Abstract:
A system for securely depositing an item includes: a lock mechanism configured to attach to a deposit box having a door configured to provide elective access to an interior space in the box to selectively block the door from opening and allow the door to open to provide access to the interior space; and a first proximity sensor operatively connected to the lock mechanism to operate the lock mechanism to block the door or allow the door to open, a second proximity sensor configured to be attached to at least one of: a delivery person and a piece of delivery equipment; a third proximity sensor; and a first transmitter operatively connected to the lock mechanism and configured to transmit a signal indicative of operating information regarding the lock mechanism.
Abstract:
A mailbox has detection means inside the mailbox to detect the presence of mail and a warning device that is operatively connected to the detection means to inform a user of the presence of mail in the mailbox.
Abstract:
The present invention is mail alert system attached with the mailbox which is operated in connection with mailbox accessories. The device detects the presence of delivery of mail, generates a detection signal, transmits said detection signal, receives said detection signal at a remote, location, and alerts said user. The mailbox alert signal device has particular utility in connection with mailbox operated by motion sensors, wireless transmitter, a reciever located inside of remote structure, LED indicator, at least one audible alarm and a battery.
Abstract:
An electronic mailbox system features: a mailbox housing with an inner cavity and slot for holding mail, a lid, an electrically-operable lock system for the lid, a mail sensor for detecting the mail being inserted into the slot, a first transmitter, a first receiver and a mailbox microprocessor; and a control box with a second transmitter, a second receiver, a control box indicator light, an unlock button, a reset button, and a control box microprocessor. When the mail sensor detects mail delivery the control box indicator light becomes illuminated. When the unlock button is pushed the lock system unlocks. When the reset button is pressed the indicator light is deactivated. An alarm system may be activated upon receipt of mail and/or if a tamper sensor detects tampering. Another embodiment features control and monitoring of the mailbox via a mobile consumer electronics device, as a smart phone or tablet.
Abstract:
The invention provides a closures (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116, 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116, 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (eg. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (eg. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least on indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied. Instead of indicium (108) or in addition to it, the closure of the invention can include in the fastener means for communicating to a remote device, a status of the closure or the compartment. The closure and the compartment may form an array with other closures and compartments having similar fasteners. In that event, the fastener in each compartment may be addressable.
Abstract:
The invention provides a closures (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116, 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116, 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (eg. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (eg. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least on indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied. Instead of indicium (108) or in addition to it, the closure of the invention can include in the fastener means for communicating to a remote device, a status of the closure or the compartment. The closure and the compartment may form an array with other closures and compartments having similar fasteners. In that event, the fastener in each compartment may be addressable.
Abstract:
A mailbox game includes a mailbox having a rectangular container or box with an opening, a lid and a hinge that attaches the lid to the box to cover the opening. The game also includes play stamps having an adhesive backing. The mailbox may have a rotating flag that is attached to the box and there may also be a dial with which to provide a mailbox status of full or empty. The mailbox game includes a method of providing a toy mailbox, mounting the mailbox on or adjacent to a door inside of a residence, depositing mail in the mailbox, and manipulating a signal device to indicate that mail has been deposited into the mailbox. The mailbox game may include writing on a marking area positioned on the mailbox to be viewed by a person passing by the mailbox or depositing mail therein.
Abstract:
A method, apparatus and program for notifying an electronic address of the presence of physical mail in a designated mailbox is provided. The presence of at least one piece of mail in the mailbox is detected and an electronic notification is transmitted to the address indicating the presence of the at least one piece of mail.
Abstract:
An instantaneous remote mail viewing system comprising an instantaneous analog video transmission device mounted inside a mailbox, an analog video receiver that receives and transmits a video image to a video monitor or television and a remote transmitter that activates the analog video transmission device only while the remote transmitter is activated. The analog video transmission device is normally in a low power, standby mode that has a minimal power drain. The unit is transmitting only when activated by the user and reverts to the normal low power, standby mode when the user releases the activation switch.
Abstract:
A networked architecture for indicating node usage or occupancy comprising a plurality of nodes each movable between an unoccupied condition and an occupied condition, a plurality of sensor devices each movable from an inactive condition to an active condition in response to movement of one of the nodes from the unoccupied condition to the occupied condition, and indicator apparatus defining a plurality of indicator elements each for emitting a stimulus in response to movement of one of the sensor devices from the inactive condition to the active condition.