Method and apparatus for distributing parcels
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for storing a parcel comprising:
- a storage locker;
a lock coupled to said storage locker and configured to secure said storage locker in a closed state;
a key for accessing said storage locker;
wherein said key is configured to change after said storage locker is accessed with said key.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides systems and methods for delivering parcels to convenient locations equipped with storage lockers. A delivery agent brings a parcel to the predetermined depot and selects an available storage locker for storing the parcel. Thereafter, the delivery agent contacts the system via a landline or wireless telephone, voice mail, e-mail, pager, or via any other method and reports the delivery. The system then informs the consumer via a notification agent such as a voice mail or e-mail system that the delivery was made and how to retrieve the parcel. The consumer may then retrieve the parcel at the consumer'"'"'s convenience.
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Citations
37 Claims
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1. Apparatus for storing a parcel comprising:
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a storage locker;
a lock coupled to said storage locker and configured to secure said storage locker in a closed state;
a key for accessing said storage locker;
wherein said key is configured to change after said storage locker is accessed with said key. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36)
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16. A method of delivering a parcel for receipt by a consumer, said method comprising:
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placing said parcel in a storage locker, locking said storage locker;
wherein said storage locker is accessible with a key; and
,changing said key subsequent to said key being used.
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34. A method for delivering a parcel from a sender to a consumer, said method comprising:
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said sender providing said parcel and a depot selection to a delivery agent;
said delivery agent delivering said parcel to said depot;
subsequent to arriving at said depot, said delivery agent selecting a storage locker in which to place said parcel and placing said parcel into said storage locker;
subsequent to placing said parcel into said storage locker, said delivery agent providing a parcel identification and a storage locker identification to a central system;
said central system causing said consumer to be contacted and provided with said depot selection, said storage locker identification, and a key for accessing said storage locker;
said consumer arriving at said depot and using said key to retrieve said parcel from said storage locker.
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35. Apparatus for storing a parcel comprising:
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a storage locker;
an electronic combination lock coupled to said storage locker and configured to secure said storage locker in a closed state, wherein said lock is configured to unlock when a predetermined key is entered;
wherein said key that unlocks said combination lock is configured to change upon being used to unlock said lock; and
wherein said key is synchronized with a key accessible at a location that is remote from said lock.
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37. A system for delivering a parcel to a consumer comprising:
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means for delivering said parcel to a depot, means for storing said parcel at said depot;
means for identifying said means for storing;
means for determining a key for accessing said means for storing;
wherein said means for determining is associated with said means for identifying; and
means for communicating said means for identifying and said key to said consumer.
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Specification