WO1997043935A1

WO1997043935A1 - A mail box

Info

Publication number: WO1997043935A1
Application number: PCT/AU1997/000309
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Henry Lateo
Original assignee: Mark Henry Lateo
Priority date: 1996-05-23
Filing date: 1997-05-21
Publication date: 1997-11-27
Also published as: AUPO001696A0

Abstract

A mail box (10) is provided for the secure retention of articles placed therein. The box (10) includes a compartment (14) for receiving mail; a front access door (15) permitting the mail to be deposited into the compartment (4), but inhibiting subsequent withdrawal therefrom; and a second rear lockable access door (16) which allows the mail to be retrieved. There are various means to maintain the mail securely in the box which include an internal baffle (17) adjacent the front access door (15); or a flap which blocks access to the compartment (4) when the front access door (15) is opened. The locking means for the second access door is microprocessor controlled (19). The mail box may also incorporate a communications module which is actuated to transmit a signal when the deposit of mail into the compartment (4) is sensed. The mail box (10) may also incorporate a security module which is adapted to be actuated if unauthorised tampering with articles in the mail box (10) is attempted. The security module and an associated alarm means may also be adapted to be operated remotely and independently of any unauthorised tampering with the mail box, thus functioning as a personal or other alarm for a resident in a dwelling who needs to summon attention.

Description

TITLE: A MAIL BOX

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to improvements to mail boxes of the type used for accepting and holding postal articles or other similar materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mail boxes of many different designs are currently available. Often, the designs which are available lack a degree of security, such that tampering with, or theft of, mail or other articles deposited into a mail box can result. Some mail boxes which have been proposed incorporate means to indicate the presence of, or the depositing of mail or other articles, into the mail box. However, these type of mail boxes have not gained acceptance by householders. Generally, the design of mail boxes has not changed for a number of years other than cosmetic appearance changes. The non standard design of current mail boxes presents a poor aesthetic appearance. In addition, many mail boxes do not effectively prevent the ingress of dust and moisture. Furthermore, many of the mail boxes that are available do not have sufficient capacity. With yet other mail boxes, corrosion problems and mechanical failure can occur. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide an improved mail box primarily but not exclusively for use by households for the receipt of letters, parcels or other similar articles which overcomes or at least alleviates one or more of the above disadvantages. The present invention in one particular aspect aims to provide a mail box which provides enhanced security to articles deposited into the box. The present invention in a further preferred aspect aims to provide a mail box in which the depositing or placement of mail or other articles into the box may be sensed. The present invention in yet a further aspect aims to provide a mail box which is tamper resistant.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a box suitable for use as a mail box or the like, said box comprising:

a compartment for receiving mail or other articles;

a first access door providing access to said compartment and permitting said mail or other articles to be deposited into said compartment, said mail or other articles when deposited into said compartment being inaccessible through said first access door;

a second lockable access door; and

locking means for permitting selective unlocking of said second access door to enable access to said compartment to enable removal of said mail or other articles therefrom.

In one form, the compartment may include an internal baffle adjacent the first access door which, when articles are deposited into said compartment through the first access door, prevents access to those articles. Alternatively, the first access door may incorporate means which prevent access to the articles when the articles are deposited into the compartment. For example, the first access door may be pivotally mounted and include a panel or flap which blocks access to the compartment when the first access door is opened.

The locking means for the second access door may include a microprocessor controlled locking means. A keypad may be mounted to the rear of the mail box which is associated with the microprocessor whereby a correct code entered via the keypad will unlock the second access door to enable access to the mail in the compartment. The second access door may be keyless and self lockable when closed.

Both access doors may be self closing when opened, for example, under the influence of return springs or counter weights. The doors may be hingedly mounted for movement about a vertical axis or horizontal axis or may be in the nature of sliding doors.

The mail box may also incorporate a communications module which is actuated to transmit a signal when the deposit of mail or other articles into the compartment is sensed. When this occurs a signal may be transmitted to a receiver, which may be located at a remote location, for example, within a dwelling. Such a receiver may incorporate indicating means to indicate that articles have been deposited into the compartment. The indicating means may comprise an audible and/or visible indicating means, such as a light and a siren or alarm. For this purpose, a switch may be operated on opening the front door of the mail box to initiate transmission of a signal for receipt by the receiver in the house. The indicating means is thus operated each time the front door of the mail box is opened to receive mail.

In an alternative or additional arrangement, the indicating means may be on the mail box to provide an indication that mail or other articles have been deposited into the compartment. The indicating means in this latter form may comprise a lamp which is actuated by means of a switch such as a micro switch within the mail box. Deposit of mail or other articles into the box will cause actuation of the microswitch and current to be applied to the lamp to cause illumination thereof to indicate that the mail box requires emptying. When the mail or other articles are removed from the mail box, the weight being removed from the micro switch will cause the switch to open and current to be removed from the lamp. The lamp may be an LED or any other form of display.

The mail box may also carry a solar panel which may generate a current for charging a battery or batteries providing power to the microprocessor control circuit and communication module. Alternatively, the power can be 240 volts mains stepped down to 12 volts DC via a transformer. The transformer may be housed within the mail box or located externally, for example, at a remote location adjacent any convenient mains power supply.

The microprocessor controlled locking means may incorporate or be connected to a security module which is adapted to be actuated if unauthorised tampering with articles in the mail box is attempted, for example, if the incorrect code is entered into the keypad a number of consecutive times. The security module may also be actuated in the event of attempted forced entry into the mail box. The security module may be associated with suitable alarm means which is operated by the security module when tampering with the mail box or contents thereof is attempted as above. The alarm means may comprise an audible and/or visible alarm and may be arranged externally on the mail box or at a remote location, for example, in a dwelling.

The security module and associated alarm means may also be adapted to be operated remotely and independently of any unauthorised tampering with the mail box. It can thus function as a personal or other alarm for a resident in a dwelling who needs to summon attention. By initiating the alarm, the audible and/or visible alarm on the mail box will be activated, thus identifying the dwelling that requires assistance.

The mail box may be of rectangular form and for anti- corrosion purposes suitably constructed of stainless steel. Alternatively, the mail box may be of any other shape. The dimensions of the box may, of course, be varied to suit the application. The electronic control circuit may be supported on the underside of the box or within the box. The first access door preferably comprises a door at the front of the box and the second access door preferably comprises a door at the rear of the box. The front access door may be provided with an internal baffle to make removal of mail via the front door difficult. The baffle may protrude downwardly from the slot in the front door through which mail may be inserted. Suitably, tamper resistant screws may be provided on an appropriate panel of the communication and/or security modules to allow access to change or recharge the battery and maintenance but to prevent tampering with the box.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLES

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein: -

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view from the rear of a mail box constructed according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a rear view of the mail box of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the mail box of Figs. 1 and 2; and

