REMOTELY CONTROLLABLE PARCEL STORAGE DEVICE

Abstract

A remotely controllable parcel storage device for remotely securing delivered parcels includes a container including a bottom wall and a perimeter wall. A lid is pivotably attached to the perimeter wall and is positionable in either an opened condition or a closed condition. A locking mechanism is mounted on the container and is actuatable between either an unlocked condition, unlocking the lid, or a locked condition, locking the lid in the closed condition. An actuating mechanism mounted on the container communicates with the locking mechanism to actuate the locking mechanism between the unlocked and locked conditions. The actuating mechanism includes a first condition wherein the lid is closed in the unlocked condition, a second condition wherein the lid is open, and a third condition wherein the lid is closed in the locked condition. A plurality of securing anchors is removably extendable through the container and into a support surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates to parcel storage devices and more particularly pertains to a new parcel storage device for remotely securing delivered parcels. Parcel theft is a growing problem as ecommerce continues to grow. By being able to secure delivered parcels automatically the user can feel more at ease with having items delivered while at work. Remote access allows for further deliveries or for a trusted person to unload the device while the owner is away.

(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

The prior art relates to parcel storage devices designed for securing delivered parcels revolve around using a code, preprogrammed list, or label to identify the delivery and are left in a permanently locked configuration unless prompted for unlocking by the package itself or delivery person entering a code or having a key. These devices and systems are very labor intensive and require extensive planning and cooperation with the delivery service or package originator.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a container that includes a bottom wall and a perimeter wall. A lid is pivotably attached to the perimeter wall and is positionable in either an opened condition or a closed condition. A locking mechanism is mounted on the container and is actuatable between either an unlocked condition, unlocking the lid, or a locked condition, locking the lid in the closed condition. An actuating mechanism mounted on the container communicates with the locking mechanism to actuate the locking mechanism between the unlocked and locked conditions. The actuating mechanism includes a first condition wherein the lid is closed in the unlocked condition, a second condition wherein the lid is open, and a third condition wherein the lid is closed in the locked condition. The actuating mechanism induces the third condition when the lid is closed after the second condition has been initiated. The actuating mechanism induces the first condition when the actuating mechanism receives an unlock input. A plurality of securing anchors is removably extendable through the container and into a support surface.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top right view of a remotely controllable parcel storage device in a closed configuration according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top right isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure in an open configuration further illustrating where a parcel will be delivered.

FIG. 3 is a front side view of an embodiment of the disclosure with hidden lines illustrating the layout of an actuating mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a bottom side view of an embodiment of the disclosure illustrating a plurality of securing anchors.

FIG. 5 is a rear side view of an embodiment of the disclosure illustrating a plurality of securing anchors and the lid.

FIG. 6 is a left side in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure illustrating the securement of the container to the support surfaces, the orientation of a delivered parcel in the closed configuration, and the communication between the remotely controllable parcel storage device and a wireless communication device and electromagnetic frequency emitter.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an actuating mechanism found on an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 7 thereof, a new parcel storage device embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7, the remotely controllable parcel storage device 10 generally comprises a container 12 configured to receive deliverable parcels 14, the container 12 has a bottom wall 16. The bottom wall 16 includes a front edge 18, a rear edge 20, a pair of side edges 22, an interior surface 24, and a bottom surface 26. A perimeter wall 28 is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall 16. The perimeter wall 28 includes a front wall 30, a rear wall 32 and a pair of side walls 34. The perimeter wall 28 has an upper edge 36 which defines an access opening 38 into an interior 40 bound by the perimeter wall 28. The front 18 and rear 20 edges are orientated opposite each other at a distance between 12.00 and 30.00 inches. The side edges 22 are oriented opposite each other at a distance between 30.00 and 48.00 inches.

