SECURE WI-FI ENABLED ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MAILBOX

Abstract

A secure wi-fi enabled environmentally friendly mailbox comprising a stand, having a front, a top, and a bottom portion; a base extending from the bottom portion of the stand; a mailbox, shredding device, and receptacle vertically arranged and integrally affixed to the front portion of the stand in descending order from top to bottom. The shredding device is in a housing located directly below and adjacent to the mailbox. A security keypad is affixed to the front of the receptacle. A plurality of motion sensor lights are arranged vertically along the stand, and a 360-degree camera is mounted on the top portion of the stand. A programmable control system is configured to activate the integrated operation of the lights and camera in combination, and control the shredding device, based on authentication from the security keypad via a wi-fi network within a customizable radius from the mailbox to the residence.

Claims

1. A secure and environmentally friendly mailbox apparatus comprising: a stand having a front portion, a top portion, and a bottom portion; a base extending from the bottom portion of the stand; a mailbox, shredding device, and receptacle vertically arranged and integrally affixed to the front portion of the stand in descending order from the top portion; the shredding device being encased in a housing directly below and adjacent to the mailbox; the receptacle being positioned directly below and adjacent to the shredding device housing; a security keypad affixed to a front surface of the receptacle; a plurality of motion sensor lights arranged vertically along a right side of the stand from the top portion to the bottom portion; 360-degree camera affixed to the top portion of the stand; and a programmable control system configured to: activate the motion sensor lights based on detected motion within a customizable radius extending from the mailbox to a residence; trigger the camera to record when motion is detected within a programmable range; and control operation of the shredding device based on authentication from the security keypad.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the programmable control system is further configured to: activate the motion sensor lights from dusk until a user-defined time; and switch to motion-detection mode from the user-defined time until dawn.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shredding device comprises: a power module selected from the group consisting of batteries, solar power, and electrical circuit power; and wherein the power module provides power to the programmable control system, motion sensor lights, and camera.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the security keypad comprises: multiple authentication mechanisms selected from the group consisting of: code enabled touch pad, biometric sensors, magnetically enabled key card reader, QR code scanner, and barcode reader.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the camera is configured to capture activity within a defined range extending from the mailbox to the residence; and the motion sensor lights are configured to illuminate when motion is detected within the defined range.

6. A multi-unit secure mailbox system comprising: a plurality of the apparatuses of claim 1; wherein the shredding devices are incorporated into a mailroom configuration with multiple mailbox slots; and wherein each apparatus maintains individual security authentication.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the vertical arrangement of the mailbox, shredding device, and receptacle provides a direct path for shredded material; the housing of the shredding device is weather-resistant; and the receptacle includes a handle positioned horizontally parallel to the security keypad.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the programmable control system includes: customizable timing settings for the motion sensor lights; adjustable motion detection ranges for the camera; and programmable security protocols for authentication.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the present invention as assembled for carrying out the stated function;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the utility of the present invention by an end user;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view the present invention; and

[0013] FIG. 5 is a front view of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Before the subject invention is described further, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments of the invention described below, as variations of the particular embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting.

[0015] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the art to which this invention belongs will recognize, however, that the techniques described can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.

