A RECEIVING ENCLOSURE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a receiving enclosure. Reference will be made in the specification to the use of a receiving enclosure having one or more insert modules related to refrigerating, freezing, warming and/or heating of received deliveries of foodstuffs and/or perishable goods. The patent specification describes this use, but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With an increase in online shopping, there is an increase in deliveries of goods bought online. A problem with larger deliveries is that they cannot be left in mailboxes.

Presently, larger deliveries are sometimes left unattended at a premise, either in front of a front door, or at another location such as a front porch.

Deliveries can also be re-routed to an alternate address such as a work address or kept at a post office for a later pick up. Alternatively, deliveries can be scheduled for a later time when somebody is present to accept the delivery.

A problem with current deliveries is that unattended deliveries can be subject to theft or damage from the environment.

Another problem is that deliveries that are re-routed or scheduled for a later time may not be received in a timely manner. For example, postal deliveries that cannot be safely left at a premise are sometimes taken to a post office and are available for pick up a day after the initial attempted delivery.

A further problem with scheduling deliveries for a later time is that delivery organisations will typically have a small window of time in which goods can be delivered.

One prior art solution includes providing the delivery organisation with access to the premises. However, many people are not comfortable with allowing access to their premises when they are not present.

A problem with food deliveries and perishable goods is that they can spoil if left unattended for too long. One solution to this is to schedule food deliveries during times when somebody is present to accept the delivery. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the abovementioned problems with delivery of goods and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a receiving enclosure for receiving goods, the receiving enclosure having

one or more doors movable between an open position and a closed position; and

a locking device adapted to releasably secure the one or more doors in the closed position.

Preferably the receiving enclosure further includes at least one temperature- controlled compartment.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a receiving enclosure for receiving goods, the receiving enclosure having

one or more doors movable between an open position and a closed position; a locking device adapted to releasably secure the one or more doors in the closed position; and

at least one temperature-controlled compartment located within the enclosure.

Preferably, the locking device is an electronic locking device. More preferably the electronic locking device is a smart lock. Preferably, the locking device includes a locking mechanism which is adapted to releasably secure the one or more doors in the closed position. Preferably, the locking device can be remotely actuated. Preferably when actuated, the locking device releases the one or more doors so that the one or more doors can move to the open position.

Preferably the locking device can remotely communicate with a mobile device. Preferably the locking device is actuated when it receives a security code or authorisation code from the mobile device.

Preferably the locking device is able to communicate wirelessly with the mobile device. Preferably the receiving enclosure includes a communication module. Preferably the communications module includes a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and/or Near-field communication (NFC) modem. Preferably the communication module enables the locking device to communicate with the mobile device. In one embodiment, the locking device communicates with the mobile device using Wi-Fi. In another embodiment, the locking device communicates with the mobile device using Bluetooth. In a further embodiment, the locking device communicates with the mobile device using NFC. In another embodiment, the locking device is connected to the internet and the mobile device communicates with the locking device via the internet. In one embodiment, the mobile device is a computer connected to the internet.

In one embodiment, the mobile device can set a code to open the locking device. Preferably a delivery person can enter the code into the locking device to actuate the locking device. Preferably the locking device includes a keypad. Preferably a delivery person can enter the code into the locking device using the keypad. Preferably the code is a one-time code. Preferably, a delivery person can communicate the code to the locking device using a mobile device to actuate the locking device.

Preferably the receiving enclosure includes a cover adapted to cover the locking device or part thereof.

In one embodiment, the receiving enclosure is adapted to communicate with an e-commerce server on the internet, such that when a good is purchased from the e-commerce server, a code to open the locking device is set, this code is communicated to the delivery organisation which is used to deliver the good, such that a delivery person can communicate the code to the locking device to actuate the locking device.

Preferably each of the one or more doors includes insulation. Preferably the locking device is attached to at least one of the one or more doors. Preferably the locking device is adapted to engage with a side of the receiving enclosure. In one embodiment, each of the one or more doors has a locking device.

In one embodiment, the one or more doors is two doors. Preferably a first of the two doors partially overlaps a second of the two doors. Preferably, when both doors are in the closed position, securing the first door also secures the second door.

