Mailbox

Abstract

A mailbox for residential or business use that sanitizes mail deposited within it. The mailbox is equipped with one or more sanitizing devices such as a UV light, an ultra-sound unit, a heating element, and/or a misting device that dispenses a bactericidal mist.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A mailbox for sanitizing mail, said mailbox comprising: 
 a mailbox housing; and    a sanitizing device installed within said mailbox-housing for rendering harmless infectious agents contained in pieces of mail deposited in said mailbox.    
     
     
         2 . The mailbox of  claim 1 , wherein said sanitizing device is an ultra-violet (UV) light.  
     
     
         3 . The mailbox of  claim 2 , wherein said ultra-violet (UV) light includes one or more lights.  
     
     
         4 . The mailbox of  claim 2 , wherein said sanitizing device further includes an ultra-sound unit that is mounted within said mailbox.  
     
     
         5 . The mailbox of  claim 2 , wherein said sanitizing device further includes a misting device that is mounted within said housing and that dispenses a bactericidal mist.  
     
     
         6 . The mailbox of  claim 2 , wherein said sanitizing device further includes a heating element that is mounted on said mailbox so as to obtain a predetermined temperature within said mailbox when said heating element is in operation.  
     
     
         7 . The mailbox of  claim 1  further comprising an energy source for operating said sanitizing device.  
     
     
         8 . The mailbox of  claim 6 , wherein said energy source includes one or more sources from the group consisting of electrical energy, solar energy, and wind energy.  
     
     
         9 . A sanitizing kit for retrofitting a mailbox, said kit comprising a sanitizing device, an energy source, and a connecting cable for connecting said sanitizing device to said energy source.  
     
     
         10 . The sanitizing kit of  claim 9 , wherein said sanitizing kit includes a sanitizing device, a mounting bracket for mounting said sanitizing device within said mailbox, and a power cable for connecting said sanitizing device to said energy source.  
     
     
         11 . The sanitizing kit of  claim 9 , wherein said sanitizing device is a UV light.  
     
     
         12 . The sanitizing kit of  claim 9 , wherein said sanitizing device is an ultra-sound unit.  
     
     
         13 . The sanitizing kit of  claim 9 , wherein said sanitizing device is a heating element.  
     
     
         14 . The sanitizing kit of  claim 9 , wherein said sanitizing device is a mister that dispenses bactericidal mist.