[0016] In this specification, the singular forms a, an and the include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention 5 comprises the following components: a stand or mount 10, having a front portion 15, a top portion 20 and a bottom portion 25; a base 30 at the bottom portion 25 of the mount 10; a modern mailbox 35 with a keyhole access 40, and the mailbox 35 is affixed to the front portion 15 of the mount 10; a shredding device 45 contained in a housing 50 all located beneath the mailbox 35 on the front portion 15 of the mount 10; a receptacle 55 for collecting shredded material, and the receptacle 55 is located directly beneath the housing 50 of the shredding device 45 on the front portion 15 of the mount 10; and the receptacle 55 having a handle 60 for opening, and a security keypad 65 affixed to the front of the receptacle 55 and located horizontally adjacent to the handle 60; motion sensor or automatic lights 70 affixed to the front portion 15 of the mount 10; and a 360-degree camera 75 attached to the top portion 20 of the stand 10.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the stand or mount 10 and its base 30 provide a stable upright orientation for the apparatus of the present invention 5, and also serves as the unit to or on which the other components of this invention are attached or connected. The modern mailbox 35 is removably affixed to the front portion 15 of the mount 10; the shredding device 45 is located beneath the mailbox 35 and is attached to the front portion 15 of the mount 10; the receptacle 55 is located beneath the housing 50 of the shredding device 45 and is also attached to the front portion 15 of the mount 10; the keypad 65 is affixed to the front of the receptacle 55, and is programmable to provide secure access to the mailbox 35 and/or the shredding device 45 and/or the receptacle 55; the receptacle 55 includes a handle 60 located horizontally adjacent to the right of the keypad 65, where both are affixed to the front of the receptable 55; the motion sensor lights 70 are affixed along the front 15 of the mount 10 and are arranged about the top portion 20 through the bottom portion 25 of the mount 10; and the 360-degree camera 75 is attached to the top portion 20 of the stand 10.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates the present invention 5 from the rear, providing a view of the arrangement of the components of the present invention 5 and their location on the mount 10 and in relation to each other. The arrangement of the components of the invention 5 on the stand 10 may vary. The location of the mailbox 35 may be adjusted up or down the front portion 15 of the stand 10 for aesthetics or improved function. Similarly, the location of the motion sensor lights 70, or the shredding device 45, or the receptacle 55 may be arranged in a different configuration on the front 15 of mount 10 and in relationship to each other. Any alternate arrangement of the components of the present invention 5 would be achieved to maintain optimal function as known by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the mailbox 35 includes a keyhole lock 40 for secure keyed access to the mailbox 35. The keyhole access 40 is located at the upper portion of the mailbox 35. As shown in FIG. 3, the present invention 5 is being used by an end user 80. The end user 80 is able to deposit and retrieve mail 85 by accessing the mailbox 35 via keyed access to open and pull down the mailbox 35 as shown in FIG. 4. Upon retrieving mail 85 from the mailbox 35 the user 80 is able to sort through mail 85 received and determine whether there is junk mail 90. If there is junk mail 90, the user 80 is able to insert it into the shredding device 45, shred the unwanted mail 90 and the shredded paper is collected directly into the receptacle 55. When the receptacle 55 is full, the shredding device 45 may not operate and the user 80 must empty the receptacle 55. The user 80 opens the receptacle 55 by entering a secure code on the keypad 65, pulls the handle 60 of the receptacle 55, and empties the contents of the receptacle 55 into a garbage bin or other garbage disposal mechanism. The end user 80 has the ability to control whether or not junk mail is carried into his or her dwelling by having the convenience of the apparatus of this invention 5 situated within close proximity to the dwelling. The end user 80 is able to walk into his or her dwelling without the excess and unwanted paper material which would usually lead to clutter, negative environmental impact, or breach of personal security. Thus, junk mail 90 is securely and environmentally eliminated.

