Abstract: An extendable and retractable mailbox tray, which is a sliding, guided tray that is mountable within into a standard, rural mailbox. The tray extends from the mailbox when the mailbox door is opened, and retracts back within the mailbox when the mailbox door is closed. The guided mailbox tray assembly includes a tray, which may be referred to as a “sled.” Preferably, the tray is cut out and bent into the form of a rectangular box from a single sheet of galvanized metal. The tray has a side panel and a runner slot cut within the side panel. A runner with a slot fastener end, and a bracket fastener end that is slidingly mountable into the runner slot. A bracket is mountable to the openable door of the mailbox. The bracket includes a runner fastener that is hingably attachable to the bracket fastener of the runner. The tray extends from the mailbox upon opening the door and the tray retracts back into the mailbox when the door is closed.

Abstract: A Mailbox Caddie for reception and containment of pieces of mail, fully insertable into an individual standard Post Office mailbox. The tray consists of an economic, one piece molded plastic part, integrating all functional and aesthetically features, to match the Mailbox Caddie having four sides, which form an almost hollow parallelepiped, except for its front end, which is open, with both sides left and right tapered towards the front. The front edge base has a round lip and a sponge rubber adhesive pad to ease its handling. The base has three central ribs, raised from the bottom, to brace the length of the tray and raise the pieces of mail from the bottom of the base around the three up right sides, with an outer extended perpendicular edge also reinforcing the tray. When the tray is pulled out so far that it pivots on the front of the box, the outer back corners of the perpendicular upper edge limit the pivoting angle of the Mailbox Caddie as it is removed.

Abstract: The mailbox with sliding tray is a mailbox housing with a tray guided on a pair of tracks to dispose the tray completely outside the housing. Each track has a plurality of slides. One pair of slides is attached to the mailbox housing and another pair is attached to the tray. The tracks are preferably telescopic, ball bearing tracks that glide along each other to dispose the tray completely outside the housing. A door is attached to a front edge of the tray by a hinge. The door serves as a handle to either pull down the door and view the inside of the mailbox or pull down the door and slide the tray forward, away from the mailbox housing, to view the entire length of the tray.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program for notifying an electronic address of the presence of physical mail in a designated mailbox is provided. The presence of at least one piece of mail in the mailbox is detected and an electronic notification is transmitted to the address indicating the presence of the at least one piece of mail.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a durable mailbox which has an aerodynamic design that protects the mailbox from destructive elements such as weather and flying projectiles. The present mailbox has an aerodynamic design that slopes down from the left to the right. The descending slope design reduces the surface impact caused by projectile matter.

Abstract: A mailbox assembly includes a housing including a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a back wall. A front wall is hingedly coupled to the housing and defines a first door for selectively opening or closing the housing. A top wall is attached to the first and second side walls. The top wall is substantially transparent. A window is positioned in the first side wall and comprises a substantially transparent material. The window has a pair of apertures extending therethrough. Each of a pair of gloves has a wrist portion and a hand portion. Each of the wrist portions is attached to and extending along a perimeter edge of one of the apertures such that each of the gloves extends into housing.

Abstract: A portable detection system (10) for hazardous materials including explosives and infectious or hazardous biological agents readily adapted to conventional mail collection boxes (12), rural mailboxes (100) and the like. The system includes a fan (14) and a sensor (16). The fan (14) provides sufficient airflow to circulate the air within a mailbox such that the internal air after coming in contact with the contents is directed the sensor for analysis. The air quality can be determined visually (137), audibly (138), or electronically (139). Consequently once such detection is made and the air is verified as being safe, the contents can be removed safely. If it is determined that the air contains some type of hazardous material, further steps can be taken to specifically locate the source of such hazardous material. An alternative embodiment includes a filter (15) to improve fan efficiency.

Abstract: A mailbox includes a housing having a front portion and being formed from transparent material so that a user may view inside the housing from an exterior thereof. A front door is pivotally connected to the housing and preferably includes a transparent portion disposed substantially medially between a perimeter thereof. A cover plate is removably positionable in front of the transparent portion for preventing a person from seeing therethrough and into the housing. A locking mechanism releasably maintains the front door at a closed position. A plurality of members are pivotally connected to the housing and movable between up and down positions for covering the front transparent portion of the housing so that a person cannot see inside the housing when standing at an exterior thereof.

