Abstract: A self-service parcel cabinet, comprising: a main-body part (1), a sorting apparatus (2), a parking apparatus (3), and a control device. The main-body part is a hollow structure opened at the top. At least part of the hollow structure is formed by multiple self-service parcel lockers (11) surroundingly arranged. The parking apparatus is provided on top of the main-body part and comprises a drone landing pad (31). Provided on the drone landing pad is a channel allowing passing of a parcel delivered by the drone and directly facing the opening at the top.

Abstract: Package delivery to homes or after-hours business delivery exposes a package to theft, weather damage, and extreme temperatures. To receive and protect delivered packages, a package receiving station is configured to receive package from delivery vehicles. The station includes walls that extend upward to create an interior space of the station and a roof or other movable portion that is moveable between a first position covering the interior space and a second position allowing access to the interior space. A motor causes movement of the moveable roof or movable portion and an access portal in the wall allows access into the interior space to retrieve the package. A receiver receives a signal from or detects the arrival of the delivery vehicle and generates a control signal. A controller, responsive to the control signal, sends an activation signal to the motor to move the moveable roof or movable portion.

Abstract: An automated kiosk includes a front panel positioned in front of a conveyor with conveyor slots sized to receive clothing hangers. Dividers separate each conveyor slot from the adjacent conveyor slots, forming a compartment for each conveyor slot. Two doors are positioned in the front panel. An electronic controller moves a conveyor in order to reposition a desired compartment in front of the doors. The doors open inwardly, and are of sufficient length that the extended edge of the doors engages with and overlaps the outer edge of each of the dividers. With each door engaging the divider on each side of the compartment, a user is blocked from being able to access items that are in adjacent compartments.

Abstract: An apparatus for deterring theft of packages which includes an enclosure having an interior cavity. A conical inlet port provides access to the interior cavity. The conical inlet port has a wide end and a narrow end. The narrow end projects into the interior cavity. The narrow end normally has a first diameter. However, the narrow end expands to a second diameter in response to pressure from a package being pushed through the conical inlet port toward the interior cavity. The narrow end contracts back to the first diameter when pressure from the package is released, to prevent the package from being pulled by a thief back through the narrow end of the conical inlet port.

Abstract: Operation of Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (UAVs) around human population requires the utmost level of safety. Trackpath pre-computed navigation paths and Free flight corridor protection systems reduce the possibility of injuring humans during flight, but at the point of delivery the drone must, by necessity, come down to level of and near humans. This invention teaches the system and method of a personal household mail system that minimizes human exposure to the delivery UAV, provides a method of verifying that the addressee is correct, and optionally secures the mail until it is picked up by the designated recipient.

Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system has a door that selectively opens to allow access to a cavity and selectively closes to block access to the cavity, an electronic lock configured to selectively lock and unlock the door when the door is closed, the electronic lock including a user interface, computing memory having associated therewith code, and a processor communicatively coupled with the computing memory. The processor is configured to execute the code and to: receive a random code from a random code generator, program the electronic lock to unlock the door when the random code is entered via the user interface, and transfer data of the random code to a device of a system user so that the data is used to enter the random code to the user interface of the electronic lock to unlock the door.

Abstract: Tools (e.g., systems, apparatuses, methodologies, computer programs, etc.) including intelligent provisions enable a mail center to process packages at a mailcenter. Such processing may include extracting information from the package (via image processing), and then, when appropriate, assigning such package for pickup at a package storage locker. The package storage locker is preferably an intelligent locker that can be electronically controlled and can be integrated in the electronic mailcenter service system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locating and providing public mobile device charging stations are disclosed. One or more charging stations may be configured to charge a battery of a mobile device. A database may be configured to store location information of the one or more charging stations as well as mobile device location and security credential information of the one or more respective mobile devices. A server communicatively coupled with the one or more charging stations and the database, may be configured to determine a proximity of the one or more charging stations to a location of the mobile device. This determination may be based on the station location information and the mobile device location information. Based on the determined proximity, provide the station location information of the respective one or more charging stations to the mobile device. The charging station further provides photo and/or video surveillance security to verify a user.

Abstract: A security mailbox and associated field-modification kit having an interior security panel comprising a first lock member configured to engage a second lock member connected to the interior of the mailbox, a slot to deposit mail articles through the security panel, and a hinge piece to connect the security panel to the floor of the mailbox. The mailbox and kit includes a pulling member demountably connected between the front door and the security panel; whereby rotation of the front door imparts a pulling force via the pulling member sufficient to open the security panel when the security panel is unlocked. The mailbox and kit may alternatively include a spring member configured to rotate the security panel open when unlocked. The first lock member includes a door latch and spring latch to secure the security panel to the mailbox. The security mailbox and kit further includes reinforcing and installation hardware.

