SECURITY RECEPTACLE FOR PACKAGES
The security receptacle for packages provides protection for delivered packages and parcels. The receptacle is fabricated from a flexible, weather-resistant, cut-resistant material capable of expanding to accommodate variously sized packages. A lockable, zippered top is provided to securely close the receptacle. The bottom of the receptacle is adapted to accommodate a cable lock to secure the container to a stationary object. A facility is provided to store the receptacle when not in use,
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/476,967, filed Apr. 19, 2011.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to security systems, and particularly to a security receptacle for packages applicable for receiving and securing a delivered package(s) therein.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are times when no one is at home or in the office to receive a package delivered by a delivery company (US Postal Service, Federal Express, United Parcel Service, etc.). In many instances delivery personnel will not leave the package in an unsecured area, but instead will leave a form indicating when the package will be redelivered or where the package may be picked up. Both scenarios can result in time-consuming delays, increased financial expenditures, and considerable angst if the contents of the package are needed immediately. There is a need for some means for leaving the package in a secure arrangement, thereby negating the need for redelivery or pickup. Thus, a security receptacle for packages solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe security receptacle for packages comprises a receptacle that provides protection for delivered packages and parcels. The receptacle is fabricated from a flexible, weather-resistant, cut-resistant material capable of expanding to accommodate variously sized packages. A lockable, zippered top is provided to securely close the receptacle. The bottom of the receptacle is adapted to accommodate a cable lock to secure the container to a stationary object. A facility is provided to store the receptacle when not in use.
Accordingly, the invention presents a secure system that eliminates the need for return trips by delivery personnel. The invention includes a receptacle that provides reduced risk of loss of unattended delivered items. The receptacle is rugged, durable, weather-resistant and expandable. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.
These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSReferring to
As best seen in
The receptacle 12 can be rolled for storage when not in use, as shown in
Using the security system as described above is very easy. Delivery personnel would simply: (1) remove the receptacle 12 from storage; (2) insert the package(s) into the receptacle 12; and (3) close and lock the zipper.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A security receptacle for packages, comprising:
- a receptacle having a closed bottom and an open top;
- at least one flap selectively closing the open top;
- a fastener for securing the at least one flap in a position closing the open top;
- a lock selectively securing the fastener;
- a tunnel attached to the receptacle and positioned adjacent the closed bottom; and
- a cable encapsulated in and extendable from the tunnel.
2. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 1, wherein said fastener is a zipper fastener.
3. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 1, wherein said tunnel is disposed on an outer surface of said receptacle.
4. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 1, wherein said receptacle is fabricated from a rugged, flexible, weather- and cut-resistant fabric.
5. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 1, wherein said cable is fabricated from a heavy-duty, high-strength, cut-resistant material.
6. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 1, wherein the closed bottom of said receptacle comprises a rubber pad.
7. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 1, wherein said at least one flap comprises a plurality of flaps.
8. The security receptacle for packages according to claim I, further comprising a second lock attached to said cable, the second lock being adapted for attachment to a stationary object adjacent a place of delivery in order to tether the receptacle to the place of delivery.
9. A security receptacle for packages, comprising:
- a receptacle having a closed bottom and an open top, the receptacle being fabricated from a rugged, flexible, weather- and cut-resistant fabric;
- a rubber pad defining the closed bottom;
- at least one flap selectively closing the open top;
- a zipper fastener for securing the at least one flap in a position closing the open top;
- a lock selectively securing the zipper fastener;
- a tunnel positioned adjacent the closed bottom on an outer surface of the receptacle;
- a cable encapsulated in the tunnel, the cable being fabricated from a heavy-duty, high-strength, cut-resistant material and having at least one free end extendable from the tunnel; and
- a securing object adapted to receive the at least one free end of the cable, whereby the at least one free end is attachable to the securing object.
10. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 9, wherein said securing object is a bracket adapted to be mounted to a wall.
11. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 9, wherein said securing object is a bracket adapted to be mounted to a floor.
12. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 9, wherein said securing object is a roller frame assembly adapted to be positioned adjacent to a door.
13. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 12, wherein said roller frame assembly comprises:
- a frame;
- an elongate central roller mounted on the frame;
- a pair of elongate end rollers mounted on the frame parallel to the central roller on opposite sides thereof, the end rollers being pivotal relative to the central roller.
14. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 9, further including a pair of support brackets adapted for mounting on a wall, said receptacle being selectively stored on the support brackets when not in use.
15. A security receptacle for packages, comprising:
- a receptacle having a closed bottom and an open top, the receptacle being fabricated from a rugged, flexible, weather- and cut-resistant fabric;
- a rubber pad defining the closed bottom;
- at least one flap selectively closing the open top;
- at least one zipper fastener selectively securing the at least one flap in a position closing the open top;
- a lock selectively securing the at least one zipper fastener;
- a tunnel positioned adjacent the closed bottom on an outer surface of the receptacle, the tunnel being fabricated from a rugged, flexible, weather-and cut-resistant fabric;
- a cable encapsulated in the tunnel, the cable being fabricated from a heavy-duty, high-strength, cut-resistant material and having at least one free end extendable from the tunnel; and
- a securing object adapted to receive the at least one free end of the cable, whereby the at least one free end is attachable to the securing object.
16. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 15, wherein said securing object is a bracket adapted to be mounted to a wall
17. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 15, wherein said securing object is a bracket adapted to be mounted to a floor.
18. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 15, wherein said securing object is a roller frame assembly adapted to be positioned adjacent to a door.
19. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 18, wherein said roller frame assembly comprises:
- a frame;
- an elongate central roller mounted on the frame;
- a pair of elongate end rollers mounted on the frame parallel to the central roller on opposite sides thereof, the end rollers being pivotal relative to the central roller the central roller and the end rollers being fabricated from a non-metallic material, the at least one free end of the cable comprising two free ends attached to the roller frame assembly on opposite ends of the central roller.
20. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 15, further including a pair of support brackets adapted for mounting on a wall, said receptacle being stored on the support brackets when not in use.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 27, 2012
Publication Date: Oct 25, 2012
Inventors: HARRY G. PROCTOR (Marriottsville, MD), THOMAS C. EVANS (Shallotte, NC)
Application Number: 13/431,815
International Classification: B65D 50/14 (20060101); B65D 30/04 (20060101); B65D 33/16 (20060101); B65D 25/20 (20060101); B65D 43/22 (20060101);