container, comprising:

a container defining a storage volume, said container having a container body formed of at least one wall and a bottom, said container having a door operatively attached to said container body, said door being adapted to be moved from an open position to a closed position;

a user engageable locking device for securing the door to the container body in the closed position;

a gateway comprising an opening in said container suitable in size for allowing delivery of packages into the container, said gateway having a sensor for detecting a delivery of a package; and

a communications device wherein said communications device is in communication with said sensor and adapted to transmit signals to or receive signals from an external device.

2. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, wherein said gateway further comprises a gateway door operatively attached to said gateway, said gateway door being adapted to be moved from a closed position to an open position, wherein when in the closed position the gateway is closed.

3. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 2, wherein said gateway further comprises a gateway lock for securing the gateway door in the closed position.

4. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 3, wherein said communications device is adapted to transmit signals to or receive signals from said gateway lock to command said gateway lock to be in a locked or unlocked state.

5. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a user engageable opening device, said opening device operable to open or close said gateway door.

6. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 5, wherein said communications device is adapted to transmit signals to or receive signals from said user engageable opening device, said communications device is in communication with said user engageable opening device to command said user engageable opening device to open or close the gateway door.

7. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the sensor is one of an electronic eye and a photo detector.

8. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the external device is at least one of a light, a cellular telephone, a doorbell, an internet router, an internet server, a security system, a home controller, a hub, a proximity sensor, a motion detector, a microphone, an external camera, an object sensing device, an internal camera, a load cell, a proximity sensor, an IR LED, an IR detector, a light source combined with a photodetector, and a lowlight CMOS.

9. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a proximity detector adapted to detect the presence of a person in proximity to said container, wherein the proximity detector is in communication with said communications device.

10. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 9, wherein said proximity detector is adapted to activate at least one action with the gateway, wherein the at least one action includes unlocking the gateway, automatically opening the gateway door, initiating communication with the container owner, activating video and audio recording, and turning on a light.

11. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 9, wherein the proximity detector is at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, and an infrared sensor.

12. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 9, wherein the proximity detector is a pressure sensitive mat in proximity to the gateway, wherein the pressure sensitive mat is in communication with the gateway.

13. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a location device adapted to identify the geographic location of the container, wherein the location device comprises at least one of an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a gyroscope and a GPS device, wherein the location device is in communication with the communications device, wherein the location or movement of the container can be communicated to the user.

14. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a thermometer located inside the gateway, wherein the thermometer is in communication with said communications device.

15. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a safety switch inside the container adapted to unlock the door of the container.

16. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 15, wherein the safety switch is in communication with the communications device.

17. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a counting device adapted to count the number of packages inserted through the gateway.

18. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 17, wherein the counting device is in communication with the communications device.

19. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a keypad adapted to allow a person to enter a message, identification number or other information pertaining to the delivery.

20. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a motion detector disposed in the container, wherein the motion detector is adapted to detect motion inside the container.

21. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 20, wherein the motion detector is in communication with the communications device.

22. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gateway comprises a chute leading into the container.

23. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 22, wherein the chute is adapted to telescope outwardly from the gateway.

24. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 23, wherein the chute is adapted to telescope outwardly from the gateway upon at least one of action by a switch or the proximity detector.

25. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a light adapted to illuminate the gateway.

26. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, wherein said container further comprises a climate control system.

27. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 26, wherein said climate control system is a refrigeration or heating system.

28. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 26, wherein said climate control system is in communication with the communications device.

29. The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in claim 1, wherein said container can be shipped in component parts to be assembled by the user.

30. A method of inserting packages into a secured delivery container that does not require any action by the delivery person to open any doors, levers, handles, etc. or input any codes, keys, credentials, etc. thus speeding the package delivery process and additionally communicating the delivery of a package, the method comprising:

inserting a delivery object through the gateway in the secured delivery container;

sensing the insertion of the delivery object with a sensor disposed in the gateway; and

signaling to at least one of user and a device that a delivery has been made.