A WiFi Mail Indicator
By
Staten Island, NY Posted: 12/27/2014 1:00:00 AM
Expecting something in the mail... but hate checking the mailbox 10 times an hour?
You're sitting at home again waiting for a check... or maybe it's a package, or perhaps you simply love to dive into all the junk mail that comes addressed to "Resident". Whatever the reason, you just can't wait for the mail to arrive.
But wait. Maybe it's already there. Maybe you didn't hear the truck drive by when you were in the bathroom. You'd better check, again. After all, it's been 15 minutes since you checked.
Does this sound familiar? If so, this is exactly the idea for you. A WiFi Mail Indicator.
Here's how it would work.
After configuring the WiFi settings with your computer, a small antenna would mount under your mailbox (if it's made of metal), linked to a magnetic quick connector on the inside. Then whenever you are waiting for a package, you just snap the device onto the magnetic quick-connector and turn it on. Once the mailbox is re-opened, a simple light or motion sensor would trigger it to send you an alert.
Alternate configurations:
1. For people with a wooden or plastic mailbox, the device wouldn't need the external antenna, but a magnetic bar mounted on the inside roof would allow you to pop it in and out in seconds. A clip would also work well.
2. A more advanced model could also incorporate a camera, that can trigger a series of photos or quick video clips as the mailbox is opened, letting you see what's inside from your phone.
3. For mailbox makers, the hardware could be integrated into the design of the mailbox itself, making it completely discrete, and insuring the best possible reception.
4. For people without a strong WiFi signal, a simple LED or even a mechanical flag that drops when the mailbox is opened. Unlike the flag on most mailboxes, this would drop under or behind the mailbox, so it won't interfere with the flags that the US Post Office uses to indicate there is OUTGOING mail inside.
Joe Crescenzi, Founder
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