Mail Delivery Alert System
First Claim
1. A mail delivery alert system, comprising:
- a mailbox housing that encloses an interior space and that defines an open front;
a door pivotally coupled to said housing and movable between open and closed configurations relative to said open front;
a first sensor positioned in said housing so as to detect an opening of said door;
a second sensor positioned in said housing so as to detect the presence of an article in said open space of said housing;
a transmitter;
a processor electrically connected to said first and second sensors and to said transmitter, said processor including programming for actuating said transmitter to transmit an alert signal through the air upon said first sensor detecting an opening of said door and said second sensor detecting the presence of an article in said open space of said housing; and
a receiver remote from said transmitter for receiving said alert signal.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A mail delivery alert system, comprising:
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a mailbox housing that encloses an interior space and that defines an open front; a door pivotally coupled to said housing and movable between open and closed configurations relative to said open front; a first sensor positioned in said housing so as to detect an opening of said door; a second sensor positioned in said housing so as to detect the presence of an article in said open space of said housing; a transmitter; a processor electrically connected to said first and second sensors and to said transmitter, said processor including programming for actuating said transmitter to transmit an alert signal through the air upon said first sensor detecting an opening of said door and said second sensor detecting the presence of an article in said open space of said housing; and a receiver remote from said transmitter for receiving said alert signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A mail delivery alert system, comprising:
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a mailbox housing that encloses an interior space and that defines an open front; a door pivotally coupled to said housing and movable between open and closed configurations relative to said open front; a first sensor positioned in said housing so as to detect an opening of said door; a second sensor positioned in said housing so as to detect the presence of an article in said open space of said housing; a transmitter; a battery; a processor electrically connected to said battery, said first and second sensors and to said transmitter, said processor including programming for actuating said transmitter to transmit an alert signal through the air upon said first sensor detecting an opening of said door and said second sensor detecting the presence of an article in said open space of said housing; wherein said housing includes a bottom wall having upper and lower surfaces, a top wall opposite said bottom wall, and opposed side walls extending from said top wall to a point beneath said bottom wall, such that said lower surface of said bottom wall and said side walls form a cavity; wherein said processor, said transmitter, and said first and second sensors are positioned in said cavity; and a receiver remote from said transmitter for receiving said alert signal. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A mail delivery alert system, comprising:
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a mailbox housing that encloses an interior space and that defines an open front; a door pivotally coupled to said housing and movable between open and closed configurations relative to said open front; means for detecting the presence of an article in said open space of said housing; a transmitter; a power source; a processor electrically connected to said power source, said detecting means, and to said transmitter; said processor including programming for actuating said transmitter to transmit an alert signal through the air upon detecting the presence of an article in said open space of said housing; and a receiver remote from said transmitter for receiving said alert signal. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification