After our recent package thefts, I figured I should build some sort of box to hold UPS shipments. The real trick was making it self-locking. In other words, after the lid is lifted once, it should lock. That way the UPS drivers don't need a key.
After a week of use, we are pleased. Our main UPS driver is pleased, too.
I'll detail the mechanism later.
 Lid |
 Lid |
 Dad, welding the base frame |
 Completed box after first day. Doesn't have a lock mechanism or bracing. |
 Completed box. I'm tired. |
 Box after second day of work. Bracing and mechanisms have been added. |
 Lock mechanism. White strip is UHMW plastic. |
 Mechanism from other side. Spring is on a longer pivot, allthread allows adjustment of spring position. |
 Mechanism in 'lock' position. Allthread allows spring to be adjusted. |
 Horizontal brace activates lock mechanism when lid is opened. |
 Completed box with package slot in lid. |
 Hole to lock and unlock box. |
 Welds on lock mechanism. Short piece of angle steel is a stop for latch, fill welds on latch are to shape latch correctly. |
 Case with one coat of primer, seam sealer |
 Closeup of hinge, seam sealer. Seams have primer over them, it isn't terribly visible. |
 Primed case. Sanded spots are visible. Entire case has been scuffed for next coat of primer. |
 Exterior of case painted. |
 Paint from side of case. |
 Case on porch. |
 Lid opened. |
 Undercoating on inside of case. Floor is undercoated, but has overspray over it. |
 Anti-tamper, auto-locking mechanism. |
 Lock mechanism. |
 Mechanism, box, and lid. |