The front wall 30 is permanently attached to and extends upwardly from the front edge 18 of the bottom wall 16 to a height between 12.00 and 30.00 inches. The front wall 30 includes a front top edge 42, a front surface 44, and a front wall interior surface 46. The rear wall 32 is permanently attached to and extends upwardly from the rear edge 20 of the bottom wall 16 to a height between 12.00 and 30.00 inches. The rear wall 32 includes a rear top edge 48, a rear surface 50, and a rear wall interior surface 52. The pair of side walls 34 are permanently attached to and extend upwardly from each of the side edges 22 to a height between 12.00 and 30.00 inches. Each side wall 34 includes a side wall top edge 54, a side surface 56 facing outwardly from the container, and a side wall interior surface 58. The side wall interior surfaces 58 face each other.

A lid 60 is pivotably attached to the perimeter wall 28. The lid 60 is positionable in either an opened condition 62 which exposes the access opening 38, or in a closed condition 64 which covers the access opening 38. The container 12 may be made of any sufficiently rigid and durable structural material capable of resisting unwanted entry into the container 12, such as wood, metal, and rigid plastics and composites.

A locking mechanism 66 is mounted on the container 12 to releasably lock the lid 60 in the closed condition 64. The locking mechanism 66 is actuated to either an unlocked condition or a locked condition. The unlocked condition is wherein the lid 60 is disengaged from the perimeter wall 28 when the lid 60 is in the closed condition 64. The locked condition is wherein the lid 60 is secured to the perimeter wall 28 when the lid 60 is in the closed condition 64. The locking mechanism 66 includes a first mating member 68 mounted on the perimeter wall 28 and a second mating member 70 mounted on the lid 60. The container 12 may have a plurality of locking mechanisms 66 as is shown in the Figures. The locking mechanisms 66 may be configured to mount between the lid 28 and one or more of the front top edge 42, rear top edge 48, and side wall top edges 54. The locking mechanisms 66 may also be configured to mount between the lid 60 and one or more of the front wall interior surface 46, rear wall interior surface 52, and side wall interior surfaces 58. The locking mechanisms 66 may use any conventional, sufficiently strong method capable of being engaged by an electronic signal to releasably lock the lid 60 in the closed condition 64. Electromagnetic locks may be used to secure the lid 60 to the container 12 at contact points designated by the locking mechanism 66. Electromechanical systems such as those using solenoids, stepper motors, or servomotors to secure a pin, a tongue, or other mechanical feature within a housing may be applied to secure the lid 60 to the container 12.

The locking mechanism 66 may be configured to actuate to the unlocked condition upon loss of power to prevent a user from being permanently locked out. The locking mechanism 66 may be configured to remain in the locked condition upon power loss to maintain a locked condition upon a loss of power. The locking mechanism 66 will typically include a mechanical release system 72 built into the locking mechanism 66 to allow the user a physical means of disengaging the locking mechanism 66 if the user becomes locked out of the container 12. The mechanical release system 72 may be a mechanical key system, a magnetic key system, or any other system available to manually override the locking mechanism 66 without causing permanent damage to the locking mechanism 66.

A plurality of securing anchors 74 is removably extendable through the container 12 and into a support surface 76. The plurality of securing anchors 74 may be attached to one or both of the rear 32 and bottom 16 walls. The securing anchors 74 prevent a person from attempting to forcibly remove the container 12 as a means of stealing the parcels inside. The securing anchors 74 may be made of any structurally sufficient material capable of resisting any attempt at a forced removal of the container 12 from the support surface 76, such as metals or rigid plastics. Particularly, the securing anchors 74 may include bolts, screws and the like. The support surfaces 76 commonly used may be porches, house walls, building structures, or delivery areas in multi-family buildings.

An actuating mechanism 78 mounted on the container 12 is in communication with the locking mechanism 66. The actuating mechanism 78 is configured to actuate the locking mechanism 78 between the unlocked and locked conditions. The actuating mechanism 78 includes three conditions. In a first condition the lid 60 is in the closed condition 64 and the locking mechanism 66 is in the unlocked condition, in a second condition the lid 60 is in the opened condition 62, and in a third condition the lid 60 is in the closed condition 64 and the locking mechanism 66 is in the locked condition.

