Security Receptacle For Packages

Abstract

The security receptacle for packages provides protection for delivered packages and parcels. The receptacle is fabricated from a flexible, weather-resistant, cut-resistant material capable of expanding to accommodate variously sized packages. A lockable, zippered top is provided to securely close the receptacle. The bottom of the receptacle is adapted to accommodate a cable lock to secure the container to a stationary object. A facility is provided to store the receptacle when not in use,

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/476,967, filed Apr. 19, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention generally relates to security systems, and particularly to a security receptacle for packages applicable for receiving and securing a delivered package(s) therein.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] There are times when no one is at home or in the office to receive a package delivered by a delivery company (US Postal Service, Federal Express, United Parcel Service, etc.). In many instances delivery personnel will not leave the package in an unsecured area, but instead will leave a form indicating when the package will be redelivered or where the package may be picked up. Both scenarios can result in time-consuming delays, increased financial expenditures, and considerable angst if the contents of the package are needed immediately. There is a need for some means for leaving the package in a secure arrangement, thereby negating the need for redelivery or pickup. Thus, a security receptacle for packages solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The security receptacle for packages comprises a receptacle that provides protection for delivered packages and parcels. The receptacle is fabricated from a flexible, weather-resistant, cut-resistant material capable of expanding to accommodate variously sized packages. A lockable, zippered top is provided to securely close the receptacle. The bottom of the receptacle is adapted to accommodate a cable lock to secure the container to a stationary object. A facility is provided to store the receptacle when not in use.

[0007] Accordingly, the invention presents a secure system that eliminates the need for return trips by delivery personnel. The invention includes a receptacle that provides reduced risk of loss of unattended delivered items. The receptacle is rugged, durable, weather-resistant and expandable. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

[0008] These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a security receptacle for packages according to the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing details of the bottom half of the security receptacle for packages of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view showing details of the top half of a second embodiment of a security receptacle for packages according to the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing details of a storage facility for a security receptacle for packages according to the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a top view of a third embodiment of a security receptacle for packages according to the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of the security receptacle of FIG. 5.

[0015] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the security system for packages 10 comprises a security receptacle 12 fabricated from a rugged, flexible, weather and cut-resistant fabric. The receptacle 12 is designed with a closed bottom and an open top. A flexible rubber pad 14 defines the base of the receptacle 12 and is attached to the bottom thereof by bonding or the like. A plurality of flaps 16 are arranged to close the open top of the receptacle 12. A heavy-duty zipper system 18 functions to fasten the flaps 16 in the closed position. A conventional lock 20 secures the zipper tabs in the closed position. A tunnel 22 is formed on the outer surface of the receptacle 12 adjacent the bottom thereof. The tunnel 22 is fabricated from the same fabric as the receptacle 12. Although only one tunnel 22 is shown, it is contemplated that a plurality of tunnels could be formed on each side of the receptacle 12. The tunnel 22 is adapted to encapsulate a heavy-duty, high-strength, cut-resistant cable 24 therein, A lock 26, which may be a combination lock, a key lock, or any other cable lock known in the art, is provided to attach the cable 24 to a securing object. As illustrated, the securing object may be a bracket 28 that can be mounted to a wall or floor utilizing tamper-proof hardware. The cable 24 may alternatively be attached to some other securing object, such as a doorknob, if desired.

[0017] As best seen in FIG. 3, the top may be closed by a single flap 30 having a peripheral zipper 32 around three sides thereof. A metal latch 34 is fixed to the receptacle 12 for receiving a lock 36 to secure the zipper tab thereto. Printed instructions 38 for using the system may be attached to the outer surface of the flap 30. A fabric cover may be provided to cover the zipper 32, if desired.

[0018] The receptacle 12 can be rolled for storage when not in use, as shown in FIG. 4. A storage bag 40 is provided to receive the rolled receptacle 12 therein. Brackets 42 may be attached to a wall surface or the like for retaining the receptacle 12 in its stored state.

[0019] Using the security system as described above is very easy. Delivery personnel would simply: (1) remove the receptacle 12 from storage; (2) insert the package(s) into the receptacle 12; and (3) close and lock the zipper.

