Package receiving systems and methods

Abstract

A package receiving device, the package receiving device includes a sensor configured to obtain package identifying information from a package, a verification module configured to determine if the package identifying information matches information stored in a computer-readable storage media, and a receptacle configured to change from a compact mode to an extended mode to secure the package based on a determination of the verification module. Securing the package includes enclosing the package in the receptacle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A package receiving device, the package receiving device comprising:
 a sensor configured to obtain package identifying information from a package;   a verification module configured to determine if the package identifying information matches information stored in a computer-readable storage media; and   a receptacle configured to change from a compact mode to an extended mode to secure the package based on a determination of the verification module, wherein securing the package comprises enclosing the package in the receptacle.   
     
     
         2 . The package receiving device of  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle comprises a movable surface that can contact a floor surface when the package is secured by the receptacle in the extended mode, and the surface of the receptacle does not contact the ground surface when the receptacle is in the compact mode. 
     
     
         3 . The package receiving device of  claim 1 , wherein the receiving system is configured to be mounted on a vertical surface perpendicular to the ground surface. 
     
     
         4 . The package receiving device of  claim 2  further comprising a front cover, the receptacle is configured to be stowed behind the front cover when the receptacle is in the compact mode. 
     
     
         5 . The package receiving device of  claim 4 , wherein the front cover is configured to rest on the ground surface when the receptacle is in the extended mode. 
     
     
         6 . The package receiving device of  claim 5 , wherein the receptacle further comprises a support frame, the receptacle having a first connecting section extending between the front cover and the support frame. 
     
     
         7 . The package receiving device of  claim 6 , wherein the receptacle further comprising a hinge, wherein the support frame is pivotally lowered about the hinge into a horizontal position from an initial vertical position of the compact mode when the receptacle is in the extended mode. 
     
     
         8 . The package receiving device of  claim 6 , wherein the receptacle further comprises a locking frame, and a second connecting section, the second connecting section extending between the support frame and the locking frame. 
     
     
         9 . The package receiving device of  claim 8 , wherein the locking frame is configured to be pivotally lifted about the hinge from a horizontal position into a locked vertical position. 
     
     
         10 . The package receiving device of  claim 1 , wherein the first connecting section of the receptacle comprises a material that is resistant to cutting. 
     
     
         11 . The package receiving device of  claim 10 , wherein the material comprises a spun polymer fiber having a tensile strength of at least 3,000 MPa. 
     
     
         12 . The package receiving device of  claim 1 , wherein in the extended mode, the receptacle is configured to expand a folding support frame. 
     
     
         13 . The package receiving device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a camera, and the package identifying information comprises an image of a bar code on the package. 
     
     
         14 . The package receiving device of  claim 2 , wherein the receptacle is configured to receive the package in the extended mode if the bar code matches the information stored in the computer-readable storage media. 
     
     
         15 . The package receiving device of  claim 3 , further comprising a lock, wherein the lock is configured to release the receptacle to secure the package by locking the receptacle after the package has been received. 
     
     
         16 . The package receiving system device of  claim 1 , wherein the computer-readable storage media is configured to communicate with and download information from a server. 
     
     
         17 . The package receiving system device of  claim 1 , wherein the verification module is configured to send a notification message to a remote system when the receptacle changes from the compact mode to the extended mode. 
     
     
         18 . The package receiving system device of  claim 1 , further comprising a motion sensor, wherein the sensor comprises a camera and the camera captures an image when the motion sensor is activated. 
     
     
         19 . The package receiving system device of  claim 18 , further comprising a power source, wherein the sensor and the verification module are configured to be in standby mode until the motion sensor is activated. 
     
     
         20 . The package receiving system device of  claim 19 , wherein the power source comprises a solar panel.