In particular, the present invention is directed to systems and devices for unattended transfer of items.

2. Description of Related Art Consumers today are busier than ever, and are challenged to find a sustainable balance between work and family. As a result, consumers have shown a strong willingness to embrace innovations that bring convenience and flexibility to their lives. Two trends that illustrate this phenomenon are (a) telecommuting and other home- based work situations, and (b) convenience-driven self-service devices and utilities. It is estimated that there are over 10 million workers in the United States who telecommute (i. e., work from home rather than travel to their office to work) more than one day per week. That figure is in addition to the more than 24 million Americans who operate businesses from their homes. The dramatic rise in self-service innovations such as automatic teller machines (ATMs) and Internet-based commerce attests to how great the demand is for convenience and flexibility, especially when it is centered on the home.

One of the more unrewarding and time-consuming tasks for people who perform work at home or consumers who lead busy lives is the sending of outbound packages. These packages may be product returns for goods purchased through the Internet or via mail order catalogs, or work products developed at home and directed toward clients or co-workers. When individuals want to send packages from their residence, they generally must either commute to the Post Office (because the U. S. Postal Service will not accept packages weighing over one pound introduced into the mail stream at locations other than an actual Post Office) or offices of a shipping company (e. Express, United Parcel Service, etc.), or call to schedule a pick-up from the Postal Service or a delivery company.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, a need has arisen for a device for the unattended transfer of goods.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an unattended transfer device is disclosed. The unattended transfer device includes an access portal.

The access portal may include a door, and may be mounted in an exterior wall of a building. A controller controls access to the door, and transmits information regarding access to a remote location. An interior compartment is affixed to the portal and receives an item for transfer.

According to another embodiment, the access portal may be a rotating door having a first wall and a second wall, and rotating on hinge. The first wall and the second wall may be substantially perpendicular to each other, such that an item placed on a first surface of said first wall shifts to a first surface of said second wall when said door is rotated.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a networked locking system is disclosed. The system includes a door in an exterior wall of a building. The door may be a vehicle door of a garage, an exterior door of a house, a gate, a subterranean area access door, and the like. Alternatively, the door may be a plurality of doors or gates to individual or group, tenant storage areas or lockers, such as may be found in apartment buildings. A controller controls access to the door, and transmits information regarding access to the door to a remote location.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system for securing an item is disclosed. The system includes at least one tether which connects a central location and an item. A controller controls a connection between the central location and the item, and transmits information regarding said connection between the central location and the item to a remote location.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system for securing an item is disclosed. The system includes a pegboard that has at least one hole for receiving and securing at least one peg on an item. A controller controls the security

of the pegs on the item, and transmits information regarding said security of the pegs to a remote location.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system for securing an item is disclosed. The system includes a sensing device which senses the presence of a sensor on an item. A controller controls the sensing device and transmits information regarding said presence of the item with the sensor to a remote location. An alarm may signal an unauthorized removal of the item.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a multiple transfer bin device is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of a plurality of transfer bins. At least one controller controls access to the transfer bins, and transmits information regarding access to the transfer bins to a remote location.

Other objects, features, and advantages will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the needs satisfied thereby, and the features and advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 depicts a flush-mounted unattended transfer device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 depicts an unattended transfer device with a one-way mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 depicts a secure door system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 depicts secure door system having a full-size door according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 5a-b depict a subterranean enclosure transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 6a-b depict a tether transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7a-c depict a peg board transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8a-b depict a sensor transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 9 depicts a multiple transfer bin device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to Figs. 1-9, like numerals being used for like corresponding parts in the various drawings.

Although the term"transfer"is used throughout this document, it should be recognized that, as used in this application, this term includes shipping, delivery and storage of goods.

The present invention is preferably used in conjunction with an unattended delivery or transfer device, such as the device described in U. S. Patent No. 5,774,053 to Porter, entitled"Storage Device for the Delivery and Pickup of Goods,"which is incorporated herein by reference. The unattended transfer device preferably is equipped for communications, whether they be wireless or landline. In an embodiment, a wireless network may be used. In another embodiment, telephone lines may be used. In yet another embodiment, the radio spectrum may be used.

Other types of unattended transfer devices may also be used. For example, referring to Fig. 1, a flush-mounted unattended transfer device (e. g., a controlled access door) is provided. Device 100 may be mounted in exterior wall 150 of a building, such as a house, a garage, an office building, etc. Device 100 includes an access portal, such as exterior door 102, access controller 104, interior compartment 106, and interior door 108. Interior compartment 106 may be a solid-walled compartment, as shown in Fig. 1, or it may be a cage.

Access controller 104 controls the access to interior compartment 106 by unlocking or locking exterior door 102. Access controller 104 may include an input device, such as a keypad, that allows a person to enter a code into the device. A variety

of input devices may function as access controller 104, including, but not limited to, an infrared receiver, a radio antenna, an optical scanner, a magnetic strip reader, a lock and tumbler, and combinations thereof.

Device 100 also may include locking mechanism 110 to prevent interior door 108 from being opened from the inside of interior compartment 106. Locking mechanism 110 may be a lock and tumbler device or a similar lock; in other embodiments, locking mechanism 110 may comprise a latch on the outside of interior door 108.

Device 100 may operate in a manner similar to the device disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 5,774,053. Generally, during a delivery, access to interior compartment 106 may be granted by access controller 104, and an item for delivery may be placed within interior compartment 106. Exterior door 102 then is closed. For a shipment, the user may place an item in interior compartment 106 via either exterior door 102 or interior door 108.

Access controller 104 then transmits information to a remote location.

This information may include, inter alia, the access time, the access code, the number of packages, etc. The information may also include a status of the device, such as door status (e g., open or closed, battery status, communication signal strength, etc.) Referring to Fig. 2, an unattended transfer device with a one-way mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided. Device 200 includes access controller 104, which is substantially identical to that of flush mounted transfer device 100. One-way mechanism 200 also includes rotating door 202 that is mounted on hinge 204. As shown in the figure, rotating door 202 includes walls 206 and 208, which are mounted at a suitable angle to each other. In an embodiment, walls 206 and 208 may be substantially perpendicular to each other; other appropriate angles may be used.

Rotating door 202 may include at least one handle (not shown) for allowing the user to rotate rotating door 202 open or closed.

During a delivery, when rotating door 202 is unlocked, the user may extend rotating door 202 outward to accept item 210. Item 210 may be placed on wall 206 of rotating door 202, and rotate rotating door 202 closed. Once rotating door 202 is

closed, item 210 shifts to rest on wall 208 of rotating door 202. For shipping, the user is on the inside, the user may place item 210 on wall 208 of rotating door 202. If the user is on the outside, the process is the same as a delivery.

Referring to Fig. 3, secure door transfer system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In this embodiment, the user may decide to permit access to a limited area a building (e. a garage, a breezeway, a mud room, or the like) and protect the rest of the building through a separate security system.

When access is granted by access controller 104, exterior door 302 is unlocked, providing access to the interior of a portion of the building. In an embodiment, external door 302 may open to reveal a tote or a basket (not shown), or simply an open area on the floor, onto which any deliveries may be placed.

Referring to Fig. 4, in another embodiment, external door 402 of secure door system 400 may be a full size door, permitting an authorized person to enter an area of a building (e. g., a garage or a separate building) to make a delivery or a pickup. If necessary, security to the remainder of the building may be achieved by an additional <BR> <BR> security system, including locking a door to the building, or providing an electronic (e. g., motion detectors) or video surveillance system to prevent or announce entry into unauthorized areas.

In an embodiment, external door 402 may be an interior door of a building. For example, external door 402 may open to reveal a storage area, such as a room, a basement, and the like. Thus, the present invention may be used in both personal and commercial storage areas. In yet another embodiment, external door 402 may be used as a replacement for any conventional door.

In another embodiment, a subterranean enclosure transfer system is disclosed. For example, referring to Figs. 5a and 5b, a user may use access controller 104 to unlock access door 502 that is adjacent to building 504, which leads to enclosed underground area 506, such as the entrance to a storm cellar. The user gains access to area 504 through external door, 502, or through an internal door (not shown) similar to those described above. This embodiment may be less obtrusive from an aesthetic standpoint, but may also benefit from temperature control advantages provided by

subterranean thermodynamics substantially constant year-around temperatures of about 55° F).

Alternatively, a"safe zone"may be provided into which packages may be inserted and from which they cannot be removed without triggering an alarm. The safe zone for unattended transfer may be a section of a property, including a porch, a deck, a carport, or other designated area that may be adjacent to or near a building or home. Security may be provided through some non-enclosed means of attachment or sensing, as will be discussed below.

In another embodiment, a tether transfer system may be provided.

Referring to Figs. 6a and 6b, tether system 600 may use a small lanyard or plug-in that is attached to the shipping package or container. Upon delivery of a package to the home, tether 602 may be received in connection 604 that is provided in container 606.

Container 606 is then protected from theft until tether 602 is released by access controller 104 by a entering a code or providing a key. In an embodiment, tether 604 may be secured to container 606 in such a way that container 606 or its contents may be damaged or destroyed in order to remove container 606 without properly unlocking tether 602.

Alternatively, tether 602 may be integral to the locking system on the home, and container 606 may come with either a loop (not shown) through which tether 602 may pass, or female connector 608 to match male end 610 of tether 602.

In another embodiment, a tether may be integral with the container, and may be received by a receptacle provided in the secure area. In yet another embodiment, a special container may be provided. The special container may be made of a material, such as plastic, to provide durability, and may be equipped with either a tether or a receptacle for the tether. The special container may be provided with a locking mechanism as well.

In another embodiment, a peg board transfer system may be provided. A peg board system includes one or more hooks attached to a package. In Fig. 7a, pegboard system 700 includes access controller 104 and pegboard 702, which may be divided into a plurality of zones, or regions. Packages 704, such as those shown in Figs.

7b-c, may be delivered with pegs 706 protruding from a portion of the package.