Preferably the receiving enclosure includes one or more sensors to determine if the one or more doors are in the closed position. Preferably the locking device is adapted to not lock unless all of the one or more doors are in the closed position. Preferably the receiving enclosure includes side panels. Preferably the receiving enclosure includes a rear panel. Preferably the panels provide insulation.

In one embodiment, the receiving enclosure includes an access door. Preferably the access door is located on a different side of the receiving enclosure than the one or more doors. Preferably the access door is fitted into the rear panel.

Preferably the receiving enclosure includes a top panel. Preferably the top panel is adapted to drain rain from the top of the receiving enclosure. Preferably the receiving enclosure includes a bottom panel. Preferably the top panel and the bottom panel provide insulation.

Preferably the receiving enclosure is adapted to attach to a portion of a building, fence and/or the ground below the receiving enclosure to provide in-situ security. In one embodiment, the receiving enclosure includes a bottom adaptor plate to secure the receiving enclosure to the ground below the receiving enclosure. Preferably the bottom adaptor plate is adapted to level the receiving enclosure relative to a ground surface.

Preferably the receiving enclosure is adapted to attach to an adjacent receiving enclosure. In one embodiment, the receiving enclosure includes a mid connector to attach the receiving enclosure to an adjacent receiving enclosure.

Preferably the receiving enclosure includes one or more shelves so that items can be stored on the shelves. Preferably the one or more shelves are adjustable.

Preferably the receiving enclosure includes one or more sensors to detect when a delivery has been made. Preferably the one or more sensors include one or more of a weight sensor, a sensor to detect the opening or closing of the door or locking device, an infra-red sensor or the like. Preferably the receiving enclosure is able to communicate with the mobile device when a delivery has been made.

Preferably the receiving enclosure includes one or more cameras. Preferably the one or more cameras are motion activated to record activity in and/or around the receiving enclosure. Preferably the recording from the one or more cameras can be transferred to the mobile device. In one embodiment, if the one or more cameras are activated, the recording from the one or more cameras are sent to the mobile device, the mobile device issues an alert and can be used to actuate the locking device to allow access to the receiving enclosure.

Preferably at least one of the at least one temperature-controlled compartment is a warming and/or heating compartment. Preferably at least one of the at least one temperature-controlled compartment is a cooling compartment. Preferably the cooling compartment is a refrigeration and/or freezer compartment. Preferably each of the at least one temperature-controlled compartment is modular and interchangeable.

Preferably the temperature and/or operation of each of the at least one temperature-controlled compartment can be controlled by the mobile device. Preferably the communication module is connected to each of the at least one temperature-controlled compartment.

Preferably the receiving enclosure is modular and adapted to connect to an adjacent receiving enclosure. Preferably the receiving enclosure is between 800mm to 900mm wide. Preferably the receiving enclosure is substantially 840mm wide. Preferably the receiving enclosure is between 600mm to 700mm deep. Preferably the receiving enclosure is substantially 650mm deep.

In one embodiment the receiving enclosure is between 1900mm to 2300mm high. Preferably the receiving enclosure is substantially 2140mm high. In another embodiment, the receiving enclosure is between 920mm to 1200mm high. Preferably the receiving enclosure is substantially 1060mm high.

Preferably the receiving enclosure is connectable to mains power. Preferably the receiving enclosure includes a battery to supply electrical power.

In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more doors includes a slot. Preferably the slot is designed to prevent access through the slot by a human hand. Preferably the slot is sized to receive envelopes and small parcels. Preferably the slot is similar in size to a mail box slot. Preferably a flap is located adjacent the slot on an external side of the at least one of the one or more doors. Preferably a flap is located adjacent the slot on an internal side of the at least one of the one or more doors. Preferably the external flap opens outwardly. Preferably the internal flap opens inwardly towards an internal space of the receiving enclosure.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a receiving enclosure for receiving goods, the receiving enclosure having

a cover movable between an open position and a closed position;

a locking device adapted to releasably secure the cover in the closed position; and

at least one temperature-controlled compartment located within the enclosure. Preferably the cover is a door. In another embodiment, the cover is a lid. It will be appreciated that the features relating to a door or one or more doors in this specification can also relate to the cover.

In one embodiment, the cover includes a slot. Preferably the slot is designed to prevent access through the slot by a human hand. Preferably the slot is sized to receive envelopes and small parcels. Preferably the slot is similar in size to a mail box slot.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a receiving enclosure for receiving goods, the receiving enclosure having

a cover movable between an open position and a closed position;

a locking device adapted to releasably secure the cover in the closed position; at least one warming and/or heating compartment located within the enclosure; and

at least one refrigerating and/or freezing compartment located within the enclosure.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a receiving enclosure for receiving goods, the receiving enclosure having

a door movable between an open position and a closed position;

a locking device adapted to releasably secure the door in the closed position; and

at least one temperature-controlled compartment located within the enclosure. Preferably the at least one temperature-controlled compartment includes a warming and/or heating compartment.

The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a front section view of a receiving enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side section view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a front section view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 1 with temperature-controlled compartments;

Figure 4 is a side section view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a front view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a front view of a receiving enclosure according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a front section view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a side section view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a front section view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 6 with a temperature-controlled compartment;

Figure 10 is a is a side section view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 6 with a temperature-controlled compartment;

Figure 11 is a front section view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 6 with temperature-controlled compartments;

Figure 12 is a side view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 11 ;

Figure 13 is a front view of a refrigerator/freezer module;

Figure 14 is a side section view of the refrigerator/ freezer module of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a refrigerator/ freezer module;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the refrigerator/ freezer module of Figure 15 in an open position;

Figure 17 is a front view of a warming/heating module;

Figure 18 is a side section view of the warming/heating module of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a warming/heating module;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the warming/heating module of Figure 19; and

Figure 21 is a perspective view of a refrigerator/freezer module;

Figure 22 is a front section view of a receiving enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 23 is a side section view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 22;

Figure 24 is a schematic view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 22 with temperature-controlled compartments;

Figure 25 is a schematic side view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 24 Figure 26 is a front elevation of a receiving enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 27 is a side elevation of the receiving enclosure of Figure 26;

Figure 28A is a front elevation of a receiving enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 28B is a side elevation of the receiving enclosure of Figure 28A;

Figure 29A is a front section view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 28A;

Figure 29B is a side section view of the receiving enclosure of Figure 28A;

Figure 30A is a front elevation of receiving enclosure doors according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 30B is a side elevation of the receiving enclosure doors of Figure 30A;

Figure 31 is a front elevation of a receiving enclosure door according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 32 shows side elevations of a slot with flaps in a closed and open position;

Figure 33 shows a front and side elevation of a receiving enclosure door according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 34 shows detailed vies of the locking device of Figure 33.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a receiving enclosure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The receiving enclosure 10 has an upper section 12 and a lower section 14. The receiving enclosure 10 has a floor assembly 16 and a top panel 18. The floor assembly 16 includes a bottom panel (not shown) and a bottom adaptor plate (not shown). The receiving enclosure 10 has side panels 20,22,24,26, and rear panels 28,30. The material of the side panels 20,22,24,26, rear panels 28,30 bottom panel and the top panel 18 has insulation properties to insulate the receiving enclosure 10 from the elements.

The receiving enclosure 10 has a door 32 which is movable between a closed position (shown in Figure 5) and an open position (not shown). The door 32 includes a locking device 34. The locking device 34 is a smart lock. The receiving enclosure 10 includes a communication module (not shown) which enables a mobile device (not shown) to communicate with the locking device 34 via Wi-Fi and actuate the locking device 34 to enable the door 32 to be moved from the closed position to the opened position.

The receiving enclosure 10 includes a shelf 36 to support larger packages.

