초록

A method and system for sterilizing mail is provided. A mailbox is loaded with mail and closed. A decontamination process is performed over a predetermined period of time. An indicator communicates the status of the decontamination process.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A mailbox for decontaminating mail comprising: the mailbox defining an interior for receiving mail; a door for allowing access to the interior of the mailbox; a decontamination system operatively connected to a controller for decontaminating mail; at least one divider p

The invention claimed is: 1. A mailbox for decontaminating mail comprising: the mailbox defining an interior for receiving mail; a door for allowing access to the interior of the mailbox; a decontamination system operatively connected to a controller for decontaminating mail; at least one divider positioned in the interior of mailbox for separating mail; and a keyed start switch that is engaged and switched to start when a key is inserted and turned in the keyed start switch and that is used to send a decontamination start signal to the decontamination system and to restrict decontamination start signal generation to a mail carrier possessing the key. 2. The mailbox of claim 1, wherein the controller includes a communications device for providing status information to a remote user located inside a home. 3. The mailbox of claim 2 wherein: the communications device includes a wireless network communications channel. 4. The mailbox of claim 3 wherein: the communications device is configured to provide an indication to the remote user indicating that the mail has arrived and then provide an indication to the remote user indicating that a decontamination process is underway. 5. The mailbox of claim 1 further comprising: reflective shielding operatively connected to the mailbox to prevent UV radiation from escaping. 6. The mailbox of claim 1 wherein: the divider material is at least partially transparent to UV radiation. 7. A mailbox device including a decontamination chamber comprising: a door for allowing access to the interior of the decontamination chamber; a decontamination system operatively connected to a controller for decontaminating mail; at least one divider positioned in the interior of the decontamination chamber for separating mail; and a keyed start switch that is engaged and switched to start when a key is inserted and turned in the keyed start switch and that is used to send a decontamination start signal to the decontamination system and to restrict decontamination start signal generation to a mail carrier possessing the key. 8. The mailbox of claim 7 wherein: the decontamination system includes a UV source; and the divider material is at least partially transparent to UV radiation. 9. The mailbox of claim 7 further comprising: a communications device for providing status information to a remote user located inside a home and wherein the communications device is configured to provide an indication to the remote user indicating that the mail has arrived and then provide an indication to the remote user indicating that a decontamination process is underway. 10. A mailbox for decontaminating mail comprising the mailbox defining an interior for receiving mail: positioned in the interior of the mailbox; a door for allowing access to the interior of the mailbox; a decontamination system including a UV source operatively connected to a controller for decontaminating mail; reflective shielding operatively connected to the mailbox to prevent UV radiation from escaping; at least one divider positioned in the interior of the mailbox for separating mail and including divider material that is at least partially transparent to UV radiation; and a keyed start switch that is engaged and switched to start when a key is inserted and turned in the keyed start switch and that is used to send a decontamination start signal to the decontamination system and to restrict decontamination start signal generation to a mail carrier possessing the key.