FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a package delivery system. In particular, the present invention relates, but is not limited, to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery system for delivering goods. Reference to the UAV delivery system is provided by way of example but the invention is not limited to this use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Delivery services including postal services and courier services offered by commercial carrier is an efficient way for delivering goods including letters, documents, packages and parcels from a distributor or distribution hub to a commercial or residential recipient. In addition, the growth of online shopping is one of the many activities that results in the increase in need of an efficient and reliable delivery services to deliver goods to homes and businesses.

Delivery service generally involve multiple steps including identifying the time and places of collecting and delivery the package, collecting the package, using a transportation means to transport the goods from the collection site to the receiving site, and delivering the package to a recipient. However, it is often that the recipient is not present when the package is delivered. In this case, the delivery service provider will generally either schedule a redelivery of the package or simply leave the package on a door step or other location outside of a residence for the recipient to pick up. Redelivering the package can be inconvenient as it requires reschedule of time of both the delivery service provider and the recipient. The delivery services provider also bears the additional cost in organising the redelivery. On the other hand, leaving the package outside of a residence increases the risk of the package being vulnerable to theft and/or damage.

Different transportation means have been used for delivering packages. Delivery service provider generally utilize a delivery vehicle including but not limited to a step van, a truck or a car. However, one disadvantage of the use of a delivery vehicle is the amount of fuel that is required, which can be costly. Delivery vehicles also results in adding extra vehicles to the general traffic. There are problems with the additional vehicles as they create additional exhaust emission that increase air pollution, as well as creating traffic congestion and hazards. The use of delivery vehicles is also inconvenient as it required a person to physically load or unload the package from the truck and bring it to the recipient.

Another transportation means for delivery is the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including a drone. The use of an UAV can help to reduce traffic congestion and delivery time. However, the use of an UAV for delivery has disadvantages. One major problem is the lack of a suitable landing area at the receiving location. Obstructions may also be present at the landing area that may results in damaging the UAV. The UAV may also accidentally cause injury to people and/or animal that is near the lading area.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a delivery system for delivering one or more goods including at least one delivery container that is adapted to be picked up and released from an UAV; at least one delivery container receptacle located at a delivery destination to receive the delivery container; and at least one conduit including a receiving end and at least one delivery end, the receiving end is operatively connected to the delivery container receptacle and the conduit is configured to deliver the delivery container received from the delivery container receptacle to the at least one delivery end for a recipient to collect the delivery container.

Preferably, the at least one delivery container includes a body in which to place the one or more goods and a cover that is attached or attachable to the body. Preferably, the delivery container is substantially spherical in shape. In one embodiment, the at least one delivery container is reusable after the recipient retrieved the one or more goods from the delivery container. In another embodiment, the at least one delivery container is recyclable. Preferably, the at least one delivery container is made of cardboard. Preferably, the at least one delivery container receptacle has a substantially funnel shape. In one embodiment, the at least one delivery container receptacle is a substantially square shaped funnel. In another embodiment, the at least one delivery container receptacle is a substantially circular shaped funnel. In another embodiment, the at least one delivery container receptacle is a substantially rectangular shaped funnel.

Preferably, the at least one delivery container receptacle has a substantially funnel shape with a wide opening inlet at one end and a comparatively narrow outlet at a substantially opposite end. Preferably, the comparatively narrow outlet is connected to receiving end of the conduit.

Preferably, the delivery destination is a building. Preferably, the delivery system further includes at least one support means for the at least one delivery container receptacle. Preferably, the at least one support means is adapted to support the at least one delivery container receptacle at a location of the building that is away from the recipient. In one embodiment, the at least one support means is adapted to support the at least one delivery container receptacle at a location on a roof of the building.

Preferably, the conduit is configured to deliver the delivery container from the receiving end to the delivery end due to gravity. Preferably, the conduit is configured to control the fall of the delivery container from the receiving end to the delivery end. Preferably, the conduit is configured to slow down the fall of the delivery container from the receiving end to the delivery end.

Preferably, the delivery end is configured to receive and hold the delivery container. In one embodiment, the delivery end is located outside a window of the building. In another embodiment, the delivery end is located inside of the building.

Preferably, the conduit further includes at least one gate located at or adjacent to the delivery end. Preferably, the at least one gate is configured to allow the recipient to access into the conduit and retrieve the delivery container at the delivery end.

