Patent Publication Number: US-10786103-B2

Title: Collapsible secured parcel drop box

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/486,637 filed on Apr. 18, 2017. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Increasingly, consumers are ordering items through online marketplaces. The items ordered may be inexpensive items, but may also include expensive items or items containing personal information. In many instances the ordered items arrive in packages and are simply placed against an exterior door. Smaller packages may be placed in a mailbox. However, in either case, the packages are left unsecured. In some instances, someone must be home to personally receive the package. However, this can be inconvenient and result in undesired delays in receiving the package. 
     Lock boxes that are permanently mounted to a building or other fixed object are known and used in commercial settings. However, most of the time such a permanently mounted lock box is unused and an obstruction. Moreover, some residences may not have room for a permanent lock box, or may simply not be permitted to have a permanent lock box. For example, apartment complexes and planned communities may have strict control on placement and the appearance of items permanently mounted in public areas. 
     SUMMARY 
     An example collapsible secured parcel drop box according to one non-limiting example embodiment includes, among other possible things, a plurality of side panels defining an interior space, a back panel secured to the side panels, a lid movable between open and closed positions over the interior space and a lock assembly disposed on the lid for locking the lid in position to prevent opening of the lid. The disclosed example drop box also includes a bracket temporarily securing the parcel drop box to a fixed structure and an anti-rotation bracket to maintain a fixed position of the drop box relative to the fixed structure. The drop box is collapsible for storage and removable from the door when not required. 
     Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another one of the examples. 
     These and other features disclosed herein can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example collapsible drop box embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the example collapsible drop box in an open condition. 
         FIG. 3  is perspective view of one side of the example collapsible drop box. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a back side of the example collapsible drop box. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a top side of the example collapsible drop box. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a bottom side of the example collapsible drop box. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view of steps to collapsing the example drop box to a stowed condition. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an exterior door with an example door bracket. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an inside of the door with the example door bracket. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the collapsible drop box secured to the door. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of an example door bracket and anti-rotation bracket secured to a door. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic view of example locking tabs for securing the lid and bottom to the collapsible drop box. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the example collapsible drop box in a partially collapsed condition. 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged view of a carrying handle of the collapsible drop box. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the example collapsible drop box in the collapsed condition. 
         FIG. 16  is a back view of the example collapsible drop box in the collapsed condition. 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of the example collapsible drop box in the collapsed condition. 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged view of an example lock holding the collapsible drop box in the collapsed condition. 
         FIG. 19  is a partially transparent view of the example collapsible drop box illustrating example hinge connection that enable collapsing. 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom view of the lid including an example lock in a locked position. 
         FIG. 21  is a bottom view of the lid including the example lock in an unlocked position. 
         FIG. 22  is another example collapsible drop box embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  is an enlarged view of a lock assembly of the collapsible drop box embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of another example door bracket secured to an outside of a door without the collapsible drop box. 
         FIG. 25  is an enlarged view of the example door bracket secured to the outside of the door. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the example door bracket secured to the inside of the door. 
         FIG. 27  is an enlarged view of the example door bracket from the interior side of the door. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of another securement means for securing the collapsible drop box. 
         FIG. 29  is an enlarged view of the securement means shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of another door bracket and anti-rotation bracket. 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the example door bracket secured to a back of the collapsible drop box. 
         FIG. 32  is a top view of the example door bracket. 
         FIG. 33  is an enlarged view of the example door bracket secured to the door and the collapsible drop box. 
         FIG. 34  is a schematic view of levelers of the example collapsible drop box. 
