Network-based solution for secure parcel delivery and pick-up
First Claim
1. An internet-based system for parcel delivery and pick-up, the system comprising:
- a parcel recipient accessible computer from which a parcel recipient can access over an internet a website to initiate a parcel delivery via a product order;
a kiosk located at a parcel delivery and pick-up location, the kiosk capable of storing the parcel, the kiosk electronically connected to a computer, the computer for use in storing, manipulating and retrieving both parcel recipient pertinent information and parcel delivery tracking information; and
a central data system for receiving the parcel recipient pertinent information and parcel delivery tracking information from the computer connected to the kiosk and, based on that information, transmitting parcel related data to at least one of the delivery service, the parcel recipient and the website;
wherein the parcel can be delivered to the kiosk using the delivery service and the parcel can be pick-up by the parcel recipient.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a secure parcel delivery method and system that provides a bridge between delivery companies and consumers. The solution includes a parcel delivery and pick-up kiosk that serves as a secure delivery and retrieval location for items that have been ordered via, for instance, the Internet, a catalog, mail order systems, or from television retailers. The kiosk is typically a free-standing unit having a metal frame designed to retain and support a plurality of personalized parcel compartments that can vary in size and shape as desired. The kiosk can be electronically connected to a computer, the computer for use in storing, manipulating and retrieving both parcel recipient pertinent information and parcel delivery tracking information. The system includes a central data system for receiving the parcel recipient pertinent information and parcel delivery tracking information to ensure that the kiosk is accessed only by an authorized user of the (e.g., a delivery person, a parcel recipient). The parcel delivery system permits interaction between a delivery service, a parcel recipient and a specified website to solve the “last mile” delivery problem.
-
Citations
48 Claims
-
1. An internet-based system for parcel delivery and pick-up, the system comprising:
-
a parcel recipient accessible computer from which a parcel recipient can access over an internet a website to initiate a parcel delivery via a product order;
a kiosk located at a parcel delivery and pick-up location, the kiosk capable of storing the parcel, the kiosk electronically connected to a computer, the computer for use in storing, manipulating and retrieving both parcel recipient pertinent information and parcel delivery tracking information; and
a central data system for receiving the parcel recipient pertinent information and parcel delivery tracking information from the computer connected to the kiosk and, based on that information, transmitting parcel related data to at least one of the delivery service, the parcel recipient and the website;
wherein the parcel can be delivered to the kiosk using the delivery service and the parcel can be pick-up by the parcel recipient. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method of ensuring authorized parcel delivery and retrieval from a secure location, the method comprising:
-
assigning and storing parcel recipient pertinent information, secure location information, and parcel tracking information;
using the parcel tracking information for delivering of a parcel to the secure location;
using the parcel recipient pertinent information for retrieving the parcel at the secure location; and
using the stored parcel recipient pertinent information, secure location information, and parcel tracking information so as to monitor, via a computer network, the delivering and retrieving of the parcel thereby ensuring authorized parcel delivery and retrieval from the secure location. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20)
-
-
15. A method for accomplishing at least one of delivery and retrieval of a parcel, the method comprising:
-
providing a parcel storage kiosk, the kiosk comprising a structural framework, the framework capable of receiving and supporting a plurality of parcel storage compartments, each of the compartments having an interior capable of storing a parcel;
providing a computer system that is electronically connected to the kiosk, the computer system for use in storing, manipulating and retrieving pertinent information relating to a user and parcel tracking information;
issuing at least one identification code specific to at least one of the user and the parcel in determining whether the user may access at least one of the kiosk parcel storage compartments;
receiving the at least one identification code at the kiosk computer;
permitting access to at least one of the plurality of compartments based on the at least one identification code so that the user can accomplish at least one of authorized delivering and retrieving of the parcel.
-
-
17. A method of sending a parcel package comprising:
-
providing a kiosk for receiving and securably storing a parcel package, the kiosk including a computer;
providing a graphic user interface accessible at the computer for receiving parcel package related information;
receiving the parcel package related information through the graphic user interface;
making a portion of the kiosk available to securely store the parcel package based upon the parcel package related information; and
receiving the parcel package within the portion of the kiosk to securably store the parcel package.
-
-
21. A final mile delivery solution comprising:
-
a plurality of kiosks, each of the kiosks comprising a plurality of compartments, each of the compartments being capable of storing a delivered parcel and comprising a door, each door permitting access to the compartment and including a locking system therein;
at least one computer in operational association with each of the kiosks, the at least one computer capable of accepting information and comprising a computer screen;
a database in operational association with the computers, the database capable of storing and recalling the information associated with use of the plurality of kiosks;
wherein a user of one of the plurality of kiosks inputs the information into the computer, the computer verifying the information, the computer actuating the locking system within the door to unlock the compartment, and the user retrieving the delivered parcel from the compartment. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
-
Specification