Method and apparatus for securing delivery of goods
First Claim
1. A method for receiving packages delivered to a secured area, the method comprising:
- dividing the secured area into a plurality of separate sections;
opening for access at least one of the separate sections of the secured area upon receipt of a delivery access code;
securing from access any section of the secured area that already contains a package when the delivery access code is used to access the secured area;
deactivating the delivery access code so that the delivery access code is no longer operative to access the secured area after the at least one of the separate sections has been accessed using the delivery access code, and automatically determining an amount of vacant space available in a largest one of the plurality of separate sections of the secured area.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing security for delivered goods purchased via electronic or telephonic commerce is provided in the form of a digital lock box, and method of operating the lock box in cooperation with senders of goods. This method further comprises generating a owner access code for full access to a secured area, individually dividing this secured area into a plurality of sections after each delivery, generating a delivery access code for access to particular sections of a secured area, forwarding this delivery access code to senders of deliverable goods, and deactivating this delivery access code after the delivery of these goods.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for receiving packages delivered to a secured area, the method comprising:
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dividing the secured area into a plurality of separate sections;
opening for access at least one of the separate sections of the secured area upon receipt of a delivery access code;
securing from access any section of the secured area that already contains a package when the delivery access code is used to access the secured area;
deactivating the delivery access code so that the delivery access code is no longer operative to access the secured area after the at least one of the separate sections has been accessed using the delivery access code, and automatically determining an amount of vacant space available in a largest one of the plurality of separate sections of the secured area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for receiving packages delivered to a secured area, the system comprising:
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a digital lock box connected to a computer network, the digital lock box operative to perform the functions of;
opening for access at least one of the separate sections of the secured area upon receipt of a delivery access code;
securing from access any section of the secured area that already contains a package when the delivery access code is used to access the secured area; and
deactivating the delivery access code so that the delivery access code is no longer operative to access the secured area after the at least one of the separate sections has been accessed using the delivery access and automatically determining an amount of vacant space available in a largest one of the plurality of separate sections of the secured area. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification