Letter Box Patents (Class 232/45)
  • Patent number: 11771254
    Abstract: An adjustable mail slot insert may include two top members connected to one another and two bottom members connected to one another. Each bottom member may include a side leg and a bottom leg. Each top member may include a side leg and a top leg. One top member may be connected to one bottom frame member and another top frame member may be connected to another bottom frame member. The insert may be adjustable in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction through movement of the members relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: BOTA, Inc.
    Inventors: Dalanda Cobb, Jon C. Voigtmann
  • Patent number: 11690924
    Abstract: A modular system of locker banks for receipt and delivery of packages is described. The system may include associate modules each having one or more lockers and a control board in communication with each of the lockers in the module. Each locker may include a locker board having a processor and memory configured to control operation of the locker. Each locker may include a lock and a light. The system may further include one or more control modules, each having the above components and further including a kiosk having one or more input and output devices for entering information to the module for controlling operation of the system. The modular system may be connected to a server and/or an administrator terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Digilock Asia Ltd.
    Inventors: Asil Gokcebay, Ali Ozhan, An Zhang
  • Patent number: 11576513
    Abstract: A deposit receptacle for secure acceptance of parcels and of hanging clothing is provided that prevents unauthorized removal of the deposited articles. The deposit receptacle includes a one-part or multi-part frame, a roof, a floor, a front pivoting upper input door, a front locking hinged lower retrieval door, a locking hinged side access door for both deposit and retrieval, a clothing hanger installed within the roof, a front panel, and a securing system incorporated into the floor that enables the deposit receptacle to be securely and easily fastened to the supporting structure upon which the receptacle is resting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventor: Lauren Nicole Luckey
  • Patent number: 11357350
    Abstract: An ecologically sound and environmentally friendly mailbox apparatus comprising a traditional mailbox; a shredding device affixed to the underside of the mailbox; a hollow tube, having a first end and a second end; a hollow receptacle for collecting shredded material, and that is connected to the shredding device by way of the hollow tube, where the first end of the hollow tube is connected to the shredding device and the second end of the hollow tube is directed downward and is connected to the receptacle; and a vertically positioned pole located adjacent to the mailbox and the receptacle, whereby the mailbox and the receptacle are individually connected to the pole by a fastening means that holds the entire apparatus together. This apparatus allows an end user to shred junk mail before leaving his mailbox and prevent clutter in his home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Sabrina Butler
  • Patent number: 11045031
    Abstract: A system for the delivery and secure receipt of packages from unmanned vehicles to improve security and protection of the packages upon delivery. A UAV receptacle provides a water-protected interior to protect a package. The UAV receptacle includes a door in one side that allows a reception tray to extend out and back in, and which locks to protect the package so received. The UAV receptacle detects a drone in proximity. Upon confirming that delivery is for the UAV receptacle, the reception tray extends to a reception position. A sensor detects the package on the reception tray upon delivery from the drone. The reception tray is of a mesh material to reduce water retention. The UAV receptacle retracts the reception tray and closes a door to seal the package within the UAV receptacle. The UAV receptacle may notify user devices that the package has been received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventor: John K. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 10588439
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a parcel bin for a parcel receiving apparatus that includes a receiving plate, a rotatable delivery plate, and a pair of parcel bin sides. The parcel bin sides include a pair of receiving plate sides and a pair of delivery plate sides. The pair of delivery plate sides are structured to be collapsible toward the delivery plate. The pair of receiving plate sides are fixedly attached to the receiving plate and structured to be non-rotatable. The rotatable delivery plate is structured to be collapsible toward the receiving plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Patrick Charbeneau
  • Patent number: 10537194
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a controller determines a particular compartment of a smart postal box in which a package is to be delivered. The controller associates the particular compartment with an authorized entity. The controller provides the authorized entity access to the particular compartment by aligning rolling doors of the smart postal box with the particular compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Calvin Byers, Gonzalo Salgueiro, Aparna Vellala, Salini Kumar Bogadapati, Jagadish Chandra Prasad Mynampati
  • Patent number: 10045511
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system, device and process for monitoring physical and physiological features of livestock through a unique monitoring system method and device. Basic and Smart tags are placed on livestock to monitor, among other things, temperature, movement, location, posture, pulse rate, and other physical and physiological features. Information is relayed from Basic tags, in one embodiment, to Smart tags that requests the information and receives the information from the basic tags. Smart tags send information to a mobile unit controller and/or home base so that requested information is sent to an end user that monitors the livestock for signs of illness. Potentially ill animals are segregated from the herd for further evaluation and minimization of exposure risk to the rest of the herd. This early detection system saves livestock and ensures a healthier herd for livestock farmers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Medisim, LTD.