The actuating mechanism 78 induces the third condition when the lid 60 is in the closed condition 64 after the second condition has been initiated. The third condition is induced after the lid 60 has been put into the closed condition 64 for a predetermined amount of time. The predetermined amount of time is greater than 15 seconds and less than 120 seconds. The predetermined amount of time allows for a delivery person to deposit more than one parcel 14 without becoming locked out of the container 12. The predetermined amount of time reduces the likelihood of a person stealing the delivered parcels 14 shortly after the delivery person leaves.

The actuating mechanism 78 induces the first condition when the actuating mechanism 78 receives an unlock input. The actuating mechanism 78 includes a control circuit 80. A power supply 82 is electrically coupled to the control circuit 80. The power supply 82 may comprise a battery, though a hardwired electrical connection may be established. The actuating mechanism 78 includes a sensor 84 electrically coupled to the control circuit 80. The sensor 84 is mounted on the container 12. The sensor 84 detects if the lid 12 is in the opened condition 62 or the closed condition 64 and communicates the condition to the control circuit 80. The sensor 84 may detect the lid 12 condition by a physical contact means or an electromagnetic contact means. The physical means may include a system utilizing a button physically triggered by the lid 60. The electronic contact means may include a magnetic or electronic sensor mounted to the container 12 which is triggered by corresponding parts interacting. The actuating mechanism 78 includes a transceiver 86 electrically coupled to the control circuit 80. The transceiver 86 is configured to receive and send wireless signals 88 with wireless communication devices 90. The transceiver 86 sends the wireless signal 88 to the wireless communication device 90 to communicate that the container 12 is locked. The wireless signal 88 is sent to the wireless communication devices 90 when the third condition is induced. The transceiver 86 is configured to receive the wireless signal 88 from the wireless communication devices 90 to induce the first condition. The transceiver 86 may receive and send the wireless signals 88 using any available means of electronic communication. The means of electronic communication may include WI-FI, Bluetooth, SMS, radio waves, or other technologies allowing the wireless communication device 90 and the control circuit 80 to communicate.

An electromagnetic frequency identification reader 92 is electrically coupled to the control circuit 80. The electromagnetic frequency identification reader 92 is configured to detect an electromagnetic frequency emitter 94 positioned nearer than 5.0 feet from the container 12. The electromagnetic frequency identification reader 92 induces the first condition after receiving and verifying an electromagnetic signal 96. Examples of capable electromagnetic frequency identification readers 92 and electromagnetic frequency emitters 94 include RFID and those communication means found on magnetic cards, key fobs, smart labels, and other programmable signal emitting devices.

An indicator 98 is mounted on an exterior of the container 12 and is electrically coupled to the control circuit 80. The indicator 98 visually indicates if the actuating mechanism 78 is in the first condition or the third condition. The indicator 98 may be a mechanical indicator such as a rotating label to denote the actuating mechanism 78 condition. The indicator 98 may be an electronic indicator such as a LED or other electronically controlled visual system which uses a specific light color or light pattern to convey the actuating mechanism 78 condition. The indicator 98 may convey additional information to the user, an example being the power supply 82 status.

In use, the container 12 is secured to the support surface 76 using the plurality of securing anchors 74. The lid 60 of the container 12 is placed in the closed condition 64 and the actuating mechanism 78 induces the third condition after the predetermined amount of time. The actuating mechanism 78 receives either the wireless signal 88 via the transceiver 86 or the electromagnetic signal 96 via the electromagnetic frequency identification reader 92. The actuating mechanism 78 then verifies the received signal, 88 or 96, and induces the first condition. The container 12 used which induces the second condition when parcels 14 are placed into the container 12, after use the container 12 is left in the closed condition 64. The actuating mechanism 78 induces the third condition after the predetermined amount of time. The actuating mechanism 78 receives either the wireless signal 88 via the transceiver 86 or the electromagnetic signal 96 via the electromagnetic frequency identification reader 92. The actuating mechanism 78 then verifies the received signal, 88 or 96, and induces the first condition. The container 12 is emptied of the parcels 14.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.