         FIG. 35  is a schematic view of another collapsible drop box embodiment constructed of plastic material illustrating stages of collapsing to the collapsed condition. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an example parcel drop box embodiment is generally indicated at  10  and includes a lid  14  that shuts over an inner space defined by panels  16 . The parcel drop box  10  is temporarily attached and secured to a door  12 . The parcel box  10  provides a space for packages to be inserted and then secured by a lock assembly  20  on the lid  14 . The lock assembly  20  allows opening of the lid  14  and subsequent locking to secure the lid  14  over the space defined by the panels  16 . The lock assembly  20  is configured such that once it is moved to a locked position it may only be reopened with a key. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6  with continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the example drop box  10  is temporarily attached to a door  12  utilizing a door bracket  22  and an anti-rotation bracket  24 . The door bracket  22  and anti-rotation bracket  24  are attached to a back panel  26  of the drop box  10 . The back panel  26  is attached to the side panels  16 . In this example, the side panels  16  are formed from a solid sheet metal panel material and define the inner space for a parcel. It should be appreciated that although sheet metal panels are shown by way of this disclosed example, the side panels  16  may be formed from a wire mesh material or other materials. The example parcel drop box  10  is collapsible into a smaller assembly such that it may be moved and stored when not in use. The lid  14  includes a handle  45  and a tab  28  for locking the lid  14 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the example parcel box  10  is collapsible into a smaller package for transport and storage. The side panels  16  include hinges such that they may be collapsed in on themselves. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a sequence of steps required for collapsing the parcel box  10 . In this sequence, first the lid  14  is lifted upward and a bottom panel  18  is lifted upward against one of the side panels  16 . The side panels  16  include sides and a front portion that is substantially solid. In this example, the bottom panel  18  is pulled upward against the front portion indicated at  16 ,  18 . The side walls include collapsible portions  30  that may then be collapsed on themselves to allow the bottom panel  18  and front panel  16  to be collapsed towards a back panel  26 . Once the back panel  26  and the side collapsible portions  30  are moved against the back panel  26 , the lid  14  may be moved downwardly over the side panels and then locked in position to a tab of the back panel  26  to hold the assembly in the collapsed position as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . Because the example parcel box  10  is collapsible on itself, it can be easily brought out and assembled to the door  12  when a package is expected. When a package is not expected, the parcel box can be stored in a small-out-of-the-way space. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11 , the example parcel drop box  10  includes features to prevent removal or damage by rocking or otherwise twisting the drop box  10  when it is assembled to the door  12 . An anti-rotation bracket  24  is provided and attached to the door bracket  22 . The door bracket  22  extends from an outside portion of the door through a seam between the door and the door jamb  34  to a back side indicated at  32 . The back side  32  prevents the parcel drop box  10  from being removed from the door  12  unless the door is open. As appreciated, the door  12  is locked and thereby the bracket  22  and parcel box  10  cannot be removed. However, as indicated in  FIG. 11 , the parcel box  10  may be spaced apart from the door jamb  34  and provide a space where someone may rock the parcel drop box  10  and possibly fatigue and destroy the door bracket  22 . The anti-rotation bracket  24  abuts against the door jamb  34  and the door  12  to prevent movement of the parcel drop box  10  that could be utilized to fatigue and destroy the door bracket  22 . Accordingly, the anti-rotation bracket  24  and the door bracket  22  combine to provide a temporary, yet substantially tamper resistant securement of the parcel drop box  10  to the door  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the example panels  16  and  18  include interlocks  36  that attach to the back panel  26  along with other panels that define the side walls. The interlocks  36  secure the parts together while allowing relative movement to enable collapsing of the drop box  10 . Also shown in these views are tabs  38  of the lock assembly  20 . Tabs  38  engage the slotted holes on side wall  16  to secure the lid  14  once the tab  28  moved to a locked position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13  with continued reference to  FIG. 12 , hinges  42  are provided at locations of the bottom panel  18  and side panels  16  to enable collapsing of the bottom panel and side panels  16  into back panel  26  and lid  14 . In this example, the bottom panel  18  and side panels  16  are fabricated from sheet metal with piano hinges attached to the panels. The hinges  42  provide for collapsing and rotation of the bottom panel  18  and each of the side panels  16  to enable the collapsing configuration illustrated in  FIG. 13 . As appreciated, the example hinges  42  are just one embodiment of possible hinge configuration that could be utilized to enable collapsing of the side panels  16 . Moreover, if the side panels  16  are fabricated from wire mesh, then different hinge assemblies could be utilized and are within contemplation of this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 , the example parcel box  10  is shown in the collapsed condition and includes a carrying handle  40  that can move upwardly to enable easy carrying of the collapsed parcel box assembly. In a collapsed position, the anti-rotation bracket  24  and door bracket  22  are shown extending outward from the back panel  26 . Moreover, in the collapsed position, the lock assembly  20  includes the tabs  38  that are engaged to corresponding tabs  45  that are formed on the back panel  26 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , the example parcel box  10  is illustrated in a perspective view where location of each of the hinges  42  can be seen. In this example, the hinges  42  are disposed on each of the corners and also within the middle section to allow and enable the side portions  30  to collapse inwardly such that the parcel box can be collapsed into the storage position illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the example lock assembly  20  includes a slider  46  that is held onto the lid  14  by brackets  50 . The slider  46  includes a ratchet portion  54  that engages a lock  52 . The lock  52  extends through the panel  14  and is accessible and unlockable through the use of a key.  FIG. 20  illustrates the lock assembly in a locked position. Only use of a key to unlock the lock  52  will enable the slide  46  to move back to an open position.  FIG. 21  illustrates the slider  46  in an open position. In the open position, tabs  38  are free of corresponding panels and enable the lid  14  to be opened outwardly. As can be seen, the ratchet portion  54  is extended through the lock  52 . The lock  52  is arranged such that it enables movement of the slide  46  by use of the ratchet portion  54  in one direction. The direction is indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 21 . Movement in this direction is facilitated by a tab  28  that is accessible through the top side of the lid  14 . Once the slider  46  is moved to the locked position illustrated in  FIG. 20 , only unlocking of the lock  52  will enable the slider to move back to the open position shown in  FIG. 21 . 