    Inventors: Moshe Yarden, Ilan Vadai
  • Patent number: 8973812
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 8960530
    Abstract: A receptacle for receiving and securely storing mail includes a body defining an opening through which mail is received and a storage area into which mail is stored. A door is pivotably mounted within the opening and configured to close the opening in a closed position and to pivot away from the body to facilitate access to the opening in an opened position. A ramp is mounted within the body and configured to receive and direct mail into the storage area. A closing member is pivotably mounted within the body and linked to the door, such that movement of the door from the closed position to the opened position causes the closing member to pivot towards the ramp to substantially prevent access to the storage area from the opening when the door is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Neil Silke
  • Patent number: 8740056
    Abstract: A parcel box for receiving and keeping parcels in a theftproof manner has a box having a drawer that can be pulled out and pushed in, and a theft prevention mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal of parcel. The theft prevention mechanism has a platform configured to have parcel disposed thereon, a blocking mechanism that blocks pulling out of the drawer from the box when the parcel is placed on the platform, and an unblocking mechanism for unblocking the drawer. The drawer is swingable about a pivot axle fixed in the box. The drawer has a left side wall, a right side wall, an outer wall, and an inner wall. The platform has a first end and a second end situated opposite each other. The platform is swingable about a cross pivot axle fixed in the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Skouboe
  • Publication number: 20140144975
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: United States Postal Service, The
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 8661862
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 8616436
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Tafforest Brewer
  • Patent number: 8573473
    Abstract: A receptacle for receiving objects, such as mail or parcels, has a main housing having an input opening through which objects may be placed into the receptacle, and a hopper style door rotatable coupled within the housing. The hopper has bottom for receiving an object and a hopper cover disposed under the bottom. The hopper is rotatable between an open position in which the bottom is accessible through the opening and a closed position in which the hopper cover blocks the input opening. A flap is coupled to the hopper and is rotatable between an up position when the hopper is in the open position in which the flap forms a back wall adjacent the rear edge of the bottom, and a down position when the hopper is in the fully closed position in which the flap allows an object to slide off the bottom and out of the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Architectural Mailboxes, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Andrews Farentinos, Craig Ronald Steele
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8459539
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: David J. Bolles
  • Patent number: 8397933
    Abstract: A lid covering an interior of a medical waste receptacle base. The lid includes an intermediate waste repository connected to the cover. The repository is moveable between a holding position adapted for holding waste segregated from the receptacle base interior, and a dumping position adapted for biasing waste by gravity into the receptacle base interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Mark Brian Finnestad
  • Patent number: 8359722
    Abstract: A mailbox door latch retrofitting kit that uses a magnet attached to the interior of the mailbox to magnetically engage the door of a mailbox, or to magnetically engage a metal disk attached to the door of a mailbox. The kit includes a magnet attached to a bracket which is secured to the inside of a mailbox in a manner to permit the magnet to contact the mailbox door. The magnet secures the door of a ferrous-containing mailbox closed. For non-ferrous containing mailboxes, an optional ferrous-containing disk or flat washer is secured to the inside of the mailbox door using double sided tape and aligned for engagement with the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Andre Claude Polizzi
  • Patent number: 8358199
    Abstract: A lockable container (1) for receiving items includes elements for generating a random code when the container is locked, elements for transferring the code to a person locking the container, and a memory for storing the code. The container further includes elements (2) for unlocking the container to a first stage, in which the contents of the container can be viewed by a user but not removed from the container, and elements for transferring the code to the user when the container is unlocked at the first stage. The container can then be unlocked to a second stage (3), in which the user can remove the contents of the container and the code is removed from the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Edward Nesling
  • Patent number: 8336760
