Lockable box

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for securely receiving packages or items from a delivery service and stopping porch pirates from stealing the packages or items. A single door or multi-door embodiment selectively allows access to a lockable box so that a delivery service can place packages or items in the lockable box that a purchaser can later retrieve. The lockable box can have a locking system with rotatable key combinations, temporary key combinations, and / or other features that allow a delivery service to selectively access the lockable box. Some embodiments also integrate the lockable box into existing features of a residence such as a door.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 626,439 filed Feb. 5, 2018, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention generally relates to lockable boxes for receiving packages. More specifically, the invention relates to a lockable box with features that allow a homeowner to control access to the lockable box.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Home shopping has grown in recent years with the advent of online retail and even online grocery services. With a few selections, a homeowner can receive a package to his or her home. However, one shortcoming with home shopping is the physical delivery of a package to the homeowner's home when the homeowner is not physically present. Some delivery services will hold a package at a distribution center, and the homeowner is required to travel to the distribution center to pick up the p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a lockable box that can be easily integrated into existing or new homes. The lockable box can be built into a door system or a frame wall between studs. This allows for easy access to packages without needing to install a new door. The lockable box is offset from the door or frame wall to ensure proper functionality and aesthetics. The technical effects include increased convenience, versatility, and ease of installation.

Problems solved by technology

This defeats a major benefit of home shopping, which is to have a package delivered to a homeowner's home.

However, a homeowner still has to travel to the neighborhood drop box, which again, defeats a major benefit of home delivery.

However, this method of delivering a package is extremely unsecure, and in fact, packages left on homeowner's porches are often stolen by “porch pirates.” Again, having a package stolen defeats the benefit of home delivery.

However, this also has inherent problems that inhibit the delivery of a package to a homeowner's home.

Loss of the physical key or dissemination of the key code can render the stand-alone lock box inoperative.

In addition, stand-alone lock boxes can be difficult to integrate into an existing home structure, or the lock boxes may take up valuable space on the porch or other area of a home.

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