Patent Publication Number: US-11659948-B2

Title: Mail receptacle with variable carrier and receiver access points

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/056,477, filed Jul. 24, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention generally relates to receptacles for receiving objects while preventing unauthorized access to the received objects, and more specifically to delivery receptacles for receiving parcels and packages that have variable relative carrier and receiver access points. The receptacle may be formed of multiple attachable pieces in order to reduce the size of shipping containers in which the attachable pieces may be shipped by delivery services, such as the United States Postal Service (USPS), Federal Express, United Parcel Service (UPS), or other private carriers and delivery services, and the like. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This present invention is directed to a delivery receptacle that provides flexibility in how it is installed to provide the using parties different receptacle access points to suit the particular application. There are generally two parties who use delivery receptacles; 1) the party who delivers the item(s) being delivered (a deliverer, or courier), and 2) the recipient of the delivered item, or receiver. The point of desired receptacle access may differ for each party. This invention provides these parties flexibility in how they access the receptacle, depending on various factors, such as physical constraints of the installation location, proximity to roadways, relative positioning of sidewalks and paths, and installation into column, walls or fences. In this concept, the receptacle can be installed giving the courier one access point (e.g., deliver to the top front of the receptacle), and the receiver another access point (e.g., retrieve from the bottom rear of the receptacle). The same receptacle can be adjusted to accommodate other access points at the time of assembly and/or installation and/or even after assembly and/or installation, including during use, such that it not be pre-configured at the time of manufacture and held static at installation. 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an innovative delivery receptacle for receiving objects (such as parcels and mail) deposited into the receptacle and securely storing them once deposited, which also allows the relative position of a delivery door for a delivering party (e.g., a courier or other deliverer) to deposit the objects in the receptacle, and an access opening often covered by a door for a receiving party (recipient) to remove the objects, while also often restricting access to the deposited objects after they are deposited into the receptacle. The receptacle may be a stand-alone receptacle or it may be a structure mounted unit (such as installation in a wall or other supporting structure). 
     The invention provides a receptacle for receiving and securing an object, comprising a housing including; i) a first section having an input opening located on a first side of the first section for receiving an object being deposited into the receptacle, and ii) a separate second section forming a storage compartment for receiving and securely storing an object deposited into the receptacle. A delivery door is located on the first side of the first section, with the delivery door rotatable between a closed position in which the delivery door blocks the input opening and an open position in which the delivery door allows access through the input opening to place an object into the receptacle and allow the object to enter into the storage compartment. An access opening is located on a first side of the second section and is configured to provide access to the storage compartment for removing objects deposited into the receptacle. An access door mounted on the first side of the second section rotatable between a closed position in which the access door blocks the access opening and an open position in which the access door allows access into the storage compartment for retrieving an object in the storage compartment. The first section and the second section are configured such that they can be positioned rotationally about a substantially vertical axis at different angular positions relative to each other to allow the input opening and the access opening to be located at different angular positions relative to each other while still allowing an object deposited through the access opening to enter into the storage compartment and be stored in the storage compartment. 
     Further and alternative aspects and features of the disclosed principles will be appreciated from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. As will be appreciated, the principles disclosed herein are capable of being carried out in other and different embodiments, and capable of being modified in various respects. Accordingly, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and do not restrict the scope of the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of one embodiment of the inventive receptacle in a first orientation with the delivery door and the access opening covered by a door in the closed condition. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of one embodiment of the inventive receptacle in a first orientation with the delivery door in the open condition and the access opening covered by a door in the closed condition. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of one embodiment of the inventive receptacle in a first orientation with the delivery door removed to show the interior of the receptacle and connection between the upper section and lower section. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective detail view of one embodiment of a connector for attaching the upper section to the lower section with the connector in the open condition as called out in lead line  4  of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective detail view of one embodiment of a connector for attaching the upper section to the lower section with the connector in the closed or locked condition as called out in lead line  5  of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  6    is a cross sectional view of the connector of  FIG.  5    taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a second or bottom section of one embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is an exploded perspective detail of a portion of a connector in  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    is a cross sectional view of a portion of a connector in  FIG.  7    taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  10    is an exploded view of one embodiment of the receptacle in a first orientation. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of one embodiment of the receptacle in a first orientation. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of one embodiment of the receptacle in a second orientation with the door to the access opening in the open condition. 
         FIG.  13 A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the inventive receptacle in a first orientation with the delivery door and the access opening covered by a door in the closed condition. 
