Once Openable And Locked Upon Closure Patents (Class 232/41D)
  • Patent number: 5921117
    Abstract: A locking receptacle and a locking device for securing a mailbox, package delivery box, or other receptacle requiring a single opening of the receptacle door for a mailperson or package delivery person to insert a package being delivered and upon subsequent closing of the door locking until unlocked by a person having a key or combination therefor to receive the delivery. The locking device mounts to the inside of the receptacle and has an arm which is pivotally attached to the door of the receptacle and to a reciprocally pivotal locking disk. A first pivoting lever is positioned to engage a slot in the periphery of the locking disk when the door is closed so as to restrain the locking disk and the door in a closed position. A spring-biased, reciprocally pivotal counting disk is arranged to turn with the locking disk as the door is opened and to lock in that position by means of a second pivoting lever which engages a slot in the periphery of the counting disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Frank J. Illguth
  • Patent number: 5586718
    Abstract: A lock assembly for installation on a rural type mail box. The lock installation provides for pre-setting the lock so that the mail person can gain access to the box upon initial door opening. Closing the door activates the lock, locking the box from further access until unlocked by the owner. A spring urged catch is displaced by the lock during pre-set positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Steel City Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen A. Speece
  • Patent number: 5476220
    Abstract: A lockable mailbox apparatus which incorporates a latching mechanism automatically actuated upon opening and subsequent closing of the mailbox closure to positively lock the mailbox closure in closed position relative to the mailbox housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Michael J. Cohoon
  • Patent number: 4447005
    Abstract: A mailbox having a mail carrier door and an owner's door with a signal flag moveably mounted thereatop to indicate the presence or absence of mail therein. A mechanism within the mailbox has a pair of slidable members mounted to a downwardly extending bracket with a flag rod extending through each member and moveable thereby. A pair of springs urge the first member toward the mail carrier door and the second member against the owner's door. A pivotable extension mounted to the mail carrier door is engaged by the mechanism to prevent opening thereof until the owner's door is open allowing the second member to slide therethrough releasing the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Inventors: James B. Kelly, Viola F. Kelly