Logistics apparatus for delivering goods, based on mobile containers

Abstract

A logistics apparatus for delivering goods, comprising a support (12) provided with first fixing means (18); at least one container (14) is provided with engagement means (16) for anchoring to the support (12) and with second fixing means (20) which cooperate with the first fixing means (18) for removably locking the container (14) onto the support (12); actuation means (22) are adapted to cooperate with either or both of the first fixing means (18) and the second fixing means (20) for releasing the container (14) from the support (12); coded protection means are configured to make the actuation of the actuation means (22) conditional on the use of code means; the coded protection means (22) are incorporated in the container (14).

Description

[0001] LOGISTICS APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING GOODS, BASED ON MOBILE CONTAINERS

[0002] The present invention relates to a logistics apparatus for delivering goods, based on mobile containers.

[0003] As is known, particularly in the area of online shopping, sales platforms nowadays can make use of third-party shippers which act as intermediaries between the sellers and the recipients of the delivery of the goods.

[0004] In order to avoid direct contact between the shipper and the recipient, recently both sellers and shippers have introduced lockers, i.e. cabinets provided with a series of compartments with coded opening, located in conventional retail points or commercial areas.

[0005] When the goods are placed in a compartment by the seller or shipper, the address of the locker and the opening code of the compartment containing the goods are sent to the recipient by way of messages in electronic format.

[0006] A drawback of such a logistics system is that the recipient, although they can seek to select the locker located in the position that is least inconvenient with respect to their home or their daily routes, necessarily still needs to make a trip to access the locker.

[0007] Furthermore, the logistics system based on lockers with fixed compartments negates the impression the buyer has of easy shopping online, having goods delivered to their home simply by typing on their keyboard.

[0008] In addition, as well as being decidedly cumbersome and requiring dedicated spaces, lockers with fixed compartments need to be electrically powered in order to handle the steps of reading and authentication of the code and also the automated opening of the compartments. This circumstance further limits the flexibility and elasticity of this logistics system, in that it requires a dedicated electricity supply line to be available in order to connect the locker to the mains, so producing further restrictions on the choice of the site where the locker is to be located, as well as running costs and complications associated with the consumption of electricity.

[0009] Last but not least, such a locker is a complex apparatus that requires periodic and extraordinary maintenance on-site, with consequent further costs and complications of an organizational nature.

[0010] With the goal of providing a more elastic and more flexible system, US2018 / 0189730A1 describes a delivery apparatus and method in which the locker, instead of consisting of a cabinet with fixed compartments, is provided with a series of mobile containers that are adapted to be removably anchored to an electronic docking station.

[0011] The electronic docking station comprises a series of docking stalls, each one fitted with locking means for removably fixing a container. The electronic docking station is provided with a control unit which is connected to a network and which actuates, after authentication, both the locking / release of the container to / from the respective docking stall, and the opening / closing of the container for retrieving the goods.

[0012] Management of the flows of containers, particularly with regard to keeping track of docking stalls that are free, occupied, or reserved for a future delivery, is done by means of exchange of data over the network, typically in the cloud, between the docking station, the mobile devices of the recipient and of the courier, and the container.

[0013] In summary, the seller or shipper deposits the goods in the container and transports the latter to the destination locker, fixing it to the preset vacant docking stall. After this, similarly to the traditional solution that uses lockers with fixed compartments, the seller or shipper alerts the recipient with messages in electronic format containing the address of the locker and the code to open the container containing the recipient's goods.

[0014] Although the capability to manage the flows of containers in the manner described above effectively makes the system in US2018 / 0189730A1 more flexible than the traditional system with lockers provided with fixed compartments, the docking station remains a very cumbersome and complex element, which requires large dedicated spaces, an electricity supply, and periodic and extraordinary maintenance on-site.

[0015] WO2022148555A1 describes another logistics system based on containers but with a more agile infrastructure than US2018 / 0189730A1, in that the structure that supports the containers does not require a network connection. In WO2022148555A1, in fact, all data relating to the various delivery steps is exchanged solely between the mobile devices of the recipient and the courier, the container, and the server managed by the seller or shipper, without involving the structure that supports the containers, which therefore does not play a central role as is the case in US2018 / 0189730A1.