Abstract: A computer system for defining attributes associated with attended delivery/pickup locations is described. In various embodiments, the system is configured to enable an authorized user (e.g., a manager of an attended delivery/pickup location) to define certain attributes of a particular attended delivery/pickup location. In some embodiments, the system is configured to verify that the particular user is authorized to define the one or more attributes associated with the particular attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., by checking a list of one or more authorized users). Once the one or more attributes are defined, in one or more embodiments, the system is configured to accept or reject parcel delivery requests based at least in part on the attributes. In further embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate a return of a particular item to a retailer via the attended delivery/pickup location.

Abstract: A computer system for defining attributes associated with attended delivery/pickup locations is described. In various embodiments, the system is configured to enable an authorized user (e.g., a manager of an attended delivery/pickup location) to define certain attributes of a particular attended delivery/pickup location. In some embodiments, the system is configured to verify that the particular user is authorized to define the one or more attributes associated with the particular attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., by checking a list of one or more authorized users). Once the one or more attributes are defined, in one or more embodiments, the system is configured to accept or reject parcel delivery requests based at least in part on the attributes. In further embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate a return of a particular item to a retailer via the attended delivery/pickup location.

Abstract: A safe delivery box that attaches to a walk in door with a hanger. A package is delivered by inserting it into the interior volume through a pair of tandem trap doors. The trap doors work together to prevent a package from being removed through the trap doors. While attached to the walk in door an access door is held against the walk in door so that the access door cannot be opened. When the walk in door is opened then the box may be removed from the walk in door and the access door may be opened to remove the delivered package.

Abstract: A pickup location that includes a control station and one or more storage compartment modules provides the ability for items to be ordered and delivered for pickup by a user without having to pack those items in a shipping package prior to shipping from a materials handling facility. Delivering items for pickup by a user without having to package the items prior to shipping, may provide a better experience for the customer, reduce waste in packaging material and a lower cost of delivering the ordered items to the customer.

Abstract: A locker assembly insert (10) for a cabinet (11) (shown in phantom). In this case the cabinet (11) is a two door cabinet having a first door (12) and a second door (13) (these doors are shown open in FIG. 4), The cabinet has a base (14) opposite sides (15) (and 16), a back (17) and a top (18). A central mullion (19) having a rear cover plate divides the cabinet (11) down the middle and the doors (12) and (13) close the cabinet. The locker assembly insert (10) in this case is applied to a two door cabinet and has a central support member (20) (which is put in place by first removing the rear cover plate behind the central mullion (19), the rear cover plate is tucked in behind the central support member (20) before assembly allowing it to be reused if the refrigerator is ever restored to its original condition), a pair of vertical side rails (21) and (22), a pair of bases (23) and (24), a pair of tops (25) and (26). This gives the basic door frame.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for use in delivery of items to a storage unit. The storage unit can include one or several storage receptacles and a control unit that controls and monitors the status of the one or several storage receptacles. The storage unit may be included in a storage unit system that can include one or several storage units and a central control unit. The central control unit can communicate with the one or several storage units, and can receive status and availability updates from the one or several storage units.

Abstract: Mailbox comprising at least two compartments, a first compartment for receiving letters and a second compartment for receiving packages, each compartment comprising a respective access door, first locking means being provided for locking the door of the first compartment and second locking means being provided for locking the door of the second compartment, wherein the arrangement is such that the unlocking of the door of the second compartment locked by the second locking means is made by the unlocking of the door of the first compartment locked by the first locking means.

Abstract: An unmanned parcel storage apparatus capable of dynamically allocating storage spaces and a method of using the unmanned parcel storage. A storage method of the unmanned parcel storage apparatus determines a position and a size of a desired storage space to be allocated. Based on the determination result, a moving unit adds or removes a partition to create the desired storage space, and moves a delivery item to the created storage space for the storage purpose. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently use a space in a storage unit and thereby store more number of delivery items in the same storage unit. In addition, the moving unit processes the allocation of storage spaces, and delivery, loading and discharging of the delivery items, and therefore the user's convenience of use can be enhanced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.

