With Supports Patents (Class 232/39)
  • Patent number: 11118319
    Abstract: A structure in flat-packable kit form to protect mailboxes from snowplow damage is provided. The kit includes four to six flat components that are stackable. Two of the components and foldable so as the be secured to each other, defining a deflection surface extending in generally orthogonal directions from a shared post sleeve. The post sleeve slidably receives a mounting post disposed between the road and a roadside mailbox, where the orthogonally oriented deflection surface blocks plowed or blown snow from impacting and demining the mailbox. The flat-packable kit may include gussets for reinforcing the deflection surface by way of the post sleeve in the assembled condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Pine Knot Enterprise, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Clyde Battjes, Brian Kenneth Erlewein
  • Patent number: 11019952
    Abstract: A kit for assembling a blow molded post cover including a sleeve and a base. The sleeve having an open bottom end and a hollow interior for receiving a post. The base including a top cap having a first through-hole for receiving the sleeve; a bottom cap having a second through-hole for receiving the sleeve; and a plurality of side panels securable to the top and bottom caps. Each of the plurality of side panels having a first side end, a second side end, and one or more protrusions on a rear surface such that each of the one or more protrusions bears against the sleeve when the base is installed on the sleeve. The first side end of any one of the plurality of side panels is configured to interlock with the second side end of any other one of the plurality of side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Machande, Rick Braasch, Ronald A. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11006774
    Abstract: A mailbox mounting bracket for a mailbox. The mailbox mounting bracket comprises a lower first member and an upper second member. The lower first member has a T-shaped transverse cross sectional profile and the upper second member defines a mating T-shaped recess. The T-shaped recess of the upper second member captively receives and encloses the T-shaped transverse cross sectional profile of the lower first member such that three sides of the lower first member are completely surrounded by the upper second member while a fourth side of the lower first member is only partially surrounded by lower legs of the upper second member and is at least partially exposed so as to facilitate attachment of the lower first member to a surface of a mailbox post. The upper second member is slidably moveable relative to the lower first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: ISND DESIGN LLC
    Inventors: Neal Robert Dwelley, Ivan Stanek
  • Patent number: 10582795
    Abstract: A portable secure mailbox system providing a mail container unit having a container-unit protrusion, a container-unit door, and a container-unit partition, a base anchor unit allowing filling with anchoring material such as water or sand, and having a base-unit recess, base-unit wheels, a base-unit removable plug, and a base-unit foot, at least one bolt and nut to secure the mail container unit to the base anchor unit, a powered sensor-transmitter unit to detect activity and transmit notifications, an optional solar array to recharge the powered sensor-transmitter unit, and an optional ornamental casing. The portable secure mailbox system provides a mailbox and support base that can be easily transported and put in place, when empty, and, after the base anchor unit is filled with anchoring material such as water or sand, and the mail container unit is mounted upon the base anchor unit, provides a stable secure mailbox that can detect activity and transmit notifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: Kevin Rawls
  • Patent number: 10492271
    Abstract: Control devices for controlling, switching or otherwise manipulating power and/or other operations of luminaires and/or other devices connected thereto via power, data or other connectors or interfaces are contemplated. The control devices may be included as part of a cap to facilitate a fast connection or a fast installation in a manner sufficient to be characterized as a FastCap™.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Ronald P. Harwood
  • Patent number: 10323792
    Abstract: A rail post mounting device/vertical extension systems for a deck, patio boundary or fence rail posts to alter the appearance of the posts by suspending plants in a structurally sturdy manner. The mounting device is configured to be inserted into a hollow fence post defining a chamber, and comprises a cover member having a top surface configured to hold one or more accessory items, and a bottom surface configured to engage the top of the hollow fence post, and an elongated insert member attached to the bottom surface of the cover member, which is configured for insertion into the post chamber. The elongated insert member also comprises a plurality of resilient retention arms configured to extend toward and pressingly engage with sidewalls of the post chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: Ryan Zoutman
  • Patent number: 10030806
