CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 63/027,946, filed May 20, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to transportation systems and methods, and more specifically, a lockable transport system capable of adapting to various modes of transportation.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores, hospitals, and many other establishments often rely on employees, outside vendors, or third-party services to transport items, including inventory or goods. Various vehicles, including automobiles, bicycles, boats, robots, and drones are commonly used to transport items. Each type of transportation may be better suited depending on the item or items being transported, the distance an item is transported, or the specific location to which an item is transported.

[0004] A significantly undesirable risk associated with current transportation systems and methods, especially when using an unfamiliar transportation service, is unwarranted touching, tampering, or stealing of items, which can result in economic loss, customer dissatisfaction, and negative product reviews. Another challenge associated with current transportation systems and methods is versatility between transportation modes.

[0005] Previous attempts to address these problems have fallen short. A continuous need in the industry remains to improve the method and system used for ordering, handling, and transporting items.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to a transport container system, typically used to transport items between users. The transport container system generally includes a container element with an opening to an interior cavity that may be closed by a lid with optional means for regulating environmental conditions. The interior cavity may be separated into compartments, each of which may have independently regulated environmental conditions, as desired. A lock mechanism on the transport container system allows a user to secure the container. Once the transport container system arrives at a specified destination, the lock mechanism unlocks upon authentication, arrival within a designated area, or both.

[0007] A handle that is configured to be compatible with various modes of transportation can be affixed to the container element of the present invention to facilitate one or more modes of transport. Handles exchangeably engage with adaptors that can be located anywhere on the container element. A handle may act as an adaptor for another handle.

[0008] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a transport container system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top view of the transportation container system of FIG. 1 with a closed lid.

[0011 ] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of components of the container system of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration diagram for a transport container system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIGS. 5A-C each illustrate various embodiments of modular compartment inserts that may be used with the present invention.

[0014] FIGS. 6A-B each illustrate the transportation container system of FIG.1 equipped with various modular compartment inserts.

[0015] FIGS. 7A-E each illustrate examples of various embodiments of the present invention as used with different modes of transportation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention is directed to a transport container system typically used by third-party deliverers to transport items. The transport container system includes a container element with an interior cavity accessible through at least one opening in the container element, which can be sealed by a lid. The transport container system further includes a locking system with a lock mechanism that can be remotely activated by an internal computer system capable of relaying data.

[0017] The preferred embodiment includes a handle by which the transport container system may be held, carried, or controlled. Handles exchangeably engage with adaptors that are affixed to the container element, which allow quick and easy transition between different handles. A handle may also act as an adaptor for another handle.

[0018] The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes at least one compartment within the interior cavity of the container element that may be created or enlarged using modular compartment inserts. The interior cavity may also be a compartment. Each compartment of the preferred embodiment may have independently regulated environmental conditions as specified by a user upon providing information about the preferred environmental condition to the internal computer, manually or by wireless communication from an external source. Each compartment may be sealed with one or more lids.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention comprising a container element 1 with opening to an interior cavity 2. The opening to the interior cavity 2 may be closed by a lid 3, which is affixed to the container element 1 by a hinge 4 and can be fastened closed against the container element 1 by a fastener 5. In this embodiment, the fastener 5 is made from one component, but a fastener of the present invention can be made from multiple components. When the lid 3 is closed and fastened to the container element 1, a seal 6 seals the interior cavity 2. When the lid 3 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is closed, users may view items located in the container element 1 through a viewing panel 7. [0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, components of the fastener 5 may be built into the lid and container element. In another embodiment, the fastener 5 may include a button component. Examples of fasteners and fastener components may include, but not be limited to, a latch, a pivoting bar that falls into a notch, a spring that slides a bolt into a hole, a metal bar with catch and lever, or any combination thereof. Those in the art will understand that any suitable fastener, now known or hereafter developed, may be used in the transport container system described herein. In another embodiment, lock mechanism 13 may also be the fastener.

[0021] A single viewing panel 7 is located in the lid 3 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , but one or more viewing panels may be located in any component of the present invention. The container element 1 as illustrated in this embodiment is cuboidal in shape, but may be configured in any suitable shape and size. In another embodiment, one or more lids of various sizes and shapes may be affixed to the container element to cover one or more openings in the container element. In yet another embodiment, the hinge is a spring hinge.

