Abstract: A mailbox comprises a mailbox body, a door and a see-through window. The mailbox body has an interior space therein and an access opening through which the interior space is accessible. The interior space includes a cavity extending below a bottom edge of the access opening. The door is movably attached to the mailbox body adjacent the access opening and has a window opening extending therethrough. The door is movable between a first respective position covering effectively an entire portion of the access opening and a second respective position enabling access to the interior space through the access opening. The see-through window is attached to the door and at least partially covering a window opening in the door.

Abstract: A mailbox kit 10 which may be utilized to selectively create several different types of mailbox assemblies, such as an assembly which may be selectively locked and which may be selectively accessed from several different directions. In one non-limiting embodiment, the created mail box configuration may be closely, and operatively stacked in an overall aesthetically pleasing manner and provide remote notification functionality upon receipt of a letter and/or other item.

Abstract: A mail receptacle system incorporating multiple individually accessible discrete storage compartments disposed within a frame structure with lockable user access doors disposed in mated hinging relation relative to the frame structure such that when the access doors are in a closed position, a male/female relation is established between portions of the doors and the frame structure. The access doors utilize a multi-piece construction wherein the hinging edges of the doors are displaceable from the door body thereby permitting the door body to be easily and readily replace in the event of damage.

Abstract: The preferred mailbox of the invention includes a body and a first door. The body preferably defines a first opening adapted to receive a mail item, and a cavity adapted to contain the mail item. The body also includes a primary section that substantially prevents light from entering into the cavity, and a secondary section that substantially allows light to enter into the cavity. The first door is preferably coupled to the body and adapted for movement between an open position that allows access through the first opening into the cavity and a closed position that prevents access through the first opening. In the closed position, the first door substantially allows viewing of the cavity.

Abstract: A mail box configured to contain and reduce exposure to hazardous particulates, which includes a container having a deposit port at an upper end and a collection chamber at a lower end. There is at least one door at the upper end for mail to be placed into the deposit port. A normally open sealable bag is located in the collection chamber for receiving mail and for being sealed when the mail is to be removed from the container. There is a bag holder constructed and arranged to hold a bag in place and normally open so that in a first position, mail placed into the deposit port falls downwardly through the bag holder and into a bag in the collection chamber and which bag may be preliminarily sealed while in this position, and in a second position, the bag may be more securely sealed and removed from the bag holder.

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 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.

Abstract: The present invention is a security mailbox utilizing a combination package rest and security panel. A mail slot in the security panel prevents easy access to contents of the mailbox. The present invention may be utilized in situations other than mail delivery where security for contents is desired.

Abstract: A mail depository apparatus includes a rigid housing forming a channel adapted for directing deposited mail items and an interface member adapted to attach a flexible container to the housing for receiving deposited mail items from the channel, wherein the interface member is adapted to seal the flexible container to the housing to substantially prevent escape of air from the flexible container and the housing at the interface member.

Abstract: A method for depositing mail by a deliverer of mail in an electronic locker system provided with several lockable compartments. The method is characterized in that a controller of the locker system causes one or several compartments to open in order to deposit mail and at least one new compartment opens automatically when a compartment is closed and when detecting means of the locker system have detected information allocated prior to sending. Also disclosed is an electronic locker system suitable for the implementation of the method.

Abstract: An assembly for a door or wall having a mail slot therein includes a mounting portion and a flap portion. The flap portion is sized to cover the mail slot. A connector is mountable on the door or wall around the slot. A cooperable connector is integral with the flap portion for releasably connecting with the connector. The connector includes one of a ferrous material containing portion and a magnetic portion. The cooperable connector includes the other of the ferrous material containing portion and the magnetic portion. The flap portion is magnetically connectable to the door or wall around the mail slot opening.

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 receptacle system incorporating multiple individually accessible discrete storage compartments disposed within a frame structure with lockable user access doors disposed in mated hinging relation relative to the frame structure such that when the access doors are in a closed position, a male/female relation is established between portions of the doors and the frame structure. The access doors utilize a multi-piece construction wherein the hinging edges of the doors are displaceable from the door body thereby permitting the door body to be easily and readily replace in the event of damage.

Abstract: A mailbox comprising side and back walls, a top and a bottom secured together to form an enclosure, a front access door mounted to the front wall, a rear access door connected to the rear access door, and a tray accessible through the front access door and vertically adjustable.