    Abstract: A fixing support is adapted to detachably fix a case onto a target object. The fixing support includes a fixing base, a rotary base, a rotary member and an engaging member. The rotary base is adapted to be assembled to the target object. The rotary member is rotatably disposed in the fixing base, and is fixed to the rotary base so as to rotate with the rotatory base on a rotational axis with respect to the fixing base. The engaging member is movably disposed inside the fixing base to be moved to a releasing position and an engaging position with respect to the fixing base according to the rotation of the rotary member. The engaging member has an engaging portion, and the engaging member is adapted to pass through the engaging hole. When the engaging member is moved to the engaging position from the releasing position with respect to the fixing base, the engaging portion engages a shoulder part of the engaging hole. In addition, a fixing module includes the aforesaid case and the aforesaid fixing support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Chuan Wen, Jui-Hsiang Lin, Jen-Yang Chang, Chang-Hua Wei
  • Patent number: 10022007
    Abstract: A mailbox shielding assembly for deflecting snow propelled by a plow away from a mailbox includes a base and a shell. The base is configured to couple to a surface, such as soil. The shell has a lower end, an upper end, a left side, a right side, a front and a back. The front is open to define a cavity. A plurality of connectors is coupled to and extends substantially perpendicularly between the base and the shell. A coupler is coupled to the shell and is positioned in the cavity. The coupler is configured to couple to a mailbox to position the mailbox within the cavity. The shell is configured to deflect matter, such as snow propelled by a plow, to shield the mailbox that is positioned in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel Lucero
  • Patent number: 10024349
    Abstract: An anchor device including an expansion section expandable when an expansion screw is screwed into the anchor device, and a tubular shank into which the expansion screw can be screwed. The anchor device has a joining device with an elongated offset element as well as a joining element. The first end of the offset element is connected to the tubular shank in such a way that the offset element extends essentially perpendicular to the tubular shank and to the expansion section. The second end of the offset element is connected to the first end of the joining element in such a way that the joining element extends essentially perpendicular to the offset element and essentially parallel to the tubular shank and to the expansion section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Lars Melzer
  • Patent number: 9980593
    Abstract: An apparatus for use on a mailbox having a substantially vertical side, includes a first panel; a second panel; a hinge joining the first panel and the second panel; an angle limiter; and a mounting device for securing the apparatus to the mailbox. A mailbox is improved by mounting on the box an apparatus having a panel to provide a surface oriented to tangentially receive the impact of substantially horizontally-directed debris directed toward the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Todd R. Pajonas
  • Patent number: 9941648
    Abstract: A multi-outlet power strip comprises a channel assembly that includes a front channel having an integrated ground clamp configured to couple a ground wire of a received receptacle harness. In an example embodiment, the ground clamp is disposed at a first end of the channel assembly. A back channel can be mounted at a desired location. Supply wiring from a junction box or other type of power source can be provided to the back channel and coupled to receptacle wiring at a second opposing end of the front channel. The front channel can be coupled to the back channel. A back channel can be configured to engage an angle mount bracket in a manner that allows channel translation and passage of supply wiring. The angle mount bracket can independently support a back channel at an angled orientation while an installer secures the back channel to a mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: David J. Ziobro
  • Patent number: 9808106
    Abstract: A safe rotatable apparatus for supporting a rural roadside mailbox and for providing a simple, low-cost, highly rugged mounting structure which is less subject to damage due to impact from passing vehicles. The apparatus returns to its original position after a side impact. It is made of a typical mailbox; a top structural member; (c) a manner to connect the mailbox to the member; strengthening gussets attached to an outer sleeve connected to the top member and a way for connecting gussets to the top member; the outer sleeve having an opening for a pivot rod; the pivot rod held to the outer sleeve; an inner post with a rotational “sinusoidal” slice at the top end of inner post and an opening for a locking bar at the bottom of the inner post; the locking bar and a way for ballasting the locking bar such as concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: John Bihn
  • Patent number: 9700167
    Abstract: An impact resistant mailbox support apparatus including a mailbox support post and a mailbox having a dome-shaped body, a front door, and an attachment arm hingedly attached to the mailbox support post. The attachment arm has at least one first spring-loaded self-returning hinge. The attachment arm of the mailbox is configured to selectively swing in one of a rightward direction and a leftward direction upon impact and return to an original pre-impact position following impact as a result of the at least one first spring-loaded self-returning hinge. The mailbox support post optionally includes a lower half, an upper half pivotally attached to the lower half, and a second spring-loaded self-returning hinge. The upper half is configured to selectively rotate in one of a rightward direction and a leftward direction upon impact and return to an original pre-impact position following impact as a result of the second spring-loaded self-returning hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Victor Nordberg
