OUTDOOR BENCH

Abstract

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a dual-purpose bench locker providing a seating area and an internal, secure package receptacle. When the user is expecting a package delivery, the bench seat can be opened to allow for the insertion of the package(s) to be delivered into a package compartment inside the bench and underneath the seat. Once the package is placed into the package compartment by the delivery person, the seat can be closed causing an internal latch, lock, or similar mechanism to secure the seat in the closed position, thereby securing the package inside the package compartment. To retrieve the package, the user can use a key to open a door positioned to provide access to the internal latch securing the seat in the closed position, thereby releasing the seat and allowing the user to open the package compartment and retrieve the package.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to methods and apparatuses for deterring thieves of packages delivered to a home, business, other outdoor location and more particularly to a dual-purpose bench locker providing a seating area and an internal, secure package receptacle.

BACKGROUND

The term “porch pirate” has been coined in the American vernacular to describe a thief who steals delivered packages delivered and left unattended outside of a home, business, or other location. Many such package thefts are caught on security cameras, but the thefts seem to still be on the increase. These thefts are a major cost to shipping and delivery companies, manufacturers, retailers, and ultimately consumers. Additionally, this is a diversion law enforcement officials shouldn't have to contend with. Hence, there is a need for improved methods and apparatuses for deterring thieves of packages delivered to homes, businesses, other outdoor locations.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a dual-purpose bench locker providing a seating area and an internal secure package receptacle. This bench locker acts as a deterrent to the potential thieves of delivered porch packages by providing a secured depository for package delivery while providing the dual purpose of also functioning as an outdoor bench. When the user/owner of this bench locker is expecting a package delivery, the bench seat can be opened to allow for the insertion of the package(s) to be delivered into a package compartment inside the bench and underneath the seat. While raised, the bottom of the bench seat can provide simple instructions explaining bench locker usage to the individual making the delivery. Once the package is placed into the package compartment by the delivery person, the bench seat can be closed causing an internal latch, lock, or similar mechanism to secure the seat in the closed position, thereby securing the package inside the package compartment. To retrieve the package, the user or owner of this bench locker can use a key or code to open a door or similar opening positioned to provide access to the internal latch, lock, or other mechanism which secures the seat in the closed position, thereby releasing the seat and allowing the user or owner to open the package compartment and retrieve the package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top, front view of a bench locker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a rear view of a bench locker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a top view including additional, internal details of a bench locker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating additional details of an internal latching mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a side view including additional details of a bench locker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments disclosed herein. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that various embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details. The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope or applicability of the disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the preceding description omits a number of known structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scopes of the claims. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should however be appreciated that the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein.

As used herein, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” “or,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “A, B, and/or C,” and “A, B, or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably.

It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112, Paragraph 6. Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary of the disclosure, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a dual-purpose bench locker providing a seating area and an internal, secure package receptacle. This bench locker acts as a deterrent to the potential thieves of delivered porch packages by providing a secured depository for package delivery while providing the dual purpose of also functioning as an outdoor bench. When the user/owner of this bench locker is expecting a package delivery, the bench seat can be opened to allow for the insertion of the package(s) to be delivered into a package compartment inside the bench and underneath the seat. While raised, the bottom of the bench seat can provide simple instructions explaining bench locker usage to the individual making the delivery. Once the package is placed into the package compartment by the delivery person, the bench seat can be closed causing an internal latch, lock, or similar mechanism to secure the seat in the closed position, thereby securing the package inside the package compartment. To retrieve the package, the user or owner of this bench locker can use a key or code to open a door or similar opening positioned to provide access to the internal latch, lock, or other mechanism secure the seat in the closed position, thereby releasing the seat and allowing the user or owner to open the package compartment and retrieve the package.

Various additional details of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the figures. While the flowcharts will be discussed and illustrated in relation to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence can occur without materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments, configuration, and aspects.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top, front view of a bench locker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in this example, the bench locker 100 can comprise a base portion 105 or package receptacle. According to one embodiment, the base portion 105 can comprise a substantially rectangular open-top box with two parallel sides of the four sides forming a length side of the rectangular box and another two parallel sides of the four sides forming a width side of the rectangular box, and wherein the length side of the rectangular box is longer than the width side. A bottom side (not shown here) of the base portion 105 can be disposed adjacent and perpendicular to the four parallel sides of the base portion on the side opposite the open top. Alternatively, the bottom side may be open and the base portion 105 can rest on the ground with the surface of the ground forming the bottom of the base portion 105.