Claims

1. A remotely controllable parcel storage assembly comprising:

a container configured to receive deliverable parcels, said container comprising a bottom wall and a perimeter wall being attached to and extending upwardly from said bottom wall, and a lid pivotably attached to said perimeter wall and being positionable in an opened condition exposing an access opening formed by said perimeter wall or in a closed condition covering said access opening;

a locking mechanism being mounted on said container and releasably locking said lid in said closed condition, said locking mechanism being actuated to an unlocked condition having said lid being disengaged from said perimeter wall or a locked condition having said lid being secured to said perimeter wall in said closed position;

a plurality of securing anchors being removably extendable through said container and into a support surface;

an actuating mechanism mounted on said container and being in communication with said locking mechanism, said actuating mechanism being configured to actuate said locking mechanism between said unlocked and locked conditions, said actuating mechanism including a first condition wherein said lid is closed in said unlocked condition, said actuating mechanism including a second condition wherein said lid is open, said actuating mechanism including a third condition wherein said lid is closed and in locked condition;

said actuating mechanism inducing said third condition when said lid is closed after said second condition has been initiated; and

said actuating mechanism inducing said first condition when said actuating mechanism receives an unlock input.

2. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein said bottom wall includes:

a front edge, a rear edge;

a pair of side edges;

an interior surface; and

a bottom surface.

3. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 2, wherein said perimeter wall includes:

a front wall;

a rear wall; and

a pair of side walls.

4. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein said perimeter wall further includes an upper edge which defines said access opening into an interior bounded by said perimeter wall.

5. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 2, wherein, said front and rear edges are orientated opposite each other at a distance between 12.00 and 30.00 inches.

6. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 2, wherein said side edges are oriented opposite each other at a distance between 30.00 and 48.00 inches.

7. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 3, wherein said front wall permanently attaches to and extends upwardly from said front edge of said bottom wall to a height between 12.00 and 30.00 inches.

8. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 3, wherein said front wall further includes:

a front top edge;

a front surface; and

a front wall interior surface.

9. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 3, wherein said rear wall permanently attaches and extends upwardly from said rear edge of said bottom wall to a height between 12.00 and 30.00 inches.

10. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 3, wherein said rear wall further includes:

a rear top edge;

a rear surface; and

a rear wall interior surface.

11. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 3, wherein each of said side walls permanently attach and extend upwardly from each of said side edges to a height between 12.00 and 30.00 inches.

12. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 3, wherein each side wall further includes:

a side wall top edge;

a side surface facing outwardly from said container; and

a side wall interior surface wherein said side wall interior surfaces face each other.

13. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism includes:

a first mating member being mounted on said perimeter wall; and

a second mating member being mounted on said lid.

14. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein said third condition is induced after said lid has been closed for a predetermined amount of time.

15. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 14, wherein said predetermined amount of time is greater than 15 seconds and less than 120 seconds.

16. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein said actuating mechanism includes:

a control circuit;

a power supply being electrically coupled to said control circuit;

a sensor being mounted on said container and detecting if said lid is in said opened condition or said closed condition, said sensor being electrically coupled to said control circuit;

a transceiver being electrically coupled to said control circuit, said transceiver being configured to receive and send a wireless signal with wireless communication devices;

an electromagnetic frequency identification reader being electrically coupled to said control circuit, said electromagnetic frequency identification reader being configured to detect an electromagnetic frequency emitter positioned nearer than 5.0 feet from said container, said electromagnetic frequency identification reader induces said first condition after receiving a verified electromagnetic signal; and

an indicator being mounted on an exterior of said container and being electrically coupled to said control circuit, said indicator visually indicating if said actuating mechanism is in said first condition or said third condition.

17. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 16, wherein said power supply comprises a battery.

18. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 16, wherein said transceiver sends said wireless signals to said wireless communication devices, said wireless signals illustrate said container is locked, said transceiver sends said wireless signals when said third condition is induced.

19. The remotely controllable parcel storage assembly according to claim 16, wherein said transceiver is configured to receive and verify said wireless signals from the wireless communication devices to induce said first condition.

20. A remotely controllable parcel storage assembly comprising:

a container configured to receive deliverable parcels, said container comprising: a bottom wall having a front edge, a rear edge, a pair of side edges, an interior surface, and a bottom surface, a perimeter wall being attached to and extending upwardly from said bottom wall, said perimeter wall including a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of side walls, said perimeter wall having an upper edge defining an access opening into an interior bounded by said perimeter wall, said front and rear edges being orientated opposite each other at a distance between 12.00 and 30.00 inches, said side edges being oriented opposite each other at a distance between 30.00 and 48.00 inches; said front wall being permanently attached to and extending upwardly from said front edge of said bottom wall to a height between 12.00 and 30.00 inches, said front wall having a front top edge, a front surface, and a front wall interior surface; said rear wall permanently attached and extending upwardly from said rear edge of said bottom wall to a height between 12.00 and 30.00 inches, having a rear top edge, a rear surface, and a rear wall interior surface; said pair of side walls each being permanently attached and extending upwardly from each of said side edges to a height between 12.00 and 30.00 inches, each side wall having a side wall top edge, a side surface facing outwardly from said container, and a side wall interior surface wherein said side wall interior surfaces face each other; a lid pivotably attached to said perimeter wall and being positionable in an opened condition exposing said access opening or in a closed condition covering said access opening;

a locking mechanism being mounted on said container and releasably locking said lid in said closed condition, said locking mechanism being actuated to an unlocked condition having said lid being disengaged from said perimeter wall or a locked condition having said lid being secured to said perimeter wall in said closed condition, said locking mechanism including: a first mating member being mounted on said perimeter wall; and a second mating member being mounted on said lid;

a plurality of securing anchors being removably extendable through said container and into a support surface;

an actuating mechanism mounted on said container and being in communication with said locking mechanism, said actuating mechanism being configured to actuate said locking mechanism between said unlocked and locked conditions, said actuating mechanism including a first condition wherein said lid is closed in said unlocked condition, said actuating mechanism including a second condition wherein said lid is open, said actuating mechanism including a third condition wherein said lid is closed in said locked condition;

said actuating mechanism inducing said third condition when said lid is closed after said second condition has been initiated, said third condition being induced after said lid has been closed for a predetermined amount of time, said predetermined amount of time being greater than 15 seconds and less than 120 seconds;

said actuating mechanism inducing said first condition when said actuating mechanism receives an unlock input;

said actuating mechanism including: a control circuit; a power supply being electrically coupled to said control circuit, said power supply comprising a battery; a sensor being mounted on said container and detecting if said lid is in said opened condition or said closed condition, said sensor being electrically coupled to said control circuit; a transceiver being electrically coupled to said control circuit, said transceiver being configured to receive and send wireless signals with wireless communication devices, said transceiver sending a locked indicator to the wireless communication devices when said third condition is induced, said transceiver being configured to receive and verify a wireless signal from the wireless communication devices to induce said first condition; an electromagnetic frequency identification reader being electrically coupled to said control circuit, said electromagnetic frequency identification reader being configured to detect an electromagnetic frequency emitter positioned nearer than 5.0 feet from said container, said electromagnetic frequency identification reader inducing said first condition after receiving a verified electromagnetic signal; and an indicator being mounted on an exterior of said container and being electrically coupled to said control circuit, said indicator visually indicating if said actuating mechanism is in said first condition or said third condition.