  • Patent number: 9677296
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilizing element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: ANCHOR SYSTEMS (INTERNATIONAL) LIMITED
    Inventor: Ewan R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8925225
    Abstract: A mailbox protector may include a deflection surface adapted to deflect impacting snow and debris thrown by a snow plow. A mailbox protector may also include at least one anchor member in a fixed relation to the deflection surface. It may further include a complementary anchor member adapted to engage the at least one anchor member in a mounting relation. Furthermore, the at least one complementary anchor member may be adapted to be fixedly disposed in an arbitrary substrate such as concrete, or soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Judith Fiore
  • Publication number: 20140374473
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting bracket for mounting a mailbox, the mounting bracket including a first side section configured to contact one side of the mailbox and having one or more first anchoring portions extending inwardly from the first side section to contact a supporting body, and a second side section configured to contact another side of the mailbox and having one or more second anchoring portions extending inwardly from the second side section to contact the supporting body, wherein the first and second anchoring portions are configured to contact the supporting body without overlapping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Chase Disney
  • Patent number: 8915475
    Abstract: An adjustable mailbox post comprises a vertical support member rotatably attached to a cross-member. The cross-member extends through a transverse channel in the support member, such that a forward arm of the cross-member extends from the forward side of the support member, and a rear arm of the cross-member extends from the rear side of the support member. The forward arm supports a mailbox platform, to which a mailbox can be attached. Using a spring mechanism and/or an extendable strut, the forward arm of the post can be lifted from a horizontal position appropriate for mail delivery to an elevated position, in which the mailbox is out of the reach of passing snow-plows. Latching mechanisms are used to secure the forward arm of the post in either the horizontal delivery position or the elevated safety position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bryan
  • Patent number: 8794505
    Abstract: A mailbox protection system that deflects debris away from striking a mailbox that is attached to a bottom area of a mailbox post to reduce a moment of force on the post. A deflection assembly is held in place utilizing a cantilevered structural mounting assembly. The deflection assembly is physically separated from a proximate mailbox that the deflection assembly is configured to protect. The mailbox protection system minimizes or reduces the moment of a force causes by debris striking the deflection assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Michael T. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20140209669
    Abstract: A mailbox protection system that deflects debris away from striking a mailbox that is attached to a bottom area of a mailbox post to reduce a moment of force on the post. A deflection assembly is held in place utilizing a cantilevered structural mounting assembly. The deflection assembly is physically separated from a proximate mailbox that the deflection assembly is configured to protect. The mailbox protection system minimizes or reduces the moment of a force causes by debris striking the deflection assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Michael T. Richardson
  • Patent number: 8789803
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mailbox slider device that provides mailboxes of various widths to be slideably mounted along the horizontal portion of an existing mailbox support post. The device comprises a first base member and a second slideable member being attached using complimentary tongue and groove sliders, wherein the members include a recessed channel having a first and second channel stop that prevents separation of the two members at the base member distal end, while allowing separation and engagement of the members along the inward proximal end of the base member. A mailbox is secured to a support block, which then attaches to the upper surface of the second sliding member. The sliding member engages the base member from its proximal end, whereafter the base member is secured to the horizontal portion of a mailbox post to provide a readily extendable and retractable assembly for improved access for postal service workers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventors: James Richard Van Wingerden, Mary Ellen Van Wingerden
  • Patent number: 8708219
    Abstract: A mailbox support attaching to a post includes an arm for supporting a mailbox at a given height, an opening for freely allowing the arm to slide over the post, and a tab flexibly extending into the opening and designed to limit movement of the arm relative to the post if the post is disposed within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Charles A. Patterson, Michael Reedy, Victor Hoernig
  • Patent number: 8631998