Since the bench locker 100 serves the dual purposes of functions as a bench as well as a secure package receptacle, the base portion 105 can be sized to provide comfortable seating for one or more people. For example, the base portion 105 can be approximately 18 inches high, i.e., the approximate height of a typical bench or chair. The two parallel sides forming the width side of the base portion 105 can be a similar size to the depth of a typical chair seat, e.g., 14-18 inches. The two parallel sides forming the length side of the base portion 105 can be a long enough to comfortably seat one or more people. For example, approximately 18 inches would provide comfortable seating for one person while 3-4 feet would comfortably accommodate two people. However, it should be understood that these dimensions are considered to be exemplary, are provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, these dimensions can vary significantly depending upon the exact implementation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The base portion 105 can form and substantially enclose, except for the open top, one or more package compartments 110A and 110B or receptacles. One or more package compartment lids 115A and 115B can be disposed adjacent to the base portion 105 of the bench locker 100 and may be connected with the base portion 105 via one or more hinges 130A and 130B. For example, and as illustrated here, an edge of the one or more package compartment lids 115A and 115B can be disposed adjacent and substantially parallel to one of the sides of the base portion 105 and connected with this edge of the base portion 105 via the one or more hinges 130A and 130B. The hinges 130A and 130B can allow the package compartment lids 115A and 115B to pivot or swing about an axis extending through the hinges 130A and 130B and along the adjacent edge of bottom portion 105 of the bench locker 100 between an open position (as shown here) in which the package compartments 110A and 110B are open and accessible and a closed position in which the package compartment lids 115A and 115B are brought close to, if not in contact with, all four sides of the base portion 105 and thereby substantially enclosing the package compartments 110A and 110B and making them inaccessible. Additionally, when in the closed position, the package compartment lids 115A and 115B become the seating surface of the bench locker 100.

The bench locker 100 can also include one or more latching mechanisms 120A, 120B, 125A, and 125B. For example, one or more bottom or compartment side latching mechanism halves 120A and 120B can be mounted on one or more sides of the bottom portion 105 of the bench locker 100 while one or more top or lid side latching mechanism halves 125A and 125B can be mounted on the package compartment lid 115A and 115B. The bottom or compartment side latching mechanism halves 120A and 120B and the top or lid side latching mechanism halves 125A and 125B can be mounted in positions such that they are brought into engagement with each other when the package compartment lids 115A and 115B are moved to the closed position, thereby securing the package compartments 110A and 110B.

In use, the bench locker 100 can be placed in a convenient and/or common outdoor location for receiving deliveries, e.g., near the front door of a house. When the user expects to receive a delivery, she can leave the package compartment lids 115A and 115B in the open position making the package compartments 110A and 110B accessible and available for deposit of packages. According to one embodiment, the package compartment lids 115A and 115B can include a set of instructions 140A and 140B for the delivery person and explaining how to operate the bench locker 100. When the delivery person arrives, and as the instructions 140A and 140B can explain and/or illustrate, the package can be placed into the package compartments 110A and 110B and the package compartment lids 115A and 115B can be closed causing the latching mechanisms 120A, 120B, 125A, and 125B to engage and secure the packages inside of the bench locker 100. To retrieve the packages, the user can unlock and open a door (not shown here) near the latching mechanisms 120A, 120B, 125A, and 125B. Through this door, the user can release the latching mechanisms 120A, 120B, 125A, and 125B, open the package compartment lids 115A and 115B, and retrieve the package.

