Security and guidance systems and methods for parcel-receiving devices
A landing station guidance-and-security system can include an environmental cover and/or a guide-and-security bar. In some embodiments, the landing station guidance-and-security system is integrated into a parcel-receiving device. In some embodiments, the landing station guidance-and-security system is configured to attach to a parcel-receiving device. In some embodiments, the guide-and-security bar includes a precision rod. In some embodiments, a drone landing station includes: a magnetic centering mechanism configured to center a drone and/or a package; sliding dovetail doors; a plow bar; at least one roll-up door; a first storage locker; a second storage locker; and/or a solid rear door configured to block access to the second storage locker from the first storage locker when the first storage locker is being accessed by a user.
1. A parcel-receiving device comprising:
a landing station guidance-and-security system comprising:
an at least one environmental cover;
a first guide-and-security bar;
a second guide-and-security bar;
a third guide-and-security bar; and
a fourth guide-and-security bar,
wherein said first guide-and-security bar and said second guide-and-security bar are on a first plane, and wherein said third guide-and-security bar and said fourth guide-and-security bar are on a second plane;
wherein said first guide-and-security bar and said second guide-and-security bar run perpendicular to said third guide-and-security bar and said fourth guide-and-security bar; and
wherein said first guide-and-security bar comprises a first direct contact lead and a second direct contact lead, wherein said first direct contact lead and said second direct contact lead are configured to charge a drone via contact patches located on said drone.
2. The parcel-receiving device of claim 1 wherein said landing station guidance-and-security system further comprises:
a housing wherein said at least one environmental cover can be retracted into said housing.
3. The parcel-receiving device of claim 1 wherein said at least one environmental cover is configured to create a slope when in a closed position.
4. The parcel-receiving device of claim 1 wherein said at least one environmental cover is made of segmented metal.
5. The parcel-receiving device of claim 1 wherein said landing station guidance-and-security system further comprises:
a gutter.
6. The parcel-receiving device of claim 5 wherein said gutter includes a downspout.
7. The parcel-receiving device of claim 1 wherein said first guide-and-security bar comprises an at least one precision rod.
8. The parcel-receiving device of claim 7 wherein said at least one precision rod comprises a magnet.
9. The parcel-receiving device of claim 8 wherein said magnet is an electromagnet.
10. The parcel-receiving device of claim 8 wherein said magnet is a permanent magnet.
11. The parcel-receiving device of claim 1 wherein said-landing station guidance-and-security system further comprises:
an at least one guide track.
12. The parcel-receiving device of claim 1 wherein said first guide-and-security bar is made of metal.
13. The parcel-receiving device of claim 1 further comprising a plow bar.
14. The parcel-receiving device of claim 1 wherein said at least one environmental cover is programmed to open and close based on expected precipitation.
15. The parcel-receiving device of claim 1 wherein said landing station guidance-and-security system further comprises a second environmental cover.
16. The parcel-receiving device of claim 15 wherein said at least one environmental cover is configured to form a seal with said second environmental cover aided by a first magnet located in an end of said at least one environmental cover and a second magnet located in an end of said second environmental cover.
17. The parcel-receiving device of claim 1 wherein a first magnet located on said landing station guidance-and-security system interacts with a second magnet located on said drone to help provide contact between said first direct contact lead, said second direct contact lead, and said contact patches.
18. The parcel-receiving device of claim 1 wherein said first direct contact lead has a first polarity and said second direct contact has a second polarity.
19. The parcel-receiving device of claim 1 wherein said landing station guidance-and-security system can enter a secured state wherein at least one of said first guide-and-security bar, said second guide-and-security bar, said third guide-and-security bar, and said fourth guide-and-security bar is electrified.