         FIG.  13 B  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the inventive receptacle in a second orientation with the delivery door and the access opening covered by a door in the closed condition. 
         FIG.  14 A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the inventive receptacle in a second orientation with the delivery door in the open condition and the access opening covered by a door in the closed condition. 
         FIG.  14 B  is a cross sectional side view of a second embodiment of the inventive receptacle in a second orientation taken along line  14 B- 14 B of  FIG.  14 A . 
         15 A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the inventive receptacle in a second orientation with the delivery door in the partially open condition and the access opening covered by a door in the closed condition. 
         15 B is a cross sectional side view of a second embodiment of the inventive receptacle in a second orientation taken along line  15 B- 15 B of  FIG.  15 A . 
         FIG.  16 A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the inventive receptacle in a second orientation with the delivery door and the access opening covered by a door in the closed condition similar to  FIG.  13 B . 
         16 B is a cross sectional side view of a second embodiment of the inventive receptacle in a second orientation taken along line  16 B- 16 B of  FIG.  16 A . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein, are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims. The terms configured and configuration may be used herein to refer to a specified arrangement, or a structural size and shape. 
     In one embodiment, as best shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3 ,  7 , and  10 - 12   , a receptacle  100  for receiving and securing an object comprises a housing  102 . The housing  102  includes, i) a first or top section  104  having an input opening  108  located on a first side  112  of the first or top section  104  for receiving an object being deposited into the receptacle  100  and ii) a separate second or bottom section  106  forming a storage compartment  107  for receiving and securely storing an object deposited into the receptacle  100 . The second or bottom section  106  may also include an access opening  117  and access door  114 . In one embodiment, the first section  104  with the input opening  108  and delivery door  110  is positioned on top of the second section  106  having the access opening  117  and access door  114 . However, other embodiments with the second section  106  positioned above or beside the first section  104  are also contemplated by the invention as will be more fully described later. 
     The receptacle  100  has a delivery door  110  located on the first side  112  of the first or top section  104 . The delivery door  110  is rotatable between a closed position (as shown in  FIG.  1   ) in which the delivery door  110  blocks the input opening  108 , and an open position (see  FIG.  2   ) in which the delivery door  110  allows access through the input opening  108  to place an object into the receptacle  100  and from which the object then enters into the storage compartment  107 . In one embodiment, the delivery door pivots on a horizontal axis  111 . 
     The second or bottom section  106  has an access opening  117  and access door  114  located on a first side  116  of the bottom section  106 . The access door  114  is configured to provide access to the storage compartment  107  for removing objects deposited into the receptacle  100 . In one embodiment, the access door  114  has a vertical hinge  113  and an access door lock  115  to lock and unlock the access door  114  to control authorized access. 
     The first section  104  and the second section  106  are configured such that they can be positioned rotationally about a substantially vertical axis at different angular positions relative to each other to allow the delivery door  110  and the access door  114  to be located at different angular positions relative to each other while still allowing an object deposited through the delivery door  110  to enter into the storage compartment  107  and be securely stored in the storage compartment  107 .  FIGS.  11  and  12    show two relative angular positions of the first section  104  and the second section  106 .  FIG.  11    shows a configuration in which the first section  104  and second section  106  are positioned such that the delivery door  110  and access door  114  are both positioned on the same side of the receptacle  100 .  FIG.  12    shows the second section  106  rotationally positioned such that the access door  114  is located substantially behind the delivery door  110 , i.e., delivery door  110  and access door  114  are positioned on opposite sides of the receptacle  100  or 180° from each other. Hence, if the position of the delivery door  110  is defined as the front of the receptacle  100 , then the access door  114  is at the rear of the receptacle  100 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 12   , the first section  104  and second section  106  have substantially square shapes (i.e., length of the sides are equal about a vertical axis), including at their connection interface. Accordingly, there are four different relative angular positions of the first section  104  and second section  106 , and the corresponding input opening  108  and delivery door  110  on one hand and access opening  117  and access door  114 , on the other hand including: 
     the access door  114  substantially vertically aligned with delivery door  110 ; 
     the access door  114  located to the right of the delivery door  110  (i.e. 90° to the right); 
     the access door  114  located to the left of the delivery door  110  (i.e. 90° to the left); and 
     the access door  114  located substantially behind the delivery door  110  (i.e. 180° from the delivery door  110 ). 