    Abstract: A solar powered, illuminated mailbox post assembly includes a support post structure for supporting a mailbox operatively thereon. The support post structure includes a vertical post section for mounting in the ground and extending upwardly therefrom. The vertical post section has an interior chamber. A light unit is disposed in the chamber and includes a light source and a rechargeable power supply operatively connected to the light source for energizing the light source and causing the light source to illuminate. There is at least one solar collector operably connected to the rechargeable power supply for collecting solar energy and converting such energy to electric power that is directed to the power supply for recharging thereof. At least one window is formed in the vertical post section adjacent the chamber. The window bears indicia that are highlighted for display upon the window when the light is illuminated and light is transmitted through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Brightlight Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Rowan Connelly, Tara Lee Golub, Kevin James Maley
  • Patent number: 8490859
    Abstract: The rotating mailbox device is provided in varying degrees of complexity, with each embodiment thereof focused on as basic a design as is possible while still retaining the important features of the device. Even the most basic design provides illuminated address, illumination strips within the mailbox assembly, and exterior indicators for indicating mail received via sensing of door opening. Of importance is that the basic design of the device dictates that the dished tray is rotateably affixed directly atop the post and may also be affixed off-center regarding the tray. The direct post-to-tray attachment negates the need for further attachment devices such as horizontal arms, for example. Lateral attachment of the mailbox assembly to the platform elevated section provides for easiest disassembly of part of the device and also for the elevated section to be a floor for the mailbox assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Brett A. Master, Donald A. Bland, Theresa K. Master
  • Publication number: 20130175332
    Abstract: A mailbox system includes a mailbox housing having an interior chamber. The interior chamber has a surface area and a depth. A lockbox is securely coupled to the mailbox housing, and the lockbox is disposed in the interior chamber of the mailbox housing. A security door is hingeably attached to a wall of the lockbox. The security door has a size smaller than that of the surface area of the interior chamber of the mailbox housing. A lock assembly is coupled to the security door, and the lock assembly is configured to alternatively maintain the security door in a closed position or an opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Tafforest Brewer
  • Publication number: 20130061499
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to a biodegradable mailbox that includes a receptacle. The receptacle has a post attachment integral with the receptacle. The mailbox also includes a post, the post having a first end and a second end, the first end being securely insertable into the post attachment of the receptacle. The mailbox also includes a base into which the second end of the post is securely inserted. The mailbox is comprised of cardboard and contains no glue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: David A. Berglund
  • Patent number: 8353446
    Abstract: A resilient device for absorbing at least one of shock and vibration includes a first portion, and a second portion which extends outwardly from the first portion and curves in a first direction away from the first portion and then recurves in a second direction towards the first portion. The method includes the step of securing the first portion to one of a first member and a second member disposed in spaced relationship to the first member and the step of abuttingly engaging the second portion to an opposed one of the first member and the second member wherein the second member is capable of withstanding application of at least one of shock and vibration and the resilient member temporarily changes its original shape for absorbing such at least one of shock and vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Leonard R. Cox
  • Publication number: 20120325900
    Abstract: A mailbox mounting bracket is configured for attachment to a post, rail, fence, or the like, to allow a mailbox to be mounted in multiple orientations. The bracket has a top plate with a plurality of holes for mounting to the bottom of a mailbox, a downwardly-extending peripheral ridge with a plurality of holes for mounting to the sides of the mailbox, and first and second downwardly-extending flanges at opposite sides of the bracket each with a plurality of holes for mounting to opposite sides of the post, fence, rail or the like. In another embodiment, the bracket includes two pieces each having a top plate, the top plates being rotatably connected to each other for extra support and versatility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: ARCHITECTURAL MAILBOXES, LLC.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Farentinos
  • Patent number: 8322598
    Abstract: A mailbox mounting bracket is configured for attachment to a post, rail, fence, or the like, to allow a mailbox to be mounted in multiple orientations. The bracket has a top plate with a plurality of holes for mounting to the bottom of a mailbox, a downwardly-extending peripheral ridge with a plurality of holes for mounting to the sides of the mailbox, and first and second downwardly-extending flanges at opposite sides of the bracket each with a plurality of holes for mounting to opposite sides of the post, fence, rail or the like. In another embodiment, the bracket includes two pieces each having a top plate, the top plates being rotatably connected to each other for extra support and versatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Architectural Mailboxes, LLC.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Farentinos