[0022] Viewing panels of the present invention may be any suitable size and shape. Materials used to form the viewing panels may depend on the type of items to be transported, mode of transportation, thermal conductivity requirements, environmental conditions specified by a user, and whether the transport container system will be used in transportation and storage. Examples of suitable materials for the viewing panel are glass, polymers, or composite materials, or any other similar materials that are at least translucent or capable of becoming translucent, or any combination thereof. Those in the art will understand that any suitable material, now known or hereafter developed, may be used in forming the viewing panel of the transport container system described herein. In another embodiment, the transport system does not include a viewing panel. In yet another embodiment, an internal camera could relay, either by wireless communication to an external computer or directly onto digital display screen 14, digital images taken within and directed toward the interior of the present invention.

[0023] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is further equipped with handles 8 that exchangeably engage with adaptors 9 according to a user’s needs. The adaptors 9 are affixed to the container element 1. In another embodiment, a single adaptor receives any variation of handle configured to be compatible with said adaptor. An adaptor of the present invention may be affixed to the container element and alternatively may be molded into or otherwise configured to be part of the container element. The present invention may include any number of adaptors suitable to facilitate transport.

[0024] A handle of the preferred embodiment facilitates transportation in part by securing and stabilizing the transport container system during transportation. Examples of a handle may include, but not be limited to, a strap, folding handle, recessed folding handle, drone payload drop system, bicycle cargo rack, any other component that facilitates holding, carrying, securing, and stabilizing the present invention during transportation, storage, loading, unloading, and any combination thereof.

[0025] The present invention can include one or more handles to secure and stabilize the transport container system within, to, and on any living being, vehicle, including aircraftship, train, automobile, bicycle, and drone, any of which may be manned, unmanned, guided by remote control, guided by onboard computers, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention, a handle acts as an adaptor for another handle.

[0026] The container element of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is formed from commercial or engineering-grade polymer that is impenetrable so as to resist tampering, reduce overall weight, and protect items within the transport container system. Other materials are available that would be suitable for use on their own or together with other materials for the container element of the present invention.

[0027] The types and amounts of material used to form the container element of the present invention may depend on the types, weights, and amounts of items to be transported, the mode of transport, thermal conductivity requirements, and the specified interior environmental conditions. Examples of suitable materials are metal, whether magnetized or non-magnetized, wood, bamboo, ceramic, glass, polymers, or composite materials such as, but not limited to carbon fiber, fiberglass, or any other similar materials or any suitable combination thereof. Those in the art will understand that any suitable material, now known or hereafter developed, may be used in forming the container element of the container system described herein.

[0028] Advertising information may be affixed anywhere on the transport container system in a way that is readily visible to users, including when the transport container system is being transported and upon opening the lid of the transport container system. In one embodiment of the present invention, advertising material can be affixed to the container element. In another embodiment of the present invention, advertising material can be integrated within any component of the system.

[0029] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is further equipped with internal computer 10, battery 11, and locking system 12. The locking system 12 of this embodiment comprises a lock mechanism 13, digital display screen 14, keypad 15 for manual entry of data, and image authentication system 16. The digital display screen 14 of this embodiment externally displays data relevant to the transport container system and advertisements. In another embodiment of the present invention, digital display screen 14 could also be a touchscreen. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, digital display screen 14 could be used for interactive advertising. [0030] The components of the locking system 12 in FIG. 1 are connected to the internal computer 10 and electronically interact to lock and unlock the transport container system. The fastener 5 interacts with the lock mechanism 13 such that, when actuated, the lock mechanism 13 can lock and unlock fastener 5. In another embodiment of the present invention, the lock mechanism is not electric and is not connected to the internal computer. In yet another embodiment, the locking system of the present invention comprises a lock mechanism with any combination of digital display screen, keypad, and image authentication system.

[0031] Examples of lock mechanisms suitable for use in locking system 12 may include, but not be limited to, a tumbler lock, cam lock, bolt system, key barrel lock, padlock, electromagnetic lock, solenoid lock, combination lock, any of which may be mechanical or electric, or any combination thereof. Those in the art will understand that any suitable lock mechanism, now known or hereafter developed, may be used in the locking system of the transport container system described herein.

[0032] The internal computer of the preferred embodiment actuates the locking system to an unlocked position upon entry of a unique authentication code; authentication of the arrival within a certain distance of a designated location using GPS or connecting to an external computer with such capabilities; and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the internal computer of the preferred embodiment generates the unique authentication code to be used with the locking system upon direction. In another embodiment, the internal computer receives from an outside source the unique authentication code to be used with the locking system.