Figs. 4 to 7 illustrate in front, perspective, cross sectional and rear views an alternative embodiment of a mail box constructed according to the present invention. Referring to the drawings and firstly to Figs. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a mail box 10 which is of generally rectangular form and constructed of stainless steel or other corrosion resistant material and which is designed for use primarily in applications for receiving and holding mail or other postal articles, fliers or the like. The mail box 10 includes top and bottom walls 11 and 12 and opposite side walls 13 which define a hollow compartment 14 (see Fig. 3) for receiving articles deposited into the box 10. The box 10 incorporates a front access door 15 and a rear access door 16, the front access door 15 allowing for articles of mail or other similar products to be placed into the compartment 14. The compartment 14 may include a baffle 17 which prevents access to mail deposited into the compartment 14 via the front access door 15. Alternatively, the front access door 15 may include a flap (not shown) which, when the door 15 is opened, prevents access to mail or the compartment 14, but which permits materials to be placed into the compartment 17. Both the front and rear access doors 15 and 16 are preferably hingedly mounted and suitable seals are provided such that, when the access doors 15 and 16 are closed, the compartment 14 is substantially sealed from the outside atmosphere. In addition, both access doors may be arranged to be self closing. This may be achieved by the nature of the hinge mounting of the doors, for example, by hanging the doors for pivotal movement about an upper horizontal axis such that, when released after opening, they will pivot to a closed position under the influence of gravity. Alternatively, the doors may be self closing under the influence of counter weights or return springs. The hinge for the doors may also be configured to effect self closing of the doors. The rear access door 16, preferably, is keyless and self locks when closed. A rear panel 18 of the box carries a keypad 19 associated with a microprocessor control circuit which controls, for example, a solenoid actuated lock for locking of the rear access door 16. The microprocessor control circuit preferably includes a memory which carries an individual code whereby the solenoid lock will only be released when the correct code is entered via the keypad 19. Power for the supply to the microprocessor circuit may be through a battery which may be a rechargeable battery, chargeable by means of a solar panel 20. The solar panel 20 may be supported on the upper wall 11 of the box 10. The microprocessor control circuit is located in a secure compartment 21 at the lower side of the box 10. The mail box 10 may additionally incorporate a security module connected into the microprocessor control circuit. The security module may be associated with an alarm such as a siren 22 mounted externally of the mail box 10. If opening of the rear access door 16 is attempted using the keypad 19 and an incorrect code, used a number of times in sequence, the security module will be activated to cause operation of the siren 22. The security module may also be activated if unauthorised forced entry through the rear access door 16 is attempted. For this purpose, a switch may be associated with the rear access door 16 which is actuated if the door 16 is forced to cause security module actuation. Operation of the switch is overridden if the correct code is entered into the keypad 19. The mail box 10 may additionally include means for sensing the deposit of mail into the box 10. Such sensing means may comprise a light sensor 23 mounted on the baffle 17 which will sense the passage of articles past the baffle 17. Associated with the sensor 23 is a communications module connectable into the microprocessor control circuit. When the deposit of mail is sensed by the sensor 23, the communications module will be actuated to cause a signal to be transmitted for receipt at a remote location, for example, in a house. A receiver at the remote location upon receipt of that signal will cause actuation of a signal such as a light signal or sound signal so as to indicate that mail has been deposited into the compartment 14. As a further feature, the mail box 10 may support an infra-red sensor or other sensor 24 which senses movement in the vicinity of the mail box. The infra-red sensor 23 may be connected into the communication module, so as to indicate to persons within a house or building that movement has been sensed adjacent to the mail box 10. The preferred material of construction of the mail box 10 is stainless steel to ensure maximum durability, especially in harsh environments, such as marine environments. The box 10 may be painted in any colour and can therefore be available in aesthetically pleasing designs. All power for the control circuit and modules is achieved by using a solar energy charged battery, charged from the solar panel 20 supported on the box 10. This arrangement thus allows for easy installation in any location without the need of external power supplies.

The mail box 10 of the invention may be used in any situations where secure receipt and holding of mail is required. One particularly suitable application is in rural applications where a mail box may be located remotely from a house. Of course, the mail box may also be used in other applications, for example, the multiple groupings associated with flats or units or in commercial situations, for example, associated with factories or offices. The mail box 10 may be of many different shapes and configurations as desired. For receipt of parcels or larger mail articles, the compartment 14 is increased in size. Similarly, the doors 15 and 16 will be required to be of sufficient size to enable the articles to be deposited into the compartment 14. Additionally, the mail box 10 may incorporate any or all of the modules referred to above. Whilst a light sensing means has been illustrated to indicate the deposit of mail into the compartment 14, other sensing means may be used for that purpose, such as sensing means on the base of the compartment 14.

Referring now to Figs. 4 to 8, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of mail box 30, of a rectangular form, which includes a recessed front panel 31 containing a mail slot 32 closed by a hinged flap 33 which opens when mail is inserted into the slot 32. The box 30 also includes a side cavity 34 to receive articles such as newspapers or the like which do not need the security of being held within the box 30. A baffle 35 extends downwardly at an angle of 45 degrees to guide deposited mail onto the base 36 of the box 30. The base 36 may be provided with a microswitch 37 which is actuated upon mail being deposited thereon. Actuation of the switch 37 will initiate operation of a transmitter as before which transmits a signal to a remote location for receipt by a receiver in a house or the like and thereby actuation of a visual and/or audible alarm. Actuation of the switch 37 may also cause illumination of a lamp 38 on the rear of the box 30 to provide a visual indication that mail has been received in the box 30. Access to the interior of the box 30 to allow for removal of mail therefrom is provided by a hinged rear door 39 which may be latched in position by a solenoid actuated lock 40. Release of the lock 40 may be achieved through a keypad 41 mounted on the rear door 39 which requires a correct code to be inserted to release the solenoid of the lock 40. The door 39 may be mounted on a rear recessed panel 42 secured to the box 30 by tamper proof screws 43. As with the first embodiment, the box 30 supports a solar panel 44 for charging the battery 45 for supply of current to the transmitter unit of the box 30 and other electrical equipment in and on the box 30.

Whilst the above have been given by way of illustrative embodiments of the invention, all such modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A box suitable for use as a mail box or the like, said box comprising:

a compartment for receiving mail or other articles;

a second lockable access door; and

2. A box as defined in claim 1, wherein said compartment includes an internal baffle adjacent said first access door such that, when said mail or other articles are deposited into said compartment through said first access door, access to said mail or other articles is prevented.

3. A box as defined in claim 1, wherein said first access door incorporates means to prevent access to said mail or other articles after being deposited into said compartment.

4. A box as defined in claim 3, wherein said first access door is pivotally mounted and includes a panel or flap which blocks access to said compartment when said first access door is opened.

5. A box as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said locking means for said second access door includes a microprocessor controlled locking means.

6. A box as defined in claim 5, wherein a keypad is mounted to the rear of said mail box and which is associated with said microprocessor whereby a correct code entered via said keypad will unlock said second access door to enable access to said mail or other articles in said compartment.

7. A box as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said second access door is self lockable when closed.

8. A box as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said first access door and said second access door are self closing when opened.

9. A box as defined in claim 8, wherein said self 5 closing is undertaken by the use of return springs or counter weights.

10. A box as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first access door and said second access door are hingedly mounted for movement about

10 a vertical axis.

11. A box as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first access door and said second access door are hingedly mounted for movement about a horizontal axis.

15 12. A box as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first access door and said second access door are each a sliding door.

13. A box as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a communications module is included which is

20 actuated to transmit a signal when deposit of said mail or other articles into said compartment is sensed.

14. A box as defined in claim 13, wherein said signal is transmitted to a receiver located remote from said box.

15. A box as defined in claim 14, wherein said receiver includes indicating means to indicate that said mail or other articles have been deposited into said compartment.

16. A box as defined in claim 15, wherein said indicating means comprises an audible indicating means.

17. A box as defined in claim 16, wherein said audible means is a siren or alarm.

18. A box as defined in claim 15, wherein said indicating means comprises a visible indicating means.

19. A box as defined in claim 18, wherein said visible means is a light.

20. A box as defined in any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein a switch is operated on opening said first access door to initiate transmission of said signal.

21. A box as defined in claim 19, wherein said compartment includes a switch which activates a light when said mail or other articles are deposited in said compartment and which deactivates said light when said mail or other articles are removed from said compartment.

22. A box as defined in any one of claims 5 to 21, wherein a solar panel is provided to generate a current for charging at least one battery for providing power to said microprocessor and said communications module.

23. A box as defined in any one of claims 5 to 21, wherein 240 volts mains power stepped down to 12 volts DC via a transformer is provided to power said microprocessor and said communications module.

24. A box as defined in claim 23, wherein said transformer is housed within said box.

25. A box as defined in claim 23, wherein said transformer is located externally of said box at a location remote from said box and adjacent a mains power supply.

26. A box as defined in any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein said locking means is incorporated in or connected to a security module, said security module being adapted to be actuated if unauthorised removal of said mail or other articles from said compartment is attempted.

5 27. A box as defined in claim 26, wherein said security module is associated with an alarm means, said alarm means being operated by said security module when unauthorised removal of said mail or other articles from said compartment is attempted.

10 28. A box as defined in claim 27, wherein said alarm means comprises an audible and/or visible alarm, said alarm being positioned externally on said box or at a remote location.

29. A box as defined in claim 27 or claim 28, wherein 15 said security module and said alarm means are further adapted to be actuated remotely and independently of any unauthorised removal of said mail or other articles from said compartment.

30. A box as defined in any one of claims 1 to 29, 20 wherein said first access door is positioned at the front of said box and said second access door is positioned at the rear of said box.

31. A box as defined in claim 30, wherein said first access door includes an internal baffle such that, when said mail or other articles are deposited into said compartment through said first access door, access to said mail or other articles via said first access door is prevented.

32. A box as defined in claim 31, wherein said baffle protrudes downwardly from a slot in said first access door through which said mail or other articles are inserted.