ES2986351T3 - Electronic cam lock for cabinet doors, drawers and other applications - Google Patents

Abstract

A cam lock for cabinets, drawers, medicine cabinets, credenzas, sliding doors, lockers, mailboxes and other door type applications is compact in size, fits into an existing cam lock opening and provides electronic access via a keypad or other electronic access. Using batteries, such as AAA size or smaller batteries, the lock has electronic components that release a rotating knob or handle of the lock when the correct code is entered. Preferably, a set of electronic contacts is included in an accessible position in the lock housing to allow both master access and power bypass with a common administrator implement, for lost code and/or battery failure situations. In a particular embodiment, the lock is long, narrow and low profile to fit into the margin of a steel or wood filing cabinet, compatible with the cam lock opening already provided. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, no legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Electronic cam lock for cabinet doors, drawers and other applications

Background of the invention

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 13/945,695, filed July 18, 2013, which was a continuation-in-part of two earlier applications: Serial No. 11/809,172, filed May 30, 2007, now U.S. Patent No. 8,495,898, and Serial No. 12/214,357, filed June 17, 2008, now U.S. Patent No. 8,490,443. Serial No. 13/945,695. Application No. 11/809,172 claimed the benefit of provisional application No. 60/810,195, filed May 31, 2006.

This invention relates to locks for cabinets, lockers, drawers, access panels and the like. Specifically, the invention encompasses an electronic cam lock that fits into standard cam lock openings and, more particularly, a method for a delivery person to access a recipient's secure delivery box to facilitate deliveries of customer-ordered products to customers who own secure delivery boxes to perform said method.

Metal and wood filing cabinets, desk and cabinet drawers, locker doors, access doors and panels, mailboxes, dispensers, and other secure locations often use relatively simple locking mechanisms known as cam locks. Such cam locks may or may not involve a cam action. In some cases, they move other mechanisms that are attached to the cabinet door or drawer or attached to other mechanisms that are linked to the cabinet door and drawer or to multiple cabinet doors or drawers. In one of the simplest forms, a cam lock on a cabinet door typically fits into a 3/4 inch (19.05 mm) diameter D- or double-D-shaped hole and, on the back side of the cam lock cylinder unit, has a metal blade or arm called a cam that rotates when the key is turned, from a position disengaged from the surrounding cabinet hardware to an engaged position in a slot or behind a projection of the surrounding cabinet hardware. Other locks, such as those on desk drawers, commonly referred to as cabinet locks, involve a camming-type action as the key and plug are rotated. Rotation causes a cam or pin to move a deadbolt linearly to a locked or unlocked position or, in the case of a spring-loaded deadbolt or latch, rotation causes the cam or pin to move a deadbolt or latch to the unlocked position and removal of the key to hold the deadbolt or latch in the extended locked position.

Metal filing cabinets often use cam locks or a variation known as a plunger type lock, where a spring-loaded lock plunger/cylinder located at the top horizontal margin of the cabinet, when pushed inward, will lock all drawers. Using a key releases the spring-loaded plunger to return to the outward position and unlock the drawers.

Lockers and cabinet locks have included electronic locking devices, some of which used numeric keypads and some of which used electronic keys (IButtons) or other contact-operated identification (ID) or nonvolatile memory devices to release the lock. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,894,277, 5,886,644, 6,655,180, and 6,791,450.

US 2013/166067 A1 discloses a system and method for use in delivering items to a storage unit comprising a central control system and a series of secure delivery boxes with an electronic lock. The delivery boxes are pre-registered as an authorized delivery location. In addition, delivery agents and delivery drivers are registered in the system to make deliveries and gain access to the delivery boxes.

US 2012/0158606 A1 relates to a system for delivering products transported in a transport box which can be delivered into receptacles of a delivery box.

US 6933832 B1 shows a system for delivering transported goods to a storage container connected to remote computers, such that access to the container is granted to persons or companies when authorized by the owner of a container.

US 6791450 B2 shows a general locker compartment system controlled by a central system processor to allow control of locker access codes, reservation of suitable lockers for order delivery, and to monitor the status of all lockers in the system.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic cam lock device.

Figure 1A is a schematic view showing an internal feature of the cam lock.

Figure 2 is a view showing the device in a metal filing cabinet.

Figure 3 is an elevation view showing the front of the device.

Figure 4 is a sectional plan view showing the electronic cam lock device as installed, in a preferred manner of installation, in a cabinet or door.

Figure 4A is a sectional view showing a variation of what is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, but showing the device in a locked position for a drawer, panel or door.

Figures 6 and 6A show a typical cam lock housing mounted on a door with its plug inserted.

Figures 7 and 7A show the same configuration shown in Figures 6-6A replaced with a different plug.

Figures 8, 8A and 8B are perspective views showing the replacement of an existing key-actuated cam lock cylinder plug.

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a matching plug being applied to a cabinet lock with a deadbolt.

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a matching plug being applied to a cabinet lock with a spring-loaded deadbolt or latch.

Figure 11 shows a side view of what is shown in Figure 9 being installed in a door or drawer. Figure 12 shows a side view of what is shown in Figure 10 being installed in a door or drawer. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an electronic cam, cabinet or plunger lock of the invention with a specially shaped actuator extending from the rear of the device.

Figure 14 shows a perspective view with a specially shaped driver being applied to a cam lock with a matching plug.

Figure 15 is a perspective view with a specially shaped driver being applied to a matching plug deadbolt cabinet lock.

Figure 16 shows a perspective view with a specially shaped driver being applied to a cabinet lock with a deadbolt or safety latch.

Figure 17 shows a perspective view with a specially shaped driver being applied to an oval-shaped plunger lock with a matching plug.

Figure 18 shows a perspective view with a specially shaped driver being applied to a round-shaped plunger lock with matching plug.

Figure 19 shows a perspective view with a specially shaped driver being applied to a switch lock with matching plug.

Figure 20 shows a perspective view with a specially shaped driver being applied to a screw-type T-handle lock with matching plug.

Figure 21 shows a perspective view with a specially shaped driver being applied to a cam-type T-handle lock with matching plug.

Figure 22 shows a perspective with a built-in flange allowing for flush mounting.

Figure 22A shows a variation of Figure 22 in which a lever replaces a knob, a variation applicable to all embodiments.

Figure 23 shows a typical prior art mechanical key-actuated cam lock.

Figure 24 shows a typical prior art oval-shaped plunger lock.

Figure 25 shows a typical prior art round shaped plunger lock.

Figure 26 shows a typical prior art deadbolt cabinet lock.

Figure 27 shows a typical prior art spring-loaded deadbolt or latch cabinet lock.

Figure 28 shows a typical prior art switch lock.

Figure 29 shows a typical prior art T-handle screw type lock.

Figure 30 shows a typical prior art T-handle cam type lock.

Figure 31 is a perspective view showing an electronic cam type lock, for a cam lock and similar functions, with an electronic entry receptacle and without a numeric keypad.

Figures 32 and 33 are elevation and sectional plan views showing the locking device of Figure 31.

Figures 34A and 34B are partially sectioned side elevation views showing a modified locking device as installed in an existing cam lock or similar location.

Figures 35A, 35B and 35C are perspective views showing a drawer or door panel having a provision (a hole) for a cam lock or cabinet lock, an embodiment of a cam lock of the invention, and the cam lock as installed in the panel.

Figure 36 is an exploded perspective view showing a locking device and indicating its installation within a modified cylinder device of a cam lock or cabinet lock. Figure 37 is a view somewhat similar to Figure 36, but showing the device being equipped with a pin/tumbler cylinder of a cabinet lock and with a spring loaded latch.

Figure 38 is a perspective view showing a modified locking device with a provision for flush mounting.

Figures 39A through 39C are perspective and cross-sectional views showing a through-panel mounting for an electronic lock.

Figures 40A through 40C are perspective and cross-sectional views similar to Figures 39A-39C, showing a modified lock with a numeric keypad.

Figure 40D shows an alternative battery arrangement.

Figure 41 is a perspective view showing a lock device with a key reader and an electronic key (IButton) reader.

Figure 42 is a perspective view showing a lock device with a key reader and a wireless reader.

Figure 43 is the same locking device shown in Figure 41, but configured to be mounted through the panel of a door, cabinet or drawer.

Figure 44 is the same locking device shown in Figure 42, but configured to be mounted through the panel of a door, cabinet or drawer.

Figure 45 is the same locking device shown in Figure 40A, but with the addition of a network antenna, a network connector receptacle, and an external power port.

Figure 46 is the same locking device as shown in Figure 39A, but with the addition of a network antenna, a network connector receptacle, and an external power port.

Figure 47 is the same locking device shown in Figure 43, but with the addition of a network antenna, a network connector receptacle, and an external power port.

Figure 48 is the same locking device shown in Figure 44, but with the addition of a network antenna, a network connector receptacle, and an external power port.

Figures 49 to 51 are flow charts and a block diagram indicating the operation of a system and method of the invention for delivering packages to locked customer delivery boxes, using locks as described below.

The following description relating to Figures 1 to 48 does not relate to the invention as claimed.

Figure 1 shows an electronic cam lock 10, in a preferred form of a keypad cam lock, with a rotating knob or handle 12 extending from a housing 14. A keypad 15 is exposed on the front of the housing to allow entry of a code, using the usual numerical digits 1 through 0 and/or letters of the alphabet, as illustrated. The keypad preferably includes a "clear" button 16 and an "enter" button 18, the latter shown with a key symbol in the drawing. The lock can be programmed so that the enter button is pressed as the last button on all code entries, thus enabling different numbers of digits for different purposes, as well as certain other functions. However, the lock can be programmed otherwise if desired, such as being programmed to operate after a designated number of valid key presses. A status LED is included at 20; this can display locked/unlocked states, as well as battery status.

At 22 there is shown a gap or connection with a plurality of electrical contacts, preferably three, as shown. This may be for various purposes, including providing "jump" power in the event of battery failure and use of an electronic master key to enter a master code by contact with this connection, when a key code to which the device is set has been forgotten or lost. As in U.S. Patent No. 7,336,150, this set of contacts 22 may be connected to receive both jump power and a master code simultaneously (or one of them, or both separately). The batteries are contained within the housing 14. In the embodiment shown, a sliding door 24 engages the housing to close a battery compartment which may be, for example, for two AAA battery cells. The sliding door 24 may be locked against sliding whenever the cam lock device is in the locked configuration, such as by a sliding pin actuated by turning the cylinder plug. This prevents unauthorized removal of batteries or tampering with the interior of the electronic lock. The door 24 may be hinged rather than sliding, or secured by a screw, which may be a security screw. Unauthorized opening may also be prevented by incorporating a single or multi-point push-to-release lock, which requires a special tool to open the battery compartment.

In Figure 1, the locking device 10 is shown secured to a surface or panel 25. The word "panel" is sometimes used herein and in the claims to refer to the component or surface to which the lock is secured, whether the panel is a drawer front, or the margin area above, below, or to the side of the drawer front, a cabinet door or margin, an access panel or adjacent structure, etc.

Figure 3 is a front view of the locking device, and Figures 4 and 5 show that the handle or knob 12 connects directly to a cam lock cylinder unit 26, and specifically the handle 12 rotates with a movable member, for example a rotating bolt or core 28 that rotates within the fixed cylinder unit 26 when permitted by the electronics. Figure 5 is a side view of the locking device, generally as seen from the right side of Figure 1 or Figure 3 and showing an example of a lock. Note that the bolt or core 28 of the cylinder unit can be extended as needed, such as for a wooden drawer, panel, etc.

Figure 23 shows a typical, simple, prior art cam lock 29 of a type that can be replaced by the electronic cam lock unit 10.

The rotating plug 28 of the cam lock cylinder unit 26 (Figures 3-5) is shown attached to a metal arm or cam 30 as this actuator is typically referred to. The cam is secured to the plug or rotating member 28 through a flat 32 on the rotating plug member and a corresponding hole in the cam (hole not shown), so that the cam is secured against relative rotation about the plug. In addition, the end of the plug is threaded and a nut 34 is tightened down for retention.

Figure 5 shows the cam 30, which may be of a bent offset shape as shown or may be of any other desired configuration (a multiplicity of different cam shapes are available), engaged in a slot 36 in a frame 38 adjacent a panel 40 to which the cam lock device is secured, via a threaded nut or ring 42. A flat 43 on the cylinder 26 matches the D-shape, or two such opposing flats may be included. Thus, the panel 40 may be a drawer to be pulled out of the frame 38 when the lock is unlocked, or a door or cabinet or access panel. Similarly, the locking device 10 may be installed in a panel of a fixed structure, such as the two locks shown as secured to the top margin areas of 44 and 46 on two adjacent banks of file drawers or cabinets 48 and 50 in Figure 2. In that case, a cam may engage downwardly against a projection or within a slot in the adjacent file drawer 48 or 50 when locked, preventing one drawer from being pulled out, or a more complex mechanical arrangement, typical of such lateral file cabinets, may be included whereby the lock either holds a locking mechanism in place for both drawers, or the locking of the upper drawer also effects the locking of the lower drawer, through a well-known form of mechanical interlocking.