     If the delivery door  110  is positioned at a front of the receptacle  100 , then these positions can be described as: 
     the access door  114  positioned at the front of the receptacle  100  such that it is substantially vertically aligned with the delivery door  110 ; 
     the access door  114  angularly positioned about 90° to the right of the delivery door  110 ; 
     the access door  114  angularly positioned about 90° to the left of the delivery door  110 ; and 
     the access door  114  angularly positioned at a back of the receptacle  100  at about 180° of the delivery door  110 . 
     In another aspect, the first section  104  and second section  106  may be substantially rectangular shape (one example is the square shape, described herein). For a rectangular shape that is not a square, there are only two different relative angular positions of the first section  104  and second section  106 . A first position in which the access door  114  and delivery door  110  are aligned on the same side of the receptacle  100 , and a second position in which the access door  114  and delivery door  110  are on opposite sides of the receptacle  100  (i.e., front and back). 
     In another embodiment of a receptacle  100 , the first section  104  and the second section  106  are configured such that they can be positioned rotationally at different relative angular positions about the vertical axis substantially continuously from 0° to 360°. For example, the first section  104  and second section  106  may have substantially circular shapes at least at their connection interface, so that the first section  104  and second section  106  can be positioned rotationally at any relative angular position. Alternatively, the first section  104  and second section  106  may have mating interfaces which allow them to be positioned rotationally at any relative angular position, such as respective circular interfaces formed in, or coupled to, each of the first section  104  and second section  106 . 
     In another aspect of one embodiment of the receptacle  100 , the first section  104  has a bottom portion  120  and the second section  106  has a top portion  122 . The bottom portion  120  of the first section  104  and the top portion  122  of the second section  106  are configured to securely attach to each other via an interface  124  at each of the different angular positions of the first section  104  and second section  106  relative to each other. In still another aspect, the bottom portion  120  of the first section  104  and the top portion  122  of the second section  106  have a substantially rectangular shape at the interface. In yet another aspect, the bottom portion  120  of the first section  104  and the top portion  122  of the second section  106  may have a substantially polygonal shape at the interface  124 . In still another aspect, the bottom portion  120  of the first section  104  and the top portion  122  of the second section  106  may have a substantially circular shape at the interface  124 . 
     In another aspect, the receptacle  100  may further comprise an extender section (not shown) configured to be positioned between, and to attach to, the first section  104  and the second section  106 . The extender section has an interior open space to allow an object to pass from the first section  104 , through the extender section, and into the storage compartment  107  of the second section  106 . The extender section may be configured to securely attach to at least one of the first section  104  and second section  106  at different angular positions relative to the at least one of the first section  104  and second section  106  to allow the first section  104  and second section  106  to be positioned rotationally at the different angular positions relative to each other. The extender section may be attached to one or both of the first section  104  or second section  106  to allow the first section  104  to swivel with respect to the second section. The amount of rotation of the swivel may be fixed during use, or allowed to continue during use of the receptacle  100 . Both of the attachment points to the first section  104  and second section  106  may be configured to reduce water ingress into the storage compartment  107 . 
     In still another aspect, the receptacle  100  is configured such that the first section  104  and second section  106  can be shipped separately in respective shipping containers or parcels that do not require oversize shipping surcharges. For instance, United Parcel Service (UPS) charges an oversize surcharge for parcels having a length plus girth (where girth is defined as=(2×width)+(2×height) exceeding 118 inches. Similarly United States Postal Service (USPS) charges an oversize surcharge for parcels having a length+girth (length=the longest dimension and girth=the distance around thickest part of parcel) exceeding 108 inches. And Federal Express charges an oversize surcharge for parcels having a length+girth exceeding 130 inches. Thus, the first section  104  and second section  106  may each be configured to be shipped in separate parcels not exceeding one or more of these oversize parcel limitations. 
     In yet another aspect, the angular position of the first section  104  relative to the second section  106  can be adjusted while the first section  104  remains attached to the second section  106  in order to adjust the angular position of the delivery door  110  relative to the access door  114 . For example, an embodiment having a first section  104  and second section  106  having a circular shape or a circular interface  124  with the bottom portion  120  of the first section  104  rotatably captured by the top portion  122  of the second section  106  or vice versa. In this embodiment, the first section  104  may pivot or swivel about a vertical axis extending through the second section  106  while attached to the second section. Alternatively, a non-circular embodiment, such as the rectangular (e.g., square) shape described herein may also be configured to allow the first section  104  and second section  106  to be rotated relative to one another using a rotational interface  124  that may be hidden from outside view. In these embodiments, the interface must have an interior opening to allow packages to travel from the input opening  108  to the storage area  107 . 
