Mixed set of letter and parcel boxes and parcel delivery and collection methods

Abstract

Mixed set of letter and parcel boxes and methods for delivering and collecting parcels The invention relates to a mixed set of letter boxes (2) and parcel box(es) (3, 3') comprising, on the one hand, at least one set (4) of letter boxes (2) whose individual doors (2') for closing the cells are mounted on a common frame (5), which is movable between open and closed positions and which forms with these doors (2') a fully opening flap (5'), and, on the other hand, at least one parcel box (3, 3') whose door (6) for closing the cell (6') is not mounted on the aforementioned common frame (5), the fully opening flap (5'), each letter box (2) and the or each parcel box (3, 3') comprising a respective lock (7', 7'') associated with a specific opening key.This mixed assembly is characterized in that the set of letter boxes (2) comprises at least one device for returning and securely storing the key(s) for opening the lock(s) (7'') of the parcel box(es) (3, 3'), this device being configured to only authorize access to the key(s) stored therein in the unlocked and / or open state of the total opening flap (5'). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2A.

Description

Title of the invention: Mixed set of letter and parcel boxes and methods for delivering and collecting parcels

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of equipment related to the delivery of parcels, in particular in collective buildings, or locations grouping together delivery points for several recipients, and has as its subject a mixed set of letter boxes and parcel box(es) comprising at least one shared parcel box, preferably temporarily attributable to any one of the different owners / users of the letter boxes.

[0002] Particularly with the advent of e-commerce and the increase in online purchases and therefore parcel deliveries to individuals, the need for more parcel boxes is becoming increasingly urgent.

[0003] Many electronic solutions for managing such boxes are already known, particularly in connection with e-concierge services. There are also less sophisticated solutions using electronic or digital locks.

[0004] Faced with these known and already implemented proposals, the present invention has set itself the goal of proposing a shared parcel box solution of an entirely mechanical nature, not using any electronic / electrical means and without significant additional cost for the collective whole, except in connection with the supply of parcel boxes themselves. In addition, the proposed solution should advantageously be modular and able to be implemented within the framework of a restoration or extension of an existing whole. Furthermore, the implemented solution should preferably not lead to a reduction in the useful space, either at the letter box level or at the parcel box(es) level.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a mixed set of letter boxes and parcel box(es) comprising, on the one hand, at least one set of letter boxes whose individual cell closing doors are mounted on a common frame, which is movable between open and closed positions and which forms with these doors a fully opening flap, and, on the other hand, at least one parcel box whose cell closing door is not mounted on the aforementioned common frame, the fully opening flap, each letter box and the or each parcel box comprising a respective lock associated with a specific opening key,

[0006] mixed assembly characterized in that the set of mailboxes comprises at least one device for returning and securely storing the key(s) for opening the lock(s) of the parcel box(es), this device being configured to only authorize access to the key(s) or at least one key, which is stored therein, in the de- locked and / or open from the full opening shutter.

[0007] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0008] [Fig.lA], [Fig.lB], [Fig.lC], [Fig.lD] and [Fig.lE] are schematic representations of different embodiments of mixed assemblies according to the invention;

[0009] [Fig.2A] is a perspective view of a first constructive variant of a mixed assembly corresponding to the embodiment shown [Fig.1E] and [Fig.2B] and [Fig.2C] are partial and detail views (with the total opening flap partially open) showing the set of letter boxes forming part of the mixed assembly of [Fig.2A] with an integrated device for returning and securely storing keys for the parcel boxes;

[0010] [Fig.3A] is a perspective view of another constructive variant of a set of letter boxes forming part of a mixed set corresponding to the embodiment shown in Figures 1E and 2A, the full opening flap being open, and [Fig.3B] and [Fig.3C] are partial and detailed views showing a device for returning and securely storing keys for parcel boxes, integrated into the set of letter boxes ([Fig.3C] being a view through transparency or with the covering wall removed)

[0011] [Fig.4] is a partial and detailed view, in front elevation, of an opening shutter total of a set of mailboxes which may be part of any of the mixed sets of figures 1, 2A and 3A, in accordance with variant embodiments of said sets comprising two separate devices for return and secure storage of keys for the parcel boxes;

[0012] [Fig.5A] and [Fig.5B] are perspective views of another constructive variant of a set of letter boxes forming part of a mixed set corresponding to the embodiment shown [Fig.1E] and 2A, the total opening flap being respectively closed and open, and [Fig.5C] is a partial and detailed view of the upper part of [Fig.5B], showing more precisely the device for returning and securely storing keys for the parcel boxes;

[0013] [Fig.ôA] is a perspective view of another constructive variant of a set of letter boxes forming part of a mixed set corresponding to the embodiment shown [Fig.lE] and 2A, the total opening flap being open, and [Fig.ôB] is a partial and detailed view showing more precisely the device for returning and securely storing keys for the parcel boxes forming part of the set of letter boxes of [Fig.ôA];

[0014] [Fig.7A] and [Fig.7B] are perspective views of another constructive variant of a set of mailboxes forming part of a corresponding mixed set to the embodiment shown [Fig.1E] and 2A, the full opening flap being respectively closed and open, and [Fig.7C] and [Fig.7D] are partial and detail views showing a device for returning and securely storing keys for parcel boxes, integrated into the set of letter boxes of figures 7 A and 7C ([Fig.7D] being a view through transparency or with the covering wall removed);

[0015] [Fig.8A] is a perspective view of another constructive variant of a set of mailboxes forming part of a mixed set corresponding to the embodiment shown in Figures 1E and 2A; [Fig.8B] is a partial view and on a different scale of the lower part of the set of mailboxes of [Fig.8A]; [Fig.8C] is a partial view, seen from another angle and on a different scale, of the lower part of the set of mailboxes shown [Fig.8B], the full opening flap being in the open position; [Fig.8D] and [Fig.8E] are sectional views along two different planes of the object shown [Fig.8C];

[0016] [Fig.9A] is a perspective view of another constructive variant of a set of letter boxes forming part of a mixed set corresponding to the embodiment shown in Figures 1E and 2A, the full opening flap being open, and [Fig.9B] and [Fig.9C] are partial and detailed views at a different scale showing a device for returning and securely storing keys for parcel boxes, mounted on a frame part forming part of the full opening flap ([Fig.3C] being a vertical sectional view passing through the key receiving container);

[0017] [Fig.lOA] is a front elevation view of another constructive variant of a set of letter boxes forming part of a mixed set corresponding to the embodiment shown in Figures 1E and 2A, the fully opening flap incorporating a display panel, and [Fig.lOB] is a partial and detailed view at a different scale of the object of [Fig.lOA], showing a device for returning and securely storing keys for parcel boxes, integrated in the upper part of said set;

[0018] [Fig. 1 IA] is a front elevation view of another constructive variant of a set of letter boxes forming part of a mixed set corresponding to the embodiment shown in Figures 1E and 2A, said set comprising a lower cell receiving a waste bin, and [Fig.l 1B] is a partial and detailed view at a different scale of the object of [Fig. 1 IA], showing a device for returning and securely storing keys for parcel boxes, integrated in the lower part of said set;

[0019] [Fig.l2A] and [Fig.l2B] are perspective views of a first embodiment of a key for a parcel box, with its key holder, respectively in the retracted and deployed position, forming part of the mixed assembly according to the invention;

[0020] [Fig.l3A] and [Fig.l3B] are perspective views of a second mode of realization use of a key for a parcel box, with its key holder, respectively in the retracted and deployed position, forming part of the mixed assembly according to the invention;

[0021] [Fig.l4A] and [Fig.l4B] are perspective views of a third embodiment of a key for a parcel box, with its key holder, respectively in the retracted and deployed position, forming part of the mixed assembly according to the invention.

[0022] Figures 1 very schematically illustrate several embodiments of a mixed assembly (1) of letter boxes (2) and parcel box(es) (3, 3').

[0023] Such a mixed assembly (1) comprises, on the one hand, at least one assembly (4) of letter boxes (2) whose individual doors (2') for closing the cells (2”) are mounted on a common frame (5), which is movable between open and closed positions and which forms with these doors (2') a fully opening flap (5'), and, on the other hand, at least one parcel box (3, 3') whose door (6) for closing the cell (6') is not mounted on the aforementioned common frame (5), the fully opening flap (5), each letter box (2) and the or each parcel box (3, 3') comprising a respective lock (7', 7”) associated with a specific opening key.

