Letter Boxes Patents (Class 232/17)
  • Patent number: 11825972
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new and improved package receptacle for receiving one or more delivered parcels or packages. The receptacle is comprised of a gas-piston supported lid, a cable that allows the receptacle to be secured to a structure, a lock that allows only authorized users to access the contents of the package receptacle and a plurality of anti-theft mechanisms. The package receptacle is easily collapsible for easy transportation between locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventors: Roman Grijalva, Maritza Grijalva
  • Patent number: 11672369
    Abstract: A wall mount deposit box is provided. A housing includes a front side and a back side. A rotatable content deposit includes a content delivery door and an inner panel affixed on a proximate end at an angle to a bottom of the content delivery door, and is pivotably attached to the front side of the housing. A content slot is formed as an opening within a front surface of the housing when the rotatable content deposit is in a fully open position allowing content to be deposited through the opening over each of the inner panel and the safety arm. A content retrieval door is located below the rotatable content deposit and is pivotably attached to the front side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventor: David J. Bolles
  • Patent number: 11399649
    Abstract: Package-receiving-lockers (PRLs) may have a collapsible-locker portion and door-attachment-structure. PRLs may exist in a substantially collapsed configuration for storing the given PRL or for otherwise minimizing a footprint of the given PRL; and these PRLs may exist in a substantially deployed (expanded) configuration for acting as a secure object storage location. Regardless of configuration (deployed or collapsed), PRLs may be removably attached to side-hinged-doors with the door-attachment-structure, in such a way so as not to impair operation of the given door. The PRLs may have various electronics for facilitating access (e.g., locking and unlocking the collapsible-locker), delivery confirmation, and mitigating theft. These electronics, along with specialized software, may allow an intended recipient (e.g., a buyer), a shipper/delivery person (or shipping/deliver robot), and/or a seller/vendor to access the PRL in a controlled and documented manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Securum Capsa, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Raphael, Jason Scott Altman, Jeff Harlan
  • Patent number: 11381783
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely viewing and authenticating/validating the contents of a safe deposit box (or safe) are provided. The apparatus and methods may include a safe deposit box including a locking internal cavity, a camera, a weight sensor, a light, a control circuit, and a communication circuit. After receiving a request to view the contents and authenticating a user, the safe deposit box may take still or motion pictures of the contents and weigh the contents and send the results to the user or a server. If the contents of the safe deposit box have changed an alert may be sent to the user or a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Udaya Kumar Raju Ratnakaram, Mohammed Zubair Mohammed Ajmal, Amit Mishra, Krithika Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 11363901
    Abstract: A security access control insert is provided for installation in curbside mailboxes. The security access control insert prevents tampering or theft of delivered mail. The security access control insert may be sold as part of a mailbox, or as a retrofit kit that may be added to a previously installed mailbox. The security access control insert provides a lockable door with a specific supplied access key. A second access key provided to an authorized mail carrier agency or delivery service may be a master key or passkey that is able to open many different customer mailboxes equipped with the security access control insert. The security access control insert may be formed of sheet-metal construction, aluminum, galvanized steel, or may be formed from molded plastic or composite materials. The security access control insert has a shape that matches the interior cross-section of the mailbox to which the insert will be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Brad St. Cyr
  • Patent number: 11344143
    Abstract: This present application relates to a movable tray for use with a mailbox, as well as a kit, to allow an individual to retrofit a mailbox to accommodate the moveable tray of the present invention. The moveable tray of the present invention has a low coefficient of friction and may use a system of rails and channels to allow easy pulling of the moveable tray from the mailbox to retrieve the contents of the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: John Wilson
  • Patent number: 11259663
    Abstract: A containment unit that facilitates delivery of parcels using drones is provided. An example containment unit comprises an inner housing unit and an outer housing unit. The inner housing unit includes a first and second sidewall that are connected by an end piece and have a bottom opening in between. The inner housing unit is movable from a retracted position over a floor of the containment unit to an extended position, where a portion of the opening is extended beyond the floor. A parcel may be inserted into a volume of space within the inner housing unit from below through the opening and pulled into the containment unit by the end piece when the inner housing unit is retracted. The containment unit can be used as part of a drone delivery system that can also include an elevated delivery platform, a computer application, or any combination of these aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Julio Gil
  • Patent number: 11241111
    Abstract: A mail recovery device for insertion into a mailbox, the device structured to adjust to the internal dimensions of the mailbox. A base member of the device rests on top of mailbox bottom surface, a pair of side members are disposed along the side surfaces of the mailbox, and a rear member is disposed along the rear surface of the mailbox. The side members include a plurality of side portions coupled together by a plurality of fold lines, while the rear member includes a plurality of rear portions coupled together by a plurality of fold lines. The fold lines are structured to provide the device with dimensional flexibility so that the size of the mail recovery device may be adjusted to the mailbox internal dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventor: Mark McHenry
  • Patent number: 11185183
    Abstract: A package receptacle includes a storage box including a moveable platform configured to move within an inner compartment of the storage box. A door includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is releasable by a signal to open the door. An antenna is in communication with the storage box. The antenna is configured to deliver the signal to the locking mechanism of the door. The moveable platform is configured to move from an upper portion of the inner compartment of the storage box toward a lower portion of the inner compartment of the storage box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Knox
  • Patent number: 11172778
    Abstract: A mailbox and control system thereof includes a mailbox, and flip door provided thereon; a second drop slot is provided on the flip door, inside the mailbox is provided storage cavity for parcel storage; the flip door can be swung and open the storage cavity, wherein: on top of the storage cavity is provided a drop bucket, which is connected to the flip door by a transmission device, and by swinging the flip door it is possible to drive the drop bucket above the storage cavity. In the present invention, existing fixed drop slot structure is changed and by the swingable flip door, parcels can be put into the storage cavity by swinging the flip door until parcels are allowed in, meanwhile, the storage cavity is covered when the drop bucket is driven by the transmission mechanism, to limit parcels in, improve mailing safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventor: Shuting Qi
  • Patent number: 11160408
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved door for rural mailboxes, comprising of a frame and door rotating inward and vertically downward, or just vertically downward, allowing access to the mailbox for depositing or removal of mail in one motion. The frame and door made of wood, metal, plastic, rubber or other materials can be made as part of a new mailbox or made as a complete assembly to be added to an existing mailbox. The frame comprises channels with springs to hold door closed. The door having pins or one rod horizontally mounted on the door or held on each side of the door by collars and springs also used to hold the door closed or move the door vertically and inward as it moves toward the bottom of the mailbox. The pins extend into the channels on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: Dean Loyd Dorsey
  • Patent number: 11141499
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a sanitization system configured to sanitize, at least in part, an interior space of a room. The sanitization system includes a control system configured to be positioned relative to the interior space of the room. The control system is also configured to be in electrical communication with: (A) a sensor assembly configured to be positioned in the interior space of the room, (B) a door-locking mechanism configured to be operatively connected to a door, in which the door is an entrance to the interior space of the room, and (C) a sanitation-light source configured to be positionable in the interior space of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher Alexander Corsetti, Robert Joseph Leonetti
  • Patent number: 11141014
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mailbox. The mailbox includes an extended downward sloping chute into and through which mail and packages destined for the mailbox's owner can be deposited. The length and orientation of the downward sloping chute makes it difficult if not impossible for the mailbox contents to be accessed and removed through the downward sloping chute. A locked door in the main portion of the box is provided to allow controlled and authorized access to the box's contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Robert James
  • Patent number: 11131138
    Abstract: A delivery receiving container for receiving and securely storing packages, the delivery receiving container comprising multiple independently accessible and lockable compartments that can be customized to the size of the package received. Embodiments of the invention can comprise dividers that divide the space inside the container into compartments for the receipt and storage of multiple packages from multiple deliveries. Dividers can be moved as needed to accommodate different package size for efficient use of space. The adjustability of the dividers and the multiple independent access compartment lids allow the delivery receiving container to receive multiple independent deliveries from different delivery companies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventors: Dongchuan Wei, Luis A. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 10993567