Abstract: A system that determines if mail contains life-harming materials before the mail enters the interior of a receptacle, i.e., mail box. This invention accomplishes the foregoing by issuing identification cards that uniquely identify mailers; having a scanner at a receptacle read the identification card and send the unique identifying code contained in the card to a data center that checks if the card is genuine; and stores the card's unique code before mail is permitted to enter the interior of the receptacle.

Abstract: A safety mailbox system including a mailbox container integrated with at least one decontaminating mechanism is disclosed. Contaminants may include chemical and biological agents.

Abstract: An instantaneous remote mail viewing system comprising an instantaneous analog video transmission device mounted inside a mailbox, an analog video receiver that receives and transmits a video image to a video monitor or television and a remote transmitter that activates the analog video transmission device only while the remote transmitter is activated. The analog video transmission device is normally in a low power, standby mode that has a minimal power drain. The unit is transmitting only when activated by the user and reverts to the normal low power, standby mode when the user releases the activation switch.

Abstract: A mailbox, particularly useful for rural mail delivery, comprises a housing having an inwardly opening access door for the depositing and withdrawal of mail, newspapers, and the like. The front wall of the housing comprises a bottom portion, two side edges, and an upper edge defining an opening through which mail and the like may be inserted and withdrawn. The top of the access door is hingedly connected to the housing at the upper part of the opening so that when closed the door covers the opening. When mail is inserted, the door is pushed upwardly and inwardly after which the door swings back to the closed position automatically under the force of gravity. The return swing to the closed position is aided by a weight attached to the inside of the door. The access door has a magnetic closure. The deposited mail rests on an open mesh panel having passages for water drainage. The mesh panel is positioned low enough to allow an accumulation of mail without interfering with the swing of the door.

Abstract: A mailbox operated signal device has a motion detector that is attached to the inside of a conventional mailbox and activates a light and a speaker to alert residents that the mail has been delivered to their mailbox. A wireless transmitter is electrically connected to the motion detector. The wireless transmitter is capable of transmitting a motion detected signal. A wireless receiver is capable of receiving the transmitted motion detected signal. A light is electrically connected to the wireless receiver. The light is for indicating when the motion detected signal is received by the wireless receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security mailbox. The mailbox includes an inner and an outer sleeve which are slidably engaged with one another. Each sleeve has an alternating pattern of an opaque portion and a transparent portion. When the transparent portions are aligned with one another, the user is able to view the contents of the mailbox. The mailbox additionally includes a remote control for activating the power source, which slides the inner sleeve underlying the outer sleeve. In combination with a latch mechanism, this remote control also enables the user to open the mailbox door from a considerable distance away.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a mailbox is disclosed comprising the steps of obtaining an extruded metal bar having a generally L-shaped cross section defining an elevation flange and a base flange, wherein the length of the elevation flange is selected to correspond to the desired height of the side walls of the mailbox and the length of the base flange is selected to correspond to one-half of the desired width of the mailbox floor. The outside face of the elevation flange has one or more areas shaped as a decorative molding detail to create the appearance of a case mailbox. The base flange has an inside face in a pattern of raised longitudinal ribs that define a grooved surface. The open channel of the mailbox is created by cutting two equal-length billets from the extruded bar, welding them together facing each other, attaching a back pate, a hinged door plate and an ornamental cast metal roof. The appearance of the finished box creates the illusion of a cast metal mailbox.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security mailbox. The mailbox includes an inner and an outer sleeve which are slidably engaged with one another. Each sleeve has an alternating pattern of an opaque portion and a transparent portion. When the transparent portions are aligned with one another, the user is able to view the contents of the mailbox. The mailbox additionally includes a remote control for activating the power source, which slides the inner sleeve underlying the outer sleeve. In combination with a latch mechanism, this remote control also enables the user to open the mailbox door from a considerable distance away.

Abstract: An improved mailbox is provided which includes a security subassembly. The security subassembly includes an elongated sleeve which is fixed into position relative to a mailbox. It further includes a security door which is locked into position relative to the elongated sleeve. A mail slot is provided in the security door which allows for a mail carrier to deposit mail within the central cavity of the mailbox. A locking mechanism is provided to allow the security door to be moved between a normally closed condition and an open condition to allow the authorized user to remove mail from the central cavity of the mailbox.

Abstract: A mailbox having a direct illumination lighting system in which light is directed downward so as to shine on an address plate or other sign is disclosed. The lighting system is powered by rechargeable batteries that are recharged by a solar energy system. The solar energy system collects solar energy and converts it into electrical energy.

Abstract: A mailbox contains a UV lamp to produce UV and ozone. The lamp is activated when the mailbox door is closed to destroy biological materials in the mail box.

Abstract: A safety mailbox includes a housing having a body portion with an opening therein. A door is attached to the body portion for selectively opening or closing the opening in the housing. The body portion has a plurality of louvers extending therethrough such that air may freely enter and leave the housing.

Abstract: A door plate assembly includes an upright support unit having a lower end adapted to be disposed on a ground surface, a door plate mounted on the upright supports unit, a lighting unit mounted on the upright support unit and operable so as to generate a light output for illuminating the door plate, and a power source mounted on the upright support unit. The power source includes a solar panel that is adapted to convert solar energy to electrical energy, a battery unit that is coupled electrically to and that is charged by the electrical energy generated by the solar panel, and alighting controller connected electrically to the battery unit and the lighting unit. The lighting controller controls activation of the lighting unit.

Abstract: A mailbox having stackable component parts for efficient transport and storage of the parts. The mailbox is sold as a kit of component parts for quick and easy assembly onto a standard 4×4 inch or 6×12 inch post. The mailbox may be fit with a decorative cover and detachable ornamental flag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal delivery and collection box unit (UDCBU). In one implementation, a UDCBU includes a mail compartment (110/120) accessible by one door (210) and a storage compartment (130) accessible by a second door (220). The mail compartment allows the postal service to deliver and pickup mail. The storage compartment allows both the postal service and authorized delivery services to deliver larger parcels. In this implementation, information would be recorded regarding access to this storage compartment and transmitted electronically to a consumer.

Abstract: A tray and track assembly for a typical rural mailbox has a track frame attached to the mailbox bottom with longitudinal rails for receiving and guiding a pair of track members on the bottom of a tray. Two extension arms are pivotally attached to the sidewalls of the tray, and attached to the inside of the hinged mailbox front door. When the front door is opened the extension arms pull the tray forward on the track frame until stop members on the track frame and tray halt the forward movement of the tray. A part of the tray is then beyond the interior of the mailbox. The extension arms push the tray back into the mailbox when the front door is closed. Ridges elevate the mail above condensation that forms on the tray bottom, and drain holes in the tray allow such liquids to drain.

Abstract: A portable detection system (10) for hazardous materials including explosives and infectious or hazardous biological agents readily adapted to conventional mail collection boxes (12), rural mailboxes (100) and the like. The system includes a fan (14) and a sensor (16). The fan (14) provides sufficient airflow to circulate the air within a mailbox such that the internal air after coming in contact with the contents is directed the sensor for analysis. The air quality can be determined visually (137), audibly (138), or electronically (139). Consequently once such detection is made and the air is verified as being safe, the contents can be removed safely. If it is determined that the air contains some type of hazardous material, further steps can be taken to specifically locate the source of such hazardous material. An alternative embodiment includes a filter (15) to improve fan efficiency. The system is further adaptable to other mail container embodiments such as a mailbag (40).

Abstract: A mailbox contains a UV lamp to produce UV and ozone. The lamp is activated when the mailbox door is closed to destroy biological materials in the mail box.

Abstract: An improved mailbox designed to rid bacteria and other biological germs present in contents. Designed as a mailbox for small-business or home, the mailbox has a housing assembly with an access door. Within the housing is an ultra violet and ozone generating system. At a rear section of the housing assembly is an extractor assembly, which includes an air intake, filtering system, and extraction fan. When the access door is opened, a micro-switch is triggered, activating a timer assembly. For a first predetermined amount of time, the ultra violet and ozone generating system operate to sterilize bacteria and other biological germs present in the contents, while an “unsafe” indicator is illuminated. Once that operation is complete, the extractor assembly operates for a second predetermined time. When the second predetermined time expires, a “safe” indicator illuminates, notifying a user that the contents have been sterilized for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A mail box comprising a separated top and bottom port. A pivotally hinged gate/tray serves for depositing the incoming mail. The gate/tray has a pocket for outgoing mail and secures the top port from theft. Under the gate-tray a fixture with short wave ultraviolet (UV) light irradiates the box inside simultaneously generating ozone for a predetermined time. This time starts after the outgoing mail is put in the pocket or the incoming mail is dropped inside. A specially designed basket provides space around the mail where sanitizing gas freely diffuses. The light source can irradiate and activate gas-releasing material generating other disinfecting gas such as chlorine dioxide or ethylene oxide. The bottom port is closed by a locked door and allows for retrieving the mail, and setting and maintaining the UV-fixture. Two signals on an outside flag indicate the beginning and the end of the sanitizing process.

