Patent Publication Number: US-2023157471-A1

Title: Device for securing temperature sensitive packages

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure relates to package securing devices. Specifically, this disclosure relates to a device for securing temperature sensitive packages. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The home delivery market has expanded from receiving product packages to receiving packages that may include food, frozen items, cold items, perishable items or temperature sensitive items. Package and mail receiving system are well known in the art and are effective means to receive deliveries. For example,  FIG.  1    depicts a conventional system  101  having a mailbox  103  for receiving mail  105  therein. 
     In accordance, when being delivered, there residents or receivers can experience concerns with the integrity of these type of products especially when mail and packages are often commonly left for long periods of time prior to being retrieved. Most commonly, it is conventional for larger packages to be left on the porches or next to doors. In order to ensure that these items are able to be secured and be maintained for freshness, there is a need for a device that is not only able to secure a package, but also able to secure packages that are required to be in temperature-controlled environments. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the invention, provide significant advantages while overcoming the above-described and other disadvantages, as will now be described. 
     SUMMARY 
     Several embodiments for securing a temperature sensitive package are described herein. In one representative embodiment, a package securing device configured to secure temperature sensitive packages, is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of panels configured to form an enclosure for receiving one or more packages. At least one of the panels is configured to be secured to a fixed structure. Accordingly, when the set of scissor retractors are extended the enclosure is formed, and when retracted the plurality of panels are collapsible. The device includes a set of scissor retractors configured to extend and retract the plurality of panels. The device includes a locking handle positioned across the width of the enclosure, connecting the set of scissor retractors and configured to lock the scissor retractors in one or more extended positions relative to the shape of the received one or more package. The device includes a retractable cover configured to cover the enclosure relative to the size of the enclosure as formed by the scissor retractors. 
     In one embodiment, the enclosure is configured with a bottom panel in communication with a plurality of side panels, wherein the bottom panel is covered with a fabric configured to stretch to the size of the enclosure, based on an extended positioned of the set of scissor retractors. 
     In one embodiment, the set of scissor retractors configured to retract the plurality of panels to be flush with the fixed structure. 
     In one embodiment, the locking handle is configured to lock the movement of the set of scissor retractors in the extended position or the retracted position. 
     In one embodiment, the locking handle is configured to pull and tightens a fabric upper portion of a base panel configured to support the one or more packages resulting in the fabric comprising of a tight fit over the frames of the enclosure. 
     In one embodiment, the locking handle comprises of a locking mechanism that includes a piston elbow comprising a piston configured to fold and unfold the set of scissor retractors. The locking mechanism includes a piston cylinder configured to secure the positioning of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a plurality of serrated teeth secured to the piston configured to be in contact with a plurality of saw teeth of a ratchet, locking the set of scissor retractors into the one or more positions. The locking mechanism includes a solenoid configured to extend or retract the set of scissor retractors in the event that the system lacks power. 
     In one embodiment, the device further includes a controller. 
     In one embodiment, the controller is configured to extend or retract the set of scissor retractors upon activation by manual user interaction or a user equipment. 
     In one embodiment, the controller comprises one or more sensors configured to determine a position to lock the set of scissor retractors. 
     In one embodiment, the one or more sensors comprises an infrared red proximity sensor, or a camera sensor configured to record based on movement and the activation or deactivation of the set of scissor retractors caused by the controller. 
     In one embodiment, the controller comprises one or more LEDs comprising a red LED indicating an in use status, a yellow LED indicating an error or low battery status, and a green LED indicating a ready and lock not engaged status. 
     In one embodiment, the controller is configured to receive one or more commands from an application programming interface (API) operable via a user equipment. 
     In one embodiment, the API is configured to receive one or more instructions from a user includes activating the locking handle, deactivating the locking handle, and extending the cover. 
     In one embodiment, the one or more panels comprise of insulated walls configured to maintain a predetermined temperature. 
     This summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. 
     Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Disclosed herein are embodiments of a package delivery system. This description includes drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a front view of a common package delivery system, in accordance with an example; 
         FIG.  2    depicts a perspective view of a box locking system for temperature sensitive packages, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG.  3    depicts an open enclosure perspective view of the box locking system for temperature sensitive packages, in accordance with an example; 
         FIG.  4    depicts a retracted view of the box locking system for temperature sensitive packages, in accordance with an example; 
         FIG.  5    depicts another retracted view of the box locking system for temperature sensitive packages, in accordance with an example; 
         FIG.  6    depicts the locking mechanism of the box locking system, in accordance with an example; 
         FIG.  7    depicts another view of the locking mechanism of the box locking system, in accordance with an example; 
         FIG.  8    depicts the locking handle of the of the box locking system, in accordance with an example; 
         FIG.  9    depicts a fabric tensioning system of the base of the box locking system, in accordance with an example; and 
         FIG.  10    depicts a fabric tensioning bar of the cover of the box locking system, in accordance with an example. 
     
    
    
     Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. Certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein. 
     The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,  FIG.  2    depicts a perspective view of a box locking system for temperature sensitive packages  200 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that the system  200  overcomes one or more of the problems commonly associated with conventional package receiving systems. 
     In the contemplated embodiment, system  200  includes an enclosure  201  having a base  202  and a cover  207  configured to form an interior area that is positioned between the base  202  and the cover  207 . The enclosure  201  can be configured to comprise multiple shapes and sizes relative to the size of the packages and amount of items that will be secured within the enclosure  201 . The base  202  and cover  207  can secure together through any conventional means, such as snapping into place, clasps, locks, or the like. As shown in the current embodiment of  FIG.  2   , the system includes a locking handle  209  that is configured to secure the cover  207  to a plurality of panels  203 , that form walls, relative to the size of the base  202 . Thus, the enclosure  201  is formed based on the base  202  relative to the size of the cover  207 . 
     The locking handle  209  is positioned across the width of the base  202 , connecting a set of scissor retractors  205  on opposite sides of the enclosure  201  adjacent to each set of the plurality of panels  203 . The scissor retractors  205  are configured to be locked into position thus also locking the scissor retractors  205  in position when in an extended position by the locking handle  209 . The cover  207  can be formed by an insulating material that is formed of fabric or another material capable of insulating and maintaining the temperature needed within the inside of the enclosure  201 . Accordingly, the locking handle  209  is configured to be retractable, to pull and tighten the fabric of the cover  207  over the top of the enclosure  201 . The retractable scissors are configured to be secured to a deployment frame  206  from which the retractable scissors  205  are configured to extend from and retract towards. 
       FIG.  3    depicts an open enclosure perspective view of the box locking system  200  for temperature sensitive packages. The enclosure  201 , includes a bottom panel  211  in communication with a plurality of side panels, which is configured to receive one or more items or packages. The bottom panel  211  can be made of an insulated material that is configured to maintain a predetermined temperature to maintain the temperature of the items or packages within the enclosure  201 . The bottom panel  211  is covered with a fabric configured to stretch to the size of the enclosure  201 , based on an extended positioned of the set of scissor retractors  205 . 
     In one embodiment, the scissor retractors  205  are configured to extend from the deployment frame  206 , in a forward direction based on the size of the one or more packages within the enclosure  201 . As the scissor retractors  205  move forward, extending accordingly, the enclosure  201  is increases in volume until the determined size is reached. The bottom panel  211  is configured to have stretch properties, which allows the fabric to extend in size according to the bottom panels size that is created based on the increase in volume. The locking mechanism  206  is configured to be retained against the deployment panel  206  until the enclosure  201  is intended to be enclosed, securing and insulating at the predetermined temperature within the enclosure  201 . In some embodiments, the deployment panel can be secured to a fixed structure, and mounted on a commercial or residential building. 
     Once the enclosure  201  is ready to be covered, the cover  207 , attached to the locking handle  209 , is extended forward, in order to enclose the volume of the enclosure  201  until a front panel  213  of the enclosure  201  is reached. The front panel  213  is positioned based on the extension of the scissor retractors  205 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . The scissor retractors  205  are configured to extend as far as the retaining bar  210  of the device  200 . 
       FIG.  4    depicts a retracted view of the box locking system  200  for temperature sensitive packages. As shown, in  FIG.  4   , the locking handle  209  is configured to positioned in an up position adjacent to the deployment panel  206 . In the up position, the locking handle  209  allows the scissor retractors  205 , currently positioning the plurality of panels in a folded position, to be enabled to be unfolded by pulling on the retaining bar  210 . The retaining bar  210  is configured to be pulled forward, extending the scissor retractors  205 , to create an enclosure that allows one or more packages to be retained within. 
       FIG.  5    depicts another retracted view of the box locking system  200  for temperature sensitive packages. When the locking handle  209  is in the down position, the device is de-energized, and the system is locked. Thus, the scissor retractors  205  are unable to be retracted. In one embodiment, the positioned of the locking handle  209  in a downward position also deactivates one or more motors that are configured to motorize the one or more scissor retractors  205 . 
       FIG.  6    depicts the locking mechanism  215  of the box locking system  200 . The locking mechanism  215  is positioned on the front scissor of the scissor retractors  205 , and in communication with the locking handle  209 . The locking mechanism includes piston scissors that moves the piston elbow  219  when unfolding or closing the front scissor of the scissor retractors. The piston elbow  219  itself, is configured to move the piston  223 . The piston  223 , enclosed within the piston cylinder  221 , has serrated teeth so that a ratchet  225  can lock the piston in position relative to the size of the scissor retractors  205 . The ratchet  225  itself has saw teeth, as shown in  FIG.  7   , that fit the piston saw teeth, enabling them to lock the ratchet  225  in the proper scissor position relative to the size of the package. The ratchet  225  is connected to a solenoid  227 . The solenoid  227  is configured to extend when there isn’t any power that is associated with the locking mechanism. If the ratchet  225  is pressed, the piston will be locked, preventing the scissor retractors  205  from movement, in reaction to the tem of the solenoid being extended. If the stem of the solenoid is retracted, the solenoid is energized, resulting in the piston being released, which allows the scissor retractors  205  to regain movement capability. 
       FIG.  8    depicts the locking handle  209  of the of the box locking system  200 . The locking handle  209  is configured to house the entire controller mechanism that can comprise of a central controller  235 . The central controller  235  is configured to control and operate the entire control mechanism, a plurality of sensors, and a plurality of LEDs that are inserted in the central compartment. The control mechanism  235  is configured to be secured to the locking handle  209  by one or more securing devices such as screws. 
       FIG.  9    depicts a fabric tensioning system  237  of the base of the box locking system  200 . The fabric tensioning system  237  is configured to be implemented within the base of the box locking system. The fabric tensioning system  237  is configured to include a plurality of longitudinal grooves  239  that are used to insert double stretch fabrics, while also applying tension, to ensure security of the items inside the enclosure. The longitudinal grooves  239  can be positioned on one or more structural elements or the panels of the enclosure, in order to ensure that the proper tension and securing is provided to the fabric of the base. 
       FIG.  10    depicts a fabric tensioning bar  241  of the cover of the box locking system  200 . The fabric tensioning bar  241  is configured to retain the fabric of the cover at one end, creating tension that as the cover is pulled forward to cover the enclosure, consistent and secure tension is applied to the entire area of the cover. Regardless of the size of the enclosure and the cover, the cover can be stretched to multiple lengths of the enclosure as formed by the set of scissor retractors, in order to ensure that the cover creates a seal over the top portion of the panels of the enclosure, resulting in a maintained predetermined temperature. 
     Example embodiments having thus been described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the intended spirit and scope of example embodiments, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. 
     Although the present invention has been described in terms of various embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to these embodiments. Modification within the spirit of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or modified when forming the invention herein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope and intent of the invention and are not to be considered limiting in any manner. While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.