     In another aspect, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS.  3 ,  7 , and  10   , the first section  104  may be detachable from the second section  106  using one or more releasable or removable fasteners  126 . In addition, the receptacle  100  may be configured such that the first section  104  may be detached from the second section  106  in order to adjust the angular position of the first section  104  relative to the second section  106  in order to adjust the angular position of the delivery door  110  relative to the access door  114 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 - 9   , the fasteners  126  may be clips  128  attached to the first section  104  which act as a latch  130  to releasably clip onto a catch  140  mounted on an inwardly extending ledge  138  on the upper portion  122  of the second section  106 . Preferably, the ledge  138  has an inwardly extending substantially horizontal section  142  terminating in a more upstanding inwardly sloped vertical section  144 . In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion of the first section  104  has an inwardly extending lip  146 . Upon assembly, the lip  146  nests onto the ledge  138  to reduce the possibility of rain or moisture from entering the storage compartment  107  from outside the receptacle  100 . As seen in  FIG.  6   , the ledge horizontal section  142  may have an aperture  148  aligned with an aperture  150  in the lip  146 . A pin or plug  152  associated with the catch  140  may extend upwardly through the ledge aperture  148  and the lip aperture  150  to assist in aligning the upper section  104  with the lower section  106  during assembly. In embodiments in which quick release fasteners  126  are not utilized, the aligned apertures  148  and  150  may be used to accept rivets or bolts or other threaded fasteners to enable the attachment of the first section  104  to the second section  106 . In another embodiment, the first section  104  and the second section  106  may be more permanently attached as, for example, by welding. In another embodiment, one of the ledge horizontal section  142  and lip  146  may have a protrusion, such as a post, nub or dimple. The other of the horizontal section  142  and lip  146  may have a coordinating recess or aperture for aid in aligning the first section  104  to the second section  106  during assembly. 
     Various suitable fasteners or fastening systems may be utilized. In another aspect, the one or more fasteners are quick-release fasteners  126  in order to allow the first section  104  and second section  106  to be quickly and easily attached and detached. In one embodiment, the releasable fasteners  126  comprise a clip  128  preferably made of a resilient plastic that rotates about a horizontal axis  132  defined by a pin  134 . The pin is held in place on the lip  146  at the bottom of the first section  104  by a bracket  136  that is suitably affixed to the lip  146  and bottom portion of the first section  104  for example by welding. The clip  128  has an aperture  154  near its proximate end  164  that allows it to rotate from an open condition as seen in  FIG.  4    to a closed or locked condition as seen in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , in which the first section  104  is releasably secured to the second section  106 . A main body portion  156  of the clip extends between the proximate end  164  and a distal end  166 . The very distal end  166  has a handle  160  to manipulate the clip  128  to rotate it about the axis  132 . A tongue  158  extends generally transversely from the body  156  of the clip to cooperate with the catch  140  (see  FIGS.  5  and  6   ) for attachment. The tongue  158  may have a nub  170  that cooperates with a notch  172  on the catch  140  to enhance the security of the attachment. The security of the attachment may be further enhanced by a retainer  162  extending from the body  156  of the clip  128  and through an elongated aperture  168  in the ledge vertical section  144 . 
     The catch  140  may also be made of resilient material. In one embodiment, it is held onto the ledge  138  by pins  174  that extend through apertures  176  in the vertical section  144  on either side of aperture  168 . The catch  140  may be held in place by an interference fit between the pins  174  and apertures  176  by a nut  178  secured to the pin  174 . 
     In a further aspect of the invention, the latch portion  130  of the releasable fastener  126  includes a means  180  for maintaining the clip  128  in the open condition as seen in  FIG.  4    until it is desired to attach the first section  104  of the receptacle  100  to the second section  106 . In one embodiment, the bracket  136  may include at least one inwardly extending dimple  182  that cooperates with the side of the resilient clip  128  to releasably retain the clip  128  in the open condition during shipment and initial assembly. Once the first section  104  and second section  106  are positioned with the input opening  108  and the access door  114  in the desired orientation, the assembler can access the releasable fasteners  126  through the access door  114  and rotate the clips  128  into a locked condition. It can be appreciated that it is undesirable for the clips to be dangling below the lip  146  during shipment to reduce the total volume of the upper section  104  to minimize shipping costs as well as protect the clips  128  from possible damage. In another aspect of the invention, the releasable fasteners may be accessible from outside of the receptacle  100 . In a further aspect, the clips  128  may be pivotally attached to the lower section  106 . 