Preferably, the conduit has two or more delivery ends. Preferably, the conduit further includes at least one switch mechanism to deliver the at least one delivery container to one of the two or more delivery ends. Preferably, the switch mechanism is adapted to move between a first position and a second position. Preferably, in the first position, the switch mechanism allows the at least one delivery container to be delivered to one of the delivery ends. Preferably, in the second position, the switch mechanism substantially blocks at least one of the delivery ends such that the at least one delivery container will continue further along within the conduit to another delivery end. In one embodiment, the at least one switch mechanism is located adjacent to the at least one delivery end. In another embodiment, the at least one switch mechanism is located substantially at a split between two or more delivery ends.

In one embodiment, the conduit is configured to return the at least one delivery container from the delivery end to the at least one delivery container receptacle. Preferably, the conduit is configured to draw the at least one delivery container upwards from the at least one delivery end to the delivery container receptacle. In one embodiment, the conduit further includes at least one holding means for carrying the delivery container upwards. Preferably, the at least one holding means includes but not limited to a rack or a tray. Preferably, the delivery container is picked up by an UAV after returning to the delivery container receptacle.

In another embodiment, the system further includes a delivery container collection system.

Preferably, the delivery container collection system including at least one second delivery container receptacle that is adapted to receive the delivery container after the recipient retrieved the goods from the delivery container; and at least one second conduit that includes at least one receiving end and a delivery end, the at least one second conduit is adapted to deliver the delivery container to the at least one second delivery container receptacle, wherein an UAV is adapted to pick up the delivery container from the second delivery container receptacle.

Preferably, the second conduit is configured to deliver the delivery container from the at least one receiving end to the delivery end then to the second delivery container receptacle. Preferably, the second delivery container receptacle is at a location on a roof of the building. Preferably, the system further includes at least one support means for the second delivery container receptacle. Preferably, the at least one second conduit is configured to draw the delivery container upwards from the at least one receiving end to the secondary delivery container receptacle. In one embodiment, the second conduit further includes at least one holding means for carrying the delivery container upwards. Preferably, the at least one holding means includes but not limited to a rack or a tray.

In one embodiment, the UAV includes at least one hook that is adapted to pick up or release the delivery container. In another embodiment, the UAV includes at least one clasp that is adapted to pick up or release the delivery container. In another embodiment, the UAV includes at least one hook and at least one clasp that is adapted to pick up or release the delivery container.

Preferably, the UAV is a drone.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a delivery container collection system including at least one delivery container receptacle that is adapted to receive one or more delivery container; and at least one conduit that includes at least one receiving end and a delivery end, the at least one conduit is configured to deliver the one or more delivery container to the at least one delivery container receptacle, wherein an UAV is adapted to pick up the delivery container from the delivery container receptacle.

Preferably, the delivery container is a delivery container as herein described.

Preferably, the at least one delivery container receptacle has a substantially funnel shape. Preferably, the at least one delivery container receptacle has a shape includes but not limited to a circular shaped funnel, square shaped funnel and a rectangular shaped funnel.

Preferably, the conduit is configured to deliver the delivery container from the at least one receiving end to the delivery end then to the delivery container receptacle. Preferably, the delivery container receptacle is at a location on a roof of a building. Preferably, the delivery container collection system further includes at least one support means for the delivery container receptacle. Preferably, the at least one conduit is configured to draw the delivery container upwards from the at least one receiving end to the delivery container receptacle. In one embodiment, the conduit further includes at least one holding means for carrying the delivery container upwards. Preferably, the at least one holding means includes but not limited to a rack or a tray.

In one embodiment, the UAV includes at least one hook that is adapted to pick up the delivery container. In another embodiment, the UAV includes at least one clasp that is adapted to pick up the delivery container. In another embodiment, the UAV includes at least one hook and at least one clasp that is adapted to pick up the delivery container.

Preferably, the UAV is a drone.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a delivery container for delivering one or more goods with a UAV delivery system as herein described, wherein the delivery container is substantially spherical in shape.

Preferably, the delivery container includes a body in which to place the one or more goods and a cover that is attached or attachable to the body. In one embodiment, the cover is attached or attachable to the body via one or more connecting means. Preferably, the one or more connecting means includes but not limited to a zipper, a hook-and-loop fastener, a latch and a screw. In another embodiment, the body includes an opening that has a screw thread on or about the opening. Preferably, the cover has a complementary screw thread to be attached or attachable to the opening.

