Delivery mailbox

Abstract

To provide a delivery mailbox which is installed at a delivery destination on a physical distribution route until a package is delivered to a customer, and which is positioned between a deliverer and a recipient, enabling the recipient to safely receive the package without meeting a delivery person. [Solution] This delivery mailbox, used between a logistics deliverer and a recipient, has a parcel storage section 8, a parcel insertion section 7, and a parcel removal section. It is equipped with individual keys 5 that can lock the parcel insertion section and the parcel removal section when they are closed. The gate surface of the parcel insertion section consists of multiple flaps 1, each held by a hinge 3 with fixed, rotating, and spring functions, using the outer periphery of the gate surface as a fulcrum. When unloaded, the flaps are stopped by a stopper 2, forming a separation surface between the outside and the parcel storage section. When the weight of a parcel and an external force are applied toward the parcel storage section, the flaps independently rotate toward the parcel storage section using the hinge as a fulcrum. After the parcel passes through, the weight and external force are released, and the flaps autonomously return to the stopper position. A gate surface (parcel insertion section) is created that allows passage in only one direction for parcels of any specified deliverer, quantity, time, etc.; once inserted through this surface, parcels cannot be retrieved. Parcels can be retrieved from another section, completing the delivery without face-to-face contact by the deliverer, and the recipient later collects the parcel, completing the delivery.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an intermediary device that is installed at the delivery destination on the logistics route until the package is delivered to the customer, and that acts as an intermediary between the deliverer and the recipient, allowing the recipient to safely receive the package without meeting the delivery person. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of e-commerce, the volume of parcel deliveries to residential addresses has increased, but deliveries to residential addresses often require redelivery if the recipient is not at home. This leads to a high redelivery rate, placing a heavy burden on the logistics industry in terms of volume and driver availability, and the high redelivery rate is a major issue for the logistics industry. On the other hand, one of the benefits for recipients is that they can receive their packages safely even when they are not at home. There are great benefits to eliminating redelivery, and there is a great demand for systems such as delivery boxes that can receive packages even when the recipient is not at home, and systems for leaving packages at the recipient's door. However, safe delivery of packages is essential to meet this demand, but it is difficult to say that such systems are widely used.

[0003] Typical delivery lockers have a robust system in which the key is shared between the customer and the delivery person, but they have not yet become widely used due to reasons such as their high cost and the space required for installation. In addition, the PIN code must be shared with the delivery person, and there is a risk that the delivery box cannot be opened due to a mistake or incorrect operation, making it impossible to retrieve the package.

[0004] Therefore, the logistics industry is in need of a drop-off delivery service that allows safe delivery without face-to-face contact. However, simply leaving the parcel at the door means that the parcel is exposed to the public before it is picked up, so naturally there is a risk of theft. Theft is particularly likely in urban areas and places with a lot of foot traffic, and the possibility of instant theft cannot be ruled out near aisles. Small items are particularly at higher risk as they are easier to steal. If safety is a priority, re-delivery in the absence of the recipient is inevitable, which is causing a major burden on the logistics industry. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3249438 (U3249438) [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3244930 (U3244930) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] To solve these problems, it is essential to introduce a method that allows packages to be safely delivered without meeting the recipient face-to-face. The purpose of this invention is to provide a means to safely leave and deliver packages to a location without the recipient having to meet face-to-face, thereby improving logistics issues. Furthermore, unless the method is versatile, it will not be widely used and sufficient results cannot be expected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve safe delivery, it is necessary to make it difficult to take away a package once it has been delivered. Furthermore, if the method can be completed without the need for mutual cooperation between the recipient and the delivery person, it will be even more versatile. In this case, the minimum requirement is to separate the loading and unloading ports. If the luggage storage section 8 is provided with a luggage insertion opening and removal opening with a key 5 and managed separately, the delivery and receipt can be completed without the need for the deliverer and the recipient to meet face to face. For example, if the key to the parcel drop-in slot is a padlock, the deliverer can lock it by himself, and the recipient can have their own key. For infrequent deliveries, such as one item per day or less, and collection each time, this system is simple, versatile, and quite practical.