It should be noted that the bench locker 100 is illustrated and described here as comprising two halves which are substantially similar to each other. Specifically, the bench locker here includes two package compartments 110A and 110B with two package compartment lids 115A and 115B, hinges 130A and 130B, and sets of latching mechanisms 120A, 120B, 125A, and 125B. According to one embodiment, the bench locker 100 can be configurable to between having a single package compartment 110A or multiple package compartments 110A and 110B. More specifically, the bench locker 100 can further comprise a removable divider (not shown here) as will be described in greater detail below. This divider can be placed into the bench locker 100 and held in position by a package compartment divider retainer 135A and 135B such as a set of ridges and/or grooves, latches, clips, etc. Once the divider is in place, the package compartment lids 115A and 115B can be operated independently to open and close the two package compartments 110A and 110B independently. So, for example, when the user expects to receive more than one delivery or deliveries from more than one carrier and different times, the user can place the divider into the bench locker 100 and the delivery person or people can place a first package into one package compartment 110A on one side of the bench locker 100 and close the lid 115A for that side while the next delivery can be placed into the other package compartment 110A on the other side and secured by closing the lid 115B on that side. However, it should be understood that, in other implementations, the bench locker can comprise a single package compartment 110 with one package compartment lid 115A, hinge 130A, and set of latching mechanisms 120A and 125A without a divider and without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It should also be understood that the bench locker 100 can be constructed of a wide variety of materials including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, and/or metal. Construction can also include various combinations of materials. The materials can be varied to provide different appearances to allow for blending of the bench locker 100 with the architectural style of the house or building in which it is placed. The varied materials can also allow for bench lockers 100 to provide varying levels of package protection, e.g., metal would be stronger than wood. In some cases, the bench locker 100 can be further secured by being mounted or affixed to another structure such as the side of the building, a patio or deck, the ground, etc. by bolts, screws, anchors, etc.

While thought to be particularly useful to prevent theft of delivered packages, the bench locker 100 is also contemplated to have other potential uses. For example, the user could also utilize the bench locker 100 for other secured storage purposes such as storage of various items commonly found on a porch or in a yard, e.g., seat cushions, yard tools, hoses, and so on. If the user would like to leave something for a third party to pick up, and does not wish to provide that individual with access to their house or building, the user could provide that individual with the key or code needed to gain access to the bench locker 100. Other potential uses are contemplated and considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a rear view of a bench locker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, this example provides a view of a portion of the base portion 105 of the bench locker 100 and the package compartment lid 115B in the open position. According to one embodiment, the bench locker 100 can further comprise a lid retainer 205 to hold or secure the package compartment lid 115B in the upright, open position. For example, when the user is expecting a package delivery, they can open the package compartment lid 115B and secure it in this position to prevent the package compartment lid 115B from being blown closed by the wind or otherwise falling closed and latching. In this example, the lid retainer 205 is shown as a bungee cord. However, in other implementations, it can comprise other structures including but not limited to a folding or collapsible prop similar to an automobile hood prop, a pneumatic, friction, or spring tension stay or support similar to a furniture lid stay, etc.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a top view including additional, internal details of a bench locker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, this example provides a view of a portion of the package compartment 110A and 110B. Also visible here is the bottom side 330A and 330B of the package compartment 110A and 110B introduced above. In this example, a divider 305 can be seen installed between and forming the two, separate package compartments 110A and 110B. Here, the divider 305 includes a flat top portion 310 which can provide additional support to the package compartment lids 115A and 115B when closed and being used as a seat of the bench locker 100. Also seen here is the door 315 in one side of the package compartment 110B near the bottom half of the latching mechanism 120B and the opening 320 through which the user, once the door 315 has been unlocked and opened, can access the latching mechanism 120B to release and open the package compartment lid 115B. Also visible in this view is a lid retainer according to one embodiment. In this example, the lid retainer 335 is shown as a folding furniture lid stay. However, and as noted above, in other implementations, it can comprise other structures including but not limited to a folding or collapsible prop similar to an automobile hood prop, a pneumatic, friction, or spring tension stay or support similar to, etc.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating additional details of an internal latching mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, this example provides a more detailed view of the latching mechanism 120A and 120B and access door 315. According to one embodiment, latching mechanism can comprise self-latching device such as a self-latching gate latch. However, the specific type of latching mechanism used can vary depending on the implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention. Regardless of the exact type used, the latching mechanism 120A and 120B should function to self latch when the lid 115B is closed on the package compartment 115B and without any manipulation by the delivery person other than closing the lid 115B.