Abstract: An unmanned parcel storage apparatus capable of dynamically allocating storage spaces and a method of using the unmanned parcel storage. A storage method of the unmanned parcel storage apparatus determines a position and a size of a desired storage space to be allocated. Based on the determination result, a moving unit adds or removes a partition to create the desired storage space, and moves a delivery item to the created storage space for the storage purpose. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently use a space in a storage unit and thereby store more number of delivery items in the same storage unit. In addition, the moving unit processes the allocation of storage spaces, and delivery, loading and discharging of the delivery items, and therefore the user's convenience of use can be enhanced.

Abstract: A toy mailbox for children includes a storage unit and a media processing mechanism. The storage unit includes a door member for closeably opening the storage unit and an ejection slot configured on a portion of the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is coupled to the storage unit, such that the media processing mechanism is capable of dispensing a media sheet having data content printed thereon, into the storage unit through the ejection slot. Opening the storage unit enables children to access the media sheet from within the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is also capable of printing the data content on the media sheet prior to dispensing the media sheet into the storage unit.

Abstract: A parcel box for receiving and keeping parcels in a theftproof manner has a box having a drawer which can be pulled out and pushed in, and a prevention mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal of parcel. The prevention mechanism has a platform for placing parcel, a blocking mechanism that blocks pulling out of the drawer from the box when parcel is placed on the platform, and an unblocking mechanism that unblocks the parcel box drawer. The platform has a first end and a second end situated opposite each other. The platform is swingable about a cross pivot axle fixed in the drawer. The first end of the platform is situated lower than the second end. The blocking mechanism has a blocking bracket and a stop. The blocking bracket has a first end and a second end situated opposite each other.

Abstract: A multi-user mail box including a letter drop assembly which is susceptible to easy replacement by a delivery person without requiring substantial disassembly of the mail box. The letter drop assembly includes a slotted body held in inserted relation between cross-bars extending transverse to vertical frame members of an access door structure. The slotted body includes upper and lower open grooves oriented in opposing relation to the adjacent cross-bars. Retention pin elements are inserted axially into the grooves thereby holding the slotted body in place. The slotted body may be replaced by displacement of the retention pin elements.

Abstract: A security mailbox system known as Safe “T” Box being a fully enclosed square mailbox that can be designed from PVC or some fabricated material, the Safe T Box is easy to install, environmentally friendly and will provide long service life. The mailbox includes chambers for incoming and outgoing mail being delivered via the U.S. Postal Service, it also has a chamber for newspapers/advertisements not delivered via U.S. Postal Service. The incoming mail chamber is designed for mail to go down a mail chute into a basket for pick-up through back of the locked mailbox. Outgoing mail can be placed from the back for pick-up from the front by postal worker. The mailbox is attached to the ground though internal poles extending from the bottom of the mailbox into the ground and cemented.

Abstract: A mail receptacle system incorporating multiple individually accessible discrete storage compartments disposed within a frame structure with lockable user access doors disposed in mated hinging relation relative to the frame structure such that when the access doors are in a closed position, a male/female relation is established between portions of the doors and the frame structure. The access doors utilize a multi-piece construction wherein the hinging edges of the doors are displaceable from the door body thereby permitting the door body to be easily and readily replace in the event of damage.

Abstract: A latch assembly of the type used on postal cluster units, such as central mailbox units including a latch assembly of multiple dual bold latch mechanisms for securing at multiple latch points a pair of center meeting hinged doors upon closure of the doors. The dual bolt latch mechanisms of the latch assembly are enclosed within the cabinet of the postal cluster unit and are operable by a single concealed handle to simultaneously unlatch the multiple latch points.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating delivery and return service between a delivery party and a receiving party. These parties may or may not have pre-registered to use the locker system. The system has locker modules (35) and a system controller (10). The system controller (10) interfaces with the locker modules (35) via a network (30). Each of the locker modules (35) has locker units for depositing and retrieving the goods and a locker controller coupled to control the locker units. Together, the system controller (10) and the locker controller enable steps of the method by processing a user input that is received via a user input interface coupled to the system controller (10) and the locker controller. The user input is associated with the receiving party and provided by the delivery party. Thereafter, the system controller (10) generates a notification message having an identification code for transmitting to the receiving party.

Abstract: A system and method uses an appliance for delivery at a home or business when no one is home or without the need to disturb persons at the delivery site. The appliance is a locked storage container connected to remote computers such that access for particular delivery persons or companies is authorized when the owner of the appliance has placed an order. The appliance communicates, such as via the internet, with a remote delivery system computer having a scheduler that schedules deliveries during particular time intervals. Prior to scheduling the delivery, the delivery system computer compares the dimensions of the order with the available space within the appliance of the customer. After a delivery is made, the appliance communicates via the internet that the delivery has been made and the delivery system computer then charges or debits the customer's account for the cost associated with the delivery.

Abstract: A system for protecting cluster mailboxes such as neighborhood delivery and collection box units (NDCBU's) and Cluster Box Units (CBU's)from vandalism or theft of the mail. A custom-fit protective gate is built and installed around the mail carrier access doors of a cluster mailbox. The protective gate is built to aesthetically blend in with the neighborhood environment and may include decorative accoutrements such as decorative screening. Further, the system provides a means to install USPTO locks thereby providing uniform access by mail carriers. Even further, the system provides for double nesting doors to access a flat wall unit collection box, such that users may have secured access to individual mailboxes and a mail person may have secured master access to all mailboxes.

Abstract: An improved mail receptacle that expands to accommodate a large volume of mail, which volume could include a parcel. To attain this, the mail receptacle has an expandable pouch. In an embodiment, the pouch is configured to be stored in a pouch box, which box is affixed to or integral with the mail compartment. In an embodiment, the mail receptacle has a flexible post. In an embodiment, the mail receptacle has a mounting plate incorporated into the mail compartment; such mounting plate couples the mail receptacle to the post such that the mail compartment can rotate about the post.

Abstract: A biological safety mailbox made up of a housing, a securable lid, access ports providing access to the interior portion of the housing, and protective gloves that form a seal at the access port while allowing a user to manipulate the contents. A mounting bracket is also provided to permit the user to selectively remove the housing in order to permit a user to use the mailbox to open any mail inside while in a different location. A lock is further included to prevent unauthorized removal of the housing by locking the housing to the mounting bracket. A biological safety mailbox for commercial applications is also disclosed having a large housing partitioned into a plurality of hermetically sealed compartments, each compartment having a pair of glove access ports and an individual lid access port.

Abstract: A system for protecting cluster mailboxes such as neighborhood delivery and collection box units (NDCBU's) and Cluster Box Units (CBU's)from vandalism or theft of the mail. A custom-fit protective gate is built and installed around the mail carrier access doors of a cluster mailbox. The protective gate is built to aesthetically blend in with the neighborhood environment and may include decorative accoutrements such as decorative screening. Further, the system provides a means to install USPTO locks thereby providing uniform access by mail carriers. Even further, the system provides for double nesting doors to access a flat wall unit collection box, such that users may have secured access to individual mailboxes and a mail person may have secured master access to all mailboxes.

Abstract: A postal delivery apparatus and method for delivering and removing parcels to residential and commercial customer is provided. The postal delivery apparatus preferably has a base including a bottom, a plurality of outer walls connected to and extending upwardly from the bottom, a substantially hollow portion positioned within inner confines of the outer walls so as to define an inner cavity, and an open upper end positioned for providing access to the inner cavity. At least one of the plurality of outer walls preferably includes a wall opening formed therein for inserting letter-type parcels through the wall opening into the inner cavity of the base. The wall opening preferably is sized and positioned for inhibiting access by a user to letter-type parcels positioned in the inner cavity.

Abstract: An interlocking door seam provides a stronger seam for double doors, making them less subject to attack by prybars and the like. Particularly for central mail stations (CMS) and central box units (CBU), double doors present there are subject to attack by prybars and the like that force the locks and allow thieves to rifle the contents of the enclosed mail boxes. Attachment of interlocking door seam [of the present invention] to the first edge of the first double doors protects that first edge from prybar attacks. The adjoining edge of the second double door then releasably fits into a convex strip that protects the adjoining edge of the second double door, thereby protecting it from prybar attack. The interlocking door seam allows normal operation of the double doors while decreasing the risk to the central mail station of prybar attack at the seam between the double doors. Flanges present along the free edge of the convex strip provide easy engagement of that free edge.

Abstract: An interlocking door seam provides a stronger seam for double doors, making them less subject to attack by prybars and the like. Particularly for central mail stations (CMS) and central box units CBU, double doors present there are subject to attack by prybars and the like that force the locks and allow thieves to rifle the contents of the enclosed mail boxes. Attachment of interlocking door seam to the first edge of the first double doors protects that first edge from prybar attacks. The adjoining edge of the second double door then releasably fits into a convex strip that protects the adjoining edge of the second double door, thereby protecting it from prybar attack. The interlocking door seam allows normal operation of the double doors while decreasing the risk to the central mail station of prybar attack at the seam between the double doors. Flanges present along the free edge of the convex strip provide easy engagement of that free edge.

Abstract: A drive-up mail distribution, storage and pick-up assembly comprising a plurality of mail boxes, the boxes arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns and retained in the assembly in an outer frame, each box defined by a central storage container bound at opposite ends by a lockable front door and rear access opening, the front doors of the boxes facing outward at heights above ground accessible from the window adjacent the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mailbox system (10) for the delivery and retrieval of mail, is described. The mailbox system has a rack ladder system (12) within which is mounted mailboxes and parcel lockers (30). The back of the mailbox system is closed by back doors (46 and 48). The doors are mounted by hinges (50) to the rear face plates (42) of the rack ladder system. The doors have a locking system (52) which prevents the doors from being opened from the inside of the boxes or lockers and allows quick and easy access to all the boxes or lockers at the same time. The locking system has a top and bottom lock rod (54 and 56) and a handle assembly (60). When the handle (66) of the handle assembly is rotated, the rods move into and out of top and bottom lock brackets (78 and 80) to allow for locking and unlocking the doors.

Abstract: A cluster mailbox device that allows the box user to notify the mail carrier that the user's box contains outgoing mail or mail delivery instructions. The device has a fixed portion fastened to a box wall. A rotatable portion is pivotally attached to the fixed portion with a lever extending the length of the box so that the user may activate the device by applying a force to the lever, which raises the rotatable portion.

Abstract: A mail, newspaper and parcel delivery system (10) for receiving postal service mail delivered, and to be delivered, by a governmental postal authority and for receiving direct delivery items and packages. The delivery system (10) includes a postal service mail receptacle (26) for receiving postal service mail, and a housing (12) defining a mail receptacle compartment (24) for receiving and housing the postal service mail receptacle (26). The housing (12) also defines a direct delivery compartment (58) for receiving direct delivery items and a package delivery compartment (76) for receiving large packages. In one embodiment the delivery system (10') includes an incoming mail receptacle (26') and an outgoing mail receptacle (98), both housed in the mail receptacle compartment (24').

Abstract: A mail organizer including a cabinet having a bottom wall, a pair of opposed side walls coupled to and extended upwards from the bottom wall, a curved top wall integral with an upper extent of each side wall, and a back wall connected between the side walls, the top wall, and the bottom wall to define a hollow compartment; a sequential arrangement of mail bins disposed within a central extent of the compartment and secured to the cabinet and with each bin used for holding a selected individual's mail; and a first drawer, a second drawer, and a third drawer positioned in a stacked arrangement that fills an upper portion of the compartment above the mail bins, and a fourth drawer and a fifth drawer positioned in a stacked arrangement that fills a lower portion of the compartment below the mail bins, each drawer further having a slot formed thereon sized to allow deposition of mail and papers within the associated drawer.

Abstract: A lobby table (10) for use in a post office lobby is described. The lobby table has lockable boxes (14) which are mounted together and spaced apart by front and back horizontal spacers (64 and 66). A counter top (12) is mounted on the uppermost horizontal row of lockable boxes and is supported by the underlying lockable boxes. The lockable boxes have a top wall (14A), a bottom wall (14B) and two sidewalls (14C) which form a front opening (14D) which allows access to the interior of the lockable box. The perimeter of the front opening is surrounded by a frame (30) formed by a top frame member (32), a bottom frame member (34), a right frame member (36) and a left frame member (38). The lockable box can also be provided with a central wall and a center frame member (42) in order to provide right and left small boxes (24 and 26).

Abstract: A wall mounted filing cabinet comprised of a cabinet having a plurality of openings formed through a front surface thereof. The cabinet is securable to a wall. The device contains a plurality of bins. The number of bins corresponds to the number of openings formed in the cabinet. Each of the bins is configured to be received within a corresponding opening. Each bin has a U-shaped handle secured to a front surface thereof.

Abstract: A multi-functional mailbox having a mail housing. The mail housing has a recessed flat bottom and an arched top. A mail housing lid is hingedly secured to the open first end of the mail housing. The device has a newspaper housing dimensioned to be received within a recessed bottom of the mail housing. A newspaper housing lid is hingedly secured to the newspaper housing. A sliding indicator means is secured within the newspaper housing lid. The sliding indicator means has a first position indicating the presence of mail and a second position indicating the absence of mail.

Abstract: A mail and parcel delivery system (10) for receiving postal service mail delivered, and to be delivered, by a governmental postal authority and for receiving direct delivery items and packages. The delivery system (10) includes a postal service mail receptacle (26) for receiving postal service mail, and a housing (12) defining a mail receptacle compartment (24) for receiving and housing the postal service mail receptacle (26). The housing (12) also defines a direct delivery compartment (58) for receiving direct delivery items and a package delivery compartment (76) for receiving large packages. In one embodiment the delivery system (10') includes an incoming mail receptacle (26') and an outgoing mail receptacle (98), both housed in the mail receptacle compartment (24').

Abstract: A revolving newspaper organizer comprised of a hollow cylindrical container having a surrounding side wall. The surrounding side wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The surrounding side wall has a top edge and a bottom edge. The surrounding side wall has a rectangular opening formed therein. The hollow cylindrical container has a circular base. The circular base has a top side and a bottom side. An intermediate base is secured to the interior surface of the hollow cylindrical container. An aperture is formed through the intermediate base. An axle has a first end and a second end. The first end is secured through the aperture of the intermediate base. A circular top has a bottom side and a top side. A plurality of openings are through the bottom side and the top side. The bottom side is securely fastened to the second end of the axle. The bottom side has a circular recess in alignment with the top edge of the hollow cylindrical container.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mail access section sufficiently dimensioned for receiving and supporting letters and packages for pickup and delivery by a mail carrier. A mail containment section supports the access section above the ground and receives the mail which is inserted through the access section. The combined length of the access section and containment section are selected so that someone cannot reach through the access section down into the mail containment section. However, the access section is appropriately dimensioned so that mail can be easily placed or tossed into the containment portion. In a alternative embodiment of the invention, a slidable table is located within the access section to provide additional storage space for outgoing packages allowing the structure to operate as a normal, non-security mailbox. In addition, a multi-user security mailbox is described that can be used for multiple residences.

Abstract: A durable plastic mailbox for receiving mail has a removable inner container thus permitting the container to be removed from the exterior casing to empty the mail at another location. The mailbox has attachment grooves on one side and top that can engage with attachment ribs on the other side and bottom thus permitting a plurality of mailboxes to be stacked together. The mailbox has an exterior casing, substantially oblong in shape with an open front, and an inner container that fits within the exterior casing and is pivotable about internal protrusions from end walls of the casing, and is removable from the casing. A locking system retains the inner container in an upright position within the exterior casing.

Abstract: A ground-mounted upright mailbox is provided for receiving and storing therein postal material such as letters and variously-sized packages. The mailbox includes a lower mailbox portion which further defines an inner storage compartment, an upper mailbox portion attached to the lower mailbox portion, and a mounting pipe for securing the mailbox into the ground. A laterally deformable lower bellows member is integrally attached to the mailbox subjacent the lower mailbox portion, the lower bellows member allows the mailbox to laterally deflect from its normal upright position when the mailbox is struck by a physical object. Furthermore, the lower bellows member maintains the mailbox in its deflected position until the mailbox is manually righted. In an alternate embodiment, the upright mailbox is secured to the ground by a plurality of mounting pipes. Each mounting pipe includes a flexible, deformable bellows member protruding from one end and which is adapted for attachment to the lower mailbox portion.

Abstract: A security mailbox, to be used to securely and inconspicuously hold incoming mail while providing an accessible means for a mailman to pick up outgoing mail. The mailbox includes a readily accessible lower compartment and a locked upper compartment, accessible for mail delivery by a flapped opening and having a lockable back door, which are separated and defined by an angled dividing wall that remains substantially hidden when the lower compartment is accessed.

Abstract: A facility specifically structured to define a plurality of "mini-offices" each of which includes a compartmented area or space accessible from a common access area to selected, authorized individuals or proprietors of individual ones of such mini-offices and further wherein each of the compartmented areas has a secondary, at least partial access, for restricted "official" personnel such as a mail carrier for the delivery of mail thereto.

Abstract: A post office locker allows for delivery and safe storage until pickup of packages in one or more storage compartments each fitted with an access door provided with a custodian lock under the sole control of a mailman and an access lock adapted to be operated for access door opening purposes by a key supplied by the mailman to an intended recipient of a package. The access lock features an improved latch device arranged to cooperate with the custodian lock for defining two separate latch positions in which the custodian lock is constrained against rotation towards its door locked position.