[0008] However, it cannot accommodate multiple consecutive deliveries. To address this issue, it would be best to be able to handle packages that are unspecified in terms of the delivery person, quantity, time, etc. For example, if a gate surface is created that allows passage in only one direction, and parcels inserted through this surface cannot be retrieved, but can be retrieved from another surface or location, delivery can be completed by the deliverer alone, and the recipient can collect the parcel later. By adopting this method, delivery can be completed without meeting the recipient, and the package can be received safely. This gate surface-equipped inclusion has a gate surface (luggage loading section) 7 and a luggage storage section 8 with a luggage removal section 9, and the gate surface (luggage loading section) 7 is divided into multiple flaps 1, and each flap 1 is independently held by a spring hinge 3. The spring hinge 3 is in a fixed position where it is stopped by the stopper 2, and when a load is applied to the flap 1 it rotates, and when the load is released it returns to its original position autonomously due to the reaction force of the spring hinge 3. When the weight of luggage and external force in the direction of the luggage storage section 8 are applied to the assembly of flaps 1 that form a separation surface from the luggage storage section 8, each of the multiple flaps 1 responds independently to the load and rotates in the direction of the luggage storage section 8 around its outer periphery as a fulcrum, thereby storing the luggage. When the load is released, the flap 1 autonomously returns to its original position where it is stopped by the stopper 2. With this configuration, the gate surface (baggage insertion section) 7 is normally held in a predetermined position, but when an attempt is made to insert luggage, the flap 1 rotates inward, allowing the luggage to be stored. After the bag is dropped in, the flap 1 returns autonomously and a stopper 2 is provided to stop the bag at a predetermined position, making it impossible to remove the baggage. A take-out port with a key 5 is provided in another part, and the recipient of the package can unlock the key 5 to receive the package. The spring hinge 3, which is a main element constituting such a delivery system, is a general-purpose mechanical element.

[0009] The purpose of having multiple flaps 1 is that when trying to pick up luggage, even if you hold down one flap 1 with one hand to create an opening, the opening will not be large enough, and you will not be able to pick up the luggage with the other hand. To prevent the luggage from being removed, the size of one flap 1 must be such that the luggage cannot be removed even if one puts one's hand inside. If the opening size of a typical mailbox is 50 mm wide, then the size of the package can be considered as having a smallest side of 50 mm or more. For example, when one of flaps 1 is opened, the opening size must be approximately 50 mm on even the largest side. However, if it is necessary to grab it with your hand to take it out, the maximum opening when one flap 1 is opened can be considered to be approximately 100 mm wide. Moreover, considering that this is the smallest side of the luggage, the other sides of the luggage are naturally larger, making the possibility of them being stolen extremely small. Furthermore, even if someone were to pretend to deliver a package to a designated location and rotate multiple flaps using an object equivalent to a package for the purpose of theft, there would be no gaps that would allow theft, and once the object equivalent to the package is removed, the gate surface would automatically close, making the package safe. The maximum size of the parcel is assumed to be approximately MAX100 or 120 size (total of three dimensions: length, width, and height), which is the same as that of a typical delivery box, and the number of divisions, shape, and size of flap 1 can be determined as desired. Baggage larger or heavier than this will be handled differently due to being too large or too heavy for one person to carry, and will therefore not be eligible.

[0010] The gate surface (baggage loading area) 7 is assumed to be flat in a steady state, but by providing an arbitrary incline in the direction of loading, it is possible to increase the ease of loading and the difficulty of removing the baggage. The effect can be easily verified by imagining an eel trap. The shape of the luggage storage section 8 is generally a box shape, or the box may be formed as a wire basket, a wire wagon, or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any bag or mesh bag 10 may be used as long as it has a luggage removal section 9 and can be removed using, for example, a zipper with a lock 5. Examples of mesh materials include multipurpose resin nets, which are widely used. The mesh structure also has the effect of making it possible to recognize the delivery results. Although there is a risk of theft due to vandalism even when such an intervening object is used, it is thought that the more public the object is, the less likely such vandalism will occur. Therefore, it can be said that this is much safer than the risk of items being picked when simply left at the door.

