Package receptacle and theft deterrent device and system

An improved package receptacle and theft deterrent device and system, in which a flexible receiving bag constructed of a rugged material includes security features to restrict access to its internal chamber and may be removably attached to a door or other structure through fully-removable or partially permanently attached means.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to improvements to theft deterrent devices, in particular deterrence of theft from receptacles used for storing items delivered by one party or carrier and intended for receipt by another party or carrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the rise of online retailers and the corresponding decline of brick-and-mortar stores, the shopping experience frequently culminates in a package being delivered to a customer, rather than being brought home from a physical point-of-sale location. However, the recipient is not always present when the package is delivered, and thus the carrier must either bring the package back to a central warehouse for later pickup by the recipient or leave the package unattended at the delivery address. In the case of the former, this can lead to unintended delays in receipt, as the customer may not be able to travel to the central warehouse for pickup during normal business hours. In the case of the latter, unattended packages become prime candidates for theft; this is particularly problematic in urban areas, where greater traffic near the delivery address increases the number of individuals who see the unattended package.

Anecdotal evidence shows that some delivery services will go to significant lengths to hide packages from potential thieves. However, this is not the norm. Every moment spent attempting to hide a package for one customer is a moment that the carrier no longer has available to deliver packages to subsequent recipients on that day's route. Accordingly, while going to such lengths is admirable from a customer-service perspective, as such extra time accumulates throughout the day, it has the potential to result in later packages not being delivered on time, if at all. Conversely, it may require the delivery person to work overtime or to make up for lost time by driving at unsafe speeds or engaging in other traffic violations in order to meet the delivery quota for the day.

Some attempts at remedying the problem of package theft involve the permanent installation of large mailboxes or other unsightly structures. In addition to aesthetic issues, permanent installations are also problematic when there are space constraints, as these structures take up the same amount of space when in use and when not in use. Further, for high-capacity delivery locations, such as apartments, there simply may not be enough space to erect or permanently mount receptacles

Other removable theft-deterrent devices have been developed, including U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,715; however, these have drawbacks of their own. The device of the '715 patent includes a clamp that is used to affix a pouch to the edge of a door or to serve as an anchor placed behind the door. Affixing the anchor to the side or the top of the door requires that there be adequate clearance between the edge of the door and the door jamb; inadequate clearance will cause damage to the door jamb or prevent the door from being closed. Similarly, affixing the clamp to the bottom of the door requires adequate clearance between the door and the ground, as the clamp would be damaged or the door wouldn't move if the clamp were to come into contact with the ground. Use of the clamp as an anchor is equally problematic: there must be an adequate gap between the door and the jamb to accommodate the diameter of the cable and using the clamp as a behind-the-door-anchor may scratch or otherwise cause damage to the finished surface of the interior side of the door, jamb, or walls. Finally, when the clamp is affixed to the bottom of the door or is used as an anchor behind the bottom of the door, the pouch of the '715 patent lays on the ground in such a manner that a delivery person must bend over entirely to access the pouch and then must use two hands to close the pouch.

As a result, in light of the foregoing, it is clear that there is an unmet need in the art for a theft deterrent device that is removable and small enough to accommodate the demands of high-capacity residences, yet does not cause damage to the surrounding structures and maximizes ease of use by carriers and others delivering packages into the receptacle.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The package receptacle device and system described herein provides an improvement upon prior systems and devices for receiving packages and deterring the theft of the same.

The improved package receptacle device described below may be manufactured in at least two versions: one utilizing a removable connection device which may be removably affixed to a home or other structure, and another version utilizing an attachment device, a portion of which is permanently affixed to a home or other structure.

Similarly, the improved package receptacle system described herein may also be manufactured in at least two versions: one utilizing a removable connection device which may be removably affixed to a home or other structure, and another version utilizing an attachment device, a portion of which is permanently affixed to a home or other structure.

Accordingly, with the benefit of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art would be able to manufacture package receptacles of varying sizes, locking, and connection capabilities, to permit for deterrence of package theft from residences and other structures in any number of circumstances.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description, examples and figures which follow, all of which are intended to be for illustrative purposes only, and not intended in any way to limit the invention, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art on examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although certain embodiments are depicted in the figures, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments therein; with the benefit of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art would be enabled to tailor aspects of the invention to suit any purpose and fit within any limitations, including those due to physical space constraints.

The package receptacle is comprised of a flexible receiving bag100constructed of a flexible, yet secure material designed to be resistant to knives and other cutting implements. Exemplary materials include KEVLAR® and DYNEEMA®, however the present invention is not so limited, and with the benefit of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art would be enabled to construct the flexible receiving bag100out of any flexible materials having a similar rugged and secure nature. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the material used in the construction of the flexible receiving bag100is waterproof. Flexible receiving bag100has at least one internal chamber.

In one embodiment, as depicted inFIGS. 11 and 12, the material of the flexible receiving bag100is of a “sandwich” construction, having two layers of fabric500, between which is a wire mesh501, thus resulting in a fabric-mesh-fabric construction. In this embodiment, although the fabric500may be susceptible to cutting or other damage by knives or other implements, the wire mesh501is resistant to being cut or otherwise damaged, thus preventing thieves and unauthorized third parties from accessing the contents of the bag. The fabric500used in such a construction may be of any type known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to canvas, nylon, and leather. The gauge of the wire mesh501may be varied to provide for differing levels of security, as heavier gauge wire is resistant to a wider array of cutting implements. Similarly, the gauge of the wire mesh501may be varied to provide for greater flexibility in the fabric-mesh-fabric material, with heavier gauges being used to create flexible receiving bags100which retain a predetermined shape, and lighter gauges being used to create flexible receiving bags100which are more easily compressed or distorted from a basic shape. Distorting of the shape of the flexible receiving bag100allows for its use as a receptacle for a wider variety of shapes and sizes of packages; similarly, the more easily the flexible receiving bag100is distorted, the more easily it may be folded or rolled up and stored when not in use. Thus, with the benefit of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art is enabled to select the appropriate fabric500and gauge of wire mesh501to provide for a range of levels of security and compressibility.

FIGS. 11 and 12depict an embodiment where the individual wires of wire mesh501are linked to one another through ties or other devices; however, the invention is not so limited. In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the individual wires of wire mesh501are wrapped around one another, in the style of a chain-link fence. In yet another embodiment, the individual wires of wire mesh501are linked to one another through a combination of ties and by wrapping around one another.

Flexible receiving bag100further comprises a top end101and a bottom end102.

Additionally, Flexible receiving bag100further comprises at least one zipper mechanism105and at least one locking receiver104. Flexible receiving bag100is configured such that the quantity of zipper mechanisms105matches the number of locking receivers104.

Zipper mechanism105may be one of any variety of zipper mechanisms known in the art. Zipper mechanism105has at least two complementary, reversibly-engageable teeth elements106and a slider107, with the operation of slider107in one direction effecting the engagement of complementary teeth elements106to one another and the operation of slider107in the opposite direction effecting the disengagement of complementary teeth elements106. Engagement of teeth elements106provides for closure of flexible receiving bag100, thereby restricting access to an internal chamber of flexible receiving bag100, whereas disengagement of teeth elements106provides for access to an internal chamber of flexible receiving bag100. Zipper mechanism105has a first end and a second end. When slider107is positioned at the first end of zipper mechanism105, teeth elements106are not engaged, and the internal chamber of flexible receiving bag100is accessible. When slider107is advanced to the second end of zipper mechanism105, teeth elements106are engaged, and the internal chamber of flexible receiving bag100is no longer accessible.

Teeth elements106each have a plurality of teeth and are constructed to have a high number of teeth per inch and extremely tight tolerances. In a preferred embodiment, the teeth of teeth elements106are angled, such that when they are complementarily, reversibly engaged with the teeth of another teeth element106, there is little to no gap between the teeth of one teeth element106and the teeth of the other teeth element106; in this way the reversibly-engageable teeth elements106are less susceptible to being pried apart by a knife, screwdriver, or other implement. In one embodiment, the teeth elements106are in a single-coil form, such form being known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the teeth elements106are in double-coil form, such form being known in the art; in this embodiment, the double-coil form provides for increased security, as the teeth elements106are less prone to being forced apart by pressure or sharp objects applied directly to them when the two teeth elements106are engaged with one another.

Slider107has a body109and a pull108. In one embodiment, as depicted inFIGS. 1-4, the construction of slider107is such that body109and pull108are integral to one another. In an alternate embodiment, not depicted in the figures, body109and pull108are linked by a crown or other device, as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, zipper mechanism105further comprises at least two reversibly-engageable top stops.

Zipper mechanism105may be constructed of any rugged material, including metals or alloys. In one embodiment, all parts of zipper mechanism105are constructed of the same material. In an alternate embodiment, the materials used to construct the parts of zipper mechanism105vary from part to part. In a preferred embodiment, at least one part of zipper mechanism105is constructed of nickel.