[0016] However, again in WO2022148555A1 the structure that supports the containers comprises multiple docking stalls, each one provided with a locking mechanism that can be activated via authentication and which, therefore, requires an electricity supply and maintenance.

[0017] The aim of the present invention is to provide a logistics apparatus for delivering goods bought online, based on mobile containers, which further simplifies the infrastructure necessary for its operation, particularly by way of a support in which the dimensions are reduced to the minimum and which is simplified to the utmost in terms of construction, and which does not require an electricity supply.

[0018] The above aim and other objects, which will become clearer from the description that follows, are achieved by a logistics apparatus having the characteristics recited in the appended claim 1, while the appended dependent claims define characteristics of the invention which are advantageous, although secondary.

[0019] Now the invention will be described in more detail, with reference to some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments thereof, which are illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] - Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a logistics apparatus according to the invention;

[0021] - Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a logistics apparatus in a second embodiment of the invention;

[0022] - Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a logistics apparatus in a third embodiment of the invention;

[0023] - Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a logistics apparatus in a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0024] - Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a logistics apparatus in a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0025] - Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a logistics apparatus in a sixth embodiment of the invention;

[0026] - Figure 7 is a schematic side view of a logistics apparatus in a seventh embodiment of the invention;

[0027] - Figure 8 is a schematic side view of a logistics apparatus in an eighth embodiment of the invention;

[0028] - Figure 9 is a schematic side view of a logistics apparatus in a ninth embodiment of the invention;

[0029] - Figure 10 is a schematic side view of a logistics apparatus in a tenth embodiment of the invention;

[0030] - Figure 11 is a schematic side view of a logistics apparatus in an eleventh embodiment of the invention;

[0031] - Figure 12 is a perspective view of a logistics apparatus in a twelfth embodiment of the invention, in a first operating configuration;

[0032] - Figure 13 is a perspective view of the logistics apparatus of Figure 12 in a second operating configuration;

[0033] - Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 12 taken along a horizontal midpoint plane;

[0034] - Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 13 taken along a horizontal midpoint plane;

[0035] - Figure 16 is a perspective view of a logistics apparatus in a thirteenth embodiment of the invention;

[0036] - Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 16 taken along a vertical midpoint plane;

[0037] - Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 17, showing the apparatus in a different operating configuration.

[0038] With reference to Figure 1, a logistics apparatus according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, comprises, in a first embodiment thereof, a support 12, which can be fixed to a generic outdoor or indoor structure, e.g., a wall W situated in the hall of a generic residential building, and a series of mobile containers 14, each one fitted with engagement means 16 for anchoring to the support 12.

[0039] The support 12 is provided with first fixing means 18, while the container 14 is provided with second fixing means 20 which cooperate with the first fixing means 18 for removably locking the container 14 onto the support 12.

[0040] The logistics apparatus 10 further comprises actuation means adapted to cooperate with either or both of the first fixing means 18 and the second fixing means 20 for releasing the container 14 from the support 12, and coded protection means configured to make the actuation of the actuation means conditional on the use of code means. The actuation means and the coded protection means will be defined in more detail below.

[0041] According to the invention, differently from the solutions known nowadays, the coded protection means are incorporated in the container 14.

[0042] Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments described below, the actuation means are also incorporated in the container 14.

[0043] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the first fixing means 18 comprise a seat 18' obtained in the support 12 and the second fixing means 20 comprise a mechanically actuated movable element 20' that can be inserted for retention in the seat 18' on command via the actuation means. In this regard, in this embodiment, the actuation means and the coded protection means are combined in a mechanical lock 22, and the code means comprise a physical key 24 associated with the mechanical lock 22. In this embodiment, the movable element 20' is functionally connected to the mechanical lock 22.

