PREVENTING THEFT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/912,311 filed October 8, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set- forth in its respective entirety herein, for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

[0001] The presently disclosed embodiments generally relate to securing delivered packages, and more particularly, to technologies for preventing delivered packages from theft.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

[0002] Home delivery for purchased items and other packages is prevalent. Homeowners have had delivered packages stolen from their homes including without limitation from just outside their front door. The majority of homeowners have concerns about delivered packages being stolen. Many expect the number of packages delivered to increase dramatically as consumers shift a higher percentage of their purchases to online purchases. Several theft- deterrent or prevention solutions are on the market and include the Amazon Key, Ring Doorbell, Package Guard, and delivery to work or another address. There is a need for an easy-to-use apparatus to secure delivered packages.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

[0003] In one embodiment, a method for securing a package may include providing a base operatively coupled to a structure (e.g., a door), a receptacle (e.g., Kevlar bag), a tightening device (e.g., strap with handle), and a locking mechanism. This embodiment of the method includes securing a package in a secured position by securing the base to a structure, providing the receptacle opening with the tightening device in the opening, or unsecured position, allowing for the insertion of the delivered package into the receptacle, and tightening the tightening device to the hilly cinched, closed, or secured position, and the locking mechanism operating to secure the tightening device in the closed position. A further embodiment may include unlocking the tightening device wherein the consumer to whom the package was delivered unlocks the tightening device by operating a release which is positioned on the other side of the structure to which the base is mounted.

[0004] In yet another embodiment, the apparatus for securing delivered packages and preventing theft includes a receptacle having an open end and an enclosed body (illustratively a bag) suitable for receiving a package, a tether operatively coupled to the open end of the receptacle, and to a locking mechanism. In this embodiment, the apparatus further includes a base which is configured to be operatively coupled to a structure such as a door. In one aspect of this embodiment, the base may include an exterior side and an interior side, where a release mechanism is coupled to the interior side so that a consumer having access to the interior of the delivery address (such as a homeowner at home) may release the locking mechanism and a releasable restraining device or lock to allow a delivery agent to insert a package for delivery into the receptacle, pull on the tether to a closed position to constrict or close the open end, and the restraining device restrains the tether in the closed position. The restraining device is configured to be moved to a released position releasing pressure from the tether so that the open end of the receptacle can be opened to remove the package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] The embodiments and other features, advantages and disclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package securing apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of a package securing apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] FIGS. 4 is a top view of a base, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a base, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view a base, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a ratcheting device mechanically coupled to a base, according to one embodiment of the present inven tion;

[0013] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a clamping device to mechanically couple a base to a structure, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 9 is an illustration of an embodiment of the apparatus including separate handle and bag tethers or straps which are wrapped around an axle in opposite rotary directions so that when the handle strap is pulled, the axle rotates in a direction to unwind more of the handle tether, and wind up more of the bag strap, and when the bag straps are pulled (when a lock mechanism is released) the bag straps are unwound from the axle and the handle strap is wound around the axle., according to one embodiment of the present invention; [0015] FIGS. 10A-10C is an illustration of a receptacle coupled to a base, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 11 A-l IB is an illustration of a package securing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a package securing apparatus in a locked position, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a clamping device to mechanically couple a base to a structure, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 14 is an illustration of a ratcheting device mechanically coupled to a base, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a base according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIGS. 16A-16C is an illustration of a base according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIGS. 17 is a perspective view of a package securing apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIGS. 18 is a perspective view of a package securing apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIGS. 19A-B is an illustration of a clamp according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 20 is an illustration of a package securing apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] For the purposes of promoting an rmderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a package securing apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may comprise a base 105 operatively coupled to a structure 200 (e.g., a door to name just one nonlimiting example), a receptacle 110 (e.g., Kevlar or other cut resistant bag, to name just a few nonlimiting examples), and a tightening device 120 (e.g., a tether or strap, to name just two nonlimiting examples). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the receptacle 110 may be in a locked/secured position wherein the tightening device 120 may be pulled by handle 122 to a closed position where an open end of the receptacle 110 may be constricted or closed to secure, for example, a package inside. The secured position may illustratively include the open end of the receptacle 110 in the locked/secured position pulled under a protective flange 130 or shroud on a first or exterior side 202 of a base 105. The flange 130 may be part of the base 105 operatively coupled to the structure 200 as is shown in FIGS. 1-3.