Once latched, the user can open the lid 115B of the package compartment 110B by opening the door 315 positioned near the latching mechanism 120B which can be secured by a lock 405 and which can be locked and unlocked from the outside of the bench locker 100 as will be described below. The door 315 can swing on a hinge 410 at the bottom or side opposite the latching mechanism 120B. Once the door 315 is opened, the user can reach into the package compartment 110B and trip the release lever or other release mechanism on the latch depending upon the type of latch used and how it operates to release. According to one embodiment, the latching mechanism 120B can also include a safety release 415 such as a tether with a glow-in-the-dark ring or handle for operation in case a child or other person should become enclosed in the bench locker 100. In some implementations and according to one embodiment, a spring 420 or similar lifting element can be disposed inside of the package compartment and adjacent to the lid 115B. This spring 420 can be compressed when the lid 115B is closed and, when the latch 120A and 120B is released, can lift the lid 115B sufficiently to remove the latch halves 120A and 120B from engagement and thereby facilitate opening of the lid 115B from either inside or outside of the bench locker 100.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a side view including additional details of a bench locker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, this example provides a view of the access door 315 through which the user can access and manipulate the latching mechanism to release the package compartment lid. Also visible here is a keyed lock 505, such as a keyed single cylinder gate lock. In other implementations another type of lock may be used. For example, a mechanical combination lock may be used in some cases. In other cases, an electronic combination lock with a keypad may be used. In yet another example, a padlock and hasp may be used to secure the door 315. Other variations are contemplated and considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Stated another way, a dual-purpose bench locker 100 providing a seating area and an internal, secure package receptacle can comprise a base portion 105. The base portion 105 can comprise a substantially rectangular, open-top box having four sides with two parallel sides of the four sides forming a length side of the rectangular box and another two parallel sides of the four sides forming a width side of the rectangular box. The length side of the rectangular box can be longer than the width side. The base portion 105 can also comprise a bottom side 330A and 330B disposed adjacent and substantially perpendicular to the four sides of the base portion 105 on a side opposite the open top portion. A package compartment 110A and 110B can be formed and substantially enclosed, except for the open top, by the four sides of the base portion 105. A removable package compartment divider 305 can be disposed within the package compartment 110A and 110B. When the divider 305 is installed in the package compartment 110A and 110B, the divider 305 can divide the package compartment 110A and 110B into a first package sub-compartment 110A and a second package sub-compartment 110B.

A first package compartment lid 115A can be disposed adjacent to the first package sub-compartment 110A. An edge of the first package compartment lid 115A can be disposed adjacent to, substantially parallel with, and connected to an edge of one side of the four sides of the base portion 105 via a hinge 130A. The first package compartment lid 115A can be pivotable about an axis extending through the hinge 130A and along the substantially parallel edges of the package compartment lid 115A and one side of the four sides of the base portion 105 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the first package sub-compartment 110A can be accessible and in the closed position the first package sub-compartment 110B can be inaccessible and secure.

Similarly, a second package compartment lid 115B can be disposed adjacent to the first package compartment lid 115A and the second package sub-compartment 110B. An edge of the second package compartment lid 115B can be disposed adjacent to, substantially parallel with, and connected to an edge of one side of the four sides of the base portion 105 via a hinge 130B. The second package compartment lid 115B can be pivotable, independent of the first package compartment lid 115A, about an axis extending through the hinge 130B and along the substantially parallel edges of the package compartment lid 115B and one side of the four sides of the base portion 105 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the second package sub-compartment 110B can be accessible and in the closed position the second package sub-compartment 110B can be inaccessible and secure. The first package compartment lid 115A and second package compartment lid 115B can comprise a seating surface of the bench locker 100 when both are in the closed position.

A first latch 120A and 125A can be disposed inside of the first package sub-compartment 110A. The first latch 120A and 125A can comprise two parts. One part 120A can be disposed on a side of the base portion 105 and one part 125A can be disposed on the first package compartment lid 115A. The two parts of the first latch 120A and 125A can be positioned to engage when the first package compartment lid 115A is pivoted to the closed position. The two parts engaging can cause the first package compartment lid 115A to be secured in the closed position and the first latch 120A and 125A can be unlatched from inside of the first package sub-compartment 110A. A first latch tether 415 can be connected with a release of the first latch 120A and 125A. A first secure door 315 can be disposed in a side of the base portion 105 adjacent to the first latch 120A and 125A. The first secure door 315, when unlocked and opened, can provide access to the release of the first latch 120A and 125A.

