Package Receiving Locker

Abstract

A package-receiving-locker may have a collapsible-locker configured for receiving packages in a safe and secure manner, that minimizes theft opportunities. The collapsible-locker may be removably attachable to a side-hinged-door that a person typically uses for entry/exit of a building, to secure the collapsible-locker to the building, which further minimizes theft opportunities. A door-bracket-assembly, with an adjustable ratchet means, may be used to removably attach the collapsible-locker to a variety of side-hinged-doors of different door widths. The package-receiving-locker may have a pod that is removably attachable to the collapsible-locker. The pod may have some electronics, such as, an external front facing camera, light(s), and at least one battery. The pod may also have a handle configured to hold a weight of the package-receiving-locker. The collapsible-locker may have a second and internal camera for monitoring packages within the collapsible-locker. When not in use, the collapsible-locker may be collapsed into a smaller footprint.

Description

PRIORITY NOTICE

[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/929,201 filed on Nov. 1, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 to U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/920,615 filed on Jul. 3, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The present application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/920,615 filed on Jul. 3, 2020.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates in general to package receiving lockers and more specifically to a package receiving locker that may include a detachable pod that may function as a handle and that may house some electronics and a door bracket assembly for removably attaching a given package receiving locker to a side hinged door for person egress.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

[0004] A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

[0005] Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of example and should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the scope of this invention to material associated only with such marks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Circa 2020, with the continued growth in shipments and deliveries of objects to residences and businesses, has been the parallel growth of the problem of "porch piracy"; wherein thieves, i.e., the "pirates" steal such objects delivered to the homes and businesses, typically because the given delivered object was dropped off by a carrier/shipper/delivery person in an unsecured manner.

[0007] The obvious solution of having a person to receive the delivery at the drop-off location (e.g., home or work) is simply not practical for many situations. One may be preoccupied at a time of delivery, being away (unavailable) from the drop-off site at a time of delivery, for a variety of reasons such as, being at work when delivery is expected at home or vice versa, being out of town, being on vacation, being indisposed (e.g., in the shower), etc.

[0008] Solutions other than having a person receive the delivery at the drop-off location generally have some form of enclosure at the drop-off location to receive the delivery into. To date these enclosure solutions have various other problems.

[0009] One such enclosure solution has been to install a bank of fixed and permanent lockers at a given drop-off location, i.e., various locker concierges, such as, but not limited to Amazon Locker. While this solution may be effective at the porch piracy problem, assuming the carrier/shipper complies and utilizes the bank of fixed and permanent lockers, this solution has a variety of other problems. In addition to the problem that such a bank of fixed and permanent lockers is very expensive to deploy, install, maintain, and use; there is the need for physical construction at the site for installing this bank of fixed and permanent lockers, which may include tying into an electrical power supply and communicating with network technologies. Construction means there must be sufficient physical space to accommodate installation of the given bank of fixed and permanent lockers; there must be local government approval (i.e., permits); installation requires expensive licensed contractors (e.g., electricians); there must be a sufficient budget to pay for the bank of fixed and permanent lockers as well as their construction and their subsequent maintenance; construction takes a significant amount of planning and time to implement; and there must an owner of the site to receive this installation who is willing and capable to undertake the project. Tenants and lessees, i.e., non-owners, would need permission from their given owner to make such construction modifications. This solution is likely not doable for a vast majority of single-family residences, small businesses, tenants, and lessees because of such problems.

[0010] Another solution to the porch piracy problem has been to install effectively a pass-through specifically for deliveries at a given single family residence building or business building. Structurally, a pass-through may be very similar to a doggie door; and thus, have problems associated with doggie doors; e.g., that the pass-through may provide undesirable access to an interior of the building. This pass-through solution also has the same problems as the above bank of fixed and permanent lockers, such as, all the problems that go along with construction and retrofitting/modifying an existing building to have the pass-through.

[0011] Another solution to the porch piracy problem has been to replace an existing exterior access door with a new door with built in (integral) pass-through for deliveries. A disadvantage to this solution is the need to replace an existing exterior door. For example, tenants and lessees may not have permission to make a door replacement on the building they may be renting/leasing. Another problem, this solution may still require skilled crafts people (professional installers) to perform the replacement and installation. Also, the newly installed replacement door with pass-through may create problems with using the door as intended as an entry door for humans. For example, some expandable accordion pass-through structures may render a door effectively inoperable when expanded. And the newly installed replacement door with pass-through may be aesthetically unattractive, which may be a serious problem where the look of buildings is governed by local laws, CC&Rs, an HOA, and/or the like.

[0012] Another solution to the porch piracy problem has been to utilize a container/locker that is physically mounted to a porch/patio area outside of an exterior door (e.g., bolting the container/locker to the porch). A fundamental problem with this approach is that the porch must have sufficient free space to accommodate a permanently mounted container/locker; and then once mounted, the porch is effectively now smaller due to the container/locker now permanently taking up some footprint of the porch/patio. Additionally, because there is mounting going on, professional installation may be necessary, which as noted above, is an additional undesirable cost. Additionally, if the permanently mounted container/locker does not match the existing decor, there may be compliance problems with local laws, CC&Rs, HOAs, and/or the like.

[0013] Another solution to the porch piracy problem has been to utilize a free-standing (non-mounted) container/locker on the porch/patio or proximate to the exterior access door. Regardless of sophistication of the container/locker lock, a fundamental problem with this solution is that the thief/pirate may simply just steal the entire free-standing container/locker because the free-standing container/locker is not anchored to the real estate, property, building, porch, patio, or the like.

[0014] Additionally, the currently used containers/lockers (whether free standing or permanently anchored to the porch/patio) have also been non-collapsible; that is, these containers/lockers only have a fully expanded/deployed configuration, which may always undesirably occupy some large footprint because they cannot be collapsed into a smaller footprint.

[0015] Another solution to the porch piracy problem has been to attach a package receiving bag, that has a lockable access opening, to an exterior access door (such as a front door). These bags are flexible/pliable, being made from fabric. These bags are attached to the given door via a strap. These bags have several problems. First, because the bag is flexible/pliable, it is easy to tell if the bag is empty or has package(s) in it; thus, a thief/pirate will have a positive visual indicator as to which bags should be attacked, i.e., the bags that look to have package(s) in them are targets for attack; whereas, with an opaque locker, the thief/pirate has no idea if there are any packages within. Secondly, these bags often hang from the top of the door, via their strap, which increases the bags visibility, compounding the first problem; but also because of hanging from the top of the door, the bag is considerably high off the ground making access to the bag difficult for both carriers/shippers and for the intended recipient, which may be compounded when the intended recipient is elderly, weak, and/or short. Additionally, due to the nature of being a bag versus a locker, the bag has the impression of being less strong and more flimsy, which may cause would be purchasers to look for an alternative solution that appears to be more secure.

[0016] Another solution to the porch piracy problem has been granting access to an interior of the building to the carrier/shipper when the owner, tenant, or lessees is not present. A fundamental concern with this solution, is that many owners, tenants, and lessees do not want (or cannot have) unsupervised strangers entering their respective buildings.

[0017] Another solution to the porch piracy problems has been to locate a "smart" scale on the porch/patio, designed to receive a package; and if the received package is then removed in an undesirable fashion (e.g., stolen) the reduction in weight on the scale may generate an alarm. This solution at best can only deter not prevent theft.

[0018] There is a need in the art for a solution to the porch piracy problem, but that does not have the problems of the existing porch piracy problems, some of which have been noted above.

[0019] It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, embodiments of the present invention describes package-receiving-lockers (PRLs), collapsible-lockers, pods, and door-bracket-assemblies. A given PRL may have a collapsible-locker configured for receiving packages in a safe and secure manner, that minimizes theft opportunities. The collapsible-locker may be removably attachable to a side-hinged-door that a person typically uses for entry/exit of a building, to secure the collapsible-locker to the building, which further minimizes theft opportunities. The side-hinged-door could also be a gate in a wall or in a fence. The door-bracket-assembly may comprise an adjustable ratchet means, used to removably attach the collapsible-locker to a variety of different side-hinged-doors of different door widths. The PRL may have a pod that is removably attachable to the collapsible-locker. The pod may have at least some electronics, such as, but not limited to, an external front facing camera, light(s), and/or at least one battery. The pod may also have a handle configured to hold a weight of the PRL, the collapsible-locker, the pod, and/or of the packages within the collapsible-locker, up to a predetermined weight limit. The collapsible-locker may have a second and internal camera for monitoring the packages within the collapsible-locker. When not in use, the collapsible-locker may be collapsed into a smaller footprint and/or removed from the given side-hinged-door.

[0021] It is an objective of the present invention is to minimize crimes of opportunity, such as theft of delivered packages.

[0022] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a package-receiving-locker (PRL) for receiving packages in a safe and secure manner, that minimizes theft opportunities.

[0023] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a collapsible-locker for receiving packages in a safe and secure manner, that minimizes theft opportunities.

[0024] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a collapsible-locker with a lockable lid, wherein the lid may be unlocked by one or more predetermined methods.

[0025] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a door-bracket-assembly for removably attaching a collapsible-locker to the door-bracket-assembly.

[0026] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a door-bracket-assembly for removably attaching a collapsible-locker to the door-bracket-assembly and for removably attaching the door-bracket-assembly to a side-hinged-door.

[0027] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a door-bracket-assembly for removably attaching a collapsible-locker to the door-bracket-assembly and for removably attaching the door-bracket-assembly to a side-hinged-door of predetermined door width.

[0028] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a door-bracket-assembly that is adjustable with respect to different side-hinged doors of different widths, wherein the door-bracket-assembly is for removably attaching a collapsible-locker to the door-bracket-assembly and for removably attaching the door-bracket-assembly to the side-hinged-door of a predetermined door width.

[0029] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a door-bracket-assembly that is adjustable with respect to different side-hinged doors of different widths, wherein the adjustment is via a ratchet operation means for tightening and via a release for extension.

[0030] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a pod that is removably attachable to a collapsible-locker.