Preferably, the delivery container further includes one or more engaging means that can be releasably secured to an UAV. In one embodiment, the engaging means includes a handle that is adapted to receive a hook or a clasp from the UAV. In another embodiment, the engaging means includes a recess and the handle. In another embodiment, the engaging means includes an aperture and the handle.

Preferably, the delivery container further includes one or more locking means that is adapted to seal or lock the container.

Preferably, the delivery container further includes at least one tag for retrieving relevant delivery information of the one or more goods. Preferably, the at least one tag includes but not limited to a barcode tag, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag, and a quick response (QR) code tag.

In one embodiment, the delivery container further includes at least one support means that holds the one or more goods in position within the body. Preferably, the at least one support means is a rack.

Preferably, the delivery container is made of a material includes but not limited to plastic, cardboard, wood, metals and metal alloys.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a delivery container receptacle for delivering one or more goods with a UAV delivery system as herein described, wherein the delivery container receptacle has a substantially funnel shape.

Preferably, the at least one delivery container receptacle has a substantially funnel shape with a wide opening inlet at one end and a comparatively narrow outlet at a substantially opposite end. Preferably, the comparatively narrow outlet is connected to a conduit.

Preferably, a delivery container can be released from an UAV to the delivery container receptable though the wide opening inlet, and then funnels through to the comparatively narrow outlet and then enter into the conduit.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of delivery one or more goods with a UAV delivery system as herein described, including the steps of retrieving relevant delivery information including a delivery destination from a tag of a delivery container; picking up the delivery container by an UAV; delivering the delivery container by the UAV to the delivery destination; releasing the delivery container from the UAV to a delivery container receptacle; and delivering the delivery container from the delivery container receptacle to a recipient via a conduit.

Preferably, the tag is a tag as herein described.

Preferably, the delivery container is a delivery container as herein described.

Preferably, the UAV is an UAV as herein described.

Preferably, the delivery destination is a delivery destination as herein described.

Preferably, the delivery container receptacle is a delivery container receptacle as herein described.

Preferably, the conduit is a conduit as herein described.

Preferably, the method further includes the step of returning the delivery container after the recipient retrieved the goods from the delivery container.

Preferably, the step of returning the delivery container includes placing the delivery container at a receiving end of a second conduit; delivering the delivery container from the receiving end of the second conduit to a second delivery container receptacle; and picking up the delivery container by an UAV from the second delivery container receptacle.

Preferably, the second conduit is a second conduit as herein described.

Preferably, the second delivery container receptacle is a second delivery container receptable as herein described.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a delivery container according to an embodiment of the present invention, and figure 3 is a perspective view of the delivery container of figure 2 in an open configuration;

Figure 4 is a perspective side view of a delivery container receptacle and a support rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and figure 5 is a perspective front view of the of the delivery container receptacle and the support rack of figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a delivery system in use according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a delivery system in use according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a delivery container collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is further disclosed by the following preferred embodiment. With reference to figure 1, there is shown a delivery system 10 according to a preferred embodiment. The delivery system 10 incudes a delivery container receptacle in the form of receiving pad 21 to receive a delivery container 12 in a spherical shape delivered by a UAV in the form of a drone (not shown), and a conduit 41 for delivering the delivery container 12 to a recipient.

Receiving pad 21 is located at a delivery destination in the form of a building 31 . The receiving pad 21 is supported by a support rack 24 on a roof 33 of building 31.

Conduit 41 has a receiving end 42 to receive the delivery container 12 from the receiving pad 21 and a delivery end 43 that holds the delivery container 12. There is a gate 44 that is adjacent to receiving end 43 in which the recipient can open in order to access into conduit 41 and retrieve the delivery container 12 at the delivery end 43.

With reference to figure 2 and 3, there is shown a delivery container 12 from figure 1 according to a preferred embodiment. The delivery container 12 has a body 13 in which one or more goods for delivery can be placed within, and a cover 14. The body 13 and the cover 14 together formed a spherical shape when the delivery container 12 is in a closed configuration (as shown in figure 2). A spherical shaped delivery container 12 is more aerodynamic for a drone to carry. After being released from the drone, the spherical shape allows the delivery container 12 to roll from receiving pad 21 to the receiving end 42 of conduit 41 , then roll along conduit 41 to delivery end 43 where the recipient can retrieve the delivery container 12 through gate 44.