Similarly, a second latch 120B and 125B can be disposed inside of the second package sub-compartment 110B. The second latch 120B and 125B can also comprise two parts. One part 120B can be disposed on a side of the base portion 105 and one part can be disposed on the second package compartment lid 115B. The two parts of the second latch 120B and 125B can be positioned to engage when the second package compartment lid 115B is pivoted to the closed position. The two parts engaging can cause the second package compartment lid 115B to be secured in the closed position. The second latch 120B and 125B can be unlatched from inside of the second package sub-compartment 110B. A second latch tether 415 can be connected with a release of the second latch 120B and 125B. A second secure door 315 can be disposed in a side of the base portion 105 adjacent to the second latch 120B and 125B. The second secure door 315, when unlocked and opened, can provide access to the release of second latch 120B and 125B.

The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems, and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, sub combinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims

1. A dual-purpose bench locker providing a seating area and an internal, secure package receptacle, the bench locker comprising:

a base portion, the base portion comprising a substantially rectangular, open-top box having four sides with two parallel sides of the four sides forming a length side of the rectangular box and another two parallel sides of the four sides forming a width side of the rectangular box;

a package compartment formed and substantially enclosed, except for the open top, by the four sides of the base portion; and

a package compartment lid disposed adjacent to the package compartment, wherein an edge of the package compartment lid is disposed adjacent to, substantially parallel with, and connected to an edge of one side of the four sides of the base portion via a hinge.

2. The bench locker of claim 1, wherein the length side of the rectangular box is longer than the width side.

3. The bench locker of claim 1, wherein the base portion further comprises a bottom side disposed adjacent and substantially perpendicular to the four sides of the base portion on a side opposite the open top portion.

4. The bench locker of claim 1, wherein the package compartment lid is pivotable about an axis extending through the hinge and along the substantially parallel edges of the package compartment lid and one side of the four sides of the base portion between an open position and a closed position.

5. The bench locker of claim 4, wherein in the open position the package compartment is accessible.

6. The bench locker of claim 4, wherein in the closed position the package compartment is inaccessible and secure.

7. The bench locker of claim 6, wherein in the closed position the package compartment lid comprises a seating surface of the bench locker.

8. The bench locker of claim 4, further comprising a latch disposed inside of the package compartment, the latch comprising two parts, one part disposed on one side of the base portion and one part disposed on the package compartment lid, the two parts positioned to engage when the package compartment lid is pivoted to the closed position, wherein the two parts engaging causes the package compartment lid to be secured in the closed position and wherein the latch is unlatched from inside of the package compartment.

9. The bench locker of claim 8, further comprising a secure door on the one side of the base portion and adjacent to the latch, wherein the secure door, when unlocked and opened, provide access to a release of the latch.

10. The bench locker of claim 8, further comprising a latch tether connected with a release of the latch.

11. A dual-purpose bench locker providing a seating area and an internal, secure package receptacle, the bench locker comprising:

a base portion, the base portion comprising a substantially rectangular, open-top box having four sides with two parallel sides of the four sides forming a length side of the rectangular box and another two parallel sides of the four sides forming a width side of the rectangular box, wherein the length side of the rectangular box is longer than the width side;

a package compartment formed and substantially enclosed, except for the open top, by the four sides of the base portion;

a removable package compartment divider disposed within the package compartment, wherein when the divider is installed in the package compartment, the divider divides the package compartment into a first package sub-compartment and a second package sub-compartment;

a first package compartment lid disposed adjacent to the first package sub-compartment, wherein an edge of the first package compartment lid is disposed adjacent to, substantially parallel with, and connected to an edge of one side of the four sides of the base portion via a hinge; and

a second package compartment lid disposed adjacent to the first package compartment lid and the second package sub-compartment, wherein an edge of the second package compartment lid is disposed adjacent to, substantially parallel with, and connected to an edge of one side of the four sides of the base portion via a hinge.

12. The bench locker of claim 11, wherein the base portion further comprises a bottom side disposed adjacent and substantially perpendicular to the four sides of the base portion on a side opposite the open top portion.

13. The bench locker of claim 11, wherein the first package compartment lid and second package compartment lid are both independently pivotable about an axis extending through the hinges and along the substantially parallel edges of the package compartment lid and one side of the four sides of the base portion between an open position and a closed position.