    Abstract: A parcel box for receiving and keeping parcels in a theftproof manner has a box having a drawer which can be pulled out and pushed in, and a prevention mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal of parcel. The prevention mechanism has a placing portion on which the parcel is placed, a blocking mechanism that blocks pulling out of the drawer from the box when parcel is placed on the placing portion, and an unblocking mechanism that unblocks the parcel box drawer. The placing portion has two platforms, each having a first end and a second end situated opposite each other. The two platforms are facing each other or are placed in adjacent relation to each other, with the ends of the platforms directed to opposite sides. Each platform is pivotable about a pivot axle fixed in the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Skouboe
  • Patent number: 8336759
    Abstract: A parcel box for receiving and keeping parcels in a theftproof manner has a box having a drawer which can be pulled out and pushed in, and a prevention mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal of parcel. The prevention mechanism has a platform for placing parcel, a blocking mechanism that blocks pulling out of the drawer from the box when parcel is placed on the platform, and an unblocking mechanism that unblocks the parcel box drawer. The platform has a first end and a second end situated opposite each other. The platform is swingable about a cross pivot axle fixed in the drawer. The first end of the platform is situated lower than the second end. The blocking mechanism has a blocking bracket and a stop. The blocking bracket has a first end and a second end situated opposite each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Skouboe
  • Patent number: 8261965
    Abstract: An access door for a locking mailbox is provided having a mail slot configured for the receipt of items, such as letters, which can be covered by a rotatable mail slot door. The locking mailbox can also have a lock configured to selectively lock the access door to a housing of the pre-existing or new mailbox and, optionally, a theft deterrent device positioned adjacent the mail slot that projects inwardly into the housing of the mailbox when the door of the mailbox is positioned in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Addresses of Distinction
    Inventors: Thomas J. Cyphers, Reinhardt F. Cyphers
  • Patent number: 8220703
    Abstract: A secure mailbox for parcels and method of construction thereof are presented. A mail shelf is affixed to an inner surface of a housing. An inner door is pivotably affixed to a bottom surface of the mail shelf and is rotatably movable on a top edge around a sphere of rotation defined by a bottom edge. A mail deposit having an outer door and inner door is constructed. The outer door is pivotably affixed to a front surface of the housing and is rotatably moveable on a bottom edge. The inner panel is affixed to the bottom edge of the outer door and includes a distal edge defining a sphere of rotation which is rotatably distinct from the sphere of rotation for the inner door. At least one connecting member is rotatably attached on one end to the inner door and on the other end to the mail deposit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: David J. Bolles
  • Patent number: 8182113
    Abstract: An accessory that can be mounted over a mailbox has a base with a pair of sidewalls that are spaced to straddle the mailbox. A frame assembly mounted on at least one of the sidewalls has one or more indicia bearing members removably attached thereto. These indicia bearing members are installed and arranged to supply address information. A light mounted at the frame assembly is powered by a power supply that has a solar powered charger for charging a battery in order to illuminate the indicia bearing members at night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: George Sharpe
  • Patent number: 8167195
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 7963436
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interlining elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 7946472
    Abstract: A theft-resistant mailbox for parcels and method of construction thereof are presented. An inner door is pivotably affixed to a top inner surface of a housing and is rotatably moveable on a top edge around a sphere of rotation. An outer door is pivotably affixed to a front surface of the housing and is rotatably moveable on a bottom edge. At least one connecting member is rotatably attached on one end to a side edge of the inner door and on the other end to a common side edge of the outer door. An inner panel is fixedly attached to the bottom edge of the outer door and is rotatably moveable on a proximal edge in the same direction as the outer and inner door. The inner panel is comprised of a distal edge defining a sphere rotatably distinct from the sphere of rotation for the inner door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: David J. Bolles
  • Patent number: 7938314
    Abstract: A wireless outdoor mailbox actuating system preferable includes a lockable outdoor mailbox having a housing, a plurality of operating components dynamically attached to the housing and a mechanism for synchronously toggling the operating components between first and second associated positions respectively. The front door of the mailbox has an elongated slot that is large enough to receive for example, a DVD and a collection of mail. A remote controller is communicatively linked to a receiver and to a main controller to remotely activate the front door actuating mechanism, tray displacing mechanism and flag raising mechanism, respectively. Selected ones of such mechanisms may be synchronously linked together to allow a user to retrieve mailbox contents without the need to reach into the mailbox. The system additionally provides an effective and secure means of preventing unauthorized access to private mail inside the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Helen Benesh
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7913898
    Abstract: There is provided a collecting container. An exemplary collecting container comprises an insertion opening on the front of the collecting container that is adapted to receive objects. The exemplary collecting container additionally comprises a receiving device arranged to receive the objects and to convey them to a storage space in the collecting container, the storage space containing a filling-level measuring means that is connected to a blocking device preventing the receiving device from being opened when a defined filling level has been reached in the storage space, the receiving device comprising a roller shutter box whose receiving area is formed by at least two side walls and a bottom. The exemplary collecting container further comprises a roller shutter that is adapted to be moved in rails on the side walls, the blocking device being configured so that it can block the movement of the roller shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventors: Steffen Frankenberg, Martin Räss, Ramin Benz, Sven Hein, Boris Paul
  • Patent number: 7896226
    Abstract: A mail box having a depository vault overlying a secure compartment. A mail deposit platform and a flag door are independently rotatable with respect to each other to open and close a mail deposit opening in the depository vault. The mail deposit platform receives mail in the depository vault. If the mail placed on the mail platform is incoming mail, the platform is rotated to transfer the incoming mail to the underlying secure compartment, as well as to close the mail deposit opening. If the mail placed on the platform is outgoing mail, the flag door is rotated to close the mail deposit opening and to provide an indication to the postman that the mail is to be picked up and delivered to the destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Scott C. Branan, Charles L. Branan
  • Patent number: 7857199
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: United Stated Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 7854374
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a secure mailbox having at least an upper compartment with a plurality of sides, a front mailbox door hinge-ably coupled to a front edge of a side of the upper compartment, a locking and unlocking mechanism being adapted to lock the front mailbox door to the upper compartment and an unlocking activation mechanism coupled to the locking and unlocking mechanism; an upper rear mailbox door hinge-ably coupled to a rear edge of a side of the upper compartment, a locking and unlocking mechanism being adapted to lock the rear mailbox door to the upper compartment and an unlocking activation mechanism coupled to the locking and unlocking mechanism and a lower compartment having a lower, rear mailbox door hinge-ably coupled to a rear edge of a side of the lower compartment, at least one trap door being located between the upper compartment and lower compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph H. Dudley
  • Patent number: 7843340
    Abstract: A mail delivery alert system includes a mailbox housing that encloses an interior space that defines an open front. A door is pivotally coupled to the housing and is movable between open and closed configurations relative to the open front. A first sensor is positioned in the housing so as to detect an opening of the door and a second sensor is positioned so as to detect the presence of an article, such as mail, in the open space of the housing. The system includes a transmitter and a processor. The processor includes programming for actuating the transmitter to transmit an alert signal through the air upon the first sensor detecting an opening of the door and the second sensor detecting the presence of an article in the open space of the housing. The system includes a receiver remote from the housing for receiving the alert signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Willis Noland Davis
  • Patent number: 7748606
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 7722000
    Abstract: A movable support post is attached to a vessel, such as a large planter's pot. Two or more fasteners are employed to attach the post to the vessel. The fasteners extend through the post and extend into the interior of the vessel. A ballast material, such as concrete, is disposed in the vessel and encases the bolts therein. The ballast material acts as an anchor to stabilize the vessel and the attached post. A removable lid or tray is positioned at the top of the vessel. The tray or lid can function as a birdbath or flowerpot, adding a decorative adjunct to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Richard H. Sherburne
  • Publication number: 20100096442
    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: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Harry Kalenburg
  • Patent number: 7694447
    Abstract: A storage device for storing rolled documents includes a tube pivotally mounted to a housing and advanceable between retracted and extended positions relative to a roof of the housing. The roof covers an open end of the tube in the retracted position. In the extended position, the open end of the tube is advanced away from the roof to permit rolled construction drawings to be inserted into and removed from the tube. A floor extends across at least a portion of the tube to prevent the rolled documents from falling out of the tube. Clamps mounted on the housing enable mounting of the storage device on a post, such as a T-post. The storage device may include a display panel having a pocket formed by a sheet of transparent flexible plastic into which a building permit may be positioned and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Pro-Vent, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay B. Rutler, Spencer B. Hawerlander, Tony Robert Plunkett
  • Patent number: 7686207
    Abstract: A multipoint locking mechanism for an enclosure such as a mailbox which is gravity biased into an unlocked position. The locking mechanism includes a cylindrical lock member that extends through the panel and engages with a multipoint locking member that is rotatable about an axis that extends substantially the width of the panel. The rotatable locking member includes a plurality of hook members that engage with receiving openings formed on the door and further includes an engagement member that engages with the cylindrical member so that the cylindrical member can urge the engagement member and thus the rotatable member into a locked configuration. By manipulating the cylindrical lock member into an unlocked configuration, the engagement member is gravitationally biased to rotate so that the hook members are removed from the engagement member on the door thereby unlocking the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: John T. Jeffs
  • Patent number: 7607569
    Abstract: A securable storage container comprising: a hollow housing having a front wall, a back wall, side walls, a top and a bottom for defining a first compartment and a second compartment; a first door rotatably connected to the housing and providing access to the first compartment, the first door being reversibly movable between an open position and a closed position; a second door rotatably connected to the housing and providing access to the second compartment, the second door being lockable to the housing; two opposing trap doors, each trap door being rotatably coupled to one of the side walls of the housing for dividing the first compartment from the second compartment; and a deployment means for moving the trap doors between a closed position in which the first compartment is separated from the second compartment and an open position in which the first compartment is in communication with the second compartment; wherein opening the first door forces the deployment means to move the trap doors to the closed po
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Jack Van Rossum
  • Patent number: 7604158
    Abstract: A multi-user mail box including a letter drop assembly which is susceptible to easy replacement by a delivery person without requiring substantial disassembly of the mail box. The letter drop assembly includes a slotted body held in inserted relation between cross-bars extending transverse to vertical frame members of an access door structure. The slotted body includes upper and lower open grooves oriented in opposing relation to the adjacent cross-bars. Retention pin elements are inserted axially into the grooves thereby holding the slotted body in place. The slotted body may be replaced by displacement of the retention pin elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Bommer Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James Bond
  • Patent number: 7549572
    Abstract: A mail box having a depository vault overlying a secure compartment. A main door and a flag door are independently rotatable to open and close an opening in the depository vault. The main door is attached to a mail platform for receiving mail in the depository vault. If the mail placed on the mail platform is incoming mail, the main door is rotated by the postman to the closed position to rotate the platform and deliver the incoming mail to the underlying secure compartment. If the mail placed on the platform is outgoing mail, the flag door is rotated by the user of the mail box to the closed position to provide an indication to the postman that the mail is to be picked up and delivered to the destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventors: Scott C. Branan, Charles L. Branan
  • Patent number: 7533796
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mailbox for placing and retrieving mail. The mailbox includes a lower member, an upper member and a front member. The lower member includes a base, a pair of lateral sidewalls and a rear wall configured to obtain a box shaped enclosure with a top opening and a front opening. The upper member is pivotally coupled to the base that encloses the pair of lateral sidewalls and the rear wall of the lower member. The upper member comprises an opening capable of being aligned to the front opening. The front member is pivotally coupled to the base to close the opening of the upper member thereby closing the front opening of the lower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Ernie Catropa
  • Patent number: 7527190
    Abstract: Moisture resistant barrier mailbox apparatus, device and methods for inhibiting water intrusion into mailboxes where the doors can be positioned into open ends of the mailbox and/or when the doors have outer edges which wrap about open ends of the mailbox. Channel grooves and inwardly bent edges block and control water intrusion when the doors are in closed positions. The mailboxes can include drainage holes in the mailbox floors to allow for water to drain out of and not puddle inside of the mailboxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Euroasia Products Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Bowers, Yun Tim Li, Zhongqin Zhen, Craig W. Walker
  • Patent number: 7516880
    Abstract: A housing has a top, a bottom, sides, a back and a front. The housing has a primary chamber. The primary chamber receives unshredded mail. The housing has a secondary chamber. The secondary chamber receives shredded mail. A shredder is located in the housing above the secondary chamber. The shredder has controls to start and stop the shredder. A primary door is formed in the housing adjacent to the primary chamber. The primary door allows for adding mail to and removing unshredded mail from the upper chamber. A secondary door is formed in the housing adjacent to the secondary chamber. The secondary door allows for removing shredded mail from the secondary chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventors: Jason S. Crain, Troy A. Zengel
  • Patent number: 7506797
    Abstract: A publicly accessible drop box for isolating items deposited therein, includes a securable enclosure, a depository port, a closeable container having an opening and located within the securable enclosure, and a closure device for closing the opening prior to removal of the container. The depository port may include a housing forming a reception chamber having an entrance, wherein the housing is rotatably mounted within the drop box. The drop box may include a view port to allow viewing of the opening of the closeable container. The drop box may include a manipulation device extending into the securable enclosure to enable manipulation of the closure device or to enable movement of any items in proximity to the opening of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Felice, Michael W. Finney, Patrick J. Fitzgibbons, Eugene C. Stradley, John T. Swider, Louis B. Taylor, Michael A. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 7487907
    Abstract: A security mailbox system known as Safe “T” Box being a fully enclosed square mailbox that can be designed from PVC or some fabricated material, the Safe T Box is easy to install, environmentally friendly and will provide long service life. The mailbox includes chambers for incoming and outgoing mail being delivered via the U.S. Postal Service, it also has a chamber for newspapers/advertisements not delivered via U.S. Postal Service. The incoming mail chamber is designed for mail to go down a mail chute into a basket for pick-up through back of the locked mailbox. Outgoing mail can be placed from the back for pick-up from the front by postal worker. The mailbox is attached to the ground though internal poles extending from the bottom of the mailbox into the ground and cemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Sheila Roxann Miller
  • Patent number: 7441696
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a theft resistant mailbox includes a door assembly. A door is affixed to a frame by at least one pivot point. A cam includes a lever rotatably engaged to a fixed surface at a mounting point and defines a cutout oriented to be removably engaged to a striker attached to a separate surface abutting the fixed surface to form a lock for the door upon urging of the cam along an angle of rotation defined about the mounting point. An anti-pry plate is attached to the fixed surface and juxtapositioned about the cam throughout the angle of rotation by which the lock is effected. The fixed surface includes one of the frame and the door. The separate surface includes an other one of the frame and the door. The fixed surface and the separate surface are provided independent of the at least one pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: David J. Bolles
  • Patent number: 7428980
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving parcels having a structural frame and a parcel drop having a fully open and a fully closed position is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bin, a first opening between the bin and the structural frame through which patrons may deposit parcels into the bin at least when the parcel drop is in the fully open position. The apparatus further includes a second opening within the bin through which deposited parcels may fall out of the bin at least when the parcel drop is in the fully closed position. The parcel drop is rotatably coupled to the structural frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Donald E. Irwin, Daniel A. Wilson, F. Andrew Better, Edgar T. Bellinger, Jr., Duane C. Hajos