[0021] Alternatively, the user 80 may securely access the mailbox 35 from the keypad 65 located on the receptacle 55 by using a pre-programmed code. Once the user 80 inputs the access code, the user 80 is able to open the mailbox 35 and retrieve the mail 85 for review, sorting, and the shredding of junk or unwanted mail 90 using the shredding device 45. The shredded material is collected directly into the receptacle 55 for disposal at a later time. When the receptacle 55 is full, the user 80 may access the receptacle 55 by inputting a pre-programmed code on the keypad 65. Once accessed, the user 80 is able to retrieve the shredded material for disposal into a garbage bin or other garbage disposal mechanism. The keypad 65 may be programmed to manage access to the mailbox 35 or the shredding device 45 or the receptacle as a single function, or the keypad 65 may be programmed to simultaneously manage access to all three components. The simultaneous access may be managed by programming a specific code for access to each component, or using a toggle button to navigate between the components. Alternatively, the keypad 65 may be connected to a wi-fi enabled application whereby the user 80 is able to select which component to access from a mobile device or computer.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the present invention is a secure and environmentally friendly mailbox apparatus 5 comprising: a stand 10 having a front portion 15, a top portion 20, and a bottom portion 25; a base 30 extending from the bottom portion 25 of the stand 10; a mailbox 35, shredding device 45, and receptacle 55 vertically arranged and integrally affixed to the front portion 15 of the stand 10 in descending order from the top portion 20; the shredding device 45 being encased in a housing 50 directly below and adjacent to the mailbox 35; the receptacle 55 being positioned directly below and adjacent to the shredding device 45 housing 50; a security keypad 65 affixed to a front surface of the receptacle 55; a plurality of motion sensor lights 70 arranged vertically along a right side of the stand 10 from the top portion 20 to the bottom portion 25; a 360-degree camera 75 affixed to the top portion 20 of the stand 10; and a programmable control system configured to activate the motion sensor lights 70 based on detected motion within a customizable radius extending from the mailbox 35 to a residence, and trigger the camera 75 to record when motion is detected within a programmable range, and control operation of the shredding device 45 based on authentication from the security keypad 65.

[0023] In another embodiment, the environmentally friendly mailbox apparatus 5 wherein the programmable control system is further configured to activate the motion sensor lights 70 from dusk until a user 80 defined time, and switch to motion-detection mode from the user 80 defined time until dawn. In another embodiment, the apparatus 5, wherein the shredding device comprises: a power module selected from the group consisting of batteries, solar power, and electrical circuit power; and wherein the power module provides power to the programmable control system, motion sensor lights, and camera. In another embodiment, the apparatus 5, wherein the security keypad comprises: multiple authentication mechanisms selected from the group consisting of: code enabled touch pad, biometric sensors, magnetically enabled key card reader, QR code scanner, and barcode reader. In another embodiment, the apparatus 5 wherein: the camera is configured to capture activity within a defined range extending from the mailbox to the residence; and the motion sensor lights are configured to illuminate when motion is detected within the defined range.

[0024] Another embodiment includes a multi-unit secure mailbox 35 system comprising: a plurality of the apparatuses 5 wherein the shredding devices are incorporated into a mailroom configuration with multiple mailbox slots; and wherein each apparatus maintains individual security authentication. This embodiment may be suitable for use in condominium or apartment building settings.

[0025] Another embodiment includes an apparatus 5 wherein the vertical arrangement of the mailbox 35, shredding device 45, and receptacle 55 provides a direct path for shredded material; the housing 50 of the shredding device 45 is weather-resistant; and the receptacle 55 includes a handle 60 positioned horizontally parallel to the security keypad 65.

[0026] Another embodiment includes an apparatus 5 wherein the programmable control system includes customizable timing settings for the motion sensor lights, adjustable motion detection ranges for the camera, and programmable security protocols for authentication.

[0027] Although not depicted, the apparatus 5 of the present invention may be positioned in front of the user's 80 home or residence or any other building. The security features included in the modern mailbox 35 serve to ward off potential identity thieves, nosy neighbors or other mischievous or criminal elements in a community. The motion sensor lights 70 are programmable to turn on at dusk and turn off at a determined time (e.g., 10 pm, 11 pm, or midnight) depending on the user's 80 preference and needs. These same lights 70 once turned off are able to detect motion within a determined radius of the mailbox 35. The radius may be 1 foot from the mailbox 35 or extend to the measured distance between a residence or building and the mailbox 35. The series of bright lights 70 serve to deter any bad actor from attempting to access the mailbox 35. In addition, the 360-degree camera 75 is able to capture movement and activity within a defined radius of the mailbox 35. The 360-degree camera 75 range may be up to and including the measured distance between the residence or a building and the mailbox 35. Alternatively, the 360-degree camera 75 may be programmed to sense motion within a defined range up to or beyond the measured distance between the residence or a building and the mailbox 35. The combination of a series of motion sensor lights 70 and a motion sensor activated 360-degree camera 75 provide robust security against mailbox 35 tampering and/or criminal activities. These two components serve as deterrents and the camera 75 preserves evidence. The series of motion sensor lights 70 and the motion sensor activated 360-degree camera 75 may be operably integrated or coupled in combination with each other to serve as a deterrent to tampering and/or criminal activities.

