GB2624244A

GB2624244A - Smart delivery box

Info

Publication number: GB2624244A
Application number: GB2216940.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gupta Sudhakar
Original assignee: Iffcotech Ltd Fzc
Current assignee: Iffcotech Ltd Fzc
Priority date: 2022-11-14
Filing date: 2022-11-14
Publication date: 2024-05-15
Also published as: GB202216940D0

Abstract

A delivery container 109 for food and drink products comprises a wall 114 bounding an inner volume forming a chamber 112 for storing food and drink products. The wall comprises an opening portion 114f, movable between a sealed position and an open position, an inflatable portion and a valve 115 through which the inflatable portion can be inflated. When inflated, the inflatable portion enhances a thermal barrier to insulate the contents of the chamber from the external environment. A system for monitoring the integrity of prepared food and drink items comprises the delivery container and a condition sensor arrangement (201, fig 2b), where sensor data is communicated to one or more external devices (403, 404, 405, 407, fig 4), which communicate with an application server (406, fig 4).

Description

Smart delivery box

Technical Field

The present invention relates to delivery boxes for delivering point of consumption products.

Background

Point of consumption delivery is becoming increasingly popular. For example, it is common for restaurants to offer a delivery service alongside a remote ordering service. Further, increasingly, companies are offering platform-to-consumer delivery services (i.e., providing an interface via which customers can order food and drink products from restaurants along with providing delivery of those products from the restaurants to the customers).

Many of these companies (both restaurants and platform-to-consumer delivery companies) allow customers to, once they have placed a food and drink products order, monitor the progress of that order. Typically, this monitoring involves allowing the whereabouts of the delivery person, who is delivering the products, to be tracked (for example, via GNSS), by the customer, whilst the products are in transit.

Such delivery services are convenient for customers (because they can order online and do not have to physically visit the restaurant) and the tracking data provides useful feedback during the delivery process which can inform the customer's confidence in the estimated time of arrival of their order.

However, there are many cases in which food and drink products are delivered in poor condition. For example, where hot food that was supplied to the driver by the restaurant has cooled substantially by the time it has reached the customer. A similar issue is common with frozen/chilled food or beverages, where these products have warmed substantially by the time they reach the customer. Additionally, carbonated beverages can lose a substantial amount of their carbonation by the time they reach the customer. Further, it is not uncommon for food and drink products to sustain damage during transit due to rough handling of the products or harsh driving by the delivery person. In less common cases, products are tampered with before arriving with the customer.

The above circumstances present not only potential dissatisfaction to the customer, but potential food safety concerns (for example, where products are kept lukewarm for an extended period or where products have been subject to tampering). In addition, the above situations can also pressure delivery people into driving dangerously or having to make multiple trips to fulfil orders before the products spoil. Naturally, this puts drivers (and pedestrians) at risk of road accidents; along with to increasing the carbon footprint associated with the delivery process.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a delivery container for maintaining integrity of prepared food and drink products in transit for point of consumption delivery, comprising a wall bounding an inner volume, wherein the inner volume forms a chamber for storing food and drink products during transit, and the wall comprises: an opening portion movable between a first position in which the chamber is sealed such that the contents of the chamber are thermally insulated from the external environment, and a second position which reveals an opening through which the products can be inserted into, or removed from, the chamber; an to inflatable portion; and at least one valve through which the inflatable portion can be inflated, such that when inflated, the inflatable portion enhances a thermal barrier between the contents of the of the chamber and the external environment.

Optionally, the inflatable portion spans substantially all of the wall, such that when inflated, the inflatable portion enhances the thermal barrier across substantially the entire wall.

Optionally, the wall further comprises an insulating lining configured to provide a further thermal barrier between the contents of the chamber and the external 20 environment.

Optionally, the insulating lining is provided by a foam lining.

Optionally, the delivery container further comprises at least one inner sleeve locatable inside the chamber of the delivery container, the at least one inner sleeve comprising a sleeve wall bounding an inner volume, wherein the inner volume of the at least one inner sleeve forms a products chamber shaped and sized to house specific food and drink products containers, wherein the at least one inner sleeve is shaped and sized to be received by the delivery container through the opening of the delivery container such that the at least one inner sleeve fits snugly within the chamber of the delivery container.

Optionally, the sleeve wall comprises: an insulating lining; and an opening portion movable between a first position in which the products chamber is sealed such that the contents of the products chamber are thermally insulated from the environment external to the inner sleeve, and a second position which reveals an opening through which the products can be inserted into, or removed from, the products chamber.

Optionally, the products chamber is shaped and sized to receive either at least one heat pad or at least one eutectic plate alongside the food and drink products stored in the products chamber.

Optionally, the delivery container further comprises at least one heat pad, located within the products chamber, the heat pad configured to keep hot products stored in the products chamber hot.

Optionally, the delivery container further comprises a eutectic plate, located within the products chamber, configured to keep frozen products stored in the products 15 chamber frozen Optionally, the delivery container further comprises a eutectic plate, located within the products chamber, configured to keep chilled products stored in the products chamber chilled.