[0044] In this embodiment, the support 12 comprises a C-shaped profiled element with two horizontal sides 12a, 12b joined by a vertical side 12c, and the seat 18' is provided on the inner face of the upper one, 12a, of the two horizontal sides; the engagement means 16 comprise a C-shaped bracket that can be inserted between the two horizontal sides 12a, 12b of the C- shaped profiled element, and the movable element 20' consists of a vertical pin which is accommodated so that it can slide in the C-shaped bracket in order to be inserted axially in the seat 18.

[0045] The container 14 comprises a door 26 provided with its own coded closure means 28.

[0046] In this embodiment, the recipient of the goods and / or the shipper therefore need to be in possession of the physical key 24 in order to release the container 14 from the support 12.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention, in which the elements corresponding to the previous embodiment are identified by the same reference numeral increased by 100 while the reference letters are prefixed with a 1.

[0048] This second embodiment of the invention differs from the previous embodiment in that the second fixing means comprise an electrically actuated movable element 120', and the actuation means and the coded protection means are combined in an electronic lock 122 which is functionally connected to the movable element 120'. In this embodiment, the electronic lock 122 is enabled to receive digital codes wirelessly, e.g., using Bluetooth® technology, and the code means comprise a digital code adapted to be transmitted to the electronic lock 122 by a mobile device MD of the recipient of the goods, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, and the like.

[0049] The movable element 120' and the electronic lock 122 are powered by a battery 130 incorporated in the container 114.

[0050] The mobile device MD is advantageously provided with a dedicated application, which can be provided by the shipper or by the seller, for exchanging data online with a server S managed by the shipper or by the seller, typically over a data communications network II such as the internet.

[0051] In this second embodiment, after introducing the goods to be sent into the container 114, the seller or shipper sets the digital code associated with that delivery in the electronic lock 122 and stores it in the server IS. At the time of delivery, the server IS sends the digital code to the mobile device 1MD of the recipient of the goods, so that the latter can send it, e.g. via Bluetooth®, to the electronic lock 122 so as to release the container 114 from the support 112.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention, in which the elements corresponding to the previous embodiment are identified by the same reference numeral increased by 100 while the reference letters are prefixed with a 2.

[0053] This third embodiment of the invention differs from the previous embodiment in that the electronic lock 222 is provided with an alphanumeric keypad and the code means comprise an alphanumeric code 224 that can be entered on the alphanumeric keypad.

[0054] In this third embodiment, after introducing the goods to be delivered into the container 214, the seller or shipper sets the alphanumeric code 224 associated with that delivery in the electronic lock 222 and saves it in the server 2S. At the time of delivery, the server 2S sends the alphanumeric code 224 to the mobile device 2MD of the recipient of the goods so that the recipient can enter it on the alphanumeric keypad of the electronic lock 222 and release the container 214 from the support 212.

[0055] Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which the elements corresponding to the previous embodiment are identified by the same reference numeral increased by 100 while the reference letters are prefixed with a 3.

[0056] This fourth embodiment of the invention differs from the previous embodiment in that the electronic lock 322 is provided with a graphic code reader and the code means therefore comprise a graphic code, e.g., a QR code 324, adapted to be presented to the reader.

[0057] In this fourth embodiment, after introducing the goods into the container 314 and after closing the latter, the seller or shipper sets the QR code 324 (or other graphic code) associated with that delivery in the electronic lock 322 and saves it in the server 3S. At the time of delivery, the server 3S sends the QR code 324 to the mobile device MD of the recipient of the goods who, by positioning the QR code 324 before the reader of the electronic lock 322, can release the container 314 from the support 312.

[0058] In the four embodiments shown up to this point, the operations to release the container from the support are independent of the operations to open / close the door, and the coded closure means associated with the door can be of any conventional type, both mechanical and electronic.

[0059] Figure 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which the elements corresponding to the previous four embodiments are identified by the same reference numeral increased by 100.

[0060] This fifth embodiment of the invention differs from the previous embodiments in that the coded protection means comprise a lock 428 which is associated with the door 426 when it is closed, and the actuation means for releasing the container 414 from the support 412 are accessible only with the lock 428 unlocked for opening the door 426 and, preferably, only when the door 426 is open.

