Postal cube

• US 9,211,025 B1
• Filed: 10/10/2014
• Issued: 12/15/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 10/10/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Walid Elhawwashy
• Original Assignee: Walid Elhawwashy
• Inventors: Elhawwashy, Walid
• Primary Examiner(s): MILLER, WILLIAM L
• Application Number:
  US14/511,230
• Time in Patent Office: 431 Days
• Field of Search: 232/17, 232/19, 232 34- 37, 232/45, 340/568.1, 340/569, 340/5.73, 70/63, 701/58, 200/61.63
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 2029/149 with central server link
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2200/143 producing means
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2200/146 recording or detecting means
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2200/223 indicator
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/14 Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk , or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles , i.e. food or large parcels
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/20 with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles

Abstract

A device configured to securely and automatically receive parcel is described. The device is equipped with a front door and an automatic top rolling door in order to accommodate parcel delivery via conventional parcel delivery personnel, or delivery via airlift from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The device is also equipped with a secure internet connection which facilitates communication between recipient and delivery personnel, as well as expedites the delivery confirmation process upon parcel delivery. Audio and video capture and transmission equipment on-board the device permit the recipient to remotely provide access to the device upon authentication of identity and/or credentials.

Claims

1. A parcel holding and delivery apparatus comprising:

an outer casing;

a parcel receptacle, said parcel receptacle housed within said outer casing;

a front door, said front door in communication with said outer casing;

a top door, said top door in communication with said outer casing;

an envelope slot, said envelope slot disposed on a front of said outer casing;

an on-board computer, said on-board computer housed within said outer casing;

an electromagnetic lock, said electromagnetic lock configured to lock said top door and said front door via said on-board computer;

wherein said on-board computer is in communication with the internet via a Wifi radio;

at least one barcode scanner, said at least one barcode scanner disposed within said outer casing;

a parcel platform, said parcel platform disposed on an interior bottom of said outer casing;

a digital display, said digital display disposed on said front of said outer casing, proximal to said envelope slot;

a scale, said scale disposed under said parcel platform;

at least one camera, said camera disposed on the front of said outer casing;

a microphone, said microphone disposed on the front of said outer casing;

a speaker, wherein said speaker is waterproof;

wherein said speaker is disposed on said front of said outer casing;

wherein said speaker is in communication with said on-board computer;

wherein said microphone is in communication with said on-board computer;

wherein said on-board computer is configured to permit audio-visual communication between package deliverer and package receiver via said digital display, said microphone, said camera, and said speaker;

wherein said scale is configured to weigh parcel placed on said parcel platform and relay the weight to the on-board computer; and

wherein said on-board computer uses said camera, said microphone, and said speaker in operative cooperation to only permit access to said parcel receptacle to specific individuals.

2. The parcel holding and delivery apparatus of claim 1,

wherein said outer casing is waterproof;

and

wherein said on-board computer is configured to send a delivery confirmation transmission to the parcel recipient via said Wifi radio when triggered by parcel delivery within said parcel receptacle.

3. The parcel holding and delivery apparatus of claim 2,

wherein said top door is an automatic rolling retractable door;

and

wherein said top door is configured to receive parcel delivery via an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

4. The parcel holding and delivery apparatus of claim 1,

wherein said top door is an automatic rolling retractable door;

and

wherein said top door is configured to receive parcel delivery via an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.