Inventor(s): Lawrence Cleveland Langdale

Title: REFRIGERATOR COMPARTMENT APPARATUS

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority under PCT Article 8 from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/335,302, filed on May 12, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to grocery delivery and/or storage and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a consumer appliance for the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a refrigerator compartment apparatus, comprising: a refrigeration unit operative.}' connected to at least one compartment; a first door on a front of the apparatus opening in a forward direction providing access to the at least one compartment; and, a second door on a back side of the apparatus opening in a backwards direction opposite the forward direction and providing access to the at least one compartment.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a first locking mechanism attached to the first door; and, a second locking mechanism attached to the second door.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises multiple doors opening in a forward direction; and, multiple doors opening in a backwards direction.

There is further provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatus, comprising: a refrigeration unit; a first door opening through sliding in a sideward direction; and, a second door opening through sliding in a sideward direction.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a first locking mechanism attached to the first door; and, a second locking mechanism attached to the second door.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is incorporated into a door, wall or window.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus functions as a door, wall or window.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises multiple doors on the inner side of the refrigeration unit, opening through sliding in a sideward direction; and, multiple doors on the outer side of the refrigeration unit, opening through sliding in a sideward direction.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a user interface for controlling at least one aspect of operation of the apparatus.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises at least one sensor in operative communication with the user interface.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first door and second door are operatively connected to the user interface and configured for automatic opening and closing.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first door and the at least one compartment is adjustable in at least one of size and shape.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a heated compartment.

There is further provided a method for delivering groceries, comprising: receiving order for products; purchasing of products; traveling to place of delivery; opening front, first door to a refrigerator compartment apparatus; and, placing the products in the refrigerator compartment apparatus where the products are accessible to a second door on a back side of the apparatus.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the bulk purchasing of products. In an embodiment of the invention, the amount of products purchased are based on orders received or orders expected.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least the traveling is performed by a drone.

In an embodiment of the invention, the opening is automatic.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises collecting payment.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises adjusting at least one of the size and shape of the compartment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplar}' embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example, and not necessarily to scale, and are for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a refrigerator compartment apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator compartment apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a refrigerator compartment apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a refrigerator compartment apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a refrigerator compartment apparatus in a door, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to grocery delivery and/or storage and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a consumer appliance for the same.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Generally, the apparatus consists of a refrigeration unit which can be securely accessed by an individual located inside a home or business and an individual from outside the home or business, for example a delivery person. This refrigeration unit is optionally attached to a door, wall or window (or is located within it or as an integral part of it). In this way deliveries of perishable goods can be made to the home or business without a person being physically present at the home or business to accept mem

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a refrigerator compartment apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, a refrigerated compartment 102 and/or a freezer compartment 104 and/or a simple storage space 106 and/or a heated compartment 108, secured on the inside of house by a locking mechanism 110 to which the customer will have access, and secured externally by a locking mechanism 112 to which at least one delivery person will have access (and naturally, the home or business owner).

The apparatus 100 contains a dual action door 114 with two or more doors, in an embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, dual action means that one of the doors of the refrigerator compartment apparatus opens outward and one opens inward. This allows for a delivery service to securely deliver groceries and/or other perishable items (and/or heated items) without needing the individual to be home. In an embodiment of the invention, this dual action door invention allows the effective delivery of perishable products and enables a consumer to purchase groceries in bulk based on anticipated or actual demand. Purchasing groceries in bulk leads to lower prices for groceries with the additional benefit of the convenience of having them delivered to the home.

In some embodiments of the invention, products are ordered through a website, mobile app, and/or any other form of communication for delivery to the home or business. In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus 100 is configured with a communication module 116 using, for example, radio, the Internet, Wi-Fi, infrared, POTS, Bluetooth, or the like. In some embodiments of the invention, the refrigerator compartment apparatus 100 is configured to track deliveries and/or access to the apparatus 100. Optionally, the consumer is notified of deliveries made to the refrigerator compartment apparatus and/or access to the apparatus.