Abstract: Door stop and impact absorber bracket for restraining mailbox doors from opening beyond a selected swing radius. The bracket can fit underneath the mailbox behind an existing lower hanging lip. The door stop bracket is positioned such that it limits the door from swinging beyond a desired point (for example approximately 90 degrees) when the door is opened. The bracket can have an elongated rectangular planar central portion, with bent ends, together forming a generally C-shape. The bracket can have cushion pad to protect both the door, hinges other components and even the body of the mail box from being damaged from excessive vibrations when the door reaches the maximum opening point. The pad can also reduce objectionable impact noise effects that are created when a mailbox door accelerates in a free fall to a stop.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a secure mailbox having at least a main compartment with a plurality of sides forming the enclosed main compartment, a front mailbox door hingedly coupled to the remainder of the main compartment, a locking and unlocking mechanism being adapted to lock the front mailbox door to the main compartment and an unlocking activation mechanism coupled to the locking and unlocking mechanism comprised of either a card key system, a FOB system or an RFID system.

Abstract: A package receptacle system including a container having an interior storage compartment, a lower floor within the container for supporting a package placed in the compartment, and sidewalls extending upward from the floor to define an access to the compartment. An upper lid is pivotally attached to the container for closing the access when in a closed position. A feature hangs from the lid for inhibiting rain from entering the compartment when the lid is in a non-closed position. Raised features are present on the floor of the container for supporting a package placed within the compartment above any moisture that might be present on the floor. A feature is included for indicating a recipient's address, and/or a package within the compartment ready for pickup, and/or receipt of a package within the compartment from a delivery service.

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 unit is located inside a mailbox which prevents access to the mailbox through the door of the mailbox when the unit is in place. The unit includes a fence-like portion that is attached to the mailbox body by an arm that is locked to the mailbox in the rear of the mailbox. The fence-like portion is locked to the arm and is attached to the mailbox by a hinge. When unlocked, the fence can be pivoted out of the way to allow access to inside of the mailbox.

Abstract: A high security mail box which comprises an elongated housing having a front wall, a rear opening and a chamber therein to receive and store incoming mail items. A facility in the elongated housing, is for depositing the incoming mail items within the chamber by a mail person. An access door is hinged to the rear opening of the elongated housing, wherein the access door will move between an open position and a closed position. A mechanism operatively associated with the access door, is for locking the access door in the closed position. An authorized person can disengage the locking mechanism to move the access door from the closed position to the open position, so that the authorized person can remove the incoming mail items from the chamber of the elongated housing.

Abstract: A newspaper box is designed so that is may be easily converted to a planter. Laterally confronting parallel recesses on the confronting sides of the side walls of the newspaper box near it open end are adapted to receive a snap in closure panel for converting the newspaper box to a planter.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for receiving ordered products and/or making products available for pickup. The apparatus has a lockable container for the products with at least an input device and a controller with a memory element. The method employs this reception/provision apparatus. A control unit including at least input device, controller and memory element is positioned with container in front of the user's residence or place of business for an expected delivery/pickup. After a completed ordering process, the obtained order information is input by the user into memory element of reception/provision apparatus to put reception/provision apparatus in a state of readiness. The transportable reception/provision apparatus is positioned in front of the user's residence or place of business for the expected delivery or pickup of product.

Abstract: A mailbox includes opposing side pieces, a bottom piece, a rear piece, and a door, all made from die-cast aluminum. The side pieces include abutting top flanges and the mailbox further includes a channel engaging the top flanges to hold the top flanges together. Screws extend through the channel into threaded engagement with the top flanges, and also extend through apertures into apertured bosses to secure all components together. Address signage (sand-cast) is provided for selective attachment to the sides, door or top of the mailbox. The door is pivotally mounted to the mailbox by a pivot pin that telescopingly extends into holes in the side pieces to facilitate assembly.

Abstract: A drop box for storing mail pieces includes an enclosure, and an articulated door which runs on tracks. The door is selectively positioned in a horizontal course. When the door is in the horizontal course, a mail piece may be inserted through an opening in the enclosure and placed on the door. The door is then withdrawn from the horizontal course to allow the mail piece to drop into a lower portion of the enclosure. When the door has been withdrawn from the horizontal course, it closes the opening in the enclosure.

Abstract: A mailbox which has a plate along which mail slides before it falls into a rear compartment, which is not easily accessible from the front of the mailbox. A rear door can optionally be locked in its closed position, and only by successfully opening this door can a person obtain mail deposited within the mailbox of the present invention. All of this is achieved while maintaining a relatively small mailbox size.