[0061] In more detail, in this embodiment the lock 428 is mechanical and, therefore, the code means consist of a physical key 424 associated with the mechanical lock 428. Furthermore, the second fixing means comprise a movable element 420' which is controlled by manually actuated mechanical actuation means 420a which are accessible only when the door 426 is open. In this embodiment, the actuation means 420a comprise a button which is functionally connected to the movable element 420' and adapted to be pressed, in contrast with the action of a spring 434, in order to disengage the movable element 420' from the seat 418'.

[0062] In this fifth embodiment, therefore, the recipient of the goods and the shipper are in possession of the physical key 434 which enables them both to open the door 426 and to access the actuation means 420a in order to release the container 414 from the support 412.

[0063] Figure 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention, in which the elements corresponding to the previous embodiment are identified by the same reference numeral increased by 100 while the reference letters are prefixed with a 5.

[0064] In this sixth embodiment the fixing means are identical to the previous embodiment and, as in the previous embodiment, they are accessible only when the door 526 is open. The coded protection means on the other hand comprise an electronic lock 528 which is functionally connected to an electrically actuated bolt 529 associated with the door 526. In this embodiment, the electronic lock 528 is enabled to receive digital codes wirelessly, e.g., using Bluetooth® technology, and the code means comprise a digital code adapted to be transmitted to the electronic lock 528 by a mobile device 5MD of the recipient of the goods, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, and the like.

[0065] The bolt 529 and the electronic lock 528 are powered by a battery 530 incorporated in the container 514.

[0066] In this sixth embodiment, after introducing the goods to be delivered into the container 514, the seller or shipper closes the door 526 and sets the digital code associated with that delivery in the electronic lock 528, and this digital code is saved in the server 5S. At the time of delivery, the server 5S sends the digital code to the mobile device 5MD of the recipient of the goods, so that the latter can send it, e.g. via Bluetooth®, to the electronic lock 528 and open the door 526. With the door 526 open, the recipient can access the manual actuation means 520a of the movable element 520' and release the container 514 from the support 512.

[0067] Figure 7 shows a seventh embodiment of the invention, in which the elements corresponding to the previous embodiment are identified by the same reference numeral increased by 100 while the reference letters are prefixed with a 6.

[0068] As in the previous embodiment, in this seventh embodiment the coded protection means comprise an electronic lock 628 which can be activated with a digital code and is functionally connected to the electrically actuated bolt 629 associated with the door 626.

[0069] This seventh embodiment of the invention differs from the previous embodiment in that the second fixing means comprise an electrically actuated movable element 620' and the actuation means comprise an electric switch 620a, which is functionally connected to the movable element 620' and is accessible only when the door 626 is open.

[0070] The movable element 620' is advantageously powered by the same battery 630 that powers the electronic lock 628 and the bolt 629 associated with the door 626.

[0071] Figure 8 shows an eighth embodiment of the invention, in which the elements corresponding to the previous embodiment are identified by the same reference numeral increased by 100 while the reference letters are prefixed with a 7.

[0072] This eighth embodiment of the invention differs from the previous embodiment in that the first fixing means comprise a movable element 718' which is connected to the support 712 and can be engaged by manual actuation means 720a incorporated in the container 714, while the second fixing means comprise a seat 720' which is integral with the container 714 and is engageable by the movable element 718'. As in the previous embodiment, the actuation means 720a are accessible only when the door 726 is open.

[0073] Similarly to the previous embodiments, in this seventh embodiment the support 712 comprises a C-shaped profiled element with two horizontal sides 712a, 712b which are joined by a vertical side 712c, and the engagement means 716 comprise a C-shaped bracket which can be inserted between the two horizontal sides 712a, 712b of the C-shaped profiled element. The seat 720' is provided on a top face of the bracket 716, and the movable element 718' consists of a vertical pin which is accommodated so that it can slide in the higher, 712a, of the two parallel sides 712b of the C- shaped profiled element and is controlled by the thrust of a spring 734 in order to be inserted axially into the seat 720.

[0074] The manual actuation means 720a comprise a tie rod that can be actuated manually to push the movable element 718' out of the seat 720' in contrast with the action of the spring 734.