Locking receiver104is located adjacent to the second end of zipper mechanism105, and is configured to reversibly engage at least a portion of slider107.

Locking receiver104has an attachment element, a locking element, and a receiving element. The attachment element of locking receiver104extends into flexible receiving bag100and terminates at an anchor element111; anchor element111prevents locking receiver104from being removed from flexible receiving bag104. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 2-3, anchor element111is a disc, however the invention is not so limited, and with the benefit of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art would be enabled to design anchor element111as any shape or structure suitable for such purposes, including but not limited to, balls and rings. In a preferred embodiment, the material used in the construction of flexible receiving bag100is woven around anchor element111. In one embodiment, grommets or other means known in the art protect the material of flexible receiving bag100from fraying at the locations where locking receiver104passes through flexible receiving bag100.

The locking element of locking receiver104is one of any number of locks known to those having skill in the art. In one embodiment, the locking element utilizes a key to lock and unlock locking receiver104. In an alternate embodiment, the locking element utilizes a combination to lock and unlock locking receiver104. The locking element may contain any locking structures known to those in the art for releasably locking a portion of slider107in place. The locking element may contain any number of tumblers, and with the benefit of the present disclosure, one having ordinary skill in the art would be enabled to determine whether one, two, three, four, five, or more tumblers would be appropriate for the size and purpose of the bag.

The receiving element of locking receiver104is configured to engage any portion of slider107in a releasable manner, including by insertion of the portion of slider107into locking receiver104or by rotation of a portion of locking receiver104to secure a portion of slider107in place, or by any other means known in the art. Such methods include, but are not limited to, the receiving element having a stationary lower portion and movable upper portion, wherein the movable upper portion surrounds the portion of slider107when receiver is locked in place, and can be rotated away from the portion of slider107, thus releasing the portion of slider107, upon unlocking of locking receiver104.

In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3, slider107further comprises a keyed element112for engagement by locking receiver104.

In another embodiment, locking receiver engages body109.

In another embodiment, locking receiver engages a crown of slider107.

In one embodiment, flexible receiving bag100has only one internal chamber, said chamber being defined by an internal surface of flexible receiving bag100and an internal surface of zipper mechanism105.

In an alternate embodiment, the interior of the bag is divided into at least two internal two chambers by divider114; divider114may be constructed of the same material as flexible receiving bag100or by any other material that provides the same protective properties as the material of flexible receiving bag100. In a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein flexible receiving bag100has at least two internal chambers, divider114has an accordion-like shape with folds designed to permit for expansion of one internal chamber such that it intrudes upon the footprint and interior volume of the other internal chamber. In this way, large items may be inserted into one internal chamber, and the accordion-like folds of divider114will expand to accommodate the object. In an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein flexible receiving bag100has at least two internal chambers, divider114does not have an accordion-like shape with folds, but instead, is of a straight construction. In yet another embodiment of the invention wherein the flexible receiving bag100has at least two internal chambers, divider114is constructed of a rigid material. Flexible receiving bag100is constructed such that each internal chamber is accessible via its own zipper mechanism105.

Flexible receiving bag100may optionally have at least one storage pouch115. Storage pouch115is configured to accept deliveries and is sealed by a zipper mechanism105and locking receiver104in the same way that the internal chambers of flexible receiving bag100are sealed as described above. In one embodiment, storage pouch115is created by affixing material to the exterior of flexible receiving bag100; in an alternate embodiment, storage pouch115is created by affixing material to the interior of flexible receiving bag100.

Flexible receiving bag100may also optionally have at least one identification pouch113into which a user may insert materials identifying flexible receiving bag100as being their property, serving to reiterate the delivery address, or for any other purpose.

Flexible receiving bag100may be constructed such that locking receiver104and the second end of zipper mechanism105are located proximal to top end101and first end of zipper mechanism105is located proximal to bottom end102; in such a conformation, closing of the internal chamber or storage pouch is effectuated by the movement of slider107in the direction proceeding from bottom end102to top end101. In an alternate embodiment, locking receiver104and the second end of zipper mechanism105are located proximal to bottom end102and the first end of zipper mechanism105is located proximal to top end101; in this conformation, closing of the internal chamber of storage pouch is effectuated by the movement of slider107in the direction proceeding from top end101to bottom end102. In yet another embodiment, locking receiver104, and the first and second ends of zipper mechanism105are situated such that the movement of slider107to effectuate closure of the internal chamber or storage pouch is perpendicular or oriented in an acute or obtuse angular relationship to the direction along which one would proceed when advancing from bottom end102to top end101. In one embodiment of the invention, all internal chambers and storage pouches are closed by advancing each respective sliders107in the same relative direction. In another embodiment of the invention, internal chambers and storage pouches are closed by advancing their respective sliders107in a mixture of directions.

