How it Works: US Patent 9,609,973

US Patent 9,609,973

The invention is described as a utility patent via GPS assisted software, without the need for a tracking number or barcode. A mobile data cellular network is required, as well as the generation of a virtual GPS fence on a digital map. These components already are in place on all mail delivery locations. When the mail carrier passes the virtual fence of a user who has subscribed to the service, an instant notification is sent that mail has been delivered.  Pleasant notes, “I recently had a conversation with a patent attorney with the Postal Office Headquarters and he indicated that the U.S. Postal Office has already considered moving in this direction.”

Pleasant acknowledges that there are still steps to be taken. He says, “A Strategic Alliance needs to be in place with the Postal Service before the notification service could be offered. Postal carriers already carry GPS devices connected to cellular networks that utilize the GeoFence feature for their own internal map routing. My invention wouldn’t require any extra work on their part whatsoever.”He concludes, “It is my goal for this simple invention to be both useful and profitable for all concerned. It is also my plan to share revenues with the United States Postal Service. There are currently 156 million mailboxes in the United States, each with somebody waiting for the mail to be delivered.”