[0031] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a pod that is removably attachable to a collapsible-locker; wherein the pod houses at least some electronics.

[0032] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a pod that is removably attachable to a collapsible-locker; wherein the pod houses at least some electronics; wherein the at least some electronics of the pod may comprise a front facing external camera, light(s), and/or at least one battery.

[0033] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a pod that is removably attachable to a collapsible-locker; wherein the pod is configured to provide at least some electrical power to at least some electronics of the collapsible-locker.

[0034] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a pod that is removably attachable to a collapsible-locker; wherein the pod at least one front facing external camera; wherein the collapsible-locker has at least one camera oriented for internal monitoring of contents of the collapsible-locker.

[0035] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a pod that is removably attachable to a collapsible-locker; wherein the pod has a handle that is configured to hold a weight of the package-receiving-locker, the collapsible-locker, the door-bracket-assembly, the pod, and of contents of the collapsible-locker, up to a predetermined weight limit.

[0036] These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 1 may depict a perspective view of a package-receiving-locker (PRL) with its collapsible-locker in a substantially expanded/deployed configuration, removably attached to a side-hinged-door via a door-bracket-assembly, wherein the PRL may include a pod that may function as a handle for the PRL.

[0039] FIG. 2 may depict a perspective view of the PRL of FIG. 1, still in the substantially expanded/deployed configuration, removably attached to the side-hinged-door via the door-bracket-assembly, wherein the collapsible-locker in FIG. 2 is shown with its lid open.

[0040] FIG. 3 may depict a perspective view of the PRL of FIG. 1, however, now the collapsible-locker may be in its substantially collapsed configuration and the PRL may still be removably attached to the side-hinged-door via the door-bracket-assembly.

[0041] FIG. 4 may depict a perspective view of the PRL of FIG. 3, with the collapsible-locker still in the substantially collapsed configuration and not attached to the side-hinged-door.

[0042] FIG. 5 may depict a perspective exploded view of the collapsed PRL of FIG. 3, wherein the PRL, its pod, its door-bracket-assembly, and the side-hinged-door are all shown as separate components/assemblies.

[0043] FIG. 6 may depict a top perspective of the PRL of FIG. 1, wherein the PRL's pod may be shown removed from a pod-receiver of the collapsible-locker.

[0044] FIG. 7 may depict a bottom and rear perspective of the PRL of FIG. 1, wherein the PRL's pod may be shown removed from the pod-receiver of the collapsible-locker.

[0045] FIG. 8 may depict of front and side perspective view of the pod for a PRL.

[0046] FIG. 9 may depict a partial exploded perspective view of the pod for a PRL.

[0047] FIG. 10 may depict a front view of the PRL of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 10 includes a Sectional-line 11-11 passing through a middle/center of the PRL.

[0048] FIG. 11 may depict a cross-sectional side view of the PRL of FIG. 1 according to the Sectional-line 11-11 of FIG. 10, wherein FIG. 11 includes a Detail 12.

[0049] FIG. 12 may depict details of Detail 12, showing both how the pod engages with the PRL and how the door-bracket-assembly engages with the PRL.

[0050] FIG. 13 may depict a perspective view of the door-bracket-assembly shown in FIG. 1 and shown in FIG. 5.

[0051] FIG. 14 may depict a rear perspective view of the PRL of FIG. 1 and showing the door-bracket-assembly.

[0052] FIG. 15 may depict a front/rear review of the door-bracket-assembly, with transparencies included, so as ratchet/release mechanics of the door-bracket-assembly may be seen.

REFERENCE NUMERAL SCHEDULE

[0053] 100 package-receiving-locker 100 [0054] 101 collapsible-locker 101 [0055] 103 front-wall 103 [0056] 105 side-wall 105 [0057] 107 side-wall-panel-closer-to-rear-wall 107 [0058] 109 side-wall-panel-closer-to-front-wall 109 [0059] 111 lid 111 [0060] 113 lid-overhang 113 [0061] 114 side-of-lid 114 [0062] 115 exterior-interface 115 [0063] 117 I/O 117 [0064] 119 top-hinge 119 [0065] 121 rear-side-hinge 121 [0066] 123 side-middle-hinge 123 [0067] 125 front-side-hinge 125 [0068] 127 latch-receiver 127 [0069] 129 I/O 129 [0070] 131 logo/graphic 131 [0071] 133 reinforcement 133 [0072] 135 rear-portion 135 [0073] 191 side-hinged-door 191 [0074] 193 door-exterior 193 [0075] 195 hinge-side 195 [0076] 197 non-hinge-side 197 [0077] 199 bottom 199 [0078] 201 lid-underside 201 [0079] 203 I/O 203 [0080] 205 camera 205 [0081] 207 latch-lock 207 [0082] 209 top-side-wall 209 [0083] 211 side-wall-interior 211 [0084] 213 reinforcement 213 [0085] 215 internal-volume 215 [0086] 217 latch-receiver 217 [0087] 500 door-bracket 500 [0088] 501 central-spanner 501 [0089] 503 extendable-member 503 [0090] 505 fixed-member 505 [0091] 507 end-bracket 507 [0092] 509 top-ledge 509 [0093] 511 lever 511 [0094] 513 finger-hole 513 [0095] 515 trigger-release 515 [0096] 601 pod-receiver 601 [0097] 603 rear-wall 603 [0098] 605 side-wall 605 [0099] 701 rear-wall 701 [0100] 703 top-bracket 703 [0101] 705 cam-lock 705 [0102] 707 rotatable flange 707 [0103] 709 hole 709 [0104] 711 spacer 711 [0105] 713 reinforcement 713 [0106] 715 bottom-hinge 715 [0107] 717 floor 717 [0108] 719 hole 719 [0109] 721 reinforcement 721 [0110] 723 support 723 [0111] 800 pod 800 [0112] 801 handle-region 801 [0113] 803 opening-for-fingers 803 [0114] 805 top-of-handle 805 [0115] 807 I/O 807 (light(s) 807) [0116] 809 I/O 809 (camera 809) [0117] 811 housing-region 811 [0118] 813 flange 813 [0119] 815 latch 815 [0120] 817 connector 817 [0121] 819 connector 819 [0122] 821 gasket 821 [0123] 901 compartment 901 [0124] 903 cover 903 [0125] 1201 latch 1201 [0126] 1301 end-cap 1301 [0127] 1401 bottom-edge 1401 [0128] 1403 grooves/crenulations 1403 [0129] 1501 retract-extend-bar 1501 [0130] 1503 transmission/linkage structures 1503

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0131] Note, terminology used herein, particularly terms associated with reference numerals are intentionally descriptive with structural and/or functional language used in the terminology. For example, "side-wall-panel-closer-to-rear-wall 107" is a side wall portion that is closer to a rear wall. That is, the word choice for the given term is intentional and is intended to impart some structural and/or some function to the given term.

[0132] In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0133] FIG. 1 may depict a perspective view of a package-receiving-locker 100 (PRL 100) in an expanded/deployed configuration, removably attached to a side-hinged-door 191 via a door-bracket-assembly 500, wherein PRL 100 may comprise a pod 800 that may function as a handle 801 for PRL 100. In some embodiments, PRL 100 may be a collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, PRL 100 may comprise at least one collapsible-locker 101 and at least one pod 800. In some embodiments, PRL 100 may comprise at least one collapsible-locker 101, at least one door-bracket-assembly 500, and at least one pod 800. In some embodiments of PRL 100 the door-bracket-assembly 500 may be optional. In some embodiments, collapsible-locker 101 may exist in a substantially expanded/deployed configuration (see e.g., FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 14) or in a substantially collapsed configuration (see e.g., FIG. 3 or FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the substantially expanded/deployed configuration and the substantially collapsed configuration may be mutually exclusive with respect to each other; i.e., collapsible-locker 101 is either in one of these two configurations or in a transition between these two configurations. In some embodiments, collapsible-locker 101 may be configured to receive at least one physical article therein. In some embodiments, when collapsible-locker 101 may be in its substantially expanded/deployed configuration, collapsible-locker 101 may be configured to receive one or more articles, such as, but not limited to packages, parcels, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, when collapsible-locker 101 may be in its substantially collapsed configuration, collapsible-locker 101 may not receive one or more articles, such as, but not limited to packages, parcels, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, when collapsible-locker 101 may be in its substantially collapsed configuration, collapsible-locker 101 may have a smaller foot-print, which may contribute to collapsible-locker 101 being more easily out of the way.

[0134] In some embodiments, an exterior/shell of PRL 100 and/or of collapsible-locker 101 may comprise a series of walls, a floor, and a lockable lid, that have hinged relationships, allowing PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101 to transition between the substantially expanded/deployed configuration and the substantially collapsed configuration, and vice-versa. In some embodiments, collapsible-locker 101 may comprise a front-wall 103, two opposing side-walls 105, a rear-wall 701, a floor 717, and a lid 111. In some embodiments, front-wall 103, two opposing side-walls 105, rear-wall 701, floor 717, and lid 111 may substantially bound an internal-volume 215 of collapsible-locker 101 when collapsible-locker 101 is in the substantially deployed and expanded configuration. In some embodiments, transitions between the substantially deployed and expanded configuration and the substantially collapsed configuration, or vice versa, are facilitated by a plurality of hinges (interlinking the various walls, floor, and lid), wherein collapsible-locker 101 comprises the plurality of hinges (e.g., top-hinge 119, rear-side-hinge 121, side-middle-hinge 123, front-side-hinge 125, bottom-hinge 715, and/or the like). For example, compare FIG. 1 to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0135] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, collapsible-locker 101 may comprise a front-wall 103, two side-walls 105, a rear-portion 135, a rear-wall 701 (shown in FIG. 7), a floor 717 (shown in FIG. 7), and a lid 111. In some embodiments, PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101 may be in the substantially expanded/deployed configuration and floor 717 may be substantially parallel with a below located substantially horizontal floor/ground surface and/or PRL 100 may be removably attached to side-hinged-door 191 that may be substantially vertical, then front-wall 103, two side-walls 105, rear-portion 135, and rear-wall 701 may all be substantially vertical and floor 717 may be substantially horizontal. See e.g., FIG. 1.

[0136] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the two side-walls 105 may be disposed opposite of each other and may form the side walls of PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, front-wall 103 may be attached to both side-walls 105 at front-side-hinges 125, such that there may be two sets of front-side-hinges 125, one for attaching each side-wall 105 to front-wall 103 at opposite vertical edges of front-wall 103. In some embodiments, the two sets of front-side-hinges 125 may be disposed opposite from each other by a width of front-wall 103. In some embodiments, front-side-hinges 125 may permit articulation between side-walls 105 and front-wall 103 along their adjoining vertical edges.

[0137] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, opposite to the front-side-hinges 125 along widths of side-walls 105, side-walls 105 may be hingedly attached to rear-portion 135, via rear-side-hinges 121. In some embodiments, rear-portion 135 may house rear-wall 701; and rear-portion 135 may form the back or the rear of PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, rear-side-hinges 121 may permit articulation between vertical edges of side-walls 105 and rear-portion 135.

[0138] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, each side-wall 105 may comprise two sub-wall elements, side-wall-panel-closer-to-rear-wall 107 and side-wall-panel-closer-to-front-wall 109, respectively. In some embodiments, a side-wall-panel-closer-to-rear-wall 107 and a side-wall-panel-closer-to-front-wall 109 may together form a side-wall 105. In some embodiments, side-wall-panel-closer-to-rear-wall 107 may be attached to rear-portion via rear-side-hinges 121. In some embodiments, rear-side-hinges 121 may permit articulation between adjoining vertical edges of rear-portion 135 and side-wall-panel-closer-to-rear-wall 107. In some embodiments, side-wall-panel-closer-to-front-wall 109 may be attached to front-wall via front-side-hinges 125. In some embodiments, front-side-hinges 125 may permit articulation between adjoining vertical edges of front-wall 103 and side-wall-panel-closer-to-front-wall 109. In some embodiments, side-wall-panel-closer-to-rear-wall 107 may be attached to side-wall-panel-closer-to-front-wall 109 via side-middle-hinge 123. In some embodiments, side-middle-hinge 123 may permit articulation between adjoining vertical edges of side-wall-panel-closer-to-rear-wall 107 and side-wall-panel-closer-to-front-wall 109. In some embodiments, because a given PRL 100 may comprise two opposing side-walls 105, that PRL 100 may comprise two opposing side-wall-panel-closer-to-rear-walls 107 and two opposing side-wall-panel-closer-to-front-walls 109.

[0139] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, collapsible-locker 101 may comprise two sets of: rear-side-hinges 121, side-middle-hinges 123, and front-side-hinges 125. In some embodiments, lengths of rear-side-hinges 121, side-middle-hinges 123, and front-side-hinges 125 may all be substantially parallel with each other. In some embodiments, lengths of rear-side-hinges 121, side-middle-hinges 123, and front-side-hinges 125 may all be substantially vertical (PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101 may be in the substantially expanded/deployed configuration and floor 717 may be substantially parallel with a below located substantially horizontal floor/ground surface and/or PRL 100 may be removably attached to side-hinged-door 191 that may be substantially vertical). In some embodiments, on a given side of PRL 100, side-middle-hinge 123 may be disposed between rear-side-hinge 121 and front-side-hinge 125.

[0140] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, lid 111 may be hingedly attached to a top area of rear-portion 135 via top-hinge 119. In some embodiments, top-hinge 119 may be located in a top and rear area of PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, top-hinge 119 may permit lid 111 to open or close with respect to an overall/main top opening to internals of PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, lid 111 may comprise overhangs to overlap top edges/sides of front-wall 103 and side-walls 105 when lid 111 may be closed. In some embodiments, lid 111 may comprise lid-overhang 113 to overlap top edges/sides of front-wall 103 when lid 111 may be closed. In some embodiments, lid 111 may comprise side-of-lid 114 to overlap top edges/sides of side-walls 105 when lid 111 may be closed. These overhangs may help to prevent unauthorized opening of lid 111. These overhangs may help to protect contents of PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101 from the environment (e.g., rain, snow, sleet, hail, water, moisture, sunlight, wind, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like).

[0141] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, lid 111 may comprise exterior-interface 115. In some embodiments, exterior-interface 115 may be located on a top exterior portion of lid 111. In some embodiments, exterior-interface 115 may provide an electronic means for a user to interact with PRL 100. In some embodiments, exterior-interface 115 may comprise one or more of: a screen, a monitor, a display, a speaker, a touchscreen, a keypad, a keyboard, a microphone, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, exterior-interface 115 may be configured to display information, status, and/or data on its a screen, monitor, display, touchscreen, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, exterior-interface 115 may be configured to output information, status, and/or data on its speaker(s). In some embodiments, exterior-interface 115 may be configured to receive inputs via its touchscreen, keypad, keyboard, microphone, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, exterior-interface 115 may be configured for receiving inputs for locking and/or for unlocking lid 111 from a portion of PRL 100. In some embodiments, exterior-interface 115 may be operatively connected to a power-source, at least one processor of PRL 100, a PCB (printed circuit board) of PRL 100, a motherboard of PRL 100, at least some electronics of PRL 100, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0142] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, lid 111 may comprise one or more I/O (input/output) 117's. In some embodiments, I/O 117's may be located on exterior front corner regions of lid 111. In some embodiments, I/O 117 may comprise: a light, a light emitting diode (LED), a white light, a colored light, an infrared (IR) light, a sensor, a motion detector, a camera, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, I/O 117 may be operatively connected to a power-source, at least one processor of PRL 100, a PCB (printed circuit board) of PRL 100, a motherboard of PRL 100, at least some electronics of PRL 100, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0143] In some embodiments, lid 111 may comprise at least some electronics of collapsible-locker 101 such as, but not limited to: a computer, exterior-interface 115, I/O 117, I/O 203, camera 205, processor(s), memory (e.g., DRAM, RAM, or the like), storage (e.g., hard-drive, optical drive, solid state drive, or the like), batteries, radio(s), antenna(s), network card(s), cabling, wires, busses, PCBs, portions thereof, combination thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the radio(s), the antenna(s), and/or the network card(s) may be configured to facilitate wireless communications. In some embodiments, at least some of the electronics of collapsible-locker 101 may be located internally/inside of lid 111.

[0144] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, an exterior of front-wall 103 may comprise at least one latch-receiver 127. In some embodiments, a latch-receiver 127 may serve as a location for anchoring a latch-lock 207 of lid 111 (see e.g., FIG. 2 for latch-lock 207). That is, in some embodiments, an underside of lid 111 may comprise at least one latch-lock 207, which may be configured to lock lid 111 to portions of PRL 100. In some embodiments, when PRL 100 may be in the substantially collapsed configuration, latch-locks 207 may lock onto latch-receivers 127 (see e.g., FIG. 3 and FIG. 4). In some embodiments, for each latch-lock 207 of lid 111, there may be one latch-receiver 127 on an exterior front portion of front-wall 103. In some embodiments, front-wall 103 may comprise two latch-receiver 127, disposed oppositely from each other on an exterior bottom portion of front-wall 103. See e.g., FIG. 1.

[0145] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, an exterior of front-wall 103 may comprise one or more I/O (input/output) 129's. In some embodiments, I/O 129's may be located on exterior front bottom corner regions of front-wall 103. In some embodiments, I/O 129 may comprise: a light, a light emitting diode (LED), a white light, a colored light, an infrared (IR) light, a sensor, a motion detector, a camera, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, I/O 129 may be operatively connected to a power-source, at least one processor of PRL 100, a PCB (printed circuit board) of PRL 100, a motherboard of PRL 100, at least some electronics of PRL 100, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, I/O 129's may be configured to make at least some exterior surfaces/edges of PRL 100 visible in darkness, which may help to prevent people tripping over PRL 100.

[0146] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, an exterior of front-wall 103 may comprise at least one logo/graphic 131. In some embodiments, located on an exterior of front-wall 103 may be one or more predetermined logo/graphic 131. In some embodiments, located on an exterior surface of PRL 100 may be one or more predetermined logo/graphic 131.

[0147] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, front-wall 103, side-walls 105, lid 111, rear-portion 135, rear-wall 701, floor 717, may comprise one or more structural reinforcement(s) 133, such as, but not limited to, ribs, ribbing, polygons, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, exteriors of front-wall 103, side-walls 105, lid 111, rear-portion 135, rear-wall 701, floor 717, may comprise one or more structural reinforcement(s) 133, such as, but not limited to, ribs, ribbing, polygons, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, reinforcement(s) 133 may be thicker than non-reinforced regions.

[0148] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101 may comprise at least one pod 800. In some embodiments, pod 800 may be removable from PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, pod 800 may comprise at least: some electronics, a power-source, a battery, inputs/outputs (I/O), a camera, a handle 801, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, pod 800 may comprise at least one camera 809 and at least one handle 801. In some embodiments, pod 800 may be removably attachable to collapsible-locker 101 by a first-latch 815 of pod 800 removably engaging a second-latch 1201 of collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, pod 800 may comprise first-latch 815 and collapsible-locker 101 may comprise second-latch 1201. In some embodiments, handle 801 of pod 800 may be configured to support a weight of collapsible-locker 101, of pod 800, and of the at least one physical article up to a predetermined weight limit, when pod 800 is removably attached to collapsible-locker 101. See e.g., FIG. 8 for pod 800; and see FIG. 12 for second-latch 1201.

