OF PRODUCT ITEMS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure generally relates to storage and delivery applications, and in particular, to an apparatus and method for storage and delivery of products items.

BACKGROUND

[002] Background description includes information that can be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[003] The advent of online ordering of consumer product items such as food, grocery, medicines and the like, have generated a huge demand for various means of effective delivery to customers. One such aspect is the apparatus for delivery such as delivery boxes, which may be used for storage of the product items as well as may be used by the delivery person to transport the items to the customer. Such delivery boxes are required to possess features that not only assist in maintaining the integrity of the product items while being transported, but also need to be robust, light and modular for convenient packing and usage by the delivery person. Conventionally known delivery boxes are made from die casts and may be produced as a single unit, which cannot be altered or manipulated after its manufacture, thus limiting the possibility of modifying shape, size, or design of the box as per the end usage. Further, the shipping of such boxes is an expensive proposition as they may not be foldable and hence may need to be shipped as individual units, calculated as volumetric shipment, which is more than actual weight of the product. Furthermore, conventionally known boxes may use Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) as a raw material, which being hazardous for the environment may not be a viable alternative for mass usage. [004] Further, in the logistics industry, there is the additional issue of “Last mile delivery” which further has various associated aspects. In a product's journey from warehouse shelf to customer doorstep, the "last mile" of delivery is the final step of the process, which is the point at which the package finally arrives at a buyer's door. In addition to being a key to customer satisfaction, last mile delivery is both the most expensive and time-consuming part of the shipping process. Thus, in order to make this aspect less tedious and further, more attractive as an economic opportunity, the storage or delivery boxes need to offer features that extend their role from only storage purpose to further utility that enables effective delivery.

[005] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an apparatus and method for effective and convenient storage and delivery of product items, which can maintain the quality/characteristics of the product items intact, while offering modular and smart design of the apparatus that may be robust, foldable, easy to assemble and may be made from eco- friendly materials.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a system and apparatus for effective and convenient storage and delivery of product items.

[007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a system and apparatus for effective and convenient storage and delivery of product items that may enable to maintain the quality/characteristics of the product items intact.

[008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a system and apparatus that offers a modular and smart design for the apparatus, which is robust, foldable, easy to assemble and may be made from eco-friendly materials.

[009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a system and apparatus that offer smart features that enable effective storage and delivery of product items.

SUMMARY

[0010] The present disclosure generally relates to storage and delivery applications, and in particular, to an apparatus and method for storage and delivery of products items. [0011] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a systemfor facilitating storage and delivery of product items. The system may include a housing that may further include a lockable lid, the lockable lid configured for providing controlled access to an inner receptacle portion when the lockable lid is in an opened position and an outer portion having an exposed surface. The inner receptacle portion may be configured for receiving the product items, the lockable lid restricting access to the inner receptacle portion when the lockable lid is in a closed position. The housing may further include one or more side locks and one or more hinges, the one or more locks and the one or more hinges configured to assemble or dissemble one or more frames and the lockable lid of the housing when required. The housing may further include a sensor unit comprising a plurality of sensors, a controller unit, a processor, operatively coupled to the sensor unit and the controller unit, wherein the processor executes a set of executable instructions that are stored in a memory, upon execution of which, the processor causes the system toreceive from the sensor unit, a first set of signals corresponding to a plurality of parameters associated with the quality of the product items. The processor further causes the system to extract from the received first set of signals, a first set of attributes pertaining to parameters associated with the quality of the product items and monitor whether the first set of attributes extracted are within a respective predefined threshold range associated with the quality of the product itemsandbased on the monitoring of the first set of attributes, maintain a predefined ambient condition inside the housing. The predefined condition may correspond to the ambient condition required to keep the product items fresh and safe.

[0012] In an embodiment, the system may transmit a first set of data packet to a computing device associated with a user. The first set of data packet may correspond to the extracted first set of attributes along with the respective predefined threshold ranges.

[0013] In an embodiment, the system may transmit a second set of data packet to the computing device associated with the user. The second set of data packet may include a second set of attributes corresponding to an analysis data generated on comparison of the first set of attributes with the respective predefined threshold ranges.