[0033] Examples of authentication codes may include, but not be limited to QR codes, barcodes, fingerprints, facial imaging, and other similar codes, whether discovered or not yet discovered, but providing similar function. Those in the art will understand that any suitable type of authentication code, now known or hereafter developed, may be generated or received by the preferred embodiment of the transport container system for use in the locking system described herein. In another embodiment, a user may use a physical key to lock or unlock a lock mechanism that is not connected to an internal computer.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the transport container system of FIG. 1 with lid 3 in a closed position, hinge 4, viewing panel 7, handle 8, adaptor 9, internal computer 10, digital display screen 14, keypad 15, image authentication system 16, and charging port

17.

[0035] The image authentication system of the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises at least an image reader, such as a camera, and means to digitally process image data, such as an image processor. In another embodiment of the present invention, the image authentication system captures, saves, and sends images of external surroundings of the transport container system, for example of a user entering an authentication code.

[0036] Examples of suitable image authentication systems may include, but not be limited to, QR or barcode scanning system, near-field communication system, biometric scanning system, or any combination thereof, or application program interface system, such as, but not limited to, Apple Pay® or Google Pay™, or any combination thereof. Those in the art will understand that any suitable image authentication system, now known or hereafter developed, may be used in the locking system of the transport container system described herein.

[0037] The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes means for regulating the environmental conditions within the container element. Regulation of the environmental conditions includes controlling at least one or more conditions such as, but not limited to, temperature, pressure, humidity, and UV exposure. The means for regulating environmental conditions in the preferred embodiment would allow a user to set acceptable ranges of environmental conditions and to activate regulation of environmental conditions in anticipation of future use of the present invention with an item. In another embodiment, the internal computer could automatically activate and deactivate regulation of the environmental conditions of one or more compartments upon a designated occurrence.

[0038] Examples of means for regulating environmental conditions may include, but not be limited to, environmental regulators such as a thermometer; pressure regulator; thermoelectric generators, for example peltier modules; pressurized or non-pressurized fluids, gasses, or solids; temperature-controlled or non-temperature-controlled fluids, gasses, or solids; fans; or any suitable combination thereof. Those in the art will understand that any suitable means for regulating environmental conditions, now known or hereafter developed, may be used in compartments of the transport container system described herein.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the transport container system of FIG.2 with convection fan 18, thermoelectric generator 19, and pressure regulator 20. The convection fan 18, thermoelectric generator 19, and pressure regulator 20 in this embodiment are located on the container element 1, but it should be noted that the means for regulating environmental conditions within the present invention may be included anywhere on the transport container system and within any component of the transport container system.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery, digital display screen, charging port, and locking system, convection fan, thermoelectric generator, and pressure regulator are electronically connected to the internal computer to facilitate interaction between components of the transport container system. The internal computer of the preferred embodiment of the present invention facilitates communication between electrical components within the transport container system; electrical components of the transport container system and electrical components outside of the transport container system; and users and the transport container system.

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration diagram for a transport container system according to one embodiment of the present invention showing the internal computer 10 as a microcontroller, battery 11, lock mechanism 13, digital display screen 14, image authentication system 16, and charging port 17. The internal computer 10 is electronically connected to a DC motor 21 capable of actuating the lock mechanism 13 into a locked position and an unlocked position. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 further comprises a bluetooth module 22 for relaying data, but it should be noted that the present invention may use any wireless communication component suitable for relaying data. Examples of suitable methods for relaying data may include, but not be limited to, cellular modules, bluetooth modules, GPS, NCF, other means now known or hereafter developed, and any combination thereof.

[0042] The present invention includes a power supply that can be from an independent source, external to the container; stored and used from at least one battery; and a combination thereof. Examples of suitable external power sources may include, but not be limited to, vehicle auxiliary power outlet, solar cell, wireless power transfer such as Qi charging device, or any suitable combination thereof. Those in the art will understand that any suitable external power source, now known or hereafter developed, may be used in the transport container system described herein.

[0043] The present invention can be equipped with modular compartment inserts that can be placed into or affixed to the container element to create one or more compartments of any size within the container element. Compartment inserts may also be placed into or affixed to other compartment inserts. A user may add or remove compartment inserts to customize the number and configuration of compartments within the interior cavity. Compartment inserts can be adjusted to add, remove, and insulate compartments, or any combination thereof. Compartments created with compartment inserts may or may not fill the entire capacity of the interior cavity of the container element. The interior cavity may also act as a compartment in the present invention.

[0044] The modular compartment inserts of the preferred embodiment also function to secure and stabilize items within the transport container system. In another embodiment, compartment inserts do not function to secure or stabilize items within the container system. In yet another embodiment, a compartment that is created by a compartment insert includes a further means to secure and stabilize items during transport, the type of which may depend on the types, weights, and amounts of items to be transported, the mode of transportation, and the specified interior environmental conditions.

[0045] A non-exhaustive list of examples of further means to secure and stabilize items within a compartment may include a strap, cushioning material, suction cup, gimbal support, balance table system, self-leveling device, or any combination thereof. Those in the art will understand that any suitable means for securing and stabilizing items during transport, now known or hereafter developed, may be used in compartments of the transport container system described herein.

[0046] FIGS. 5A-C illustrate embodiments of compartment inserts of the present invention. FIG. 5A illustrates one embodiment of a compartment insert 23 that defines two fixed compartments. FIG. 5B illustrates one embodiment of a compartment insert 23 that fits into one of a series of grooves located at various increments along the container element 1 of the present invention to define variably-sized compartments within the container element 1. In another embodiment, the series of grooves located at various increments exist along another compartment insert 23. FIG. 5C discloses one embodiment of a compartment insert 23 that defines three compartments, each configured to secure specific items during transport. In another embodiment of the present invention, each compartment may contain means for regulating environmental conditions.

[0047] FIG. 6A illustrates the transport container system of FIG. 1 equipped with one embodiment of compartment insert 23 that fills part of the interior cavity of the container element 1 so that ice or other means for regulating environmental conditions may be placed below compartment insert 23. FIG. 6B illustrates the transport container system of FIG. 1 equipped with one embodiment of compartment insert 23 suspended by gimbal support 24.

[0048] Examples of the present invention according to various embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 7A-E. FIG. 7A illustrates one embodiment of the present invention equipped with handles 8 that are placed over a user's shoulders 25 to facilitate transport when walking. FIG. 7B illustrates the transport container system of FIG. 7A with handles 8 that are placed over automobile seat 26 to facilitate transport when driving. FIG. 7C illustrates the transport container system of FIG. 1 placed on an automobile seat 26 and equipped with handles 8 that interact with a seatbelt 27 to facilitate transportation when driving. FIG. 7D illustrates one embodiment of the present invention equipped with a handle 8 to facilitate transport by an unmanned aircraft 28. FIG. 7E illustrates the transport container system of FIG. 1 equipped with handles 8 and adaptors 9 that facilitate transport when riding a bicycle 29.

[0049] Before or after placing one or more items in the container element of the present invention, a user may actuate the locking system on the container element to a locked position. At any time, a user may direct the internal computer of the preferred embodiment to generate or receive a unique authentication code that may be used to actuate the locking system to an unlocked position. When an authentication code is generated by the internal computer, the internal computer may automatically and wirelessly transmit the authentication code to a specified user of the transport container system by relaying data outside of the transport container system.

[0050] In the preferred method of use, the transport container system is cycled through four stages and is passed between 3 users, A, B, and C. In the first stage, an item is ordered from another party by user A, who selects at least one item for transport and who may designate a location for delivery, the environmental conditions for transport, and an authentication code. Alternatively, upon receiving an order, the transport container system or associated computer application may relay an authentication code to user A.

[0051] In the second stage of the preferred method of use, user B inserts said item or items into one or more compartments of the present invention, closes all lids, sets the locking system to a locked position, and sets one or more compartment environmental conditions. Alternatively, the transport container system may automatically activate means for regulating one or more compartment environmental conditions upon the occurrence of a designated event, such as, but not limited to, placement of an order by user A. In another method of use, no means for regulating environmental conditions are activated.

[0052] In the third stage of the preferred method of use, user C takes possession of the secure transport container system for transportation to user A. User C utilizes handles and adaptors of the transport container system to secure and stabilize the system according to user C’s mode of transportation, then delivers the system to user A. While transporting the secure transport container system, the internal computer relays real-time updates to User A about the transport container system, including its location. Alternatively, user C can be an unmanned vehicle. In another method of use, User B can deliver the system to user A in the third stage of use. [0053] In the fourth stage of the preferred method of use, user A unlocks the lock mechanism of the locking system of the transport container system using a unique authentication and gains access to the interior cavity. Alternatively, user A or B can unlock the lock mechanism of the locking system of the transport container system using a unique authentication.

[0054] During any stage of the preferred method of use, the lock mechanism of the transport container system may be set to the unlocked position using a failsafe override under limited circumstances including for the purpose of cleaning, debugging the internal computer, repairing, altering compartments, or exchanging compartments of the system. Additionally, during any stage of the preferred method of use, the internal computer may communicate data to any user.