Systems and method for package retention

Abstract

A package retention system and method to secure one or more packages to a fixture such as a door handle are provided. When packages are delivered while home owner is away, the delivered packages can be securely and safely retained using the package retention system. The package retention system includes a bag to accommodate packages, a pull string configured to wrap around an opening of the bag, and an enclosure that includes first and second locking mechanisms. The first locking mechanism locks or unlocks the pull string, and the second locking mechanism locks or unlocks a coupling member that is configured to be coupled to a fixture such as a door handle to secure the bag to the fixture.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A package retention system to secure one or more packages to a fixture, comprising:
 a bag to accommodate the one or more packages;   a pull string configured to wrap around an opening of the bag;   a first locking mechanism coupled to the pull string, wherein the first locking mechanism locks or unlocks the pull string;   a coupling member configured to be coupled to the fixture to secure the bag to the fixture;   a second locking mechanism coupled to the coupling member, wherein the second locking mechanism locks or unlocks the coupling member; and   an enclosure to enclose the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism.   
     
     
         2 . The package retention system of  claim 1  wherein the bag includes a wire mesh bag. 
     
     
         3 . The package retention system of  claim 1  wherein the first locking mechanism includes gripping or teethed locking mechanism, and the pull string passes through the gripping or teethed locking mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The package retention system of  claim 1  wherein the second locking mechanism includes gripping or teethed locking mechanism, and the coupling member passes through the gripping or teethed locking mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The package retention system of  claim 1  further comprising a first lock and second lock mounted on the enclosure, wherein the first lock operates the first locking mechanism to lock or unlock the pull string, and the second lock operates the second locking mechanism to lock or unlock the coupling member. 
     
     
         6 . The package retention system of  claim 1  wherein the pull string includes an anchor pin movably coupled to the enclosure. 
     
     
         7 . The package retention system of  claim 1  wherein the coupling member includes an anchor pin movably coupled to the enclosure. 
     
     
         8 . A package retention system to secure one or more packages, comprising:
 a bag to accommodate the one or more packages;   a pull string configured to wrap around an opening of the bag;   a first lock to secure the opening of the bag, wherein the pull string is coupled to the first lock, and the first lock locks the pull string to prevent movement of the pull string; and   a second lock configured to secure the bag to a fixture, wherein the second lock is connected to the first lock.   
     
     
         9 . The package retention system of  claim 8  wherein the bag includes a wire mesh bag. 
     
     
         10 . The package retention system of  claim 8  wherein one end of the pull string is attached to the first lock, and the other end of the pull string passes through the first lock. 
     
     
         11 . The package retention system of  claim 8  further comprising a harness that connects the second lock to the first lock. 
     
     
         12 . The package retention system of  claim 11  further comprising a band that wraps around the fixture and slides through the second lock. 
     
     
         13 . The package retention system of  claim 8  wherein the pull string extends though the first lock and the second lock, the pull string forms a loop with the second lock, and the loop wraps around the fixture. 
     
     
         14 . The package retention system of  claim 8  wherein the pull string extends though the first lock and the second lock, and the second lock includes a shackle that loops over the fixture to secure the bag to the fixture. 
     
     
         15 . The package retention system of  claim 8  wherein each of the first lock and the second lock includes one selected from the group consisting of key release lock, combination lock, bio-ID lock, fingerprint lock, and voice lock. 
     
     
         16 . A method for securely retaining one or more packages using a package retention system, comprising:
 placing the one or more packages in a bag through an opening of the bag;   pulling a pull string, which is configured to wrap around an opening of the bag, to close the opening of the bag;   locking a first lock coupled to the pull string to secure the opening of the bag;   coupling a coupling member to a fixture; and   locking a second lock coupled to the coupling member to secure the bag to the fixture.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the first and second locks are mounted on an enclosure that encloses a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism, the first locking mechanism locks or unlocks the pull string, and the second locking mechanism locks or unlocks the coupling member. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the first lock is connected to the second lock. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the coupling member includes a band that wraps around the fixture and slides through the second lock.