Patent ID: 7843340
Filing Date: 2010-11-30
Classification: A47G

Abstract:
1. A mail delivery alert system, comprising: a mailbox housing that encloses an interior space and that defines an open front; a door pivotally coupled to said housing and movable between open and closed configurations relative to said open front; wherein said housing includes a bottom wall having upper and lower surfaces, a top wall opposite said bottom wall, and opposed side walls extending from said top wall to a point beneath said bottom wall, such that said lower surface of said bottom wall and said side walls form a cavity; a first sensor positioned on a front face of said bottom wall so as to detect an opening of said door; a second sensor positioned on said bottom wall of said housing so as to detect the presence of an article of mail positioned on said bottom wall; wherein said first sensor is a photosensor; wherein said second sensor is a light emitting diode and reflector combination; a transmitter; a battery; a processor electrically connected to said battery, said first and second sensors and to said transmitter, said processor including programming for actuating said transmitter to transmit an alert signal through the air upon said first sensor detecting an opening of said door and said second sensor detecting the presence of an article in said open space of said housing; wherein said processor, said transmitter, and said first and second sensors are positioned in said cavity; a receiver remote from said transmitter for receiving said alert signal; wherein said processor includes: