Receiving container for packet or small parcel mailings

Abstract

A receiving container, and method of using the same, for packet or small parcel mailings to be received or to be sent, having a closable opening through which a packet or small parcel mailing can be inserted into the receiving container. The receiving container has a fixing element with which the receiving container can either be fixed to, or removed from, a door of a house or an apartment, in particular without structural work in each case.

1 . A receiving container for packet or small parcel mailings to be received or to be sent, the receiving container comprising:
 a closable opening through which a packet or small parcel mailing can be inserted into the receiving container; and   a fixing element with which the receiving container can be fixed to, or removed, from, a door of a house or an apartment.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the fixing element is formed as a tab which is fixed by one end to the receiving container, and
 wherein the tab is insertable into a gap between the door panel and door frame, or door panel and floor.   
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the tab of the receiving container is formed from a flexible two-dimensional element. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the tab includes a thickened section at its other end. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the fixing element is configured to cooperate with a counter-element,
 wherein the counter-element is able to be fixed in a one-off operation by structural work on a door, and   wherein the fixing element and the counter-element are able to be detachably interconnected without structural work.   
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 1 , formed at least predominantly from at least one textile. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a communication unit, with which a communication message can be sent or received.   
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the communication unit is configured
 (a) to send a message to a registered communication address upon closing of the receiving container after insertion of a packet or small parcel mailing, and/or   (b) to receive a message, and is configured, dependent on the message received, to actuate a closing mechanism.   
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the communication unit is configured to indicate an imminent receipt of a packet or a small parcel. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the communication unit is set up to conduct communication satisfying requirements of the DE-Mail Act of the Federal Republic of Germany or equivalent legal implementation of EU Directive 2006/123/EG. 
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a closing mechanism.   
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a securing element, arranged on the receiving container, in order to fix mailings which do not fit into an internal volume of the receiving container to the receiving container.   
     
     
         13 . A method of delivering a packet or a small parcel by a delivery service to a recipient, the method comprising:
 inserting, via the delivery service, a packet or small parcel which is to be delivered in the receiving container of  claim 1 , temporarily fixed to a door; and   closing the receiving container, as a result of which the packet/small parcel lies ready in the receiving container to be taken out by the recipient, or   wherein the method comprises:   inserting, via a senders, a packet or small parcel which is to be delivered into the receiving container of  claim 1 , temporarily fixed to a door;   closing, via the sender, the receiving container; and, thereafter, opening, via the delivery service, the receiving container; taking out, via the delivery service, the packet or small parcel; and transporting, via the delivery service, the packet or small parcel.   
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the fixing element can be fixed to, or removed from, a door of either a house or an apartment, without structural work. 
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the tab is fixed by one end to a rear edge, facing the door, of the receiving container. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the tab is able to be fixed in position, by the closing of the door. 
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the tab is able to be clamped, by the closing of the door. 
     
     
         18 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the receiving tab of the receiving container is formed from a textile element. 
     
     
         19 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the fixing element and the counter-element are able to be detachably interconnected without structural work, by coupling engagement of the fixing element and the counter-element with each other. 
     
     
         20 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the closing mechanism includes an electronically actuatable lock, the lock being actuable by a communication unit which is in operative connection with the closing mechanism.