[0020] Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. This embodiment employs a system that requires no modification to the home or office premises. The cable 24 extends through an existing space between a door D and a threshold T or the like. A roller frame assembly 50 is disposed on an interior surface S (floor, carpet, etc.) adjacent the door D. The roller frame assembly 50 functions as a securing object. The roller frame assembly 50 comprises a central roller 52 and identical adjacent parallel end rollers 53 positioned on opposite sides of the central roller 52, The end rollers 53 are pivotally attached to the central roller 53. If the door D is opened and is swept inward, contacting the assembly 50, the assembly 50 would pivot to prevent possible jamming of the assembly 50 between the bottom edge of the door D and the surface S of the floor, which may be carpeted or uncarpeted. The free ends of the cable 24 are removably attached at respective opposite ends of the central roller 52. The rollers 52, 53 are fabricated from a non-metallic material that will not mar the interior surface S. This embodiment merely requires that the delivery person (1) inserts the package(s) into the receptacle 12; and (2) closes the package and locks the zipper.

[0021] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A security receptacle for packages, comprising: a receptacle having a closed bottom and an open top; at least one flap selectively closing the open top; a fastener for securing the at least one flap in a position closing the open top; a lock selectively securing the fastener; a tunnel attached to the receptacle and positioned adjacent the closed bottom; and a cable encapsulated in and extendable from the tunnel.

2. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 1, wherein said fastener is a zipper fastener.

3. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 1, wherein said tunnel is disposed on an outer surface of said receptacle.

4. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 1, wherein said receptacle is fabricated from a rugged, flexible, weather- and cut-resistant fabric.

5. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 1, wherein said cable is fabricated from a heavy-duty, high-strength, cut-resistant material.

6. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 1, wherein the closed bottom of said receptacle comprises a rubber pad.

7. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 1, wherein said at least one flap comprises a plurality of flaps.

8. The security receptacle for packages according to claim I, further comprising a second lock attached to said cable, the second lock being adapted for attachment to a stationary object adjacent a place of delivery in order to tether the receptacle to the place of delivery.

9. A security receptacle for packages, comprising: a receptacle having a closed bottom and an open top, the receptacle being fabricated from a rugged, flexible, weather- and cut-resistant fabric; a rubber pad defining the closed bottom; at least one flap selectively closing the open top; a zipper fastener for securing the at least one flap in a position closing the open top; a lock selectively securing the zipper fastener; a tunnel positioned adjacent the closed bottom on an outer surface of the receptacle; a cable encapsulated in the tunnel, the cable being fabricated from a heavy-duty, high-strength, cut-resistant material and having at least one free end extendable from the tunnel; and a securing object adapted to receive the at least one free end of the cable, whereby the at least one free end is attachable to the securing object.

10. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 9, wherein said securing object is a bracket adapted to be mounted to a wall.

11. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 9, wherein said securing object is a bracket adapted to be mounted to a floor.

12. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 9, wherein said securing object is a roller frame assembly adapted to be positioned adjacent to a door.

13. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 12, wherein said roller frame assembly comprises: a frame; an elongate central roller mounted on the frame; a pair of elongate end rollers mounted on the frame parallel to the central roller on opposite sides thereof, the end rollers being pivotal relative to the central roller.

14. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 9, further including a pair of support brackets adapted for mounting on a wall, said receptacle being selectively stored on the support brackets when not in use.

15. A security receptacle for packages, comprising: a receptacle having a closed bottom and an open top, the receptacle being fabricated from a rugged, flexible, weather- and cut-resistant fabric; a rubber pad defining the closed bottom; at least one flap selectively closing the open top; at least one zipper fastener selectively securing the at least one flap in a position closing the open top; a lock selectively securing the at least one zipper fastener; a tunnel positioned adjacent the closed bottom on an outer surface of the receptacle, the tunnel being fabricated from a rugged, flexible, weather-and cut-resistant fabric; a cable encapsulated in the tunnel, the cable being fabricated from a heavy-duty, high-strength, cut-resistant material and having at least one free end extendable from the tunnel; and a securing object adapted to receive the at least one free end of the cable, whereby the at least one free end is attachable to the securing object.

16. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 15, wherein said securing object is a bracket adapted to be mounted to a wall

17. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 15, wherein said securing object is a bracket adapted to be mounted to a floor.

18. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 15, wherein said securing object is a roller frame assembly adapted to be positioned adjacent to a door.

19. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 18, wherein said roller frame assembly comprises: a frame; an elongate central roller mounted on the frame; a pair of elongate end rollers mounted on the frame parallel to the central roller on opposite sides thereof, the end rollers being pivotal relative to the central roller the central roller and the end rollers being fabricated from a non-metallic material, the at least one free end of the cable comprising two free ends attached to the roller frame assembly on opposite ends of the central roller.

20. The security receptacle for packages according to claim 15, further including a pair of support brackets adapted for mounting on a wall, said receptacle being stored on the support brackets when not in use.