Secure Wi-Fi Enabled Environmentally Friendly Mailbox

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 18/522,181, filed on Nov. 28, 2023 and application Ser. No. 18/425,065, filed on Jan. 29, 2024 entitled A Secure and Environmentally Friendly Mailbox, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein as allowable under applicable patent rules.

This invention has been created without the sponsorship or funding of any federally sponsored research or development program.

The present invention relates generally to mailboxes designed to provide wi-fi enabled security while being environmentally friendly.

In today's society, there is an increased awareness about and effort towards finding sustainable ways to live, including finding opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint. Despite this awareness, and individual or corporate efforts to minimize paper waste, we still receive junk mail on a daily basis which clutters our mailboxes, our kitchen counters, our dining tables, and even our living room furniture. We tend to receive junk mail and bring it inside our dwelling with the intention to shred or throw it out but seem to never get around to it until it becomes a mountain or a giant mess. This remains an issue even with the advent of online or digital options to receive our bills, statements, announcements, or advertisements.

In addition, we are living at a time in history when crime and violence are on the rise globally, including the theft of and/or tampering with mail. This increased interference with one's private mail includes nosy neighbors, identity stealers, and/or mischievous teenagers up to no good. It is quite common for individuals to throw away unopened and/or opened mail in the garbage without removing personal identifying information. Whether it is in the mailbox or the trash, mail and/or personal documents are no longer safe, but subject to the malintent of others.

The traditional mailbox has remained one dimensional in function, i.e., serves as a receptacle for the deposit or retrieval of mail. Even with the advent of modern designs, mailboxes lack the utility to address environmental and security concerns. There may exist a mailbox that does one or the other in some limited form, however they still do not provide a comprehensive solution for both problems.

The present invention aims to provide a secure wi-fi enabled and environmentally friendly mailbox by improving on the traditional mailbox. The present invention is a mailbox that includes a shredding device and security features compromising a 360-degree camera, secure locks, and auto/sensor lights. The present invention is essentially a mailbox with additional components for reducing and eliminating junk or unwanted mail and preventing the unauthorized tampering with a mailbox. The present invention comprises a stand or mount, a base for stable upright orientation, a modern mailbox affixed to the mount, a shredder connected to the mailbox, a receptacle located under the shredder to collect shredded material, a security keypad affixed to the receptacle, motion sensor lights affixed to the mailbox stand, and a 360-camera mounted on the top portion of the mailbox stand. The keypad, lights, and camera are operably integrated over a wireless network to provide heightened deterrence and protection from tampering or theft of mail containing personal information. The components of this present invention are optimally arranged to withstand the natural elements and/or man-made/induced hazards.

The present invention adds another dimension and functionality to a standard or traditional mailbox, combining existing components in a novel way in order to provide security and to dispose of junk mail in an environmentally friendly way.

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.

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.

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.

As shown in, the present inventioncomprises the following components: a stand or mount, having a front portion, a top portionand a bottom portion; a baseat the bottom portionof the mount; a modern mailboxwith a keyhole access, and the mailboxis affixed to the front portionof the mount; a shredding devicecontained in a housingall located beneath the mailboxon the front portionof the mount; a receptaclefor collecting shredded material, and the receptacleis located directly beneath the housingof the shredding deviceon the front portionof the mount; and the receptaclehaving a handlefor opening, and a security keypadaffixed to the front of the receptacleand located horizontally adjacent to the handle; motion sensor or automatic lightsaffixed to the front portionof the mount; and a 360-degree cameraattached to the top portionof the stand.

As shown in, the stand or mountand its baseprovide a stable upright orientation for the apparatus of the present invention, and also serves as the unit to or on which the other components of this invention are attached or connected. The modern mailboxis removably affixed to the front portionof the mount; the shredding deviceis located beneath the mailboxand is attached to the front portionof the mount; the receptacleis located beneath the housingof the shredding deviceand is also attached to the front portionof the mount; the keypadis affixed to the front of the receptacle, and is programmable to provide secure access to the mailboxand/or the shredding deviceand/or the receptacle; the receptacleincludes a handlelocated horizontally adjacent to the right of the keypad, where both are affixed to the front of the receptable; the motion sensor lightsare affixed along the frontof the mountand are arranged about the top portionthrough the bottom portionof the mount; and the 360-degree camerais attached to the top portionof the stand.

illustrates the present inventionfrom the rear, providing a view of the arrangement of the components of the present inventionand their location on the mountand in relation to each other. The arrangement of the components of the inventionon the standmay vary. The location of the mailboxmay be adjusted up or down the front portionof the standfor aesthetics or improved function. Similarly, the location of the motion sensor lights, or the shredding device, or the receptaclemay be arranged in a different configuration on the frontof mountand in relationship to each other. Any alternate arrangement of the components of the present inventionwould be achieved to maintain optimal function as known by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

As shown inand, the mailboxincludes a keyhole lockfor secure keyed access to the mailbox. The keyhole accessis located at the upper portion of the mailbox. As shown in, the present inventionis being used by an end user. The end useris able to deposit and retrieve mailby accessing the mailboxvia keyed access to open and pull down the mailboxas shown in. Upon retrieving mailfrom the mailboxthe useris able to sort through mailreceived and determine whether there is junk mail. If there is junk mail, the useris able to insert it into the shredding device, shred the unwanted mailand the shredded paper is collected directly into the receptacle. When the receptacleis full, the shredding devicemay not operate and the usermust empty the receptacle. The useropens the receptacleby entering a secure code on the keypad, pulls the handleof the receptacle, and empties the contents of the receptacleinto a garbage bin or other garbage disposal mechanism. The end userhas 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 inventionsituated within close proximity to the dwelling. The end useris 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 mailis securely and environmentally eliminated.