[0011] Such a function can also be achieved by replacing the spring hinge 3 with a combination of a flat hinge 12 and an elastic rubber rope product or a tension coil spring 13. The flat hinge 12 has a rotation function, and the spring function is an elastic rubber rope product or a tension coil spring 13. The elastic rubber rope product or tension coil spring 13 is in a tight contact state when no load is applied. This is attached with a length that provides tension that allows the flap 1 to maintain a predetermined position, and when a load is applied to the flap 1 by the force of the package and the delivery person, it rotates, and when the load is released, it returns to its original position autonomously by the reaction force of an elastic rubber rope product or a tension coil spring 13. Such a logistics intermediary according to this invention is called a delivery post. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] By using a delivery post when leaving the parcel, delivery can be completed without the risk of theft even when the recipient is not at home. In addition to being convenient, drop-off mailboxes are also highly versatile and not technically difficult to use. It is expected that widespread use will bring great benefits to both the logistics industry and users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of how the delivery mailbox is implemented. Individual keys 5 are provided on the gate surface (baggage insertion area) 7 and the baggage removal area 9. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of how the delivery mailbox is implemented. The gate surface (baggage insertion area) 7 is composed of multiple flaps 1 and spring hinges 3. This is an explanatory diagram of a rectangular delivery mailbox. [Figure 3] 3 is an explanatory diagram of an implementation method of the delivery mailbox. The gate surface (baggage insertion portion) 7 of the delivery mailbox is circular, spiral, and inclined. [Figure 4] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a method for implementing a delivery post. The gate surface (baggage insertion area) 7 in Fig. 2 is provided with an incline. [Figure 5] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a method for implementing a delivery post. The luggage storage section 8 in Fig. 2 is made bag-shaped. [Figure 6] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a method for implementing a drop-off delivery mailbox. In Fig. 2, the function of the spring hinge 3 is replaced with a flat hinge 12 and an elastic rubber rope product or a tension coil spring 13. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of how the delivery post is implemented, showing the case where it is attached to a fence or the like. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of how the delivery mailbox is implemented, assuming an apartment building or the like. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of how to implement a delivery mailbox, assuming that the mailbox is placed in front of the delivery destination's door. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of how the delivery post is implemented. It is combined with a wire basket and a wire wagon-style rack. [Figure 11] 11 is an explanatory diagram of a method for implementing a delivery mailbox. A, B, and C show cases where the flap division shape of the gate surface (baggage insertion section) 7 is arbitrarily changed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The car park has a luggage storage section 8, a gate surface (luggage insertion section) 7, and a luggage removal section 9, and an individual key 5 is provided for each of the gate surface (luggage insertion section) 7 and the luggage removal section 9. By providing individual keys 5 for the gate surface (baggage insertion section) 7 and the baggage removal section 9, baggage can be safely handed over without meeting face to face. Furthermore, since it is assumed that the parcels will be collected each time, this method is suitable for infrequent drop-off deliveries.

[0015] In order to accommodate unspecified cargo such as deliverers, quantities, and times, the system is composed of a gate surface (cargo loading section) 7 and a cargo storage section 8 with a cargo removal section 9, and the gate surface (cargo loading section) 7 is divided into multiple flaps 1, and each flap 1 is held in place by a spring hinge 3. The spring hinge 3 has the position of the stopper 2 as its fixed position, and rotates when a load is applied to the flap 1 by the force of the package or the delivery person, and returns autonomously to its original position when the load is released. When the weight of the luggage in the direction of the luggage storage section 8 and an external force are applied to the assembly of flaps 1 that form a separation surface between this delivery post and the luggage storage section 8, the multiple flaps 1 rotate in the direction of the luggage storage section 8 with their outer peripheral positions as fulcrums, and the luggage is stored. When storage is completed and the delivery person applies force, the load on the flap 1 is released and the flap autonomously returns to its original position with the stopper 2. This function can also be achieved by replacing the spring hinge 3 with a flat hinge 12 and an elastic rubber rope product, or a tension coil spring 13. [Example]

[0016] The embodiment shown in Figure 1 is a delivery post box having a luggage storage section 8, a gate surface (luggage drop-in section) 7, and a luggage removal section 9, with individual keys 5 provided for each of the gate surface (luggage drop-in section) 7 and the luggage removal section 9. [Example]

[0017] The embodiment shown in Figure 2 is a delivery post in which the gate surface (luggage loading area) 7 is composed of multiple flaps 1 and spring hinges 3. [Example]

[0018] The embodiment of FIG. 3 is a delivery post in which the gate surface (luggage insertion section) 7 is circular, the flap 1 is spiral and inclined, and the luggage storage section 8 is a bag or mesh bag 10. [Example]

[0019] The embodiment shown in Figure 4 is a delivery post in which the input surface of Figure 1 is inclined in the direction of input of luggage. [Example]

[0020] The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is a delivery post in which the luggage storage section 8 shown in FIG. 3 is bag-shaped. [Example]

[0021] The embodiment of Figure 6 is a drop-off mailbox in which the function of the spring hinge 3 in Figure 2 is replaced with a flat hinge 12 and an elastic rubber rope product or a tension coil spring 13. [Example]

[0022] The embodiment in Figure 7 is a delivery post installed in conjunction with a gate, fence, etc. Since this is an embodiment of a combination, elements other than those shown are omitted. [Example]

[0023] The embodiment in Figure 8 is a delivery mailbox intended for an apartment building, etc. Since this is an embodiment of a combination, elements other than the display are omitted. [Example]

[0024] The embodiment shown in Figure 9 is a delivery post that has a lightweight, stretchable mesh bag as the luggage storage section 8 and is attached to the front door. Since this is an embodiment of a combination, elements other than those shown are omitted. [Example]

[0025] The embodiment in Figure 10 is a drop-off post combined with a wire basket and a wire wagon-style rack. Since this is an example of a combination, elements other than those shown are omitted. [Example]

[0026] 11A, 11B, and 11C are examples of cases where the flap division shape of the gate surface (baggage loading area) 7 is arbitrarily changed. Since these are combination examples, elements other than those shown are omitted. [Industrial Applicability]

[0027] In recent years, e-commerce has become popular, and there is a growing need to receive packages even when you are not at home. It is expected that the spread of this invention will contribute to reducing the burden on logistics in Japan and improving convenience. [Explanation of symbols]

[0028] 1 flap 2 Stopper 3 Spring hinges 4 Door hinges 5 keys 6. Door for removing luggage 7 Gate surface (baggage loading area) 8 Luggage storage area 9. Luggage removal area 10 bags or mesh bags 11 Posts 12 Flat hinge 13 Elastic rubber rope products or tension coil springs

Claims

1. The intermediate product has a cargo storage section 8 used between a distributor and a receiver in physical distribution, and is characterized by having an independent gate surface (cargo insertion section) 7 and a cargo removal section 9, and each of the gate surface (cargo insertion section) 7 and the cargo removal section 9 has an individual key 5.

2. This is an intermediary item used between a deliverer and a receiver in logistics, and has a luggage storage section 8, a gate surface (luggage insertion section) 7, and a luggage removal section 9, and is characterized in that the gate surface (luggage insertion section) 7 is divided into multiple flaps 1, and the aggregate of these flaps 1 forms a separation surface with the luggage storage section 8, and when the weight of the luggage and an external force are applied in the direction of the luggage storage section 8, the multiple flaps 1 that form the gate surface (luggage insertion section) 7 independently rotate in the direction of the luggage storage section 8, using their outer peripheral positions as fulcrums, and when the load is released, they autonomously return to their original position with stoppers 2.

3. In claim 2, the flap 1 on the gate surface (luggage insertion section) 7 is characterized in that even when there is no load, it is inclined from the outer periphery of the gate surface (luggage insertion section) 7 toward the center, toward the luggage storage section 8.

4. In claim 2, the mechanical element that connects and holds the multiple flaps 1 to the gate surface (luggage insertion section) 7 and rotates and returns to its original position depending on whether or not a load is applied is a spring hinge 3.

5. In claim 2, the mechanical element that connects and holds multiple flaps 1 to the gate surface (luggage loading area) 7 and rotates and returns to its original position depending on whether or not a load is applied is characterized in that the rotation function of the spring hinge 3 is replaced with a flat hinge 12, and the return function depending on whether or not a load is applied is replaced with an elastic rubber rope product or a tension coil spring 13.

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