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electronic control unit to unlock the movable closure element and allow one or more mail items to be introduced in or withdrawn from the internal cavity.

A locking system that controls access to a parcel storage box having a lockable door or lid with an electrically controllable locking mechanism. The locking system includes an optical scanner for scanning a barcode on a parcel that includes tracking information. A communication module transmits the tracking information to a separate computing system over a wireless network and then receives a response from the computing system indicating whether or not the transmitted barcode information is associated with an expected delivery. Electrical circuitry opens the locking mechanism if the tracking information is associated with an expected delivery.

A mailbox comprises a box body with a door having a lock, a mailbox unlocking code input device for inputting an unlocking code to unlock the mailbox, a communication module for communicating with a remote management terminal, a storage at the mailbox or the remote management terminal for storing one or more preset mailbox unlocking codes, and a processor at the mailbox or the remote management terminal for identifying whether the input mailbox unlocking code matches the one or more preset mailbox unlocking codes, and issuing a mailbox unlocking instruction if matching. The processor comprises a mailbox unlocking code management circuit used to invalidate the matched mailbox unlocking code after the mailbox is unlocked, generate a new mailbox unlocking code when no valid mailbox unlocking code is currently available, and store the new mailbox unlocking code in the storage. The mailbox can safely, conveniently and automatically receive and/or send mail.

Systems and methods for securely delivering, transferring ownership, storing, accessing and receiving or returning an item from another are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system and method are provided to securely receive a variety of different sizes and types of packages at one or more locations, including but not limited to on or adjacent a recipient's property. In another embodiment, the system and method allow a user to receive, store and/or return an item without exposing the item to loss, damage, spoilage or other events that would impair the value of the items. Methods of utilizing the systems described herein are also disclosed.

A specially designed package receiving device configured to facilitate automatic receipt and notification of packages while preventing unauthorized ingress and egress there-through. The package receiving device includes a frame affixed to an existing support surface, an access panel pivotally coupled to the frame and being selectively rotated along clockwise and counterclockwise directions, a handle affixed to an upper exterior section of the access panel, a plurality of slats pivotally affixed to an interior side of the frame, a box for mail pivotally coupled to the interior side of the upper panel, and a dampening mechanism for providing greater resistive force against rotation of the access panel in the clockwise direction and less resistive force against rotation of the access panel in the counterclockwise direction.

Systems and methods for securely delivering, transferring ownership, storing, accessing and receiving or returning an item from another are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system and method are provided to securely receive a variety of different sizes and types of packages at one or more locations, including but not limited to on or adjacent a recipient's property. In another embodiment, the system and method allow a user to receive, store and/or return an item without exposing the item to loss, damage, spoilage or other events that would impair the value of the items. Methods of utilizing the systems described herein are also disclosed.

A smart delivery device including a mailbox member and a package locker member. The mailbox member including a housing having an enclosure for receiving mail. The package locker member including a housing having a secured enclosure for receiving one or more packages, a keypad lock for locking the secured enclosure, a camera for monitoring access to the secured enclosure, a wireless network interface for connecting to the internet and an application interface for interfacing with a remote application. Access to the secured enclosure is granted upon entry of a unique access code on the keypad lock.

A mailbox comprises a box body with a door having a lock, a mailbox unlocking code input device for inputting an unlocking code to unlock the mailbox, a communication module for communicating with a remote management terminal, a storage at the mailbox or the remote management terminal for storing one or more preset mailbox unlocking codes, and a processor at the mailbox or the remote management terminal for identifying whether the input mailbox unlocking code matches the one or more preset mailbox unlocking codes, and issuing a mailbox unlocking instruction if matching. The processor comprises a mailbox unlocking code management circuit used to invalidate the matched mailbox unlocking code after the mailbox is unlocked, generate a new mailbox unlocking code when no valid mailbox unlocking code is currently available, and store the new mailbox unlocking code in the storage. The mailbox can safely, conveniently and automatically receive and/or send mail.

The present invention teaches a residential wall penetrating mailbox with enhanced box handling capability, openable by barcode scanning, and openable from either inside or outside a home. A body which is generally column shaped has front and rear doors which open at the top and hinge near the bottom and which have interleaved fingers or members extending from the bottom ends into the interior space of the mailbox. A box tray sits on the interleaved fingers. When either door is opened the fingers of that door lift the box tray upward and out of the box on that side. Thus, a delivery person may access a box from outside the home, while the homeowner may do the same without leaving the safety of the home interior. In addition, an elastic cord and carefully slanted slots on side panels of the front door allow easy retention of a box even further up the front door.

An intelligent item receptacle, system, and method for providing supplemental media content in response to depositing an item having media indicia disposed thereon. An intelligent item receptacle includes an item receptacle securely enclosing an interior volume, an item sensor configured to detect an inserted item, a camera within the interior volume configured to capture an image of the item, and an output configured to play audio or visual content to bystanders outside the item receptacle. Processing circuitry within the item receptacle analyzes the image to determine if the media indicia are present on the item and, if present, causes the output to play the audio or visual content associated with the media indicia.