Optionally, the delivery container further comprises an outer rigid casing.

Optionally, the rigid casing comprises an opening portion.

Optionally, the rigid casing further comprises one or more latches configured to releasably secure the opening portion in the closed position.

Optionally, the delivery container, is substantially cuboidal.

Optionally, the delivery container according to any of claims 1 to 14, further comprises: a condition sensor arrangement comprising at least one condition sensor; and a processing unit, wherein the at least one condition sensor of the condition sensor arrangement is configured to: detect conditions within the delivery container, the conditions associated with the integrity of the food and drink products contained within the delivery container; generate corresponding sensor signals, said sensor signals associated with conditions within the delivery container; and send the sensor signals to the processing unit; wherein upon receipt of the sensor signals, the processing unit is configured to generate corresponding sensor data associated with the conditions within the delivery container for onward communication with at least one external device.

Optionally, the at least one condition sensor comprises a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature condition of food and drink products contained within the delivery container.

Optionally, the at least one condition sensor comprises an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration condition to which the delivery container is subject.

Optionally, the delivery container further comprises an opening sensor, the opening sensor configured to: detect an open/closed status of the delivery container; generate a corresponding opening sensor signal indicative of the open/closed status; and send the opening sensor signal to the processing unit; wherein upon receipt of the opening sensor signal, the processing unit is configured to generate corresponding opening sensor data indicative of the open/closed status of the delivery container for onward communication with at least one external device.

Optionally, the delivery container further comprises a GNSS sensor, the GNSS sensor configured to: detect the position of the delivery container; generate a corresponding GNSS sensor signal indicative of the position of the delivery container; and send the GNSS sensor signal to the processing unit, wherein upon receipt of the GNSS sensor signal, the processing unit is configured to generate corresponding GNSS sensor data indicative of the position of the delivery container for onward communication with at least one external device.

Optionally, the delivery container further comprises an LED panel located on an external portion of the delivery container.

Optionally, the LED panel is configured to receive products data from an external device, and upon receipt of the products data, the LED panel is operable to display the products data relating to food and drink products contained within the apparatus.

Optionally, the products data identifies the origin of food and drink products contained in the delivery container.

Optionally, the delivery container further comprises a communications unit configured to communicate sensor data generated by the processing unit to one or more external devices.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for monitoring integrity of prepared food and drink products in transit for point of consumption delivery, the system comprising: a delivery container in accordance with claim 24; one or more of the one or more external devices having software installed thereon, the software configured to provide an interface on which sensor data can be displayed; and an application server; wherein the communications unit of the delivery container is configured to communicate sensor data generated by the processing unit to the one or more external devices, and the application server is operable to communicate with the one or more external devices.

Optionally, the one or more external devices comprise at least a delivery device for use by a delivery person who is to transport the delivery container.

Optionally, the communications unit is configured to communicate the sensor data to the delivery device, then upon receipt of the sensor data, the delivery device is configured communicate the sensor data to the application server.

Optionally, the application server is configured to: upon receipt of the sensor data, communicate the sensor data to further devices of the one or more external devices, the further devices comprising one or more of: a device for use by the intended recipient of the products; a device for use by the provider of the products; and a monitoring device for monitoring sensor data associated with at least one delivery container.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided delivery container for storing prepared food and drink products. The delivery container comprises an inflatable portion configured to, when inflated, provide thermal insulation between the contents of the delivery container and the external environment. Advantageously, the inflatable portion enhances a thermal barrier around the contents of the delivery container which maintains the temperature, and therefore the integrity, of food and drink products stored therein for substantially longer than that of existing delivery containers (e.g., at least approximately two hours). Advantageously, this allows a delivery person sufficient time to deliver the products from a restaurant to a customer on a typical delivery route with reduced risk of the products arriving cold or spoiled. Further, the extended timeframe in which the temperature (and therefore the integrity of the products) can be maintained can be sufficient to allow the delivery person to make multiple deliveries on the same trip whilst maintaining the integrity of the products. Advantageously, this reduces the number of trips required and therefore the carbon footprint associated with delivery of the products.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, thermal elements are stored alongside prepared food and drink products in the container to maintain the temperature of the products. The thermal elements can be provided by heat pads or eutectic plates. The heat pads or Eutectic plates are selected based on the thermal requirements of the products (i.e., whether the products are to be kept hot relative to the ambient temperature of the external environment or cold relative to the ambient temperature of the external environment). For example, if the products are provided as hot products then the thermal element can be provided by at least one heat pad configured to keep the products hot. Conversely, if the products are provided frozen then the thermal element can be provided by at least one eutectic plate configured to keep the products frozen for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, if the products are provided chilled then the thermal element can be provided by at least one eutectic plate configured to keep the products chilled for a predetermined period of time. Advantageously, in this way, the thermal properties of the delivery container can be tailored based on the products contained therein. As such, the temperature conditions within the delivery container can be optimised, based on the products contained therein, to more effectively maintain the integrity of those products.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention the delivery container further comprises a sensor arrangement and a processing unit. The sensor arrangement is configured to detect conditions associated with the integrity of food and drink products contained in the delivery container and generate corresponding sensor signals. The processing unit is configured generate corresponding sensor data indicative of the integrity of the products and communicate the data to external devices. Advantageously, in this way, the integrity of the products can be monitored remotely via the external devices during the delivery process.

Various further features and aspects of the invention are defined in the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings where like parts are provided with corresponding reference numerals and in which: Figure la provides a simplified schematic diagram of a smart delivery box arranged in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention; Figure lb provides a simplified schematic diagram of an exploded view of the smart delivery box shown in Figure la; Figure 2a provides a simplified schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of an exploded view of the smart delivery box shown in Figures la and lb; Figure 2b provides a simplified schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the smart delivery box shown in Figures la and lb wherein the smart delivery box is assembled; Figure 3 provides a simplified system diagram of certain hardware features of the smart delivery box shown in Figures la to 2b; Figure 4 provides a simplified schematic diagram of a smart delivery system comprising a smart delivery box arranged in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention; Figure 5a provides a simplified schematic diagram showing certain data displayed on an administrator device when used in the smart delivery system shown in Figure 4; Figure 5b provides a simplified schematic diagram showing certain data displayed on 30 a restaurant device when used in the smart delivery system shown in Figure 4; Figure 5c provides a simplified schematic diagram showing certain data displayed on a delivery person device when used in the smart delivery system shown in figure 4, and Figure 5d provides a simplified schematic diagram showing certain data displayed on a customer device when used in the smart delivery system shown in figure 4.

Detailed Description

Figure la provides a simplified schematic diagram of a smart delivery box arranged in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

The smart delivery box 101 is configured to maintain the integrity of prepared food and drink products contained therein during transit for point of consumption delivery.

As can be seen in Figure 1 a. the smart delivery box 101, comprises a substantially cuboidal rigid outer casing 102, a door 103, and latches 104, configured to releasably to secure the door 103, in a closed position, to the rigid outer casing 102.

The smart delivery box 101 further comprises a processing unit 105, a display 106, and an LED panel 108, each of which located on an external surface of the smart delivery box 101. The processing unit 105, the display 106, and the LED panel 108 and the operation thereof is described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

Figure lb provides a simplified schematic diagram of an exploded view of the smart delivery box 101.

As can be seen in Figure 1 b, the smart delivery box 101 further comprises a substantially cuboidal delivery container 109 and an inner sleeve 110. Further, the door 103, when open, as shown in Figure lb, reveals a chamber 111.

The delivery container 109 comprises an inflatable wall 114 bounding an inner volume that forms a delivery container chamber 112. The inflatable wall 114 is shaped in a substantially cuboidal form by virtue of inflatable wall sections 114a 114b 114c 114d 114e 1141 The inflatable wall 114 comprises an insulating foam lining configured to provide a thermal barrier. The thickness of the foam lining is typically approximately 30mm.

The wall section 114f is a flap. The flap 114f is configured to act as an openable portion movable between a first position (not shown in Figure lb but shown in Figure 2b) in which the delivery container chamber 112 is substantially sealed (i.e. where the contents of the delivery container chamber 112 are thermally insulated by the thermal barrier from the external environment) and a second position (shown in Figure 1 b) which reveals an opening into delivery container chamber 112 (as shown in Figure lb).

The wall sections 114a 114b 114c 114d 114e 114f each comprise an inner volume.

Each of these inner volumes are in fluid communication with one another such that they combine to form a fluid-tight inner volume within the inflatable wall 114 spanning substantially the full inflatable wall 114. This inner volume provides an inflatable portion which can be filled with air. The delivery container 109 further comprises a valve 115 through which the inflatable portion can be filled with air (thereby inflating wall sections 114a 114b 114c 114d 114e 114f of the inflatable wall). When inflated, the air within the inflatable portion acts as a thermal insulator thereby enhancing the thermal barrier provided by the inflatable wall 114.

The inner sleeve 110 comprises a sleeve wall 116 bounding an inner volume that forms a sleeve chamber 113. The sleeve wall 116 comprises insulating foam lining configured to provide a thermal barrier. The insulating foam lining is typically approximately 30mm thick. The sleeve wall 116 further comprises a flap 117.

The flap 117 is configured to act as an openable portion movable between a first position (not shown in Figure lb but shown in Figure 2b) in which the inner sleeve 110 is sealed such that the contents of the sleeve chamber 113 are thermally insulated from the external environment, and a second position (shown in Figure 1 b) which reveals an opening into the sleeve chamber 113.

The sleeve chamber 113 is shaped and sized to receive a specific food and drink products container 118 alongside a thermal element 119.