[0024] When at least two parcel boxes (3 and 3') are present, these may have different shapes, sizes and capacities (figures IC, 1D and 1E1 or not (figures 1A and 1B), and may be directly attached to the set (4) of letter boxes (2) or not. In addition, said set (4) of letter boxes (2) may comprise a single column of several superimposed boxes (figures 1E, 2 and 3 to 1E) or several columns of several superimposed boxes (figures 1A to 1D), determining total opening flaps (5') of different sizes.

[0025] According to the invention, and as is apparent from Figures 2 to 11, this mixed assembly is characterized in that the set of letter boxes (2) comprises at least one device (8) for returning and securely storing the key(s) (9) for opening the lock(s) (7”) of the parcel box(es) (3, 3'), this device (8) being configured to only authorize access to the or at least one key (9), which is stored therein, in the unlocked and / or open state of the total opening flap (5').

[0026] Thanks to these provisions, the invention provides a simple, secure, entirely mechanical and easy-to-implement solution, making it possible to achieve the desired goal, in the form of a mixed assembly with at least one shared and temporarily customizable parcel box. The container (11) is advantageously located at a distance from the opening (10) and in a secure location of the assembly (4).

[0027] Preferably, the device (8) for returning and securely storing the key(s) (9) is fully integrated into the structure and size of the set (4) of mailboxes (2).

[0028] In accordance with a general advantageous embodiment of the invention, allowing numerous variations adaptable to different configurations of the assembly (4) of mailbox (2) and illustrated by different practical constructive variants in figures 2 to 11, the or each device (8) for returning and securely storing the key(s) (9) comprises, on the one hand, an opening (10) for inserting key(s), for example a slot, present at the level of the set (4) of mailboxes (2), in particular in the total opening flap (5'), on the other hand, a container or housing (11) for receiving one or more key(s) (9) and, finally, where appropriate, a means (12) for transferring, preferably guided and aided by gravity, the or each key (9) having passed through the opening (10) to said container or housing (11), the latter and possibly the transfer means (12) being accessible only in the unlocked and / or open state of the total opening flap (5') and the container or housing (11) being positioned with at least one vertical offset downwards relative to the opening (10) for inserting the key(s).

[0029] In the device (8) only the keys (9) of the available (free) parcel boxes (3, 3') are present and available to the postman or delivery person.

[0030] The various components (10, 11 and 12) of each device (8) can of course be integrated directly, during their manufacture, into the new sets (4) of letter boxes (2), which can possibly be associated with one or more parcel boxes (3, 3') directly in a mixed set (1) of a single piece. These components can also be part of a "retrofitting" kit or additional equipment making it possible to mount a device (8) in an existing set (4) of letter boxes (2) which is not provided with it (an element or part 13, 15 or 2' provided with the opening 10 can then be part of said kit).Advantageously, the or each key (9) for parcel box (3, 3'), in the form of a key for a mechanical lock or a badge for an electronic lock, is associated with a key holder (9') with at least one informative message or an indication, signaling the presence of a parcel in the corresponding parcel box (3, 3') and providing, where appropriate, the identification of the latter, in the case of a plurality of parcel boxes (3, 3'), said key holder (9') being able to further comprise an additional message inviting the return of the key (9) concerned by inserting it into the corresponding insertion opening (10) after removal of the parcel (see figures 12 and 13).

[0031] Of course, each parcel box (3, 3') is advantageously associated with a specific key (9) (7” locks with different variations), preferably of a secure and non-copyable type. Each key ring (9') can have on one side a message for the postman or parcel delivery person and on its opposite side a message for the person wishing to collect the parcel (in particular an indication of the number). In addition, the key / key ring assembly advantageously has an ergonomic shape and facilitates its movement in the transfer means (12).

[0032] Of course, generally speaking, a single return and storage device (8) secure is sufficient (or even desired for reasons of simplicity and / or space requirements), even when parcel boxes (3, 3') of different sizes are provided (key rings of different colors and / or numbered).

[0033] Nevertheless, in relation to a possible alternative embodiment variant, partially emerging from [Fig.4], the mixed assembly (1) may comprise at least two types of parcel boxes (3 and 3'), for example of different sizes, and a device (8) for the return and secure storage specific and proper to keys (9) for each type of parcel box (3, 3'), the key(s) (9) of each type of parcel box (3 and 3') being assembled with a corresponding particular type of key holder (9'), forming a key-removing device.

[0034] It will be noted that the openings (10) and containers (11) illustrated in the partial views of figures 2B, 2C; 3B, 3C; 7C, 7D; 9B, 9C can also be duplicated at two different locations along the height of the assembly (4), to form two devices (8), located at two different heights and capable of receiving two separate sets of keys (9).