In a simple cam lock arrangement as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, and referring to the simplified schematic view of Figure 1A, the electronics (not shown but indicated at E in Figure 1A) within the lock housing 14 may include or be connected to a slidable pin 55 driven by an electrically actuated device, i.e., a solenoid or miniature motor M, to engage the pin with a notch 55a in the internal rotatable member 55b leading from the handle or knob 12 to the rearwardly extending latch 32 to prevent rotation. The pin may be biased into the notch by a spring 55c. The electronics may be similar to that described in any of the prior patents incorporated herein by reference. PIN code activated electronics are well known to those skilled in the art and when an appropriate code is entered using the keypad, the electronics will connect power to the motor or solenoid or other electronic device to momentarily retract the locking pin from such notch in the rotating member. If a solenoid is used, it is biased to be pushed normally into engagement with the notch whenever the notch is located in the proper position. If desired, the lock can be configured to simply leave the notch out of contact with the biased pin when the knob has been turned to unlock the cam lock device. The drawer or door or panel can thus be left with the lock in this state during business hours or for any desired period until the user desires to secure the drawer or door again. At that time, the user turns the knob or handle until a "click" is felt, when the pin has re-engaged in the notch to lock the knob against further rotation. A motor can also operate the spring-loaded pin.

An alternative arrangement is for the cam lock cylinder unit to define two different positions in which its movement is blocked. In this case two notches (not shown, but the second notch is similar to 55a in Figure 1A but in a different rotational position) are provided in the internal rotating member, one to lock the door or drawer, and one to hold the knob and cam in a fully unlocked position, and in this situation a code must be entered to return the lock to the locked position.

Although the cam lock device 10 may be securely retained to a metal door front panel or filing cabinet panel or other door, drawer or access panel using the threaded cam lock cylinder assembly 26 with nut 42 tightened and the registration provided by the D- or double-D-shaped cam lock cylinder and typical cam lock opening (see flat 43 shown in Figures 4 and 5), installation may include attachment to the other end of the lock housing, i.e., the end opposite where the handle or knob 12 is located (left side in Figure 3). Shown in Figure 4 is a machine screw 56 passing through a hole 58 in panel 40a, tightened into a threaded opening in housing 14. This will require drilling a small hole, approximately 1/8 inch (3.17 cm) in diameter, through the panel. Alternatively, the rear of the housing 14 may simply have a lug 57 extending into the hole 58 (as indicated in Figure 4A), or a hooked lug, generally L-shaped, extending such that the leg of the L-shape goes through the hole to the rear of the panel, then the housing is pivoted downwardly against the panel until the cam lock cylinder unit 26 passes through the cam lock hole in the cabinet or panel.

An important feature of the invention is that the keypad-actuated electronic cam lock device 10 includes no housing or electronic components within a door or drawer or panel. The only structure of the lock device that extends into or to the back side of the panel to which it is attached is the cam lock cylinder unit 26 and, optionally, a threaded fastener or machine latch 56. This makes the unit of the invention compatible with situations where almost all cam locks are used, since those simple key-actuated devices of the prior art typically comprise a rotating plug for receiving the mechanical key, a cam lock cylinder housing with a faceplate, and a tip on the plug having the cam attached to the tip. Access can be difficult to the inside of a cabinet, and avoiding any interior housing or electronics (such as those included in some of the locker locks disclosed in the patents referenced above) is an important feature.

Although a plunger type lock of the type often included in multi-drawer filing cabinets is not illustrated in the drawings, the invention applies to this type of lock as well. In that case, the rotating handle 12 on the lock unit 10 is replaced by a spring plunger unit with rotating core, similar to a typical key-operated spring plunger unit such as unit 60 shown in Figure 24; the internal mechanism for holding the core against rotation may be similar to that described above, i.e., an electrically operated locking pin will release the rotating core and handle 12 and, upon rotation of the core, the plunger slide locking device (62 in Figure 24) will retract allowing the spring plunger unit to be released by spring action, thus opening the drawers. The side of the sliding plunger unit may be slotted to allow the electrically actuated locking pin to be inserted into a channel in the side of the rotating core, to hold the core against rotation when locked.

As mentioned above, instead of a solenoid actuating the locking pin which is actuated in the lock housing 14, a miniature motor may be used. Such miniature motors require very little current and may be used to implement the extension or retraction of the pin which locks the handle 12 or other device from being manipulated. The term electromagnetically actuated device includes a miniature solenoid or motor or other suitable electrical actuating device.

Figures 6-6A and 7-7A show a typical cam lock housing mounted on a door, with the plug 70 shown removed in Figure 6 and inserted into the housing 72 in Figure 6A to form the cylinder unit; and replaced by an electronic lock 74 with cylinder plug 75, reinstalled within the housing 72 in accordance with the invention (Figures 7 and 7A). The plug 75 is a "blind" plug that will operate the lock when installed through a retaining clip or pin 81, with the electronics to control access. In Figure 7, the electronics housing 76 has a recess 78 shown in dashed lines, which surrounds the extended plug 75, in order to accommodate the slightly projecting face 80 of the cylinder housing 72 when installed in the door or drawer 71. Many of the cam locks used in furniture have this type of front-loading plug which can also be removed for service and rekeying purposes.

Figures 8, 8A and 8B show another door or drawer front 82 when equipped with a conventional cam lock or cabinet lock having a cylinder housing 72 as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 8 shows the prior art lock 72a with a key 73 extending into a cam lock plug 84, while Figure 8A shows the plug removed, revealing only the faceplate 80 of the cam lock/cabinet lock cylinder 72. Figure 8B shows the electronic lock 74 of the invention when installed within the opening defined by the lock cylinder 80 in the door or drawer front 82. The lock 74 preferably has the same operating characteristics as the lock described above with respect to Figures 1-5, the difference being that the plug 75 (Figure 7) extends rearwardly from this unit, for installing or reinstalling into an existing cylinder 72 that is not in the opening 84 of the cam lock/cabinet lock. Previously it had a conventional plug and key.

As is known to those skilled in the art, the current prior art plugs 70, 75 can be removed from the cylinder housing 72. This can be done by accessing the spring-loaded retaining disk or clip 81. Access to this spring-loaded retaining device is restricted, as is well known in the art.

Figures 9-12, as well as the prior art views of Figures 26 and 27, all relate to another application of the invention. Figure 9 shows an electronic lock unit 74 according to the invention in position to be assembled into an existing cabinet lock 86 of conventional design, the cabinet lock including an extendable/retractable deadbolt 88 which extends or retracts in response to, in the case of the prior art as shown in Figure 26, rotation of a cylinder plug 90 which is positioned for rotation in the cabinet lock cylinder housing 92, and which is accessed by a key 94. The cylinder housing 92 extends through a door, drawer or other wall 96 as shown in the side elevation view of Figure 11. Thus, in this type of lock there is no protruding faceplate on the cylinder housing; the unit 86 is secured from the rear, preferably by screws.