Abstract: A mailbox security device capable of being mounted within the opening of any standard sized mailbox for securing delivered mail. The mailbox security device includes a frame and a hinged door. The hinged door has an interior surface and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a circular recessed input and key. The interior surface has a latch and spring for locking the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A mailbox includes a body having an interior cavity and an opening, a lid connected to the body and covering the opening, a first viewing window in one of the body and the lid and a light dispersion element for dispersing light through the interior cavity of the body so as to allow one to see the contents of the mailbox without opening the lid.

Abstract: A latch assembly of the type used on postal cluster units, such as central mailbox units including a latch assembly of multiple dual bold latch mechanisms for securing at multiple latch points a pair of center meeting hinged doors upon closure of the doors. The dual bolt latch mechanisms of the latch assembly are enclosed within the cabinet of the postal cluster unit and are operable by a single concealed handle to simultaneously unlatch the multiple latch points.

Abstract: A secure package receptacle comprising a parallelepiped box having a flushly fitted lockable access door hingedly attached within the front of the box, a recessed handle within the access door, a lid pivotally secured and flushly fitted to the box top, the lid beveled edge fitting a coplanar beveled edge of the top, a recessed handle within the lid and a lid lock accessible from the box interior, the recessed handles having handle surrounds preventing inclement weather invasion, whereby received packages are securely retained within the interior of the box until accessed from the access door.

Abstract: A mail box configured to contain and reduce exposure to hazardous particulates, which includes a container having a deposit port at an upper end and a collection chamber at a lower end. There is at least one door at the upper end for mail to be placed into the deposit port. A normally open sealable bag is located in the collection chamber for receiving mail and for being sealed when the mail is to be removed from the container There is a bag holder constructed and arranged to hold a bag in place and normally open so that in a first position, mail placed into the deposit port falls downwardly through the bag holder and into a bag in the collection chamber and which bag may be preliminarily sealed while in this position, and in a second position, the bag may be more securely sealed and removed from the bag holder.

Abstract: A postal receptacle assembly (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) comprises a postal receptacle component (22) which is spatially framed by other components of the postal receptacle assembly. The other components include a horizontally-oriented stoop (24); two columns (26) mounted on the stoop and extending essentially vertically parallel in spaced apart relationship; and, a pediment (28) supported by the two columns. The postal receptacle component (22) is situated in a space (30) framed in two dimensions by the stoop (24), the pediment (28), and the two columns (26). In certain embodiments the postal receptacle assembly is configured to visually emulate the appearance of a building or portion of a building (e.g., a porch). One or more of the assembly components (known as “stylistic” components) may be formed with (or structurally and/or visually convey) selected architectural features.

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.

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: 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: A device is created for placement within a rural style mail box to provide a secure repository for items of mail delivered. A forward positioned, secure chamber for the storage of delivered items is defined by a first insert having a top surface, and two supporting side surfaces. A separate assembly placed rear of the first insert includes an opposing slide assembly defined by a smooth surface with an inclination against the rear of the mail box and sloped downwardly toward the secure storage area. Coming into contact with the slide assembly, mail is thus redirected to the secure area. In an alternative embodiment, a unitary mailbox is described which includes an inclined compression delivery channel for delivery of mail to a secure chamber beneath, the compression channel at the same time presenting an obstacle to unauthorized access.

Abstract: A mail box access replacement cover assembly for use on existing and new masonry mounted mail boxes having a mail box and newspaper insert. A two-part adjustable assembly is secured on the masonry support surface aligned to overlie the mail box and newspaper tube openings respectively. A decorative replacement access door for the mail box and paper receiving tube are respectively secured to the assembly by decorative cover fill plate selectively positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A mailbox is provided with a rain intercepting structure which includes a groove in a shoulder formed on the laterally opposite sides and the top of the mailbox door and a ridge on the inside of the mailbox doorway in juxtaposed registration with the groove. Moisture impacting the ridge is diverted to the groove and drains out its bottom ends, thus protecting the mail against rain damage.

Abstract: A kit, and method of installation thereof, for field-modification of a mailbox to protect against mail theft.

Abstract: A security mailbox includes a housing having front and rear walls defining upper and lower compartments therebetween and front and rear access doors mounted to the front and rear walls. The housing further has top and bottom surfaces secured to the front and rear walls. The front access door has a fulcrum axis extending along a width thereof and a weight member secured to same and extending along the fulcrum axis for conveniently maintaining the front access door at a closed position. The mail box also includes L-shaped brackets secured to inner surfaces of the front and rear walls and a support shelf positionable within the housing. The rear access door is disposed adjacent the lower compartment and includes a lock attached thereto for allowing only authorized users to access mail therein.

Abstract: A dual compartment mailbox construction (10) including an elongated hollow housing member (20) having a front door member (43) and a pair of side door members (40) (40?) wherein, the interior of the housing member (20) is provided with an elongated divider plate (30) that defines upper and lower quadrangular compartments (50) (50?) for receiving and separating envelopes from bulk mail items that may be retrieved from either of the side door members (40) (40?).

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved rural mailbox apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a lower housing and an upper, pivotally mounted upper shell. The lower housing has an opening for passing mail into and out of the housing. The upper shell is pivotally connected to the lower housing with the upper shell being vertically and rotatably moveable between a lowered, closed position and an upper, open position. In the lowered, closed position, the shell sufficiently covers the housing opening to protect contained mail from normal environmental conditions. When the shell is in the upper, open position, access is provided for a user to deposit mail into or extract mail out of the housing.

Abstract: A mail drop box for isolating mail deposited therein having a closable, removable container inside the box for receiving mail and has an opening in the top. A plurality of mail transmitting chutes each having a deposit port at its upper end and an exit port at its lower end to receive mail through the deposit port and direct such mail into the container. The opening in the removable container is closed when desired to isolate mail from the ambient atmosphere and permit removal of the container without exposing the ambient atmosphere to hazardous particles which may be on or in such mail. A removal door permits removal of the container. A transparent door is adjacent to, but inside of, the removal door for allowing viewing of the opening of the container when the removal door is open.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing for particulate contaminants in deposited mail-like articles includes an enclosure adapted for receiving deposited mail-like articles, a squeezing mechanism located within the enclosure and adapted for pressuring opposite flat sides of said deposited mail-like articles for expelling air along with any particulate matter from said deposited mail-like articles and into the enclosure, and a sensing apparatus operatively coupled to the enclosure and adapted for determining the presence of particulate contaminants in air expelled from the deposited mail-like articles. The apparatus may be embodied in a depository of an automated teller machine.

Abstract: A device for limiting the size and shape of mail which may be deposited into a mail drop box. The box includes an enclosure having a deposit port at its upper end of a predetermined size and shape, and a collection chamber below the deposit port. There is a pivotal door having at most substantially the same size and shape as the deposit port and closing the deposit port when the door is in a first, closed position and opening the deposit port when the door is in a second, open position. A plate is disposed in the enclosure between the deposit port and the collection chamber of a substantially similar size and shape as the deposit port and having a restricted size opening and located to be exposed when the pivotal door in the open position to restrict the size of the deposit port to the restricted size opening.

Abstract: An anti-theft mailbox insert installed inside of a petestal mail box for limiting access to delieverd mail. The insert has a horizontal shelf located just below the mailbox mail slot. When mail is inserted into the mailbox slot it falls to the bottom of the mailbox and the anti-theft mailbox insert prevents a person's hand from reaching in through the mailbox slot and stealing the mail. The mail can be retrieved using the locking rear door of the mailbox.

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: Under the present invention, a mailbox is equipped with a RFID reader. The RFID reader receives a continuously transmitted signal from an RFID tag that contains an RF identifier. Upon receipt, the RFID reader compares the RF identifier in the signal to an RF identifier assigned to the mailbox. If a match is established, the mailbox is unlocked and access is permitted.

Abstract: Secure enclosure (10) is useful as mailbox or police evidence dropbox. Items are deposited through unsecured portal (32), pass past baffle (90) and are stored in secure compartment (40). Access to secure compartment (40) is through door (46). Lock lock housing (60) is mounted rigidly on door (46) and holds rotary shackle padlock (70) such that rotary shackle (73) engages hasp (51) to lock door (46) but rotary shackle padlock (70) is protected against twisting, prying, or impact.

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 mail receptacle. Exterior and interior portions are attached to opposing sides of a door. The exterior portion includes a first flap hingedly attached to the door and selectively closes a mail slot in the door, and an exterior receptacle affixed to the door and selectively closed by a second flap hingedly attached to the door. The interior portion includes an interior receptacle affixed to the door, communicates with the mail slot, and is selectively closed by a third flap hingedly attached to the door, and a clasp hingedly attached to the third flap and selectively overlying the interior receptacle. A padlock is welded to the clasp and a staple extends outwardly from the interior receptacle and is positioned to pass through the clasp, and after the staple passes through the clasp, the staple is engaged by the shackle of the padlock, and by closing the shackle, the interior portion becomes locked.