[0028] The tightening device 120 may include a machine readable tag (not shown). The machine readable tag may comprise a bar code, radio frequency identification device (RFID) and any other machine readable tag known in the art. In one aspect of this embodiment, when the apparatus 100 is in the locked/secured position, the machine readable tag may be exposed. The machine readable tag may be printed on, coupled to, or otherwise provided on an end of the tightening device 120 so that it is only exposed to a user, for example a delivery person, when the apparatus 100 is in the locked/secure position, with the tightening device 120 pulled out enough to expose the machine readable tag. The user may then scan the machine readable tag to electronically confirm a delivery has occurred, after putting a package into the receptacle 110 and pulling the tightening device 120 out to the secured/locked position.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a package securing apparatus 100, comprising a base 105 from a second or interior side 204 of the base 105 of the apparatus 100. The base 105 may be configured so that a portion of the base 105 may be positioned under the door 200 or other structure. The base 105 comprising a locking device 150 for receiving the tightening device 120 to enable a user to close and secure the receptacle 110. The tightening device 120may be affixed to and routed through the base 105 so that when the base 105 is in position (such as under a door 200 to a home) and the door 200 is closed, the locking device 150 may be accessible only from the interior side 204 and the tightening device 120 handle 122 may only be pulled and tightened from the exterior side 202, and the locking device 150 may only be released, and the receptacle thereby may be released or opened, from the interior side 204.

[0030] The apparatus 100 includes locking device 150 (e.g., a ratchet device such as is illustratively depicted in FIG. 2 to name just one nonlimiting example) to maintain the tightening device 120 in the closed position, thereby securing the locked/secured receptacle 110 adjacent the exterior side 202 of the base 105 as depicted in FIG. 1. The locking device 150 may include a rotating device 152 or spool structured to receive the width of the tightening device 120, and may rotate in a first direction in which case the handle 122 of the tightening device 120 is pulled to lengthen the tightening device 120 at the handle 122, and may in an opposite second direction to shorten the tightening device 120 at the handle 122. It may be recognized that the length of the tightening device 120 does not actually change, and that rather the portion of the tightening device 120 as measured from the base 105 to the handle 122 becomes longer when the tightening device 120 is pulled and the rotating device 152 moves in the first direction, and becomes shorter when the tightening device 120 is pulled from the portion adjacent the interior side 204 of the base and the rotating device 152 may move in the second direction (which directional movement may be enabled by releasing the lock 154, as is known in the art and depicted in FIG. 2).

[0031] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 3, and 4, the portion of the base 105 coupled to the interior side 204 of structure 200 may include a spring tensioner 160, a locking device 150, and a tightening device 120. In this embodiment, a single tightening device 120 is included. At one end of the tightening device (illustratively opposite the handle 122), the tightening device 120 may be coupled or anchored to the base at location 156, and threaded under a bottom edge 107 of the base 105, through a channel 112 extending around the receptacle 110 formed at the open end 115 of the receptacle 110 (for clarity it is within the scope of this disclosure to form the channel 112 at any distance away from the open end 115). The tightening device is then routed back under the base 105 (illustratively above the portion of the tightening device 120 adjacent the anchored location 156), and threaded around the rotating device 152 in the same direction as the first direction of rotation (the locking mechanism may use an eccentric rotating device 152 that is spring loaded. The spring may rotate the portion of the locking teeth 153 with the large radius from the axis into the tightening device 120 so that if the receptacle 110 is forcibly opened the locking teeth 153 will further engage and prevent the tightening device 120 from loosening.) The tightening device 120 may be routed through a first opening 108 in the base 105, a second opening 109 in the base 105 positioned under the portion of the base 105 that fits under the structure 200, and at the end thereof the handle 122 is illustratively affixed to the tightening device 120. As the tightening device 120 is move toward the closed position (e.g., by pulling the handle 122) the locking device may rotate in the first direction. In at least one embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the locking teeth 153 of locking device 150 may prevent the tightening device 120 from being pulled back along the surface of the rotating device 152 so that if the receptacle 110 in its locked position, were pulled from the exterior side 202 (exterior portion of the base 105), the tightening device 120 is restricted from moving. The locking device 150 comprises a release 154 that, when actuated, may release tension on the rotating device 152 as is known in the art, thereby allowing the tightening device 120 to be moved toward the open position allowing the open end 115 of the receptacle 110 to be opened. However, when the locking device 150 is not released, while traveling in the first direction locking teeth 153 which may be integrated with the rotating device 152 may engage the tightening device 120 to prevent the tightening device 120 from rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, the tensioner 160 may be made of a material that is somewhat rigid but sufficiently flexible to deform when the base 105 is slid into position on the structure 200 (such as when sliding under an open door from the non-hinged side of the door toward a central portion of the door’s bottom edge), yet stabilizes the base 105 relative to the structure 200.

