Receptacle gateway apparatus and method for enabling secure package delivery

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a receptacle gateway apparatus and method for secured delivery of packages into a container. The gateway includes an opening in the container adequate for receiving delivery of a package. In an embodiment the gateway includes a gateway door that is lockable but it is intended that the gateway will not be locked thus allowing unencumbered access for the delivery person to insert the packages through the gateway. The container has a second door that when opened allows for removal of packages. The gateway includes a sensor adapted to identify when a package is delivered through the gateway. The gateway includes a communications device adapted to communicate to an external device such as a light, cellular telephone, doorbell, security system, internet server and home controller. Information about the container and deliveries to the container can be communicated to the user. Embodiments of the gateway for the secure package delivery container include a proximity detector, safety release, heating and cooling system, and light. The gateway can further include a chute, and in an embodiment, a chute that telescopes outwardly from the container.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A gateway for a secure package delivery container, comprising:
 a container defining a storage volume, said container having a container body formed of at least one wall and a bottom, said container having a door operatively attached to said container body, said door being adapted to be moved from an open position to a closed position;   a user engageable locking device for securing the door to the container body in the closed position;   a gateway comprising an opening in said container suitable in size for allowing delivery of packages into the container, said gateway having a sensor for detecting a delivery of a package; and   a communications device wherein said communications device is in communication with said sensor and adapted to transmit signals to or receive signals from an external device.   
     
     
         2 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said gateway further comprises a gateway door operatively attached to said gateway, said gateway door being adapted to be moved from a closed position to an open position, wherein when in the closed position the gateway is closed. 
     
     
         3 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said gateway further comprises a gateway lock for securing the gateway door in the closed position. 
     
     
         4 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein said communications device is adapted to transmit signals to or receive signals from said gateway lock to command said gateway lock to be in a locked or unlocked state. 
     
     
         5 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 2 , further comprising a user engageable opening device, said opening device operable to open or close said gateway door. 
     
     
         6 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein said communications device is adapted to transmit signals to or receive signals from said user engageable opening device, said communications device is in communication with said user engageable opening device to command said user engageable opening device to open or close the gateway door. 
     
     
         7 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is one of an electronic eye and a photo detector. 
     
     
         8 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the external device is at least one of a light, a cellular telephone, a doorbell, an internet router, an internet server, a security system, a home controller, a hub, a proximity sensor, a motion detector, a microphone, an external camera, an object sensing device, an internal camera, a load cell, a proximity sensor, an IR LED, an IR detector, a light source combined with a photodetector, and a lowlight CMOS. 
     
     
         9 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a proximity detector adapted to detect the presence of a person in proximity to said container, wherein the proximity detector is in communication with said communications device. 
     
     
         10 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said proximity detector is adapted to activate at least one action with the gateway, wherein the at least one action includes unlocking the gateway, automatically opening the gateway door, initiating communication with the container owner, activating video and audio recording, and turning on a light. 
     
     
         11 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the proximity detector is at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, and an infrared sensor. 
     
     
         12 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the proximity detector is a pressure sensitive mat in proximity to the gateway, wherein the pressure sensitive mat is in communication with the gateway. 
     
     
         13 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a location device adapted to identify the geographic location of the container, wherein the location device comprises at least one of an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a gyroscope and a GPS device, wherein the location device is in communication with the communications device, wherein the location or movement of the container can be communicated to the user. 
     
     
         14 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a thermometer located inside the gateway, wherein the thermometer is in communication with said communications device. 
     
     
         15 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a safety switch inside the container adapted to unlock the door of the container. 
     
     
         16 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the safety switch is in communication with the communications device. 
     
     
         17 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a counting device adapted to count the number of packages inserted through the gateway. 
     
     
         18 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein the counting device is in communication with the communications device. 
     
     
         19 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a keypad adapted to allow a person to enter a message, identification number or other information pertaining to the delivery. 
     
     
         20 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a motion detector disposed in the container, wherein the motion detector is adapted to detect motion inside the container. 
     
     
         21 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein the motion detector is in communication with the communications device. 
     
     
         22 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the gateway comprises a chute leading into the container. 
     
     
         23 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 22 , wherein the chute is adapted to telescope outwardly from the gateway. 
     
     
         24 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 23 , wherein the chute is adapted to telescope outwardly from the gateway upon at least one of action by a switch or the proximity detector. 
     
     
         25 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a light adapted to illuminate the gateway. 
     
     
         26 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said container further comprises a climate control system. 
     
     
         27 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 26 , wherein said climate control system is a refrigeration or heating system. 
     
     
         28 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 26 , wherein said climate control system is in communication with the communications device. 
     
     
         29 . The gateway for a secure package delivery container as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said container can be shipped in component parts to be assembled by the user. 
     
     
         30 . A method of inserting packages into a secured delivery container that does not require any action by the delivery person to open any doors, levers, handles, etc. or input any codes, keys, credentials, etc. thus speeding the package delivery process and additionally communicating the delivery of a package, the method comprising:
 inserting a delivery object through the gateway in the secured delivery container;   sensing the insertion of the delivery object with a sensor disposed in the gateway; and   signaling to at least one of user and a device that a delivery has been made.