Ultraviolet light mailbox

Abstract

Disclosed is a mailbox sanitization device employing ultraviolet lamps mounted therein. The lamps are activated after placement of mail, postcards, packages and the like into the mailbox for approximately 60 seconds. The ultraviolet lamp may further produce residual ozone sufficient to destroy most viruses found on the materials placed within the mailbox. The mailbox may be operated in remote areas by use of low voltage or in a commercial setting for protection of postal employees.

What I claim is:  
     
         1 . A ultraviolet light mailbox comprising: 
 a housing defining an interior and an open end;    a door having an inner and an outer surface, said door pivotally attached to said open end of said housing;    at least one ultraviolet lamp positioned in said interior providing a wavelength capable of germicidal destruction;    a switch electrically coupled to said ultraviolet lamp and coupled to said door, said switch movable by said door for placing said ultraviolet lamp between an on position when said door covers the open end and an off position when said door is pivoted to allow access to the interior of said housing;    whereby mail placed within said interior of said housing is subject to ultraviolet light when said door is placed in a position to cover said open end.    
     
     
         2 . The ultraviolet light mailbox according to  claim 1  wherein said interior of said housing is coated with a non-corrosion material.  
     
     
         3 . The ultraviolet light mailbox according to  claim 1  wherein said ultraviolet lamp is capable of radiating at a wavelength of 254 nm providing germicidal destruction.  
     
     
         4 . The ultraviolet light mailbox according to  claim 1  wherein said ultraviolet lamp is capable of radiating at a wavelength of 185 nm and producing ozone providing germicidal destruction.  
     
     
         5 . The ultraviolet light mailbox according to  claim 1  including a timer eclectically coupled to said switch.  
     
     
         6 . The ultraviolet light mailbox according to  claim 5  wherein said timer operates said lamp for a period of about 60 seconds.  
     
     
         7 . The ultraviolet light mailbox according to  claim 1  wherein said housing includes a viewing port to provide visual indication of lamp operation.  
     
     
         8 . The ultraviolet light mailbox according to  claim 1  wherein said lamp is powered by a remotely located low voltage ballast.  
     
     
         9 . The ultraviolet light mailbox according to  claim 1  wherein said lamp is powered by batteries.  
     
     
         10 . The ultraviolet light mailbox according to  claim 9  wherein said batteries are replenished by solar power.  
     
     
         11 . A ultraviolet light mailbox comprising: 
 a housing defining an interior and an open end, said interior coated with a non-corrosion material;    a door having an inner and an outer surface, said door pivotally attached to said open end of said housing;    at least one ultraviolet lamp powered by a remotely located low voltage ballast, said lamp positioned in said interior providing a wavelength capable of germicidal destruction;    a switch having a timer electrically coupled to said ultraviolet lamp and coupled to said door, said switch movable by said door for placing said ultraviolet lamp between an on position wherein said timer operates for about 60 seconds when said door covers the open end, and an off position when said door is pivoted to allow access to the interior of said housing;    whereby mail placed within said interior of said housing is subject to ultraviolet light when said door is placed in a position to cover said open end.    
     
     
         12 . The ultraviolet light mailbox according to  claim 11  wherein said ultraviolet lamp is capable of radiating at a wavelength of 254 nm providing germicidal destruction.  
     
     
         13 . The ultraviolet light mailbox according to  claim 11  wherein said ultraviolet lamp is capable of radiating at a wavelength of 185 nm and producing ozone providing germicidal destruction.  
     
     
         14 . The ultraviolet light mailbox according to  claim 11  wherein said housing includes a viewing port to provide visual indication of lamp operation.