The receiving enclosure 10 has a temperature-controlled compartment in the form of a warming/heating compartment 38. The warming/heating compartment 38 is adapted to receive food items or other items that need to be kept warm or hot. The warming/heating compartment 38 can be turned on and the temperature of the warming/heating compartment 38 can be adjusted by a mobile device (not shown) communicating with the warming/heating compartment 38 via the communication module (not shown). The receiving enclosure 10 has a temperature-controlled compartment in the form of a refrigeration compartment 40. The refrigeration compartment 40 is adapted to receive food items or other items that need to be kept cold. The refrigeration compartment 40 can be turned on and the temperature of the refrigeration compartment 40 can be adjusted by a mobile device (not shown) communicating with the refrigeration compartment 40 via the communication module (not shown). The receiving enclosure 10 has a temperature-controlled compartment in the form of a freezer compartment 42. The freezer compartment 42 is adapted to receive food items or other items that need to be kept frozen. The freezer compartment 42 can be turned on and the temperature of the freezer compartment 42 can be adjusted by a mobile device (not shown) communicating with the freezer compartment 42 via the communication module (not shown).

The receiving enclosure 10 can be secured to a building or similar structure (not shown) by a fixing strip or moulding around the side panels 20,22,24,26 and the top panel 18 to the building or structure. The receiving enclosure 10 can be secured to a building or similar structure (not shown) by bolting a bottom adaptor plate (not shown) of the floor assembly 16 to a floor of the building or structure.

The receiving enclosure 10 can be secured to an adjacent receiving enclosure (not shown).

With reference to Figures 6 to 8, there is shown a receiving enclosure 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The receiving enclosure 110 has a floor assembly 116 and a top panel 118. The floor assembly 116 includes a bottom panel (not shown) and a bottom adaptor plate (not shown). The receiving enclosure 110 has side panels 120, 122 and a rear panel 128. The material of the side panels 120,122, rear panel 128, top panel 118 and floor assembly 116 have insulation properties to insulate the receiving enclosure 110 from the elements.

The receiving enclosure 110 has a door 132 which is movable between a closed position (shown in Figure 6) and an open position (not shown). The door 132 includes a locking device 134. The locking device 134 is smart lock. The receiving enclosure 110 includes a communication module (not shown) which enables a mobile device (not shown) to communicate with the locking device 134 and actuate the locking device 134 to enable the door 132 to be moved from the closed position to the opened position.

The material of the door 132 has insulation properties to insulate the receiving enclosure 110 from the elements.

The receiving enclosure 110 includes a shelf 136 to support larger packages.

With reference to Figures 9 and 10, there is shown a receiving enclosure 110 of Figures 6 to 8 with a different internal configuration. In the configuration in Figures 9 and 10, the receiving enclosure 110 includes temperature-controlled compartments in the form of a warming/heating compartment 138.

With reference to Figures 11 and 12, there is shown a receiving enclosure 110 of Figures 6 to 8 with a different internal configuration. In the configuration in Figures 11 and 12, the receiving enclosure 110 does not include a shelf or a heating compartment, instead, the receiving enclosure 110 includes temperature-controlled compartments in the form of a refrigeration compartment 140 and a freezer compartment 142.

Multiple receiving enclosures 110 of Figures 6 to 12 can be attached together depending on particular requirements. For example, the receiving enclosure 110 of Figures 9 and 10 can be attached to the receiving enclosure 110 of Figures 11 and 12. If multiple receiving enclosures 110 are connected together, the locking devices 134 can be kept separate so that only specific receiving enclosures can be opened by a delivery person.

With reference to Figures 13 to 16, there is shown temperature-controlled compartments in the form of a refrigeration compartment 240 and a freezer compartment 242. The refrigeration compartment 240 includes a drawer 244 for easy access to the refrigeration compartment 240. The freezer compartment 242 includes a drawer 246 for easy access to the freezer compartment 242. The refrigeration compartment 240 and the freezer compartment 242 are a single unit. The refrigeration compartment 240 and the freezer compartment 242 have a compressor 248 to regulate the temperature in the refrigeration compartment 240 and the freezer compartment 242 to desired temperatures. The refrigeration compartment 240 and the freezer compartment 242 communicate with the communication module (not shown), such that the temperature of the refrigeration compartment 240 and the freezer compartment 242 can be set by a mobile device (not shown).

With reference to Figures 17 to 20, there is shown a temperature-controlled compartment in the form of a warming/heating compartment 338. The warming/heating compartment 338 includes a hinged door 340 for easy access to the warming/heating compartment 338. The warming/heating compartment 338 also includes a slide-out tray 342 for easy access to items (not shown) located in the warming/heating compartment 338.