[0149] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101 may comprise at least one door-bracket-assembly 500. In some embodiments, door-bracket-assembly 500 may be a means by which PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101 is removably attached to side-hinged-door 191. In some embodiments, an exterior of rear-portion 135 may be in physical communication with at least portions of door-bracket-assembly 500. In some embodiments, a rear of the collapsible-locker 101 may be removably attached to door-bracket-assembly 500 via at least one top-bracket 703 located on the rear of collapsible-locker 101 and a top-ledge 509 of door-bracket-assembly 500. In some embodiments, door-bracket-assembly 500 may comprise a pair of oppositely disposed end-brackets 507, wherein the pair of oppositely disposed end-brackets 507 may be configured to squeeze and grip opposing vertical sides (195 and 197) of side-hinged-door 191 in a manner that prevents collapsible-locker 101 from sliding down side-hinged-door 191 up to a predetermined weight limit of collapsible-locker 101, door-bracket-assembly 500, and the at least one physical article held within internal-volume 215 of collapsible-locker 101. See e.g., FIG. 5 for door-bracket-assembly 500. See also FIG. 7 and FIG. 14 for rear portions of collapsible-locker 101 and door-bracket-assembly 500, respectively.

[0150] Continuing discussing FIG. 1, in some embodiments, side-hinged-door 191 may comprise a door-exterior 193, a hinge-side 195, a non-hinge-side 197, and a bottom 199. In some embodiments, side-hinged-door 191 may be a door allowing a person to enter or exit a structure (e.g., a building) or a boundary of real-estate. In some embodiments, door-exterior 193 may be an exterior side of side-hinged-door 191. An interior side of side-hinged-door 191 may not be shown in the drawings/figures. In some embodiments, the interior side of side-hinged-door 191 may be disposed opposite and facing opposite of door-exterior 193. In some embodiments, side-hinged-door 191 may have one or more hinges along its hinge-side 195. In some embodiments, non-hinge-side 197 may have no hinges. In some embodiments, non-hinge-side 197 may be disposed opposite from hinge-side 195. In some embodiments, hinge-side 195 and non-hinge-side 197 may form the two opposing, vertical, and parallel sides of side-hinged-door 191. In some embodiments, hinge-side 195 may be separated from non-hinge-side 197 via a width, i.e., a door width, of side-hinged-door 191. In some embodiments, a door handle/latch/knob may be located closer to non-hinge-side 197 than to hinge-side 195. In some embodiments, bottom 199 may be located along a bottom of side-hinged-door 191. In some embodiments, a top of side-hinged-door 191 may not be shown in the drawings/figures. In some embodiments, when a PRL 100 may be removably attached to door-exterior 193, PRL 100 may be located closer to hinge-side 195 than to non-hinge-side 197; and closer to bottom 199 than to top of side-hinged-door 191--as such positioning of PRL 100 with respect to side-hinged-door 191 may minimize detrimental operation of side-hinged-door 191 when PRL 100 may be removably attached to side-hinged-door 191. In some embodiments, side-hinged-door 191 may be preexisting. In some embodiments, side-hinged-door 191 may have dimensions that are fixed, non-variable, predetermined, and/or known. In some embodiments, side-hinged-door 191 may have dimensions that are compliant with industry standards for side hinged egress doors. In some embodiments, side-hinged-door 191 may be a separate and distinct component from PRL 100, collapsible-locker 101, and/or pod 800. In some embodiments, side-hinged-door 191 could be a door for person entry/exit of a given building. In some embodiments, side-hinged-door 191 could also be a gate in a wall or in a fence.

[0151] FIG. 2 may depict a perspective view of PRL 100 and/or of collapsible-locker 101, still in the expanded/deployed configuration, removably attached to hinged-door 191 via door-bracket-assembly 500, wherein PRL 100 in FIG. 2 is shown with PRL 100's lid 111 open. FIG. 2 may depict at least some aspects of lid-underside 201 of lid 111. FIG. 2 may depict at least some aspects of side-wall-interior 211.

[0152] Continuing discussing FIG. 2, in some embodiments, lid 111 may comprise one or more I/O (input/output) 203's. In some embodiments, I/O 203's may be located on lid-underside 201. In some embodiments, I/O 203 may comprise: a light, a light emitting diode (LED), a white light, a colored light, an infrared (IR) light, a sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a moisture sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a motion detector, a camera, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, light(s) 203 may be configured to light up at least some contents of PRL 100, at least some of an interior of PRL 100, and/or at least some of an internal volume 215 of PRL 100; particularly when lid 111 may be closed. In some embodiments, I/O 203 may be operatively connected to a power-source, at least one processor of PRL 100, a PCB (printed circuit board) of PRL 100, a motherboard of PRL 100, at least some electronics of PRL 100, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0153] Continuing discussing FIG. 2, in some embodiments, lid 111 may comprise one or more cameras 205's. In some embodiments, cameras 205's may be located on lid-underside 201. In some embodiments, camera 205 may be an internal camera of PRL 100. In some embodiments, camera 205 may be digital camera of PRL 100. In some embodiments, camera 205 may be configured to monitor, watch, observe, record, film, video, photograph, combinations thereof, and/or the like, at least some contents of PRL 100, at least some of an interior of PRL 100, and/or at least some of an internal volume 215 of PRL 100; particularly when lid 111 may be closed. In some embodiments, camera 205 may be operatively connected to a power-source, at least one processor of PRL 100, a PCB (printed circuit board) of PRL 100, a motherboard of PRL 100, at least some electronics of PRL 100, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0154] Continuing discussing FIG. 2, in some embodiments, lid-underside 201 may comprise at least one latch-lock 207. In some embodiments, latch-lock 207 may be used to lock lid 111 into certain positions and/or to different portions of PRL 100. In some embodiments, when PRL 100 may be in the substantially deployed/expanded configuration, a front of lid 111 may be locked to a top of front-wall 103. In some embodiments, when PRL 100 may be in the substantially deployed/expanded configuration, a front of lid 111 may be locked to a top of front-wall 103, by one or more latch-locks 207 (of lid 111) removably attaching to one or more latch-receivers 217 of a top of front-wall 103. Whereas, in some embodiments, when PRL 100 may be in the substantially collapsed configuration, a front of lid 111 may be locked to a bottom exterior of front-wall 103, by one or more latch-locks 207 (of lid 111) removably attaching to one or more latch-receivers 127 of the bottom exterior of front-wall 103 (see e.g., FIG. 3 and/or FIG. 4). In some embodiments, lid 111 may comprise at least one latch-lock 207. In some embodiments, lid 111 may comprise at least two latch-locks 207. In some embodiments, lid-underside 201 may comprise at least one latch-lock 207. In some embodiments, lid-underside 201 may comprise at least two latch-locks 207. In some embodiments, a front corner region of lid 111 (e.g., lid-underside 201) may comprise a latch-lock 207. In some embodiments, for each latch-lock 207 of lid 111, there may be one latch-receiver 217 on a top portion of front-wall 103. In some embodiments, front-wall 103 may comprise two latch-receivers 217, disposed oppositely from each other on the top portion of front-wall 103. See e.g., FIG. 2. In some embodiments, a given latch-lock 207 may physically engage (attach to) its respective latch-receiver 127/217 when lid 111 may be pressed against that given--resulting in lid 111 being locked to that given location of PRL 100 (location of front-wall 103). Thus, such lid 111 locking may occur without electrical power to PRL 100. Whereas, in some embodiments, unlocking of lid 111 from front-wall 103 may require electrical power to the latch-lock(s) 207.

[0155] In some embodiments, when lid 111 is closed into front-wall 103, lid 111 may automatically lock. In some embodiments, lid 111 may be unlocked by one or more predetermined unlocking methods. In some embodiments, lid 111 may be unlocked by a valid unlock code being entered/received at external-interface 115. In some embodiments, lid 111 may be unlocked by a valid unlock code/instruction being wirelessly received at an antenna, radio, and/or a network card of PRL 100, of collapsible-locker 101, and/or of pod 800, wherein the unlock code/instructions transmission may originate with a user computing-device, such as, but not limited to, a smartphone, a laptop, a smart watch, a tablet computer, a home computer, a PC, and/or the like. In some embodiments, lid 111 may be unlocked by a valid unlock code/instruction being wireless received at an antenna, radio, and/or network card of PRL 100, of collapsible-locker 101, and/or of pod 800, from a NFC (near field communication) proximate device, such as, but not limited to, a smartphone, a laptop, a smart watch, a tablet computer, and/or the like. In some embodiments, authorized users of a given PRL 100, such as, but not limited to, home owners, tenants, business owners, business staff, delivery personnel, and/or the like may have unlock code(s) for entry at external-interface 115 for unlocking of lid 111. In some embodiments, authorized users of a given PRL 100, such as, but not limited to, home owners, tenants, business owners, business staff, delivery personnel, and/or the like may have a computing-device that may wirelessly transmit an unlock code/instruction to the given PRL 100 for unlocking of lid 111. In some embodiments, authorized users of a given PRL 100, such as, but not limited to, home owners, tenants, business owners, business staff, delivery personnel, and/or the like may have a computing-device for using proximity based NFC that may wirelessly transmit an unlock code/instruction to the given PRL 100 for unlocking of lid 111.

[0156] Continuing discussing FIG. 2, in some embodiments, when PRL 100 may be in its substantially expanded/deployed configuration, PRL 100 may comprise an internal volume 215 (see e.g., FIG. 2 for internal volume 215). In some embodiments, when collapsible-locker 101 may be in its substantially expanded/deployed configuration, collapsible-locker 101 may comprise an internal volume 215 (see e.g., FIG. 2 for internal volume 215). In some embodiments, internal volume 215 may be configured to receive one or more articles, such as, but not limited to packages, parcels, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, internal volume 215 may be bounded on its sides by front-wall 103, side-walls 105, and rear-wall 701. In some embodiments, internal volume 215 may be bounded on its bottom by floor 717. In some embodiments, internal volume 215 may be bounded on its top by lid 111 (when lid 111 may be closed).

[0157] Continuing discussing FIG. 2, in some embodiments, tops of side-walls 105 may be designated, top-side-wall 209. In some embodiments, top-side-wall 209 may be rounded and/or curved on its top edge. In some embodiments, top-side-wall 209 may extend into an underside of side-of-lid 114, when lid 111 may be closed and PRL 100 may be in the substantially expanded/deployed configuration. In some embodiments, when lid 111 may be closed and PRL 100 may be in the substantially expanded/deployed configuration, side-of-lid 114 and top-side-wall 209 may at least partially overlap each other, providing some structural reinforcement to PRL 100.

