In some embodiments, a receptacle for receiving products dropped off by unmanned vehicles includes a movable cover configured to permit the products to enter the first storage compartment of the receptacle. The first storage compartment includes an access opening that permits a customer to retrieve the package therefrom. The first storage receptacle is separated from a second storage compartment of the receptacle by a release panel movable from a closed position that retains the package in the first storage compartment to an open position that releases the package from the first storage compartment into the second storage compartment. The release panel moves from the closed position to the open position after a predefined interval of time of the package being retained in the first storage compartment without being retrieved by the customer. The second storage compartment includes an opening that permits a delivery service operator to retrieve the package therefrom.

Apparatus, systems and methods are provided that include a repository for receipt of an object and a mechanism for shielding from view the object. The repository may take the form of a mailbox and the object may be a letter, e.g., a letter addressed to Santa. The shielding mechanism is actuated by a trigger that is associated with the repository and, in exemplary embodiments, is triggered by an activity normally associated with the repository, e.g., raising a flag on a mailbox. The trigger actuation may interact with an electronic control system, a mechanical control system, or a combination thereof.

A package security device includes a body having a plurality of sides, including a top side. The body further includes a storage chamber having a first chamber opening and a second chamber opening, and a receiving conduit that extends between a package opening and the second chamber opening. A package hatch is coupled with the top side and movable between an open position and a closed position blocking the package opening. A downwardly sloping chute forms a floor of the receiving conduit to facilitate gravity feeding of packages to the storage chamber. The device also includes a lockable first chamber hatch blocking the first chamber opening, and a second chamber hatch that opens in a direction opposite the package hatch, and that blocks the second chamber opening.

A security mailbox is configured with a door having an arm on each side of the door that extends downward from the door into a secure mail-holding receptacle. A floor of the mailbox is constructed having longitudinally extending flaps on each side of the mailbox. Each flap has a rail/slide mounted along an underneath side close to the centerline of the mailbox, each rail having a stop at an end near the door. A link extends between a distal end of each arm and a respective rail, with a tension spring that pulls the link and arm toward each other. When the door is initially opened, the arms close the flaps within the first few degrees of door movement by movement of the slides in the rails. When the slides abut the rail stops, the rest of door movement is taken up by the springs.

A package security device includes a body having a plurality of sides, including a top side. The body further includes a storage chamber having a first chamber opening and a second chamber opening, and a receiving conduit that extends between a package opening and the second chamber opening. A package hatch is coupled with the top side and movable between an open position and a closed position blocking the package opening. A downwardly sloping chute forms a floor of the receiving conduit to facilitate gravity feeding of packages to the storage chamber. The device also includes a lockable first chamber hatch blocking the first chamber opening, and a second chamber hatch that opens in a direction opposite the package hatch, and that blocks the second chamber opening.

Apparatus, systems and methods are provided that include a repository for receipt of an object and a mechanism for shielding from view the object. The repository may take the form of a mailbox and the object may be a letter, e.g., a letter addressed to Santa. The shielding mechanism is actuated by a trigger that is associated with the repository and, in exemplary embodiments, is triggered by an activity normally associated with the repository, e.g., raising a flag on a mailbox. The trigger actuation may interact with an electronic control system, a mechanical control system, or a combination thereof.

A parcel box includes an external shell and upper and lower baffles. The external shell includes left and right side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, a base, a cover and a door. Each of the cover and the door are movable between closed and opened positions, respectively. When opened, the cover facilitates access by parcels through a top opening and into a storage area. When opened, the door facilitates removal of parcels from the storage area and through a bottom opening. The upper baffles are pivotally coupled to the front wall, independently movable about an upper common pivot axis between deployed positions and depressed positions, and independently spring-biased toward the deployed positions. The lower baffles are pivotally coupled to the rear wall, independently movable about a lower common pivot axis between deployed positions and depressed positions, and independently spring-biased toward the deployed positions.

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.