    Abstract: The drone parcel receptacle receives a package delivered by the unmanned aerial vehicle. The parcel receptacle attaches to a window. The drone parcel receptacle automatically closes and locks after receiving a parcel. The drone parcel receptacle comprises a drop box, a lid, a latch, and a plurality of torsion springs. The lid attaches to the drop box. The latch attaches to both the drop box and the lid. The plurality of torsion springs attaches to both the drop box and the lid. The drop box receives the package from the unmanned aerial vehicle. The lid encloses the drop box after the package has been received. The latch locks the drone parcel receptacle in the closed position. The latch is released from the interior of the residence. The plurality of torsion springs store the energy required to close the lid on the drop box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Catherine Cabral-McKeand
  • Patent number: 10961045
    Abstract: A document console comprising an upper member secured to a housing. The housing comprises side walls that are removably attached from one another thereby facilitating the manufacture, storage, and assembly of the console. The console comprises features and members that confer anti-static properties onto the console, thereby facilitating the removal of paper-based documents from the console. The console further comprises safety features that serve to maintain the security and the integrity of the documents within the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: XPRESSPAX, INC.
    Inventor: David A. Moses
  • Patent number: 10888189
    Abstract: An electronic parcel locker comprising an outside enclosure constituted of two side panels, of a bottom panel, of a top panel and of a back panel fastened together and defining a front aperture of the electronic parcel locker, and an internal structure for supporting parcels deposited in the electronic parcel locker, the internal structure being constituted of an array of bars with a same length regularly aligned essentially perpendicularly to the back panel and selectively movable between extended positions where a front end of the array of bars is aligned with the front aperture of the electronic parcel locker, and retractable positions where the bars of the array of bars corresponding to shapes of parcels to be deposited in said electronic parcel locker are retractable towards the back panel for defining temporary compartments exactly adapted to shapes of the parcels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: QUADIENT TECHNOLOGIES FRANCE
    Inventor: Stéphane Pointeau
  • Patent number: 10827867
    Abstract: The mailbox delivery notification system is configured for use with a mailbox and a personal data device. The mailbox delivery notification system monitors the mailbox. The mailbox delivery notification system transmits a message to the personal data device when the mailbox delivery notification system detects that the mailbox door has been opened to deliver the mail. The mailbox delivery notification system comprises a housing, a reed switch, and a control circuit. The housing contains the control circuit and a portion of the reed switch. The reed switch electrically connects to the control circuit. The reed switch generates an electric signal indicating that the mailbox door is open. The control circuit monitors the reed switch. The control circuit transmits a message to the personal data device when the control circuit detects the electric signal indicating that the mailbox door is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Vangi
  • Patent number: 10806287
    Abstract: A retractable arm device, system, and method with a locking mechanism for preventing items placed in a device or receptacle from getting stuck, damaged, or torn. The retractable arm includes an inner tube, a pawl, and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube. The inner tube slides within the outer tube and the pawl preventing the retractable arm from moving into an extended position under particular conditions. The retractable arm may be placed in a receptacle for items to prevent the door from being reopened before the door is fully closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Joram Shenhar, Joel Locknauth Dewnandan, William Albert Tartal
  • Patent number: 10595657
    Abstract: The present is directed to a “virtually indestructible” mailbox which has a dome shaped end directed to destructive snow plow road work, anti-destructive armour shape is to propel any incoming impact forces and to be absorbed into the circular body by transferring impact loads into the tubular armour bullet-like shape. The mailbox as a vault, having a circular plan and in the form of a spherical dome, so constructed as to exert an equal impact load into armour shape shell body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Yoder, Bruce Yoder
  • Patent number: 10595658
    Abstract: A safety mailbox assembly, comprising: a substantially hollow and post-less top structure configured with a top portion of a reversible connection at a base of the top structure and including at least one mail box disposed therein; a substantially hollow and post-less bottom structure configured with a bottom portion of the reversible connection; wherein the top portion and the bottom portion connect together to reversibly connect the top structure and the bottom structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Dominick D'Andrea, Lawrence Stephen Stone
  • Patent number: 10499757
    Abstract: A mailbox comprises an outer shell and an inner shell mounted within a hollow interior of the outer shell, the inner shell defining a hollow interior for receiving mail contents and further defining one or more voids with the outer shell. A door is mounted of a movement to selectively open or close one end of the outer and inner shells. A camera is concealed in one void adjacent the front end, the camera being configured to capture an image in front of the mailbox when the door is moved to at least partially expose the hollow interior for receiving mail contents. A transmitter and a receiver are mounted adjacent the front end to generate an output signal when the mail contents break the light beam therebetween. A flag rotates on the outer shell and actuates a switch to annunciate a presence of the mail contents within the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Gregory M Bradish
  • Patent number: 10417883
    Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method includes identifying image data from a signal, analyzing the image data based at least in part on a first parameter, identifying a presence of an object based at least in part on the analyzing, and detecting an object event based at least in part on the identifying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Bunker, Rongbin Lanny Lin, Aaron Davis, Shiwei Liu
  • Patent number: 10349770
    Abstract: A package receptacle is configured to allow for the convenient input, temporary storage, and selective removal of packages and items. The package receptacle includes a receptacle, a tongue plate, a one-way access hinge mechanism, a slab, an access mechanism, and a lockable hatch. The receptacle is the container into which packages and items are placed for storage. The tongue plate is a protrusion that prevents theft or removal of items placed within the receptacle by covering the opening of the receptacle. The one-way access hinge mechanism prevents items from exiting the receptacle in the reverse manner in which items were inserted. The slab is a heavy weighted unit that prevents removal of the apparatus from its position. The access opening is cut into the receptacle to allow for retrieval of items. The lockable hatch is a closure that prevents unauthorized access to items contained within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Alex Cougar
  • Patent number: 10034567
    Abstract: A mailbox assembly includes a replacement mailbox having an outer surface, a rib extending along the outer surface of the replacement mailbox, a notification device secured to a front end of the replacement mailbox. A method to replace a damaged mailbox includes providing a replacement mailbox having a geometric shape smaller than a geometric shape of the damaged mailbox, sliding the replacement mailbox within the damaged mailbox, and securing the replacement mailbox at a spaced distance within the damaged mailbox with a rib secured to an outer surface of the replacement mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Scattered Mind Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Jimmy Billue
  • Patent number: 9700166
    Abstract: A mailbox with improved structural rigidity and improved impact resistance over previous mailboxes includes one or more of a rod at least partially within a rolled front edge of the mailbox, use of the mailbox floor to improve structural integrity, such as by rolling the body and floor edge together, rolling the body edge and sliding a flanged floor into the roll, or hemming the floor and body together, and/or a front door impact brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: ARCHITECTURAL MAILBOXES, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Andrew Farentinos, Craig Ronald Steele, Raffy Michael Arce-Paje
  • Patent number: 9675195
    Abstract: A mailbox insert to prevent mail from contacting pooling water in a mailbox, includes: a front section, including a slanted portion, a front support which is connected to the slanted portion, a middle support, and a front lateral adjustment component; and a rear section, including a rear support which is connected to a rear end of the rear section, at least one side hook, and a rear lateral adjustment component; wherein the front section is configured to be insertable into the at least one side hook such that the front section is slidably coupled to the rear section, whereby the mailbox insert is configured to allow a user to change a length of the mailbox insert; and wherein the front lateral adjustment component and the rear lateral adjustment component are configured to expand and contract laterally, whereby the mailbox insert is configured to allow a user to change a width of the mailbox insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventors: Nelson R. De La Nuez, Wade A. Ragan, Joshua R. De La Nuez
  • Patent number: 9504344
    Abstract: Provided is a storage unit for depositing articles for subsequent retrieval. The storage unit includes a plurality of storage compartments with at least one retractable and foldable shelf member within each storage compartment. The storage unit also includes a set of doors configured to cooperate with each other and movable between a closed configuration which disallows access to the plurality of storage compartments and an opened configuration which allows access to the plurality of storage compartments. A control system which includes a computer, a processor board and software is also included with the storage unit. The control system may receive and process an input allowing the set of doors to be moved to an open configuration and may selectively define an access opening between the set of doors for accessing a storage section selected from at least one of the storage compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Seyed Amin Ghorashi Sarvestani
  • Publication number: 20150001283
    Abstract: A mailbox has an interior cavity with an open front and a closed back opposite the open front. A hinged and moveable door covers the open front. An exterior surface is opposite the interior cavity and the exterior surface contains an exterior panel. The mailbox also contains a rechargeable battery. A solar panel is disposed on the mailbox and arranged to generate electrical energy for recharging the rechargeable battery. The solar panel is operatively connected to the rechargeable batter to form a circuit. A first light source is disposed within the interior cavity of the mailbox. The first light source is operatively connected to the rechargeable battery and is powered thereby. A photocell is disposed on an exterior panel of the mailbox and configured to block power to the first light source when the photocell is illuminated. Thus, the first light source only provides light when the photocell is not illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Jefferson Ian Morris, James Gregory Wohlford, Michael Ming-Jae Lin
  • Publication number: 20140346221
    Abstract: The invention is an improved mailbox in which a sectional roll-up type door, in addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal, facilitates access to the mail box contents, can be used in a weather-resistant way at the side or rear to avoid standing in traffic, and can also be used as a platform for insulation, solar collection, displays, lighting and various types of sensing of conditions at the interior of the mailbox such as the presence or absence of mail. The sectional door moves along parallel tracks that are mounted in the interior of the box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Linda J. Pendergast
  • Patent number: 8875987
    Abstract: An extension mailbox which includes a main mailbox housing mounted onto a vertical support extending from the ground. A plurality of auxiliary mailbox housings, are nested concentrically within the main mailbox housing. A rail system allows the auxiliary mailbox housings to project outwardly away from the main mailbox housing in a telescopic horizontal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Stanley Supulski, Sarah Wesko
  • Patent number: 8794505
    Abstract: A mailbox protection system that deflects debris away from striking a mailbox that is attached to a bottom area of a mailbox post to reduce a moment of force on the post. A deflection assembly is held in place utilizing a cantilevered structural mounting assembly. The deflection assembly is physically separated from a proximate mailbox that the deflection assembly is configured to protect. The mailbox protection system minimizes or reduces the moment of a force causes by debris striking the deflection assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Michael T. Richardson
  • Patent number: 8789803
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mailbox slider device that provides mailboxes of various widths to be slideably mounted along the horizontal portion of an existing mailbox support post. The device comprises a first base member and a second slideable member being attached using complimentary tongue and groove sliders, wherein the members include a recessed channel having a first and second channel stop that prevents separation of the two members at the base member distal end, while allowing separation and engagement of the members along the inward proximal end of the base member. A mailbox is secured to a support block, which then attaches to the upper surface of the second sliding member. The sliding member engages the base member from its proximal end, whereafter the base member is secured to the horizontal portion of a mailbox post to provide a readily extendable and retractable assembly for improved access for postal service workers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventors: James Richard Van Wingerden, Mary Ellen Van Wingerden
  • Patent number: 8757476
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a receptacle repair insert, which may have an insert body with at least an outer surface. The outer surface may have a first shape and be effective to attach to a receptacle body having at least an inner surface with a second shape. The inner surface may define at least one orifice and the insert body may be effective to fit into the at least one orifice. The receptacle repair insert may also have at least one extension movably connected to the insert body wherein the extension is effective to create a door. The extension may block at least a portion of the at least one orifice. Further disclosed is a method for replacing at least one mailbox door using at least one embodiment of the receptacle repair insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Todd Childress
  • Patent number: 8708219
    Abstract: A mailbox support attaching to a post includes an arm for supporting a mailbox at a given height, an opening for freely allowing the arm to slide over the post, and a tab flexibly extending into the opening and designed to limit movement of the arm relative to the post if the post is disposed within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Charles A. Patterson, Michael Reedy, Victor Hoernig
  • Publication number: 20140069996
    Abstract: The objective of the invention is to deflect snow thrown by a snow plow to prevent damage and lack of accessibility to mail boxes. The drawing scale is 1:8. Engineered drawings now completed. A model has been fabricated and constructed. A plastics engineer is required to determine the proper plastic/synthetic materials and the thicknesses of the side walls and bracing. Changes to follow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Charles O. Pickens
  • Patent number: 8657185
    Abstract: A moveable mailbox tray for mounting in a new or existing mailbox wherein said mailbox tray is attached to the door of the mailbox and is repositioned, along with the contents of the mailbox, both horizontally and vertically in the direction of the user when the mailbox door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Diane Corey
  • Patent number: 8616435
    Abstract: A mailbox accessory device for insertion within the cavity of a mailbox for more easily accessing mail located towards the rear portion of the mailbox including a first member extending along at least a portion of the length of the mailbox cavity, the second member being coupled to the first member. The mailbox device is movable within the mailbox cavity from a position wherein the second member lies in the vicinity of the rear wall of the mailbox to a position wherein the second member lies in the vicinity of the access opening of the mailbox. The second member extends above the first member and engages mail located in the mailbox cavity so as to move such mail to the access opening of the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Larry Crabtree, Jan Jansco
  • Publication number: 20130232834
    Abstract: A mailbox protector may include a deflection surface adapted to deflect impacting snow and debris thrown by a snow plow. A mailbox protector may also include at least one anchor member in a fixed relation to the deflection surface. It may further include a complementary anchor member adapted to engage the at least one anchor member in a mounting relation. Furthermore, the at least one complementary anchor member may be adapted to be fixedly disposed in an arbitrary substrate such as concrete, or soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Judith Fiore
  • Patent number: 8490859
    Abstract: The rotating mailbox device is provided in varying degrees of complexity, with each embodiment thereof focused on as basic a design as is possible while still retaining the important features of the device. Even the most basic design provides illuminated address, illumination strips within the mailbox assembly, and exterior indicators for indicating mail received via sensing of door opening. Of importance is that the basic design of the device dictates that the dished tray is rotateably affixed directly atop the post and may also be affixed off-center regarding the tray. The direct post-to-tray attachment negates the need for further attachment devices such as horizontal arms, for example. Lateral attachment of the mailbox assembly to the platform elevated section provides for easiest disassembly of part of the device and also for the elevated section to be a floor for the mailbox assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Brett A. Master, Donald A. Bland, Theresa K. Master
  • Patent number: 8485424
    Abstract: A security mailbox secures mail deposited therein from theft and protects its contents from the elements by having a receiving section including a receiving chamber for receiving mail through a mail delivery opening in its front end, a securing section including a securing chamber for receiving mail from the receiving chamber, and a teeter baffle separating the receiving chamber from the securing chamber. The securing chamber has an access door for selectively accessing delivered mail items secured therein. A portion of the securing section pecincluding the access door is selectably attachable to the remainder of the mailbox such that the access door can be on the front or the back of the mailbox. Fasteners accessible only through the access door attach the top end of the securing section to the remainder of the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Gary L. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130175332
    Abstract: A mailbox system includes a mailbox housing having an interior chamber. The interior chamber has a surface area and a depth. A lockbox is securely coupled to the mailbox housing, and the lockbox is disposed in the interior chamber of the mailbox housing. A security door is hingeably attached to a wall of the lockbox. The security door has a size smaller than that of the surface area of the interior chamber of the mailbox housing. A lock assembly is coupled to the security door, and the lock assembly is configured to alternatively maintain the security door in a closed position or an opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Tafforest Brewer
  • Publication number: 20130098979
    Abstract: A mailbox accessory device for insertion within the cavity of a mailbox for more easily accessing mail located towards the rear portion of the mailbox including a first member extending along at least a portion of the length of the mailbox cavity, the second member being coupled to the first member. The mailbox device is movable within the mailbox cavity from a position wherein the second member lies in the vicinity of the rear wall of the mailbox to a position wherein the second member lies in the vicinity of the access opening of the mailbox. The second member extends above the first member and engages mail located in the mailbox cavity so as to move such mail to the access opening of the mailbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Larry Crabtree, Jan Jansco
  • Patent number: 8390850
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Thomas Writt
  • Publication number: 20130020384
    Abstract: A moveable mailbox tray for mounting in a new or existing mailbox wherein said mailbox tray is attached to the door of the mailbox and is repositioned, along with the contents of the mailbox, both horizontally and vertically in the direction of the user when the mailbox door is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Diane Corey
  • Publication number: 20120280028
    Abstract: A secure deposit box and method of construction thereof are presented. An inner door is affixed to a top inner surface of a housing and movable on a top edge around a sphere of rotation defined by a bottom edge. An outer door is affixed to a front side of the housing and moveable on a bottom edge. A connecting member is attached on one end to a side edge of the inner door and on the other end to a corresponding side edge of the outer door. An inner panel is fixedly attached to the bottom edge of the outer door, moveable on a proximal edge in the same direction as the outer and inner door, and has a distal edge defining a sphere of rotation which is distinct from the sphere of rotation for the inner door. No overlap exists between the inner door and the inner panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: David J. Bolles
  • Publication number: 20110276472
    Abstract: The invention provides a closures (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116, 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116, 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (eg. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (eg. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least on indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Dickory Rudduck, Lachlan Richard Goldspink
  • Patent number: 8042729
    Abstract: A mailbox tray mountable to a standard mailbox, the mailbox tray having a bracket arm and a substantially thin generally rectangular slideable tray. The tray has a mail-facing surface disposed substantially parallel to the top surface of the bottom panel of the mailbox. The slideable tray portion has a depression to facilitate mail gripping and removal. A mail-facing surface has one or more drain holes and at least one ridge. The first end of the bracket arm is pivotably connected to the front door and the second end of the bracket arm is pivotably connected to the slideable tray such that when the front door is opened, at least a portion of the slideable tray is extended outside of the cavity and when said front door is closed, the slideable tray is returned in its entirety inside of the cavity. In a second embodiment, the slideable tray further comprises a first segment and a second segment which are pivotably connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Tuan Quoc Dinh
  • Publication number: 20110210166
    Abstract: A mailbox tray mountable to a standard mailbox, the mailbox tray having a bracket arm and a substantially thin generally rectangular slideable tray. The tray has a mail-facing surface disposed substantially parallel to the top surface of the bottom panel of the mailbox. The slideable tray portion has a depression to facilitate mail gripping and removal. A mail-facing surface has one or more drain holes and at least one ridge. The first end of the bracket arm is pivotably connected to the front door and the second end of the bracket arm is pivotably connected to the slideable tray such that when the front door is opened, at least a portion of the slideable tray is extended outside of the cavity and when said front door is closed, the slideable tray is returned in its entirety inside of the cavity. In a second embodiment, the slideable tray further comprises a first segment and a second segment which are pivotably connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Tuan Quoc Dinh
  • Patent number: 7931189
    Abstract: A retrofit mailbox security kit includes a binding strap conformable to an interior surface of a mailbox and a hingeably attached security door. A security tab is rigidly attached to the binding strap. The security door in the closed position and the security tab form a mail insertion aperture extending substantially a width of the mailbox. A lock assembly coupled to the security door can restrain the security door in a closed position. The binding strap may be adhered to the interior surface of the mailbox with rivets or with two-sided adhesive tape. The two-sided adhesive tape may be covered with a removably adhered protective film accessible through a clearance aperture in the binding strap to enable the binding strap to be rigidly attached to the interior surface of the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: Harry Kalenburg