Apparatus for securing a package

An apparatus for securing a package includes a flexible tear-resistant bag and an anchor system for securing the bag to a substrate. The bag includes a receptacle defining a package receiving space and a closure mechanism connected to the receptacle for selectively closing the receptacle. The anchor assembly includes a housing, a fastener, and an anchor securable to the substrate. The housing may be positioned in the package receiving space with the fastener extending through the housing and the receptacle and matingly received in the anchor. A door of the housing may be secured in a closed position to limit access to the fastener. In some embodiments, the bag of the apparatus may also be provided with an alarm system so if an unauthorized entry is attempted by cutting the tear-resistant bag the alarm system will emit an alerting signal.

BACKGROUND

The growth of online shopping and the increased efficiency of distribution and delivery systems have led to an increase in package deliveries. Even where products are not ordered using online methods, products are increasingly shipped from more centralized locations rather than being stocked at a larger number of widely distributed stores or warehouses. Customers order an increasing number of products and types of products for delivery to their home or business rather than visiting a local business in person to purchase the products.

Delivery of packages can be problematic, particularly to residential locations, for several reasons including: the recipient is not home or available to receive the package, packages left unattended may be subject to theft or environmental damage, package re-delivery is time consuming and costly, package return is costly and returned or undelivered packages often lead to unsatisfied customers. Package deliveries are often missed because no one is present to accept the package, because no one may answer the door to accept the package, because the recipient is at work, because the recipient is traveling, or for other reasons. If a package is left outside, it may not be picked up for an extended period if the recipient is traveling, is staying at another residence, and/or does not realize the package has been left. Shipping companies often leave door tags giving the recipient the option of scheduling a re-delivery or picking up the package or package at another location. Such options can be inconvenient, challenging, and frustrating for the recipient.

Recipients often try to plan orders ahead of time by estimating when the package containing the order will be delivered and attempting to coordinate delivery of the package with work or travel schedules. In addition, as automated and semi-automated methods of package shipping and delivery are explored, improved apparatuses, systems, and methods of package receipt will be necessary to realize the full advantages of these improved shipping and delivery methods.

It is the purpose of this disclosure to provide improved apparatuses and systems for delivery and receipt of packages to improve efficiencies, reduce costs for shipping companies, improve customer satisfaction, improve customer convenience, and support continued growth of e-commerce and online ordering activities. While many examples are described regarding delivery of packages to residential locations, the disclosed apparatuses and systems also apply to business locations, retail locations, and anywhere a package may be delivered. Even though many examples are described regarding delivery of packages, the disclosed apparatuses, systems, and methods may also be used when shipping a package and leaving it for pick up by a delivery service, shipping service, or courier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the disclosure, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction, experiments, exemplary data, and/or the arrangement of the components in the following description or illustrated in the drawings unless otherwise noted.

The systems and methods as described in the present disclosure are capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed is for description and should not be limiting.

As used in the description herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variations thereof, should cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, unless otherwise noted, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements, but may also include other elements not listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Further, unless stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive and not to an exclusive “or”. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by one of: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B is true (or present).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concept. This description should be read to include one or more, and the singular also includes the plural unless it is meant otherwise. Further, use of the term “plurality” conveys “more than one” unless stated to the contrary.

As used herein, any reference to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one example,” “for example,” or “an example” means that a particular element, feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase “in some embodiments” or “one example” in various places in the specification is not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, for example.

As used herein, the term “package” refers to any packages, parcel, box, or delivered item or items, including food delivery. The term “package” may include items delivered from a distance through a shipping company or items delivered directly by a local provider, such as a grocery delivery service from a local supermarket. As used herein, the term “package” may refer to boxes, packages, bags, envelopes, letters, papers, documents, gifts, delivered food, groceries, flowers, pharmaceuticals, books, magazines, newspapers, or any other item that might be delivered.

