SECURITY SYSTEMS

• US 20090179735A1
• Filed: 12/10/2008
• Published: 07/16/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Pierre C Van Rysselberghe
• Original Assignee: Pierre C Van Rysselberghe
• Inventors: Van Rysselberghe, Pierre C.
• Application Number:
  US12/332,282
• Publication Number:
  US 20090179735A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.730
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2029/144 the receptacle being transportable and attachable to a building
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2029/145 the receptacle comprising means for identifying a deposit; Deposits carrying identification means, e.g. a bar code
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2029/147 the receptacle comprising heating or cooling means
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/141 comprising electronically controlled locking means
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0832 Special goods or special handling procedures, e.g. handling of hazardous or fragile goods
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 11/00 Arrangements, systems or apparatus for checking, e.g. the occurrence of a condition, not provided for elsewhere
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00571 operated by interacting with a central unit
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/33 by means of a password
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/38 with central registration
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/13 the containers being a postal pick-up locker
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/00 Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus

Abstract

Systems and methods for delivering goods and services involving use of locks that are programmed to permit limited entry under specified circumstances. A lock may be electronically programmed from a remote location in connection with an e-commerce transaction.

Claims

1. A system for selling and delivering goods comprising

a vendor computer system offering goods for sale on a vending website that is accessible from a purchasing computer via the world wide web, the vendor computer system being programmed to carry out a sales transaction with a purchaser of goods operating from the purchasing computer,

an electronic lock box at a fixed location near a locked door providing access to a secure enclosure, the lock box including a chamber for housing a key configured to lock and unlock the door, a receiver for receiving transaction-specific entry codes from the vendor, and an entry code input mechanism,

the vendor computer system being programmed to:

(a) prompt the purchaser whether to have the goods delivered inside the enclosure via the lock box, (b) assign a transaction-specific entry code for accessing the lock box, (c) communicate the transaction-specific entry code to the lock box, and (d) provide the transaction-specific entry code to a deliverer in a form configured for input into the entry code input mechanism of the electronic lock box.

2. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the lock box is vendor specific.

3. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the vendor communicates remotely with the box to track delivery of goods.

4. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the entry code input mechanism is configured to receive a code from a device that allows a delivery person to enter a transaction-specific code to the entry code input mechanism without actually having knowledge of the code itself.

5. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the entry code input system includes a scanner for scanning a bar code.

6. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the purchasing computer is located in the enclosure.

7. The system of paragraph 1, wherein at least one video recording device is positioned around the enclosure in a location calculated to record activity of a delivery person in or around the enclosure.

8. The system of paragraph 1, wherein a sound or motion sensor and switch are configured to turn the video recording device on when a delivery person begins an entry event

9. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the e-lock is equipped with a transceiver configured to transmit a signal causing the video recording device to record when a transaction-specific entry criteria are satisfied.

10. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the e-lock is equipped with a transceiver configured to transmit data concerning an entry event to the vendor computer

11. A method of transferring goods comprising

accessing a vendor'"'"'s web site through a personal computer and a modem at a premises,

selecting an item for purchase from the vendor,

assigning a transaction-specific entry code derived from the vendor for a limited purpose of permitting a one-time entry of the premises through an e-lock located at the premises,

unlocking the e-lock by entering the transaction-specific entry code, and

delivering the purchased item into the premises.

12. The method of paragraph 11 further comprising

communicating the transaction-specific entry code from the vendor to the e-lock.

13. The method of paragraph 11 further comprising

manually entering the transaction-specific entry code into the e-lock.

14. The method of paragraph 13 further comprising

communicating an instruction packet from the vendor to the e-lock, wherein the instruction packet includes the transaction specific entry code, and at least one other entry parameter selected from the following group:

(a) when the entry is permitted, (b) who may enter, (c) who may not enter, (d) that a personal identifying code be entered prior to entry, (e) and a confirmation code that can be accessed remotely by a delivery person to indicate that the e-lock is ready to receive delivery of the item.

15. A lock device comprising

a latch mechanism,

a receiver configured to receive entry instructions from a remote server operated by a vendor that is programmed to transmit entry criteria relating to a specific agreement to exchange goods,

a processor programmed to receive entry instructions from the receiver and to permit unlocking of the latch mechanism when the entry criteria are satisfied.

16. The lock device of claim 15 further comprising

a transmitter configured to communicate information concerning an unlock event to the lock server.

17. The lock device of claim 15 further comprising

a clock device linked to the processor so that the processor can determine whether a time-specific entry criterium has been satisfied.

18. The lock device of claim 15 further comprising

a data input device that allows a person to input an entry code into the lock device.