With the benefit of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art would be enabled to manufacture flexible receiving bag100with any number of internal chambers, storage pouches, and identification pouches.

Fully Removable Form

In one set of embodiments, the invention attaches to, and is fully removable from, a door or other structure. In such embodiments, the invention further comprises a removable connection device200, which provides removable attachment to a door or other structure.

In such embodiments, flexible receiving bag100further comprises at least one retaining mechanism103, configured to attach to removable connection device200. Each retaining mechanism103extends into the flexible receiving bag and terminates at a terminal feature110, as shown inFIG. 2. Terminal feature110is designed and structured to prevent the removal of retaining mechanism103from flexible receiving bag100. In a preferred embodiment, retaining mechanism103is u-shaped, with the curve of the shape being outside the bag and the prongs of the shape extending into the bag, and terminal feature110being a disc. In another embodiment, retaining mechanism103has a circular or ring-like shape, which penetrates flexible receiving bag100at two points, with terminal feature110being the portion of the circular or ring-like shape inside flexible receiving bag100.

Retaining mechanism103is constructed of a material resistant to being cut or broken, such material including but not being limited to metal.

In one embodiment, grommets or other means known in the art protect the material of flexible receiving bag100from fraying at the locations where retaining mechanisms103pass through flexible receiving bag100. In an alternate embodiment, the material used in the construction of flexible receiving bag100is woven around retaining mechanism103. In yet another embodiment, a separate material is wrapped around retaining mechanisms103and then stitched into the material of flexible receiving bag100.

In one embodiment, retaining mechanism103is coated in a substance designed to reduce the likelihood of retaining mechanism103scratching or otherwise damaging the door or other structure to which the invention is attached.

As shown in the alternate embodiments inFIGS. 5 and 6, removable connection device200comprises an upper portion210and a lower portion211which are reversibly connected together. Removable connection device200has a width that permits it to be attached to the narrowest part of a doorknob, knocker, rail, or other protrusion from a door or structure. However, the width of removable connection device200is such that, upon connection of upper portion210and lower portion211, it cannot be advanced past the widest portion of the doorknob, knocker, rail, or other protrusion from the door or structure to which it is attached; the only way of advancing the removable connection device200past such structure is to disconnect upper portion210from lower portion211.

Removable connection device200further comprises locking element201, support element202, and bridge piece203. Locking element201may be a keyed lock, combination lock, or any other type of lock known to one skilled in the art, capable of providing for the reversible connection and locking together of upper portion210and lower portion211. Support element202allows the invention to be hung on a doorknob or other protrusion from a door or surface, including, but not limited to, door knockers, fences, hand rails, or other rails. Bridge piece203provides a point of connection for lower portion211and retaining mechanism103. Bridge piece203and retaining mechanism103are configured such that, when joined, bridge piece203passes through retaining mechanism103.

Support element202, locking element201, and bridge piece203are constructed of materials rugged enough to prevent a thief from merely breaking them. In preferred embodiments, they individually or collectively have an exterior finish designed to prevent unnecessary damage or wear to the doorknob or other feature of the structure to which the package receptacle is being attached. In one such embodiment, the support element is covered in a rubberized or otherwise similarly-cushioned material to prevent unnecessary damage or wear to the doorknob or other feature of the structure to which the package receptacle is being attached.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the removable connection device200expected to come in contact with the doorknob or other feature of the structure to which the invention will be attached is covered in a rubberized or otherwise cushioned material. In an alternate embodiment, all portions of the removable connection device200expected to come in contact with the doorknob or other feature of the structure are covered in a rubberized or otherwise cushioned material.

In a preferred embodiment, lower portion211also has separator portion205, which forces retaining mechanisms103apart from one another. The closer retaining mechanisms103are to one another when connected to lower portion211, the greater the strain on the material of flexible receiving bag100. Accordingly, with the benefit of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art would be enabled to manufacture the invention with a bridge piece203and separator portion205of appropriate size to minimize the strain on the material of flexible receiving bag100.

In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 5, locking element201and support element202are located on upper portion210. In such embodiments, lower portion211is generally of a U-shaped construction and further comprises upwardly-extending arms204which insert into upper portion210and engage with locking element201to reversibly connect and lock lower portion211and upper portion210together.

In an alternate embodiment, as shown inFIG. 6, locking element201and bridge piece203are located on lower portion211. In such embodiments, lower portion211is general of a D-shaped construction, and upper portion210is generally of an upside-down U-shaped construction, with downwardly extending arms206which insert into lower portion211and engage with locking element201to reversibly connect and lock lower portion211and upper portion210together.

FIG. 1shows a preferred embodiment of a flexible receiving bag100having a single internal chamber for connection to removable connection device200. The depicted embodiment has two retaining mechanisms103, a top end101, a bottom end102, an identification pouch113, a locking receiver104, and a zipper mechanism105.

FIG. 1depicts an embodiment in which locking receiver104and zipper mechanism105are positioned on the flexible receiving bag beneath and between retaining mechanisms103;FIG. 2shows an alternate2shows an alternate embodiment of a single-chambered bag in which locking receiver104and zipper mechanism105are positioned on the flexible bag beneath and to the side of retaining mechanisms103. However, the present invention is not so limited, and with the benefits of this disclosure, one skilled in the art would be enabled to manufacture a flexible receiving bag in which locking receiver104and zipper mechanism were located at any place of the user's choosing on flexible receiving bag100.

FIG. 4shows a preferred embodiment for a flexible receiving bag100having a storage pouch115and an identification pouch113, as well as multiple internal chambers separated by a divider114, with the storage pouch and each internal chamber having its own respective locking receiver104and zipper mechanism105.

FIG. 7depicts a flexible receiving bag100having two internal chambers being removably attached to a door.

The size of each part of the present invention may be adjusted by one skilled in the art to permit the flexible receiving bag100to be suspended above the ground or to have the bottom of the flexible receiving bag100rest on the ground; such sizing features permit for easier usage by a postal carrier or delivery person, as they can be tailored to reduce the need to bend over to access the bag as well as maximize the carrier's or delivery person's efficiency in closing the bag by permitting zipping of zipper mechanism105and engagement of slider107with locking receiver104to take place in a single movement or be accomplished by a single hand.

Partial Permanent Attachment Form

In an alternate set of embodiments, at least a portion of the invention permanently attaches to a structure. In such embodiments, the flexible receiving bag further comprises a handle404and a connection member403. In a preferred embodiment, connection member403is cone-shaped. In an alternate embodiment, connection member403is a ring or rings. Other structures may be suitable shapes for connection member403and with the benefit of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art would be enabled to manufacture the invention with a variety of shapes.

Additionally, in such embodiments, the invention further comprises an attachment device400comprising a permanent fixture300, a linkage member401, and a lock device402.

As shown inFIG. 9A, permanent fixture300comprises a wall mount303, a hinge, a hasp301, and a U-shaped mounting ring302. Permanent fixture300is permanently affixed to the wall or other structure by methods well known to those in the art, including screws304, bolts, or other methods. Hasp301is a generally flat sheet, connected to wall mount303via a hinge, and having a slot to permit the U-shaped mounting ring302to extend through hasp301when hasp301is in a closed position, as shown inFIG. 9B.FIG. 9Cshows the relationship of attachment device400to connection member403and handle404when connection member403is connected to attachment device400.

As seen inFIGS. 9C and 10A, linkage member401is a generally U-shaped member having two prongs, and configured to be able to extend through U-shaped mounting ring302and to reversibly engage with lock device402.

Lock device402comprises a housing having receptacles405for receiving insertion of the prongs of the linkage member401, a security mechanism406, and a receiving port407for receiving the insertion of connection member403. In a preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG. 10A, receptacles405are located on a top face of lock device402and receiving port407is located on a bottom face of lock device402.FIG. 10Bshows such an embodiment, with linkage member401and connection member403both engaged with security mechanism406. Security mechanism406is one of any locking mechanisms known in the art capable of providing reversible connection and locking of the linkage member401to the security mechanism406and of connection member403to security mechanism406. Security mechanism406may be a keyed lock, combination lock, or any other type of lock known to one skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, security mechanism406is configured to provide independent release of linkage member401the connection member403, such that a user can elect to release just linkage member401, just connection member403, or both.

FIG. 8depicts an embodiment of the invention in use and attached to a structure.