[0158] Continuing discussing FIG. 2, in some embodiments, side-wall-interiors 211 may be at least partially visible when lid 111 may be open and PRL 100 may be in the substantially expanded/deployed configuration. In some embodiments, front-wall 103, side-walls 105, lid 111, rear-portion 135, rear-wall 701, floor 717, may comprise one or more structural reinforcement(s) 213, such as, but not limited to, ribs, ribbing, polygons, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, interiors of front-wall 103, side-walls 105, lid 111, rear-portion 135, rear-wall 701, floor 717, may comprise one or more structural reinforcement(s) 213, such as, but not limited to, ribs, ribbing, polygons, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, reinforcement(s) 213 may be thicker than non-reinforced regions.

[0159] FIG. 3 may depict a perspective view of PRL 100, however, now collapsible-locker 101 may be in its substantially collapsed configuration and PRL 100 may still be removably attached to hinged-door 191 via door-bracket-assembly 500. In some embodiments, when PRL 100 may be in the substantially collapsed configuration, front portions of lid 111 may be locked to bottom portions front-wall 103--this may minimize tampering with PRL 100 and/or minimize unintentional deployment of PRL 100. In some embodiments, when PRL 100 may be in the substantially collapsed configuration, front portions of lid 111 may be locked to bottom portions front-wall 103, by latch-locks 207 being removing engaged with latch-receivers 127 of the bottom of front-wall 103. In some embodiments, rear-portion 135 may bound an internal volume for housing at least portions of side-walls 105 and floor 717, when PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101 may be in the substantially collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, regardless if PRL 100 may be in the substantially collapsed configuration or in the substantially expanded/deployed configuration, sensor(s) and/or camera(s) of pod 800 may be oriented to monitor, watch, observe, record, film, video, photograph, combinations thereof, and/or the like, an exterior approach zone in front of PRL 100.

[0160] FIG. 4 may depict a perspective view of PRL 100, with collapsible-locker 101 still in the substantially collapsed configuration and not attached to hinged-door 191. In FIG. 4, door-bracket-assembly 500 may be detached from collapsible-locker 101. In FIG. 4, when collapsible-locker 101 may be in the substantially collapsed configuration, front portions of lid 111 may be locked to bottom portions front-wall 103.

[0161] FIG. 5 may depict a perspective exploded view of PRL 100, wherein collapsible-locker 101 (collapsed), pod 800, door-bracket-assembly 500, and hinged-door 191 are all shown as separate components/assemblies. In some embodiments, pod 800 may be removably attached to a top rear portion of collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, portions of rear-portion 135 of collapsible-locker 101 may be in removable physical communication with portions of 500 (e.g., parts of central-spanner 501).

[0162] Continuing discussing FIG. 5, in some embodiments, door-bracket-assembly 500 may comprise at least one central-spanner 501, at least one extendable-member 503, at least one fixed-member 505, at least two end-brackets 507, at least one top-ledge 509, and at least one means to adjust extendable-member 503. In some embodiments, central-spanner 501 may be an elongate member that is fixed and of non-variable and of non-adjustable length. In some embodiments, a length of central-spanner 501 may be sized to be less than a width of side-hinged-door 191. In some embodiments, extendable-member 503 may be attached to one terminal end of central-spanner 501; and fixed-member 505 may be attached to the other opposing terminal end of central-spanner 501. In some embodiments, extendable-member 503 may be attached to near to one terminal end of central-spanner 501; and fixed-member 505 may be attached to near the other opposing terminal end of central-spanner 501. In some embodiments, extendable-member 503 and fixed-member 505 may be disposed opposite of each other on central-spanner 501 and separated from each other by at least most of the length of central-spanner 501. In some embodiments, portions of extendable-member 503 may slide into and out of the terminal end of central-spanner 501. In some embodiments, fixed-member 505 may be fixed, non-adjustable, and/or non-variable with respect to central-spanner 501. In some embodiments, extendable-member 503 may be at least partially planar. In some embodiments, fixed-member 505 may be at least partially planar. In some embodiments, a length of extendable-member 503 may be varied, within predetermined limits, with respect to central-spanner 501. In some embodiments, adjustment of extendable-member 503 with respect to central-spanner 501 may permit a given door-bracket-assembly 500 to be used to removably attach to a variety of different sized side-hinged-doors 191 (of different widths).

[0163] Continuing discussing FIG. 5, in some embodiments, a top edge of central-spanner 501 may be top-ledge 509. In some embodiments, top-ledge 509 may be configured to removably receive top-bracket 703 of rear-portion 135 and/or of rear-wall 701 (see e.g., FIG. 7 for rear-wall 701). In some embodiments, top-ledge 509 and central-spanner 501 may provide structural support to collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, top-ledge 509 and central-spanner 501 may support to weight of collapsible-locker 101 and its contents up to a predetermined limit, while door-bracket-assembly 500 remains removably attached to side-hinged-door 191.

[0164] Continuing discussing FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the at least one means to adjust extendable-member 503 may comprise a means for sliding the portions of extendable-member 503 into the terminal end of central-spanner 501 and a means for letting the portions of extendable-member 503 slide out from the terminal end of central-spanner 501. In some embodiments, the means for sliding the portions of extendable-member 503 into the terminal end of central-spanner 501 may be at least one lever 511. In some embodiments, lever 511 may be part of a rachet system, wherein repeated human engagement of lever 511 may draw the portions of extendable-member 503 into the terminal end of central-spanner 501. In some embodiments, a terminal/distal end of lever 511 may comprise finger-hole 513. In some embodiments, finger-hole 513 may make it easier for human engagement with lever 511. In some embodiments, the means for letting the portions of extendable-member 503 slide out from the terminal end of central-spanner 501 may be trigger-release 515. In some embodiments, human engagement of trigger-release 515 may cause release of rachet positions, allowing the portions of extendable-member 503 to be slid out from the terminal end of central-spanner 501.

[0165] Continuing discussing FIG. 5, in some embodiments, extendable-member 503 may terminate into an end-bracket 507; and fixed-member 505 may terminate into a different and opposing end-bracket 507. In some embodiments, end-bracket 507 may be fixed, non-adjustable, and non-variable. In some embodiments, end-bracket 507 may be sized to fit over a thickness of side-hinged-door 191. In some embodiments, at least some portions of end-bracket 507 may be coated and/or covered with a protector, wherein the protector may be configured to minimize marring/scratching of side-hinged-door 191 when end-bracket 507 may be removably attached to side-hinged-door 191. In some embodiments, the protector may be substantially constructed from: an elastomer, silicone, rubber, plastic, foam, batting, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0166] FIG. 6 may depict a top perspective of PRL 100, wherein PRL 100's pod 800 may be shown removed from a pod-receiver 601 of PRL 100. In some embodiments, PRL 100 and/or collapsible-locker 101 may comprise a pod-receiver 601 for removably receiving a pod 800. In some embodiments, pod-receiver 601 may be at least a partial chamber, sized to removably fit a pod 800. In some embodiments, pod-receiver 601 may be located in a top rear portion of rear-portion 135. In some embodiments, pod-receiver 601 may be located in a top rear middle portion of rear-portion 135. In some embodiments, an opening to pod-receiver 601 sized to fit at least a portion of pod 800 may be located and/or accessed from a top rear portion of rear-portion 135. In some embodiments, pod-receiver 601 may comprise a rear-wall 603 and two opposing side-walls 605. In some embodiments, rear-wall 603 may be substantially parallel with rear-wall 701. In some embodiments, rear-wall 603 may at least partially support a rear of pod 800, when pod 800 may be removably attached to collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, side-walls 605 may be substantially orthogonal to rear-wall 603 and/or to rear-wall 701. In some embodiments, the two opposing side-walls 605 may at least partially support sides of pod 800, when pod 800 may be removably attached to collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, when pod 800 may be removably attached to collapsible-locker 101, pod-receiver 601 may minimize wiggle room/play between pod 800 and collapsible-locker 101; such that pod 800 and collapsible-locker 101 translate and/or move together as one unit.

[0167] FIG. 7 may depict a bottom and rear perspective of PRL 100, wherein PRL 100's pod 800 may be shown removed from pod-receiver 600 of PRL 100. Door-bracket-assembly 500 may not be shown in FIG. 7. Shown in FIG. 7 may be portions of collapsible-locker 101 and/or of pod 800 not shown in the previous figures, such as, rear portions of rear-portion 135, rear portions of rear-wall 701, bottom-hinge 715, bottom of floor 717, and a bottom and rear of pod 800.

[0168] Continuing discussing FIG. 7, in some embodiments, rear-portion 135 may comprise rear-wall 701. In some embodiments, set into an external rear-portion of 135 may be rear-wall 701. In some embodiments, rear-wall 701 may be one of the walls that bounds internal-volume 215. In some embodiments, rear-wall 701 may be part of rear-portion 135. In some embodiments, in addition to rear-wall 701, rear-portion 135 may also comprise a top cover, side-walls, and a bottom. In some embodiments, the top cover, the side-walls, and the bottom of rear-portion 135 may be smaller/shorter than front-wall 103, side-walls 105, and/or floor 717. In some embodiments, the top cover, the side-walls, and the bottom of rear-portion 135 may bound an internal volume for receiving at least portions of floor 717 and/or of side-walls 105, when collapsible-locker 101 may be in the substantially collapsed configuration.