[0035] In relation to this alternative variant, at least two distinct types of key holder (9') are then advantageously provided having different shapes and the introduction opening (10) of each return and secure storage device (8) has a shape allowing the passage of only one type of key holder (9').

[0036] As illustrated by way of examples in Figures 12, 13 and 14, each key holder (9') may be in the form of a token or a plate, preferably of rounded or circular shape, and comprises a housing in which the associated key (9) may be retracted, for example by pivoting. The key (9) may be connected by a pivot axis to the corresponding key holder (9') and the latter may have a discoidal shape (circular token) capable of receiving said key in its space requirement in the retracted state (see Figures 3, 13 and 14). Such an embodiment will facilitate the movement of the keys in the transfer device (12) and the introduction of the keys into the opening (10) may preferably be conditioned by a total retraction of the key into its key holder.

[0037] In accordance with an alternative embodiment and as shown by way of example in Figures 2 to 4, at least one introduction opening (10) is present in a part (13) of the common frame (5), preferably an upright comprising the lock (7) for locking the fully opening flap (5') in the closed position, and in that at least one container or housing (11) for receiving corresponding key(s) (9) is arranged in a free space (14) located opposite said part (13) of the common frame (5) in the closed position of the fully opening flap (5'), at least one respective key(s) transfer means (12) being advantageously present either in said frame part (13) or in said space (14) or partly in both, when it is constituted of two parts which cooperate to carry out the transfer function in the closed position of the fully opening shutter (5').

[0038] This free space is advantageously located between two columns of cells (2”) of the set (4) of letter boxes (2) or between a column of cells (2”) and a side covering wall (15) of said set (4) (advantageous use of a lost / unusable volume of the set 4 of letter boxes).

[0039] The part (13) is advantageously a U-shaped section locking profile forming part of the frame (5) of the fully opening shutter (5') (see figures 2 and 3), integrating the lock (7) and possibly locking linkage elements (20) (for example top and bottom engaging with the fixed frame of the assembly 4), and the free space (14) corresponds to the cleared area in the arrangement of cells (2”) which faces said profile in the closed state of said shutter (5').

[0040] In accordance with another constructive variant and as shown in Figures 7 and 8, at least one introduction opening (10) and at least one associated transfer device (12) for key(s) (9) are present in a side cladding wall (15) of the set (4) of letter boxes (2), a corresponding container (11) for receiving key(s) (9), access to which is blocked in the closed position or in the locked state of the fully opening flap (5'), being present either in a lower part of said set (4), or in a free space (14) located between a column of cells (2”) and said side cladding wall (15) of said set (4) (either in the cladding, or in a free space 14 of the set 4, or in a frame part of the latter).

[0041] In the context of this variant, the cladding (15) can advantageously be locally structurally reinforced.

[0042] Thus, as shown in Figures 8, the container (11) may consist of a box mounted in an extractable manner in a fixed (lower) crosspiece of the fixed frame of the set (4) of letter boxes, and locked in this crosspiece, in a releasable manner, by an element of the locking linkage of the shutter (5') connected to the lock (7) of the latter (a lower element of this linkage (20) may for example pass through a part of the box 11 - see Figure 8 E).

[0043] In the context of the two aforementioned variants, it may be provided that the or each transfer means (12) consists of a slide or chute inclined downwards, made in one or more segments, where appropriate with different orientations, the container (11) for receiving the key(s) being able to be formed by an end part of said transfer means (12), where appropriate giving access to only one key (9) at a time, according to the first in-first out principle.

[0044] According to another constructive variant, simple and space-saving, illustrated in a non-limiting manner in figures 9, it can be provided that at least one introduction opening (10) is present in a part (13) of the common frame (5), preferably initially an amount comprising the lock (7) for locking the total opening shutter (5') in the closed position, and in that at least one container or housing (11) for receiving the corresponding key(s) (9) is attached or formed in or on the internal face of said part (13), only accessible in the unlocked and / or open state of the total opening shutter (5').

[0045] According to another constructive variant, illustrated non-limitingly in figures 5 and 6, at least one introduction opening (10) may be present in an individual door (2') forming part of the total opening flap (5'), and in that at least one container or housing (11) for receiving one or more keys (9) respectively corresponding being formed by or present in the cell (2”) associated with this individual door (2').

[0046] Of course, the individual door (2') concerned cannot be unlocked and opened individually and is preferably an integral part of the shutter (5').

[0047] A transfer device (12) in the form of an inclined wing may be provided on the inner face of the individual door (2') concerned and extend from the opening (10) into the container (11).

[0048] As shown in Figures 5, the individual door (2') comprising said at least one introduction opening (10) has a reinforced structure, for example a second skin (15). The latter thus forms an anti-vandalism faceplate.

[0049] The container (12) itself may consist of a compartment of the cell (2”), not directly accessible through the opening (10), but easily accessible when the flap (5') is open (see [Fig.5B] and 5C).

[0050] As shown in Figures 6, the cell (2”) incorporating at least one or acting as a container or housing (11) for receiving one or more keys (9) comprises a second access door (17), doubling the individual door (2') forming part of the fully opening shutter (5'), mounted directly on the cell (2”) concerned and comprising a specific lock, the insertion openings of the two doors (2' and 17) being coincident. This specific lock can advantageously be opened with the same key as the lock (7) of the shutter (5').

[0051] In accordance with a possible characteristic of the invention, optimizing the use of the useful space of the set (4) of letter boxes (2) and limiting the impact of the device (8) on its primary function, and as shown in Figures 5, 10 and 11, the or each container or housing (11) for receiving one or more keys (9) constitutes a fractional compartment of a cell (2”), possibly closed by its own door provided with a lock, the possible remaining volume of the cell (2”) being, if necessary, used for another function.

[0052] According to another constructive variant emerging from figures 11, in relation to assemblies (4) fulfilling several functions or secondary functions in in addition to receiving mail, said assembly (4) may comprise a larger cell (17), in particular a size twice that of other cells (2”), which comprises, preferably in the upper part, at least one compartment forming a housing (11) for receiving key(s) (9) and whose closing door (17) integrated into the fully opening flap (5') comprises at least one opening (10) for inserting key(s) (9), for example a slot, opening into the corresponding compartment (11), the pair or each pair opening (10) / housing (11) constituting a device (8) for returning and securely storing the key(s) (9) and the remaining volume of the cell (17) being, where appropriate, used for another function (in [Fig. 1 IB] we note the presence of a bin acting as a trash can in the larger lower cell).

[0053] Figures 10 illustrate, according to another possible constructive variant of the invention, a set (4) of letter boxes (2) which comprises a display and / or communication panel (19) integrated into the fully opening flap (5'), said panel (19) comprising at least one opening (10) for inserting key(s) (9) and being associated with a container (11) for receiving key(s) (9), fixed to the rear of said panel (19) or arranged in the cell closed by said panel, the pair or each opening (10) / container (11) pair constituting a device (8) for returning and securely storing the key(s) (9).

[0054] The invention also relates to a method for delivering a parcel by a postman or a delivery person to a mixed assembly (1) as described above.

[0055] This delivery method is characterized in that it essentially consists of unlocking and opening the full opening flap (5'), by means of a secure key adapted to its lock (7), for example a postal services master key, taking the key (9) from the parcel box (3, 3') available in a container or housing (11) made accessible by unlocking or opening the flap (5'), opening the parcel box (3, 3') concerned and depositing the parcel to be delivered therein, and, finally, after closing and locking this parcel box (3, 3'), depositing said key (9) in the letter box (2) of the recipient of the parcel, and possibly signaling or validating the deposit (of the parcel in the parcel box).

[0056] This method may further consist, in the presence of parcel boxes (3, 3') of different sizes, of choosing a key (9) for a parcel box (2) adapted to the size of the parcel to be delivered.

[0057] Finally, the invention also relates to a method for withdrawing a parcel by its recipient, or by a person authorized by the latter, where appropriate after receiving a message reporting the deposit, said parcel having been deposited in a parcel box (3, 3') forming part of a mixed assembly as described above, and preferably deposited in accordance with the aforementioned delivery method.

[0058] This withdrawal method is characterized in that it consists, after opening the recipient's mailbox (2), in retrieving a key (9) which was placed there at the time of delivery and making it possible to open the parcel box (3, 3') containing the parcel concerned, in identifying said box (3, 3'), in opening its door (6) and in removing the parcel, and, finally, after locking said door (6), in inserting said key (9) into the corresponding insertion opening (10) of the device (8) for returning and securely storing the key(s) (9) for opening the lock(s) (7”) of the parcel box(es) (3, 3'), integrated into the set (4) of mailboxes (2).