The size of each part of the present invention may be adjusted by one skilled in the art to permit the flexible receiving bag100to be suspended above the ground or to have the bottom of the flexible receiving bag100rest on the ground; such sizing features permit for easier usage by a postal carrier or delivery person, as they can be tailored to reduce the need to bend over to access the bag as well as maximize the carrier's or delivery person's efficiency in closing the bag by permitting zipping of zipper mechanism105and engagement of slider107with locking receiver104to take place in a single movement or be accomplished with a single hand.

Use of the Invention

Fully Removable Form

In one embodiment, a method of use of the invention is as follows: a user unzips zipper mechanism105by moving slider107from the second end of zipper mechanism105to the first end of zipper mechanism105, in order to provide access to an internal chamber or storage pouches of flexible receiving bag100. Then the user connects the lower portion211of removable connection device200to flexible receiving bag100via retaining mechanism103, the user then attaches the invention to a door or other structure by connecting lower portion211to upper portion210via locking element201around a doorknob, knocker, rail, or other similar protrusion from a door or structure, or through an opening in the same. Upon arrival of the postal carrier or delivery person, a package is placed within the internal chamber of flexible receiving bag100, and the carrier or delivery person then advances the slider107from first end of zipper mechanism105towards the second end of zipper mechanism105, upon reaching the second end of zipper mechanism105, slider107is reversibly engaged with locking receiver104, locking the zipper mechanism105into a closed formation. The user may then return to the package receptacle at a convenient time and unlock the locking receiver104, move the slider107from the second end of the zipper mechanism105to the first end of the zipper mechanism105, thereby providing access to the internal chamber, and allowing for retrieval of the package from the package receptacle. The user may then unlock locking element201and separate upper portion210from lower portion211, and remove the invention from the door or structure to which it had been attached.

In an alternate embodiment, the user proceeds as above, however, instead of unzipping the zipper mechanism prior to attaching the lower portion211to flexible receiving bag200, the user first attaches lower portion211to flexible receiving bag200, then unzips zipper mechanism105, and then follows the remaining steps as set forth above.

In yet another embodiment, the user first connects the lower portion211to the flexible receiving bag200, then attaches the invention to the door or structure as described above, and then unzips the zipper mechanism105. The remaining steps remain unchanged.

In embodiments where the lower portion211is permanently affixed to the flexible receiving bag100, the step of connecting the lower portion211to the flexible receiving bag100as outlined above may be excised and the remainder of the steps may be undertaken as set forth in each of the examples above.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of the postal carrier or delivery person advancing the slider107to the second end of zipper mechanism105and reversibly engaging slider107and locking receiver104is carried out in single motion.

Partial Permanent Attachment Form

In one embodiment, a method of use of the invention is as follows: a user mounts the permanent fixture300to a structure, the user then feeds linkage member410through u-shaped mounting ring302. The user inserts the prongs of linkage member401into receptacles405and then inserts connection member403into receiving port407. User may have unlocked locking receiver104and unzipped zipper mechanism105at any point prior in the method or may elect to do so at this point. Upon arrival of the postal carrier or delivery person, a package is placed within the internal chamber of flexible receiving bag100, and the carrier or delivery person then advances the slider107from first end of zipper mechanism105towards the second end of zipper mechanism105, upon reaching the second end of zipper mechanism105, slider107is reversibly engaged with locking receiver104, locking the zipper mechanism105into a closed formation. The user may then return to the package receptacle at a convenient time and disconnect the flexible receiving bag100from permanent fixture300by engaging security mechanism406to either disconnect linkage member401or connection member403from lock device402. The package may be accessed by unlocking locking receiver104and unzipping zipper mechanism105; this step may be completed prior to, after, or in lieu of disconnecting the flexible receiving bag100from permanent fixture300. For all subsequent uses, the step of mounting permanent fixture300to a structure may be skipped.

In an alternate embodiment, the steps of inserting the prongs of linkage member401into receptacles405and inserting connection members403into receiving port407are reversed, such that the flexible receiving bag100is connected to lock device402prior to connecting lock device402to permanent fixture300.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of the postal carrier or delivery person advancing the slider107to the second end of zipper mechanism105and reversibly engaging slider107and locking receiver104is carried out in single motion.

The disclosure of each patent, patent application and publication cited or described in this document is hereby incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.

While the foregoing specification has been described with regard to certain preferred embodiments, and many details have been set forth for the purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, that the invention may be subject to various modifications and additional embodiments, and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Such modifications and additional embodiments are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.