Mailbox display system

Abstract

A display system for use with a mailbox. The display system has a housing having a display area. The display system also has a display panel operatively connected to the display area and a light source to illuminate the display area. The housing is operatively connected to the mailbox.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mailboxes are frequently placed along side of roadway or aside homes. They provide a convenient means for residents to deposit and retrieve mail. Mailboxes tend to be relatively non-functional and unsightly. Though they may feature an occupant's address, they offer little other information that may be of use to the resident or passers by. There is a long-felt need for an improved means to display information on a mailbox.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above advantages as well as other advantages not specifically enumerated are achieved by a display system for use with a mailbox. The display system has a housing having a display area. The display system also has a display panel operatively connected to the display area and a light source to illuminate the display area. The housing is operatively connected to the mailbox.

There is also provided a method of displaying a message. The method includes providing a display system secured to a mailbox and providing a display panel operatively connected to the display system. The display panel displays the message.

There is also provided a display system for use with a mailbox. The display system has a housing having a display area and a first display panel operatively connected to the display area. The display system has a second display panel operatively connected to the display area and a light source to illuminate the display area. The housing is operatively connected to the mailbox.

Various advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view in elevation of a mailbox having a display system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the mailbox having the display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front end view of the mailbox having a display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4a is a controller for use with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view in elevation of the display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the display system of FIG. 1 FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional end view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5 of the display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view in elevation of an alternate embodiment of the invention having two plates on a slanted orientation compared to FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a prior art schematic for use with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a prior art schematic for use with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preliminarily, it should be noted that certain terms used herein, such as top, bottom, above and below and the like are used to facilitate the description of the invention. Unless otherwise specified or made apparent by the context of the discussion, such terms and other directional terms should be interpreted with reference to the figure(s) under discussion. Such terms are not intended as a limitation on the position in which the invention or components may be used. Indeed, it is contemplated that the components of the invention may be positioned in a wide variety of desired orientations. Likewise, numerical terms are not intended as a limitation or to imply a sequence, unless otherwise specified or made apparent by the context of the discussion.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8 a display system, indicated generally at 16, according to the invention. The display system 16 includes a housing 20. The housing 20 is secured to a mailbox 24 by a bracket 28. The illustrated display system 16 includes two solar panels 32 a,b on a top wall 36 of the housing 20. The number of solar panels employed is not a limitation of the invention—any suitable number of solar panels may be employed. The display system 16 also features an alert light 40. The illustrated bottom wall 44 of the housing 20 includes five openings 48 a,b,c,d,e. The openings 48 a,b,c,d,e are useful to secure the housing 20 to a top portion 52 of the mailbox 24.

The mailbox 24 may include a latch 56 to selectively maintain a door 60 in a closed position. The mailbox 24 may include a flag 64. The flag 64 is movably mounted to the mailbox 24 as a communication means. For example, the flag 64 may be used to indicate whether the mailbox 24 is either empty or contains an object, such as for example mail to be retrieved. The flag 64 is shown secured to a side portion 68 of the mailbox 24.

The housing 20 of the display system 16 includes a first bracket 68 and a second bracket 72. The term “bracket” is understood to include any number of structures characterized by one or more members that generally project from a structure and is usually designed to support a vertical load. The first bracket 68 and the second bracket 72 are positioned on opposing sides of the housing 20. The first bracket 68 includes a top arm 68a and a bottom arm 68b. The second bracket 72 includes a top arm 72a and a bottom arm 72b.

The first bracket 68 is adapted to receive a first plate 76a [shown in FIG. 3]. The second bracket 72 is adapted to receive a second plate 76b [shown in FIG. 3]. The term “plate” is understood to include any number of structures characterized by a generally smooth generally flat generally thin piece of material. The first plate 76a and the second plate 76b may include a written message for display for those passing by the mailbox 24. For example, the first plate 76a and the second plate 76b may wish those passing by a “Merry Christmas,” inform those passing by of a birthday party being held inside the residence [not shown], or indicate that a pizza [not shown] or other delivery product is to be delivered to the residence. The first plate 76a and the second plate 76b are message delivery means. The first plate 76a and the second plate 76b are removeably connected to their respective brackets. The first plate 76a and the second plate 76b are operatively connected to the housing 20. The first plate 76a and the second plate 76b are slidably connected to the housing 20. The term “operatively connected” is understood to include a linking together of the portions under consideration and may include a physical engagement and/or a functional or operational connection. The first plate 76a and the second plate 76b are display panels.