[0059] The two aforementioned methods are combined to form a combined method for depositing and withdrawing a parcel from a shared and privatizable parcel box, in accordance with the invention.

[0060] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1.

2.

3. Claims Mixed set (1) of letter boxes (2) and parcel box(es) (3, 3') comprising, on the one hand, at least one set (4) of letter boxes (2) whose individual doors (2') for closing the cells (2”) are mounted on a common frame (5), which is movable between open and closed positions and which forms with these doors (2') a fully opening flap (5'), and, on the other hand, at least one parcel box (3, 3') whose door (6) for closing the cell (6') is not mounted on the aforementioned common frame (5), the fully opening flap (5'), each letter box (2) and the or each parcel box (3, 3') comprising a respective lock (7', 7") associated with a specific opening key, mixed set (1) characterized in that the set of letter boxes (2) comprises at least one device (8) for returning and secure storage of the key(s) (9) for opening the lock(s) (7”) of the parcel box(es) (3, 3'),this device (8) being configured to only authorize access to the or at least one key (9), which is stored therein, in the unlocked and / or open state of the fully opening shutter (5')., Mixed assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the or each device (8) for returning and securely storing the key(s) (9) comprises, on the one hand, an opening (10) for inserting key(s), for example a slot, present at the level of the assembly (4) of letter boxes (2), in particular in the fully opening flap (5'), on the other hand, a container or housing (11) for receiving one or more key(s) (9) and, finally, where appropriate, a means (12) for transferring, preferably guided and aided by gravity, the or each key (9) having passed through the opening (10) to said container or housing (11), the latter and possibly the transfer means (12) being accessible only in the unlocked and / or open state of the fully opening flap (5') and the container or housing (11) being positioned with at least one vertical offset downwards relative to the opening (10) for inserting the key(s). Mixed assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the or each key (9) for parcel box (3, 3'), in the form of a key for mechanical lock or badge for electronic lock, is associated with a key ring (9') with at least one informative message or indication, signaling the presence of a parcel in the corresponding parcel box (3, 3') and providing, where appropriate, the identification of this latter, in the case of a plurality of parcel boxes (3, 3'), said key holder (9') may further include an additional message inviting the return of the key (9) concerned by inserting it into the corresponding insertion opening (10) after removal of the parcel.

4. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least two types of parcel boxes (3 and 3'), for example of different sizes, and a device (8) for the return and secure storage specific and proper of keys (9) for each type of parcel box (3, 3'), the key(s) (9) of each type of parcel box (3 and 3') being assembled with a corresponding particular type of key holder (9'), forming a key.

5. Mixed assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises at least two distinct types of key holder (9') having different shapes and in that the insertion opening (10) of each device (8) for return and secure storage has a shape allowing the passage of only one type of key holder (9').

6. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that each key ring (9') is in the form of a token or a plate, preferably of rounded or circular shape, and comprises a housing in which the associated key (9) can be retracted, for example by pivoting.

7. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3 to 6, characterized in that at least one introduction opening (10) is present in a part (13) of the common frame (5), preferably an upright comprising the lock (7) for locking the fully opening flap (5') in the closed position, and in that at least one container or housing (11) for receiving corresponding key(s) (9) is arranged in a free space (14) located opposite said part (13) of the common frame (5) in the closed position of the fully opening flap (5'), at least one respective key(s) transfer means (12) being advantageously present either in said frame part (13) or in said space (14) or partly in both, when it is made up of two parts which cooperate to perform the transfer function in the closed position of the fully opening flap (5').

8. Mixed assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the free space (14) is located between two columns of cells (2”) of the assembly (4) of letter boxes (2) or between a column of cells (2”) and a side covering wall (15) of said assembly (4).

9. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3 to 6, characterized in that at least one introduction opening (10) and at least one associated transfer device (12) for key(s) (9) are present in a side covering wall (15) of the assembly (4) of letter boxes (2), a container (11) for receiving corresponding key(s) (9), access to which is blocked in the closed position or in the locked state of the total opening flap (5'), being present either in a lower part of said assembly (4), or in a free space (14) located between a column of cells (2”) and said side covering wall (15) of said assembly (4).