The specific food and drink products container 118 represents a container used to contain prepared food and drinks from a restaurant. When sealed within the sleeve chamber 113, alongside food and drink products, the thermal element 119 is configured to maintain the temperature of the food and drink products within a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time.

The thermal element 119 can be provided by a heat pad or eutectic plate depending on the thermal requirements (i.e., whether the contents of the products container 118 are to kept hot relative to the ambient temperature of the external environment or cold relative to the ambient temperature of the external environment). For example, if the products in the sleeve chamber 113 are provided as hot products, then the thermal element 119 can be provided by at least one heat pad configured to keep the products hot. Conversely, if the products in the sleeve chamber 113 are provided frozen then the thermal element 119 can be provided by at least one eutectic plate configured to keep the products frozen for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, if the products in the sleeve chamber 113 are provided chilled then the thermal element 119 can be provided by at least one eutectic plate configured to keep the products chilled for a predetermined period of time.

The delivery container chamber 112 is shaped and sized to receive the inner sleeve 110 such that the inner sleeve 110 can be removably located therein. The inner sleeve fits snugly within the delivery container chamber 112.

The chamber 111 is shaped and sized to receive the delivery container 109 such that the delivery container 109 can be removably located therein.

Therefore, food and drink products (stored in the specific food and drink products container 118) can be stored in the sleeve chamber 113 alongside a thermal element configured to maintain the temperature of the food and drink products; the inner sleeve 110 can then be stored in the delivery container chamber 112; and, the delivery container 109 can then be stored in chamber 111 of the rigid outer casing 102 (as shown in Figure 2b).

In this way, the food and drink products are thermally isolated from the external environment by both the thermal lining of the inner sleeve 110 and that of the delivery container 109 along with the air barrier within the inflatable portion.

Additionally, the smart delivery box 101 is sufficiently air-tight such that products carbonated drinks contained therein substantially maintain their level of carbonation for at least approximately two hours.

The air barrier, when inflated, maintains the temperature, and therefore the integrity, of food and drink products stored within the delivery container for substantially longer than that of existing delivery containers (e.g., at least approximately two hours).

Further, the combined insulation provided by both of the thermal linings in combination with the air barrier and the thermal element (i.e., when the smart delivery box is assembled as shown in Figure 2b) is sufficient to substantially maintain the temperature of products stored within the delivery box for an even longer duration. Advantageously, this allows a delivery person sufficient time to deliver the products ro from a restaurant to a customer on a typical delivery route with reduced risk of the products arriving cold or spoiled. Further, the extended timeframe in which the temperature (and therefore the integrity of the products can be maintained) can be sufficient to allow the delivery person to make multiple deliveries on the same trip whilst maintaining the integrity of the products. Advantageously, this reduces the number of trips required and therefore the carbon footprint associated with delivery of the products.

In the above embodiments, the delivery container 109 is shown removably located within the rigid outer casing 102. However, it will be understood that the delivery container 109 can be integrally formed with or fixed within the rigid outer casing 102.

Similarly, in the above embodiments, the inner sleeve 110 is shown removably located within the delivery container 109. However, it will be understood that the inner sleeve 110 can be integrally formed with or fixed within the delivery container 109.

In the above embodiments, the thickness of the insulating lining in the delivery container 109 and the inner sleeve 110 is approximately 30mm. However, it will be understood that different thicknesses can be used to suit different thermal requirements. For example, in a circumstance where the temperature of the products must be maintained for longer, a thicker lining can be used in either the delivery container or the inner sleeve. Further, alternative materials (for example, thermal barrier films or reflective films) can be used as insulating lining for the delivery container 109 and the inner sleeve 110 provided the material provides a thermal barrier sufficient to substantially maintain the temperature of typical prepared food and drink products for at least two hours when the smart delivery box is assembled in accordance with Figure 2b.

In the above embodiment a single valve 115 is configured to inflate the inflatable wall 114. However, multiple valves could be used instead. For example, the inflatable portion could be split into separate inflatable portions, each of which comprising a separate valve to inflate each respective portion provided the inflatable portions together provide a thermal barrier across substantially all of the wall of the delivery container.

In the above embodiments, the smart delivery box 101 is substantially cuboidal. However, other geometries may be used provided they can house food and drink products.

In the above embodiments, the delivery container 109 is shaped and sized to receive the inner sleeve 110. However, the delivery container 109 (and the rigid outer casing 102) can be shaped and sized to receive multiple inner sleeves.

In the above embodiments, the inner sleeve 110 is described as comprising an insulating lining. In other embodiments, the inner sleeve 110 can further comprise an inflatable portion and a valve through which the inflatable portion can be inflated to provide and additional thermal barrier, in the same way as the delivery container 109.

The physical features of the smart delivery box 101 are described further with reference to Figures 2a and 2b and operation of the processing unit 105 is further described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 2a provides a simplified schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of an exploded view of the smart delivery box 101.

The smart delivery box 101 further comprises: a temperature sensor 201 located alongside the products container 118; an accelerometer 202 located on an inner side of the rigid outer casing 102; a GNSS sensor 203 located on an inner side of the rigid outer casing 102; and, a magnetic latch sensor 204 located on an inner side of the rigid outer casing 102. The operation of these sensors, along with that of the processing unit 105 is described with reference to Figure 3.

Figure 2b provides a simplified schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the smart delivery box 101 when it is assembled. That is, where the inner sleeve 110 has the products container 118, the thermal element 119, and the temperature sensor 201 enclosed therein; the delivery container 109 is inflated and has the inner sleeve 110 enclosed therein; and, the rigid outer casing 102 has the delivery container 109 enclosed therein.

Figure 3 provides a simplified system diagram of certain hardware features of the smart delivery box 101 arranged in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

As can be seen from Figure 3, the processing unit 105 comprises a processor 301, a communications unit 302, a power supply 303, and a memory unit 304.

The processor 301 is communicatively connected to the sensors (the temperature sensor 201, the accelerometer 202, the GNSS sensor 203, and the magnetic latch sensor 204), the display 106, and the LED panel 108.

The processor 301 is further connected to the memory unit 304 allowing data to be stored thereon and retrieved by the processor 301. The data can include, for example, signal data and computer program instructions executed by the processor 301.

The processor 301 is further connected to the power supply 303 and configured to distribute power from the power supply 303 to the components of the smart delivery box 101 that require power. The power supply 303 can be provided by any suitable means known in the art (for example, a lithium-ion battery unit). In this example, the power supply 303 is further configured to detect battery levels of the power supply 303 and generate corresponding battery signals indicative of the battery level. The power supply 303 is further configured to send the battery signals to the processor 301. Upon receipt of the battery signals, the processor 301 is configured to generate corresponding battery data indicative of the battery level.

The processor 301 is further connected to the communications unit 302. The communications unit 302 is configured to communicate data from the processor 301 to external devices and communicate data from external devices to the processor 301.

The temperature sensor 201 is configured to detect temperature conditions associated with the products contained within the smart delivery box 101, the temperature conditions indicative of the temperature of the products and therefore the integrity of the products. The temperature sensor 201 is further configured to generate corresponding temperature sensor signals indicative of the temperature conditions associated with the products. The temperature sensor 201 is further configured to send the temperature sensor signals to the processor 301. Upon receipt of the temperature sensor signals, the processor 301 is configured to generate corresponding sensor data indicative of the temperature (and therefore the integrity) of the products.

The accelerometer 202 is configured to detect acceleration conditions to which the smart delivery box 101 (and therefore the products contained therein) are subject. The accelerometer 202 is further configured generate corresponding accelerometer signals indicative of the acceleration conditions to which the products are subject (and therefore the integrity of the products). The accelerometer 202 is further configured to send the accelerometer signals to the processor 301. Upon receipt of the accelerometer signals, the processor 301 is configured to generate corresponding sensor data indicative of accelerations to which the products are subject.

In this way, temperature sensor 201 and the accelerometer 202 form a condition sensor arrangement configured to detect conditions within the delivery container. Where, the conditions are associated with the integrity of the food and drink products contained within the delivery container and generate and send the corresponding condition sensor signals to the processor 301.

The magnetic latch sensor 204 is an opening sensor configured to detect an open/closed status of the latches 104 and generate corresponding opening sensor signals in the form of latch sensor signals indicative of the open/closed status of the latches 104. The status may be detected periodically or in response to an event such as the latch opening. The magnetic latch sensor 204 is further configured to send the latch sensor signals to the processor 301. Upon receipt of the latch sensor signals, the processor 301 is configured to generate corresponding sensor data indicative of the open/closed status of the latches 104. Advantageously, it can be inferred from the latch sensor data whether the products contained within the smart delivery box 101 has been tampered with.

The GNSS sensor 203 is configured detect the geographic position of the smart -fi) delivery box 101 (and therefore the products contained therein) and generate corresponding GNSS sensor signals indicative of the geographic position of the products. The GNSS sensor 201 is further configured to send the GNSS sensor signals to the processor 301. Upon receipt of the GNSS sensor signals, the processor 301 is configured to generate corresponding sensor data indicative of the position of the smart delivery box 101.

The processor 301 is further configured to communicate products data identifying the origin of the origin of the food and drink products contained within the smart delivery box 101 to the LED panel 108. Upon receipt of the products data, the LED panel 108 is configured to display the products data. The products data can, for example, take the form of logos or branding associated with the restaurant that provided the products.

The processor 301 is further configured to communicate data to the display 106, for example, sensor data, products data, and battery data. The display 106 is configured to receive the data from the processor 301 and display that data. The processor 301 can be configured on a case-by-case basis (e.g., selectively based on the products to be delivered) to communicate certain alert data to the display 106. For example, the processor 301 can generate products alert data responsive to, for example, receipt of a temperature sensor signal which indicates that a temperature associated with the products is below a predetermined threshold and then communicate the products alert data to the display 106 where it is displayed. The products alert data, in such an instance would be indicative of the temperature associated with the products being below the predetermined threshold. It will be understood that other parameters, such as power level or acceleration, can be used to generate the products alert data.

