EP1211971B1

EP1211971B1 - Secure article delivery apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: EP1211971B1
Application number: EP00956704A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Charles William Towers-Clark; Richard James Towers-Clark
Original assignee: Business Direct Ltd
Current assignee: Dx Business Direct Ltd
Priority date: 1999-09-01
Filing date: 2000-09-01
Publication date: 2007-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2020-09-01
Also published as: AU6857100A; ATE377370T1; WO2001015579A1; DK1211971T3; ES2296636T3; EP1211971A1

Abstract

Apparatus and method for the secure delivery of articles comprising a box having a door openable, when no article is in the box, by a deliverer of the article, wherein, once closed with an article placed in the box, the door is only capable of being re-opened by a holder of the box, thereby preventing the unwanted removal of the article placed therein, once delivered.

Description

This invention relates to apparatus for ensuring the secure delivery of articles to household or business premises, for example. The invention also relates to a method allowing for a secure delivery of articles and the verification of delivery.
Over recent years there has been an increase in the delivery of articles directly to the home or office by mail order. The arrival of "e-commerce" using the Internet is set to further increase the number of articles delivered via postal services and private delivery companies. As these articles are often quite valuable, a signature from the customer is required before the articles are handed over by the deliverer. The customer is therefore required to stay at home, usually during work hours, in order to receive the article. Clearly, people are generally reluctant to sacrifice pay or their holiday allowance for the purposes of obtaining the article they have ordered, as this effectively negates the convenience of mail-order and Internet shopping.
Even when a signature is not necessary, the articles are often too bulky to fit through a standard letterbox, and must therefore be collected from a central post-office if no-one is present when the article is delivered. The above-mentioned problems, therefore, represent a significant barrier to the increased take-up of mail-order and e-commerce.
US 5 223 829 is a locker apparatus with a number of lockers, each locker having a content sensor to signal a controller that a package is present in that locker and so is unavailable for selection by a user.
The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the above mentioned problems.
One aspect of the present invention provides apparatus for the secure delivery of an article having a readable code, which apparatus comprises a box having a door and locking means for locking the door, an input device capable of enabling a deliverer to enter a delivery code, a controller for controlling access to the box having a pre-programmed code stored therein and capable of verifying the delivery code with the pre-programmed code characterised in that there further comprises an article code reader for reading the article code to verify delivery of the article and a transmitter to transmit the article code to a desired location after the door is locked.
According to an optional feature of this aspect of the invention the box may further comprise a second door capable functioning similarly to the first door. The box may be divided into two compartments accessible from the first and second doors respectively, with each compartment accessible from the respective doors, thereby permitting the secure delivery of articles on two separate occasions and/or from two separate deliverers. Preferably the box may be divided by a flexible and/or movable partition so as to allow the size of each compartment to be adjusted to the size of the article to be held therein.
According to an optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the box holder may be provided with locking means to enable the box to be re-opened. Preferably the locking means comprises a key, combination, barcode, keypad or an electronically operated lock.
According to another optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the box may be manufactured from plastics material. Preferably the box may be manufactured from low density polythene.
Alternatively the box may be manufactured from metal. Preferably the box is manufactured from steel.
According to a yet further optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the box may be stackable.
Alternatively a plurality of the boxes may be manufactured integrally.
According to yet another optional feature of this aspect of the present invention, the box may be provided with a unique identifier for use in validating the delivery of the article. Preferably the identifier can only be read after an article has been placed in the box, and the box door closed.
Even more preferably once the unique identifier has been read, the identifier may be rendered unreadable, and is not capable of being re-read until the article is removed from the box by the box holder, a further article is placed in the box, and the box is closed.
According to yet another optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the identifier may be a barcode which is read by a barcode reader carried by the deliverer. Preferably two barcodes are provided, the barcodes being arranged such that sequential reading thereof is only possible once an article is placed in the box and the door is closed.
According to a further optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the barcode reader may be capable of recording the date and/or time of the delivery.
Alternatively the identifier may be supplied by means associated with the box. Preferably the supply means may comprise a printer which prints the identifier on a sheet retained by the deliverer.
Alternatively the supply means may comprise a display that may provide the identifier in the form of a readable alphanumeric code. Preferably an algorithm may encrypt the unique identifier for output on the display. More preferably the algorithm may further encrypt the time and/or date of delivery and/or an identifier associated with the article.
Alternatively the supply means may comprise a transmitter to transmit the unique identifier to a desired location when an article is delivered. Preferably the transmission means may comprise a radio transmitter. More preferably the radio transmitter may operate using a cellular telecommunications system.
