Electronic mail box system

• US 8,299,923 B2
• Filed: 05/14/2010
• Issued: 10/30/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hassan Hammoud
• Original Assignee: Hassan Hammoud
• Inventors: Hammoud, Hassan
• Primary Examiner(s): Mehmood, Jennifer
• Assistant Examiner(s): Knox, Kaleria
• Application Number:
  US12/780,235
• Publication Number:
  US 20100253518A1
• Time in Patent Office: 900 Days
• Field of Search: 340/569, 340/568.1, 340/539.14, 340/545.6, 455/412.2
• US Class Current: 340/569
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/1214 including a receiver located remotely from the letter-box and a transmitter
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/141 comprising electronically controlled locking means

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.

Claims

1. An electronic mailbox system (100) comprising:

(a) a mailbox housing (110) comprising;

(i) an inner cavity for holding a piece of mail (530);

(ii) a lid (120) moveable between an open position and a closed position respectively allowing and preventing access to the inner cavity;

(iii) an electrically-operable lock system (26;

140) operatively connected to the lid, the lock system can move between a locked position which secures the lid in the closed position and an unlocked position which permits the lid to be moved to the open position;

(iv) a slot (130) disposed in the mailbox housing for accommodating the piece of mail;

(v) a mail sensor (510) for detecting the piece of mail being inserted into the slot;

(vi) a first transmitter (410) and a first receiver;

(vii) a mailbox indicator light (60;

430); and

(viii) a mailbox microprocessor operatively connected to each of the mail sensor, the mailbox indicator light, the lock system, the first transmitter, and the first receiver; and

(b) a control box (210) comprising;

(i) a second transmitter and a second receiver, wherein the second receiver is configured to receive signals from the first transmitter and the first receiver is configured to receive signals from the second transmitter;

(ii) a control box indicator light (925);

(iii) an unlock button (940;

7;

450);

(iv) a reset button (930;

13); and

(v) a control box microprocessor operatively connected to each the second transmitter, the second receiver, the control box indicator light, the unlock button, and the reset button;

wherein;

the mailbox microprocessor is configured to receive a first sensor input signal from the mail sensor when the mail sensor detects the piece of mail being inserted into the slot whereupon the mailbox microprocessor generates a first transmitter output command to the first transmitter to cause the first transmitter to send a first transmitter signal to the second receiver in the control box;

wherein the second receiver is configured to send a second receiver input signal to the control box microprocessor when the second receiver receives the first transmitter signal from the first transmitter, whereupon the control box microprocessor generates a second light output command to the control box indicator light to cause the control box indicator light to become activated;

the control box microprocessor is configured to receive a first unlock input signal from the unlock button when the unlock button is pressed whereupon the control box microprocessor generates a second transmitter output command to the second transmitter to cause the second transmitter to send a second transmitter signal to the first receiver in the mailbox housing;

wherein the first receiver is configured to send a second unlock input signal to the mailbox microprocessor when the first receiver receives the second transmitter signal from the second transmitter, whereupon the mailbox microprocessor generates an unlock output command to the lock system to cause the lock system to move to the unlocked position;

the control box microprocessor is configured to receive a first reset input signal from the reset button when the reset button is pressed whereupon the control box microprocessor generates a first reset output command to the control box indicator light to cause the control box indicator light to become deactivated;

the mailbox microprocessor is configured to generate a first light output command to the mailbox indicator light to activate the mailbox indicator light when the mailbox microprocessor receives the first sensor input signal from the mail sensor;

the control box microprocessor is configured to generate a second reset output command to the second transmitter to cause the second transmitter to send a third transmitter signal to the first receiver in the mailbox housing when the control box microprocessor receives the first reset input signal from the reset button;

and the first receiver is configured to send a second light input signal to the mailbox microprocessor when the first receiver receives the third transmitter signal from the second transmitter, whereupon the mailbox microprocessor generates a second light output command to the mailbox indicator light to deactivate the mailbox indicator light.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a newspaper holder (14;

880;

180) disposed on the mailbox housing.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the mailbox housing further comprises an awning (7;

139) positioned over the slot to help prevent moisture from entering into the slot.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the mailbox housing further comprises an inner door (540) attached to an inside surface of a front surface of the mailbox housing such that it covers the slot, the inner door is moveable between an open position and a closed position respectively allowing and preventing access to the inner cavity of the mailbox housing, the inner door is biased in the closed position caused by a spring (550).

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the lock system comprises a good lock light for indicating the lock system is in the locked position.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the lock system comprises an emergency unlocking mechanism (735, 710, 705).

11. The system of claim 1, wherein, the system is constructed from a material comprising a metal, a plastic, wood, or a combination thereof.

12. The system of claim 1 comprising a rechargeable battery.

14. The system of claim 1 further comprising a control box lock button disposed on the control box and operatively connected to the control box microprocessor, the control box microprocessor is configured to receive a first control box lock input signal from the control box lock button when the control box lock button is pressed, wherein upon receipt of the first control box lock input signal, the control box microprocessor generates a fifth transmitter output command to the second transmitter to cause the second transmitter to send a fifth transmitter signal to the first receiver in the mailbox housing, wherein when the first receiver receives the fifth transmitter signal, the first receiver send a first control box lock input signal to the mailbox microprocessor whereupon the mailbox microprocessor generates the first lock output command to the lock system to lock the lock system.

17. The system of claim 1 further comprising one or more solar panels operatively connected to the mailbox microprocessor, the lock system, the first receiver, or the second receiver, wherein the solar panels function to provide power.

2. An electronic mailbox system (100) comprising:

(a) a mailbox housing (110) comprising;

(i) an inner cavity for holding a piece of mail (530);

(ii) a lid (120) moveable between an open position and a closed position respectively allowing and preventing access to the inner cavity;

(iii) an electrically-operable lock system (26;

140) operatively connected to the lid, the lock system can move between a locked position which secures the lid in the closed position and an unlocked position which permits the lid to be moved to the open position;

(iv) a slot (130) disposed in the mailbox housing for accommodating the piece of mail;

(v) a mail sensor (510) for detecting the piece of mail being inserted into the slot;

(vi) a first transmitter (410) and a first receiver; and

(vii) a mailbox microprocessor operatively connected to each of the mail sensor, the lock system, the first transmitter, and the first receiver; and

(b) a control box (210) comprising;

(i) a second transmitter and a second receiver, wherein the second receiver is configured to receive signals from the first transmitter and the first receiver is configured to receive signals from the second transmitter;

(ii) a control box indicator light (925);

(iii) an unlock button (940;

7;

450);

(iv) a reset button (930;

13);

(v) an alarm system (910;

420); and

(vi) a control box microprocessor operatively connected to each of the second transmitter, the second receiver, the control box indicator light, the unlock button, the reset button, and the alarm system;

wherein;

the mailbox microprocessor is configured to receive a first sensor input signal from the mail sensor when the mail sensor detects the piece of mail being inserted into the slot whereupon the mailbox microprocessor generates a first transmitter output command to the first transmitter to cause the first transmitter to send a first transmitter signal to the second receiver in the control box;

wherein the second receiver is configured to send a second receiver input signal to the control box microprocessor when the second receiver receives the first transmitter signal from the first transmitter, whereupon the control box microprocessor generates a second light output command to the control box indicator light to cause the control box indicator light to become activated;

the control box microprocessor is configured to receive a first unlock input signal from the unlock button when the unlock button is pressed whereupon the control box microprocessor generates a second transmitter output command to the second transmitter to cause the second transmitter to send a second transmitter signal to the first receiver in the mailbox housing;

wherein the first receiver is configured to send a second unlock input signal to the mailbox microprocessor when the first receiver receives the second transmitter signal from the second transmitter, whereupon the mailbox microprocessor generates an unlock output command to the lock system to cause the lock system to move to the unlocked position;

the control box microprocessor is configured to receive a first reset input signal from the reset button when the reset button is pressed whereupon the control box microprocessor generates a first reset output command to the control box indicator light to cause the control box indicator light to become deactivated;

the control box microprocessor is configured to generate a first alarm output command to the alarm system to activate the alarm system to indicate receipt of mail in the mailbox housing when the control box microprocessor receives the second receiver input signal;

the mailbox housing also includes a tamper sensor for detecting tampering of the mailbox housing and to which the mailbox microprocessor is operatively connected;

the mailbox microprocessor is configured to receive a second sensor input signal from the tamper sensor when the tamper sensor detects tampering, wherein upon receipt of the second sensor input signal the mailbox microprocessor generates a fourth transmitter output command to the first transmitter to cause the first transmitter to send a fourth transmitter signal to the second receiver, wherein upon receipt of the fourth transmitter signal, the second receiver sends a fourth receiver input signal to the control box microprocessor whereupon the contra box microprocessor generates a second alarm output command to the alarm system to activate the alarm system to indicate detection of tampering of the mailbox housing; and

the control box microprocessor is configured so that, upon receipt by the control box microprocessor of the first reset input signal, the control box microprocessor generates a third reset output command to the alarm system to deactivate the alarm.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the alarm system is configured to emit a first sound when the alarm system receives the first alarm output command and the alarm system is configured to emit a second sound when the alarm system receives the second alarm output command.

9. The system of claim 2, wherein the lock system comprises an auto-lock mechanism, the auto-lock mechanism function to causing the lock system to become locked after a certain length of time after the lock system has been unlocked.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein if the lock system is not relocked after the certain length of time the alarm system is activated.