The base may be positioned relative to structure 200 (such as a door) so that the tensioner 160 engages the structure 200 on the interior side 204 (i.e. the side opposite receptacle 110) to help secure the base 105 to the structure 200, wherein the base 105 and the tensioner 160 may include a plurality of settings 165 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The tensioner 160 may be adjusted to accommodate a plurality of structures 200 (e.g., doors with different thicknesses). As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4, the tensioner 160 may comprise tabs 167 formed adjacent ends thereof that can be inserted into slots 165 formed in a portion of base 105. Positioning the tensioner 160 in slots 165 that are positioned closer to each other, forces the tensioner 160 to be deformed more and spaced farther away from the portion of the base 105 containing the slots 165, and apply more force to the structure 200 to maintain the base 105 in place, for example, more securely. Positioning the tensioner 160 tabs 167 in slots 165 that are spaced relatively farther apart from each other has the opposite effect, wherein the tensioner 160 is spaced closer to the base 105 and the force applied to the structure 200 is relatively less. In addition, the tensioner 160 tabs 165 may be adjustable to provide high enough force for any structure 200 thickness. The distance between the slots 165 may be determined by the thickness of structure 200.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of installing the apparatus 300 on a structure 200, for example a door. At the initial step of 400, the apparatus may be slid under the structure 200 so that the tensioner 160 engages with the structure 200 via tensioner pad 161, as the apparatus 100 is installed. The pad 161 may protect the structure 200 from damage, from example from sliding apparatus 100 on structure 200 and from the tensioner 160 under pressure. At step 402, the tensioner 160 may generate pressure between structure 200 and base 105 on the exterior side 202 and the tensioner 160 on the interior side 204, and in this position the apparatus 100 may be considered fully installed. At step 403, an adjustment may be made, for example, prior to installing apparatus 100. This adjustment may be for adjusting tensioner 160, for example, to accommodate the width of structure 200.

[0034] In another embodiment of a package securing apparatus, indicated generally at 400, may comprise a locking device 402, as is depicted in FIGS. 5-7 and 14, the ratchet mechanism 410 (as is known in the art) includes teeth 411 that engage and disengage from a pawl 416 to allow the tightening device 420 to be moved from the open position to the closed position when the tightening device 420 handle is pulled, allowing the ramped edges of the teeth 411 to rotate and slide against a spring tensioned pawl 416, but when the lock release 415 is not actuated, the engaging edge of the teeth 411 engage the pawl 416 and prevents rotation in the second direction.

[0035] In yet another embodiment, a package securing device, indicated generally at 300, may comprise a cam 340 as shown in FIG. 6 , which may be used for clamping the apparatus 300 to a structure, for example a door. A plurality of thumb screws 320 may provide a rough adjustment for a specific thickness of the structure. When lever 345 is actuated to engage the cams 340, the pads 342 may squeeze against the structure. The cams 340 may be designed with an “over center” shape so that pressure against the pads 342 may not push the cam 340 open, for example like an over-center latch on a tackle and/or tool box.

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates the ratchet mechanism 410 engaging with the lock release 415 via the pawl 416. A spring 417 applies tension to the pawl 4316 locking the pawl 416 into the the ratchet mechanism 410. Pressing the lock release 415 may disengage the pawl 416 from the ratchet mechanism 410.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrate another embodiment of a package securing apparatus 400 wherein two straps may be used. The first strap being a handle strap 420, the second being a bag strap 422. The handle strap 420 may be affixed adjacent each of its ends to different portions along the length of an axle 406 around which it is wrapped when the apparatus 400 is in its open position, as depicted in FIG. 6, for example. The bag strap 422 is similarly affixed adjacent one end to a first portion of the axle 406, then it may be routed through the base 405 so that it can be positioned under a structure 200 or other structure and through the channel 112 in the receptacle 110, for example. The other end may be positioned under the structure 200 and routed back through the base 405 and affixed to a second portion of the axle 406. Each bag strap 422 end is wound around the axle 406 in an opposite direction than the handle strap 420 so that when the handle strap 420 is pulled, the axle 406 rotates and winds up both ends of the bag strap 422, effectively closing the open end 115 of the receptacle 110, for example. When the lock release 415 is actuated, the open end 115 of receptacle 110 may be opened, which in turn pulls on the bag strap 422 and unwinds the bag strap 422, and winds the handle strap 420 around axle 406.

