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 retractable arm device, system, and method with a locking mechanism for preventing items placed in a device or receptacle from getting stuck, damaged, or torn. The retractable arm includes an inner tube, a pawl, and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube. The inner tube slides within the outer tube and the pawl preventing the retractable arm from moving into an extended position under particular conditions. The retractable arm may be placed in a receptacle for items to prevent the door from being reopened before the door is fully closed.

A mailbox comprises an outer shell and an inner shell mounted within a hollow interior of the outer shell, the inner shell defining a hollow interior for receiving mail contents and further defining one or more voids with the outer shell. A door is mounted of a movement to selectively open or close one end of the outer and inner shells. A camera is concealed in one void adjacent the front end, the camera being configured to capture an image in front of the mailbox when the door is moved to at least partially expose the hollow interior for receiving mail contents. A transmitter and a receiver are mounted adjacent the front end to generate an output signal when the mail contents break the light beam therebetween. A flag rotates on the outer shell and actuates a switch to annunciate a presence of the mail contents within the mailbox.

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.

An improved system, apparatus, and method for numbering and identifying houses, buildings, equipment, vehicles, paths and other locations, that provides a more effective, secure and reliable interface between a location/occupant and those outside seeking to locate them or to make a secure delivery, including, for example, emergency first responders, postal and package delivery service providers, visitors and individuals unfamiliar with an area are disclosed. Further, a system, apparatus, and method to generate, receive and communicate information, designed to operate and respond in everyday use as well as a critical emergency are disclosed. An integrated network of wired and wireless communication connecting a neighborhood, a city, a town, and/or an isolated rural home site or location are disclosed.

A residential pneumatic mailbox and mailing system includes a mailbox, a receiving unit, pneumatic tubing, a courier canister, a compressor, and a control unit. The mailbox is positioned along a curbside of a home. The receiving unit is positioned inside the home or on the outside of the home. The pneumatic tubing is connected between the mailbox and the receiving unit. The courier canister is sized to hold mail and is configured for moving back and forth in the pneumatic tubing between the mailbox and the receiving unit. The compressor and control unit are configured to control the movement of the courier canister within the pneumatic tubing back and forth between the mailbox and the receiving unit. Wherein, the residential pneumatic mailbox and mailing system is configured to transport the mail inside of the courier canister from the mailbox to the receiving unit, and vice versa.

A security mailbox and associated field-modification kit having an interior security panel comprising a first lock member configured to engage a second lock member connected to the interior of the mailbox, a slot to deposit mail articles through the security panel, and a hinge piece to connect the security panel to the floor of the mailbox. The mailbox and kit includes a pulling member demountably connected between the front door and the security panel; whereby rotation of the front door imparts a pulling force via the pulling member sufficient to open the security panel when the security panel is unlocked. The mailbox and kit may alternatively include a spring member configured to rotate the security panel open when unlocked. The first lock member includes a door latch and spring latch to secure the security panel to the mailbox. The security mailbox and kit further includes reinforcing and installation hardware.

Disclosed is a mailbox flag holder configured to be inserted over a conventional mailbox. The flag holder is particularly constructed to frictionally engage a mailbox such that the flag holder is securely held on the mailbox. Structurally, the flag holder is of a U-shape construction that includes a pair of legs and a base interconnecting the legs. The legs are slightly spreadable to accommodate the mailbox and once inserted on the mailbox, the legs tend to pull inwardly and grip the mailbox.

A fastener assembly may have a spring, a bolt, a stud, an end-piece, and a shear pin. In one embodiment of the invention, the bolt has (a) a shaft engaged with a first end of the spring, (b) a head, and (c) an internally-facing surface defining a passageway that extends through the bolt head and the bolt shaft. The stud has (a) a first end and (b) a second end, and the first end of the stud is engaged with a second end of the spring. The stud may include an internally-facing surface defining a hole that extends from the first end toward the second end of the stud. The end-piece, which may be a nut or an anchor, is engaged with the second end of the stud. Part of the shear pin resides in the passageway of the bolt, and a different part of the shear pin engages the stud. Also, the shear pin may include a slot on an end of the shear pin that may be used to remove a portion of the shear pin from the stud after the shear pin breaks.

A safety mailbox assembly, comprising: a substantially hollow and post-less top structure configured with a top portion of a reversible connection at a base of the top structure and including at least one mail box disposed therein; a substantially hollow and post-less bottom structure configured with a bottom portion of the reversible connection; wherein the top portion and the bottom portion connect together to reversibly connect the top structure and the bottom structure.