Alternatively, the usermay securely access the mailboxfrom the keypadlocated on the receptacleby using a pre-programmed code. Once the userinputs the access code, the useris able to open the mailboxand retrieve the mailfor review, sorting, and the shredding of junk or unwanted mailusing the shredding device. The shredded material is collected directly into the receptaclefor disposal at a later time. When the receptacleis full, the usermay access the receptacleby inputting a pre-programmed code on the keypad. Once accessed, the useris able to retrieve the shredded material for disposal into a garbage bin or other garbage disposal mechanism. The keypadmay be programmed to manage access to the mailboxor the shredding deviceor the receptacle as a single function, or the keypadmay 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 keypadmay be connected to a wi-fi enabled application whereby the useris able to select which component to access from a mobile device or computer.

As shown in, the present invention is a secure and environmentally friendly mailbox apparatuscomprising: a standhaving a front portion, a top portion, and a bottom portion; a baseextending from the bottom portionof the stand; a mailbox, shredding device, and receptaclevertically arranged and integrally affixed to the front portionof the standin descending order from the top portion; the shredding devicebeing encased in a housingdirectly below and adjacent to the mailbox; the receptaclebeing positioned directly below and adjacent to the shredding devicehousing; a security keypadaffixed to a front surface of the receptacle; a plurality of motion sensor lightsarranged vertically along a right side of the standfrom the top portionto the bottom portion; a 360-degree cameraaffixed to the top portionof the stand; and a programmable control system configured to activate the motion sensor lightsbased on detected motion within a customizable radius extending from the mailboxto a residence, and trigger the camerato record when motion is detected within a programmable range, and control operation of the shredding devicebased on authentication from the security keypad.

In another embodiment, the environmentally friendly mailbox apparatuswherein the programmable control system is further configured to activate the motion sensor lightsfrom dusk until a userdefined time, and switch to motion-detection mode from the userdefined time until dawn. In another embodiment, the apparatus, 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, 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 apparatuswherein: 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.

Another embodiment includes a multi-unit secure mailboxsystem comprising: a plurality of the apparatuseswherein 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.

Another embodiment includes an apparatuswherein the vertical arrangement of the mailbox, shredding device, and receptacleprovides a direct path for shredded material; the housingof the shredding deviceis weather-resistant; and the receptacleincludes a handlepositioned horizontally parallel to the security keypad.

Another embodiment includes an apparatuswherein 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.

Although not depicted, the apparatusof the present invention may be positioned in front of the user'shome or residence or any other building. The security features included in the modern mailboxserve to ward off potential identity thieves, nosy neighbors or other mischievous or criminal elements in a community. The motion sensor lightsare 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'spreference and needs. These same lightsonce turned off are able to detect motion within a determined radius of the mailbox. The radius may be 1 foot from the mailboxor extend to the measured distance between a residence or building and the mailbox. The series of bright lightsserve to deter any bad actor from attempting to access the mailbox. In addition, the 360-degree camerais able to capture movement and activity within a defined radius of the mailbox. The 360-degree camerarange may be up to and including the measured distance between the residence or a building and the mailbox. Alternatively, the 360-degree cameramay 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. The combination of a series of motion sensor lightsand a motion sensor activated 360-degree cameraprovide robust security against mailboxtampering and/or criminal activities. These two components serve as deterrents and the camerapreserves evidence. The series of motion sensor lightsand the motion sensor activated 360-degree cameramay be operably integrated or coupled in combination with each other to serve as a deterrent to tampering and/or criminal activities.

Further, the apparatusmay include a processor controlled integration between the camera, the lights, and the shredding devicewhereby the activation of one component triggers specific responses from others. This may include, when the motion sensor lightsare activated, this may trigger the 360-degree camerato turn on and record the detected activity within a certain radius of the residence. In addition, the activation of the shredding devicemay trigger the activation of the motion sensor lightsor the 360-degree camera; or both the lightsand the cameraare triggered by the vibration/activity of the shredding device.

The apparatusof the present invention may also include a secure authentication system, combining the keypad, the camera, and the lightsfor 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. This may include remote monitoring and control capabilities for the lightsand the cameravia a wireless network or wi-fi connection. This would also include cloud storage of security footage with timestamped verification captured by the cameravia the wireless network or wi-fi connection.

In other embodiments of this invention, the shredding devicemay include a start/stop button, and the shredding mode may include straight cutters, crosscutters, or strip-cutters. The receptaclemay 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.

The mailboxand the additional components that comprise the apparatusof the present invention, may be made of metal, durable plastic or other suitable material to ensure the structural integrity of the entire apparatus. The stand or mountof the apparatusmay 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 deviceis located underneath the mailbox, however in other embodiments, the shredding devicemay be positioned otherwise to accommodate the size, location, or dimensions of the mailboxand the other components of the present invention. The shredding devicemay 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 receptaclemay 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.

As described herein, the apparatusprovides for automated response protocols where motion detection triggers both camerarecording and strategic lightactivation patterns. The apparatusalso 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.

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

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.

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.

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.