A mailbox with components which can be connected to or disconnected from the mailbox for adding or changing functional or ornamental aspects of the mailbox.

A system and method for determining the addition or removal of an object from a receptacle is provided. An ultrasound sensor may emit one or more bursts of ultrasonic energy and detect the amplitude of the echoes from each respective burst over time. A microcontroller may determine a decay rate of each respective burst from the amplitudes of the respective echoes. The decay rates are compared for changes within the receptacle caused by reflection, transmission, absorption, and diffusion of the ultrasound waves. If the difference between the second and first decay rates is larger than a predetermined amount, the addition of an object is determined.

An illuminated address number assembly. The illuminated address number assembly includes a housing having a light source therein and fasteners disposed on an outer surface thereof, wherein the fastener secures the housing to an object, such as a mailbox or fence post. The housing further includes one or more cutouts disposed on opposing lateral sides of the housing wherein the cutouts take the shape of letters and/or numbers. The cutouts allow the light source to shine through, such that the cutouts are illuminated. The light source is operably connected to a power source, such as a solar panel or a battery, or hardwired electrical circuit. A wireless transceiver is disposed within the housing and operably connected to the light source, such that the light source can be selectively actuated via wireless communication. The device may further include a wall mounted switch, such that a user can manually actuate the lights.

A unitary package receptacle chute for disposition within a wall or door wherein the chute includes a front panel foldably connected to a floor panel at an obtuse angle. The front panel and floor panel are further connected to one another by two opposing side panels, the panels being configured to form a pivoting package repository for receiving and transferring a package from one side of the wall or door to the other side. The invention also includes a kit and method for making the inventive chute.

A unitary package receptacle chute for disposition within a wall or door wherein the chute includes a front panel foldably connected to a floor panel at an obtuse angle. The front panel and floor panel are further connected to one another by two opposing side panels, the panels being configured to form a pivoting package repository for receiving and transferring a package from one side of the wall or door to the other side. The invention also includes a kit and method for making the inventive chute.

A package receptacle system; the package receptacle system includes a box comprising a substantially cubic-volume. The box includes a front-door and an opposed rear-door configured to provide access to the substantially cubic-volume when in an open state. The front-door and the rear-door include a front-locking mechanism and a rear-locking mechanism, respectively. A display is disposed on the box for displaying symbolic information by emitting linearly polarized light. A controller is integrated to the package receptacle system. The controller is in communication with the front-locking mechanism, the rear-locking mechanism, and the display. The display is configured to receive an external signal that actuates the front-door into a front-open state. In a preferred embodiment of operation, through predefined programming, the package receptacle system will allow parcels to be stowed safely by a courier.

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 mailbox assembly that may be provided on a surface and freely movable by an end user from one location to another without digging a hole for the post. The mailbox assembly includes a post, a mail receptacle on an upper poste end, and a base on a lower base end. The base includes one or more hollow cavities for retaining ballast material to thereby move a center of gravity of the mailbox assembly towards the bottom surface, such that the mailbox can withstand 100 N of force applied perpendicular to the post without toppling. The post may also have one or more cavities for holding ballast material.

A compact port with a simple mechanism that can improve reliability during load receiving while keeping costs low. A port of the disclosure is a port having a load-receiving part that rotates around a rotating axis extending at least in a vertical direction, wherein the load-receiving part rotates by switching between a load receiving mode and a standby mode based on an external control signal.

An apparatus comprising: a retaining device for retaining planar items including mail and/or documents, in which mail can be located and from which mail can be collected; a control means; a sensor means for indicating to the control means information indicative of mail and/or documents having been placed in the retaining device and/or removed from the retaining device, wherein the control means is arranged to cause, in response thereto, at least one action to be performed.