Self-contained removable and collapsible apparatus for the secure delivery and storage of parcels

Abstract

An apparatus for housing a delivered parcel and a method for operating the apparatus. The apparatus can include a self-contained receptacle that is collapsible, removable, and securable to a floor, and can house and secure a parcel within the self-contained receptacle. A lid can be attached to the self-contained receptacle and is slideable with respect to the self-contained receptacle to allow access to the self-contained receptacle for a delivery of the parcel by a courier. The apparatus can include a base or bases secured to the ground that can create a channel within the self-contained receptacle, wherein the channel is lockable with a key that can be positioned into a channel (or channels) when anticipating a delivery of the parcel. The apparatus can prevent the theft of packages/parcels delivered to and left at residences and business.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for housing a delivered parcel, comprising:
 a self-contained receptacle comprising at least one base, wherein the self-contained receptacle is collapsible, removable, and securable to a floor, and houses and secures a parcel within the self-contained receptacle;   a lid attached to the self-contained receptacle, wherein the lid is slideable with respect to the self-contained receptacle to allow access to the self-contained receptacle for a delivery of the parcel by a courier; and   a locking mechanism comprising a combination lock and a mounting, wherein the locking mechanism secures the lid to the self-contained receptacle with the combination lock and the mounting, wherein the combination code is provided to the courier in advance of the delivery of the parcel to allow the courier to unlock and slide the lid into an open position and place the parcel within the self-contained receptacle and slide and lock the lid into a closed position to secure the parcel within the self-contained receptacle.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein at least one base secured to the ground forms a channel within the self-contained receptacle, wherein the channel is lockable with a key that is positioned into the channel when anticipating a delivery of the parcel, thereby creating a secure delivery depot. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the at least one base comprises a base plate. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of base plates including the at least one base, the at least one base comprising a base plate. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein each base plate among the plurality of base plates is securable to a surface by an adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the plurality of base plates comprise a circular plate and the base plate upon which the circulate plate is located. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the circular plate is rotatable about a center to engage with and insert into at least one rail among a plurality of rails.