     In use, the lock assembly  20  is left in an unlocked position until a delivery person inserts a package. Once a delivery person inserts a package into the drop box assembly  10 , the delivery person will move the tab on the outer portion of the lid to the locked position. Once the lock assembly  20  is moved to the locked position it may not be moved to the unlocked position again. Accordingly, the example drop box provides an easy means for a delivery person to place the package in a secure environment without the need to have special access codes, devices or keys. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , another lock configuration  56  may be utilized with the example parcel box. In this example, side panels  16  and bottom panel  18  are formed from wire mesh material, a simple loop  58  extends from side panel  16  through the lid  14  and a common lock  60  is utilized. In this example, the lock  60  is a common key lock, but other locks could also be utilized such as combination or electronically operated locks and are within the contemplation of this disclosure. The lock  60  can be left in an open position until a delivery person inserts a package into the parcel drop box  10 . Once a delivery person places the parcel in the drop box, the lock  60  can be locked and then unauthorized persons without a key may not access the drop box without destroying the drop box. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 24, 25, 26 and 27 , an alternate temporary securement bracket is illustrated and includes an inside retainer  62  disposed on an inside portion of the door  12 . The retainer  62  is substantially triangular and extends between a side and a bottom portion of the door  12  to provide a securing anchoring feature for the back panel  26 . Straps  64  extend through seams on the bottom and side of the door  12  and are attached to the retainer  62 . Straps extend through the seams between the bottom and sides of the door to the back panel  26  and are secured there by buckle  66 . This example provides a collapsible structure that enables for a smaller package when the parcel box  10  is collapsed for storage. In this example, the anti-rotation bracket  24  is maintained and is attached to the panel  26  to prevent rotation of the parcel box that could be utilized to dislodge the parcel box from the door  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 28 and 29 , an alternate securement means is shown schematically and includes a lock bar  70  that is inserted into eyelets of eyebolts  72 . In this example, the parcel box  10  is secured to a wall  68  that is near the door  12 . The wall  68  includes eyelets  72  that correspond with slots within the parcel box  10 . The parcel box  10  is slid up against the wall such that eyelets extend through slots in the back panel  26 . The lock bar  70  is then inserted into the eyelets  72  to block removal of the parcel box from the eyelets. 
     Referring to  FIG. 29 , a lock  74  can be installed through a hole on the lock bar  70  to prevent removal of the parcel box from the wall  68  and the eyelet  72  when lid  14  is in unlocked position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 30, 31, 32 and 33  the disclosed lock box  10  is shown secured to the door with an alternate door bracket  29 . The door bracket  29  includes a stop end  31  that provides an increased thickness that cannot be pulled through the gap between the door  12  and the door frame  34 . In the disclosed example, the stop end  31  is rolled to provide an increased width that cannot be pulled through the gap between the door  12  and the door frame  34 . However, it should be appreciated, that the stop end  31  can be any shape that prevents the bracket  29  from being pulled through the gap between the door  12  and the door frame  34 . The stop end  31  provides an alternate means of securement to the door that can ease installation and removal once the parcel is received. The example door bracket  29  works with the anti-rotation bracket  24  as disclosed and described above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 34 , the example lock box  10  includes levelers  19  that can be extended downward to level the box to accommodate door thresholds  80  of different thickness. The levelers  19  are supported by tabs  86  and are slidable relative to the box  10 . The levelers  19  are provided to raise one side of the lock box  10  a height  88 . The height  88  corresponds with a thickness of the threshold  80  to level the box  10 . Slots  82  are disposed near the top of each of the levelers  19  and are provided at preset spacing to accommodate differing door thresholds  80 . The levelers  19  includes a stop  84  that fits into one of the slots  82  to hold the leveler  19  in place and thereby the front of the lock box  10  at a level position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 35  another lock box  90  is shown and is constructed of plastic panels. The box  90  includes side panels  94 , front  96 , bottom  98 , back  102  and lid  92  all connected by hinges to enable folding for storage. The side panels  94  are connected by hinge  100 . The lid  92  is attached to the back panel  102  by hinge  104 . The bottom  98  may be connected to the front  96  by a hinge. The bottom  98  may also be free and simply be moveable to a position that enables folding into the stowed position. The front panel  96  is attached to the side panels  94  by front hinges  108 . The lid  92  includes a sliding lock  106  to prevent unauthorized access to the interior compartment once a package is delivered. 
     The example parcel box provides a collapsible temporary secure storage space that enables a delivery person to insert packages and lock the box without the consumer needing to attend the parcel box. Furthermore, the parcel box is collapsible such that it can be utilized only when needed and stored in a convenient manner when not necessary or required. Moreover, the parcel box provides easy securement to an exterior door such that it can be utilized in any application or location. 
     Although a preferred embodiment has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.