Security mailbox assembly, system methods and monitoring service

• US 7,398,915 B1
• Filed: 04/09/2007
• Issued: 07/15/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/04/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Juan Ramon Pineda-Sanchez, Maria Garcia-Pineda
• Original Assignee: Juan Ramon Pineda-Sanchez, Maria Garcia-Pineda
• Inventors: Pineda-Sanchez, Juan Ramon, Garcia-Pineda, Maria
• Primary Examiner(s): Miller; William L.
• Application Number:
  US11/784,597
• Time in Patent Office: 463 Days
• Field of Search: 232 34- 36, 232/17, 232/45, 232/19, 340/569
• US Class Current: 232/36
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/1214 including a receiver located remotely from the letter-box and a transmitter

Abstract

The security mailbox assembly functions to prevent identity and mail theft. The security mailbox assembly comprises a lockable mailbox having an internal alarm system including a receiver and transmitter unit (1), functioning in cooperation with a home base device including an outgoing mail holder for placement of outgoing mail therein, the outgoing mail holder being located remote from the mailbox and including a second receiver and transmitter unit (2) for receiving radio wave signals from the first antenna transmitter and receiver, and to transmit the mailbox data information to a receiver and transmitter unit (3), or a remote security mailbox monitoring center in response to triggering of an activation input from the mailbox device, also including a remote control receiver and transmitter unit (3) adapted to be carried by an individual or the owner of the mailbox.

Claims

1. A residential security mailbox assembly comprising:

a mailbox having a front, back, two sides, openable top, and bottom collectively defining an interior compartment for receiving and storing mail, the mailbox further including a mail deposit aperture in the top for inserting mail therethrough wherein the mail deposit aperture is in communication with the interior compartment, a movable lid attached to the mailbox for covering and uncovering the mail deposit slot aperture, a locking device for locking and unlocking the openable top, a first signal light mounted to the front, and sound apertures formed in one of the sides;

an alarm system positioned within the interior compartment, the alarm system including a battery power supply, an impact and motion sensor, a first antenna receiver and transmitter for receiving and transmitting radio wave signals, a magnetic switch device, and an audible speaker for emitting sounds through the sound apertures, wherein the first signal light when illuminated indicates the alarm system is functioning;

an outgoing mail holder for placement of outgoing mail therein, the outgoing mail holder being located remote from the mailbox and including a second receiver and transmitter for receiving radio wave signals from the first antenna transmitter and receiver, and to transmitting radio wave signals to a third receiver and transmitter unit or a remote security mailbox monitoring center, the outgoing mail holder also including a display screen, a second signal light, an antenna, a built in telephone line plug input, an AC-DC power supply, and battery attachments for back-up battery power,

a remote control transmitter for activation and deactivation of the alarm system, and to lock and unlock the mailbox, the remote control transmitter adapted to be carried by an individual or an owner of the mailbox.

3. The residential security mailbox assembly of claim 1, wherein the third receiver and transmitter unit is for receiving radio wave signals from the first or second transmitter and receiver, the third receiver and transmitter unit including a display screen, a built in antenna, and adapted to be carried by an individual or owner of the mailbox, the functions of the third receiver and transmitter unit are to notify the individual or owner when mail has been delivered, when somebody is tampering with the mailbox, and also for activation and deactivation of the alarm system.

4. A method of using the residential security mailbox assembly of claim 1, wherein the outgoing mail holder is pre-programmed or adapted to communicate with the remote security mailbox monitoring center via a telephone line in response to mailbox activity, providing 24 hours a day 7 days a week of mailbox monitoring service for a monthly fee if subscribed, the remote security mailbox monitoring center capable of calling individuals to notify of the mailbox activity, and capable of forwarding data to the third receiver and transmitter unit wherein the third receiver and transmitter unit is a pager, cell phone, computer, or other electronic communication device.

2. A rural security mailbox assembly comprising:

a mailbox having an openable front door, back, two sides, top, and bottom collectively defining an interior compartment for receiving and storing mail, the mailbox further including a mail deposit aperture in the door for inserting mail therethrough wherein the mail deposit aperture is in communication with the interior compartment, a locking device for locking and unlocking the door, a first signal light mounted to the door, and sound apertures formed in one of the sides;

an alarm system positioned within the interior compartment, the alarm system including a battery power supply, an impact and motion sensor, a first antenna receiver and transmitter for receiving and transmitting radio wave signals, a magnetic switch device, and an audible speaker for emitting sounds through the sound apertures, wherein the first signal light when illuminated indicates the alarm system is functioning;

an outgoing mail holder for placement of outgoing mail therein, the outgoing mail holder being located remote from the mailbox and including a second receiver and transmitter for receiving radio wave signals from the first antenna transmitter and receiver, and transmitting radio wave signals to a third receiver and transmitter unit or a remote security mailbox monitoring center, the outgoing mail holder also including a display screen, a second signal light, an antenna, a built in telephone line plug input, an AC-DC power supply, and battery attachments for back-up battery power,

a remote control transmitter for activation and deactivation of the alarm system, and to lock and unlock the mailbox, the remote control transmitter adapted to be carried by an individual or an owner of the mailbox.

5. The rural security mailbox assembly of claim 2, wherein the third receiver and transmitter unit is for receiving radio wave signals from the first or second transmitter and receiver, the third receiver and transmitter unit including a display screen, a built in antenna, and adapted to be carried by an individual or owner of the mailbox, the functions of the third receiver and transmitter unit are to notify the individual or owner when mail has been delivered, when somebody is tampering with the mailbox, and also for activation and deactivation of the alarm system.

6. A method of using the rural security mailbox assembly of claim 2, wherein the outgoing mail holder is pre-programmed or adapted to communicate with the remote security mailbox monitoring center via a telephone line in response to mailbox activity, providing 24 hours a day 7 days a week of mailbox monitoring service for a monthly fee if subscribed, the remote security mailbox monitoring center capable of calling individuals to notify of the mailbox activity, and capable of forwarding data to the third receiver and transmitter unit wherein the third receiver and transmitter unit is a pager, cell phone, computer, or other electronic communication device.