GB2362704A

GB2362704A - A storage unit for receiving home deliveries

Info

Publication number: GB2362704A
Application number: GB0105508A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Coles
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-03-06
Filing date: 2001-03-06
Publication date: 2001-11-28
Also published as: GB0105508D0

Abstract

A storage unit 1 for receiving deliveries incorporates a door which has a lock openable using a code which may be variable, swipe card, or key. The unit includes a cover 8 housing means for maintaining the interior of the unit at given temperature. The door may be opened to allow trays T to be placed on supporting racks. The cover houses a system 9 for maintaining the storage unit temperature, the system being either a refrigeration and/or heating plant powered by a mains connection, by a rechargeable battery or be solar powered.

Description

t 2362704 1 DELIVERY CONSERVATION UNITS Home shopping is becoming

increasingly popular, using catalogues, as well as newspaper, periodical and television advertisements, and increasingly the internet. Very often the intended recipient of the goods is not at home during daytime when deliveries are usually made and, more often than not, there is nowhere for goods to be securely deposited. This problem becomes more acute when perishable goods, such as groceries, are to be delivered.

To help overcome this problem it is proposed in accordance with the present invention to provide premises with a secure, waterproof unit in which goods may be deposited on delivery. The invention resides in a number of aspects as set out in the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a side view of a delivery reception unit, Figure 2 is a plan view of the unit.

Figure 3 is a front view of the unit illustrating how the unit may be interconnected with other units.

2 Referring to the drawing; a delivery reception unit 1 includes a wheeled frame 2 provided with a pair of support wheels 3 and a handle 4. Mounted on the frame is a receptacle 7 having a cover 8 and a door 10. The door may be opened to allow trays T to be placed in the receptacle wherein they are supported on racks. The receptacle is designed to be vandal proof and to have a grafliti proof surface. The receptacle may be provided with means for controlling the climate of its interior, so that it may be used to receive goods which are to be kept warm, chilled or frozen, or at ambient temperature.

The door incorporates a lock (not shown) which may be released by the deliveryman and the householder. The lock may be a mechanical combination lock, or an electronic lock with a PIN code which may be changed by the customer and communicated to deliverers by telephone. The cover 8 houses a system 9 for maintaining the interior of the receptacle at a desired temperature, and which may consist of a refrigeration and/or heating plant powered by a mains connection, by a rechargeable battery or be solar powered. The cover also houses electronics 11 for controlling the system 9 and the locking mechanism. Access is gained to the plant and electronics by swinging the cover upwards.

The unit described above may be associated with other similar units 1 A and 1 B shown in Figure 3 to allow the reception of goods at various temperatures. Thus, one unit may be intended to receive goods requiring to be chilled but not frozen, another unit intended to receive goods to be stored at ambient temperatures, while others are intended to receive frozen and hot foodstuffs. Additional units may be added as 3 needed. The units may be bolted or otherwise secured together, and anchored in place to a wall, using a padlock 13, for example. Each unit is multifunctional: and may receive all types of deliveries depending upon the chosen temperature setting, food at an appropriate temperature, drink, clothes, takeaway food, toys, hardware, as well as mail (post). In addition, the units may be used to store goods to be collected, for example "returns".

Graphics may be incorporated so as to give, for example, the name and number of premises, occupant information, and advertising or promotional information. The unit may also permit outgoing information, e.g. relating to goods to be collected.

Provision may be made for such units to be located by the deliverer, using for example GPS systems. The units may be designed, particularly when being installed at the time of construction of a dwelling, to be accessible from inside and outside the property.

The units may be provided with a bar code scanner to verify/check the delivery, and with fighting and an alarm. The units may be associated with a video or voice messaging/security system allowing a message to be recorded for the deliverer or for the customer.

Modifications may be made to the unit described above. Thus, for example, a single unit may incorporate a mix of compartments to be maintained at different temperatures. Access to the interior of the unit to introduce goods may be through the 4 cover 8 instead of through the door. Alternatively, access to the electronics may be by way of the door 10. The lock for the unit may be operated using a swipe card or ftifta-red input security code, or a key. A computer consol may serve several interlinked units.

Claims

1. In domestic, public or commercial premises, a storage unit for receiving deliveries, the unit having a lockable door or cover, the interior of the unit being climate controlled.

2. A unit as claimed in claim 1, located adjacent to or built into the premises, and secured against unauthorised removal.

3. A unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein climate control is elfected by means for preventing ingress of damp and by thermal insulation.

4. A unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein climate control is finther effected by means for controlling temperature and/or humidity of the interior of the unit.

5. A unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said unit is mobile.

6. A unit as claimed in any preceding claim, including means for securing the unit to a further unit or units, the or each of which is as claimed in claim 1.

7. A unit as claimed in any preceding clain-4 incorporating a system for the control of orders, stock, receipts and/or collection.

6

8. A unit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the door or cover is openable using a predetermined code.

9. A unit as claimed in claim 8, wherein the code is variable.

10. A unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein locking means for the door or key is releasable using a swipe card.

11. A unit as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the door or cover is lockable by means of a key.

12. A storage unit for receiving deliveries comprising a receptacle supported on wheels and having a door or cover, a lock for securing the door or cover in a closed position, the lock being releasable by entering a code, key or swipe card, the code being alterable, the unit being connectable to a further unit or units, and being securable in place.

13. A method in which goods are delivered to premises and are in a receptacle, a door of which is released by inputting a code, the code being changeable and communicated by the user of the receptacle to the deliverer.

14. A storage unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.