14. The bench locker of claim 13, wherein in the open position the adjacent package sub-compartment is accessible.

15. The bench locker of claim 13, wherein in the closed position the adjacent package sub-compartment is inaccessible and secure.

16. The bench locker of claim 15, wherein in the closed position the package first compartment lid and second package compartment lid comprise a seating surface of the bench locker.

17. The bench locker of claim 13, further comprising a first latch disposed inside of the first package sub-compartment and a second latch disposed inside of the second package sub-compartment, each of the first latch and second latch comprising two parts, one part disposed on a side of the base portion and one part disposed on each of the first package compartment lid and second package compartment lid, the two parts of each latch positioned to engage when either package compartment lid is pivoted to the closed position, wherein the two parts engaging causes the package compartment lid to be secured in the closed position and wherein the latch is unlatched from inside of the package sub-compartment.

18. The bench locker of claim 17, further comprising a first secure door a side of the base portion adjacent to the first latch and a second secure door a side of the base portion adjacent to the second latch, wherein the each secure door, when unlocked and opened, provides access to a release of the adjacent first latch or second latch.

19. The bench locker of claim 17, further comprising a first latch tether connected with a release of the first latch and a second latch tether connected with a release of the second latch.

20. A dual-purpose bench locker providing a seating area and an internal, secure package receptacle, the bench locker comprising:

a base portion, the base portion comprising a substantially rectangular, open-top box having four sides with two parallel sides of the four sides forming a length side of the rectangular box and another two parallel sides of the four sides forming a width side of the rectangular box, wherein the length side of the rectangular box is longer than the width side, and a bottom side disposed adjacent and substantially perpendicular to the four sides of the base portion on a side opposite the open top portion;

a package compartment formed and substantially enclosed, except for the open top, by the four sides of the base portion;

a removable package compartment divider disposed within the package compartment, wherein when the divider is installed in the package compartment, the divider divides the package compartment into a first package sub-compartment and a second package sub-compartment;

a first package compartment lid disposed adjacent to the first package sub-compartment, wherein an edge of the first package compartment lid is disposed adjacent to, substantially parallel with, and connected to an edge of one side of the four sides of the base portion via a hinge, wherein the first package compartment lid is pivotable about an axis extending through the hinge and along the substantially parallel edges of the package compartment lid and one side of the four sides of the base portion between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the first package sub-compartment is accessible and wherein in the closed position the first package sub-compartment is inaccessible and secure;

a second package compartment lid disposed adjacent to the first package compartment lid and the second package sub-compartment, wherein an edge of the second package compartment lid is disposed adjacent to, substantially parallel with, and connected to an edge of one side of the four sides of the base portion via a hinge, wherein the second package compartment lid is pivotable about an axis extending through the hinge and along the substantially parallel edges of the package compartment lid and one side of the four sides of the base portion between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the second package sub-compartment is accessible, wherein in the closed position the second package sub-compartment is inaccessible and secure, wherein the package first compartment lid and second package compartment lid comprise a seating surface of the bench locker when both are in the closed position;

a first latch disposed inside of the first package sub-compartment, the first latch comprising two parts, one part disposed on a side of the base portion and one part disposed on the first package compartment lid, the two parts of the first latch positioned to engage when the first package compartment lid is pivoted to the closed position, wherein the two parts engaging causes the first package compartment lid to be secured in the closed position and wherein the first latch is unlatched from inside of the first package sub-compartment;

a second latch disposed inside of the second package sub-compartment, the second latch comprising two parts, one part disposed on a side of the base portion and one part disposed on the second package compartment lid, the two parts of the second latch positioned to engage when the second package compartment lid is pivoted to the closed position, wherein the two parts engaging causes the second package compartment lid to be secured in the closed position and wherein the second latch is unlatched from inside of the second package sub-compartment;

a first latch tether connected with a release of the first latch;

a second latch tether connected with a release of the second latch;

a first secure door in a side of the base portion adjacent to the first latch, wherein the first secure door, when unlocked and opened, provides access to the release of the first latch; and

a second secure door in a side of the base portion adjacent to the second latch, wherein the second secure door, when unlocked and opened, provides access to the release of the second latch.