The exploded view in Figure 9 shows that the inventive unit 74 is simply inserted into the opening 98 of the lock plug, such that the plug 75 of the new unit enters the hole 98 and re-engages the lock 86 just as the keyed plug was engaged therein. Again, a spring-loaded safety retainer 81 is included so as to restrict access. Retention of the plug may also be achieved by another type of retaining clip or ring.

Figures 10, 12 and 27 show a slightly different type of unit 86a where the locking device is a spring or safety latch 100 rather than a deadbolt as shown in Figure 9. The remainder of the apparatus, including the inventive unit 74 and the manner in which it is installed in the lock to replace a prior art keyed plug, are the same.

Figures 13 through 21 show modified embodiments of the invention, particularly addressing situations where an electronic lock of the invention will require components assembled from both the inside and outside of a door, drawer, etc., as in the case of a cabinet lock, for example, in addition to providing a universal front electronic unit. The devices described with reference to Figures 9 through 12 are examples of two-part systems but are primarily for rekeying situations where a "blind" plug extending from the electronic access device 74 of the invention is installed in a cabinet lock type cylinder housing that is plugless. In the variations shown in Figures 13 through 21, which should be viewed in conjunction with the corresponding prior art views of Figures 23-30, the outer and inner components are connected to each other merely by a key-shaped driver or extension, such as square, splined, D-shaped, flat, etc., since no conventional plug or cylinder with mechanical fittings or disks is required. Furthermore, the embodiments of these drawings allow for variations in depth to be accommodated since a plug is not required to be seated to a prescribed depth in a cylinder housing.

Figure 13 shows an electronic lock 74a of the invention, similar to the lock 74 described above in most respects and applicable to a cam lock, cabinet lock, plunger lock or the like, but with a specially shaped actuator 102 extending rearwardly to engage a locking or latching device (lock unit) to be secured to the rear side of a door, drawer, panel, etc. The actuator 102 may be actuated by rotating the knob 12, as described above, or a handle as shown and discussed below. The actuator may be permanently attached to the knob or handle, or it may be an insert, whereby different actuator lengths may be used for different panel thicknesses.

Figure 14 is an assembly view showing the electronic lock unit 74a, with the lock actuator 102 being essentially straight and perpendicular to the rear of the unit and having a square cross-sectional shape, and a cam lock or lock unit 104 with a similar specially shaped receiving hole or pocket 106 in a rotating plug 108. As noted above, it should be understood that any cross-sectional shape may be employed with a sliding key, square being one example, but also including flat, star-shaped, knurled, D-shaped, etc. It can be seen, by comparison with Figures 3-5, that the embodiment of Figure 14 is an alternative to the embodiment described above.

Figure 15 shows the electronic lock unit 74a, with the specially shaped actuator 102 positioned for assembly into a different type of lock, in this case a cabinet lock 110 of the type shown in Figure 9 as the cabinet lock 86. In this case, of course, the special actuator 102 extends into a complementary hole 106 in a rotating plug 108 of the cabinet lock 110, rather than a blind plug extending into a plug opening as in the embodiment of Figure 9. Figure 16 shows a similar arrangement, with the cabinet lock 110a having a deadbolt or deadbolt 112 instead of a deadbolt. In Figure 16, the cabinet lock unit 110a is shown without an extending barrel or housing 114, as in Figure 15. In some cases, especially on metal cabinets (such as filing cabinets), this projection 114 is not necessary. The components can be arranged so that the fasteners shown extending rearwardly from the housing do not interfere with the lock unit 110a. The lock unit 110a can be mounted on the unit 74a sandwiching the door panel or each can be mounted independently on the panel. Also in Figure 15, the extension 114 can be eliminated.

The lock unit as shown in Figures 15 and 16 provides more universal connections and standardization of lock components compared to the embodiments described above. A manufactured line of cabinets, drawers, doors, etc. may have prescribed types of lock units, with a cam lock, cabinet lock, plunger or other types as described below, and all may be arranged to mate with the electronic lock unit 74a of the invention. Depths due to different thicknesses of drawers, doors, etc. may be accommodated without providing a number of different housing depths for the housing 114 extending forwardly from the mechanical cam lock or cabinet lock or other lock unit. The electronic lock unit 74a may be universal for many different locations and applications.

Figure 17 shows the same electronic lock unit 74a of the invention applied to an oval-shaped plunger lock 117, again with a mating rotary plug 108 for receiving the special actuator 102. Figure 18 shows the lock unit 74a applied to a round-shaped plunger lock 118, again with a plug 108 mating the actuator 102 of the unit 74a. Figure 19 shows the same electronic lock unit 74a applied to an electric switch lock 119, again with a plug 108 mating the actuator 102.

Figure 20 shows a modified electronic lock unit 74b as applied to a screw type T-handle lock 120, again having a plug 108 which mates with the special driver 102; Figure 21 similarly shows the modified electronic lock unit 74b as applied to a cam type T-handle lock 121, with the plug 108 and driver 102 mates. In both Figures 20 and 21, the rear side of the lock unit 74b has a recess 124 which accommodates the outward extension 126 of the T-handle lock, as it projects from the surface of the door, drawer, etc. When the electronic lock unit 74b is firmly secured to the door, drawer or panel, it appears integrated with the T-handle lock 120 or 121. Note that in this case, the invention involves a lock unit 120, 121 that is assembled on the front of the door or drawer, with the electronic unit 74b installed thereon.

Figure 22 shows a modified electronic lock unit 74c of the invention, in this case with an integral flange 130 designed to allow flush mounting of the base portion 132 of the housing. Figure 22A simply shows a variation, applicable to all embodiments, wherein the rotary handle 12 is replaced by a lever 134, which may be required for disabled access or other purposes as desired. The term cam lock as used in the claims is intended to refer to a cam lock or cabinet lock, or to a plunger lock or switch lock or T-handle lock. Furthermore, references to a knob or handle should be taken as referring to any type of rotary device provided to actuate the cam lock manually. Furthermore, reference to a panel of a door, cabinet or drawer is intended to refer to any access panel or a fixed panel from which an openable component is controlled.

Note also that although a numeric keypad is shown in the preferred embodiment above, the lock may be operated by a numeric keypad in combination with an electronic key (used in the contact connection 22), or the numeric keypad may be eliminated in favor of an electronic key alone. The term electronic access device refers to any type of electronic access.

In addition, the electronic lock housing 14 may be oriented vertically rather than horizontally, with the keypad characters oriented 90° from what is shown. In addition, the cam in the illustrated embodiment may be rotatable to various degrees to suit the application.

Figures 31-33 show a lock 140 according to the invention. The lock 140, having a housing 142, preferably has batteries within a battery compartment 144 shown on one side of the unit, and a terminal 145 is also included. The lock unit 140 is the only electronic housing for a lock, and may be part of a cam lock or cabinet lock, as well as a locker lock or an actuator for any type of lock or key switch mechanism that is mounted in a panel behind the lock 140. The drawings all show different forms of this compact electronic lock unit.

The lock 140 has a rotary knob or handle 146 extending from the housing 142 (the handle could be a lever if required or desired). The lock 140 is preferably keypadless, but in other respects is preferably very similar to the lock shown in U.S. Patent No. 8,495,898. The lock unit 140 is very compact and, if it has built-in batteries, these may be standard small cells or coin cell type batteries. A status indicator light is shown at 148.

The lock is operated using a key device such as that shown in copending application Ser. No. 12/072,557, and related U.S. Patent No. 7,336,150, the disclosure of both of which is fully incorporated herein by reference. The key device preferably has batteries and contacts the electrical contacts 150 shown at terminal 145 on the front side of the housing. The lock unit 140 may be batteryless; if it has batteries built into the housing 142 (within compartment 144 shown in Figure 31), then a set of key devices for the lock, or for a series of similar locks, may include small batteryless key contact devices having two contacts for engaging two of the three contacts 150 shown at terminal 145 of the lock. A master or administrator key device may be somewhat larger, with built-in batteries carried in the key device, with three contacts to mate with all of the three contacts 150 on terminal 145. This enables an administrator to use the special key to provide jump power to lock 140 in the event that the lock battery is low or when a user of the lock has forgotten his or her key or the key is otherwise non-functional, or for both situations simultaneously. Terminal 145 and key contacts may be structured in accordance with the drawings and description of copending application Ser. No. 12/072,557, as well as U.S. Patent No. 7,336,150, to protect the contacts of both the lock and key and to ensure proper mating.

Figures 32 and 33 show one form of the lock 140 in a top or side elevation view, installed, in Figure 32, in a panel 152 such as a door, file cabinet, drawer, locker door or other type of application. In Figures 32 and 33, the lock is essentially in the configuration of a cam lock, where the handle or knob 146 engages directly with a cam lock cylinder unit (without tumbler pins or discs) 154; specifically, the handle 146 rotates a movable member, for example, a rotating bolt or core 156 that rotates within the fixed cylinder unit 154 when permitted by the electronics. Figure 32 shows an example of a latch lock with the cam lock device, with a metal arm or cam 158 that can rotate with the bolt 156, which will be rotated using the handle 146 when permitted. A nut or threaded ring 160 retains the lock unit on the panel 152, in a position such that the arm or cam or latch 158 engages behind a projection or in a slot or other suitable element when the door, drawer, locker door, etc. is to be in a locked condition.

The lock unit 140 is extremely compact and may have dimensions of, for example, about 5.08 cm (two inches) in width (horizontal direction as seen in Figure 33); about 2.22 cm (7/8 inch) in height (vertical direction in Figure 33); and about 1.27 cm (1/2 inch) in thickness. More broadly, the size is in the range of about 3.81 to 7.72 cm (11^ to 3 inches) in width, about 2.22 to 2.86 cm (7/8 to 1% inches) in height, and about 0.95 to 2.54 cm (3/8 to 1 inch) in thickness.

Figures 34A and 34B show a typical cam lock housing 170 mounted on a door or drawer 171, with the typical cam lock plug removed, and replaced by an electronic lock 174 with a cylinder plug 175, reinstalled in the housing 170 in accordance with the invention. The plug 175 is a "blind" plug that will actuate the lock when installed through a retaining clip or pin 176, with the electronics as discussed above to control access. In Figure 34A, the electronics housing 174 has a recess 178 shown in dashed lines, surrounding the extension plug 175, for the purpose of housing the slightly projecting face 180 of the cylinder housing 170 installed in the drawer or door 171. Many cam locks used in furniture have this type of front loading plug that can also be removed for service and rekeying purposes. This is similar to what is shown and discussed above, but with the more compact electronic lock unit of the type shown in Figures 31-33. This continuation is advantageous in applications where an existing mechanical lock is installed on the cabinet that has a specific brand cam device or other connections that attach to the cam device to operate multiple drawers or doors.

Figure 35A shows a door or drawer front 182 with a lock mounting hole 180a. This hole may be round as shown or a single or double "D" shape commonly used in the industry. The mounting may be similar to Figures 32 and 33. Figures 35A-35C show a panel, drawer or door 182 with a conventional cam lock removed. Figure 35B shows the compact self-contained electronic lock 174 of the invention as a replacement installed through hole 180a in the same manner as the mechanical lock it replaces.

Reference is made to Patent No. 8,495,898 (incorporated herein by reference) with respect to other applications for the electronic lock generally as shown in Figures 31-33 and Figures 34A and 34B herein. The compact lock of the invention may be formed with a cylinder plug-type rear extension which fits into an existing deadbolt or latch cabinet lock of the types shown, for example, in Figures 9-12 of that patent.

Figure 36 shows another application of the compact lock of the invention, similar to that of Figures 13-14. In this case, a compact electronic lock 140a operates similarly to the lock 140 of Figures 31-33, but has a simple spindle or actuator 183 extending rearwardly from the rear of the unit, essentially straight and perpendicular to the rear of the unit and having, for example, a square cross-sectional shape. The actuator 183 engages a similarly shaped actuator bore or receiving pocket 184 in a cam lock or lock assembly 186. The receiving pocket 184 is in a rotatable plug 188 of the lock assembly 186. As discussed above, it should be understood that any slidable keyed cross-sectional shape may be employed for the actuator 183, square being one example, but also including flat, star-shaped, knurled, hexagonal, D-shaped, etc. The lock shown in Figure 36 is an alternative to other lock arrangements, such as those in Figures 34A-34B, wherein a dummy cylinder plug is the rearward extending member of the electronic lock assembly.

Figure 37 shows another application of the compact electronic lock unit 140a, with the specially shaped actuator 183 positioned for assembly into a different type of lock, in this case a cabinet lock 190 of the type having an offset rotating plug 192, a replacement for a conventional cabinet lock device having internal pins and tumblers acting between the plug 192 and the cylinder housing 194. In this case, the actuator 183 extends into a complementary hole 196 in the rotating plug 192. Note that the drawing shows a retractable spring latch or deadbolt 198 in this embodiment, but there could be a deadbolt instead. This is similar to an embodiment previously described in Patent No. 8,495,898, but with the abbreviated, compact electronic lock 140a of the invention. As explained in that patent, this application of the lock provides more universal connections and standard arrangement of lock components compared to some of the previously described embodiments. A manufactured line of cabinets, drawers, doors, etc. may have prescribed types of lock units, with a cam lock, cabinet lock, plunger or other types, and all may be arranged to mate with the electronic lock unit 140a of the invention. Depths to different thicknesses of drawers, doors, etc. may be accommodated without providing a series of different housing depths for the housing 194 extending forwardly from the mechanical cam lock or cabinet lock or other lock unit. The electronic lock unit 140a may be universal for many different locations and applications. Note that in this and other drawings a single threaded stud 199 is shown to secure the compact lock to a door, drawer, etc., but any suitable form of attachment may be used. In the case of Figure 37, the stud 199 or studs (or threaded holes) must be wide enough outside the driver 183 to clear the cabinet lock unit 190.

Figure 38 shows a modified electronic lock unit 140c of the invention, in this case with a flange 210 designed to allow flush mounting of the base portion 212 of the housing. The flange 210 may be integrally formed with the base portion 212. Thus, the flange 210 is configured to engage against the exterior surface of a door or drawer. It should be understood, as noted above, that the rotary knob or handle 146 shown in Figure 38 may be replaced with a lever, which may be necessary for handicap access or other purposes as desired.

Figures 39A through 39C show a self-contained electronic lock unit 140d similar to the locks shown above and including a cylinder 215 with an appropriate actuator, such as a cam or other latching device, or simply with an actuator such as that shown at 183 in Figures 36 and 37. In this case, the electronic lock device 140d is mounted behind the panel 216 of a door, drawer, etc. in a through-panel mounting, with the knob or handle 146 and terminal 145 having a suitable mounting depth protruding from a base plate 218 to extend through the thickness of the panel 216, as shown in Figures 39B and 39C. The base plate 218 is installed flat against the back side of the panel 216 and is secured by suitable fasteners 219 through holes 220. The depth to which the knob or handle 146 and terminal 145 float off the base 218 is matched to the type of panel 216 to which the lock is to be secured (e.g., wood panel, steel panel, etc.). It should be understood that although a cylinder structure is shown in Figure 39C, this could simply be a cam such as that shown at 158 in Figure 32, or a latch such as that shown at 190 in Figure 37 or other type of coupling device for locking the panel to another structure. Depth issues may dictate that a cam or latch be provided immediately rearward of the housing 222 shown in Figure 39C, without the cylinder structure 215 extending rearwardly to increase depth. A battery compartment (not shown) may be located similarly to that shown in the locks described above, with a battery door located for maximum convenience. In a low battery condition, a power jump may be made through terminal 145 as described above.

Figures 40A through 40C are similar to Figures 39A through 39C, but show a keypad 225 on an electronic locking device 140e. This locking device 140e is similar to the embodiments described above, but with the locking unit mounted behind the panel 216a in a through-panel mounting, as described with respect to Figures 39A-39C. For this purpose, holes 226, 228, and 230 are provided in the panel. Note that holes 228 and 230 could be replaced by a single rectangular opening. Again, a different latching or locking mechanism could be included in place of the cylinder structure 215 shown in Figure 40C, for the reason explained above for Figures 39A-39C. Figure 40D shows that, as an alternative to an accessibly located battery compartment in the lock housing 140e, the battery may be in a separate battery pack or box 238 as shown. The battery 238a is connected to the lock housing by a cable 238b; a magnet 238c may be provided to mount the battery to a steel panel, or adhesives or Velcro (hook and loop fasteners) may be used.

The term cam lock as used in the claims is intended to refer to a cam lock or cabinet lock, or to a plunger lock or switch lock or T-handle lock or locks of similar application. Furthermore, references to a knob or handle should be taken as referring to any type of rotating device provided to operate the cam lock manually. Furthermore, reference to a panel of a door, cabinet or drawer is intended to refer to any access panel or fixed panel from which an openable component is controlled, in situations where entry, but not egress, is provided, such as in office furniture.

It should also be understood that the manually operated locks described above in connection with all of the figures could instead be automatic, with electromagnetic operation to retract a latch or rotate a cam, such as a solenoid or miniature motor, both referred to as an electromagnetic actuator.

The term actuator, although used above to refer to the specific cross-section actuator 183 in Figures 36 through 38, refers more generally to an element that transfers the rotational motion of the knob or handle to the rear of the locking device, which may be through a cylinder, or by means of a dummy plug or other element, including a specific cross-section actuator or spindle.

The term "cylinder" or "cylinder unit" as used herein is intended to mean at least one collar extending partially rearwardly from the housing, not necessarily as deep as the impeller within the cylinder or collar, the impeller being within the collar and being rotatable within the collar.

Figure 41 shows a panel with another application of a compact lock 240 of the invention, similar to that of Figure 35C, but with the additional input device 241 designed to receive an electronic key input (IButton), which may be the primary means of accessing the lock.

Figure 42 shows another application of a compact lock 250 of the invention, similar to that of Figure 35C, but with an additional input device 242 designed to receive wireless input from wireless access credentials such as RFID tags, proximity access cards, and other wireless access technologies. Wireless technologies are commonly used to access the lock devices of the invention, reducing the number of credentials that the user must carry. Additionally, the lock devices may be equipped with Bluetooth or similar interfaces to communicate with small laptop computers, PDAs, or mobile phones for access, as well as to upload and download data to and from the lock devices. The lock driver may also communicate with specially designed hubs as part of a network and receive valid access data and send audit data or maintenance data or other desired data. This data may be access programming data or data containing audit or usage log information, as well as application-specific data for the use of the cabinet, such as the insertion or removal of files or other items to and from the cabinet.

Figures 45 and 46 also show the lock device of the invention with an antenna 233 for wireless connection to the network. This connection may be an Ethernet or Bluetooth connection or a similar connection or both. The lock units 260 and 270 shown in Figures 45 and 46 (similar to those in Figures 40A and 39A) are also equipped with a receptacle 234 for direct connection to the network (as an alternative to wireless), as well as a power receptacle 235 for external (line) power if required or desired. A network may be used to control which codes have access to a number of cabinets, drawers, etc. Such a network will include a central control terminal or system which may simply be a microprocessor with a database listing all the locks. A portable device or handheld computer is all that is required, or a network hub connected to a group of locks, either wired or wireless.

With central control, an administrator connects to any one lock or all locks at any time, to update which "keys" or codes will have access, and even the times of access allowed if desired. Each lock may include a processor to receive the control signal and to configure the lock electronics to allow access to employees A, B, C, and D but not employee E, for example. This can be changed at any time, instantaneously. The programming and electronics for this networking and control function are within the capability of one skilled in the art. A panel opening 231 is provided for the antenna 233. A single panel opening could be provided for all of the protruding elements, or one for the antenna, one for all of the keys and terminal 145, and one for the knob, or other similar solutions. Note that the antenna and/or direct network receptacle, as well as the line feed connection 235, may be included in any of the embodiments described above.