[0169] Continuing discussing FIG. 7, in some embodiments, structures of rear-portion 135 and/or of rear-wall 701 may be for the removable attachment of central-spanner 501 to rear-portion 135 and/or to rear-wall 701. In some embodiments, rear portions of rear-portion 135 and/or of rear-wall 701 may comprise at least one top-bracket 703. In some embodiments, rear portions of rear-portion 135 and/or of rear-wall 701 may comprise at least two top-brackets 703. In some embodiments, rear portions of rear-portion 135 and/or of rear-wall 701 may comprise at least two top-brackets 703 separated by a gap. In some embodiments, top-bracket 703 may be located on an upper portion of the rear external portion of rear-portion 135 and/or of rear-wall 701. In some embodiments, top-bracket 703 may be configured for complimentary and removable mating/attachment with portions of central-spanner 501, such as, but not limited to, top-ledge 509. In some embodiments, top-bracket 703 may clip onto and/or over a top of top-ledge 509, when door-bracket-assembly 500 may be removably attached to collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, top-ledge 509 may structurally and physically support a weight of collapsible-locker 101 and its contents up to a predetermined limit, via the top-ledge 509 and top-bracket 703 interaction, when door-bracket-assembly 500 may be removably attached to side-hinged-door 191. In some embodiments, lengths of top-bracket 703 and of top-ledge 509 may be substantially parallel, when door-bracket-assembly 500 may be removably attached to collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, lengths of top-bracket 703, of top-ledge 509, of top-hinge 119, and of bottom-hinge 715, may all be substantially parallel, when door-bracket-assembly 500 may be removably attached to collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, lengths of top-bracket 703 and of top-ledge 509 may be substantially horizontal, when door-bracket-assembly 500 may be removably attached to collapsible-locker 101; and door-bracket-assembly 500 may be removably attached to side-hinged-door 191.

[0170] Continuing discussing FIG. 7, in some embodiments, collapsible-locker 101 may comprise at least one cam-lock 705. In some embodiments, cam-lock 705 may be configured for removable engagement with a bottom-edge 1401 of central-spanner 501, wherein this bottom-edge 1401 of central-spanner 501 may be disposed opposite from top-ledge 509. In some embodiments, engagement of cam-lock 705 with bottom-edge 1401 of central-spanner 501, may removably lock collapsible-locker 101 to door-bracket-assembly 500. In some embodiments, control/operation of cam-lock 705 may be done by a user reaching into the inside of collapsible-locker 101, when collapsible-locker 101 may be in the substantially expanded/deployed configuration with lid 111 open and turning/twisting portions of cam-lock 705 therein. In some embodiments, the portion of cam-lock 705 that may removably engage with the bottom-edge 1401 of central-spanner 501 may be a rotatable flange 707 that extends out of a hole 709 in an external rear portion of rear-portion 135 and/or of rear-wall 701.

[0171] Continuing discussing FIG. 7, in some embodiments, external rear portions of rear-portion 135 and/or of rear-wall 701 may comprise at least one spacer 711. In some embodiments, spacer 711 may extend externally outwards from external rear portions of rear-portion 135 and/or of rear-wall 701. In some embodiments, external surfaces of spacer 711 may be configured to physically touch door-exterior 193, when collapsible-locker 101 may be removably attached to door-bracket-assembly 500 and door-bracket-assembly 500 may be removably attached to side-hinged-door 191. In some embodiments, such use of spacer 711 may keep a plane of rear-wall 701 substantially parallel with a plane of door-exterior 193. In some embodiments, external surfaces of spacer 711 may be coated and/or covered in a protector. In some embodiments, the protector may be configured to minimize marring/scratching of side-hinged-door 191 when spacer 711 may be resting against door-exterior 193. In some embodiments, the protector may be substantially constructed from: an elastomer, silicone, rubber, plastic, foam, batting, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, spacer 711 may be structured as one or more substantially horizontal bars extending out from rear-wall 701. In some embodiments, lengths of spacer 711 may be substantially parallel with lengths of top-hinge 119, top-bracket 703, and/or bottom-hinge 715.

[0172] Continuing discussing FIG. 7, in some embodiments rear-wall 701 may comprise one or more structural reinforcement(s) 713, such as, but not limited to, ribs, ribbing, polygons, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, exteriors of rear-wall 701 may comprise one or more structural reinforcement(s) 713, such as, but not limited to, ribs, ribbing, polygons, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, reinforcement(s) 713 may be thicker than non-reinforced regions.

[0173] Continuing discussing FIG. 7, in some embodiments, collapsible-locker 101 may comprise at least one bottom-hinge 715. In some embodiments, bottom-hinge 715 may hingedly link a bottom of rear-portion 135 to floor 717. In some embodiments, floor 717 may articulate along bottom-hinge 715 with respect to rear-portion 135. In some embodiments, a length of bottom-hinge 715 may be substantially parallel with a length of top-hinge 119. In some embodiments, a length of bottom-hinge 715 may be substantially orthogonal with lengths of rear-side-hinge 121, side-middle-hinge, 123 and/or of front-side-hinge 125.

[0174] Continuing discussing FIG. 7, in some embodiments, collapsible-locker 101 may comprise at least one floor 717. In some embodiments, floor 717 may form most of a bottom boundary to internal-volume 215. In some embodiments, floor 717 may comprise at least one hole 719. In some embodiments, hole 719 may be disposed away from bottom-hinge 715 in floor 717. In some embodiments, hole 719 may be configured for being removably engaged by a user's finger to pull up floor 717 for transitioning collapsible-locker 101 from the substantially deployed/expanded configuration to the substantially collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, hole 719 may be configured for drainage of internal-volume 215. In some embodiments, when floor 717 may be deployed and acting as a floor, at least some peripheral edges of floor 717 may be supported by supports 723. In some embodiments, support(s) 723 may be ledges at the bottoms of side-walls 105 and/or of front-wall 103, that extend inwards for supporting floor 717.

[0175] Continuing discussing FIG. 7, in some embodiments floor 717 may comprise one or more structural reinforcement(s) 721, such as, but not limited to, ribs, ribbing, polygons, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, exteriors of floor 717 may comprise one or more structural reinforcement(s) 721, such as, but not limited to, ribs, ribbing, polygons, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, reinforcement(s) 721 may be thicker than non-reinforced regions.

[0176] FIG. 8 may depict of front and side perspective view of pod 800 for PRL 100. In some embodiments, PRL 100 may comprise at least one pod 800. In some embodiments, pod 800 may be configured to function as a handle for collapsible-locker 101 and/or to PRL 100. In some embodiments, pod 800 may be configured to provide electrical power to collapsible-locker 101 and/or to PRL 100. In some embodiments, pod 800 may be configured to monitor, watch, observe, record, film, video, photograph, combinations thereof, and/or the like, of at least some region in front of pod 800. In some embodiments, pod 800 may be configured with various light(s), sensor(s), and/or camera(s). In some embodiments, pod 800 may be configured to removably attach to collapsible-locker 101.

[0177] Continuing discussing FIG. 8, in some embodiments, pod 800 may comprise handle-region 801 and housing-region 811. In some embodiments, handle-region 801 may be attached to housing-region 811. In some embodiments, handle-region 801 may comprise an opening-for-fingers 803, wherein opening-for-fingers 803 may separate top-of-handle 805 from housing-region 811. In some embodiments, in pod 800 handle function capacity, at least one finger of a given user may pass through and/or into opening-for-fingers 803, with at least a portion of top-of-handle 805 touching and/or being proximate to a palm of that hand of the user. In some embodiments, pod 800 and/or handle-region 801 may comprise at least one hole (e.g., opening-for-fingers 803) configured to have a majority of at least one finger of a user to pass removably into the at least one hole when the user is holding handle-region 801 of pod 800. In some embodiments, top-of-handle 805 may be elongate.

[0178] Continuing discussing FIG. 8, in some embodiments, pod 800, handle-region 801, and/or top-of-handle 805 may comprise at least one I/O 807 (Input/Output 807). In some embodiments, I/O 807 may be located on top-of-handle 805. In some embodiments, I/O 807 may be located on a front of top-of-handle 805. In some embodiments, I/O 807 may be located on top-of-handle 805, facing away from door-exterior 193 when pod 800 may be removably attached to collapsible-locker 101 and collapsible-locker 101 may be removably attached to door-bracket-assembly 500, and door-bracket-assembly 500 may be removably attached to side-hinged-door 191. In some embodiments, I/O 807 may comprise: a light, a light emitting diode (LED), a white light, a colored light, an infrared (IR) light, a sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a moisture sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a motion detector, a camera, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, light(s) 807 may be configured to light up during activation of camera 809. In some embodiments, I/O 807 may be operatively connected to a power-source, at least one processor of PRL 100, a PCB (printed circuit board) of PRL 100, a motherboard of PRL 100, at least some electronics of PRL 100, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, I/O 807 may be light(s) 807.

[0179] Continuing discussing FIG. 8, in some embodiments, pod 800, handle-region 801, and/or top-of-handle 805 may comprise at least one I/O 809 (Input/Output 809). In some embodiments, I/O 809 may be located on top-of-handle 805. In some embodiments, I/O 809 may be located on a front of top-of-handle 805. In some embodiments, I/O 809 may be located on top-of-handle 805, facing away from door-exterior 193 when pod 800 may be removably attached to collapsible-locker 101 and collapsible-locker 101 may be removably attached to door-bracket-assembly 500, and door-bracket-assembly 500 may be removably attached to side-hinged-door 191. In some embodiments, I/O 809 may comprise: a light, a light emitting diode (LED), a white light, a colored light, an infrared (IR) light, a sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a moisture sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a motion detector, a camera, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, light(s) 807 may be configured to light up during activation of camera 809. In some embodiments, light(s) 807 may at least sometimes operate concurrently with operation of camera 809. This may at least partially illuminate a subject and/or target area that camera 809 may be seeking to record. In some embodiments, I/O 809 may be operatively connected to a power-source, at least one processor of PRL 100, a PCB (printed circuit board) of PRL 100, a motherboard of PRL 100, at least some electronics of PRL 100, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, I/O 809 may be camera 809.