[0075] The bracket 716 has an oblique outer surface 717 which, in the step of inserting the bracket into the support 712, slideably engages the pin 718' and lifts it in contrast with the action of the spring 734. When the insertion is completed, the pin 718' aligns with the seat 720' and engages it for retention with snap-action.

[0076] According to variations (not shown) of the last three embodiments described, the electronic lock associated with the door, instead of being activated by a digital code transmitted wirelessly, could be provided with a keypad for entering an alphanumeric code, or with a graphic code reader, in a manner similar to the electronic lock associated with the fixing means in the second and third embodiments described above and illustrated respectively in Figures 3 and 4.

[0077] The next three embodiments are limited to showing some possible variations of the engagement means and of the support. Those variations can be applied to all the embodiments described previously, by adopting trivial technical contrivances that are obvious to the person skilled in the art.

[0078] In particular, Figure 9 shows a ninth embodiment of the invention, in which the elements corresponding to the previous embodiment are identified by the same reference numeral increased by 100.

[0079] In this ninth embodiment, the support comprises a profiled element with rectangular cross-section 812, while the engagement means comprise a C-shaped bracket 816, provided with two horizontal sides 816a, 816b joined by a vertical side 816c in order to encompass the profiled element with rectangular cross-section 812. In this embodiment, the first fixing means comprise a seat 818' provided on the top face of the profiled element with rectangular cross-section 812, while the second fixing means comprise a movable element 820' in the form of a vertical pin, which is accommodated so that it can slide in the upper one, 816a, of the two horizontal sides of the C-shaped bracket 816 in order to be inserted axially into the seat 818'.

[0080] The movable element 820' can be mechanically actuated or electrically actuated, in a manner similar to the embodiments described previously.

[0081] Figure 10 shows a tenth embodiment of the invention, in which the elements corresponding to the previous embodiment are identified by the same reference numeral increased by 100.

[0082] This tenth embodiment of the invention differs from the previous embodiment solely in that the engagement means 916 are sunk into the rear side of the container 914.

[0083] Figure 11 shows an eleventh embodiment of the invention, in which the elements corresponding to the previous embodiment are identified by the same reference numeral increased by 100.

[0084] In the eleventh embodiment, the support again comprises a profiled element with rectangular cross-section 1012, while the engagement means comprise an L-shaped bracket 1016 provided with a horizontal side 1016a and with a vertical side 1016b for engaging with the profiled element with rectangular cross-section 1012. In this embodiment, the first fixing means comprise a seat 1018' which is provided on a vertical face of the profiled element with rectangular cross-section 1012 which faces the container 1014, while the second fixing means comprise a movable element 1020' (which can be actuated mechanically or electrically) in the form of a horizontal pin, which is accommodated so that it can slide in the container 1014 in order to be inserted axially into the seat 1020'.

[0085] Figures 12-15 show a twelfth embodiment of the invention, in which the container 1114 should be understood to be provided with a front-facing door (not shown) closed by a lock.

[0086] In this embodiment, the engagement means consist of a recess 1116 with rectangular profile, provided on the rear side of the container 1114 and the end face of which is open; the support consists of a body 1112 which can be wall-mounted and has a profile that is substantially complementary to that of the recess 1116; the first fixing means comprise a first seat 1118'a and a second seat 1118'b which are provided on two opposite side faces of the body 1112. Locking the container 1114 to the body 1112 occurs by way of a pair of spring latches 1122a, 1122b of the type commonly used to close house doors.

[0087] In particular, each one of the spring latches 1122a, 1122b is provided with a respective wedge-shaped pin, or spring latch 1120a, 1120b, which is pushed elastically outward so as to engage by snap action a respective one of the two seats 1118'a 1118'b when the body 1112 is inserted in the recess 1116.

[0088] The spring latches 1120a, 1120b constitute the second fixing means in this embodiment. The spring latches 1120a, 1120b can be made reenter inward, in contrast with the elastic action that pushes them outward, on command via respective mechanisms of conventional type (not shown), which are incorporated in the locks and can be actuated by way of respective rotary controls 1123 a, 1123b with a polygonal seat. The spring latches 1122a, 1122b can be commanded to open by mechanical lever means (not shown) which are connected to the rotary controls 1123a, 1123b and, in a manner similar to the embodiments in Figures 5-8, are accessible only when the door is unlocked or open.