[0014] In an embodiment, the inner receptacle portion may include a plurality of compartments for effective storage and delivery of different types of product items.

[0015] In an embodiment, the housing may include one or more insulating layers between the inner receptacle portion and the outer portion to maintain one or more storage conditions within the receptacle portion.

[0016] In an embodiment, the system may include one or more panels on the outer surface of the housing, the one or more panels visible to an onlooker or nearby person during storage or delivery. The one or more panels may be configured with one or more light sources communicatively coupled to a centralised server via a wireless network to control and monitor the switching on and off of the one or more light sources through a predefined set of executable instructions stored in the centralised server.

[0017] In an embodiment, an alert signal may be generated upon a negative determination that at least one attribute of the first set of attributes is not within the respective predefined threshold range. The alert signal may be transmitted to the computing device associated with the user.

[0018] In an embodiment, authentication module may be configured to obtain a registration data based on a request from an unregistered user through a computing device associated with a user. Login credentials may be generated based on acknowledgement of the request and verification of the registration data. The user may enter the generated login credentials to access, control and monitor the system.

[0019] In an embodiment, the lockable lid may be operatively coupled to the authentication module configured to provide access to the lockable lid only to a registered user, the authentication module further operatively coupled to an alarm and trigger unit to trigger an alarm whenever there is an unauthorized access to the lockable lid.

[0020] In an embodiment, the plurality of compartments may be configured with one or more air purifiers to filter dust particles and contaminations as per predefined PMS levels. [0021] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to astorage and delivery apparatus.

The apparatus may includea housing that may further include a lockable lid, the lockable lid configured for providing controlled access to an inner receptacle portion when the lockable lid is in an opened position and an outer portion having an exposed surface. The inner receptacle portion may be configured for receiving the product items, the lockable lid restricting access to the inner receptacle portion when the lockable lid is in a closed position. The housing may further include one or more side locks and one or more hinges, the one or more locks and the one or more hinges configured to assemble or dissemble one or more frames and the lockable lid of the housing when required. The housing may further include a sensor unit comprising a plurality of sensors, a controller unit, a processor, operatively coupled to the sensor unit and the controller unit, wherein the processor executes a set of executable instructions that are stored in a memory, upon execution of which, the processor causes the system to receive from the sensor unit, a first set of signals corresponding to a plurality of parameters associated with the quality of the product items. The processor further causes the system to extract from the received first set of signals, a first set of attributes pertaining to parameters associated with the quality of the product items and monitor whether the first set of attributes extracted are within a respective predefined threshold range associated with the quality of the product items and based on the monitoring of the first set of attributes, maintain a predefined ambient condition inside the housing. The predefined condition may correspond to the ambient condition required to keep the product items fresh and safe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0023] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0024] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:

[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a system for facilitating storage and delivery of product items, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. IB illustrates high level architecture of the system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate an example representation of an apparatus for storage and delivery of product items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate an example bottom connector member for use in assembly of an apparatus for storage and delivery of product items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIGs. 3C through 3E illustrate an example top connector member for use in assembly of an apparatus for storage and delivery of product items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIGs. 4A through 4C illustrate an example lid connector member for use in assembly of an apparatus for storage and delivery of product items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIGs. 5A and 5B illustrate different views of an example profile used with the top frame of the proposed apparatus for storage and delivery of product items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0032] FIGs. 6 A and 6B illustrate different views of an example profile used with the top frame of the proposed apparatus for storage and delivery of product items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIGs. 7A through 7C illustrate an example lid frame for use in assembly of an apparatus for storage and delivery of product items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIGs. 8A through 8C illustrate functional steps associated with an example lid hinge for use in assembly of an apparatus for storage and delivery of product items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIGs. 9A through 9C illustrate different views of a common profile used for the top and the bottom frame of the apparatus for storage and delivery of product items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary view of a spacer used to increase size of the apparatus for storage and delivery of product items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary view of the apparatus for storage and delivery of product items fitted with the spacer of FIG. 10 to increase size of the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by referring mainly to examples thereof. The examples of the present disclosure described herein may be used together in different combinations. In the following description, details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It will be readily apparent, however, that the present disclosure may be practiced without limitation to all these details. Also, throughout the present disclosure, the terms “a” and “an” are intended to denote at least one of a particular element. The terms “a” and “an” may also denote more than one of a particular element. As used herein, the term “includes” means includes but not limited to, the term “including” means including but not limited to. The term “based on” means based at least in part on, the term “based upon” means based at least in part upon, and the term “such as” means such as but not limited to. The term “relevant” means closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered.

[0039] The present disclosure generally relates to storage and delivery application, and in particular, to an apparatus and method for storage and delivery of product items. [0040] FIG. 1A illustrates a system for facilitating storage and delivery of product items, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 1 illustrates a system (110)

(also referred to as the system (110) hereinafter) for storage and delivery of product items. As illustrated, one or more computing devices (104-1, 104-2... 104-N) may be associated with one or more users (102-1, 102-2... 102-N) (individually referred to as the user 102, and collectively referred to as the users 102, hereinafter). The computing devices 104-1, 104- 2. . . 104-N (individually referred to as the computing device (104), and collectively referred to as the first computing devices (104), or user device (104) hereinafter) may be communicatively coupled to the system (110) or a centralised server (112) through a network (106). The one or more users (102) may be individuals in an organisation, school, university, industry and the like. In an embodiment, the system (110) can be implemented using any or a combination of hardware components and software components such as a cloud, a server, a computing system, a user device, a network device and the like. Examples of the user device (104) can include, but not limited to, a smart phone, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a handheld device, a standalone unit, and the like.

[0042] Further, the network (106) can be a wireless network, a wired network or a combination thereof that can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as Intranet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet, Bluetooth and the like. Further, the network (106) can either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network can represent an association of the different types of networks that can use variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Intemet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like.

[0043] The system (110) may be further communicatively coupled to a second computing device (116) associated with a second user (114). In an aspect the second user may be a delivery person that may be in charge of delivering the product items but not limited to the like.

[0044] In an embodiment, the system (110) may further be operatively coupled to an apparatus. Alternatively, the system (110) may be included in the apparatus or the system (110) may directly mean the apparatus. In an embodiment, the apparatus (110) may be an assembly made from plurality of components. The components may include, but not limited to, any of a panel, a connector member, a frame, a hinge, and a lid. The components that may be used to assemble the apparatus may not be limited to the mentioned components, and various other components may be used.

[0045] In an aspect, the apparatus may be of any shape including, but not limited to, cuboidal, cubical, cylindrical, pyramidal, triangular prism and trapezoidal. The apparatus may be of several other shapes and configurations. The components to assemble the apparatus of the present disclosure may be of various dimensions and sizes, as per the requirement. This may also depend on the mode of delivery of the product, wherein features of the apparatus may change, based on the mode of transport of delivery as well. For example, the apparatus may be fixed onto a motorcycle or a bicycle or other delivery contraption or vehicle, based on which the features of the apparatus may be chosen.

[0046] In an aspect, the apparatus may be used for storage and delivery of product items including, but not limited to, food items prepared in a restaurant or eatery, raw food items such as meat, fish, grocery items, stationary, books, gift, apparel, footwear, cutlery products, medicinal items, healthcare products and other edible or non-edible items of regular or occasional usage. The product items that may be stored and delivered using the apparatus of the present disclosure may not be limited to the mentioned items, and various other product items also may be stored and delivered.

[0047] The apparatus comprising the system (110) may include a housing, the housing having a lockable lid, the lockable lid configured for providing controlled access to an inner receptacle portion when the lockable lid is in an opened position and an outer portion having an exposed surface.The inner receptacle portion may beconfigured for receiving the product items and the lockable lid may restrict access to the inner receptacle portion when the lockable lid is in a closed position. The system (110) may further include one or more side locks and one or more hinges, the one or more locks and one or more hinges may assemble or dissemble one or more frames and the lockable lid of the housing when required. The system (110) may also include a sensor unit comprising a plurality of sensors and a controller unit. The sensor unit may be embedded in the receptacle portion and/or may be attached to a surface of the outer portion. The sensors in the receptacle portion may be used to sense a plurality of parameters associated with the quality of the product items being stored and delivered, wherein the parameters may be related to, without limitation, any of freshness, temperature, color, humidity, air quality, state or form, count and weight of the product items. In another aspect, the sensors attached to the outer portion of the apparatus may be used to sense any activity related to an unwarranted human intervention, theft or tampering of the apparatus in absence of its carrier or owner. The sensors in the receptacle portion and/or may on the outer portion may include, but not limited to, light sensor, humidity sensor, air quality sensor, temperature sensor, optical sensor, weight sensor, visual camera or any other mechanical or electronic sensors, to achieve a desired function.

[0048] In an aspect, the apparatus may include one or more controller units (also referred to as controller devices) coupled to the apparatus to maintain a predefined ambient condition based on regulating one or more parameters or ambient conditions in the receptacle portion of the apparatus based on the storage requirements. The controller device may be configured to achieve or maintain one or more storage conditions such as temperature, presence of light, dark condition, dry condition, and the like. In an embodiment, the controller device may be a thermal management device such as thermostat configured to regulate and manage temperature in the receptacle portion of the apparatus. In an embodiment, the temperature may be controlled by a mobile application, for example, via an internet of things mode, or “IoT” herein. For example, the temperature requirements may be to maintain above room temperature and may be useful in situations that require hot storage such as fresh food items and the like. In another example, the product items may be raw food items such as meat, fish and the like, thus requiring storage below room temperature or below 10 °C. In another example, the product items may be non-edible items such as books, stationary and the like, thus may require storage at room temperature. In yet another example, the product items may be highly photodegradable materials and may need dark conditions to be maintained. In yet another example, the product items may be dehydrated food items or medicinal products that may require storage in dry conditions. Various other embodiments may be possible depending on the requirements of type of product items or their storage conditions during delivery.

[0049] The apparatus comprising the system (110) may further include a processor

(122) (From FIG. 2), operatively coupled to the sensor unit and the controller unit. The processor executes a set of executable instructions that are stored in a memory, upon execution of which, the processor causes the system (110) to receive from the sensor unit, a first set of signals corresponding to a plurality of parameters associated with the quality of the product items and extract from the received first set of signals, a first set of attributes pertaining to parameters associated with the quality of the product items. The processor further causes the system to monitor whether the first set of attributes extracted may be within a respective predefined threshold range associated with the quality of the product items andbased on the monitoring of the first set of attributes, activate the controller unit to maintain the predefined ambient condition inside the housing. The predefined condition may correspond to the ambient condition required to keep the product items fresh and safe.

[0050] In an embodiment, a first set of data packet may be transmitted to thecomputing device (104) associated with the user (102). The first set of data packet may include the extracted first set of attributes along with the respective predefined threshold ranges. Alternatively, a second set of data packet may be transmitted to the computing device (104) associated with the user (102). Thesecond set of data packet may include a second set of attributes corresponding to an analysis data generated on comparison of the first set of attributes with the respective predefined threshold ranges.

[0051] In an embodiment, the receptacle portion of the apparatus may include a plurality of compartments for effective storage and delivery of different types of product items. Further the housing of the apparatus may include one or more insulating layers between the inner receptacle portion and the outer portion to maintain one or more storage conditions within the receptacle portion. In another aspect, the features of the apparatus such as materials and/or the shape, dimension or size of the apparatus may be decided according to the type, size or weight of the product items to be stored and delivered. In an embodiment, the apparatus may be made from robust but light weight materials that may also be economically viable and environmental friendly.

[0052] In an embodiment, one or more panels coupled to the outer surface of the apparatus may be visible to an onlooker or nearby person during storage or delivery, the one or more panels are configured with one or more light sources, the one or more light sources may be communicatively coupled to a centralised server (112) or the computing device (104) associated with the user (102) via a wireless network (106) to control and monitor the switching on and off of the one or more light sources through a predefined set of executable instructions stored in the centralised server (112). The one or more panels may be illuminated using the one or more light sources. In an embodiment, the apparatus may include one or more panels including a light emitting diode (LED). The LED can provide uniform brightness on the panel. The panel may be provided, without any limitation, for advertising different aspects related to the product items or the associated organization that may be supplying or delivering the product items. In another aspect, the panels may advertise general information related to usage or general practises, such as manner of usage of a particular medicine in case if the product is a medicinal product.

[0053] In an embodiment, an alert signal may be generated upon a negative determination that at least one attribute of the first set of attributes is not within the respective predefined threshold range, and the alert signal may be transmitted to the computing device (104) associated with the user (102).

[0054] In an embodiment, an authentication module may be configured to obtain a registration data based on a request from an unregistered user through a computing device associated with a user. Login credentials may be generated based on acknowledgement of the request and verification of the registration data, where the user may enter the generated login credentials to access, control and monitor the system (110).

[0055] In an embodiment, the lockable lid may be operatively coupled to the authentication module configured to provide access to the lockable lid only to a registered user, the authentication module further operatively coupled to an alarm and trigger unit to trigger an alarm whenever there is an unauthorized access to the lockable lid. In an embodiment, the apparatus may include one or more safety lock devices coupled to the lockable lid to enable controlled access to the registered user and avoid any unwarranted access or theft. In such example, the apparatus may include indicators or alarms coupled apparatus to provide alerts or beeps, upon detection of any undesired activity by the plurality of sensors. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include a safety switch that may allow the coupled to the lockable lid user to gain access to the contents of the apparatus or the system (110), in case of an emergency.

[0056] In another embodiment, the plurality of compartments may be configured with one or more air purifiers to filter dust particles and contaminations as per predefined PMS levels.

[0057] As a way of example but not as a limitation, the panel, sensors, controller device, or other devices coupled with the apparatus and may be controlled from a specific distance, either remotely or through contactless interaction, using the computing device (104) that may be a mobile device without the need to open or make contact with the apparatus. In an embodiment, panel, sensors, controller device, or other devices may be coupled with the apparatus, through any wireless communication interface. In one such example, a delivery person (114) may park the apparatus on the vehicle while moving away from it for completing a delivery, wherein the delivery person may have forgotten to lock the apparatus, and may do so from a certain distance using the second computing device (116). In another example, a user (102) may change the advertisements on the panel using the mobile device (104), wherein the advertisement message on the panel may be set such that they change or appear based on geo-location, timing, or other such factors. The use of remote or contactless control may not be limited to the mentioned embodiments, and several other embodiments may be possible. In other embodiments, the apparatus may be integrated or coupled to other devices or functions on the mobile device, to enable location based access or access to mobile application. In one example, the apparatus may include one or more location based devices that may enable a customer to track location of the delivery person (114).

[0058] In another aspect, the apparatus may include a display screen to exhibit the contents or details of product items in the apparatus. In another aspect, the apparatus may include Internet of Things (IOT) devices may communicate with the centralised server (112) over the network (106), to enable access to a customer about details/change of product items, as and when they are packed, stored and getting delivered. In an aspect, the apparatus may include a power source such as a Lithium-Ion battery but not limited to itto enable powering one or more electrical components present therein. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include a solar panel that can be integrated into the apparatus to generate alternate power. [0059] In an aspect, the apparatus may be robust, light weight, and easy to assemble, thus making it an economically viable option, especially due to the fact that the apparatus may be transported or shipped as parts or the components and may be assembled at the site of loading the product items. This may significantly save on the cost of shipping or transport as the parts or the components of the apparatus may need lesser space than conventional single unit boxes.

