Systems and methods related to modular receptacles

Abstract

Embodiments of a mail receptacle drop box according to the present invention include a top section and body connected by carriage bolts. The top section may be one known in the art, having a semicylindrical shape with an indented slot. A plurality of prevention mechanisms are disposed within the top section surrounding the slot to prevent unauthorized access. The body is preferably comprised of a tubular frame, with three solid outside walls and a door with a lock assembly. The body also preferably comprises an inner secondary layer comprising a series of longitudinal panels meant to delay unauthorized access into the interior of the body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A receptacle comprising:
 a cavity at least partially enclosed by a first side wall panel; and   a longitudinal panel arranged inside the cavity proximate and at least substantially parallel to the first side wall panel,   wherein the longitudinal panel is spaced from the first side wall panel over a majority of the surface area of the longitudinal panel,   wherein the longitudinal panel is accessible from the cavity and removable into the cavity.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a frame supporting the first side wall panel. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first side wall panel is secured to the frame with a tamper resistant fastener. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the tamper resistant fastener comprises a carriage bolt extending through the first side wall panel and at least partially into the frame. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the carriage bolt has a domed head disposed external to the cavity. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , further comprising a threaded nut cooperating with a threaded shank of the carriage bolt, the nut being accessible from the cavity through at least a portion of the longitudinal panel. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , the frame comprising:
 an upper tube and a lower tube, the upper tube and lower tube being substantially parallel;   a first slot formed in the upper tube; and   a second slot formed in the lower tube,   wherein the longitudinal panel comprises a hanger tab inserted in the first slot and an anchor tab inserted in the second slot.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal panel is removable without the use of tools. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , the receptacle further comprising:
 a second side wall panel diametrically opposed across the cavity from the first side wall panel;   a back wall panel extending substantially from a first edge of the first side wall panel to a first edge of the second side wall panel;   a face plate extending substantially from a second edge of the first side wall panel to a second edge of the second side wall panel; and   a hinged door capable of limiting access through the face plate into the cavity.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , comprising a plurality of longitudinal panels arranged inside the cavity at least substantially parallel to each of the first side wall panel, the second side wall panel, and the back wall panel. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a top portion covering the cavity, the top portion comprising a curviplanar covering sheet material and a top cut shield substantially curviparallel to the covering sheet material. 
     
     
         12 . A receptacle comprising:
 a cavity at least partially enclosed by a first side wall panel; and   a first longitudinal bar arranged inside the cavity proximate the first side wall panel extending along a first longitudinal axis that is at least substantially parallel to the first side wall panel,   wherein the first longitudinal bar is rotatable about the first longitudinal axis.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , further comprising a frame supporting the first side wall panel. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the first side wall panel is secured to the frame with a tamper resistant fastener. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the tamper resistant fastener comprises a carriage bolt extending through the first side wall panel and at least partially into the frame. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the carriage bolt has a domed head disposed external to the cavity. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 an upper C-shaped brace; and   a lower C-shaped brace,   wherein a first end of the first longitudinal bar is received and journaled in a first hole provided in the upper C-shaped brace and a second end of the first longitudinal bar is received and journaled in a second hole provided in the lower C-shaped brace.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a second side wall panel diametrically opposed across the cavity from the first side wall panel;   a back wall panel extending substantially from a first edge of the first side wall panel to a first edge of the second side wall panel;   a face plate extending substantially from a second edge of the first side wall panel to a second edge of the second side wall panel; and   a hinged door capable of limiting access through the face plate into the cavity.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a second longitudinal bar arranged inside the cavity proximate the first side wall panel extending along a second longitudinal axis that is at least substantially parallel to the first side wall panel, wherein the second longitudinal bar is rotatable about the second longitudinal axis, the first and second longitudinal bars forming a first pair of bars disposed in a first orientation with respect to the first side wall panel;   a second pair of longitudinal bars disposed in a second orientation with respect to the second side wall panel, the second orientation being at least substantially respectively similar to the first orientation;   a third pair of longitudinal bars disposed in a third orientation with respect to the back side wall panel, the third orientation being at least substantially respectively similar to the first orientation.   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising a top portion covering the cavity, the top portion comprising a curviplanar covering sheet material and a top cut shield substantially curviparallel to the covering sheet material.