[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a package securing apparatus 400 comprising a handle strap 420 and a bag strap 422, which are wrapped around an axle 406 in opposite (rotary) directions so that when the handle strap 420 is pulled, the axle 406 rotates in a direction to unwind more of the handle strap 420, and wind up more of the bag strap 422 (moving the container 110 toward its closed position), and when the bag strap 422 is pulled (when lock release 415 is actuated) the bag strap 422 may be unwound from axle 306 and the handle strap 420 may be wound around the axle 406 moving the container 110 toward the open, unsecured position. The handle strap 420 and bag strap 422 may be locked and released by a lock release 415 as shown in FIG. 5 , for example, The lock release 415 may comprise a ratchet mechanism 410, including a toothed gear 411 attached to the axle 406. the lock release 415 may be mechanically coupled to axle 406 and supported by the base 405. The lock release 415 may comprise a pawl 416 for engaging with tooth gear 411 when locked and disengaging from tooth gear 411 when released.

[0039] FIGS. 5 and 8 illustrate an embodiment of a tensioner clamp 430 that may comprise bolts 431 that may be threaded/ screwed into the base 405 and extend toward structure 200 so that when the bolts 430 are tightened, the end of bolts 430 (or a protective pad 432 connected thereto to engage and prevent damage to the door or structure) contacts the structure 200 to maintain the base 405 in position relative to the structure 200.

[0040] FIGS. 10 A- IOC illustrates an embodiment of the present invention including a receptacle 600, which may comprise integrated stowage devices 605, for example eyelets, and retainers 607, for example hooks. The integrated stowage devices 605 and retainers 607 may be structures so that the receptacle 600 may be stowed to allow the structure 200, such as a door, to move freely (without the receptacle 600 dragging) and to provide a neat appearance. In one embodiment shown in FIGS 10B and IOC the handle 611 may be stowed on retainers 607 provided on a base 613.

[0041] FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB are illustrations of an alternative embodiment of the present invention that includes a base 700 having arms 705 coupled thereto that are movable from a folded position 706 to an extended position 707. In the extended position 707, the base 700 may allow a receptacle 710 to be mounted adjacent the open end 712 of receptacle 710 to the arms 705, for example, to make it easy for a delivery agent to notice the receptacle 710 is ready to receive a package being delivered and to facilitate placement of the package in the receptacle 710. The receptacle 710 may be releasably mounted to the arms 705 using a variety of fastening devices 715, including but not limited to Velcro, hooks and/or loop fasteners.

[0042] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention comprising a base 800 comprising hooks 817, a protective shroud 805, and a space for a logo 807. A receptacle 810 as shown may be in a closed/secure position after, for example, a handle 811 attached to a tightening device 812 is pulled. By pulling handle 811 the receptacle opening may be secured inside the protective shroud 805, when the base 800 is attached to a structure 200, for example a door. The base may also comprise hooks 817 so that, for example, receptacles 810 with eyelets may be used with base 800, also.

[0043] FIG. 13 illustrates a method of clamping the apparatus 300 to a structure 200, for example a door. At the initial step of 401, the cam 340 may begin in an open position comprising the pad 342 away from the structure 200. At step 403, the thumb screw 341 may be adjusted until the pads 342 are touching the structure 200, for example. At step 405, pressure may be applied to the cam 340 by actuating the lever 345, for example, moving lever 345 down and/or toward the structure 200. Lever 345 may be mechanically coupled to pads 342 via thumb screws 341. The lever 345 may be actuated thus actuating the pads 343 to move toward structure 200. At step 407, the cam 340 may lock the pads 342 into place and anchor the apparatus 300 to the structure 200.

[0044] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a release mechanism 500 for a locking device associated with a package securing apparatus of the present invention. The release mechanism 500 may comprise a release pedal 504 that is hinged to the base 502. When the release pedal 504 is actuated the release pedal 504 may move to a released position, which may actuate a pawl 506 to a disengaged position, where for example, the pawl 506 may disengage from teeth 512, which may be on an exterior surface of ratchet 510. A spring 514 may connect at one end to the base 502 and at the other end to pawl 506. The spring 514 may be configured to cause pawl 506 to normally engage teeth 512 on ratchet 510 and remain in the locked position until, for example, spring 514 is actuated by release pedal 504.

