Smart delivery package storage container

Abstract

A delivery package container system that includes a control system for controlling a number of different aspects related to the container. In an example, the control system can maintain a desired climate inside a compartment in the container. The control system can also control access to the compartment. A user can also remotely gain access to the control system via a network.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A delivery package storage container comprising:
 a housing having a plurality of sides having at least one compartment inside the housing and at least one through opening provided with the housing for accessing the at least one compartment from a location exterior of the housing;   a door movably located over the at least one through opening, the door is configured to move between an open position allowing access to the at least one compartment and a closed position that closes the opening thereby preventing access to the at least one compartment from the location exterior of the housing; and   a locking mechanism integrated with the door or the housing, the locking mechanism being openable with a mechanical key, a combination code, an electronic signal, or combinations thereof.   
     
     
         2 . The delivery package storage container of  claim 1 , wherein a climate control system in communication with the compartment for changing temperatures inside the compartment. 
     
     
         3 . The delivery package storage container of  claim 2 , wherein the climate control system comprises a refrigeration unit for cooling the compartment. 
     
     
         4 . The delivery package storage container of  claim 2 , wherein the climate control system comprises a heating unit for heating the compartment. 
     
     
         5 . The delivery package storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism is Wi-Fi enabled and configured to receive at least one of a lock signal and an unlock signal. 
     
     
         6 . The delivery package storage container of  claim 1 , further comprising a container docking base associated with the housing for engaging a home docking base associated with a stationary structure. 
     
     
         7 . The delivery package storage container of  claim 1 , further comprising a container control system comprising a processing system, a memory accessible by the processing system, and instructions stored in the memory for directing the processing system to receive climate instructions. 
     
     
         8 . The delivery package storage container of  claim 1 , further comprising a container control system comprising a processing system, a memory accessible by the processing system, and instructions stored in the memory, and wherein the instructions in the memory comprise instructions to receive a lock command and control the locking mechanism based on the lock command. 
     
     
         9 . The delivery package storage container of  claim 8 , wherein the container control system further includes an input device attached to the housing and exposed at an exterior of the housing to receive input from a user. 
     
     
         10 . The delivery package storage container of  claim 9 , wherein the container control system further comprises a display attached to the housing and exposed at the exterior of the housing. 
     
     
         11 . The delivery package storage container of  claim 10 , wherein the input device is a touch screen in the display. 
     
     
         12 . The delivery package storage container of  claim 9 , wherein the container control system further includes a camera and wherein the instructions in the memory further include instructions to capture an image with the camera in response to the lock mechanism being unlocked 
     
     
         13 . A method for securing a delivery package with a delivery package storage container, said method comprising:
 providing a housing having a plurality of sides having at least one compartment inside the housing and at least one through opening provided with the housing for accessing the at least one compartment from a location exterior of the housing;   providing a door over the at least one through opening, the door is configured to move between an open position allowing access to the at least one compartment and a closed position that closes the opening thereby preventing access to the at least one compartment from the location exterior of the housing;   providing a locking mechanism integrated with the door or the housing, the locking mechanism being openable with a mechanical key, a combination code, an electronic signal, or combinations thereof; and   activating the locking mechanism after a delivery package is placed in the at least one compartment.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , comprising a container control system comprising a processing system, a memory accessible by the processing system, and instructions stored in the memory, and wherein the instructions in the memory comprise instructions to receive a lock command and control the locking mechanism based on the lock command. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising an ice pack or a heating unit in the at least one compartment. 
     
     
         16 . A delivery package storage container comprising a housing, a door, and a locking mechanism that is configured to actuated based on an electronic signal.