As used herein, the term “grommet” means any form of grommet, hard to cut metal ring or other suitable fabric reinforcing system or material.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly toFIGS. 1-3, shown is an apparatus10for securing a package, such as package18, constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed inventive concepts. The apparatus10includes a bag12and an anchor assembly14for securing the bag12to a substrate16. It is contemplated that the substrate16to which the apparatus10is secured is a material such as, for instance, concrete, stone, brick, or wood. It is to be understood that the term “secured” as used herein refers to items being connected, attached, or affixed in any format without limitation.

The bag12has a flexible, tear-resistant receptacle20that defines a package receiving space22. The tear-resistant receptacle20is provided with a first opening24, a second opening26, and a closure mechanism28connected to the flexible, tear-resistant bag12for selectively closing the first opening24. The tear-resistant receptacle12may be provided with a grommet27for reinforcing the second opening26.

The tear-resistant receptacle20may be provided with an outer layer of material30and an inner layer of material32. The outer and inner layers of material30and32may be fabricated from any flexible material ordinarily utilized in constructing bags meant to be in an outdoor environment, such as vinyl and canvas, so the tear-resistant receptacle12provides the package18secured inside with protection from the elements.

The tear-resistant receptacle12further includes at least one layer of flexible, tear-resistant material interposed between the outer layer of material30and the inner layer of material32. The flexible, tear-resistant material that forms the tear-resistant receptacle20can be fabricated from any flexible, lightweight material having a high tensile strength and a high cut resistance. A suitable tear-resistant material may be fabricated of a manmade, organic fiber sold under the trademark “KEVLAR” by E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc.

The tear-resistant receptacle20is illustrated inFIG. 2as including a first layer of tear-resistant material34, a second layer of tear-resistant material36, and a third layer of tear-resistant material38. To increase penetration resistance of the tear-resistant receptacle20, the pattern of fabric weave of the first layer of tear-resistant material34may be rotated approximately ninety degrees relative to the pattern of fabric weave of the second layer of tear-resistant material36. Likewise, the pattern of fabric weave of the third layer of tear-resistant material38may be rotated approximately ninety degrees relative to the pattern of fabric weave of the second layer of tear-resistant material36. The tear-resistant receptacle20may be sized, shaped, formed, adapted, or molded into any configuration necessary to adequately attached to the substrate16and cover and protect packages.

The closure mechanism28may be any closure mechanism for securing a receptacle known in the art. By way of non-limiting example, the closure mechanism28may be a lockable double-layer security zipper, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,793,847 issued Aug. 5, 2014, or the closure mechanism28may be provided with an integrated locking mechanism such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,661,861 issued Mar. 4, 2014; each of these patents are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other exemplary integrated locking mechanisms may also be those used in security bags, such as the locking security bag model no. 7120D manufactured by Master Lock Company, LLC.

It will be appreciated that closure mechanisms are well known in the art. As such, no further description of the components, construction, or operation of the closure mechanism28is believed necessary for one skilled in the art to understand and implement the bag12of the present disclosure.

To secure the closure mechanism28when an integrated locking mechanism is not provided, the apparatus10for securing a package may be provided with a locking mechanism29. The locking mechanism29may be any lock known in the art such as a padlock, combination lock, or cable lock, for instance, that pass through aligned openings in the lockable double-layer zipper to secure the closure mechanism28in a closed position.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism29may be an electronic lock that may be opened using one or more close proximity electromagnetic communication devices, such as an NFC, RFID, or Bluetooth transceiver or by entering an access code, for instance. The electronic lock may be configured to grant selective access to the package receiving space22of the bag12to provide temporary access to one or more delivery services such as, for instance, United Parcel Service, U.S. Postal Service, or Fed Ex., to allow a delivery person to open the bag12to secure a package inside. When a delivery is scheduled, the user may provide a one-time-use access code, for instance, to the delivery service that allows the delivery person to open the electronic lock and access the package receiving space22of the bag12.