The heating compartment 338 communicates with the communication module (not shown), such that the temperature of the heating compartment 338 can be set by a mobile device (not shown).

With reference to Figure 21 , there is shown a temperature-controlled compartment in the form of a refrigeration/freezer compartment 440. The refrigeration/freezer compartment 440 includes a drawer 442 for easy access to the refrigeration/freezer compartment 440.

The refrigeration/freezer compartment 440 communicates with the communication module (not shown), such that the temperature of the refrigeration/freezer compartment 440 can be set by a mobile device (not shown).

With reference to figures 22 and 23, there is shown a receiving enclosure 510 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The receiving enclosure 510 is similar to the receiving enclosure 10 of Figure 1 , similar numbering has been used with the prefix of 5.

With reference to Figures 24 and 25, there is shown a receiving enclosure 610 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The receiving enclosure 610 is similar to the receiving enclosure 10 of Figures 3 and 4, similar numbering has been used with the prefix of 6.

With reference to Figures 26 and 27, there is shown a receiving enclosure 710 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The receiving enclosure 710 has a door 732. The receiving enclosure 710 has a slot 750 located in the door 732. The receiving enclosure 710 has a locking device 734 and a transparent cover 748 to cover the locking device 734.

With reference to Figures 28A, 28B, 29A and 29B, there is shown a receiving enclosure 810 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The receiving enclosure 810 has a slot 850 for receiving small parcels and/or mail into a separate section of the receiving enclosure 810. The receiving enclosure 810 has a locking device 834 and a transparent cover 848 to cover the locking device 834. The receiving enclosure 810 has an adjustable shelf 836 to provide more storage space.

With reference to Figures 30A and 30B, there is shown a receiving enclosure door 932 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The door 932 includes a slot 950 for receiving small parcels and/or regular mail. The door 932 has a locking device 934 and a transparent cover 948 to cover the locking device 934. The locking device 934 includes an internal handle 956 to avoid people getting locked inside the receiving enclosure (not shown).

With reference to Figure 31 there is shown a door 1032 of a receiving enclosure (not shown). The door 1032 has a slot 1050 for receiving small parcels and/or mail. The door 1032 also has a locking device 1034 and a transparent cover 1048 to cover the locking device 1034.

With reference to Figure 32 there are shown side views of the slot 1050 of Figure 31. The slot 1050 includes an outer flap 1052. The outer flap 1052 is hinged to the door 1032 at an upper edge thereof. The slot 1050 includes an inner flap 1054. The inner flap is hinged to the door 1032 at an upper edge thereof. The outer flap 1052 is shown in the closed position on the left side of Figure 32. The inner flap 1054 includes a spring (not shown) that biases the flap 1054 in the closed position as shown on the left side of Figure 32. The right side of Figure 32 shows the outer flap 1052 and the inner flap 1054 in the open position.

With reference to Figure 33 there are shown views of a door 1132 of a receiving enclosure (not shown). The door 1132 has a slot 1150 for receiving small parcels and/or mail. The door 1132 also has a locking device 1 134 and a transparent cover 1148 to cover the locking device 1 134.

With reference to Figure 34, there is shown a detailed front view and a detailed side view of the locking device 1134 of Figure 33. The locking device 1134 includes a key lock 1158, which can be used in the event that there is a loss of power to the locking device 1134. The locking device also includes a keypad 1160 which can be used to enter a predetermined code to actuate the locking device 1134 (i.e. to unlock it). The locking device 1134 also includes a communications module 1164 so that the locking device 1134 can be actuated remotely by a mobile device (not shown) or by an rfid tag or the like. The locking device also includes a camera 1162. The camera is adapted to capture vision of the deliverer and the goods being delivered.

ADVANTAGES

An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the receiving enclosure includes the ability to keep goods at a desired temperature. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the receiving enclosure includes the ability to keep delivered goods secure. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the receiving enclosure includes the ability to simplify the unlocking process for authorised persons.

VARIATIONS

While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as“comprises” and“comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.