     In still another aspect, the receptacle  100  may further include adjustable leveling feet  125  disposed on a bottom of the second section  106 . For instance, four leveling feet, one at each corner of the second section  106 , may be utilized. In a further aspect, the second section  106  may be pivotally mounted on a base to allow the top  104  and bottom  106  sections to pivot together about a vertical axis. In still another aspect, the input opening  108  and delivery door  110  may be associated with the second section  106  and the access opening  117  and access door  114  associated with the upper section  104 . 
     In yet another aspect, at least one of the first section  104  and the second section  106  is installed into a structure such as a fence  196  (as shown in  FIG.  12   ) or a wall, so that the structure supports the at least one of the first section  104  and second section  106 .  FIG.  12    shows one such embodiment in which the first section  104  and second section  106  are both installed into a fence  196 , with the first side  112  of the upper section  104  and delivery door  110  facing the public or street side of the fence  196  and the first side  116  of the second section  106  and access door  114  facing the private or house side of the fence  196 . 
     In still another aspect, the first section  104  and second section  106  may both be installed in a structure such as a wall or a column in spaced apart relation to one another. The structure has an interior open space to allow an object to pass from the first section  104 , through the interior open space of the structure, and into the storage compartment  107  of the second section  106 . Since the receptacle may be mounted in many varied locations and structures, it can be appreciated that the upper section  104  may be pivotable about the lower section  106  in other axes than a vertical axis. 
     The receptacle  100  may also have one or more cameras  184 , and or other sensors, and a communications device for transmitting video from the cameras  184  to a monitoring system, such as a computer (e.g., a local monitoring system at the location of the receptacle  100 , and/or a remote monitoring system, such as a security company system or the internet of things) for monitoring the receptacle  100 . A camera  184  may be located on first side  112  of the first section  104  just below the roof or top  198 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   . The camera  184 , or another camera  184 , may be located in a delivery drum  190  rotatably coupled to the housing  102 . A camera  184  or other sensor may also be located in the storage compartment  107  in order to detect when an object is stored in the storage compartment  107 . 
     The receptacle  100  may also include a secure delivery door system  186  disposed in the first section  104 . The delivery door system  186  is configured to allow a deliverer to deposit an object into the receptacle  100 , while preventing access to the storage compartment  107  through the input opening  108 . In one embodiment, the delivery door system  186  may comprise a lower extension (not shown) to the delivery door  110  that rotates into the first section  104  to restrict access to the storage compartment as the upper portion of the delivery door  110  is rotated away from the first section  104 . 
     In another embodiment, the secure delivery door system  186  comprises a delivery drum  190  which is mechanically coupled by a linking mechanism  188  to the delivery door  110 . In one embodiment, the linking mechanism comprises a first gear  192  fixed to the  140  delivery drum and a second gear  194  fixed to the delivery door  110 . The first gear mates with the second gear such that rotation of the first gear in the first rotational direction causes the second gear to rotate in the opposite rotational direction. The linking mechanism  144  is configured such that rotation of the delivery door  110  in a first rotational direction between the open position and the closed position causes the drum to rotate in an opposite rotational direction (a second rotational direction) between a loading position and an unloading position. The delivery door  110 , delivery drum  190  and linking mechanism  188  are configured such that when the delivery door  110  is in the open position, the delivery drum  190  is in the loading position which allows an object to be placed through the input opening  108  into the delivery drum  190 , and when the delivery door  110  is in the closed position, the delivery drum  190  is rotated to the unloading position in which the delivery drum  190  deposits the object into the storage compartment  107 . The relative movement and position of the delivery drum  190  and delivery door  110  work together to restrict access through the input opening  108  and into the storage compartment  107  to secure the contents of the storage compartment  107  from unwanted access. Other secure delivery door systems  186  are described in co-owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,004,346 and 9,327,887, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     In another embodiment, as best shown in  FIGS.  13 - 16   , the first section  104  with the input opening  108  and delivery door  110  form part of the bottom of the housing  102 . The second section  106 , with the access opening  117  and access door  114 , are located above the first section  104 . The second section is attached to the first section  104  at the interface  124 . The interface is hollow or open to allow objects to travel from the first section  104  to the storage compartment  107  in the second section  106 . Interfaces similar to those described for the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 12    are also appropriate for this embodiment. The top of the second section  106  has a roof  198  to create a secure space and repel moisture and the elements. 
