Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided that include a repository for receipt of an object and a mechanism for shielding from view the object. The repository may take the form of a mailbox and the object may be a letter, e.g., a letter addressed to Santa. The shielding mechanism is actuated by a trigger that is associated with the repository and, in exemplary embodiments, is triggered by an activity normally associated with the repository, e.g., raising a flag on a mailbox. The trigger actuation may interact with an electronic control system, a mechanical control system, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A package receiving system includes a cover, a back wall coupled to the cover by a movable joint, a first side wall, a second side wall, a bottom wall, and a front wall. The package receiving system is movable from a collapsed state to an expanded state.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that assists with securing packages of varying sizes to the door or a home, apartment, or business. The device is capable of collapsing when not in use or while hanging on the user's door. Once a package is delivered and dropped into the secured apparatus, only the user will have access to the package by unlocking a pick-up door located on the device's bottom enclosure and retrieving the package from an interior bag. The user may additionally provide an enlarged bag to hang and secure to the outside of the device, if the package is expected to be too large to fit within the bottom enclosure of the apparatus.

Abstract: A receptacle for secure mail and parcel receipt and storage. The receptacle includes a top which provides a roof for the receptacle, a base, and a housing connected to the top and the base. The housing includes an upper compartment into which mail is first placed, a lower compartment into which mail is deposited from the upper compartment, a front door, located on a front of the receptacle, which is opened to provide access to the upper compartment and through which mail is placed into the upper compartment, a trap door, operatively connected to the front door, in the upper compartment, and an access door that includes a lock. The trap door rests in an open position when the front door is closed, allowing communication between the upper and lower compartments. The trap door is moved to a closed position by the opening of the front door, thereby preventing access to the lower compartment from the upper compartment.

Abstract: The decorative mailbox is of two-piece design, having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is a box-like receptacle adapted to receive and contain mail items therein. The upper portion is designed in the shape of a motor vehicle. The vehicle may be of any make and/or model. NASCAR vehicles, trucks and sports cars would probably be desirable. The upper portion is hinged to the lower portion at their respective rear ends in a manner that allows the upper portion to be pivoted upward. A ratchet mechanism allows the upper portion to remain stationary in at least two raised positions. A snap mechanism is disposed at the front ends of the two portions to retain the upper portion in a closed position when desired.

Abstract: The invention is attached in front of and beneath a mail opening and as the mail passes through the opening it comes into contact with a face-plate provided by the unit. The reaction from the mail pushing against the face-plate rotates sliding plates producing an enlarged collection area from which the recipient can retrieve such mail. The face-plate can then be pushed into its upright position for the next mail delivery. The plates are pivoted at the base of the unit making them rotate around a common centerline. They are engaged in a manner, which allows them to slide past one another until such a point in rotation that one will stop and hold the adjacent plate in succession. The design enables the unit to automatically collapse upon contact with an adjacent wall when the door on which the unit is attached opens, allowing the door to open fully.

Abstract: Security apparatus (10) for the secure receipt and retention of articles (30) delivered thereto. The security apparatus (10) comprises a housing (12) having an upper chamber (14) and a lower chamber (16) separated from one another by a movable partition (15). The upper chamber (14) has an entrance opening (18) for the passage therethrough of a product (30) to be delivered to the apparatus (10) and a pivoted closure member (20) for said entrance opening (18). The movable partition (15) is slidable inwardly and outwardly of the apparatus (10) between respectively a closing position in which it separates the upper and lower chambers (14,16) from one another and an open position in which it permits inter-communication between the upper and lower chambers (14,16). Interaction means (25) are provided between the partition (15) and said closure member (20) whereby the closure member (20) can only be moved to open said entrance opening (18) when the partition (15) is in said closing position.

Abstract: A closeable mail receptacle for use inside of a drop box, includes a rectangular tub having an open top, and a top cover adapted to engage the open top and close the tub either prior to or during removal of the tub from the drop box. The top cover may include a peripheral frame adapted to engage the open top. The rectangular tub may be a standard mail flat tub and further include a non-permeable liner located within the common mail flat tub. The rectangular tub may include a peripheral flange extending horizontally outwardly from around the open top.

Abstract: A mail processing apparatus, includes an enclosure adapted for receiving deposited mail articles, a depository port adapted for passing deposited mail articles into the enclosure, and a sealing apparatus operatively associated with the depository port and adapted to seal deposited mail articles that pass through the depository port. The sealing apparatus may be a laminator adapted to apply a layer of plastic material to opposing sides of deposited mail articles.

Abstract: A pay phone having an operation module acted with a switch hook and a push button, the operation module including a base frame, a movable frame pivoted to the base frame and defining with the base frame a coin passage for guiding an inserted coin from a coin slot to a coin box when the line is connected, or to a coin-return assembly when the switch hook of the pay phone is depressed or the handset of the pay phone is hung up before connection of the line, a suspension frame controlled by a push button through a switching frame to guide the inserted coin from the coin passage way to the coin box.

Abstract: A mailbox comprising a housing and a hinged box which pivots into the housing. The housing is rectangular and has two side walls and a top wall connected to a rear wall, but has no bottom wall. The box has two side walls and a bottom wall, but no top wall. The box pivots about pins connected the side walls of the housing at the lower front corners thereof. As the box is pivoted outwardly, a slot opens at the upper edge of the front wall for dropping mail into the box. A stop connected to the housing limits the pivoting range of the box and thus the size of the slot. The stop can be recessed to permit pivoting the box a greater distance to enlarge the slot for removing mail. A spring provided on the rear wall of the housing for biasing the box to closed position thus completely closing the access slot. After mail has been deposited by manually pivoting the box to open position, the box is released and it springs back to closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an equipment (12) enclosure which is particularly adapted for post office use is described. In particular the present invention relates to a post office box or related equipment (12) enclosure which has an inner unit (11) which rotates in a housing (10) so that the inner unit can expose equipment on one side (10b) for customer use and provide secure access for reloading of the equipment by means of doors (31) or the like on the back side of the equipment. The equipment is particularly adapted to mount standard mailbox inserts (12) having locking doors (12a).

Abstract: A mail or storage box for suspension between spaced-apart parallel vertical members and secured thereto in cover contact with a horizontal plane surface. The box is suspended by means of a compound pivoting arm arrangement to close against the cover surface and to be capable of opening from the front or rear in such a manner that upon opening the edge of the box falls away from the cover while progressively tilting as the opening proceeds toward a stop position where the contents are revealed and presented to the person opening the box. On closing a reverse progression occurs. Compound pivoting is achieved using a pair of pivot arms at both ends of the box and arm both pivotally secured to the end closure of the box at the top and at the bottom to an attachment plate. The attachment plate is the means for suspending the box in the space between the vertical supports and against the upper closure.