An item drop box sensor system for detecting items deposited within a drop box may be configured to detect movement of an item deposit tray and to detect items deposited within the drop box. The drop box sensor system may comprise one or more tray movement sensors for detecting movement of the deposit tray, one or more item detection sensors configured to detect items passing into the drop box via the deposit tray, and an onboard controller for selectively activating the various sensors to conserve power and for transmitting data indicative of the status of the drop box to a central server configured for scheduling item pickups for various geographically spaced drop boxes.

A smart mailbox system capable of electronically communicating the receipt of mail and the collection of mail to an end user. User authentication allows the mailbox to communicate the identity of the user who collects the mail. The mailbox also images the mail so as to provide a record of the receipt of specific pieces of mail and to permit the user to visually see the collected mail without having to go to the mailbox. The identity of the sender and recipient are made available through the system. The system is also networkable so as to join multiple mailboxes within the same network.

A system for detecting mail intake is provided. The system includes a mailbox having a housing and an opening leading into the housing. A motion detector is operable to detect motion in an area around the opening. A wireless transmitter is operable to transmit a signal when the motion is detected. A remote device includes at least a wireless receiver and an indicator. The wireless receiver is operable to receive the signal and activate the indicator to produce an indication the motion is detected. Therefore, a user is notified when mail is delivered to their mailbox.

Systems, devices, and techniques for producing audio for, or adding audio capability to, a collection box for delivery items that includes a user-operated door for putting items into the collection box. The system can include a processing subsystem, an audio transducer, a trigger device that is connected to, or that is part of, the door of the collection device, and a sensor. The sensor detects the trigger device when the trigger device is in close proximity (e.g., in contact), and the sensor is positioned such that it is in close proximity with the trigger device when the door is closed. In response to the trigger device moving out of close proximity, the sensor generates a signal to the processing system. In response, the processing system generates an audio signal that is converted to sound by the audio transducer, which can be heard outside of the collection box.

A security mailbox system known as the “Safe “4U” Mailbox”, fully enclosed mailbox which is constructed from some sort of plastic, metal, fabricated material, or some sort of environmentally friendly material. The “Safe “4U” Mailbox” is easy to install and environmentally friendly, the mailbox includes chambers for incoming mail being delivered and pick-up for outgoing mail; a slot for newspapers/advertisements on side of mailbox. Incoming mail chamber is designed for mail to go into secure basket for pick-up from rear by homeowner. Outgoing mail can be placed from the real of mailbox for pick-up by postal worker. Mailbox is cemented into the ground though poles that extend from bottom of mailbox.

A security mailbox system known as the “Safe “4U” Mailbox”, fully enclosed mailbox which is constructed from some sort of plastic, metal, fabricated material, or some sort of environmentally friendly material. The “Safe “4U” Mailbox” is easy to install and environmentally friendly, the mailbox includes chambers for incoming mail being delivered and pick-up for outgoing mail; a slot for newspapers/advertisements on side of mailbox. Incoming mail chamber is designed for mail to go into secure basket for pick-up from rear by homeowner. Outgoing mail can be placed from the real of mailbox for pick-up by postal worker. Mailbox is cemented into the ground though poles that extend from bottom of mailbox.

A notification apparatus and method for a package receptacle, such as a mailbox, including a receiving door with a closure lip, a mounting plate, a notification flap, and a self-contained spring loaded hinge between the mounting plate and the notification flap. The mounting plate is securable to a mailbox with at least a portion of the notification flap securable under a door of the mailbox, and, when the door is opened, the flap rotates approximately 90-degrees about the hinge toward the mounting plate.

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 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 notification apparatus and method for a package receptacle, such as a mailbox, including a receiving door with a closure lip, a mounting plate, a notification flap, and a self-contained spring loaded hinge between the mounting plate and the notification flap. The mounting plate is securable to a mailbox with at least a portion of the notification flap securable under a door of the mailbox, and, when the door is opened, the flap rotates approximately 90-degrees about the hinge toward the mounting plate.