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.

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.

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.

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 system and method of delivering a package to a residence having an address and a locker with a lock is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of, remotely selecting an item from a menu of items provided by a vendor and requesting the item be delivered to the residence, providing the vendor delivery information including the address and the combination code to the lock, shipping the package to the residence, reviewing the combination code associated with the package, opening the locker by manipulating the proper combination on the lock, placing the package in the locker; and closing door of the locker. The locker has an outer frame and door that cooperate to allow any liquid to drain out from the front of the locker and outside the residence and a combination lock that allows for the combination to be easily changed by the resident.

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 method, system and apparatus are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a system for monitoring a mailbox is provided. The system may include a mailbox device including at least one sensor, such as a video camera, for detecting movement, and a mailbox communication interface configured to communicate information including sensor information generated by the at least one sensor. The system may further include a premises device including a premises communication interface configured to receive the sensor information from the mailbox device and processing circuitry configured to determine whether a mailbox event has occurred and trigger at least one alert if a mailbox event occurred. The system may further provide notification of the event to an authorized entity via mobile device, voice assistant, etc. An access control unit may be used to limit access to the mailbox to authorized individuals.

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 reconfigurable lighted post (e.g., mailbox), including a post, and first and second dual channel members attached to the post. The dual channel members include dual channels, where the first channel of each houses a strip of LEDs, and the second channel defines a channel into which an insert to be back or trans-illuminated can be inserted. Both dual channel members are attached to the post so that the first channels housing the strips of LEDs are positioned towards the post, while the second channels are positioned away from the post. The insert to be illuminated is receivable between the second channels (i.e., that face one another). The insert may include a house address number, or other characters cut-out or otherwise formed into the insert, so that light from the LED strips back or trans-illuminates the insert when received between the facing second channels. Deck rail lighting is also disclosed.

Millions of packages get shipped and stolen from home door steps, with mail often getting placed in wrong mailboxes and sometimes the mailman or package carrier needs to speak to someone at or from the residence. Video Smart Package Pillar was created with all of these issues of the world in mind, combining the idea of a Pillar, compartmentalized, with two compartments, a mail compartment and package compartment, and one to two doors in a rear to obtain packages that have been delivered; while leaving an original mail pull down opening for the mail being delivered.