초록 ▼

An electronic mailbox including a mailbox housing (12), a door (16), an alarm system (20), a door sensor (34) a first timer, a second timer, a programmable controller (26), and a power source (42). Housing (12) defines an opening of a size and shape to receive mail. Door (16) is of a size and shape

An electronic mailbox including a mailbox housing (12), a door (16), an alarm system (20), a door sensor (34) a first timer, a second timer, a programmable controller (26), and a power source (42). Housing (12) defines an opening of a size and shape to receive mail. Door (16) is of a size and shape to cover opening (14). Door (16) is movably operable between an open state and a closed state. The alarm system (20) is controlled by the controller (26) between a first unarmed state and a second armed state. A keypad (22), door sensor (34) and timers input signals to controller (26). The timers along with the door state determine whether the armed state or unarmed state is in effect. Controller (26) sends output signals to activate the alarm system when the door (16) is opened by an unauthorized user. An authorized user inputs a deactivating code into the keypad (32) to deactivate the alarm system. Optional LED mail deposit indicator, latching (locking) mechanism, and illuminating lights(s) may be provided.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electronic mailbox comprising:a mailbox housing defining an opening of a size and shape to receive mail;a door being of a size and shape to cover said opening, said door movably operable between an open state in which the opening is accessible, and a closed state in wh

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electronic mailbox comprising:a mailbox housing defining an opening of a size and shape to receive mail;a door being of a size and shape to cover said opening, said door movably operable between an open state in which the opening is accessible, and a closed state in which the door covers the opening;an alarm system operably controlled by a programmed controller between a first unarmed state and a second armed state, said alarm system including an alarm that emits an audible sound when activated in the second armed state and a programmable keypad mounted externally of the mailbox, wherein said programmable keypad can accept a deactivating code by an authorized user in order to deactivate the alarm in the second armed state;a door sensor sensing and signaling a change of the door's status between the open and closed states to the controller;a first timer operably controlled by the controller and activated by opening the door in the first unarmed state;a second timer operably controlled by the controller and activated in the second armed state either by the expiration of the first timer or receiving a signal that the door is in the closed state after an initial opening of the door in the unarmed state, anda power source to provide electrical power to the controller, door sensor, and alarm system;wherein, in use, a mail delivery person opens the door and delivers mail into the opening of the mailbox housing in the unarmed state, which, in turn, sets the first timer, and wherein the expiration of the first timer or closure of the door switches the alarm system into the second armed state, and wherein either the expiration of the second timer or the entry of a deactivation code on the keypad deactivates the alarm system and is switched to the first unarmed state, andwherein opening of the door in the armed state will activate the alarm unless the deactivation code is entered prior to opening.