Use of the electronic lock has the further advantage of allowing more than one package to be secured in the package receiving space22. For instance, when delivery is expected from more than one delivery service on the same day, the user may provide temporary access to each delivery service. A first delivery service may secure a first package inside the bag12. A second delivery service may deliver a second package by using an electronic device, for instance, to open the electronic lock and place the second package in the bag12with the first package and re-secure the bag12.

The integrated locking mechanisms described above may be electronic locks which operate and provide the advantages as described herein.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 4, the anchor assembly14includes a housing40, a fastener52, and an anchor60. The anchor assembly14may further be provided with a washer51.

The housing40of the anchor assembly14defines a cavity42and is provided with a first opening44, a second opening46, a door48for selectively closing the first opening44, and a locking mechanism50.

The locking mechanism50of the housing40selectively secures the door48of the housing40in a closed position relative to the housing40. The locking mechanism50may be constructed in a conventional manner. It will be appreciated that locking mechanisms are well known in the art. No further description of the components, construction, or operation of the locking mechanism50is believed necessary for one skilled in the art to understand and implement the anchor assembly14of the present invention.

The fastener52is provided with a shaft54and a head56. The fastener52may be constructed in a conventional manner. It will be appreciated that fasteners are well known in the art. No further description of the components, construction, or operation of the fastener52is believed necessary for one skilled in the art to understand and implement the anchor assembly14of the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

In embodiments of the anchor assembly14that include the washer51, the head56of the fastener52may be positioned in contact with the washer51with the shaft54extending through an aperture53of the washer51, the second opening46of the housing40, and the second opening26of the tear-resistant receptacle20.

The anchor60is provided with a recess62configured to matingly receive the shaft54of the fastener52. The anchor60may be a type that is securable to exemplary substrates such as concrete, stone, brick, or wood, for instance. By way of non-limiting example and for illustration only, the anchor60inFIG. 3is shown secured in a concrete slab forming substrate16. Anchor60may be of a type that may be secured to the substrate16either during installation of the substrate16or retro-fit into an existing substrate using means known in the art. It will be appreciated that anchors are well known in the art. No further description of the components, construction, or operation of the anchor60is believed necessary for one skilled in the art to understand and implement the anchor assembly14of the present invention.

To use the apparatus10, the anchor60is secured in the substrate16. When a package is expected, a user secures the bag12to the substrate16using the anchor assembly14. The housing40of the anchor assembly14is positioned in the package receiving space22of the tear-resistant receptacle20with the second opening46of the housing40aligned with the second opening26of the tear-resistant receptacle20and the recess62of the anchor60. The head56of the fastener52is positioned in the cavity42of the housing40with the shaft54extending through the second opening46of the housing40and the second opening26of the tear-resistant receptacle20and matingly received in the recess62of the anchor60to secure the bag12to the substrate16. Once the bag12has been secured to the substrate16, the door48of the housing40is closed and locked to limit access to the head56of the fastener52. When a package is delivered, the delivery person places the package in the package receiving space22and closes the first opening24by securing the closure mechanism28.

When the apparatus10is not in use, the bag12and the anchor assembly14(minus the anchor60secured in the substrate16) may be stored, for instance, in the house or garage. When the apparatus10is not in use the only element that may remain exposed is the anchor60secured to the substrate16.

Referring now toFIG. 5, shown is an alarm assembly100. The alarm assembly100is provided with a first conductor plate102, a second conductor plate104, a power supply106, and an alarm system108which includes an alerting signal emitter, such as a speaker110. The alarm system108can be any conventional battery-powered alarm system such as those used for automobiles, for instance. The power supply106may be any conventional battery such as a car battery, for instance. The power supply106may be located anywhere appropriate within the package receiving space22or even within the housing40, making it difficult for a would-be thief or vandal to disable the alarm system108.