Packages 704 may include special containers that have pegs 706 formed integrally therewith, or pegs 706 may simply be attached to packages 704.

Similar to the tether design, pegs 706 are received by holes 710 in pegboard 702. Pegboard 702 may be part of a larger, home or business security system where any inserted pegs may then be secured in place by a locking mechanism. Packages 704 are then secure until they are released by access controller 104 through the actions of someone possessing a key (or codes that serve as a key). Pegs 706 may be secured to package 704 in such a way that package 704 or its contents may be damaged or destroyed in order to remove it without unlocking peg board 702.

In yet another embodiment, a sensor transfer system is provided.

Referring to Figs. 8a and 8b, sensor system 800 may operate by using electric sensor 802 that emits electric beam 804 in a predetermined area. Packages 806 include sensors 808 that may be located on the outside of package 806, or within package 806. Sensor 808 may be a small chip similar to the shoplifting prevention device attached to clothing in some retail stores, such as U. S. Patent No. 4,123,749 and U. S. Patent No. 5,874,896. In yet another embodiment, a sensor 808 may be integrated with a special container (not shown).

Once package 806 including sensor 808 is recognized, sensor system 800 is switched into"locked"mode and maintains electronic contact with the package 806.

If this contact is interrupted, a warning is provided. This may include sounding an alarm, on activating other security measures (e g., activating an electronic camera to capture activity in the area). As with other embodiments, to remove package 806 from the area, an authorized recipient may be required to possess a key or a code to disable the alarm Regardless of the specific embodiment, the unattended transfer device may be part of a simple physical security mechanism, or part of a broader device with intelligence. For example, the intelligence may be used to notify the homeowner of delivery of the package. For deliveries to the system, input codes that identify the package may be used, so that notification could be specific as to the package, the Shipping Company, the time of delivery, and the like Further, the user may be required to register the unattended transfer device with a service provided. This may include transmitting the individual's name, social

security information, home and work address, telephone and other digital/analog communication numbers or electronic mail addresses, as well as information regarding the individual's preferences as a user of the system, including preferred means of notification, preferred shipping provider, preferred transfer device pick-up times, a "buddy-list"of additional people authorized to use the device, and so forth. The user also may register payment information into the central database. A preferred method of payment is a credit card; however, it is possible that payment may be accepted via a debit card, check, electronic-check ("e-check"), or electronic-wallet ("e-wallet")-the latter two examples referencing forms of electronic payment made over the Internet.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a third party may serve as an intermediary between the user, which may be a consumer or business person, and the shipping company. The third party may be referred to as a Network Agent.

In another embodiment, a plurality of unattended transfer devices may be colocated in a"post office box"type of arrangement. In this embodiment, the individual "bins"may each by owned, or they may be commonly owned by a party, and"leased" or rented to users. For example, a user may rent an individual bin in the same manner that a person may rent an apartment, and may have exclusive possession of that individual bin during that time period. A group of users may rent an individual bin in the same manner. Further, a user may rent an individual bin for a single delivery.

An important issue associated with shared resources is their effective utilization. Utilization of a cluster box may be described in classic telecom theory. For example, arrival rates (both inbound and outbound), how often the bin is being used and by how many users; and average handle times (how long the package is in the bin from insertion to pickup) should be considered.

Package size is an important consideration with such a device. For smaller packages, a common bin may be provided, such that access to remove packages may be limited to the carrier. These would be very similar to the bins that carriers use today to drop off packages for pickup. For larger packages, a common cluster of bins may be used. As will be described below, a combination of large and small bins may be provided in a common device.

Referring to Fig. 9, an example of a multiple transfer bin device 900 is provided. In this figure, a plurality of bins 902 are provided in device 900. In one embodiment, bins 902 may be the same size. In another embodiment, bins 902 may be of different sizes. For example, bins 902 may be provided different sizes that accommodate shipping envelopes (e, FedExs letters, IJPSs PadPacks@, and the like), small or medium packages, and large packages. If bins 902 are provided on a per- delivery basis, a delivery to a larger bin may cost more than a delivery to a envelope bin.

In another embodiment, some of bins 902 may be provided with additional convenience features, such as having a heater or a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, a common heater or a common refrigeration unit, or both, may be provided for device 900, and may be individually (or selectively) activated by the person leaving the item in the particular bin. If bins 902 are not owned by a user, an additional charge may be imposed for use of such features.

Bins 902 may be provided with an indicator that indicates when the bin is in use. In an embodiment, each bin 902 may be provided with a LED that illuminates when the bin is in use. In another embodiment, a central display (not shown) may indicate when a bin is in use.

Device 900 may be provided with at least one access controller 104.

Access controller 104 may be substantially the same type as described in conjunction with other embodiments. Other devices, however, are within the contemplation of the present invention.

In an embodiment, a separate access controller 104 is provided for each bin 902. All access controllers 104 may be linked to a common processor, or they may be completely independent. In an embodiment, access controllers 104 share a common communication port.

While the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other variations and modifications of the preferred embodiments described above may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification is considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.