Automated locker system and method for delivery and collection of packages

US10424143B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BYBOX HOLDINGS LIMITED · GB

Inventors

• Stuart H. Miller · Clayton, US
• Mark Bromwell · Woodstock, GB
• Damian Powell · Woodstock, GB
• Robin Minto · Woodstock, GB
• Anthony McMahon · Stirling, GB
• Peter O'Shaughnessy · London, GB
• Steven Caffall Finch · London, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 15, 2017
• Grant date: Sep 24, 2019
• Expiry date: Mar 15, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07C2009/00587
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A delivery and collection system comprises a plurality of automated locker assemblies, each comprising a plurality of contiguous lockers which are monitored and controlled by a central computer system. Each locker has an autonomous lock unit including a processor, memory and short range wireless transceiver which communicates with any of a plurality of mobile phones or other wireless devices. Customers of the system are granted access to the lockers by validation codes which are communicated via an enabling message from the central computer system to an app running on the customer's device. The app is configured to send an access request to the lock unit based on the enabling message, and to transmit event details downloaded from the lock unit back to the central computer system. Each enabling message may authorise the user device to perform multiple deliveries or collections or may be a one-time code.