The locks of the invention, having the antenna 233, may have internally, connected to the antenna, a near field communication (NFC) device that can communicate with a handheld wireless device near the lock, to access the lock and also for lock configuration purposes and auditing of lock access events. This near field signal can be activated by a smart phone (with appropriate programming, a phone app) or other portable electronic device, placed near the lock. The security of the lock and access to it can operate in several different ways; interrogation can be performed by the handheld device or by the lock (with the lock having access to a database). One way is that the smart phone or other device must first authenticate the user, which could be by fingerprint, facial recognition, voice recognition or simply a PIN. This will enhance security. Upon authentication, the handheld device can send an operating code to the lock. If the lock unit is not line-powered, but rather battery-powered, the user can "wake up" the lock by pressing a key on the lock before sending the code. Authentication and its method can be according to the individual application and its objectives. An NFC-enabled handheld device can send a signal containing the access code to operate the lock with or without prior authentication of the handheld device user.

In another embodiment where the stand-alone lock unit does not have a database of authorized codes or is not connected to a network to update its database of valid codes, upon authenticating the user, the phone or handheld device will send a code requesting the lock ID. This will "wake up" the lock, whose electronics have been in standby mode when not in use, so as not to consume power (waking up the lock could also require pressing a key on the lock terminal, especially when the lock is battery powered). Upon receiving the lock ID, the phone can, via the Internet or a local network if desired, send data for the user and the lock to be accessed, using the phone's data connection. A database, which may be remote, will then send a permit or deny code to the phone regarding this access request. Upon receiving a permit code from the access control database, the phone through its programming, will transmit an access code to the lock, causing the lock to open. This protocol can also be used to update the lock's database, if it has one. For auditing purposes, the lock can send a verification code to the phone, if the lock was actually accessed. This code will be transmitted via the phone to the access control database. A denial of access can also be transmitted to the access control database for auditing purposes. If a denial code is received, the phone app will inform the user that they were denied access. In an NFC system, a new employee, for example, who is not currently in the system, can have the new employee code added to the system using the NFC device. The update can include whether the code will be one-time access, permanent access, or limited access.

In a different operating protocol, the lock may have an RFID reader that sends an interrogation signal to a handheld device or credential. While such a credential could be a card containing an RFID tag, a smartphone may have a program or application that mimics an RFID tag that transmits an ID signal, or that transmits, receives, and calculates algorithms to authenticate the signal sent back by an RFID tag, in order to provide access. The sending of the access code by the phone may be subject to prior authentication of the user as noted above. In this case, the access decision is provided by the lock electronics, rather than by the phone or other handheld device, using database information as in the system described above.

Note that RFID and NFC are closely related wireless communication technologies, both used for a large number of applications including access control, asset and inventory tracking, etc. RFID was the precursor to n Fc , and the frequency range used in RFID has a frequency band in common with NFC. RFID involves unpowered tags capable of sending a simple response to a reader, using the reader’s transmission energy. NFC operates at 13.56 MHz and is an extension of the HF RFID standards. NFC is capable of more complex two-way communication interactions, and is therefore more versatile in that regard than RFID. NFC is limited to communication in close proximity, such as 5 cm or less. Also, a reader can only scan a single NFC tag at a time, whereas many RFID tags can be scanned simultaneously. NFC is available in a large number of mobile phones or smartphones.

Figures 43 and 44 show panels 232a and 232b with locking devices 240a and 250a similar to those shown in Figures 41 and 42, but configured for installation through the door, cabinet or drawer panel. In this case, access to the battery will be from behind the locking device. The lock is mounted on studs on the panel through mounting holes at each end or the unit may be mounted with screws or other fasteners directly to the panel from behind. Note again that common openings rather than individual holes may be provided in the panel for the knob, terminal and input device.

Figures 47 and 48 show through-panel locking devices 280 and 290 as shown in Figures 43 and 44 equipped with the same network and power connection apparatus 234 and 235 (and antenna 235 if required) discussed above for Figures 45 and 46.

Figures 49, 50 and 51 show the invention as claimed, in flowchart/block diagram form, a package delivery system using NFC-equipped locks and handheld devices, as described above.

In such an embodiment of the invention, the locks in the system may belong to different people or require access decisions from the owner (or administrator or agent) of the lock. In this arrangement, when the NFC device attempts to access the lock, a message may be sent to the owner or agent via the application located on the NFC-capable phone (or other portable NFC device) using the phone's cellular connection. The message may identify the person requesting access to the lock and, upon approval or denial of access by the owner via the application on the owner's phone or other device, the lock may then approve or deny access. The requested or denied entry access may be stored by the system or the lock or the phones or all of these for auditing purposes.

This arrangement can work well with home delivery systems. For example, delivery companies such as UPS, Federal Express, US Post Office, as well as local dry cleaners, grocery stores, etc. can register as delivery agents in a system and when they go to a location to make a delivery, they can hold up their registered phone with or without authentication and attempt to open the delivery box lock. If the phone belonging to the delivery person has been pre-authorized to access the lock, the lock will open and if not, after reading the lock information, the delivery person’s phone will send an access request from the phone app (via cellular connection) to the lock owner and wait for a yes or no command. Depending on the response, the lock will either open or deny access. If no response is received from the lock owner or agent, the request will time out and this will be similar to the situation where no one is home for the delivery person.

If the owner is anticipating a delivery, he or she may pre-authorize access at the time of placing an order by checking the "Access OK" box on the online order form which can be transmitted to the delivery agent's phone as a one-time access code for this specific delivery. The owner may also set one-time, time-limited, or permanent access to known delivery agents/drivers from the delivery agent list in the system.

As shown in Figure 49, which illustrates the case of pre-authorized delivery to a locked delivery box of an owner registered in the system, the owner ("owner" is understood to include an agent or manager of the locked delivery box, depending on the situation) places an online order with a seller of products, and pre-authorizes the delivery person to have access to the delivery box (the delivery person has already been registered in the system; the pre-authorization is different). This is shown in block 300 of Figure 49. The seller fulfills the order and sends the shipping data, including the pre-authorization, to the shipping company or carrier (UPS, Federal Express, etc.) through the global delivery system of the invention (block 302). As shown in block 304, the delivery service transfers the shipping data, including the pre-authorization, to the appropriate delivery person, i.e., the driver. This goes to the delivery person's handheld NFC device, which will typically be an NFC-enabled smartphone.

When the delivery person arrives at the customer's delivery box, such as in block 306, he/she uses the handheld NFC device to access the locking box, placing the package in the box and re-securing the box.