In an embodiment of the invention, the refrigeration compartment apparatus 100 is available in any number of sizes and/or shapes and/or configurations. In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus 100 is mounted as at least a portion of a door, wall or window of the home or business. In some embodiments of the invention, a door, wall or window incorporating the apparatus 100 is sold as a pre-made unit. In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus 100 is sized and/or configured for the anticipated needs of the consumer. For example, a home needing groceries for one person per week might use a small window unit, while a large family might require an entire doorframe-sized unit or wall unit, and a cramped apartment may require an unusually thin unit. In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus 100 can double function as a door, wall or window and a storage space.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least one user interface 118 (e.g. a control panel) is provided to control at least an aspect of operation of the apparatus 100. Optionally, a user interface is provided for use on each side of the apparatus 100 (i.e. on the outside and the inside of the home or business). Optionally, the user interface 1 18 processes, for example input access codes, transmission of signals through the communication module 116, temperature control commands, and the like.

In an embodiment of the invention, access is provided to both the internal and external sides of the device, which may take the form of at least one door per compartment or a single door which will open all compartments. The compartments and/or doors and other moving parts are optionally replaced with other devices, such as sliding panes, sliding shelves, and may move through whatever plane is most efficient to allow access to the compartments. In some embodiments of the invention, doors are slidable sideways, which means to slide to the left or right of the user facing the door. In some embodiments of the invention, doors are opened inwards and/or outwards, which means towards or away from the user facing the door.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one compartment is secured internally by a locking mechanism (under the control of the home owner), and externally by a locking mechanism (under the control of at least the delivery person). The cooling/heating mechanism for the apparatus 100 is located remotely from the apparatus 100 and is operative.}- connected to apparatus (for example by tubing) to provide heating and/or cooling to at least one compartment of the apparatus.

In an embodiment of the invention, different compartments in the apparatus 100 sustain different controlled temperatures. Optionally, at least one compartment is neither heated nor cooled.

In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus 100 is configured for use with, for and/or by drone delivery. For example, the communication module 116 and/or user interface/controller 118 could be operatively integrated with sensors for sensing drone proximity signaling at least one of automatic opening and/or closing of at least an outer door, a home owner/consumer and/or authorized communications recipient that a drone is waiting for access to the apparatus 100, that a drone delivery has been made, etc. In some embodiments of the invention, the drone and/or a central server communicates information about the delivered goods to the apparatus 100, for example delivery confirmation, optimal storage temperatures, an itemized list, load size, and the like. Optionally, receipt in the apparatus 100 of a drone delivery triggers billing, messaging and/or other processes related to the deliver}'.

In some embodiments, the outer door of the apparatus 100 is configured for receipt of and/or collaboration with and/or or passage therethrough of a drone. As examples, outer door has a basket or receptacle which, when a drone is sensed, is extended out of the apparatus 100 for the drone to drop cargo into and then the basket is retracted back into the apparatus 100. As another example, a landing pad is provided to the apparatus 100 inside and/or outside for the drone to land on while making a delivery. In some embodiments, storage compartments within the apparatus 100 are adjustable in size and/or shape to accommodate an expected drone delivery. Optionally, the compartments automatically adjust size and/or shape depending on an expected deliver}' and/or upon sensing a particular drone in proximity to the apparatus 100.

FIG. 2 is a front (from outside the home) perspective view of the refrigerator compartment apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the refrigerator compartment apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, a delivery person opens an outer door 300 to deposit items into the refrigerator compartment apparatus 100. A customer opens the inner door 302 to retrieve the items, in an embodiment of the invention. The doors are optionally connected to a hinge (not shown).

FIG. 4 is a top view of the refrigerator compartment apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, a delivery person slides the outer door 400 in a sideward direction either up, down, left, right movement from facing the deliver}' person to deliver the groceries. In an embodiment of the invention, a customer slides the inner door 402 in a sideward direction either up, down, left, right movement from facing the customer.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a refrigerator compartment apparatus 100 in a door 500, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", '¾aving" and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term "consisting of means "including and limited to".

The term "consisting essentially of means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between" a first indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations mat fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, the}' should not be construed as necessarily limiting.