According to an optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the unique identifier may only be transmitted once the article is placed in the box, and the box door is closed. Preferably sensors may be provided to detect whether an article is placed in the box and/or whether the box door is closed.
According to another optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the deliverer may verify delivery to the box using coded verification means. Preferably the coded verification means may be further used to gain access to the box.
According to yet another optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the coded verification means may record the time and/or date of delivery. Preferably the time and/or date of delivery are not recorded until the article has been placed in the box, and the box secured.
According to a further optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the coded verification means may comprise a smartcard barcode, or alphanumeric code. Preferably the coded verification means may comprise a smartcard and a smartcard reader may be associated with the box and may be pre-programmed with a verification code, the verification code being supplied to the deliverer prior to the delivery of the article so as to enable the box to be opened. Even more preferably, the verification code may be a unique identifier associated with the box.
According to a yet further optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the smartcard may further hold information required to locate the box. Preferably the smartcard may contain the access codes and locations of a plurality of boxes.
According to another optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the smartcard may store the verification code magnetically and the card is swiped in the card reader to gain access to the box.
According to yet another optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the smartcard may transmit the verification code to the card reader using a radio signal.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of securely and verifiably delivering an article characterised in that the article has a readable code and the method comprises the steps (i) depositing an article in a box; (ii) an article code reader reading the article code to verify delivery of the article; (iii) causing the door to be locked; and (iv) transmitting the article code to a desired location for verification.
Preferably the unique identifier is a barcode and the deliverer may record the delivery using a barcode reader which further records the time and/or date of delivery. Alternatively the unique identifier is a code stored by means associated with the box.
Preferably the means associated with the box may supply the identifier. Alternatively the identifier may be transmitted to a desired location once the delivery has been made. Even more preferably, the supply means may comprise a printer which prints the identifier on a sheet retained by the deliverer. Alternatively the supply means may comprise a display that provide the identifier in the form of a readable alphanumeric code.
According to an optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the identifier may only be recorded once the article has been placed securely in the box.
According to an optional feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of: a holder of the box or third party supplying a verification code to a delivery company; the deliverer locating the box wherein a device associated with the box verifies that the code held by the coded verification means matches a code held within the verifying device previously input by the holder of the box or third party; the verifying device allowing the time and/or date of delivery to be recorded. Preferably the verifying device further controls access to the box.
According to an optional feature of the invention the delivery company may download the verification code onto a coded verification means.
According to another optional feature of the third aspect of the invention the verification code is held by the delivery company in the form of a barcode or alphanumeric code.
According to another optional feature of this aspect of the present invention the coded verification means may be retained by the verifying device until the article is placed within the box, and the box is secured.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a box according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the box of Figure 1;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a door of the box of Figure 1;
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the inside of the box of Figure 1;
FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a box according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of plurality of boxes according to third embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a box according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 8 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the box of Figure 7;
FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a door of the box of Figure 7;
FIGURE 9A is a view of a door projection of Figure 9 in the direction of arrow X;
FIGURE 9B is a view of a door projection of Figure 9 in the direction of arrow Y;
FIGURE 10 is a side view of a portion of the inside of the box of Figure 7;
FIGURES 11A and 11B are perspective views of a box according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention with the door thereof respectively closed and open;
FIGURE 12 is a schematic diagram of the electronic components controlling the function of the box of Figure 11;
FIGURES 13A and 13B are perspective views of a bracket and a time/date stamp for use with the boxes of Figure 1, 5, or 6; and
FIGURE 14 is a process chart for the integrated payment and delivery system.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown an apparatus for the secure delivery of articles comprising a box 9, 70, 80, 209, 309 having a door 30, 30a. 30b. 230, 330 openable when no article is in the box by a deliverer of the article, wherein, once closed with an article placed in the box, the door is only capable of being re-opened by a holder of the box, thereby preventing the unwanted removal of the article placed therein, once delivered.
Turning in particular to Figure 1, there is shown a box 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention, to which access may be gained via door 30. The door includes locking arrangement shown in more detail in Figures 2 and 3. When an article (not shown) is placed in the box on a raised platform 50, the weight of the article forces the platform downwardly, against the action of biasing means such as helical springs 55 mounted on rods 54. In alternative classes of embodiment, other biasing means such as leaf springs may be used, and the number of biasing means may be adjusted as necessary.
