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: In the case of parcels delivered by an automatic delivery system, all tenants in an apartment, etc., agree to receive parcels by a box; however, in the case of registered mails, in particular, registered mails with cash, some tenants do not agree to receive these from a delivery box because of fear of theft, etc. The resulting problem is that the delivery box is not used for delivering registered mails. A delivery box capable of handling a registered mail is provided with: a memory 22 for preliminarily memorizing kinds of registered mails that are not accepted by receivers, with respect to each of the receivers; a barcode reader 12d for reading electronic information of a registered mail; a judgment device 21 for making a judgment as to whether or not the kind of the registered mail read by the electronic information reader is permitted by a destination receiver as an acceptable mail; and a device for opening a lid 13 of a registered mail locker when the registered mail has been judged as an acceptable mail.

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 non-contact food/cuff pass apparatus and system is disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a hollow body adapted to be affixed to a prison door aperture. The hollow body includes a door on one end. The other end is open to be affixed to the prison door aperture. A locking lever is connected to the main body. The locking lever is adapted to lock the body to the prison door. The interior of the body is used to place items to be passed to and from a prisoner.

Abstract: A secure receptacle allows packages to be delivered to domestic premises when members of the household are absent. The apparatus has a pair of doors, which are normally locked, buy may be accessed in sequence to allow a package to be moved from an outer area to a secure inner area. The sequential opening of the doors ensures the inner area is not directly accessible, even to someone making an authorized delivery. The chamber for receiving the package may be collapsed when not in use to minimize the visual and special impact of the apparatus.

Abstract: An integrated keyslot makes it possible to secure a door key immediately after locking a door. Upon leaving the premises and locking the door, the key is deposited in the keyslot. In an embodiment, a chute connects the keyslot to a receptacle on the interior surface of the door, which retains the key until it can be retrieved by the owner. The method and system described herein are believed to be advantageous in providing greater security to premises. As an example, maintenance personnel could be given a key with which they could visit a home to perform repairs. Immediately upon leaving, they would lock the door and deposit the key in the integrated keyslot, thus protecting the owner against loss or theft of the key.

Abstract: An assembly that receives and stores mail secured to the exit side of a mail slot comprising of an opaque flexible pouch attached to a U-shaped mounting frame. The variable positioning capabilities of the assembly adds security to the rear area of the mail slot by blocking the view through the mail slot. Support tracks allow the assembly to adjust to different mail slot dimensions, whether attached to a building, residence or garage door. A support means inserted through a loop located in the upper most portion of the pouch, forming to the U-shaped frame and support structure present a permanent opening for mail to pass through and be stored. The pouches approximate set length adds security against seizure of mail through front side of the mail slot. The invention stores mail as a garage door rotates from a vertical closed position to an open horizontal position. Based on the location of the mail slot, the assembly design allows easy access to the mail for those confined to a wheel chair.

Abstract: A pass through closure and delivery device permitting material to be safely passed through a slot in a partition or prison cell door. A container having first and second openings and first and second doors associated with each opening is disclosed for mounting on a partition or cell door having a slot therethrough. Each door on the container includes a latch that is operable from only one side of the cell door. A cam-operating attaching mechanism allows the container to be releasably mounted to a pair of track members affixed to the cell door with the slot therebetween. Using the pass through delivery device and the method of the present device, food or other materials can be safely delivered to an inmate inside a locked cell by mounting the container of the pass through delivery device on the cell door with one of the openings adjacent the first door covering the slot in the partition.

Abstract: A security deposit mailbox that may be installed in a wall, door or other structure. A pivoting door allows items to be placed into an attached pan from which the items slide or fall through an opening when the door is closed. The pan prevents access to the opening when the door is opened. A secure storage container is provided for retaining the deposited mail when the deposit box and secure storage container are mounted in a wall or plinth. A framework that may be used in the installation, and methods of installation are also presented.

Abstract: A mail slot door immobilizer for immobilizing a mail slot door within a main door, including an interior portion located on an interior side of the mail slot door and overlapping the mail slot door and the main door, and an exterior portion located on an exterior side of the mail slot door and overlapping the mail slot door and the main door. A fastener removably fastens the interior portion to the exterior portion to clamp the mail slot door and the main door between the interior and exterior portions and to prevent movement of the mail slot door with respect to the main door.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temporary storage device associated with a home or office building for use in temporarily storing delivered goods. The storage device has a compartment with an access door associated with a locking device and preferably a handcart. In some embodiments, the storage device is integrated into a wall of a home or office associated with the storage device and further includes a second access door. In other embodiments, a temporary storage device system is provided having a switch means connected to the locking device, an input device, and a control unit, where access to the storage device is granted through entry of a valid security code. Also disclosed is a method for ordering goods from a remote location for delivery into the storage device. In some embodiments, a security code generated at the time of the order is provided to a commercial carrier to access the temporary storage device upon delivery of the good.

Abstract: A household consumable item automatic replenishment system automatically maintains a desired inventory of household consumable items. The household consumable item automatic replenishment system has a refrigerator compartment having an indoor access and an outdoor access and an unrefrigerated compartment having an indoor access and an outdoor access. An automatic inventory system has a plurality of sensors configured to provide information representative of an inventory of the refrigerated compartment and the unrefrigerated compartment. An inventory processor is coupled to the sensors to process the information representative of the inventory of the refrigerated compartment and the unrefrigerated compartment, so as to make a list of items which are to be replenished. An automatic ordering system comprises a telecommunications device coupled to cooperate with the inventory processor to communicate at least a portion of the list to at least one vendor.

Abstract: A message display apparatus for displaying messages and receiving mail includes a body which is attachable to a structure. A note pad is coupled to the front surface of the body. The front surface of the body also has a drawer slidably inserted into the interior of the body and a slot therein providing an opening into the drawer. A pair of spaced apart hooks downwardly extend from the lower end of the body.

Abstract: A computerized delivery-acceptance system has a delivery container (1) with a computer-control input door (4) and an outlet door (18). The input door has a lock (5) that can be unlocked by computer-controlled recognition of access authorization for placing delivery items (2) in the delivery container. After the delivery items are placed in the delivery container, the input door is closed and locks automatically. Then the outlet can be opened separately for receiving the delivery items. Computerized recognition (40, 13, 42, 43, 14, 44, 45, 11, 10), delivery-arrival indicia (16), memory backup (58), power backup (57), operational alarm (15), misuse alarm, compartmental containment, freezer containment (19), delivery records (16) and all-weather protection are provided as options.

Abstract: A mail slot box includes a bottom, opposite sides, a semi-circular back, and an open top. A mounting flange extends along the front edges of the bottom and sides for mounting behind a mail slot and collecting mail delivered therethrough. The semi-circular back causes the mail to rotate and stack in an orderly fashion without binding or bunching up. When mounted behind a mail slot on a garage door, the semi-circular back provides a concave surface for holding the mail and preventing it from falling out when the garage door is lifted to a horizontal open position.

Abstract: A new DOOR IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM for ALLOWING HOMEOWNERS TO RECEIVE AND VERIFY IDENTIFICATION FOR A PERSON KNOCKING ON THEIR DOOR. The inventive device includes an interior door sleeve positioned within a hole through a door. A sliding tray is slidably received within the interior door sleeve. The sliding tray includes an outwardly sliding portion and an inwardly sliding portion with a hinge disposed therebetween. A safety clip is secured to and extends upwardly from a front wall of the inwardly sliding portion of the sliding tray.

Abstract: A tray-like member extends horizontally outward from a vertically oriented panel and is hingedly attached to the panel to be swung upward to a closed position to form a box-like enclosure having an opening at the top. A lid is also hingedly attached to the panel for closing the top opening. A latch is provided interior of the enclosure for holding the tray member in the closed position until manually swung open and a releasable mechanism is provided on the underside of the lid to prevent the enclosure from being pulled open while the lid is closed. Further, a key-operated plunger lock can be attached to releasably lock the tray member in the closed position while the lid is closed.

Abstract: A storage device (10) that secures goods from theft and exposure to the elements and that provides a notification that goods have been delivered and/or picked up is disclosed. The storage device (10) includes an enclosure (14) for enclosing the goods and a communication apparatus (16) for providing notification that goods have been delivered or picked up.

Abstract: An automatic signal attachment for a security mail box which indicates when the mail box door is opened by activating an alarm. A magnetic release on the door and a pivoting platform within the mailbox triggers the alarm. The mail box allows users access from within a secured location and indicates delivery of the mail at a remote location.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mail slot mounting assembly which can be easily installed onto the cross-bars of an existing door without the need for welding or extensive cutting operations to the door frame. The mounting assembly has upper and lower face plates each having an inner surface to be mated and a first pair of wall members running longitudinally along and substantially perpendicular to each of said inner surfaces. The inner surfaces of the upper and lower face plates are configured so that, upon mating the face plates, the first pair of wall members align to form outer channel regions extending longitudinally along and perpendicular to the face plates, the outer channel members being adapted to receive mounting members located in a door. The mated face plates are then configured to receive a mail slot apparatus.

Abstract: A mail slot receiving device for capturing and retaining mail positioned through a mail slot. The inventive device includes a mounting assembly securable beneath a mail slot. A flexible receiving assembly is coupled to the mounting assembly for receiving mail positioned through the mail slot. The receiving assembly will flexibly deform to retain mail therewithin during movement of the device such as occurs when the device is secured to a garage door.

Abstract: A new and improved mail slot pouch apparatus is provided for use with a door that has a mail slot therein. The apparatus includes a planar frame element for framing an interior opening of the mail slot. The planar frame element includes a plurality of frame apertures. Screws are employed for attaching the planar frame element through the frame apertures onto the door. A pouch assembly is attached to the door by the planar frame element. The pouch assembly includes a first opening which includes a pair of tubular edges which include a pair of rigid rods inserted into the tubular edges. The pouch assembly also includes a second opening which permits mail to be removed from the pouch assembly. The pouch assembly further includes a plurality of pouch apertures that are placed in registration with the frame apertures in the planar frame element for installation of the pouch assembly and the planar frame element onto the door by the fastening assemblies.

Abstract: A receptacle adapted to be mounted on the exterior of a mailbox for protection and retention of articles of mail comprising: a housing open at the bottom and of a generally triangular shape in cross-section having front and rear walls pivotally connected at their upper edges; sidewalls laterally depending from each edge of the front and sidewalls, the front and rear walls being biased to a first position, wherein the sidewalls depending from the front wall overlap the sidewalls depending from corresponding edges of the rear wall; and, projections depending interiorly laterally of the front and rear walls in resilient engagement for detachably securing an article of mail in suspended position within the housing.

Abstract: A toy mailbox includes a mounting member formed as an "L" shaped rod threadedly mounting the mailbox at an upper end and including a "C" shaped clamp for securing the mailbox to door frame portions of an interior door frame. The toy mailbox further includes a base with a battery housing and switch therein with fiber optic illumination members directed upwardly through a transparent post for selective illumination of the post as an alert when the mailbox is secured interiorly of a dwelling. A transparent base member is securable to the mailbox housing for securement to the post.

Abstract: A letter box includes a housing having a pivotable door having a letter inlet and an inlet cover pivotably covering the inlet, and an indicating device coupled to the inlet cover in the manner that when a letter is inserted from the inlet into the box the device will be actuated to indicated that there is a letter in the box.

Abstract: The invention relates to receptacles for the collection of mail and more specifically to the collection of mail through a mail slot. According to the invention there is provided a mail receptacle means assembly consisting of a rectangular open weave basket with open top and having means for mounting to a bracket fixed to a door just below a mail slot. The receptacle means is mounted in such a way that the door can be of the overhead type such as a garage door so that it can be moved from the vertical to the horizontal orientation. The mail receptacle means and its mounting are designed to allow the receptacle means to maintain its orientation such that the open top of the receptacle means faces the ceiling no matter what position the door is in. The mail receptacle means mounting is designed also to allow the receptacle means to be removed from the door for placing onto a desk or other mail sorting or collection location.

Abstract: A mail receptacle is disclosed in the form of a pouch which attaches to the periphery of a mail slot on the interior of a door or wall of a residence or building to receive mail therein which is inserted through the slot. Part or all of the pouch material is transparent to provide a visual indication of mail delivery. A zipper opening is provided in the pouch to retrieve delivered mail from the pouch. A flap is provided as extra protection against air drafts.

Abstract: A document storage container for holding documents, such as a run ticket or a swimming pool maintenance record, comprises a receptacle having an open-ended cavity defined therein and a removable lid which can be completely separated from the receptacle. Attached to the lid is a document retaining member, such as a clipboard, against which the document can be retained and which is simultaneously moved into the cavity of the receptacle when the lid is placed on the receptacle to close the open end into the cavity and which is simultaneously moved out of the cavity when the lid is removed from the receptacle to open the open end of the cavity.

Abstract: A container for holding a document at a well site comprises a housing having a cavity into which the document can be received. The cavity can be substantially fluid-tightly sealed by a lid appropriately connected to the housing. The housing has a side in which a window is disposed to enable one to determine whether anything is inside the cavity without having to open the lid. The housing has pairs of holes defined therein so that the housing can be connected to well site structures which are disposed at different angles to the ground.

Abstract: A container for holding a document at a well site comprises a housing having a cavity into which the document can be received. The cavity can be subtantially fluid-tightly sealed by a lid appropriately connected to the housing. The housing has a side in which a window is disposed to enable one to determine whether anything is inside the cavity without having to open the lid. The housing has pairs of holes defined therein so that the housing can be connected to well site structures which are disposed at different angles to the ground.

Abstract: A receptacle positioned within a wall structure of a dwelling for receiving, retaining, and transmitting a newspaper or the like in a unidirectional path is disclosed. The receptacle includes an elongated chute, resilient fingers, and a first collar. The chute is comprised of an external end for receiving the newspaper into the chute, a body for retaining the newspaper within the chute, and an internal end for transmitting the newspaper from the chute. Resilient fingers extend from the inner wall of the body and converge toward the internal end of the chute for allowing unidirectional passage of the newspaper through the chute and preventing withdrawal of the newspaper from the external end. The first collar is mateable to the external end and has a plurality of elastomeric projections extending from the peripheral portion of the first collar and converging radially inward toward the center of the first collar.

Abstract: The mail slot pouch assembly comprises a supporting bracket which is fixed to planar surfaces surrounding a mail slot in a building door, a framework and a transparent plastic bag secured to the framework, and a framework being removably supported by the bracket and positioned to receive mail therethrough into the bag to prevent the same from falling on the building floor adjacent the door.