[0060] In an implementation, the computing devices (104) and the second computing devices (116) coupled to the system (110) can be accessed by applications residing on any operating system, including but not limited to, AndroidTM, iOSTM, and the like. Examples of the computing devices (104, 116) may include, but not limited to, any electrical, electronic, electro-mechanical or an equipment or a combination of one or more of the above devices such as mobile phone, smartphone, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, pager, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, mainframe computer, or any other computing device, wherein the computing device may include one or more in-built or externally coupled accessories including, but not limited to, a visual aid device such as camera, audio aid, a microphone, a keyboard, input devices for receiving input from a user such as touch pad, touch enabled screen, electronic pen and the like. It may be appreciated that the computing devices (104, 116) may not be restricted to the mentioned devices and various other devices may be used. A smart computing device may be one of the appropriate systems for storing data and other private/sensitive information. [0061] The parameters associated with the quality of the product items may be further monitored by the user (102) through the computing device (104) such that whenever an alert signal associated with the malfunctioning of the system (110) may be observed by the user (102), the second user (114) may be called in or may call upon by the user (102) to provide appropriate measures.

[0062] FIG. IB illustrates high level architecture of the system of FIG. 1 A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary architecture of the system (110)/ centralised server (112) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (110) or the centralized server (112) may include one or more processors (202) that may be configured to receive from the sensor unit, a first set of signals corresponding to the plurality of parameters associated with the quality of the product items.

[0064] The one or more processors (122) may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processor(s) (122) may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (124) of the centralized server (112). The memory (124) may store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which may be fetched and executed to create or share the data units over a network. The memory (124) may comprise any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like.

[0065] The system (110) / centralized server (112) may also comprise an interface(s)

(206). The interface(s) (126) may comprise a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I/O devices, storage devices, SCADA, Sensors and the like. The interface(s) (126) may facilitate communication of the centralized server (112) with various devices coupled to it. The interface(s) (126) may also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the centralized server (112). Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, processing engine(s) (128) and database (130).

[0066] The one or more processors (122) may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the one or more processors (122). In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the one or more processors (122) may be processor executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the one or more processors (122) may comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the one or more processors (122). In such examples, the system (110) / centralized server (112) may comprise the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the system (110) / centralized server (112) and the processing resource. In other examples, the one or more processors (122) may be implemented by electronic circuitry.

[0067] In an aspect, the database (130) may be configured to store any data including, but not limited to, at least one of the parameters of quality of the product items. In another aspect, the database (230) may comprise data that may be either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by any of the components of the processor (122) or the processing engines (128).

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing engine(s) (128) may include a signal acquisition engine (132), a monitoring engine (134) and other engines (136), wherein the other engines (136) may further include, without limitation, input reminder engine, storage engine, or signal generation engine.

[0069] The signal acquisition engine (132) may receive from the sensor unit, a first set of signals corresponding to the plurality of parameters associated with the quality of the product items.

[0070] In an aspect, the monitoring engine (134) may then extract from the received first set of signals, a first set of attributes pertaining to parameters associated with the quality of the product items and then monitor whether the first set of attributes extracted are within a respective predefined threshold range associated with the quality of the product items. Based on the monitoring of the first set of attributes, the monitoring engine (134) further may activate the controller unit to maintain a predefined ambient condition inside the housing. [0071] FIGs. 2A and 2B show an example representation of an apparatus (200) for storage and delivery of product items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It may be appreciated that the figures provided herein may be considered as example figures for better understanding of the apparatus or its assembly, as per the present disclosure, and may not be limited in any way to the mentioned structural features. As shown in FIG. 2A, the apparatus (200) may typically include a plurality of panels (201), a lid panel (202), a plurality of bottom connector members (210), a plurality of top connector members (220), a plurality of lid connector members (230), a plurality of frames or profiles (240), a plurality of top frames or profiles(250), and a lid frame (260). In an embodiment, the apparatus (200) can also include a lockable lid(270). In an embodiment, the apparatus (200) can also include a lid hinge (280) (not shown). The apparatus (200)is modular, in the sense, that the above-mentioned components’ physical properties including dimensions can be manipulated to achieve a box of desired shape and size. The apparatus (200) may be interactive, in the sense, a user or a consumer if appropriate utilizing the apparatus (200) in any form and manner can correspond and co-ordinate respective information with the apparatus 200 as is herein mentioned. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, one panel (201) can be an LED panel. Referring again to FIGs. 2A-2B, the plurality of bottom connector members (210), the plurality of top connector members (220), and the plurality of lid connector members (230) serve the function of locking and holding the plurality of panels (201), and the lid panel (202). As such, they include mating members to serve that purpose. [0072] FIGs.3A and 3B show one example bottom connector member (210) of the plurality for use with the apparatus (200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bottom connector member (210) can include two horizontally-oriented male connectors (211), and one vertically-oriented male connector (212). As the name implies, the horizontally-oriented male connectors (211) are horizontally oriented and serve to connect with one each of the plurality of frames (240) on a base box portion (203) of the apparatus (200) that may be horizontally placed as can be appreciated from FIG. 3 A or FIG. 3B. Similarly, the vertically-oriented male connector (212) may be vertically oriented and serves to connect with one of the plurality of frames (240) that may be vertically placed on the base box portion (203) as can be appreciated again from FIG. 3 A or FIG. 3B. The bottom connector member 210 can also include an attachment slot (213) that can serve to attach the apparatus (200) to a vehicle or an appropriate contraption. The attachment slot (213) can be screw-based.

