Parcel locker systems

Abstract

A parcel locker system is disclosed that includes a rigid container having an external surface, an internal area that is configured to receive and hold a parcel, a door that is configured to be reversibly opened and closed, a door lock that is configured to be wirelessly activated and deactivated, a digital indicator located on the external surface (which signals whether the door lock is activated or deactivated), a means for attaching the rigid container to a floor or wall surface, and a power source. The system further includes a camera that is configured and oriented to capture video content of a delivery person located adjacent to the rigid container and wirelessly transmit such video content. In addition, the system includes a software application that is configured to receive transmitted video content from the camera and, according to a user's command, wirelessly issue an instruction to the door lock to deactivate for a period of time.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A parcel locker system, which comprises:
 (a) a rigid container that includes an external surface, an internal area that is configured to receive and hold a parcel, a door that is configured to be reversibly opened and closed, a door lock that is configured to be wirelessly activated and deactivated, a first digital indicator located on the external surface that signals whether the door lock is activated or deactivated, a means for attaching the rigid container to a floor or wall surface, and a power source;   (b) a software application that is configured to (i) receive transmitted video content from a camera, (ii) wirelessly communicate with the door lock, (iii), according to a user's command, wirelessly issue an instruction to the door lock to deactivate for a defined period of time, and (iv) issue electronic reminders to the user that a parcel has been deposited within the rigid container; and   (c) a second digital indicator located on the external surface of the rigid container that is configured to (i) signal that a parcel is present within the internal area and (ii) automatically reset when the user retrieves the parcel by opening the door using the software application.   
     
     
         2 . The parcel locker system of  claim 1 , which further comprises a motor that is configured to automatically close the door after the defined period of time has elapsed. 
     
     
         3 . The parcel locker system of  claim 1 , which further comprises a microphone and speaker, which are configured to enable the parcel delivery person, when located adjacent to the rigid container, to verbally communicate with the user who is operating the software application. 
     
     
         4 . The parcel locker system of  claim 1 , wherein the power source is (a) a rechargeable battery, (b) a hardwire connection to a power line associated with the building, or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). 
     
     
         5 . The parcel locker system of  claim 1 , wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery that receives power from a solar energy unit affixed to the rigid container. 
     
     
         6 . The parcel locker system of  claim 3 , wherein the door lock is configured to be magnetically activated and deactivated. 
     
     
         7 . The parcel locker system of  claim 1 , wherein the door includes one or more seals around a perimeter of the door to render the rigid container water tight. 
     
     
         8 . The parcel locker system of  claim 1 , wherein the external surface of the rigid container includes a bar code, a quick response (QR) code, and/or a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag that (a) is unique to the rigid container and (b) is configured to be scanned with a scanning device, wherein the scanning device is configured to wirelessly transmit to a third party server and database information indicating that a package has been deposited within the rigid container. 
     
     
         9 . The parcel locker system of  claim 1 , wherein the external surface of the rigid container includes a scanning device that is configured to scan a bar code, a quick response (QR) code, and/or a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with a package.