     As in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 12   , in the exemplary embodiment in  FIGS.  13 - 16   , the first section  104  and second section  106  have substantially square shapes (i.e., length of the sides are equal about a vertical axis), including at their connection interface. Accordingly, there are four different relative angular positions of the first section  104  and second section  106 , and the corresponding input opening  108  and delivery door  110  on one hand and access opening  117  and access door  114 , on the other hand including: 
     the access door  114  substantially vertically aligned with delivery door  110 ; 
     the access door  114  located to the right of the delivery door  110  (i.e. 90° to the right); 
     the access door  114  located to the left of the delivery door  110  (i.e. 90° to the left); and 
     the access door  114  located substantially behind the delivery door  110  (i.e. 180° from the delivery door  110 ). 
       FIG.  13 A  shows the access door  114  vertically aligned with the delivery door  110 , whereas  FIGS.  13 B- 16 B  show the access door  114  substantially behind the deliver door  110 . 
     As can be appreciated, in the exemplary embodiment in  FIGS.  1 - 12   , with the first section  104  above the second section  106 , objects avail themselves of gravity to travel from the first section  104  to the storage area  107  of the second section. In the second embodiment in  FIGS.  13 - 16   , a lifting mechanism  200  moves the objects from the first section  104  to the second section  106 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS.  13 - 16    the lifting mechanism comprises a set of linkages  202 ,  204  and  206 , and a tray that moves vertically in a groove  222 . More specifically, the delivery door  110  is rigidly attached to a first link  202  at the horizontal pivot axis of the delivery door, and thus the rigid pivot point of the first link  202 . As seen from the right side in cross sectional views in  FIGS.  14 B,  15 B and  16 B , as the delivery door rotates clockwise from an open position to a closed position, the first link also rotates clockwise. The first link  202  is rotationally linked to a second link  204  at the second link&#39;s first end  203 . The second link  204  is rotationally linked to a third link  206  at the second link&#39;s second end  205 . In a preferred embodiment, there are two sets of links, one on either side of the delivery door attached to two sides of the tray  216 . 
     The pin  208  connecting the second end  205  of the second link  204  to the first end  212  of the third link slides in a substantially horizontal track  210 . Thus, when the delivery door  110  goes from the open position to a closed position, the pin  208  moves from left to right along the track  210 , as seen from the right of the receptacle  100 . This forces the first end  212  of the third link  206  to also move to the right along the track  210 . The second end  214  of the third link is rotationally linked to one end of a receiving tray  216  by pin  218 . The opposite end of the tray  216  has a pair of protrusions  220  of vertical extent that slide in a pair of vertical grooves  222  adjacent either side of the input opening  108 . Accordingly, when the delivery door goes from an open position to a closed position, the third linkage  206  rotates counterclockwise as seen from the right of the receptacle. This forces the tray  216  to rise, and when the delivery door is closed, as seen in  FIG.  16 B , the tray fills the interface  124  and any object in the tray is located in the storage area  107  of the second section  106 . In one embodiment, the pin  218  may be located intermediate between the front and the back of the tray  216  so the upward force from the third link  206  is more in the middle of the tray. It can be appreciated that when the delivery door  110  goes from a closed position to an open position, the lift mechanism moves the tray from the interface  124  to a lowered position able to accept objects. 
     In one embodiment, in order to maintain the security of the object in the storage area  107 , the rising of the tray  216  triggers a locking mechanism (not shown) into a locked state when the tray is proximate the interface  124 . This locking mechanism prevents the tray  216  from being lowered from the interface  124  until the object is removed through the access opening  117  by unlocking the access door lock  115  and opening the access door  114 . Various means can be associated with unlocking the locking means. In one embodiment, the opening of the access door  114  unlocks the locking mechanism. 
     In other embodiments, the lifting of the tray  216  may end with rotation of the tray  216  to result with it slanting toward the access opening  117 . In this embodiment, the access door  114  may be removed. Thus, an object that is on the tray during lifting will ultimately slide off the tray, through the access opening  117  and into a second secure storage area adjacent the storage area  107 . This embodiment may not require a locking mechanism, but may require a sensor to verify that the object has slid off the tray. 
     Lifting mechanisms  200  other than those employing linkages are contemplated in the invention. For example, gears, hydraulics or electro-motive apparatus may be employed to move the object from the first section  104  to the second section  106 . Horizontal motion of the object is also contemplated. For example, a delivery door  110  pivoting on a vertical axis could be utilized with appropriate links or gears to slide an object horizontally into a storage area  107  in a second section  106  of receptacle  100 . 
     Various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed receptacles, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.