Once the article has been placed in the box 9, the door 30 is closed. During the closure process the platform 50 is lifted by cam means such as wedges 42. In alternative embodiments, the number of wedges may be altered, or alternative means used to raise the platform 50. The wedges are advantageously attached to door 30 by mounting means 43. To aid the lifting process, a portion of the edge of the platform 57 may be profiled to cooperate with the wedges 42. As a result a dowel 51 preferably attached to the side of platform 50 rises above a latch 34 fitted, in this embodiment, to the inside face of the door 30 as part of projection 33.
At the moment that the door 30 is fully closed, dowel 51 overlies a recess formed by latch 34. Simultaneously, wedges 42 line up with recesses 58 provided in platform 50. and the platform 50 drops under the influence of the weight of the article placed thereon.
Locking means such as a key operated lock 11 attached to the side of the box 10 prevents a lower portion 35 of the latch 33 provided on the projection 31 of the box from being pushed back and releasing the door 30. If an article is on the platform 50, the only way of opening the door 30 is to unlock the lock I 1 which releases lower portion 35 freeing dowel 51. In alternative classes of embodiment. Other known locking means, for example a combination lock, or a swipe card, may be used. Only the box holder (e.g. a householder or designated company employee) is provided with key 15, or other means to enable the locking means to be released.
Once the box holder has undone lock 1 1 they can pull the door 30 open and take the article off the platform 50. As a result the platform 50 will be pushed up by springs 55 and when the door is shut with no article on base 50, the dowel 51 is advantageously releasably caught by recess 36.
In a second embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a second door 30b is provided in the opposite side face of a box 70 to a first door 30a, and is preferably provided with an identical locking arrangement such that once the door has been closed and an article left on the platform 50b, it can only be re-opened by the holder of the box releasing the locking mechanism 11. If no article is left on the platform 50b the door 30b can still be opened.
A partition 71 is preferably mounted between the first and second doors 30a and 30b to divide the box into two separate compartments. In this embodiment partition 71 is made of flexible material fitted in a concertina configuration. Partition 71 is advantageously fixed at the top and bottom and is configured to flex in a single direction such that access around the side of the partition inside the box is not possible. The partition is preferably expandable and/or movable such that if a large article is placed in the box (i.e. more than half of the side of the box 70) then the partition wraps around the article and access to the article is not possible from the other compartment. Naturally if a large article takes up all of the space within the box, then a second article could not be placed in the box via the other of the first or second doors 30a and 30b. The partition is preferably made from durable anti-tear and anti-cut material such as Kevlar^RTM or Safeknit^RTM cloth or ribbed plastic or metal which substantially prevents tampering in order to access articles placed on the opposite side of the partition 71.
Turning now to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6, an assembly 80 is shown which comprises a plurality of individual - boxes 9 or 70 for use in multiple residence buildings or offices containing a plurality of separate companies.
Each individual box 9 or 70 functions in a similar way to the box of the first or second embodiment, and is provided with one or more doors 30, 30a, 30b openable by a deliverer when no article is in the box. The box holder can open the box if an article is inside by unlocking lock 11. A partition 71 may be provided to separate each box into two compartments in a similar manner to the box of Figure 5.
In certain situations, it may be feasible for fewer boxes to be provided than there are residents in a particular building, with boxes being allocated on a daily or weekly basis, for example, when delivery of an article is anticipated, thereby reducing the overall cost of installation. The arrangement 80 may be formed from boxes 9 or 70 specifically designed to be stackable, or may be manufactured integrally with a standard number of boxes.
In a particularly preferred embodiment as shown in Figures 11A and 11B. at least two opposed upper and lower edges of the box are bevelled such that a joiner piece may be secured in the gap produced when two or more boxes are stacked.
The boxes 9, 70, 80 of all three embodiments are preferably manufactured from a tough, durable material to substantially prevent unauthorised persons gaining access to articles held therein, as well as protecting the articles from the elements, should the boxes be installed outside. Advantageously, the boxes may be manufactured from metal such as steel or low density polythene which fulfil the above criteria. To further prevent the security of the box being compromised, the doors are made as part of the box 9, 70, 81 and meet the relevant security standards. Means, such as bolts (not shown), may be provided with the box to secure it to a fixed object to substantially prevent its theft.
Each box, be it the single box 9 of Figure 1, the two door box 70 of Figure 5 or each individual box 9 of Figure 6 is preferably associated with a unique identifier such as an alphanumeric code, a barcode, a magnetic strip, or some form of microchip which may be interrogated by an appropriate reader in order to obtain the identifier. In its simplest form, the identifier may be provided on an accessible portion of the box, but in a particularly preferred embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the identifier is provided in the form of a barcode 53 which may be mounted on a panel 52.
In use, when the deliverer opens the door 30 and places an article on the platform 50 the deliverer cannot access the barcode 53. The weight of the article pushes the platform 50 down on springs 55 such that the barcode 53 is lined up with an aperture 14 provided in the side of the box 10. However, until the door is shut a cover 16 does not allow the deliverer to read the barcode 53.
On shutting the door 30, a cam follower 12 attached to the cover 16 slides up cam track 37. The cam track is preferably mounted on projection 31 via a level portion 38 of the track. The sliding motion causes cover 16 to rise up, whilst being held in slots 17. When the door 30 is fully closed, the cam follower preferably rests on the level portion 38 of the cam track. The cover 16 is thus held above aperture 14, and the barcode that is now visible can be read by the deliverer.
Once the bar code reading has been taken, the deliverer preferably pushes a portion of the follower 12 projecting from the outer face of the cover 16 to the right, thus pushing it off the edge of cam track 37. A sufficient amount of free play may be provided between the slots 17 for this to be achieved. At this point the follower 12 and cover 16 attached thereto will fall. Follower 12 pushes down a non-return catch 39 and comes to rest underneath. Thereafter it is not possible to raise the follower the beyond the catch 39. As the door is opened, the hinge 37 is arranged to be movable to allow follower 12 to pass, and the mechanism is reset.
It is envisaged that to further enhance the security of the barcode reading process, one barcode may be provided on panel 52, and a second on projection 31, such that when there is an article on the platform 50 and the door is closed, the two barcodes are aligned and the barcode reader is programmed to only record a successful reading of the barcode, if both barcodes are aligned, and read one after the other. This arrangement is described in more detail below in the fourth embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 to 10. Where possible, like numerals have been used for like parts with the addition of the prefix "2". Therefore, only those parts that differ are discussed below.
Turning now to Figure 7 in particular, there is shown a box 209 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, to which access may be gained via door 230. The door includes a locking arrangement shown in more detail in Figures 8, 9, 9A, 9B and 10. When an article (not shown) is placed in the box on a raised platform 250. the weight of the article forces the platform downwardly, against the action of biasing means such as helical springs 255 mounted on rods 254. In alternative classes of embodiment, other biasing means such as leaf springs may be used, and the number of biasing means may be adjusted as necessary. It can be seen that in this embodiment, only one side of the platform is raised on springs.
Once the article has been placed in the box 209, the door 230 is closed. During the closure process, dowel 251 preferably attached to the side of platform 250 is lifted by cam means such as an inclined plane portion 236 of a pivotting latch 233 attached to a projection 231 mounted substantially perpendicular to an inside face of door 230 (see Figures 9 and 9B). In alternative embodiments, alternative means may be used to raise the platform 250. As a result the dowel 251 rises above the latch 233, and as the door reaches a fully closed position, drops down into a recessed portion 240 provided on the other side of pivotting means 238 under the influence of the weight of the article placed on the platform 250.
Locking means such as a key operated lock 211 attached to the side of the box 210 is arranged, when in a set position to abut face 242 of the latch, and prevents the latch 233 from being pivotted back to release the door 230. If an article is on the platform 250. the only way of opening the door 230 is to unlock the lock 21 1 thereby enabling the latch 233 to be rotated in an anticlockwise direction when viewed from direction X, thus freeing dowel 251. In alternative classes of embodiment, other known locking means, for example a combination lock, or a swipe card, may be used. Only the box holder (e.g. a householder or designated company employee) is provided with key 215, or other means to enable the locking means to be released.
Once the box holder has undone lock 211 they can pull the door 230 open and take the article off the platform 250. As a result the platform 250 will be pushed up by spring(s) 255. When the door 230 is shut with no article on base 250, the top of latch 233 advantageously releasably catches the dowel 251.
In use, when the deliverer opens the door 230 and places an article on the platform 250 the deliverer cannot read the barcodes 253a and 253b sequentially, and therefore cannot record a successful delivery. The weight of the article pushes the platform 250 down on springs 255 such that the barcode 253b is lined up with an aperture 214 provided in the side of the box 210. However, until the door is shut, the barcodes are not brought into alignment for sequential reading, and a cover 216 does not allow the deliverer to read the barcode 253b.
