Systems and methods for receiving packages delivered by unmanned vehicles

• US 10,026,054 B1
• Filed: 08/04/2017
• Issued: 07/17/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 08/04/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Newtonoid Technologies L L C
• Original Assignee: Newtonoid Technologies L L C
• Inventors: Staton, Fielding B., Strumpf, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Harrington, Michael P
• Assistant Examiner(s): Tallman, Brian A
• Application Number:
  US15/669,875
• Time in Patent Office: 347 Days
• Field of Search: 705330, 232 20- 21
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2029/146 the receptacle comprising identification means, e.g. a bar code
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/14 Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk , or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles , i.e. food or large parcels
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 39/024 of the remote controlled vehicle type, i.e. RPV
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 1/02 Dropping, ejecting, or releasing articles jettisonable fuel reservoirs B64D37/12
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 1/22 Taking-up articles from earth's surface
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 10/13 Flying platforms
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/60 for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/64 for parcel delivery or retrieval
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 25/00 Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/36 specially constructed to allow collapsing and re-erecting without disengagement of side or bottom connections
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/083 Shipping
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0832 Special goods or special handling procedures, e.g. handling of hazardous or fragile goods

Abstract

An apparatus for receiving a package delivered by an unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a collapsible package receiver adapted to be movably coupled to a building. The collapsible package receiver is configured to be placed from a collapsed position to a pop-out position to receive the package from the unmanned aerial vehicle. The apparatus has a memory associated with the package receiver which stores computer-readable instructions. A processor is configured to execute the instructions to: (a) determine a characteristic of the package delivered by the unmanned aerial vehicle to the package receiver; and (b) notify a user of the delivery of the package.

Claims

1. An apparatus for receiving a package delivered by an unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising:

a collapsible package receiver configured to be placed from a collapsed position to a pop-out position to receive said package from said unmanned aerial vehicle;

an elevating mechanism movably coupling said collapsible package receiver to a building;

a memory associated with said package receiver and storing computer-readable instructions; and

a processor configured to execute said instructions to;

determine a characteristic of said package delivered by said unmanned aerial vehicle to said package receiver; and

notify a user of the delivery of said package;

wherein, said collapsible package receiver is configured to be removably secured to a ground surface in said collapsed position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said package receiver is movably coupled to a gutter of said building.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mobile device to receive an alert when said package is delivered to said package receiver.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said package receiver contains at least one opening to drain rainwater from a package receiving cavity of said package receiver.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said package receiver includes an openable section for retrieving said package.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said package receiver includes a marker adapted to be evaluated by said unmanned aerial vehicle.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said processor is configured to execute said instructions to wirelessly communicate with said unmanned aerial vehicle when said unmanned aerial vehicle is proximate said package receiver.

8. A package receiver system for receiving a package delivered by an unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising:

a collapsible package receiver comprising a processor and a memory including instructions;

said collapsible package receiver configured to be selectively placed in a collapsed position for storage and an expanded position for receiving said package; and

an elevating mechanism comprising a rope;

said collapsible package receiver being movably coupled to a building via said rope;

wherein;

said collapsible package receiver is configured to be;

(a) placed in said expanded position from said collapsed position and raised along said rope to receive said package delivered by said unmanned aerial vehicle;

(b) lowered along said rope after said package is delivered to allow for said package to be retrieved from said collapsible package receiver; and

(c) placed in said collapsed position from said expanded position after said package is retrieved;

said processor is configured to execute said instructions to notify a user of said delivery of said package;

said collapsible package receiver is configured to be removably secured to a ground surface in said collapsed position.

9. The package receiver system of claim 8, wherein said elevating mechanism comprises a pulley.

10. The package receiver system of claim 8, wherein said collapsible package receiver includes a zipper, said zipper being configured to be opened for said retrieval of said package.

11. The package receiver system of claim 8, wherein said collapsible package receiver comprises a marker configured to be used by said unmanned aerial vehicle to confirm an identity of said collapsible package receiver.

12. The package receiver system of claim 11, wherein said marker comprises an audible marker and a visible marker.

13. The package receiver system of claim 12, wherein said visible marker comprises lights configured to blink at a predetermined frequency.

14. The package receiver system of claim 8, wherein said collapsible package receiver comprises a gesture recognizer configured to recognize a movement pattern of said unmanned aerial vehicle.

15. The package receiver system of claim 8, wherein said rope is coupled to a gutter of said building.

16. The package receiver system of claim 15, wherein said rope is further coupled to a hook at a foot of said building.

17. A package receiver system for receiving a package delivered by an unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising:

a foldable package receiver comprising a processor and a memory having instructions;

said foldable package receiver configured to be selectively placed in a folded position for storage and an expanded position for receiving said package; and

an elevating mechanism movably coupling said foldable package receiver to a building;

said elevating mechanism being configured to allow said foldable package receiver to be raised after said package receiver is placed from said folded position to said expanded position to receive said package from said unmanned aerial vehicle;

wherein;

said processor is configured to execute said instructions to determine a characteristic of said package received by said foldable package receiver;

said foldable package receiver is configured to be removably secured to a ground surface in said folded position.

18. The package receiver system of claim 17, further comprising a marker configured to be used by said unmanned aerial vehicle to verify a characteristic of said collapsible package receiver.

19. The package receiver system of claim 18, wherein said marker includes each of a visible marker and an audible marker.

20. The package receiver system of claim 17, wherein said foldable package receiver includes an opening configured to drain rainwater from a package receiving cavity of said foldable package receiver.