[0180] Continuing discussing FIG. 8, in some embodiments, housing-region 811 may house at least some electronics and/or power-source/power-supply. In some embodiments, the power-source and/or the power-supply that housing-region 811 may house, may be one or more batteries. In some embodiments, the one or more batteries may be rechargeable. In some embodiments, the one or more batteries may not be rechargeable. In some embodiments, the at least some electronics of housing-region 811, may be one or more of: a computer, a processor, a printed circuit board (PCB), memory (e.g., RAM and/or DRAM), storage (e.g., hard-drive, solid state, optical drive, and/or the like), radio, antenna, network card, cabling, wiring, bus, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, housing-region 811 may be at least partially: weather proof, weather resistant, water proof, water resistant, UV light proof, UV light resistant, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0181] In some embodiments, pod 800, housing-region 811, and/or compartment 901 may house at least one battery (which may or may not be rechargeable). In some embodiments, the at least one battery may be operatively linked to: at least some electronics of collapsible-locker 101; I/O's 807; camera 809; connector 817, connector 819, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0182] Continuing discussing FIG. 8, in some embodiments, housing-region 811 may comprise at least one flange 813. In some embodiments, flange 813 may extend out and away from housing-region 811 from a bottom of housing-region 811. In some embodiments, flange 816 may comprise a latch 815 (e.g., first-latch 815). In some embodiments, latch 815 may be metal. In some embodiments, latch 815 may be configured to removably engage with a complimentary mating location of collapsible-locker 101, such as, but not limited to, latch 1201 (see FIG. 12 for latch 1201). In some embodiments, first-latch 815 may be disposed oppositely from handle-region 801 on pod 800, wherein handle-region 801 may be located on a top of pod 800 and first-latch 815 may extend from a lower portion of pod 800 (e.g., from a lower portion of housing-region 811).

[0183] Continuing discussing FIG. 8, in some embodiments, pod 800 and/or housing-region 811 may comprise at least one connector 817. In some embodiments, connector 817 may be a jack, a plug, and/or a plug-receptacle. In some embodiments, connector 817 may be located on a bottom and/or a bottom/lower portion of housing-region 811. In some embodiments, connector 817 may be configured to receive a complimentary mating connector (e.g., as in a male-female connection or vice-versa). In some embodiments, connector 817 may be configured to receive and/or to transmit information, data, electricity, power, voltage, current, optical signals, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, connector 817 may be an industry standard connector, jack, plug, and/or a plug-receptacle.

[0184] Continuing discussing FIG. 8, in some embodiments, pod 800 and/or housing-region 811 may comprise at least one connector 819. In some embodiments, connector 819 may be a jack, a plug, and/or a plug-receptacle. In some embodiments, connector 819 may be located on a bottom and/or a bottom/lower portion of housing-region 811. In some embodiments, connector 819 may be configured to receive a complimentary mating connector (e.g., as in a male-female connection or vice-versa). In some embodiments, connector 819 may be configured to receive and/or to transmit information, data, electricity, power, voltage, current, optical signals, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, connector 819 may be an industry standard connector, jack, plug, and/or a plug-receptacle.

[0185] In some embodiments, at least some electronics of pod 800 may comprise: a computer, I/O 807, I/O 809, connector 817, connector 819, power-source, power-supply, battery, one or more batteries, processor(s), memory (e.g., DRAM, RAM, or the like), storage (e.g., hard-drive, optical drive, solid state drive, or the like), batteries, radio(s), antenna(s), network card(s), cabling, wires, busses, PCB(s) (printed circuit board(s)), portions thereof, combination thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the radio(s), the antenna(s), and/or the network card(s) may be configured to facilitate wireless communications.

[0186] In some embodiments, pod 800 may comprise at least one connector 817 and/or 819 that may be configured to facilitate data communication and/or power communication between at least some electronics of pod 800 and at least some electronics of collapsible-locker 101, when pod 800 is removably attached to collapsible-locker 101.

[0187] In some embodiments, at least some electronics of collapsible-locker 101 may comprise: a computer, exterior-interface 115, I/O 117, I/O 129, I/O 203, camera 205, processor(s), memory (e.g., DRAM, RAM, or the like), storage, batteries, radio(s), antenna(s), network card(s), cabling, wires, busses, PCBs, portions thereof, combination thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the radio(s), the antenna(s), and/or the network card(s) may be configured to facilitate wireless communications.

[0188] In some embodiments, the at least some electronics of collapsible-locker 101 (e.g., a computer, exterior-interface 115, I/O 117, I/O 129, I/O 203, camera 205, processor(s), memory, storage, batteries, radio(s), antenna(s), network card(s), cabling, wires, busses, PCBs, portions thereof, combination thereof, and/or the like) may be operatively connected to electronics of pod 800 via connections to connector 817 and/or connector 819.

[0189] Continuing discussing FIG. 8, in some embodiments, pod 800, collapsible-locker, and/or PRL 100 may comprise at least one gasket 821. In some embodiments, gasket 821 may be configured to prevent and/or minimize egress of water, dirt, dust, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like from getting into collapsible-locker 101 (e.g., into internal-volume 215) from where pod 800 is removably received into collapsible-locker 101 (e.g., pod-receiver 601). In some embodiments, gasket 821 may be attached to pod 800. In some embodiments, gasket 821 may be attached to pod 800 at a top region of housing-region 811. In some embodiments, gasket 821 may be substantially constructed from one or more of: elastomers, silicone, rubber, plastic, foam, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0190] FIG. 9 may depict a partial exploded perspective view of pod 800 for PRL 100. FIG. 9 may show gasket 821 separated from pod 800. FIG. 9 may also show a compartment 901 and a cover 903 of pod 800. In some embodiments, pod 800 and/or housing-region 811 may comprise at least one compartment 901. In some embodiments, compartment 901 may house the one or more batteries. In some embodiments, compartment 901 may house the at least some electronics. In some embodiments, compartment 901 may not occupy all of housing-region 811. In some embodiments, compartment 901 may comprise at least one cover 903. In some embodiments, cover 903 may removably seal and/or close compartment 901 from access and/or from the external environment. In some embodiments, compartment 901 may be accessed via at least one cover 903. In some embodiments, cover 903 may be a removable door and/or panel for accessing compartment 901. In some embodiments, cover 903 may removably attach to compartment 901 via a snap/friction fit.

[0191] FIG. 10 may depict a front view of PRL 100, wherein FIG. 10 includes a Sectional-line 11-11 passing through a middle/center of PRL 100. In some embodiments, when pod 800 may be removably attached to collapsible-locker 101, handle-region 801 (e.g., top-of-handle 805) may extend above lid 111 and/or above external-interface 115, when lid 111 may be closed, such that when lid 111 may be closed, handle-region 801 (e.g., top-of-handle 805) may be a tallest portion of PRL 100 and/or of collapsible-locker 101. This may be important to provide camera 809 of pod 800 a good frontal view of the area in front of and proximate to PRL 100. See also FIG. 11 which shows this height relationship.

[0192] FIG. 11 may depict a cross-sectional side view of PRL 100 according to the Sectional-line 11-11 of FIG. 10, wherein FIG. 11 includes a Detail 12. In some embodiments, when pod 800 is removably attached to collapsible-locker 101, a rear of pod 800 may not extend beyond a rear external surface of rear-wall 701 (however, spacer(s) 711 may extend further out beyond the rear of pod 800).

[0193] FIG. 12 may depict details of Detail 12, showing both how pod 800 may engage with PRL 100 and how door-bracket-assembly 500 may engage with PRL 100. In some embodiments, latch 815 (of pod 800) may removably and complimentary engage with latch 1201 to removably secure/anchor pod 800 to collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, rear-wall 701 may comprise latch 1201. In some embodiments, latch 1201 may be attached to rear-wall 701. In some embodiments, latch 1201 may be attached to an internal surface of rear-wall 701. In some embodiments, latch 1201 may be spring loaded. In some embodiments, pressing pod 800 down into pod-receiver 601 may cause latch 815 to removably attach to (engage with) latch 1201. In some embodiments, latch 1201 may be disengaged from latch 815, a user opening lid 111, reaching into internal-volume 215, and pressing/engaging latch 1201.

[0194] FIG. 12 may also show top-bracket 703 (of rear-wall 701) engaging on top of top-ledge 509 (of door-bracket-assembly 500). FIG. 12 may show rotatable flange 707 (of cam-lock 705), in an upright position, locking to bottom-edge 1401 of door-bracket-assembly 500. FIG. 12 may show a cross-section through retract-extend rod 1501 of door-bracket-assembly 500. In some embodiments, retract-extend rod 1501 may be fixed, rigid, non-variable, non-adjustable elongate rod that connects extendable-member 503 to lever 511 and/or to trigger-release 515. In some embodiments, retract-extend rod 1501 may be located within central-spanner 501. See FIG. 15 for retract-extend rod 1501.

[0195] FIG. 13 may depict a perspective view of door-bracket-assembly 500. Side-hinged-door 191 and collapsible-locker 101 may not be shown in FIG. 13. Aspects of door-bracket-assembly 500 shown in FIG. 13 may include a front top portion of central-spanner 501, a portion of extendable-member 503, a portion of fixed-member 505, portions of end-brackets 507, a top of top-ledge 509, portions of lever 511, finger-hole 513, and portions of release-trigger 515. In some embodiments, lever 511 may be hinged to a portion of central-spanner 501. In some embodiments, central-spanner 501 may comprise a cutout/recess sized and shaped to fit lever 511 and/or release-trigger 515. In some embodiments, central-spanner 501 may comprise at least one end-cap 1301. In some embodiments, opposing terminal ends of central-spanner 501 may be capped with end-caps 1301. In some embodiments, end-caps 1301 may be configured to prevent and/or minimize marring/scratching of door-exterior 193 from central-spanner 501. In some embodiments, end-cap 1301 may be substantially constructed from one or more of: elastomers, silicone, rubber, plastic, foam, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0196] FIG. 14 may depict a rear perspective view of PRL 100 and showing door-bracket-assembly 500. FIG. 14 may show top-brackets 703 engaging and top of top-ledge 509. In some embodiments, top-brackets 703 and top-ledge 509 may be able to slidingly translate with respect to each other along their lengths. In some embodiments, engagement of cam-lock 705 to central-spanner 501 may prevent and/or minimize sliding translation of central-spanner 501 with respect to collapsible-locker 101.