Referring now to Figures 9B and 10 in particular, on shutting the door 230, a cam follower 212 attached to the cover 216 slides up cam track 237. The cam track is preferably provided on a plate 232 pivotally mounted on the opposite face of projection 231 to the latch 233 by pivoting means 238. The sliding motion causes cover 216 to rise up whilst being held in place by plate 217 and sloping projection 218. When the door 230 is fully closed, the cam follower 212 is preferably captured in the raised trough portion 219 of aperture 213. The cover 216 is thus held above aperture 214, and the barcodes 253a and 253b that are now visible and aligned can now be read sequentially by the deliverer.
Once the bar code reading has been taken, the deliverer preferably lifts the portion of the follower 212 projecting from the outer face of the cover 216 and moves it to the side so as to drop into the lower rest position 222. The follower simultaneously drops down edge 244 of plate 232 which is positioned substantially adjacent to cover 216 when the door is closed. The pivoting motion of plate 232 enables follower 212 to come to rest below edge 245, thus preventing the cover being lifted, and stopping further barcode readings being taken until the mechanism is reset.
In summary, the above embodiment functions as follows: If no article is placed in the box 209, and the door 230 is closed, if the cover 216 is raised, only one portion of the barcode 253a will be visible, and a delivery cannot be recorded. Additionally, if an article has been placed in the box, once the deliverer has taken a reading of the barcode and pushed follower 212 to the right, the cover 216 hides the barcode portions 253a, 253b that cannot be accessed again until the box is opened and the article removed by the box holder. For the deliverer to be able to verify that a delivery has been made to the box, an article must be placed in the box, and the box then subsequently closed with the article remaining therein.
In addition to providing provision for the secure delivery of articles, a complete mail order/e-commerce delivery system should also have provision for permitting the secure collection of return articles (e.g. articles sent in error, or which are defective). To this end, the box 209 is advantageously further provided with a second locking means, which in the fourth embodiment comprises key operated lock 220 operating in conjunction with latch 221. To leave an article for collection, the box holder places the article in the box on platform 250 and closes the door 230, and locks lock 220, but does not set lock 211.
To collect the article, the collector (normally a delivery firm employee) uses a skeleton key (that can be used to access all such boxes, or a proportion of such boxes, such as those belonging to that delivery firm, for example) to release the lock and thereby open the door to remove the article. If necessary, the barcode portions 253a, 253b can be read before the box is removed to verify pick-up. It should be understood that alternative second locking means such as a keypad or a smartcard locking system may be used.
It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the box of the fourth embodiment may be adapted to provide two compartments in a similar manner to the box of the second embodiment, or be produced in a stackable/integral form in a similar manner to the boxes of the third embodiment.
Turning now to a fifth embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 11A and 11B, there is illustrated an electronically controlled version of the box 309. Where possible, like numerals have been used for like parts with the addition of the prefix "3". Therefore, only those parts that differ are discussed below.
An input means, an electronic locking means, and a reader means are preferably mounted on the box 309. In this embodiment, the input means is provided by a numeric or alphanumeric keypad 362, the electronic locking means is a solenoid or preferably a resiliently biased locking means such as spring lock 311 operating in conjunction with a latch (not shown), and the reader means is barcode reader 361 mounted inside the box. An advantage of using resiliently biased locking is that it is not necessary for a handle to be provided to access the box. In alternative embodiments, the barcode reader 361 and/or keypad 362 may be repositioned such that they are secured to or read through the door 330, for example. The box is preferably further provided with one or more article sensors (for example infra red/optical sensors) 367and a transmitter/receiver 363. Not shown on Figures 11A and 11B, but illustrated schematically on Figure 12 are a controller 365, door position sensor 366, and battery 364. The functions of the box are preferably controlled by controller 365 which may comprise logic circuits and/or one or more microprocessors. It should be understood that in some circumstances either the barcode reader 361 or the keypad 362 may be dispensed with.
To leave an article, the deliverer may enter either a delivery company specific code via the keypad 362, or may pass a barcode printed on the article packaging or other pre-printed barcode in front of the barcode reader, thereby releasing spring lock 311 if the code entered/read (or part of the code) matches a pre-programmed code stored in the controller 365. The deliverer then opens the door 330 and places the article inside and closes the door.
The presence of the article is detected by sensor 367 thereby causing sensor 367 to signal to the controller 365 that an article has been placed in the box 309. When the door closes, the controller 365 signals the lock 311 to lock the door 330. In alternative embodiments, a pressure sensitive pad, the mechanical detecting means of the preceding embodiments, or other suitable pressure detecting means may replace the platform 350, and may signal the controller 365 when an article is placed thereon.
If the article barcode data is available and has been read, the controller preferably instructs data regarding the time and/or date of delivery, the identity of the article, the identity of the box and the identity of the deliverer to be sent to a central database (that is administered by the delivery company or an independent company acting for a number of delivery companies, for example) to enable delivery verification to take place. If only a delivery company code has been input, then only time and/or date of delivery can be transmitted with the delivery company code and box identity. The transmitter/receiver used is preferably a radiotelephone. The data is preferably sent using the conventional cellular telephone network. The data may alternatively be sent via a standard fixed phone system, or other suitable communications network. This information is sent only when the door 330 has been shut and the package is secure inside the box.
To retrieve an article, once delivered, the box holder enters their personal identification number (PIN) either via the keypad 362, or in the form of a barcode that is issued together with the box. If this matches a number stored within the controller 365, the controller signals the spring lock 311 to release door 330. The box holder then removes the article and shuts the door. The sensors 367 signal to the controller that the beams are not broken, and that the article has therefore been removed. When the door is re-closed, door sensor 366 sends a signal to the controller 365, which in turn signals the lock 311 to lock the door, and data is advantageously transmitted to the central database indicating the date and/or time of the removal of the article, together with the article details, if available after the door has been shut.
As with the fourth embodiment, provision is made for the secure deposit of articles to be returned. The box holder enters a code on the keypad designating returns, or preferably a specific returns button is provided that can be pressed. The holder then enters their PIN either via the keypad 362 or barcode reader 361 and scans the original delivery barcode if available, all which is processed by the controller 365 to signal the releasing of the lock 311 to open the box. Alternatively, the box holder may scan a barcode issued together with the box for returned articles. The box holder then places the article to be returned in the box. The presence of the article is registered by the optical sensor 367, which in conjunction with a signal from the door sensor that the door is closed causes the controller to signal spring lock 31 1 to lock the door and send data via the transmitter/receiver 363 that an article is ready for collection.
When the collector picks up the return article, they enter a company/deliverer specific code either via the keypad 362 or barcode reader 361, thereby releasing spring lock 311 and enabling the package to be removed. When the article is removed, a signal is sent to the controller 365 from the sensor 367, which together with a signal from the door sensor when the door is shut causes the controller to signal the lock 311 to lock the door. This also preferably causes the controller to send data to the central database after the door is shut via the transmitter/receiver indicating that the article has been collected, together with the box identity, time and/or date of retrieval and the identity of the collector.
The box also has provision for leaving articles to be collected by third parties (e.g. friends or business associates of the box holder). In such situations, the box holder enters a box holder programmable code to open the box and places the article to be collected in the box. The same code is then passed to the third party who enters the code to enable the article to be retrieved.
The box may further be set so as not to accept deliveries for a certain period of time (e.g. if the box holder has ordered perishable goods, but cannot collect the goods for a period of time) by entering a delay code via the keypad, which is sent to the central database via the transmitter/receiver. A similar system is available to divert deliveries to an alternative box if necessary.
As well as the functions of the box being directly controlled via the keypad 362 or barcode reader 361, instructions may be sent to the box via the transmitter/receiver using email, a specifically set up website, or a mobile phone (using the short message service, for example) through central database or directly. In certain circumstances, it may therefore be desirable for each box to be assigned an IP (Internet Protocol) address, and communications to take place using TCP/IP.
In order to conserve battery power, the controller is programmed to power down the electronic components after a certain period of inactivity (e.g. two minutes). The system powers up once a further input is received. It is however envisaged that in some embodiments mains power, or alternative power sources such photo-voltaic solar cells may be used.
The box is also advantageously programmed to signal the database when the battery is low, the box is being tampered with, or an error signal is detected. A signal may be sent from the database to change box holder pin numbers should this be deemed necessary for operational reasons (if for example, a bill has not been paid).
It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the box of the fifth embodiment may be adapted to provide two compartments in a similar manner to the box of the second embodiment, or be produced in a stackable/integral form in a similar manner to the boxes of the third embodiment.
In a further variant of the electronically operated box, display means such as Liquid Crystal Display is provided on the box exterior and may replace or provide a back-up for the data transmitter/receiver 363. The display receives signals from the controller such that when a package has been placed in the box and the door closed, an algorithm running on the controller outputs an alphanumeric code for display on the LCD for use as a verification code. The algorithm preferably encrypts one or more of the package barcode, unique box identifier and the time/date of delivery. This may then be recorded by the deliverer, decrypted upon his return to the delivery depot and used as proof of delivery of a particular package at a certain box at a particular time and/or date. A similar algorithm may be used for any data transmitted via the transmitter/receiver 363 if increased security is required. The LCD may also be used to provide box status information such as battery warnings, for example, as well as instructions to users.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the electronics provided within the box are housed within a self contained compartment preferably in the base thereof where it cannot be damaged by articles placed in the box and is less susceptible to vandalism as illustrated most clearly in Figure 11B.
For delivery verification to take place with the mechanical boxes of the first, second, third and fourth embodiments, the deliverer is preferably provided with means to read the unique identifier, which in a preferred embodiment is a barcode reader (not shown) to read barcode 53 of the first, second and third embodiments, or aligned barcodes 253a, 253b of the fourth embodiment. The reader advantageously also records the time and/or date of delivery, and may be integrated, or used in conjunction with a handheld computer of the type already used by some delivery companies, for example. In alternative classes of embodiment, any other suitable form of manual or electronic reading means may be employed.
In this way, should the holder of the box question whether the article has in fact been delivered, the delivery company would be able to show that the deliverer placed an article in the box at a given time and/or date. The time and/or date of delivery may be stored in the reading means for subsequent uploading to the delivery company's computer system, Advantageously, a delivery notification may be transmitted using, for example, a cellular telecommunications system back to a central database (e.g. belonging to the delivery company or a third party) to provide 'real-time' article tracking, in which case, the time and/or date may be recorded by the database once the notification is received.
To guard against dishonest deliverers, means may be provided which will not issue the verification unless the correct article (verified by reading a barcode provided on the article left inside the box) is secured within the box. This may be achieved by placing a bar code reader inside the box, which only permits verification to be supplied once a barcode provided on the article has been successfully read with the door closed. If such a verification system is used, it may be possible to dispense with the above described locking and verifying methods. It is also envisaged that this system may be adapted for use with the electronic box of the fifth embodiment.
When the reader is unable to read the barcode at the first attempt, a mechanism may be included which permits the door to be unlocked and the article to be repositioned such that the barcode on the article can be read. The reader may be programmed to allow a set number of repositioning attempts before deeming the validation to be a failure. In practice, such a safeguard may not be necessary, as deliverers would soon be discovered if they repeatedly recorded deliveries, but the recipients stated that the incorrect article had been delivered.
An alternative method of verification would be the embedding of a microchip/ transponder in a delivery note or similar attached to the article, which could be interrogated by a device fitted inside the box 9, 70.
Most large delivery companies now use barcode readers as a method of tracking parcel delivery, and could therefore easily adapt to reading the barcodes provided on the boxes in addition to those on articles. However, smaller deliverers often rely on manual delivery logging methods. In such situations, individual boxes of the first three embodiments may be fitted with a verification device that, upon delivery of an article, will provide a printout of the time and/or date of delivery together with the box identifier. This printout may then be retained by the deliverer as proof of delivery.
Figures 13A and 13B show a suitable verification device 110 which may be mounted to the box using a bracket 111. It can be seen from Figure 13A that the bracket includes a first elongate projection 113 which is bolted to the top or side of box 9, 70 or 81. Upon removing the bolts 114. the device 110 can be taken out of the bottom of bracket 111 and batteries or printer cartridge changed.
As an alternative to the time and/or date and box identifier being printed, means such as a radio transmitter such as is used in known cellular telecommunications apparatus could be triggered to signal a delivery company office for example, once the article has been delivered to provide real-time tracking as outlined above.
Referring now to Figure 14, in another embodiment of the invention, the delivery method is integrated into the payment method for the article ordered. This is achieved by providing the merchant (i.e. the company supplying the article) with the unique identifier associated with the box 150 (such as the barcode number 53, 253a, 253b) when the article is ordered.
The identifier must have previously been associated with the credit/debit card details relating to the holder of the box, optionally together with personal information of the box holder such as their name, and the location of the box, and the data stored in a database. The association may be carried out the first time an article is ordered.
The merchant queries the database holding the required information, preferably using a secure connection 152. If the box is used by a single delivery company only, this database may be held by the delivery company. Otherwise, an independently administered database may be set-up accessible via a website, for example. Alternatively, the identifier data may be integrated into a database of a known secure transaction system such as 'ProTx' or 'Worldpay^RTM' which may allow additional features to be integrated with the system, such as the ability to bill alternative credit cards, if a customer wishes. It is therefore possible for the holder's credit card to be billed for the purchase of the article by supplying only the identifier when ordering over the phone or Internet connection, for example, thus increasing the security of the transaction. The merchant then supplies the identifierto the delivery company 154 which preferably queries the same database, but would usually only require the delivery location.
Normally, the person within the delivery company making the delivery is identified and their deliveries for a given day allocated. The individual will therefore be supplied with a delivery location and identifier 156, along with the identifiers for the rest of the day's deliveries. The deliverer then goes to the correct location and locates the box_158, and places the article to be delivered within the box, and records the time and date of delivery 160 which is conveyed back to the delivery company by one of the methods outlined above, and is stored for retrieval should the delivery by queried. Optionally, the time and date of delivery may be supplied to the merchant 162 in order to confirm that delivery has taken place.
As an alternative to the use of barcode technology, the deliverer may be supplied with coded verification means, a smartcard for example, which holds the required delivery data. The customer places an order with the supplier advantageously including the unique identifier which may again be matched to the customer's credit/debit card details for payment purposes and an alphanumeric order reference which, for security purposes should be a minimum of four digits in length. The merchant processes the order and passes the identifier and the purchase reference number, together with the ordered article to a delivery company. Advantageously, the unique identifier is used as the order reference, so only a single number must be supplied by the customer.
The delivery company designates a deliverer and obtains the delivery location by querying the database of unique identifiers. The purchase order reference is then downloaded on to the smartcard carried by the deliverer, which preferably also holds data pertaining to the remainder of the deliveries for that day. Upon reaching the delivery location, the deliverer allows the smartcard to be read by a verifying device such as a smartcard reader associated with the box.

Claims

Apparatus for the secure delivery of an article having a readable code, which apparatus comprises a box (9; 70; 80; 209; 309) having a door (30; 30a; 30b; 230; 330) and locking means for locking the door, an input device (362) capable of enabling a deliverer to enter a delivery code, a controller for controlling access to the box having a pre-programmed code stored therein and capable of verifying the delivery code with the pre-programmed code characterised in that there further comprises an article code reader (361) for reading the article code (253) to verify delivery of the article and a transmitter (363) to transmit the article code to a desired location after the door is locked.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the controller (365) further controls the locking means.
Apparatus as claimed in ether claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the controller (365) records the time and/or date of delivery once the article has been placed in the box (9) and the box (9) is locked.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the transmitter (363) transmits the date and/or time of delivery to a desired location.
Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the apparatus further comprises a display.
Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the delivery code is transmitted by the transmitter (363) with the article code.
Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein there further comprises a sensor (367) to detect the presence of an article in the box (9) which information is recorded and/or transmitted by the controller (365).
Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein an algorithm running on the controller (365) outputs an alphanumeric code to a display for use as a verification code.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the algorithm encrypts one or more of the article code, unique box identifier (53) or the date and time of delivery.
Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the transmitter (363) comprises a radio transmitter.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the radio transmitter operates using a cellular telecommunications system.
Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 further comprising an article detector for detecting the presence of an article in the box (9; 70; 80; 209; 309) and to cause the locking means to be activated to lock the door (30; 30a; 30b; 230; 330).
Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the article detector comprises one or more sensors and a controller to control the locking means.
Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13 wherein the box further comprises a second door capable functioning similarly to the first door, the box being divided into two compartments accessible from the first and second doors respectively, with each compartment accessible from the respective doors, thereby permitting the secure delivery of articles on two separate occasions and/or from two separate deliverers.
A method of securely and verifiably delivering an article characterised in that the article has a readable code and the method comprises the steps (i) depositing an article in a box; (ii) an article code reader reading the article code to verify delivery of the article; (iii) causing the door to be locked; and (iv) transmitting the article code to a desired location for verification.
A method of delivering articles as claimed in claim 15, further comprising the step between steps (i) and (ii) inputting a delivery code; and
comparing the delivery code to a pre-programmed code stored in a controller for controlling access to the box.
A method as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 further comprising the step of recording the time and date after the article has been placed within the box, and the box is locked.
A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the time and/or date of delivery is transmitted to a desired location.
A method as claimed in any of claims 15 to 18 wherein the method comprises one or more of the following steps (a) supplying unique identifier associated with the box to a delivery of the article; (b) the deliverer delivering the article to the box; (c) detecting the presence of the article within the box by an article detector which causes the box to be locked; (d) the delivery authenticating the unique identifier thereby verifying that the deliverer was present at that box at the recorded time and/or date characterised in that the identifier is recorded once the article has been placed securely in the box and the door locked.