usps trialing lockers , page-21

GS,

US 2006/0097034 is the so-called "mailbox" patent which covers the application of TZ's IFT devices to mail-box-like applications. There was (and maybe still is) a functional physical demo model of it dating back to 2004 or earlier, which was one of Kelliher's favorites for show-and-tell.

There are many of TZ's patents like this - covering IFT applications to product concepts. The provisional patents were typically lodged prior to revealing the functional models to partners/potential customers/at trade shows etc.

The key to the significance of what is "protected" by a patent is in the claims.

Additionally, what is revealed in the descriptive sections of the patent constitutes "prior art" from the perspective of other parties, and prevents them from patenting any of those concepts after your applications "priority date" - this is often a useful function of a patent, beyond the claims which the examiners allow. You might not be able to patent it, but no-one else can either.

US 2006/0097034 Claim 1 is for the beam Clip:

"A fastener which includes: (a) a fastening element having a flexible beam and an engagement means; and (b) actuating means attached to the fastening element and including a material adapted to contract when activated; wherein the beam is moveable, upon contraction of the material, between an engagement position and a disengagement position. "

All the following claims are directly or indirectly dependent on Claim 1 - so this patent protects only mailboxes or the like which use Beam clips as their locking device.

Furthermore, it reveals the concept of an intelligent mail box (or similar cabinet) - putting this concept into the public domain and thus constituting "prior art". (TZ did not shoot themselves in the foot with this - electronically lockable cabinets have been in the public domain for yonks anyway.)

Frankly, I am a little surprised that TZ had any expectation that Claim 1 of the more recent patent would have any hope of acceptance by the examiners.