Patent Publication Number: US-2011052351-A1

Title: Automated parcel delivery system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to tube delivery systems and, more particularly, to an automatic parcel delivery system with security measures. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Tube delivery systems are known in the prior art and are widely used by banks and pharmacies to consummate transactions. Other tube delivery systems are used to convey materials within large buildings. The existing tube delivery systems are not well suited to deliver parcels securely and efficiently in a residential environ. The present invention discloses an apparatus for delivering parcels securely and efficiently in a residential environment. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention discloses an apparatus for delivering parcels securely and efficiently in a residential environment. To this end, the present invention includes at least two embodiments: first where parcels are deposited into a first delivery station, which may often be located at or near a street similar to a mailbox, and delivered via underground tube to a second delivery station, which may be located at or inside a residence; second where parcels are deposited into a first delivery station and delivered via underground tube to a vault station and therefrom redirected from the vault station to one of a plurality of second delivery stations, which may be located at or inside a plurality of residences. 
     One object of the present invention is to allow easy access to the mail delivery system for handicapped and elderly persons or to persons who otherwise find it difficult to access the mail delivery system. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide enhanced security to automatic residential parcel delivery systems. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates the dual delivery station embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the vault and multiple delivery station embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific manners in which to make and use the invention and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the instant invention. 
     Referring to the drawings in detail,  FIG. 1  illustrates the dual delivery station embodiment of the invention. A first delivery station  101  having an access door  105 , locking mechanism  107 , and visible light  109  and/or audible speaker  111  for indicating the presence or absence of a carrier  104  in the first delivery station. First delivery station  101  is connected to second delivery station  102  via a tube  103  through which a carrier  104  may be transported. Second delivery station  102  also has an access door  106 , locking mechanism  108 , and visible light  110  and/or audible speaker  112  for indicating the presence or absence of a carrier  104  in the second delivery station. Also included, but not shown is a means for transporting the carrier  104  back and for the between the first delivery station  101  and second delivery station  102 . Transporting the carrier  104  may be accomplished by multiple means thoroughly discussed in prior art, including, but not necessarily limited to, pneumatically transporting and mechanically transporting via conveyor or the like. Detecting the presence or absence of the carrier  104  in the delivery stations may also be accomplished by multiple means thoroughly discussed in prior art, including, but not necessarily limited to, scales and movement sensors. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the vault and multiple delivery station embodiment of the invention. A first delivery station  201  having an access door  207 , locking mechanism  210 , and visible light  213  and/or audible speaker  216  for indicating the presence or absence of a carrier  206  in the first delivery station. First delivery station  201  is connected to a vault station  202  via a tube  204  through which a carrier  206  may be transported. Vault station  202  also has an access door  208 , locking mechanism  211 , and visible light  214  and/or audible speaker  217  for indicating the presence or absence of a carrier  206  in the vault station. Vault station  202  is connected to second delivery station  203  via a tube  205  through which a carrier  206  may be transported. Second delivery station  203  also has an access door  209 , locking mechanism  212 , and visible light  215  and/or audible speaker  218  for indicating the presence or absence of a carrier  206  in the second delivery station. Also included, but not shown is a means for transporting the carrier  206  back and for the between the first delivery station  201 , vault station  202 , and second delivery station  203 . Transporting the carrier  206  may be accomplished by multiple means thoroughly discussed in prior art, including, but not necessarily limited to, pneumatically transporting and mechanically transporting via conveyor or the like. Detecting the presence or absence of the carrier  206  in the delivery stations or vault station may also be accomplished by multiple means thoroughly discussed in prior art, including, but not necessarily limited to, scales and movement sensors. 
     The locking mechanisms of the various stations include, but are not necessarily limited to mechanical key locks, touch keypad locks, card reader locks, and scanner/bar code reader locks, each of which has been thoroughly discussed in prior art. 
     While the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be noted that modifications may be made in the details of the invention&#39;s construction and the arrangement of its components without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for the purposes of exemplification.