[0045] The release pedal 504 may be fully depressed so that it engages an optional catching mechanism 505, which may retain the release pedal 504 in an unlocked or released position as shown in FIG. 14. The catching mechanism 505 may be actuated, for example releasing the release pedal 504, without touching the release pedal 504, which may release the (spring 514 tensioned) release pedal 504 as shown in FIG. 14, which may result in pawl 506 moving to the locked position.

[0046] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a package securing apparatus 900, which may comprise a base 902. The base 902 may comprise a ratchet lock bracket 906, ratchet wheels 908 and a ratchet lock 910. The ratchet wheels 908 may couple with a tightening device (i.e. a strap; not shown) to secure a receptacle for example. The ratchet lock 910 may be released to retrieve a package secured within a receptacle (not shown).

[0047] FIGS. 16A-16C illustrates an embodiment of a package securing apparatus 950 of the present invention. The bottom 953 of base 952 may include a first slot 960, a second slot 962, and a middle slot 964 which may have a corresponding top slot 965 located on a first side 970 (i.e. front) of a structure and may be used to route a tightening device (i.e. bag and handle straps) between a receptacle (i.e. bag) and a locking device (i.e. ratchet device), as described above. The portion of the tightening device used to close the receptacle may be routed through a top slot 965 of base 952 located above the middle slot 964 on the bottom 953 of base 952. All portions of the tightening device may be routed from each slot through a rear slot 967 prior to coupling the tightening device to the axle as described above.

[0048] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment a package securing apparatus 1000 of the present invention which may comprise a fold down shelf 1002, movable between a stowed position (not shown) and a package delivery position 1006, the fold down shelf 1002 may be used to conceal a receptacle until a parcel or package is delivered, for example. The fold down shelf 1002 may support the receptacle (not shown) with the parcel once it is delivered. The fold down shelf 1002 may include a first member 1003 and a second member 1004. The first member 1003 may be adjacent to a structure 200 and a shroud 1015. The second member 1004 may couple to the first member 1003 so that it may fold down from a stowed position adjacent to the first member 1003, to a package delivery position 1006, so that the second member 1004 may form a a 90 degree angle with the first member 1003. In the open position 1006. The receptacle may rest on a lip (not shown) formed at the bottom of the second member 1004 extending from the structure 200 or may be supported by a pair of hinged and foldable support arms 1020 as shown in FIG. 17. The tightening device 1017 may be routed through shroud 1015.

[0049] FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of a package securing apparatus of the present invention. This embodiment may include a base (not shown) operatively coupled to a structure 200 (i.e. top of a door), a receptacle 1020, and a tightening device 1022. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the receptacle 1020 may be actuated into a locked/secured position, when the tightening device 1022 is pulled such that an open end 1021 of receptacle 1020 is constricted or closed to secure, for example, a package inside. The secured position may comprise the open end 1021 of the receptacle 1020 in the locked/secured position on a first or exterior side 202 of the base (not shown) and structure 200.

[0050] Illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B is an example of an over-center clamp 1050 that may clamp into a fixed position. With the over-center clamp 1050, a threaded rod may be used to adjust for different door thicknesses, for example. The over-center clamp 1050 may operate via a linkage system of levers and pivots. The fixed-length levers may connect by pivot pins 1052 to actuate a clamping force. This toggle action has an over-center lock point which may be a fixed stop and linkage. Once in the over-center position, the over-center clamp 1050 may not move or unlock unless the linkage is moved. The maximum clamping or exerting force developed may be attained when the three pivot points 1052 are in a straight line, as illustrated in FIG. 19B.

[0051] Illustrated in FIG. 20 is an embodiment of a package securing apparatus 2000, the apparatus 2000 may comprise mechanically and/or magnetically latching into a lock and/or release position via actuating a lever 2002, for example. A cam 2005 may be structured to move a locking blade 2007 out of the way as cam 2005 pivots about a main axis 2009 of apparatus 2000.

[0052] In an embodiment, the receptacles disclosed herein, may comprise a stiffening piece, for example, disposed in or on the receptacle between the two slots of the receptacle for the tightening device, which may comprise two straps. The straps may be separate and a small rod may be sewn into the receptacle between the slots of the receptacle, for example, to align the slots with the straps.

[0053] While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustration and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and described, and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the present disclosure are desired to be protected.