Following this, data confirming completion of delivery is sent electronically by the delivery person to the lock box owner, confirming delivery (block 308), and this data is also sent to the system of the invention (block 310), through which the information is sent to the seller, as in block 312. The drawing indicates the customer/lock box owner at 314 and the seller at 316, with an arrow from the seller to the lock box owner indicating that the seller preferably sends an electronic message to the customer confirming completion of delivery. The system itself, or simply the delivery company, could send this confirmation to the customer.

Figure 50 shows in a flow diagram the flow of information and events in the case where delivery (i.e. access to a locked delivery box) has not been pre-authorized. Block 318 indicates that a registered owner (or manager, agent, etc.) of a secure delivery box places an online order with a seller. Note that no pre-authorization is performed in this case. Blocks 320, 322, and 324 are similar to the flow diagram in Figure 49, except that no pre-authorization for delivery access is performed along with shipping instructions/data. In block 324, the delivery person arrives at the destination box and uses the NFC device to communicate with the lock, but this triggers a query instead of opening the lock. Block 326 shows that the NFC phone or device receives contact or ID data from the lock, including any required input from the delivery person, and sends a query electronically, such as via mobile phone connection, to request delivery authorization to the owner of the lock box and from the system of the invention. The drawing schematically shows this as being directed to the owner of the lock box 314.

From there, the procedure in case of granted authorization is shown on the left, and in case of denied access, on the right. If access is authorized, block 328 indicates that the customer/owner has sent the authorization. The NFC device of the delivery person then uses this access authorization, i.e. a code generated from the customer/owner's access grant, to open the delivery box and deliver the order (block 330). From there, the procedure is the same as in the completion of the process shown in Figure 49, and the blocks are labeled similarly.

If the authorization to access the customer's delivery box to deliver the package is denied at this time, different scenarios are shown on the right side of Figure 50. Block 332 indicates that the box owner has sent a deferred delivery notification to the delivery person. In that case, the deferred delivery instruction is received on the NFC device of the delivery person and is also sent to the system, i.e., to the system's data center, as in block 334.

Another possibility is for the box owner to request that the delivery be made elsewhere, to a direct delivery location, as indicated in block 336. This is received on the delivery person's NFC phone and also goes to the system's data center, as in block 338.

If the box owner refuses delivery (block 340), this data is sent to the delivery person's NFC device (block 342), and also to the system. The package will be returned to the seller.

Another possibility is, as explained above, that an access decision response cannot be obtained from the box owner at the time the delivery truck arrives at the owner's delivery box. In this case, not shown in the flowchart, the delivery driver simply tries again later.

Figure 51 schematically summarizes the system of the invention, in a block diagram. The overall system includes all components of the diagram. The central control system, referred to in the diagram as the "Global Delivery System" (block 344), has a database and enables registration of consumers in the system, with each consumer having one or more secure delivery boxes, the locks of which are registered with IDs. In addition, the system registers and authenticates delivery personnel, typically delivery truck drivers through their delivery companies (if any), so that their NFC phones or other devices are recognized and authorized for use in the system. In addition, the system transfers data regarding an order and a shipment to and from vendors, as explained above in Figures 49 and 50, and receives information and authorizations from delivery box owners regarding access.

Block 346 relates to the consumer, i.e., the customer receiving packages in a secure delivery box. Initially, the consumer installs one or more delivery boxes with an NFC-enabled lock. The consumer then registers the delivery box and the lock to the system of the invention (to the central control system) via a downloadable consumer application (e.g., a smartphone app), using an NFC-enabled smartphone. The NFC-enabled smartphone is paired with the delivery box lock, i.e., is associated with that lock in the system's database. Alternatively, the consumer, if he or she does not have an NFC device, may register the lock in another way, by entering a code for the lock into the central control system using a home computer, for example.

The delivery company is indicated in block 348. This is intended to include sellers who deliver themselves or pick up packages, even small sellers such as laundry services or grocery stores that make deliveries. The delivery company registers with the system of the invention and registers its individual drivers/delivery persons via their smartphones or other NFC-enabled devices, using a downloadable delivery person application.

Seller block 350 shows that the seller logs into the system and links shipping data for a customer's order to and from the system. The seller also sends instructions to the shipping company, as seen in the diagrams in Figures 49 and 50, not shown in Figure 51.

The global delivery system, which uses locks such as those described above, thus makes the delivery of products ordered by customers who have secure delivery boxes more efficient.

The preferred embodiments described above are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit its scope. Other embodiments and variations of these preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (2)

1. A method for a delivery person to access a recipient's secure delivery box, the recipient being the owner of the box, to place and secure a package in the box, comprising: the delivery person pre-registers a smartphone or other NFC device as a registered user device for each of a plurality of secure delivery boxes of the owners of said delivery boxes who are potential delivery customers (344), the delivery person brings a package to a secure delivery box of a particular customer recipient, the delivery person holds the smartphone near the recipient's secure delivery box, whereupon the smartphone enters into two-way communication with an electronic lock of the recipient's secure delivery box, causing the smartphone to obtain and store the lock's ID information, whereupon the smartphone, (a) if this delivery has been pre-authorized by the customer recipient, sends a signal to the electronic lock to open the lock to access the secure delivery box (306), and (b) if the delivery has not been pre-authorized, sends an electronic request to the owner or agent of the lock (326), In the case of (b), the delivery person's smartphone gets an electronic response from the lock owner or agent granting or denying access to open the lock, and If the answer is to grant access, the delivery person's smartphone sends a signal to open the lock to access the secure delivery box (330), and The delivery person opens the secure delivery box, places the package inside the box, and secures the box again. 2. A system for facilitating the delivery of customer-ordered products to customers who own secure delivery boxes, configured to execute the method according to claim 1 comprising: a central control system (344), with a central database, a series of secure delivery boxes owned by potential delivery customers, each box having an NFC-enabled electronic lock, a series of vendors (350) in electronic communication with the central control system, a series of delivery agents (348) and delivery drivers capable of delivering packages to secure delivery boxes of delivery customers via smartphones or other NFC-enabled handheld devices, as ordered by delivery customers to sellers, said smartphones or other NFC-enabled handheld devices of said series of delivery agents (348) and delivery people, wherein each of the secure delivery box locks that are previously registered as an authorized delivery location for deliveries pursuant to the system, and each of the delivery agents and delivery drivers who register in the system to make deliveries and gain access to the secure delivery boxes of potential delivery customers, through such delivery drivers' smartphones or other NFC-enabled handheld devices, which may engage in short-distance two-way communication with the NFC-enabled electronic locks of the secure delivery boxes whereby delivery potential customers maintain security in their delivery boxes by allowing access to the box by a delivery person using such smartphones or other N<f>C enabled handheld devices placed near the lock of the secure delivery box, the delivery being pursuant to an order placed to a seller by the customer.