Abstract: A method of automatically sterilizing mail all mail received provides assurance to the recipients of the mail and facilitates efficient processing of the mail. The method comprises the steps of: providing an internal electromagnetic radiation source to sterilize mail deposited in the mail box; providing an electric door switch serially connected to the electromagnetic radiation source adapted to close only when the mail box door is closed so that the electromagnetic radiation radiates from the source only when the front door is closed; and, providing a sterilization timer activated when the mail box door is closed, said timer configured to maintain the electromagnetic source on for a sufficient period after the mail box door is closed to radiate and thereby sterilize any mail deposited therein. One aspect of the invention comprises a method of retrofitting a mail box with an assembly containing all of the components listed above.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mailbox sanitization device employing ultraviolet lamps mounted therein. The lamps are activated after placement of mail, postcards, packages and the like into the mailbox for approximately 60 seconds. The ultraviolet lamp may further produce residual ozone sufficient to destroy most viruses found on the materials placed within the mailbox. The mailbox may be operated in remote areas by use of low voltage or in a commercial setting for protection of postal employees.

Abstract: A freestanding mailbox is illuminated through the structural support post by an internal light source. A support element having an at least partially translucent section is coupled to a mailbox head. An illumination source is optically coupled to the support element, wherein the at least partially translucent section of the support element is illuminated by the illumination source. As the illumination source is optically coupled to the support element, the support element and/or mailbox head may be replaced if damaged without having to replace the illumination source.

Abstract: A mailbox for residential or business use that sanitizes mail deposited within it. The mailbox is equipped with one or more sanitizing devices such as a UV light, an ultra-sound unit, a heating element, and/or a misting device that dispenses a bactericidal mist.

Abstract: A method and system for sterilizing mail is provided. A mailbox is loaded with mail and closed. A decontamination process is performed over a predetermined period of time. An indicator communicates the status of the decontamination process.

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 biohazard-isolating bag is positioned in the interior space of a public mailbox. The biohazard-isolating bag receives mail that is deposited in the mailbox. A postal worker, upon retrieving mail from the mailbox, closes the biohazard-isolating bag. Contaminants that may be carried by letters or mailpieces are thereby contained within the bag and isolated from the environment exterior of the bag. The contents of the biohazard-isolating bag may be safely transported for further decontamination or processing.

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

Abstract: An enclosure includes a pair of panel mounts for orienting adjacent a surface, a pair of side panels movably coupled to the panel mounts and movable between storage orientations generally between the panel mounts and use orientations in which they project away from the surface generally perpendicular thereto, a top panel having a storage orientation generally between the panel mounts and a use orientation in which it is projected from between the panel mounts and pivoted downwardly and forwardly to overlie and engage the side panels and a front panel for engagement with the side panels and the top panel when the top panel is in its use orientation to form an enclosure.

Abstract: A theft-preventative mailbox for holding various sizes of mail correspondence and mail parcels. The mailbox includes an elongate and internally hollowed body and an upwardly and forwardly angled mail inserting end including; a mail correspondence insertion slot at a generally upper end location of the elongated body. The body further includes a mail storage compartment, and the body is further fixedly anchored at a ground location so that at least a portion of the mail storage compartment extends below a surface of the ground location. An access door is defined within the mail box and permits the depositing of mail parcels into the storage compartment. A mail retrieval mechanisms permits retrieval of the mail correspondence and mail parcels deposited within the storage compartment. The mail retrieval mechanism includes the upwardly and forwardly angled mail inserting end being hingedly secured to the generally upper end location of the elongated body.

Abstract: A mailbox having stackable component parts for efficient transport and storage of the parts. The mailbox is sold as a kit of component parts for quick and easy assembly onto a standard 4×4 inch or 6×12 inch post. The mailbox may be fit with a decorative cover and detachable ornamental flag.

Abstract: A mailbox assembly includes a mailbox housing having a base plate with exterior side walls connected to an exterior roof panel and interior side walls connected to an interior roof panel. The interior roof panel and side walls are inwardly spaced from corresponding exterior structures for defining a chamber therebetween. The front end of the chamber is closed whereas a rear end thereof is open. A sealing plate may be removably positioned so as to seal the open rear end such that the chamber may be filled with a liquid or other articles. The base plate includes rails slidable along guide channels of a bracket mountable to a mailbox support post such that the housing may be slidably removed therefrom. A locking plate is dimensioned to cover the open back of the mailbox housing and to be releasably coupled to the bracket.

Abstract: A rural type mailbox having transparent window formed through the front, rear thereof a perferred embodiment, a slide transparent window is provided which allows the user to open the window to access the interior from the side of the mailbox to remove or inter mail when desired. Having a mail-in-box indicator LED to let user know when mail has arrived, having LED's to illuminate inside mailbox to see in at night using a remote control, having solar panel for rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: A mailbox cover apparatus consisting of a sheet having at least two opposing edges that a are adapted to removably yet securely maintain the sheet intimately over the mailbox. The opposing edges are adapted to engage the mailbox at a bottom thereof such that the engaging means does not interfere with the aesthetics of the cover. In addition, the mailbox cover may also be adapted to display both surfaces thereof interchangeably as desired.

Abstract: A parcel receptacle having a housing and a door member coupled to the housing, the door member structured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a lock assembly. The lock assembly includes a cam lock, a lock set assembly and a lock catch assembly. The cam lock having a latch member structured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock set assembly having a first position and a second position. The lock catch assembly having a catch member. The cam lock is coupled to the parcel receptacle door. The lock set is coupled to the parcel receptacle door adjacent to the cam lock. The catch member coupled to the housing so that the catch member is positioned to engage either the cam lock latch member or the lock set assembly when the door member is moved into the closed position.

Abstract: A nestable mailbox (10) having a tapered body (12) with an open first end (24) and a second end (30). The tapering of the body (12) is such that the first end (24) circumscribes a greater surface area than that circumscribed by the second end (30). A door (26) for the mailbox (10) is connected to the body (12) at the first end (24). The mailbox can then be nested with other like mailboxes by inserting the second end (30) of one mailbox into the first end (24) of another mailbox. The door of each mailbox in the nested arrangement can point downwardly frontwardly or downwardly rearwardly. The nestable mailbox may additionally, if desired, carry another door (76) at the second end (30).

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 single-door locking mailbox that includes a housing having an open end and a door pivotally mounted to the housing for closing and opening the end. The door can be fully open, near closed but not locked or fully closed. A locking assembly, with a latch which can be placed in either the locked or unlocked position with a key, is attached to the door. A catch is attached at one end to the inside of the enclosure and has a camming surface and a hole at the free end. The camming surface deflects the catch over the latch when the door is pushed closed. The hole in the catch is positioned and configured so that it captures the locked latch when the door is pushed fully closed. The catch is resilient enough to be elastically deflected over the latch. A guard over the catch shields it from being deflected by a finger or tool inserted through the mail slot by a thief.

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 mail box construction including a security compartment housed beneath a regular conventional mail compartment. The bottom of the conventional portion of the mail box is formed by an extension of a hinged door which is in a substantially horizontal position when the mail box door is opened and which lowers into a declined position when the mail box door is completely closed. When the door closes the mail drops into a locked safety compartment for later retrieval. An outgoing mail shelf is carried on a sidewall of the conventional mail compartment.

Abstract: A security mailbox assembly includes a mail storage module enclosing a mail storage vault and a mail drop port. A mailbox is mounted on the mail storage module directly over the mail drop port. The mailbox includes a pivot door that is movable to an open position for presenting outgoing mail and for receiving incoming mail. The pivot door includes a trap door panel covering the mail drop port when the pivot door is in the open position, with the trap door panel being rotatable through the mail drop port and into the security vault as the pivot door is moved to the closed position. A mail tray is attached to the pivot door for holding outgoing mail, and a rotatable disc flag is coupled to the mailbox.

Abstract: A mail box insert that includes a decorative facade plate and that is insertable into an existing mail receiving compartment of an existing mail box housing and secured in place to refurbish the appearance of the existing mail box. The mail box insert is held in place with opposed securing screw assemblies that generate a compressional force against the inner surfaces of the existing mail box sidewalls.