FIG. 6illustrates another embodiment of an alarm assembly120similar to the alarm assembly100, except that the alarm assembly120has a backup power supply122, such as a 12 volt battery, to provide an element of redundancy if disconnection occurs or malfunction of the power supply106. The backup power supply122may be located anywhere appropriate within the package receiving space22or even within the housing40, making it difficult for a would-be thief or vandal to disable the alarm system108of the apparatus10for securing a package.

Each of the first and second conductor plates102and104of the alarm assembly100is fabricated of a sheet of flexible, electric conducting material, such as aluminum or copper. To increase the durability of the first and second conductor plates102and104to ensure that the first and second conductor plates102and104are sufficiently durable to withstand repeated folding and unfolding from the opening and closing of the bag12, each of the first and second conductor plates102and104may be coated with a protective film. A suitable protective film is sold under the trademark MYLAR by E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. A suitable material for use as the first and second conductor plates102and104is commercially available from Arlon Engineered Laminates and Coating, 199 Amaral Street, East Providence, R.I.

The first and second conductor plates102and104are sized, shaped, adapted, formed, or molded to substantially correspond to the size and shape of the outer and inner layers of material30and32and the first, second and third layers of tear resistance material34,36, and38. The first and second conductor plates102and104are preferably assembled with one of the first, second, or third sheets of tear resistance material34,36, and38positioned between the first and second conductor plates102and104to electrically insulate the first conductor plate102from the second conductor plate104. However, the protective film of the first and second conductor plates102and104can be utilized as an insulator which allows the first and second conductor plates102and104to be positioned adjacent to each other at low voltage levels without electrically shorting. It will also be appreciated that any other suitable insulating material can electrically insulate the first conductor plate102from the second conductor plate104.

With the first and second conductor plates102and104incorporated into the tear-resistant receptacle20, the first conductor plate102is electrically isolated from ground and electrically connected to the alarm system108, while the second conductor plate104is electrically grounded. The first and second conductor plates102and104are electrically insulated so upon an electrical conducting implement, such as a knife or screwdriver, piercing the outer layer of material30, the first conductor plate102, and the first layer of tear-resistant material34, and contacting the second conductor plate104, an electrical connection is established between the first conductor plate102and the second conductor plate104causing the alarm system108to emit an alerting signal via the speaker110.

If an unauthorized entry is attempted by cutting the tear-resistant receptacle20, the person attempting such entry will discover that the apparatus10for securing a package is difficult to penetrate with any sharp object, almost impossible to tear or cut, and the alarm system108will sound. If the would-be thief attempts to disconnect the power supply106to disable the alarm assembly108it will be to no avail because the apparatus10for securing a package can also include the backup power supply122. Because the first conductor plate102is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply106, if the thief is electrically grounded, the alarm system108will emit an alerting signal when the implement contacts the first conductor plate102without the necessity of contacting the second conductor plate104.

While the apparatus10for securing a package has been described above as having two layers of conducting plates102and104and three layers of tear-resistant material34,36, and38, those skilled in the art will recognize that additional layers of tear-resistant material can be removed or added to the apparatus10for securing a package to alter its resistance to tear. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7, a sufficient number of layers of tear-resistant material can be added to make the tear-resistant receptacle20substantially impenetrable. These additional layers are identified by the reference numeral130inFIG. 7.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that an apparatus for securing a package can be constructed that includes the tear-resistant properties discussed above, but does not include the alarm assembly100or120. Similarly, an apparatus for securing a package can be constructed that includes the alarm assembly100or120, but which is not tear-resistant. And those skilled in the art will readily recognize that while the apparatus10for securing a package has been described with a bag12forming the tear-resistant receptacle20, a tear-resistant receptacle of the apparatus10for securing a package can readily be sized, shaped, and adapted into a variety of sizes and shapes to define the package receiving space22.

From the above description, the inventive concepts disclosed are well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned and those inherent in the inventive concepts disclosed. While exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed have been described for this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the scope and coverage of the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed.