An ecologically sound and environmentally friendly mailbox apparatus comprising a traditional mailbox; a shredding device affixed to the underside of the mailbox; a hollow tube, having a first end and a second end; a hollow receptacle for collecting shredded material, and that is connected to the shredding device by way of the hollow tube, where the first end of the hollow tube is connected to the shredding device and the second end of the hollow tube is directed downward and is connected to the receptacle; and a vertically positioned pole located adjacent to the mailbox and the receptacle, whereby the mailbox and the receptacle are individually connected to the pole by a fastening means that holds the entire apparatus together. This apparatus allows an end user to shred junk mail before leaving his mailbox and prevent clutter in his home.

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 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 method of operating an apparatus for receiving one or more mail items is described. The method includes activating the communication between a user interface device and a remote device; generating, by an electronic control unit, at least one random alphanumeric code; sending, via a network interface device, the random alphanumeric code to the remote device; sending, by the remote device and via the network interface device, an unlock signal based on the random alphanumeric code to the electronic control unit. An unlock signal is processed by the electronic control unit to unlock the movable closure element and allow one or more mail items to be introduced in or withdrawn from the internal cavity.

An adaptive electric dual-controlled intelligent lock includes a mechanical clutching structure and an intelligent electronic control structure. The mechanical clutching structure includes a lock head, a lock cylinder and a lock tongue, wherein: the lock cylinder includes movable buckles, springs and a bearing. After being inserted into the keyhole of the lock head and then into the locked groove, a key is turned, the movable buckles move in an elastic range of the springs and drive the lock tongue connected with the bearing to swing, thereby realizing a mechanical unlocking process. The intelligent electronic control structure includes a PCB (printed circuit board), a motor and a shifting lever, wherein: a wireless control module is connected with an external mobile intelligent device; after the motor is started, the shifting lever pushes the movable buckles, so that the bearing drives the lock tongue to swing, thereby achieving an intelligent unlocking process.

A mailbox management system includes a server, a client-mailbox store, a mailbox management application installed on a mobile device of a client-mailbox store operator, and a mobile application installed on a mobile device of a mailbox user. The client-mailbox store includes a physical mailbox assigned to the mailbox user, and the server is connected to the mailbox management application, the mobile application, and a third party virtual mailbox provider. The mailbox management application is configured to receive label information of a mail, and the server is configured to receive the label information from the mobile application and send it to the mobile application of the recipient mailbox user. The mobile application is further configured to present an open and scan action option, a forward action option, a shred action option, and a trash action option to the mailbox user concerning the mail.

An article for mounting on an inclined or vertical surface includes at least one piece of reclosable fastener material, collectively comprising a plurality of apertures formed therein; and at least one pocket, located within the article behind said piece(s) of reclosable fastener material, each of the apertures providing a respective passageway from the pocket(s) to an exterior of the article. Each aperture permits a head of an elongate fastener to be inserted therethrough, so that the elongate fastener can be retained within the pocket(s), and the plurality of apertures thereby allowing the article to hang from a plurality of elongate fasteners that have been driven into the surface.

A camouflaged parcel receptacle comprising a front panel and at least two side panels that define a space wherein an item can be placed. A plurality of tabs that can be spaced on the front panel and on the at least two side panels. At least one pivot joint that can couples the front panel to the at least two sides wherein the at least two sides can have at least one inner slot. A decorative item which can be removably coupled to the plurality of tabs. The camouflaged parcel receptacle can further comprise a support rod having at least one rod end wherein the rod ends can be removably attached to the at least one inner slot. The rod can be coupled to a bottom panel.

A camouflaged parcel receptacle comprising a front panel and at least two side panels that define a space wherein an item can be placed. A plurality of tabs that can be spaced on the front panel and on the at least two side panels. At least one pivot joint that can couples the front panel to the at least two sides wherein the at least two sides can have at least one inner slot. A decorative item which can be removably coupled to the plurality of tabs. The camouflaged parcel receptacle can further comprise a support rod having at least one rod end wherein the rod ends can be removably attached to the at least one inner slot. The rod can be coupled to a bottom panel.

Disclosed herein is an automated system to provide delivery persons a simpler manner of recognizing the exact location of a target destination. Such a system includes the utilization of an illuminating device, whether for direct signal viewing or for projection of an indicating signal, provided on a mailbox or other structure placed roadside near or adjacent to, at least, a home or like edifice. The illuminating device may be solar-powered to provide an efficient manner of providing sufficient electricity to generate the necessary illumination result (or projection thereof). The system thus allows for integration of such an illuminating device within an overall process wherein a delivery person (or even a visitor, for that matter) may utilize a GPS or like app as a guide to the desired location with the illumination thereof upon entry within a certain zone proximate to the target edifice for more reliable delivery results.