[0028] Further, the apparatus 5 may include a processor controlled integration between the camera 75, the lights 70, and the shredding device 45 whereby the activation of one component triggers specific responses from others. This may include, when the motion sensor lights 70 are activated, this may trigger the 360-degree camera 75 to turn on and record the detected activity within a certain radius of the residence. In addition, the activation of the shredding device 45 may trigger the activation of the motion sensor lights 70 or the 360-degree camera 75; or both the lights 70 and the camera 75 are triggered by the vibration/activity of the shredding device 45.

[0029] The apparatus 5 of the present invention may also include a secure authentication system, combining the keypad 65, the camera 75, and the lights 70 for multi-factor authentication or verification before allowing shredding operations. This may be achieved through a mobile application integration for receiving security alerts and controlling the function of components of the apparatus 5. This may include remote monitoring and control capabilities for the lights 70 and the camera 75 via a wireless network or wi-fi connection. This would also include cloud storage of security footage with timestamped verification captured by the camera 75 via the wireless network or wi-fi connection.

[0030] In other embodiments of this invention, the shredding device 45 may include a start/stop button, and the shredding mode may include straight cutters, crosscutters, or strip-cutters. The receptacle 55 may have locking or other security features, including but not limited to lock-key setup, digital locks, biometrically enabled locking mechanism, to guard against theft, vandalism or the natural elements getting to the contents of the receptacle 55.

[0031] The mailbox 35 and the additional components that comprise the apparatus 5 of the present invention, may be made of metal, durable plastic or other suitable material to ensure the structural integrity of the entire apparatus 5. The stand or mount 10 of the apparatus 5 may be made of wood, metal, durable plastic or other suitable material known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which it belongs. In the preferred embodiment, the shredding device 45 is located underneath the mailbox 35, however in other embodiments, the shredding device 45 may be positioned otherwise to accommodate the size, location, or dimensions of the mailbox 35 and the other components of the present invention 5. The shredding device 45 may comprise standard mechanical parts, including revolving or rotating blades, knives, or metal teeth, and may be motorized via a circuit and/or series powered by batteries or solar energy or other viable power source known to one of ordinary skill in the art field of power sources or may become known to one of ordinary skill in the art field of power sources. Additionally, the receptacle 55 may utilize other security mechanisms such as a code enabled touch pad, biometric sensors and identification features, a magnetically enabled key card, a QR coded or barcoded system, or other technology known or may become known by one of ordinary skill in the art field of security.

[0032] As described herein, the apparatus 5 provides for automated response protocols where motion detection triggers both camera 75 recording and strategic light 70 activation patterns. The apparatus 5 also includes time-based security modes with different camera/lighting behaviors during day vs. night operations. Also included in this disclosure are environmental impact features such as: automated sorting and tracking of shredded materials for recycling purposes; and integration with smart home systems for energy-efficient operation of security features. The disclosure also contemplates structural features such as the vertical integration of components with specific spacing requirements for optimal security coverage; and weather-resistant housing design protecting electronic components while maintaining security functionality. All of these features differentiates this invention from existing mailbox systems.

[0033] The shredding device 45 may be removably or permanently affixed to the modern mailbox 35, so long as it is securely attached in a manner that prevents tampering, unauthorized removal, or removal due to the elements or natural hazards.

[0034] The present invention may be adaptable to residential buildings such as condominiums or apartment complexes. The shredding device may be affixed or incorporated into a mailroom with multiple mailbox slots in a manner to accommodate individual use. Due to the number of end users and mailboxes, the number of shredding devices may also increase, or the size of the shredding device may be increased to meet the need.

[0035] As various changes may be made in the above-described subject matter without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention, it is intended that all subject matter contained in the above description, or shown in the accompanying drawings, will be interpreted as descriptive and illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

EQUIVALENTS

[0036] Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims.