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.

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.

Provided are methods and devices for the delivery of material goods incorporating automatable components. An automated delivery method when implemented with the appropriate delivery receptacle allows for greater efficiency and convenience through automation. An order for consumer goods placed over the Internet can be properly packaged and connected with a delivery vehicle that may be fully automated. The delivery vehicle will transport the material item(s) to a receptacle enclosure at a delivery destination; which may be located near the buyer's residence or workplace. The receptacle enclosure may be configured to receive the material items directly from the vehicle. Whereby material items may be transported and received with less labor at any time of any day.

Provided are methods and devices for the delivery of material goods incorporating automatable components. An automated delivery method when implemented with the appropriate delivery receptacle allows for greater efficiency and convenience through automation. An order for consumer goods placed over the Internet can be properly packaged and connected with a delivery vehicle that may be fully automated. The delivery vehicle will transport the material item(s) to a receptacle enclosure at a delivery destination; which may be located near the buyer's residence or workplace. The receptacle enclosure may be configured to receive the material items directly from the vehicle. Whereby material items may be transported and received with less labor at any time of any day.

A package theft prevention system comprising a mailbox defining an irregularly shaped interior compartment for storage of received packages. The lower portion of the mailbox has an outward, distally tapering wall for anchoring to concrete it is embedded in. The uppermost opening to the mailbox has a package door biased in the closed condition, where, just downward of the package door is a self-closing trap door biased in its closed position. As the package door and the trap door are offset and open in opposing directions, removal of packages from the upper opening is frustrated while receipt by the deliverer is facilitated. A lockable rear door below the upper opening provides access to the interior compartment for the owner.

A package theft prevention system comprising a mailbox defining an irregularly shaped interior compartment for storage of received packages. The lower portion of the mailbox has an outward, distally tapering wall for anchoring to concrete it is embedded in. The uppermost opening to the mailbox has a package door biased in the closed condition, where, just downward of the package door is a self-closing trap door biased in its closed position. As the package door and the trap door are offset and open in opposing directions, removal of packages from the upper opening is frustrated while receipt by the deliverer is facilitated. A lockable rear door below the upper opening provides access to the interior compartment for the owner.

A portable beverage container is provided. The portable beverage container may include a glass vessel having a neck; a metal outer shell configured to surround a first portion of the glass vessel; a cap configured to engage with the metal outer shell to surround a second portion of the glass vessel; and an amorphous thermoplastic spout having a neck configured to be inserted through an opening in the cap and into the neck of the glass vessel. The spout may be configured to securely engage with the cap. The cap may include a lid with an elastomeric sealing member having a knob configured to extend into a recess in the spout and a recess configured to wrap around and over a lip of the spout. The spout may be removable from the cap while the cap is engaged with the outer shell.

A portable beverage container is provided. The portable beverage container may include a glass vessel having a neck; a metal outer shell configured to surround a first portion of the glass vessel; a cap configured to engage with the metal outer shell to surround a second portion of the glass vessel; and an amorphous thermoplastic spout having a neck configured to be inserted through an opening in the cap and into the neck of the glass vessel. The spout may be configured to securely engage with the cap. The cap may include a lid with an elastomeric sealing member having a knob configured to extend into a recess in the spout and a recess configured to wrap around and over a lip of the spout. The spout may be removable from the cap while the cap is engaged with the outer shell.