[0073] FIGs. 3C-3E show an example top connector member (220) for use with the apparatus (200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The top connector member (220) can include two horizontally-oriented male connectors (221), and one vertically-oriented male connector (222). As the name implies, the horizontally-oriented male connectors (221) are horizontally oriented and serve to connect with one each of the plurality of frames (240) on a top box portion (204) of the apparatus (200) that may be horizontally placed as can be appreciated from FIG. 3 A or FIG. 3B. Similarly, the vertically- oriented male connector (222) may be vertically oriented and serves to connect with one of the plurality of frames (240) that may be vertically placed on the top box portion (204) as can be appreciated again from FIG. 3 A or FIG. 3B.

[0074] FIGs. 4A-4C show an example lid connector member (230) for use with the apparatus (200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lid connector member (220) can include two horizontally-oriented male connectors (231), and one vertically-oriented rest member (232). As the name implies, the horizontally-oriented male connectors (231) are horizontally oriented and serve to connect with one each of the plurality of frames (240) on a top box portion (204) of the apparatus (200) that may be horizontally placed as can be appreciated from FIG. 3 A or FIG. 3B. Similarly, the vertically- oriented rest member (222) may be configured to register and rest upon a top surface (223) of a respective top connector member (220) about its edge as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0075] FIGs. 5A-5B show an exampleprofile (240) for use with the bottom frame of the apparatus (200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The frame (240) may be a support structure that serves to support the apparatus (200). The frame (240) can include two female mating members (241) that is, in essence, a hollow interior as can be appreciated from FIG. 5 A or FIG. 5B. The female mating members (241) are configured to mate and releasably attach with the two horizontally-oriented male connectors (221), and one vertically-oriented male connector (222) associated with the bottom connector member (210), or the vertically-oriented male connector (222) associated with the top connector member

(220). As can be appreciated from FIGs. 3A-3B, the frames (240) can be horizontally oriented or vertically oriented as shown. As can further be seen from FIGs. 5A-5B, the frame (240) also includes panel sleeves (242) which are in essence, hollow interiors configured to receive and hold a panel (201) in an assembled position.

[0076] FIGs. 6A-6B show an exampleprofile (250) for use with the top frame of the apparatus (250), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The top frame (250) may be also a support structure that serves to support the apparatus (200). The frame (250) can include two female mating members (251) that is, in essence, a hollow interior as can be appreciated from FIG. 6A or FIG. 6B. The female mating members (251) are configured to mate and releasably attach with the two horizontally-oriented male connectors

(221) associated with the top connector member (220). As can be appreciated from FIGs.3A- 3B, the top frames (250) can be horizontally oriented or vertically oriented as shown. As can further be seen from FIGs. 6A-6B, the frame (250) also includes a panel sleeve (252) which may be in essence, hollow interiors configured to receive and hold a panel (201) in an assembled position. The top frame (250) can also include a lid stop (253) that serves to stop the lid (which can be said to include the lid frame (260), the lid panel (203), a plurality of frames (240), and the lid connector member (230) in an assembled position as shown in FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B) in an assembled position. The lid stop (253) may be a protrusion disposed on a top surface (254) of the top frame (250) about its edge.

[0077] FIGs. 7A-7C show an example lid frame (260) for use with the apparatus

(200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lid frame (260) may be also a support structure that serves to support the apparatus (200). The lid frame (260) can include two female mating members (261) that is, in essence, a hollow interior as can be appreciated from FIGs. 7A-7C. The female mating members (261) are configured to mate and releasably attach with the two horizontally-oriented male connectors (232) associated with the lid connector member (230). As can be appreciated from FIGs.3A-3B, the top frames (260) are be horizontally oriented as shown. As can further be seen from FIGs. 7A- 7C, the lid frame (260) also includes panel sleeves (262) which are in essence, hollow interiors configured to receive and hold the lid panel (202) in an assembled position. FIGs. 7A-7C also show the lockable lid(270) which can partially be disposed on the lid frame (260) and the top frame (250).

[0078] FIGs. 8A-8C illustrates functional steps associated with an example lid hinge

280 for use with the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lid hinge (280) may be typically disposed on the interior of the apparatus (200) but can also be on the exterior as can be appreciated and can serve as a connection mechanism for the lid (see definition herein mentioned) with the rest of the apparatus (200). In an embodiment shown in FIG. 8C, more than one hinge (280) can be utilized. It may be appreciated that the figures and their description as given above, may be considered as embodiments for better understanding of the apparatus or its assembly/functioning, as per the present disclosure, and may not be limited in any way to the mentioned structural features or functional aspects. [0079] FIGs. 9A through 9C illustrate different views of an alternate profile that can be used bot for the top and the bottom frame, i.e., a common profile (900) configured at side comers of the apparatus (200) to couple the panels (201) pertaining to the corresponding sides of the housing. The common profile (900) provides advantage of reduced variety of components with corresponding cost benefits.

[0080] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary view of a spacer (1000) used to increase size of the apparatus (200) for storage and delivery of product items. As shown in FIG. 11, the spacer (1000) can be positioned between the common profile (900) and any of the panels (201) to increase size of the corresponding side of the apparatus (200) thus saving cost of replacing the complete panel (201).

[0081] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of obtaining apparatus of the present disclosure. The method may include assembling one or more components in one or more steps to obtain the apparatus, wherein the components may be chosen based on nature, size and shape of the apparatus. The method may further include configuring any of one or more sensors, one or more controller devices, or other electrical components, in the apparatus, in one or more steps.

[0082] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure includes a method of storage and delivery of the product items using the apparatus of the present disclosure. The method may include one or more steps including, but not limited to, assembling the apparatus, storing/loading the product items in the receptacle portion of the apparatus, setting one or more functionalities of the apparatus controlling one or more parameters of storage or delivery, and unloading the items from the apparatus for delivery. The method may include other steps including, but not limited to, controlling one or more aspects or functions of the apparatus, using a mobile device, or remote control, and changing advertisements on the panel. The method of storage and delivery of the product items using the apparatus of the present disclosure may not be limited to the mentioned steps, and several other embodiments or any steps are possible.

[0083] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention may be not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the claim.

[0084] It is to be further understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of preferred and embodiments have been set out in the foregoing description, together with details of the structures and functions of the embodiments, the disclosure is illustrative only; and changes may be made in detail, especially in the matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

[0085] Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ....and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

[0086] While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those are completely example in nature. The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments as elaborated herein only and it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. All such modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents are completely within the scope of the present disclosure. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the protection scope of the appended claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0087] The present disclosure provides a system and apparatus for effective and convenient storage and delivery of product items. [0088] The present disclosure provides a system and apparatus for effective and convenient storage and delivery of product items that may enable to maintain the quality/characteristics of the product items intact.

[0089] The present disclosure provides a system and apparatusthat offers a modular and smart design for the apparatus, which is robust, foldable, easy to assemble and may be made from eco-friendly materials.

[0090] The present disclosure provides a system and apparatusthat offer smart features that enable effective storage and delivery of product items.