15. The system of claim 2, wherein the control box further comprises a secondary light component operatively connected to the control box microprocessor, the secondary light component is configured to be illuminated when the control box is plugged in.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the secondary light component is configured to flash or blink when the alarm system is activated.

13. An electronic mailbox system (100) comprising:

(a) a mailbox housing (110) comprising;

(i) an inner cavity for holding a piece of mail (530);

(ii) a lid (120) moveable between an open position and a closed position respectively allowing and preventing access to the inner cavity;

(iii) an electrically-operable lock system (26;

140) operatively connected to the lid, the lock system can move between a locked position which secures the lid in the closed position and an unlocked position which permits the lid to be moved to the open position;

(iv) a slot (130) disposed in the mailbox housing for accommodating the piece of mail;

(v) a mail sensor (510) for detecting the piece of mail being inserted into the slot;

(vi) a first transmitter (410) and a first receiver;

(vii) a mailbox indicator light (60;

430); and

(viii) a mailbox microprocessor operatively connected to each of the mail sensor, the mailbox indicator light, the lock system, the first transmitter, and the first receiver;

(b) a control box (210) comprising;

(i) a second transmitter and a second receiver, wherein the second receiver is configured to receive signals from the first transmitter and the first receiver is configured to receive signals from the second transmitter;

(ii) a control box indicator light (925);

(iii) an unlock button (940;

7;

450);

(iv) a reset button (930;

13); and

(v) a control box microprocessor operatively connected to each the second transmitter, the second receiver, the control box indicator light, the unlock button, and the reset button; and

(c) a remote control having a remote control microprocessor disposed therein and a remote control transmitter operatively connected to the remote control microprocessor;

wherein;

the mailbox microprocessor is configured to receive a first sensor input signal from the mail sensor when the mail sensor detects the piece of mail being inserted into the slot whereupon the mailbox microprocessor generates a first transmitter output command to the first transmitter to cause the first transmitter to send a first transmitter signal to the second receiver in the control box;

wherein the second receiver is configured to send a second receiver input signal to the control box microprocessor when the second receiver receives the first transmitter signal from the first transmitter, whereupon the control box microprocessor generates a second light output command to the control box indicator light to cause the control box indicator light to become activated;

the control box microprocessor is configured to receive a first unlock input signal from the unlock button when the unlock button is pressed whereupon the control box microprocessor generates a second transmitter output command to the second transmitter to cause the second transmitter to send a second transmitter signal to the first receiver in the mailbox housing;

wherein the first receiver is configured to send a second unlock input signal to the mailbox microprocessor when the first receiver receives the second transmitter signal from the second transmitter, whereupon the mailbox microprocessor generates an unlock output command to the lock system to cause the lock system to move to the unlocked position;

the control box microprocessor is configured to receive a first reset input signal from the reset button when the reset button is pressed whereupon the control box microprocessor generates a first reset output command to the control box indicator light to cause the control box indicator light to become deactivated;

the remote control further comprising a remote lock mailbox button, a remote open mailbox button, and a remote reset button each operatively connected to the remote control microprocessor, wherein the remote control microprocessor is configured to;

(a) receive a first remote lock button input signal from the remote lock mailbox button when the remote lock mailbox button is pressed, wherein when the remote control microprocessor receives the first remote lock button input signal the remote control microprocessor sends a first remote transmitter output command to the remote control transmitter to cause the remote control transmitter to send a first remote transmitter signal to the first receiver in the mailbox housing, wherein when the first receiver receives the first remote transmitter signal, the first receiver sends a first remote lock input signal to the mailbox microprocessor, wherein upon receipt of the first remote lock input signal, the mailbox microprocessor generates a first lock output command to the lock system so as to lock the lock system;

(b) receive a first remote open button input signal from the remote open mailbox button when the remote open mailbox button is pressed, wherein when the remote control microprocessor receives the first remote open button input signal the remote control microprocessor sends a second remote transmitter output command to the remote control transmitter to cause the remote control transmitter to send a second remote transmitter signal to the first receiver in the mailbox housing, wherein when the first receiver receives the second remote transmitter signal, the first receiver sends a second unlock input signal to the mailbox microprocessor, wherein upon receipt of the second unlock input signal, the mailbox microprocessor generates a first unlock output command to the lock system so as to unlock the lock system; and

(c) receive a first remote rest button input signal from the remote reset button when the remote reset button is pressed, wherein when the remote control microprocessor receives the first remote reset button input signal the remote control microprocessor sends a third remote transmitter output command to the remote control transmitter to cause the remote control transmitter to send a third remote transmitter signal to the second receiver in the control box, wherein when the second receiver receives the third remote transmitter signal, the second receiver sends a fifth receiver input signal to the control box microprocessor, wherein upon receipt of the fifth receiver input signal, the control box microprocessor generates a fifth reset output command to the alarm system so as to reset the alarm system.