Secure package system and method

Abstract

A secure shipping parcel invention ( 1 ) is described that includes features to protect against unauthorized entry ( 51 ) and/or contamination by biological agents. Technologies employed may be tamper evident features ( 60 ) that make it obvious someone has attempted to gain entry ( 50 ), high tech materials that make it impossible to enter without destroying the parcel or its contents unless specific steps are taken, antistatic ( 20 ) additives to inhibit contact with airborne particles, and anti-microbial ( 5,10 ) additives that kill biological agents on contact.

1 . A parcel that is intended to be shipped via a courier comprising: 
 a first wall;    a parcel interior;    an opening in the wall for gaining access to the parcel interior;    a security mechanism in communication with the wall; and    an entry authorization device in communication with the opening.    
   
   
       2 . The parcel of  claim 1  further comprising a microbial decontamination system in communication with the wall.  
   
   
       3 . The parcel of  claim 1  wherein the wall is constructed partially by using an antistatic agent.  
   
   
       4 . The parcel of  claim 3  wherein the antistatic agent is at least one of: a synthetic eo-amine, and a high monoester content glycerol monostearate.  
   
   
       5 . The parcel of  claim 2  wherein the antimicrobial system includes an additive included during the manufacture of the material used to make the parcel, and wherein the additive occurs throughout the volume of the material such that abrasion or damage to the parcel will not alter the effectiveness of the additive.  
   
   
       6 . The parcel of  claim 2  wherein the antimicrobial system includes an additive that is applied to at least one surface of the parcel wall before or after finishing the construction of the parcel.  
   
   
       7 . The parcel of  claim 3  wherein the antistatic agent is derived from an additive included during the manufacture of the material used to make the parcel, and wherein the additive is distributed throughout the volume of the material such that abrasion or damage to the parcel will not alter the effectiveness of the additive.  
   
   
       8 . The parcel of  claim 3  wherein the antistatic agent is applied to a plurality of surfaces of the parcel.  
   
   
       9 . The parcel of  claim 1  wherein the security mechanism further includes a tamper evident mechanism and tamper resistive mechanism.  
   
   
       10 . The parcel of  claim 1  wherein the security mechanism includes at least one of the following: an electronic device with sensing capabilities, rip and tear resistant parcel materials, pressure sensitive device, heavy duty material construction that resists substantial effort to entry, a serial number and/or logo utilizing counterfeit resistant technologies, an electronic sensing system consisting of conductors covering the entire surface of parcel, contamination detection device, and a circuit alarm.  
   
   
       11 . The parcel of  claim 1  wherein the entry authorization device comprises an embedded computer that controls authorized opening of the parcel.  
   
   
       12 . The parcel of  claim 1  wherein the entry authorization device comprises at least one of the following: mechanical punch card key, finger print recognition, voice recognition, key pad entered password, electronic key, electronic communication with a separate device, signature verification, card scan, retina scan, face recognition or any other biometric data.  
   
   
       13 . The parcel of  claim 1  further comprising electronics that include at least one of: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, an information display, an analog to digital converter(s), a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, an IR sensor, a strain gauge, a force sensor, an accelerometer, a GPS receiver, a RF transmitter, a cellular communicator, a wireless networking, and blue-tooth networking.  
   
   
       14 . The parcel of  claim 1  further comprising a content destruction system that includes a self contained capability of destroying or rendering useless the contents of the parcel in the event that a predetermined rule has been violated.  
   
   
       15 . The parcel of  claim 1 , wherein the parcel is sealed from the passage of air, liquid, vapor, or air borne particles, and wherein the seal is constructed to maintain its integrity during the rigor of shipment.  
   
   
       16 . The parcel of  claim 1 , wherein the parcel is constructed from a single continuous material thereby eliminating glued or mended edges and enhancing seal quality.  
   
   
       17 . The parcel of  claim 1 , wherein the parcel is constructed to minimize the size of the opening that goods are inserted through to minimize the associated sealing edge and further comprising a sealing edge around the opening.  
   
   
       18 . The parcel of  claim 1 , wherein the parcel is constructed of at least one of the following materials: paper, plastic, corrugated cardboard, non-corrugated cardboard, Tyvek, vinyl, olefin, polyester, PVC, ABS, spun polyester, corrugated plastic, and metal.  
   
   
       19 . A method of securing delivery of a package comprising the steps of: 
 providing a package having a single exterior wall and interior storage area;    accessing the interior area by opening an opening;    and placing an artifact to be delivered therein;    engaging an tamper resistant system;    engaging an entry control device;    shipping the parcel;    disengaging the tamper resistant system; and    passing through the entry control device.    
   
   
       20 . A system for ensuring safe delivery comprising 
 a parcel having an entry control device;    a communications system for tracking the movement of the parcel;    a sensor for ensuring the parcel does not contain harmful microbials, explosive devices, toxic chemicals, static;    a data collection device; and    a parcel entry access mechanism in communication with the entry control device for gaining access to the interior of the parcel.