Electronic mail box system

[0036] See now Picture 1-1 7. The present invention is characterized by an electronic mail box system 100 for providing a secure environment for receiving letters.

[0037] Such as figure 1 As shown, the electronic mail box system 100 includes a mail box housing 110 having a first side surface, a second side surface, a front surface, a back surface, a bottom surface, and an inner cavity for accommodating letters. The top cover 120 (such as an "output door") is pivotally connected to the letter box housing 110 (such as a back surface, a top surface). The top cover 120 (such as the "output door") can be moved between an open position and a closed position. The open position and the closed position respectively allow and prevent access to the inner cavity of the letterbox housing 110.

[0038] In some embodiments, the newspaper holder 880 is provided on the letterbox housing 110, for example, on the bottom surface (or other part) of the letterbox housing 110. Newspapers can be attached to or inserted into the newspaper holder 880.

[0039] A slot 130 is provided on the front surface of the letterbox housing 110. The slot 130 allows the letter to be inserted into the letterbox housing 110. In some embodiments, the front surface of the letter box housing 110 has a canopy 139 (covering the slot 130) disposed above the slot 130 to help prevent moisture (such as rain and snow) from entering the slot 130.

[0040] In some embodiments, the inner door covers the slot 130 on the front surface of the letterbox housing 110. The inner door may be attached to the inner surface of the front surface of the letter box housing 110 so that it can cover the slot 130. The inner door can move between an open position and a closed position, and the inner door is spring biased to the closed position. The inner door may help prevent dust, rain or snow from entering the letter box housing 110.

[0041] See now figure 2 One or more mounting holes 118 (or mounting grooves) are provided on the back surface of the letter box housing 110. The mounting hole 118 allows the user to mount the letterbox housing 110 to a wall or similar surface.

[0042] Such as image 3 with Figure 4 As shown, the top cover 120 (such as the "output door") is pivotally connected to the top surface of the housing 110 (such as by a hinge 125).

[0043] The top cover 120 (such as the "output door") can be locked to the closed position by a locking system. The lock system can be an electronic or electromagnetic lock, and such electronic and electromagnetic locks are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The lock system is operatively connected to the power source. The lock system can move between an unlocked position and a locked position. The unlocked position and the locked position respectively allow and prevent access to the inner cavity of the letterbox housing 110. In some embodiments, the lock system is provided inside the letter box housing (e.g., on the front surface of the housing), and the lock system is operatively connected to the top cover 120 (e.g., "output door").

[0044] In some embodiments, a good lock indicator light 860 (such as a "good lock LED") is provided on the letterbox housing 110 (such as the front surface) and is operatively connected to the lock system. When the top cover 120 is properly locked, the good lock indicator 860 lights up (eg, the LED remains "green"). Otherwise, the good lock indicator will not light up. This helps the user to ensure that the top cover 120 is properly locked after taking out the letter.

[0045] The mailbox microprocessor is arranged in the mailbox housing 110. The letterbox microprocessor is operatively connected to the optical sensor. Optical sensors are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The optical sensor is used to detect when a letter is inserted into the letterbox housing through the slot 130. The mailbox microprocessor is also operatively connected to the first transmitter, the first receiver, and the lock system. The letterbox microprocessor can pass through one or more circuit boards (such as printed circuit boards, see Figure 5 with Image 6 ) It is operatively connected to various components (such as lock systems, optical sensors, etc.).

[0046] The mailbox microprocessor is configured to receive the first sensor input signal from the optical sensor when detecting that the letter has entered the mailbox housing 110. After receiving the first sensor input signal, the mailbox microprocessor is configured to generate a first transmitter output command to the first transmitter. After receiving the first transmitter output command, the first transmitter is configured to send the first transmitter signal to the second receiver in the control box 210 (see Figure 17A ).

[0047] In some embodiments, the mailbox microprocessor is operatively connected to a mailbox indicator provided on the mailbox housing 110 (see figure 1 ). In some embodiments, when the mailbox microprocessor receives the first sensor input signal, the mailbox microprocessor generates the first light output command sent to the mailbox indicator to light the mailbox indicator (see Figure 17C ).

