Method for Managing Lockers Remotely

• US 20090267788A1
• Filed: 04/24/2008
• Published: 10/29/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Renato Dale Couto
• Original Assignee: Thatsit Systems LLC
• Inventors: Couto, Renato Dale, Diegues, Francisco Leao
• Granted Patent: US 8,471,675 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/825.290
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/08 With time considerations, e.g. temporary activation, valid time window or time limitations
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/38 with central registration

Abstract

A method capable of remotely managing the implementation, the installation control and use of cabinets or storage lockers at any location over the Internet, through communication between databases that interconnect the end user needs with the capacities and needs of the location that makes the lockers available.

Claims

1. A method for managing lockers remotely, comprising the steps of:

a) storing in a first database information inserted by a first user;

b) generating a virtual graphic representation based on the information inserted by the first user and defined by at least one virtual array of array elements arranged in rows and columns, wherein each array element represents a locker;

c) storing in a second database information inserted by a second user;

d) displaying to the second user the virtual graphic representation generated in step b);

e) enabling at least one locker array element to be designated as belonging to the second user; and

f) sending at least one notification to the second user with the information regarding the enabled locker array element.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of storing in the first database the information inserted by the first user comprises the step of storing data selected from fields including at least a name of the first user, a name of a first responsible user, an amount of second users, dates, an address of the first user, and physical space available for implementing the lockers.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating a virtual graphic representation based on the information inserted by the first user defines a virtual array of rows and columns of lockers created according to the physical space as defined in step a).

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of storing in a second database the information inserted by the second user comprises the step of storing data selected from fields including at least a name of the second user, a name of a responsible user, a name of the first user with whom the second user is associated, dates, an address of the second user, and a period of use.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of matching the first database information with information in a fixed database, the fixed database being pre-stored with the characteristics relevant to lockers, padlocks and the block of lockers arranged with a vertical and horizontal amount of lockers.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of sending at least one notification to the second user comprises sending an electronic communication.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the notification sent to the second user comprises information selected from at least a confirmation of reservation or release of the locker array element, a padlock secret, welcome information, billing, announcements, and canceling notices.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the information also can be inserted by a responsible user.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the responsible user can administrate at least one second user.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of making available to the first user a report containing statistics and second user'"'"'s specific data in real-time.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of canceling at least one locker array element previously reserved as belonging to the second user;

and sending at least one notification to the first and second users with the information regarding the released locker array element.