  • Patent number: 8261966
    Abstract: A receptacle for secure mail and parcel receipt and storage. The receptacle includes a top which provides a roof for the receptacle, a base, and a housing connected to the top and the base. The housing includes an upper compartment into which mail is first placed, a lower compartment into which mail is deposited from the upper compartment, a front door, located on a front of the receptacle, which is opened to provide access to the upper compartment and through which mail is placed into the upper compartment, a trap door, operatively connected to the front door, in the upper compartment, and an access door that includes a lock. The trap door rests in an open position when the front door is closed, allowing communication between the upper and lower compartments. The trap door is moved to a closed position by the opening of the front door, thereby preventing access to the lower compartment from the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Postal Hawk Corporation
    Inventors: Bobbie Cox, Jeffrey Kalman, Craig Saunders, Lindsey Tufts, Jr., Chuck Hosier, Paul Stephens
  • Patent number: 8251324
    Abstract: A mailbox support attaching to a post includes an arm for supporting a mailbox at a given height, an opening for freely allowing the arm to slide over the post, and a tab flexibly extending into the opening and designed to limit movement of the arm relative to the post if the post is disposed within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Charles A. Patterson, Michael Reedy, Victor Hoernig
  • Patent number: 8123113
    Abstract: This invention provides a roadside mailbox that is installed in a housing that can be wholly or partially buried in the ground. The open top of the housing is closed by a door that is attached to one of the end walls by a hinge, which allows it to be pivotally moved from a closed position where it closes the top of the housing to an open position where it is substantially vertical. The mailbox is so mounted as to be pivotally movable between a secure storage position where it is entirely within the housing and an operational position where it is in position for use. Pivotal movement of the door and the mailbox is accomplished by a mechanism driven by electric power from a battery positioned in the vault, and it is operated by an actuator that can be wireless or hard-wired. A solar panel installed on the door keeps the battery charged. The mailbox also can be laterally movable so that it extends outwardly beyond the door to facilitate depositing and retrieving mail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Alfred Raymond Hartman
  • Patent number: 8104732
    Abstract: A mailbox mounting bracket is provided wherein there are two substantially identical bracket members that are coupled together to form the mailbox mounting bracket. The two bracket members may be adjusted in a lateral direction to have a width corresponding to any typical mailbox size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Solar Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Robinson, J. Derrick Dry
  • Patent number: 8087573
    Abstract: A support for a newspaper box includes a support attaching to a post, a slide for sliding the newspaper box within the support, and a tab for locking the newspaper box within the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Charles A. Patterson, Michael Reedy, Victor Hoernig
  • Patent number: 8087627
    Abstract: An adjustable support for a mailbox includes an arm, a first bracket for attaching to the arm and having a first projection, a second bracket for attaching to the arm and having a second projection, wherein the first projection and the second projection cooperate to achieve a desired dimension upon the arm to support a desired dimension of the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Charles A. Patterson, Michael Reedy, Victor Hoernig
  • Patent number: 8047423
    Abstract: A swing away or pivotable mailbox support includes a lower post anchored in the ground and pivotally connected to an upper post having a horizontally projecting mailbox support arm. The upper post is pivotally movable in response to horizontal loads applied to the support arm. Adjacent connecting ends of the posts have aligned centrally located mounting bores for receipt of a mounting shaft. A bearing and detent assembly is mounted to the connecting ends of the posts to provide support and relative rotational movement between detent-engaged stable rotational positions. A kit including a bearing and detent assembly and a shaft is also provided for converting a stationary mailbox support to a swing away or pivotable support in accordance with the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Robert H. Brecht
  • Publication number: 20110259950