10. Mixed assembly (1) according to claim 7 or 9, characterized in that the or each transfer means (12) consists of a slide or chute inclined downwards, made in one or more segments, where appropriate with different orientations, the container (11) for receiving key(s) being able to be formed by an end part of said transfer means (12), where appropriate giving access to only one key (9) at a time, according to the first in-first out principle.

11. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3 to 6, characterized in that at least one introduction opening (10) is present in a part (13) of the common frame (5), preferably an upright comprising the lock (7) for locking the total opening flap (5') in the closed position, and in that at least one container or housing (11) for receiving the corresponding key(s) (9) is added or formed in or on the internal face of said part (13), only accessible in the unlocked and / or open state of the total opening flap (5').

12. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3 to 6, characterized in that at least one introduction opening (10) is present in an individual door (2') forming part of the total opening flap (5'), and in that at least one container or housing (11) for receiving one or more keys (9) respectively corresponding being formed by or present in the cell (2”) associated with this individual door (2').

13. Mixed assembly (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the individual door (2') comprising said at least one introduction opening (10) has a reinforced structure, for example a second skin (15).

14. Mixed assembly (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the cell (2”) incorporating at least one or acting as a container or housing (11) for receiving one or more keys (9) comprises a second access door (17), doubling the individual door (2') forming part of the total opening flap (5'), mounted directly on the cell (2”) concerned and comprising a specific lock, the insertion openings of the two doors (2' and 17) being coincident.

15. Mixed assembly (1) according to claim 2 or 12, characterized in that the or each container or housing (11) for receiving one or more keys (9) constitutes a fractional compartment of a cell (2”), possibly closed by its own door fitted with a lock, the possible remaining volume of the cell (2”) being where appropriate used for another function.

16. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the assembly (4) of letter boxes (2) comprises a cell (17) of larger size, in particular of a size twice that of other cells (2”), which comprises, preferably in the upper part, at least one compartment forming a housing (11) for receiving key(s) (9) and whose closing door (17) integrated into the total opening flap (5') comprises at least one opening (10) for introducing key(s) (9), for example a slot, opening into the corresponding compartment (11), the pair or each pair opening (10) / housing (11) constituting a device (8) for returning and securely storing the key(s) (9) and the remaining volume of the cell (17) being, where appropriate, used for another function.

17. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a display and / or communication panel (19) integrated into the fully opening flap (5'), said panel (19) comprising at least one opening (10) for inserting key(s) (9) and being associated with a container (11) for receiving key(s) (9), fixed to the rear of said panel (19) or arranged in the cell closed by said panel, the pair or each opening (10) / container (11) pair constituting a device (8) for returning and securely storing the key(s) (9).

18. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the or each device (8) for returning and securely storing the key(s) (9) is fully integrated into the structure and size of the assembly (4) of letter boxes (2).

19. Method of delivering a parcel by a postman or delivery person at of a mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it essentially consists of unlocking and opening the total opening flap (5'), by means of a secure key adapted to its lock (7), for example a postal services master key, taking the key (9) from the parcel box (3, 3') available in a container or housing (11) made accessible by unlocking or opening the flap (5'), opening the parcel box (3, 3') concerned and depositing the parcel to be delivered therein, and, finally, after closing and locking this parcel box (3, 3'), depositing said key (9) in the letter box (2) of the recipient of the parcel, and possibly signaling or validating the deposit.

20. Delivery method according to claim 19, characterized in that it consists, in the presence of parcel boxes (3, 3') of different sizes, in choosing a key (9) for a parcel box (2) adapted to the size of the parcel to be delivered.

21. Method for withdrawing a parcel by its recipient, or by a person authorized by the latter, where appropriate after receipt of a message reporting the deposit, deposited in a parcel box (3, 3') forming part of a mixed set according to any one of claims 1 to 18, and preferably deposited in accordance with the delivery method according to any one of claims 18 and 19, method characterized in that it consists, after opening the letter box (2) of the recipient, in recovering a key (9) which was deposited there at the time of delivery and making it possible to open the parcel box (3, 3') containing the parcel concerned, in identifying said box (3, 3'), in opening its door (6) and in withdrawing the parcel, and, finally, after locking said door (6),to insert said key (9) into the corresponding insertion opening (10) of the device (8) for returning and securely storing the key(s) (9) for opening the lock(s) (7”) of the parcel box(es) (3, 3'), integrated into the set (4) of letter boxes (2).,