Secured delivery locker

US10515335B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Walmart Apollo, LLC · US

Inventors

• David C. Winkle · Berryville, US
• Robert C. Taylor · Mount Olive, US
• Todd D. Mattingly · Bentonville, US
• Michael D. Atchley · Springdale, US
• Robert L. Cantrell · Herndon, US
• John J. O'Brien · Farmington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 28, 2019
• Grant date: Dec 24, 2019
• Expiry date: Jan 28, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07C2009/0092
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful for receiving and storing delivered items. In some embodiments, a secured delivery locker is described herein that can communicate with delivery vehicles and/or users. In several embodiments, an autonomous delivery vehicle can communicate with a secured delivery locker to authenticate itself. The secured delivery locker can then grant access to the delivery vehicle, such as by opening a door to an interior thereof, so that the delivery vehicle can deposit a package therein. The locker can then confirm receipt of the package and close the door. Thereafter, the locker and/or the delivery vehicle can update a system to indicate that the package was delivered.