    Abstract: A receptacle for secure mail and parcel receipt and storage. The receptacle includes a top which provides a roof for the receptacle, a base, and a housing connected to the top and the base. The housing includes an upper compartment into which mail is first placed, a lower compartment into which mail is deposited from the upper compartment, a front door, located on a front of the receptacle, which is opened to provide access to the upper compartment and through which mail is placed into the upper compartment, a trap door, operatively connected to the front door, in the upper compartment, and an access door that includes a lock. The trap door rests in an open position when the front door is closed, allowing communication between the upper and lower compartments. The trap door is moved to a closed position by the opening of the front door, thereby preventing access to the lower compartment from the upper compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Bobbie COX, Jeffrey KALMAN, Craig SAUNDERS, Paul Stephens, Lindsey Tufts, JR., Chuck Hosier
  • Patent number: 7997545
    Abstract: This invention is to an apparatus and method using a pivoting support structure to support mail boxes, newspaper tubes, information signage or decorative materials near a road while being less susceptible to damage from passing vehicles. The invention may be attached to a post, pipe or other vertical structure. Even after the apparatus is installed, the invention has an inherent flexibility to change the original starting position of the mail box relative to the road. Furthermore, the invention acts as a self-centering hinge allowing the support structure to swing in excess of 90-degrees to 180-degrees depending upon installation even while supporting single or multiple mailboxes and/or decorative or aesthetic items. The invention then automatically returns the mail box to its original starting position through the cooperative effort of a spring, gravity and inherent hinge design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Rodney W. Holland
  • Patent number: 7992767
    Abstract: A canted swivel for a mailbox to provide an automatic swiveling mailbox arrangement enabling retrieval of mail from the box without entering a nearby thoroughfare with the mailbox having a rest point or balance point facing outward toward the thoroughfare at its balance point as a result of a canted ball bearing swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Reed Leadrew Holmes
  • Patent number: 7988035
    Abstract: A receptacle for secure mail and parcel receipt and storage. The receptacle includes a top which provides a roof for the receptacle, a base, and a housing connected to the top and the base. The housing includes an upper compartment into which mail is first placed, a lower compartment into which mail is deposited from the upper compartment, a front door, located on a front of the receptacle, which is opened to provide access to the upper compartment and through which mail is placed into the upper compartment, a trap door, operatively connected to the front door, in the upper compartment, and an access door that includes a lock. The trap door rests in an open position when the front door is closed, allowing communication between the upper and lower compartments. The trap door is moved to a closed position by the opening of the front door, thereby preventing access to the lower compartment from the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Postal Hawk Corporation
    Inventors: Bobbie Cox, Jeffrey Kalman, Craig Saunders, Lindsey Tufts, Jr., Chuck Hosier, Paul Stephens
  • Patent number: 7954696
    Abstract: A mailbox mount including a platform, a first angled element and a second angled element. A mailbox is attachable to the platform, which has a surface. The first angled element has an end connected substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the platform. The first angled element has an other end with an angled surface. The second angled element has an angled surface in contact with the angled surface of the first angled element. The first angled element being rotatable relative to the second angled element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Wingard's Sales LLC
    Inventor: Sam Wingard
  • Publication number: 20110068162
    Abstract: A support for a newspaper box includes a support attaching to a post, a slide for sliding the newspaper box within the support, and a tab for locking the newspaper box within the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Charles A. Patterson, Michael Reedy, Victor Hoernig
  • Patent number: 7866540
    Abstract: A resilient device for absorbing at least one of shock and vibration includes a first portion, and a second portion which extends outwardly from the first portion and curves in a first direction away from the first portion and then recurves in a second direction towards the first portion. The method includes the step of securing the first portion to one of a first member and a second member disposed in spaced relationship to the first member and the step of abuttingly engaging the second portion to an opposed one of the first member and the second member wherein the second member is capable of withstanding application of at least one of shock and vibration and the resilient member temporarily changes its original shape for absorbing such at least one of shock and vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Leonard R. Cox
  • Publication number: 20100282832
    Abstract: A rural mailbox used for temporarily mails storage having a flexible support system or a flexi-modular that absorbs and reduces lateral impact through its spring system/mechanism by allowing the support arm to deflect and soften the magnitude of shock impact. The flexible support system or flexi-modular is a horizontal member of the mailbox post and can be utilized or mounted on any traditional mailbox vertical member or post that made of woods or hard plastics. The flexible support system or flexi-modular includes a base, a leaf spring, a horizontal support member and a pivot bolt assembly. The base is a main interface to the vertical post, as well as other sub-components of the flexi-modular. It is integrated with two extended lugs that hold the horizontal member through the pivot bolt and allow it to swing in plane to the left or right of the mailbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Logan H. Do