The delivery container 12 also includes an engaging means 16 in the form of an aperture with a handle in the middle of the aperture, and a locking means 17. The engaging means 16 allows the drone to engage with the delivery container with a hook or a clasp. The locking means 17 are capable to lock and seal the delivery container 12.

With reference to figure 3, there is shown the delivery container 12 of figure 2 in an opened configuration. As shown in figure 3, cover 14 is attached to body 13 via a connecting means 18.

With reference figures 4 and 5, there is shown the receiving pad 21 and support rack 24 of figure 1. The receiving pad 21 has a square funnel shape with a wide opening inlet at the top end of the funnel and a narrow outlet 22 at the bottom - io - end of the funnel. With reference to figure 1, receiving end 42 of conduit 41 is connected to the narrow outlet 22 of receiving pad 21.

Support rack 24 has a shaped that complements the roof 33 of figure 1 so as to support receiving pad 21 at an angle that is optimal to receive the delivery container 12 released from the drone.

With reference to figure 6, there is shown a delivery system 100 in use according to a first preferred embodiment. The delivery system 100 is substantially similar to delivery system 10 of figure 1. The delivery system 100 includes a delivery container receptacle in the form of receiving pad 121 to receive delivery container 112 delivered and released from a drone (not shown), and a conduit 141 for delivering the delivery container 112 to a recipient. Receiving pad 121 is located on a building 131 and is supported by a support rack 124 on a roof 133. The conduit 141 has a receiving end 142 connected to the narrow outlet of receiving pad 121 and a delivery end 143 located outside of a window 134 of building 131. In use, a drone delivers and releases delivery container 112 to the wide opening at the top end of funnel shaped receiving pad 121. The delivery container 112 roll down receiving pad 121 to the narrow outlet then to receiving end 142. The delivery container 112 then further roll through conduit 141 to delivery end 143. The recipient can retrieve delivery container 112 through gate 144 and through window 134.

With reference to figure 7, there is shown a delivery system 200 in use according a second preferred embodiment. The delivery system 200 is substantially similar to delivery system 100 of figure 6, except that the delivery end 243 is located inside building 231.

The delivery system 200 includes a delivery container receptacle in the form of receiving pad 221 to receive delivery container 212 delivered and released from a drone (not shown), and a conduit 241 for delivering the delivery container 212 to a recipient. Receiving pad 221 is located on a building 231 and is supported by a support rack 224 on a roof 233. The conduit 241 has a receiving end 242 connected to the narrow outlet of receiving pad 221 and a delivery end 243 located inside building 231. In use, a drone delivers and releases delivery container 212 to the wide opening at the top end of funnel shaped receiving pad 221. The delivery container 212 roll down receiving pad 221 to the narrow outlet then to receiving end 242. The delivery container 212 then further roll through conduit 241 to delivery end 243 that is located inside building 243. The recipient can retrieve delivery container 212 through gate 244.

With reference to figures 8, there is shown a delivery container collection system 300 according to a preferred embodiment. The delivery container collection system 300 includes a delivery container receptacle in the form of collecting pad 321 , and a conduit 345. Collecting pad 321 is located on a building 331 and is supported by a support rack 324 on a roof 333. Conduit 345 includes a receiving end 346 and a delivery end 347. In use, a delivery container can enter the receiving end 346 through a window 334. The delivery container is carried upwards by a holding means in the form of a tray 348. When tray 348 reaches a top point 349, the delivery container then rolls through conduit 345 to delivery end 347 and then into collecting pad 321 , where a drone can then pick up the delivery container from collecting pad 321.

ADVANTAGES

An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes providing an alternative system for delivering goods with an UAV. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes providing an alternative system for delivering goods to the delivery destination without the needs for a recipient to wait for the delivery. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes providing an alternative system for delivering goods with a flexible delivering time. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes providing an alternative delivery system that allows a recipient to retrieve the delivered goods at their desired time. A further advantage of the present invention includes providing an alternative place that is secured to leave the delivered goods to allow a recipient to pick up at a later time. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes providing an alternative landing area at the delivery destination for a delivery UAV. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes reducing damages to the delivery UAV caused by obstructions present at the landing area. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes reducing the risk of injury to people and/or animal caused by the delivery UAV. VARIATIONS

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

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