[0089] Alternatively, the spring latches 1122a, 1122b could be actuated by electric actuators (not shown) which are connected to the rotary controls 1123a, 1123b and can be activated by means of a switch which is accessible only when the door is unlocked or open. Moreover, the spring latches 1122a, 1122b could be electronic and commanded to open by means of a code or other system according to any of the embodiments described previously.

[0090] Figures 16-18 show a thirteenth embodiment of the invention in which, as in the previous embodiment, the container 1214 should be understood to be provided with a front-facing door (not shown) closed by a lock.

[0091] In this embodiment, differently from all the embodiments described previously, the actuation means are incorporated in the support 1212 instead of in the container 1214.

[0092] In more detail, in this embodiment, the engagement means again consist of a recess 1216 with rectangular profile provided on the rear side of the container 1214 and the end face of which is open.

[0093] The support consists of a body 1212 which can be wall-mounted and has a profile that is substantially complementary to that of the recess 1216; the first fixing means comprise a pair of balls 1218a, 1218b which are inserted so that they can slide in respective radial seats 1219a, 1219b of the body 1212 (where the direction “radial” is defined in relation to the direction of insertion of the container onto the support).

[0094] The second fixing means comprise a pair of counter-seats 1220a, 1220b which are provided in the recess 1216 and engageable for retention by the balls 1218a, 1218b respectively; and the actuation means comprise a rotary actuator 1222 which is inserted in the body 1212, has an engagement portion 1222' which has a profile with a radius that varies about the rotation axis, e.g., an elliptical profile, so as to push the balls 1218a, 1218b outward to engage the counter-seats 1220a, 1220b when the rotary actuator 1222 is in a locked position (Figure 17), and leave the balls 1218a, 1218b free to withdraw and disengage from the counter-seats 1220a, 1220b when the rotary actuator 1222 is in an unlocked position (Figure 18).

[0095] The rotary actuator 1222 is provided with a handle 1222" which faces inward into the container 1214 through the opening on the end face of the recess 1216 and therefore, with the container (1214) mounted on the support (1212), can be operated for release only from inside the container 1214, therefore when the door is open, in a manner similar to the embodiments of Figures 5-8.

[0096] Obviously, the two balls could be substituted by a single ball or other sliding element, which may be shaped differently.

[0097] Some preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, but obviously the person skilled in the art may make numerous modifications and variations within the scope of protection of the claims.

[0098] In particular, the fixing means, which in all the embodiments described comprise a movable element in the form of a pin or a ball adapted to be inserted axially into a seat, could be substituted by other elements that can be coupled together for retention, e.g., a rotating roller that is engageable in a track, and the like.

[0099] Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will be able to devise different profiles that can be coupled together for the engagement means and for the support. For example, the first fixing means and the support could comprise a simple bar mounted on a wall by means of two anchoring supports. In such case, the engagement means could comprise a bracket which is fixed to the box and is provided with a fixed part contoured to engage the bar, and with a movable part, which would constitute the second fixing means, adapted to close the bracket around the bar.

[0100] Obviously, the fixing means can comprise one, two or more movable elements that can engage respectively one, two or more seats.

[0101] Furthermore, the engagement means and the fixing means could be positioned on any other wall of the container instead of on the rear wall, e.g., on the lower wall, on one of the side walls, or even on the lid.

[0102] In another embodiment, the support could be provided with a plurality of pegs, each one with a circumferential groove, while the container could have a contoured seat for engaging a respective peg and a movable element adapted to engage the circumferential groove for retention, e.g., pushed by elastic means, and disengage it on command via the actuation means.

[0103] Furthermore, further embodiments can be easily devised by combining together some of the embodiments described and illustrated herein. For example, the mechanical lock of the first embodiment described, illustrated in Figure 1, can be associated with the fixing means of the seventh embodiment described, illustrated in Figure 8.