[0048] Figure 5 with Image 6 It is an exploded view of an embodiment of the electronic mailbox system 100 of the present invention. The illustrated letterbox housing 110 includes: a top surface 1, a waterproof member 2, a cover 3, an inner door 4, a top metal plate 5 (a part of the front surface and sides of the housing), a battery door 6, a canopy 7, a holder 8. Nameplate for attaching to the letterbox shell 9, screw 10 for nameplate 9, tool key 11, bottom metal plate 12 (part of the front surface and side of the shell), plastic ring for newspaper holder 14 13. Newspaper holder 14, newspaper holder bracket 15 (for attaching newspaper holder 14 to the housing), bottom surface 16, side baffle 17, supporting AC plate 18, power cord (such as AC Power cord) connected to the adapter 19, back surface 20, printed circuit board (PCB) cover 21, printed circuit board (PCB) 22, baffle 23, antenna 24, L-shaped lock cover 25, electronic lock 26, L Shaped lock hook 27, rubber ring bottom 28, rubber ring top 29, L-shaped hook container 30, L-shaped hook plate 31, battery 32.

[0049] control box

[0050] See now Figure 8-10 The control box 210 may be arranged at a certain distance from the mailbox housing 110 (for example, in the user's home). The control box 210 has a front surface, a back surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and an inner cavity. The control box 210 is provided with a control box microprocessor operably connected to the second receiver and the second transmitter. The control box 210 is operatively connected to the control box indicator light 925. In some embodiments, the control box microprocessor is operatively connected to an alarm system (with a speaker 910), and the alarm system is used to remind the user that a letter has been delivered to the mailbox housing 110.

[0051] The second receiver is configured to send a second receiver input signal to the control box microprocessor when receiving the first transmitter signal from the first transmitter. When the control box microprocessor receives the first transmitter signal from the second receiver, the control box microprocessor generates a second light output command sent to the control box indicator to light up the control box indicator (see Figure 17A ). This will remind the user that the letter has entered the letter shell.

[0052] In some embodiments, after receiving the second receiver input signal, the control box microprocessor is configured to generate a first alarm output command to the alarm system to activate the alarm system (see Figure 17A ).

[0053] In some embodiments, the control box microprocessor is operatively connected to an unlock button 940 (for example, provided on the front surface of the control box), and the unlock button 940 is used to unlock the lock system on the mailbox housing. For example, the control box microprocessor is configured to receive the first unlock input signal from the unlock button 940 and generate a second transmitter output command to the second transmitter. The second transmitter is configured to send a second transmitter signal to the first receiver in the mailbox housing 110. When the first receiver receives the second transmitter signal, the first receiver sends a second unlock input signal to the mailbox microprocessor. After receiving the second unlock input signal, the mailbox microprocessor generates an unlock output command sent to the lock system to unlock the lock system (see Figure 17B ).

[0054] In some embodiments, the unlock button 940 includes a keyboard system, and the user can pre-edit a unique code for unlocking the lock system in the keyboard system. Such keyboard systems for unlocking other systems are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0055] In some embodiments, the microprocessor is operatively connected to the reset button 930. The reset button is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the control box microprocessor is configured to receive the first reset input signal from the reset button when the reset button is pressed. After receiving the first reset input signal, the control box microprocessor can generate the first reset output command sent to the control box indicator light to turn off the control box indicator light (see Figure 17D ).

[0056] In some embodiments, when the control box microprocessor receives the first reset input signal, the control box microprocessor generates a second reset output command sent to the second transmitter, so that the second transmitter receives the first reset input signal. The machine sends out the third receiver signal. Then, the first receiver can send a second light input signal to the mailbox microprocessor, and the mailbox microprocessor generates a second light output command to the mailbox indicator according to the signal to turn off the mailbox indicator (see Figure 17D ).

[0057] In some embodiments, when the control box microprocessor receives the first reset input signal, the control box microprocessor generates a third reset output command to the alarm system to turn off the alarm system.

[0058] In some embodiments, one or more volume buttons 920 are provided on the control box 210. The volume button 920 is used to adjust, for example, the volume of the alarm system.

[0059] The control box microprocessor can pass through one or more circuit boards (such as printed circuit boards, see Picture 10 ) It is operatively connected to various components (such as a second transmitter, alarm system, etc.).

[0060] The control box 210 can be set on a desktop (such as in a living room). The control box 210 can pass through the second power cord 271 (see Picture 9 ) Plug into an electrical socket. The invention is not limited to this arrangement. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the control box (such as the back surface) is provided with one or more mounting holes (or mounting slots) to allow the control box to be installed on a surface such as a wall.

[0061] Picture 10 Shows an exploded view of the control box 210, which has a front surface 1, a hexagonal pin 2, a reset button 3, an LED lens 4 (of the reset button 3), a printed circuit board (PCB) monitor 5, and a back surface 6 (control Box), unlock button 7 and volume button 8.

[0062] The electronic mailbox system 100 of the present invention (such as the mailbox housing 110 and/or the control box 210) can be composed of various materials. For example, in some embodiments, the mailbox housing 110 and/or the control box 210 are made of materials including metal, plastic, wood, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0063] The components of the system (such as mailbox microprocessor, control box microprocessor, alarm system, indicator light, transmitter, receiver, etc.) can be powered by a power source (such as a battery or an electrical socket). figure 2 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5 with Image 6 A mailbox with a first power cord 270 is shown. Figure 8 , Picture 9 with Picture 10 A control box 210 with a second power cord 271 is shown. In some embodiments, the battery includes a lithium battery.

[0064] In order to use the electronic mailbox system 100 of the present invention, the electronic mailbox system 100 is first installed. For example, plug the power cord into the AC socket of the control box 210 to supply power to the control box 210, and plug the power cord into the AC socket of the mailbox housing 110 to supply power to the mailbox housing 110. When a letter (such as a postcard or ordinary envelope) falls into the letter box housing 110 through the slot 130, the control box indicator light 925 (such as an LED light) on the control box 210 lights up to notify the user that he/she has received the letter ( For example, the LED light will flash green). In some embodiments, the alarm system is activated. The user can press the unlock button (for example, a label with "OPEN MAILBOX BUTTON"), which will unlock the lock system (such as electromagnetic lock) to open the top cover to take out the letter. The reset button can be pressed to turn off the indicator light (or optionally the alarm system). If the user does not intend to take out the letter immediately, the user can press the reset button to turn off the control box indicator light (such as LED light). The lock system will not be unlocked.

[0065] If the letterbox housing 110 needs to be unlocked in an emergency, you can use the first end 711 of the tool key 710 to remove the logo plate 735 (for example, unscrew the screw) (see Figure 7A , Figure 7B ). Insert the second end 712 of the tool key 710 into the unlocking hole 705 covered with a logo plate in the letterbox housing 110. When reaching the unlocking hole 705, the key 710 can be turned clockwise to unlock the lock system. In some embodiments, once the top cover 120 is opened, the alarm system is turned off. You can press the reset button to turn off the alarm system.

[0066] When the user presses the unlock button but does not immediately take out the letter, the lock system will activate the self-locking function within a certain period of time (such as 10 minutes). The locking system (such as an electromagnetic lock) will be relocked, thereby locking the top cover 120 again. In some embodiments, if the lock is not relocked, the alarm system will be activated to remind the user that the lock is not properly locked.

[0067] Tamper or theft detection

[0068] In some embodiments, the system also includes a switch sensor operably connected to the mailbox microprocessor to detect tampering (such as vandalism, fiddle with locks, etc.). Once someone attempts to deliberately damage the mailbox housing 110 or try to pry open the top cover 120 (for example, the unlock button is not pressed), the alarm system will be activated. In some embodiments, when the switch sensor detects tampering, the switch sensor sends a second sensor input signal to the mailbox microprocessor, and the mailbox microprocessor generates a fourth transmitter to the first transmitter based on the signal. The command is output so that the first transmitter sends a fourth receiver signal to the second receiver. After receiving the fourth receiver signal, the second receiver sends a fourth receiver input signal to the control box microprocessor, and the control box microprocessor generates a second alarm output command to the alarm system according to the signal to start Alarm system (see Figure 17E ). This will alert the user that the mailbox shell has been tampered with. In some embodiments, if the mailbox housing is tampered with, the warning light on the control box 210 will light up (see Figure 8 ). The reset button can be pressed to turn off the alarm system (and/or warning light).

[0069] In some embodiments, the alarm system is configured to emit multiple different sounds. For example, in some embodiments, when the alarm system receives the first alarm output command (for example, when a letter is received), the alarm system emits the first sound. In some embodiments, when the alarm system receives the second alarm output command (for example, when the system is tampered with), the alarm system emits a second sound.

[0070] Alternative embodiments

[0071] Figure 11-15 An alternative embodiment of the electronic mail system 100 is shown. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic mailbox system 100 includes a mailbox housing 110 having a first side 111, a second side 112, a front surface 113, a back surface 114, and a bottom surface 116. The top cover 120 is pivotally connected to the letter box housing 110 via a hinge 125. The top cover 120 has a front edge 121 into which a lip 122 is vertically attached such that the lip covers a part of the front surface 113 of the letterbox housing 110. The top cover 120 can be moved between an open position and a closed position by a hinge 125. A slot 130 is provided in the lip 122 of the top cover 120 and the front surface 130 of the letterbox housing 110. The slot 130 allows the letter to be inserted into the letterbox housing 110.

[0072] One or more mounting holes 118 are provided on the back surface 114 of the letter box housing 110 to allow the user to install the letter box housing 110 on a wall or similar surface. In some embodiments, one or more newspaper hooks 180 are attached to the bottom surface (or other part) of the letterbox housing. The newspaper can be attached to the newspaper hook 180.

[0073] The top cover 120 can be locked in the closed position by the lock 140. The lock 140 may be an electronic lock, and such an electronic lock is well known to those skilled in the art. For example, see U.S. Patent No. 6,107,934, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The lock 140 may be operably connected to a power source (such as a battery).

[0074] In some embodiments, the lock 140 is attached to the lip 122 of the top cover 120 and the front surface 113 of the letterbox housing 110. In some embodiments, the lock 140 has a male part 142 that locks within the female part 141. In some embodiments, the female part 141 is provided on the front surface 113 of the letterbox housing 110, and the male part 142 is provided on the lip 122 of the top cover 120 (see Figure 15 ). In some embodiments, the male part 142 is provided on the front surface 113 of the letterbox housing 110 and the female part 141 is provided on the lip 122 of the top cover 120.

[0075] In some embodiments, the inner door 540 covers the slot 130 in the front surface 113 of the letterbox housing 110. The inner door 540 is attached to the inner surface of the front surface 113 of the letter box housing 110 so that it can cover the slot 130. The inner door 540 can move between an open position and a closed position, and the inner door 540 is biased to the closed position by a spring 550 attached to the inner door 540. The inner door 540 may help prevent dust, rain or snow from entering the letter box housing 110.

[0076] The letterbox housing 110 also includes a letterbox microprocessor, which is operatively connected to the optical sensor or the motion sensor 510 for detecting when a letter 530 is inserted into the letterbox housing 110. The mailbox microprocessor is operatively connected to the first transmitter 410, the first receiver, and the lock 140. The first transmitter 410 sends a signal to the second receiver in the control box 210.

[0077] The control box 210 includes a control box microprocessor operatively connected to the second receiver and the second transmitter. In some embodiments, the control box microprocessor is operatively connected to an alarm system with a speaker 420 and one or more control buttons 440 (e.g., the unlock button 450 for unlocking the lock 140). In some embodiments, the control box microprocessor is operably connected to the indicator light 430.

[0078] In some embodiments, the control button 440 is provided on the front surface 213 of the control box 210. In some embodiments, the lock 140 can be unlocked by the unlock button 450.

[0079] In some embodiments, the mailbox microprocessor is operatively connected to the indicator light 430. For example, the indicator light 430 may include a light that lights up when there is no letter in the mailbox housing 110, and a light that lights up when there is a letter in the mailbox housing 110. When the letter 530 is inserted into the mailbox housing 110, the alarm and speaker 420 and/or the indicator light 430 can alert the user.

[0080] In some embodiments, the control button 440 may allow the user to control the alarm volume. In some embodiments, the control button 440 allows the user to reset the system.

[0081] In addition to the description herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art can also clearly know various modifications of the present invention based on the above description. These modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0082] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these embodiments can be modified without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the following claims.