[0197] FIG. 14 may show rotatable flange 707 of cam-lock 705 in its upright position, with rotatable flange 707 engaged against bottom-edge 1401 of central-spanner 501. In some embodiments, central-spanner 501 may comprise top-ledge 509 and bottom-edge 1401. In some embodiments, along a length of central-spanner 501, bottom-edge 1401 and top-ledge 509 may be oppositely disposed from each other, separated from each other by a width of central-spanner 501. In some embodiments, a length of bottom-edge 1401 may be substantially parallel with a length of top-ledge 509.

[0198] Continuing discussing FIG. 14, in some embodiments, along a length of bottom-edge 1401 may be a plurality of grooves/crenulations 1403 that alternate with regions without such grooves/crenulations 1403. In some embodiments, the grooves/crenulations 1403 may provide surfaces for rotatable flange 707 to press against/engage. In some embodiments, the presence of such grooves/crenulations 1403 may facilitate locking collapsible-locker 101 to door-bracket-assembly 500 at and along different predetermined lengths of central-spanner 501 according to where the grooves/crenulations 1403 may be located on bottom-edge 1401. In some embodiments, the grooves/crenulations 1403 along bottom-edge 1401 may be predetermined, fixed, non-variable, non-adjustable, and rigid. Different bottom-edge 1401 may be manufactured with different spacing and/or shape configurations of the grooves/crenulations 1403.

[0199] FIG. 15 may depict a front/rear review of the door-bracket-assembly 500, with transparencies included so as mechanics of the door-bracket-assembly 500 may be seen. In some embodiments, door-bracket-assembly 500 and/or central-spanner 501 may comprise retract-extend rod 1501. FIG. 15 may show a length of retract-extend rod 1501 of door-bracket-assembly 500. In some embodiments, retract-extend rod 1501 may be fixed, rigid, non-variable, non-adjustable elongate rod that connects extendable-member 503 to lever 511 and/or to trigger-release 515. In some embodiments, retract-extend rod 1501 may be located within central-spanner 501. FIG. 15 may show reference numeral 1503, wherein reference numeral 1503 may correspond to transmission/linkage structures from retract-extend rod 1501 to lever 511 and/or to trigger-release 515. In some embodiments, transmission/linkage structures 1503 may be one or more bar clam mechanical spring locks and/or release plates. In some embodiments, via ratchet mechanics operation, human engagement of lever 511 may pull at least a portion of the extendable-member 503 into central-spanner 501; and wherein human engagement of release-trigger 515 allows the at least the portion of the extendable-member 503 to be pulled out of central-spanner 501, resulting in door-bracket-assembly 500 being adjustable to fit a variety of different side-hinged-doors 191 of different door widths up to a predetermined maximum door width.

[0200] In some embodiments, a given PRL 100 may comprise at least two separate and distinct cameras, at least one camera 809 located on pod 800 (e.g., on handle-region 801) and at least one camera 205 located to capture images of inside of collapsible-locker 101 (e.g., located on lid 111 underside 201). In some embodiments, camera 809 may be an external camera; whereas, camera 205 may be an internal camera. In some embodiments, camera 809 may be used to monitor activity coming to leaving PRL 100; whereas, camera 205 may be used to monitor at least portion(s) of article(s) within internal-volume 215 of collapsible-locker 101. In some embodiments, at least one of the cameras disclosed herein (such as, but not limited to, camera 809 and/or camera 205) may be: color, black and white, monochrome, low-light, infrared (IR), wide-angle, macro, telephoto, zoomable, fish-eye, articulable/movable, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0201] In some embodiments, at least one hinge disclosed herein, top-hinge 119, rear-side-hinge 121, side-middle-hinge 123, front-side-hinge 125, bottom-hinge 715, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like, may be living hinges, hinges with springs, hinges with rods, hinges with metal rods, tension hinges, torque hinges, slow moving hinges, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0202] In some embodiments, at least some parts and/or components of PRL 100, collapsible-locker 101, door-bracket-assembly 500, pod 800 may be made from injection molded plastic(s), three-dimensional (3D) printed plastic(s), extruded plastic(s), stamped plastic(s), portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0203] In some embodiments, at least a majority of front-wall 103, side-wall 105, side-wall-panel-closer-to-rear-wall 107, side-wall-panel-closer-to-front-wall 109, lid 111, rear-portion 135, rear-wall 701, floor 717, pod 800 exteriors, combinations thereof, and/or the like, may be made from injection molded plastic(s), three-dimensional (3D) printed plastic(s), extruded plastic(s), stamped plastic(s), portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0204] Plastics used as materials of construction may or may not comprise various colorants, mold inhibitors, stiffeners, fibers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, plasticizers, UV protectors, additives, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

[0205] Various embodiments of package-receiving-lockers (PRLs), collapsible-lockers, and/or door-bracket-assemblies have been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0206] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A package-receiving-locker comprising: a collapsible-locker configured to receive at least one physical article therein; and a pod, wherein the pod comprises at least one camera and at least one handle; wherein the pod is removably attachable to the collapsible-locker by a first-latch of the pod removably engaging a second-latch of the collapsible-locker, wherein the pod comprises the first-latch and the collapsible-locker comprises the second-latch; wherein the at least one handle of the pod is configured to support a weight of the collapsible-locker, of the pod, and of the at least one physical article up to a predetermined weight limit, when the pod is removably attached to the collapsible-locker.

2. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 1, wherein the at least one camera is located on the at least one handle.

3. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 1, wherein the pod comprises at least one light source.

4. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 3, wherein the at least one light source is located on the at least one handle.

5. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 3, wherein the at least one light source at least sometimes operates concurrently with operation of the at least one camera.

6. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 1, wherein the pod houses at least one battery.

7. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 6, wherein the at least one battery is operatively linked to at least some electronics of the collapsible-locker.

8. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 6, wherein the at least one battery is operatively linked to the at least one camera.

9. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 1, wherein the pod comprises at least one connector that is configured to facilitate data communication and/or power communication between at least some electronics of the pod and at least some electronics of the collapsible-locker, when the pod is removably attached to the collapsible-locker.

10. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 1, wherein the collapsible-locker comprises at least one second camera that is separate and distinct from the at least one camera of the pod.

11. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 1, wherein the pod comprises at least one hole configured to have a majority of at least one finger of a user to pass removably into the at least one hole when the user is holding the handle.

12. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 1, wherein the collapsible-locker comprises a pod-receiver, wherein the pod-receiver is configured to receive the pod, wherein the pod-receiver is located on an upper rear portion of the collapsible-locker.

13. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 1, wherein the first-latch is disposed oppositely from the handle on the pod, wherein the handle is located on a top of the pod and the first-latch extends from a lower portion of the handle.

14. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 1, wherein the collapsible-locker has two mutually exclusive configurations, a substantially deployed and expanded configuration and a substantially collapsed configuration, respectively; wherein the collapsible-locker comprises a front-wall, two opposing side-walls, a rear-wall, a floor, and a lid; wherein the front-wall, the two opposing side-walls, the rear-wall, the floor, and the lid substantially bound an internal-volume of the collapsible-locker when the collapsible-locker is in the substantially deployed and expanded configuration; and wherein transitions between the substantially deployed and expanded configuration and the substantially collapsed configuration or vice versa are facilitated by a plurality of hinges, wherein the collapsible-locker comprises the plurality of hinges.

15. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 14, wherein the second-latch is located on an internal surface of the rear-wall of the collapsible-locker.

16. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 14, wherein when the pod is removably attached to the collapsible-locker, the handle extends above the lid when the lid is closed, such that when the lid is closed, the handle is a tallest portion of the package-receiving-locker.

17. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 14, wherein when the pod is removably attached to the collapsible-locker, a rear of the pod does not extend beyond a rear external surface of the rear-wall.

18. A package-receiving-locker comprising: a collapsible-locker configured to receive at least one physical article therein; and a door-bracket-assembly, wherein a rear of the collapsible-locker is removably attached to the door-bracket-assembly via a top-bracket located on the rear of the collapsible-locker and a top-ledge of the door-bracket-assembly; wherein the door-bracket-assembly comprises a pair of oppositely disposed end-brackets, wherein the pair of oppositely disposed end-brackets are configured to squeeze and grip opposing vertical sides of a side-hinged-door in a manner that prevents the collapsible-locker from sliding down the side-hinged-door up to a predetermined weight limit of the collapsible-locker, the door-bracket-assembly, and the at least one physical article.

19. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 18, wherein the door-bracket-assembly comprises a central-spanner, an extendable-member, and a fixed-member; wherein the central-spanner is a first rigid elongate member that has a length that is less than a width between the vertical sides of the side-hinged-door; wherein the central-spanner has two opposing terminal ends; wherein the fixed-member is fixedly attached to one of the two opposing terminal ends of the central-spanner; wherein the extendable-member is adjustably attached to the other of the two opposing terminal ends of the central-spanner; wherein one of the pair of oppositely disposed end-brackets is attached to an end of the fixed-member disposed away from the central-spanner; wherein the other of the pair of oppositely disposed end-brackets is attached to an end of the extendable-member disposed away from the central-spanner.

20. The package-receiving-locker according to claim 19, wherein the central-spanner comprises a retract-extend-rod, a lever, and a release-trigger; wherein the retract-extend-rod is a second rigid elongate member that is attached to the extendable-member and to the lever and to the release-trigger; wherein, via ratchet mechanics operation, engagement of the lever pulls at least a portion of the extendable-member into the central-spanner; wherein engagement of the release-triggers allows the at least the portion of the extendable-member to be pulled out of the central-spanner, resulting in the door-bracket-assembly being adjustable to fit a variety of different side-hinged-doors of different door widths up to a predetermined maximum door width.

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