[0104] Obviously, where an electronic lock is envisaged, this can be unlocked not only by the portable device of the recipient of the delivery, as in the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but also by the seller, by the shipper, or by any party who has the necessary authentication code.

[0105] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000002001 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0106] Where the technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference numerals and / or signs, those reference numerals and / or signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference numerals and / or signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference numerals and / or signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A logistics apparatus for delivering goods, comprising a support (12) provided with first fixing means (18), at least one container (14) provided with engagement means (16) for anchoring to said support (12) and with second fixing means (20) which cooperate with said first fixing means (18) for removably locking the container (14) onto the support (12), actuation means (22) adapted to cooperate with either or both of said first fixing means (18) and said second fixing means (20) for releasing said container (14) from the support (12), and coded protection means configured to make the actuation of said actuation means (22) conditional on the use of code means, characterized in that said coded protection means (22) are incorporated in said container (14).

2. The logistics apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that one of either said first fixing means (18) or said second fixing means (20) comprises a seat (18') and the other one of either said first fixing means (18) or said second fixing means (20) comprises a movable element (20') which can be inserted for retention in said seat (18') on command via said actuation means (22).

3. The logistics apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said actuation means are also incorporated in said container (14).

4. The logistics apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said second fixing means (20) comprise a mechanically actuated movable element (20'), said actuation means and said coded protection means are combined in a mechanical lock (22) which acts on said movable element (20'), and said code means comprise a physical key (24) which is associated with said mechanical lock (22).

5. The logistics apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said second fixing means comprise an electrically actuated movable element (120') and said actuation means and said coded protection means are combined in an electronic lock (122) which is functionally connected to saidmovable element (120'), said movable element (120) and said electronic lock (122) being powered by a battery (130) incorporated in said container (H4).

6. The logistics apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that said electronic lock (122) is enabled to receive digital codes wirelessly, said code means comprising a digital code (124) adapted to be transmitted to said electronic lock (122) from a mobile device (MD) of the recipient of the goods.

7. The logistics apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that said electronic lock (222) is provided with an alphanumeric keypad and said code means comprise an alphanumeric code (224) that can be entered on said alphanumeric keypad.

8. The logistics apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that said electronic lock (322) is provided with a graphic code reader and said code means comprise a graphic code (324) adapted to be presented to the reader.

9. The logistics apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said container (414) is provided with a door (426), characterized in that said coded protection means comprise a lock (428) which is associated with said door (426) when it is closed, and said actuation means (420a) are accessible only with said lock (428) unlocked for opening said door (426).

10. The logistics apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that said actuation means (420a) are accessible only when said door (426) is open.

11. The logistics apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said lock (428) is mechanical and said code means comprise a physical key (434) associated with said lock (428).

12. The logistics apparatus according to one of claims 9-11, characterized in that said actuation means (420a) are mechanical and are actuated manually.

13. The logistics apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said lock (528) is electronic and is functionally connected to an electrically actuated bolt (529) associated with said door (526), said electrically actuated bolt (529) and said electronic lock (528) being powered by a battery (530) incorporated in said container (514).

14. The logistics apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that said second fixing means comprise an electrically actuated movable element (620') powered by said battery (630) and said actuation means comprise an electric switch (620a) functionally connected to said electrically actuated movable element (620').

15. The logistics apparatus according to one of claims 9-14, characterized in that said first fixing means comprise at least one movable element (1218a, 1218b) which is accommodated so that it can slide in a respective radial seat (1219a, 1219b) of said support (1212) between an engagement position and a disengagement position, said second fixing means comprising at least one counter- seat (1220a, 1220b) which is integral with the container (1214) and engageable for retention by said movable element (1218a, 1218b) in the engagement position, and said actuation means (1222, 1222', 1222") are incorporated in said support (1212), cooperate with said movable element (1218a, 1218b) to actuate it between said disengagement position and said engagement position, and, with the container (1214) mounted on the support (1212), can be actuated for release only from inside the container (1214).

Images