  • Patent number: 7810708
    Abstract: A combination mailbox housing, pedestal and planter is constructed of recycled materials to be all in one unit. The pedestal is constructed from four expended five-gallon buckets, which are screwed together and covered with wire lath and stucco, and artificial plastic rocks which rocks have in turn been constructed from expended plastic bottles. The mailbox housing is constructed from used cedar fence boards in a board and batten style to enclose a standard metal or plastic mailbox. When the mailbox housing and pedestal is assembled into one unit and installed, soil is put into the planter sections of the pedestal wherein plants and/or flowers can be planted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: John Paul Schofield, Janet Ellen Schofield
  • Publication number: 20100237144
    Abstract: A mailbox for holding mail may include a housing to house the mail and a stand to support the housing. The housing may include a security shelf to prevent access to a bottom portion of the housing. The housing may include a lower door and the lower door may be pivotable to access the bottom portion of the housing. The lower door may include a lock, and the housing may include a fixed wall to prevent access to the housing. The housing may include a flap to cooperate with the fixed wall, and the security shelf may include a horizontal section. The security shelf may include an inclined section, and the mailbox may include a light. The light may be powered by solar, and the light may be powered by landscaping power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: David Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20100237143
    Abstract: A mailbox post assembly includes a lower post having an upper surface, and an upper post having a lower surface. A flexible member is securably interposed between the upper surface of the lower post and lower surface of the upper post. The flexible member is configured to allow the upper post to flex relative to the lower post. Preferably, the flexible member is part of a flex assembly further including a lower post mounting bracket, an upper post mounting bracket, and a shear washer. The flex assembly is preferably covered with a snow and ice shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Maurice J. LaBrecque, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100147939
    Abstract: A mailbox mount including a platform, a first angled element and a second angled element. A mailbox is attachable to the platform, which has a surface. The first angled element has an end connected substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the platform. The first angled element has an other end with an angled surface. The second angled element has an angled surface in contact with the angled surface of the first angled element. The first angled element being rotatable relative to the second angled element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Sam Wingard
  • Publication number: 20100127063
    Abstract: A theft-resistant mailbox for parcels and method of construction thereof are presented. An inner door is pivotably affixed to a top inner surface of a housing and is rotatably moveable on a top edge around a sphere of rotation. An outer door is pivotably affixed to a front surface of the housing and is rotatably moveable on a bottom edge. At least one connecting member is rotatably attached on one end to a side edge of the inner door and on the other end to a common side edge of the outer door. An inner panel is fixedly attached to the bottom edge of the outer door and is rotatably moveable on a proximal edge in the same direction as the outer and inner door. The inner panel is comprised of a distal edge defining a sphere rotatably distinct from the sphere of rotation for the inner door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: David J. Bolles
  • Publication number: 20100000164
    Abstract: A turf anchor typically includes an upright and three or four spikes which are insertable into the ground to mount the upright above ground with substantial stability. The turf anchor may be pressed by foot or hammered to force the spikes into the ground and may be used for securing a mailbox or various other outdoor items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Sandra J. Russell
  • Publication number: 20090250509
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swing away mail box post which is simple to operate and manufacture. It includes two parts: a stationary base; and, a rotating stem (the latter of which is attached to the mailbox post itself). There is only one moving part, the stem rotates on the base as you desire. You just set the desired direction upon base installation by relying on a directed notch or keyway that interacts with a stem mounted screw to bias the location of the stem with respect to the base post. The installation of the base is straight forward, and the stem is adaptable to any standard type mailbox post, i.e., 3? round metal, 4?×4? wood, and 3½?×3 ½? P.V.C. sq. type post. This mailbox post system also includes two base configurations, one for stable packed soil, grass, etc. and one for sandy (i.e., loose) soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: David William Biddiscombe