In the above embodiments, a magnetic latch sensor 204 is used to determine the open/closed status of the smart delivery box. However, any suitable sensor can be used and located either on the rigid casing 102, the delivery container 109, or the inner sleeve 110 provided the sensor can determine when there has been a breach of a thermal barrier between the products and the external environment such that the temperature of the products is likely to be impacted or such that tampering with the products is likely to have taken place.

Use of a smart delivery box arranged in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 4.

Figure 4 provides a simplified schematic diagram of a smart delivery system comprising a smart delivery box 401 arranged in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention The smart delivery box 401 comprises a processing unit 402 an LED panel 408. The smart delivery box 401 corresponds with the smart delivery box 101 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

The system further comprises a delivery person device 403, a restaurant device 404, a smart delivery administrator device 405, a customer device 407, and an application server 406, each of which are connected to a data network 409 (for example, the internet).

The communication unit of the processing unit 402 is in communication with the delivery person device 403 via a Bluetooth connection and the delivery person device 403 is in communication with the application server 406 via the data network 409.

The application server 406 has software installed thereon configured to receive data from the smart delivery box 401 via the delivery person device 403 and communicate certain data to the other devices connected to the data network 409. The application server 406 comprises a memory configured to store data such as data received from the smart delivery box 401 and computer program instructions executed by the application server 406.

Each device has software installed thereon, or access to a web interface, configured 5 to provide an interface on which data such as sensor data, and alert data, and products data from the smart delivery box 401 can be displayed.

The delivery person device 403 is operable to receive restaurant/brand data from the provider of the products. This data can be received, for example, via scanning a OR code with the delivery person device 403 at the pickup point or from the application server 406 via the data network 409 when the delivery person picks up the products. The restaurant/brand data is indicative of the origin of the products, for example, logos or branding associated with the restaurant.

Further, the application server 406 is in communication with the restaurant device 404, the administrator device 405, and the customer device 407 via the data network 409.

In this way, the smart delivery box 401 can communicate data to the to the delivery person device 403 which is then communicated to the application server 406. The application server 406 can then subsequently communicate part of or all of the data to the restaurant device 404, the administrator device 405, and the customer device 407, selectively, via the data network 409.

In a typical use case, a customer (i.e., the intended recipient of food and drink products) places a food and drink products order. One or more of the products items indicated in the order are prepared with a QR code located thereon (e.g., on the packaging). Encoded in the OR code is a Unique Resource Identifier (URI) configured to indicate a URL from which logo/branding data 415 associated with the provider of the products can be downloaded. The logo/branding data 415 comprises logos or branding associated with the provider of the products indicating the origin of the products. The delivery person arrives at the restaurant from which the products are to be collected and scans the OR code provided on the products via a OR code scanner provided on the delivery person device 403. The delivery person device 403 is configured to, upon scanning of the OR code, download the logo/branding data 415 and communicate it, via a Bluetooth connection with the communications unit, to the processing unit 402. The processing unit 402 communicates the logo/branding data 415 to the LED panel 408 where the data is displayed whilst the products are in transit.

Once the products have been collected from the restaurant and loaded into the smart delivery box 401, in accordance with Figure 2b, the delivery process begins. The monitoring process described below (where, the sensors generate sensor signals and the processing unit 402 generates corresponding data for onward communication to external devices where the data is monitored) can be initiated in any suitable way. The processing unit 402 initiates the monitoring process by controlling the sensors to begin detecting the respective parameters which they are configured to detect. This can be in response to the processing unit 402 receiving a suitable initiating signal or detecting an initiation event. In one example, the initiating signal can be sent from the delivery person device 403, via Bluetooth to the communications unit of the processing unit 402 in response to the delivery person device 403 detecting an initiation event During transit, the temperature sensor, the GNSS sensor, and the accelerometer of the smart delivery box 401 detect: temperature associated with the products contained in the smart delivery box 401; the geographic position of the smart delivery box 401; and, accelerations to which the smart delivery box 401 is subject, respectively. Further, the latch sensor of the smart delivery box 401 detects the open/closed status of the smart delivery box 401. The processor generates corresponding sensor data (as described with reference to Figure 3).

Further, the power supply of the processing unit 402 is generates battery signals and the processor generates corresponding battery data 414 (indicative of the battery level of the smart delivery box 401) as described with reference to Figure 3.

The communications unit of the processing unit 402 communicates the sensor data (comprising location data 410, acceleration data 411, latch data 412, temperature data 413) and the battery data to the delivery person device 403. Then, the delivery person device 403 communicates the sensor data and battery data to the application server 406. The application server 406 processes this data and, selectively, sends relevant data to the other devices, connected to the data network 409, for display to the relevant parties operating the devices.

In particular, the application server 406 communicates the location data 410, the acceleration data 411, the latch data 412, the temperature data 413, and the battery data 414 to the administrator device 405. The application server 406 communicates the location data 410, the acceleration data 411, the latch data 412, and the temperature data 413 to the restaurant device 404. The application server 406 communicates the location data 410, the acceleration data 411, the latch data 412, and the temperature data 413, to the customer device 407.

Typical data displayed on each device is described below with reference to Figures 5a to 5d.

Figure 5a provides a simplified schematic diagram showing certain data displayed on the administrator device 405 when used in the smart delivery system shown in figure 4.

The software installed on the administrator device 405 provides an interface on which the windows 503a, 503b, and 503c display data associated with corresponding smart delivery boxes for which data associated therewith is to be monitored (each smart delivery box may be delivering food from a different restaurant). Data associated with each box is monitored via the windows 503a, 503b, and 503c by an operative. The window 503a is associated with the smart delivery box 401.

As can be seen in Figure 5a, the window 503a is configured to display the data sent from the application server 406.

Figure 5b provides a simplified schematic diagram showing certain data displayed on 30 the restaurant device 404 when used in the smart delivery system shown in figure 4.

The software installed on the restaurant device 404 provides an interface on which the windows 504a, 504b, and 504c display data associated with smart delivery boxes, each of which being used to deliver products from the restaurant associated with the restaurant device 404. The window 504a is associated with the smart delivery box 401.

As can be seen in Figure 5b, the window 504a is configured to display the data sent from the application server 406.

Figure 5c provides a simplified schematic diagram showing certain data displayed on the delivery person device 403 when used in the smart delivery system shown in figure 4.

The software installed on the delivery person device 403 provides an interface on which the window 505 displays certain data associated with the smart delivery box 401.

Figure 5d provides a simplified schematic diagram showing certain data displayed on the customer device 407 when used in the smart delivery system shown in figure 4.

The software installed on the customer device 407 provides an interface on which the window 506 displays certain data associated with the smart delivery box 401.

As can be seen in Figures 5a to 5d, the windows are configured to display additional data (i.e., data separate from that generated by the smart delivery box 401). For example, the windows 503a and 504a display driver information 502 and customer information 501, the customer information 501 comprising destination data 501a. The driver information 502 identifies the driver. The customer information 501 identifies the customer and the destination data 501a indicates the location to which products are to be delivered. The customer information 501 and driver information 502 can be generated and communicated to the administrator device 405 and the restaurant device 404 via any suitable means known in the art. For example, the driver information 502 and customer information 501 can input by the customer to the smart delivery app installed on the customers device. This can then be communicated to the application server 406 via the data network 409 and onwards to the restaurant device 404 and the administrator device 405 via the data network 409.

It will be understood that, with the exception of the temperature sensor (which is preferably located adjacent the products with no thermal barrier between the sensor and the products), other hardware located on the smart delivery box can be located elsewhere in the box. Further, additional sensors can be included for additional feedback during transit.

In the embodiment described with reference Figures 5a to 5d, the devices are described as having software installed thereon. However, it will be understood that each device could instead have access to a web interface which is configured, via the application server 406, to provide an interface on which data relevant to the smart delivery box 401 can be displayed.

In the above embodiments, the smart delivery box comprises a rigid casing and an inner sleeve. The delivery container can be configured to function as a standalone container within which food and drink products can be stored directly (for example by increasing the thickness of the insulating lining along with the inflatable portion and locating the hardware (from the rigid casing) on the delivery container). The standalone container having increased insulation properties relative to existing delivery receptacles and functionality which allows the integrity of products contained therein to be monitored during transit.

In above embodiments, the communications unit communicates with external devices via delivery person device connected to a data network. However, it will be understood that instead, the communications unit could be configured to communicate directly with the data network and onwards to the external devices without the delivery person device.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Delivery container for maintaining integrity of prepared food and drink products in transit for point of consumption delivery, comprising a wall bounding an inner volume, wherein the inner volume forms a chamber for storing food and drink products during transit, and the wall comprises: an opening portion movable between a first position in which the chamber is sealed such that the contents of the chamber are thermally insulated from the external environment, and a second position which reveals an opening through which the products can be inserted into, or removed from, the chamber; an inflatable portion; and at least one valve through which the inflatable portion can be inflated, such that when inflated, the inflatable portion enhances a thermal barrier between the contents of the of the chamber and the external environment.
2. Delivery container according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable portion spans substantially all of the wall, such that when inflated, the inflatable portion enhances the thermal barrier across substantially the entire wall.
3. Delivery container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wall further comprises an insulating lining configured to provide a further thermal barrier between the contents of the chamber and the external environment
4. Delivery container according to claim 3, wherein the insulating lining is provided by a foam lining.
5. Delivery container according to any previous claim, wherein the delivery container further comprises at least one inner sleeve locatable inside the chamber of the delivery container, the at least one inner sleeve comprising a sleeve wall bounding an inner volume, wherein the inner volume of the at least one inner sleeve forms a products chamber shaped and sized to house specific food and drink products containers, wherein the at least one inner sleeve is shaped and sized to be received by the delivery container through the opening of the delivery container such that the at least one inner sleeve fits snugly within the chamber of the delivery container.
6. Delivery container according to claim 5, wherein the sleeve wall comprises: an insulating lining; and an opening portion movable between a first position in which the products chamber is sealed such that the contents of the products chamber are thermally insulated from the environment external to the inner sleeve, and a second position which reveals an opening through which the products can be inserted into, or removed from, the products chamber.
7. Delivery container according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the products chamber is shaped and sized to receive either at least one heat pad or at least one eutectic plate alongside the food and drink products stored in the products chamber.
8. Delivery container according to claim 7, wherein the delivery container further comprises at least one heat pad, located within the products chamber, the heat pad configured to keep hot products stored in the products chamber hot.
9. Delivery container according to claim 7, wherein the delivery container further comprises a eutectic plate, located within the products chamber, configured to keep frozen products stored in the products chamber frozen
10. Delivery container according to claim 7, wherein the delivery container further comprises a eutectic plate, located within the products chamber, configured to keep chilled products stored in the products chamber chilled.
11. Delivery container according to any previous claim, wherein the delivery container further comprises an outer rigid casing.
12 Delivery container according to claim 11, wherein the rigid casing comprises an opening portion.
13. Delivery container according to claim 12 wherein, the rigid casing further comprises one or more latches configured to releasably secure the opening portion in the closed position.
14. Delivery container according to any previous claim, wherein the delivery container, is substantially cuboidal.
15. Delivery container according to any of claims 1 to 14, further comprising: a condition sensor arrangement comprising at least one condition sensor; and a processing unit, wherein the at least one condition sensor of the condition sensor arrangement is configured to: detect conditions within the delivery container, the conditions associated with the integrity of the food and drink products contained within the delivery container; generate corresponding sensor signals, said sensor signals associated with conditions within the delivery container; and send the sensor signals to the processing unit; wherein upon receipt of the sensor signals, the processing unit is configured to generate corresponding sensor data associated with the conditions within the delivery container for onward communication with at least one external device.
16. Delivery container according to claim 15, wherein the at least one condition sensor comprises a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature condition of food and drink products contained within the delivery container.
17. Delivery container according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the at least one condition sensor comprises an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration condition to which the delivery container is subject.
18. Delivery container according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the delivery container further comprises an opening sensor, the opening sensor configured to: detect an open/closed status of the delivery container; generate a corresponding opening sensor signal indicative of the open/closed status; and send the opening sensor signal to the processing unit; wherein upon receipt of the opening sensor signal, the processing unit is configured to generate corresponding opening sensor data indicative of the open/closed status of the delivery container for onward communication with at least one external device.
19. Delivery container according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the delivery container further comprises a GNSS sensor, the GNSS sensor configured to: detect the position of the delivery container; generate a corresponding GNSS sensor signal indicative of the position of the delivery container; and send the GNSS sensor signal to the processing unit, wherein upon receipt of the GNSS sensor signal, the processing unit is configured to generate corresponding GNSS sensor data indicative of the position of the delivery container for onward communication with at least one external device.
20. Delivery container according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the delivery container further comprises an LED panel located on an external portion of the delivery container.
21. Delivery container according to claim 20, wherein the LED panel is configured to receive products data from an external device, and upon receipt of the products data, the LED panel is operable to display the products data relating to food and drink products contained within the apparatus.
22. Delivery container according to claim 21, wherein the products data identifies the origin of food and drink products contained in the delivery container.
23. Delivery container according to any of claims 15 to 22, wherein the delivery container further comprises a communications unit configured to communicate sensor data generated by the processing unit to one or more external devices.
24. System for monitoring integrity of prepared food and drink products in transit for point of consumption delivery, the system comprising: a delivery container in accordance with claim 23; one or more of the one or more external devices having software installed thereon, the software configured to provide an interface on which sensor data can be displayed; and an application server; wherein the communications unit of the delivery container is configured to communicate sensor data generated by the processing unit to the one or more external devices, and the application server is operable to communicate with the one or more external devices.
25. System according to claim 24, wherein the one or more external devices comprise at least a delivery device for use by a delivery person who is to transport the delivery container.
26. System according to claim 25, wherein the communications unit is configured to communicate the sensor data to the delivery device, then upon receipt of the sensor data, the delivery device is configured communicate the sensor data to the application server.
27. System according to claim 26, wherein the application server is configured to: upon receipt of the sensor data, communicate the sensor data to further devices of the one or more external devices, the further devices comprising one or 30 more of: a device for use by the intended recipient of the products; a device for use by the provider of the products; and a monitoring device for monitoring sensor data associated with at least one delivery container.