The first bracket 68 defines a first slot 80. The term “slot” is understood to include any number of structures characterized by a generally narrow opening or groove. The second bracket 72 defines a second slot 84. It will be appreciated that the first plate 76a is provided in the first slot 80. It will be appreciated that the second plate 76b is provided in the second slot 84. The first plate 76a and the second plate 76b may display a message, such as for example a preferred text or preferred illustration.

The first bracket 68 defines a first display area 88. The second bracket 72 defines a second display area 92. The term “display area” is understood to include any number of structures, space or means characterized by an extent of space or surface serving the function of showing, exhibiting, putting or spreading some content for viewing. It will be noted that the first display area 88 is adapted to accommodate the first plate 76a. It will be noted that the second display area 92 is adapted to accommodate the second plate 76b. The first display area 88 is provided along a first side 96 of the housing 20 of the display system 16. The second display area 92 is provided along a second side 100 of the housing 20 of the display system 16.

The first display area 88 and the second display area 92 may be generally transparent. The term “transparent” is understood to include the property of allowing some amount of light to pass through there through with comparatively little interruption or distortion so that objects or messages on the other side can be seen. For example, if the first display area 88 and the second display area 92 display a message thereon, the message would be visible. Likewise, if the first plate 76a and the second plate 76b include a message thereon, the message would also be visible.

The illustrated display system 16 further includes a first light source 104 and a second light source 108. The first light source 104 and the second light source 108 may be any suitable light source, including but not limited a suitable incandescent light bulb, liquid crystal display, light-emitting diode, or other suitable photo-electronic component. The first light source 104 and the second light source 108 are provided to illuminate the first display area 88 and the second display area 92, respectively. The first light source 104 and the second light source 108 may be employed together or separately. Any suitable number of light sources may be employed.

The illustrated display system 16 further includes a first reflector 112 and a second reflector 116. The first reflector 112 and the second reflector 116 are provided to magnify the effect of the first light source 104 and the second light source 108, respectively. It will be noted that the first reflector 112 and the second reflector 116 are generally parabolic members. A bearing 120 may be provided to support part or all of the weight of the first reflector 112 and the second reflector 116. The illustrated bearing 120 is secured to the bottom wall 44 of the housing 20.

The illustrated display system 16 further includes a first circuit board 124 and a second circuit board 128. The term “circuit board” is understood to include any number of structures characterized by a board, on one or both sides of which the components and connections of an electronic circuit are located. The illustrated first circuit board 124 and the second circuit board 128 are shown positioned above the first reflector 112 and the second reflector 116, respectively.

The illustrated display system 16 further includes a first power storage 132 and a second power storage 136. The term “power storage” is understood to include any number of structures for the preservation, later use, or disposal of energy—including but not limited to chemical or electrical energy. The first power storage 132 and the second power storage 136 may include, or may be, rechargeable batteries. The first power storage 132 and the second power storage 136 may be operatively connected to the solar panels 32 a,b. The first power storage 132 and the second power storage 136 may be operatively connected to the first light source 104 and the second light source 108. The first power storage 132 and the second power storage 136 may be operatively connected to the first circuit board 124 and the second circuit board 128. A third reflector 140 and fourth reflector 144 may also be employed to magnify the effect of the first light source 104 and the second light source 108.

A remote control 150 may also be employed (see FIG. 4a). The remote control 150 may be operatively connected to the display system 16 in any suitable fashion. The remote control 150 may be a wireless device. The remote control 150 may be employed to activate or deactivate one or more of the first light source 104 and/or the second light source 108 and/or the alert light 40. The remote control 150 may be employed to activate or deactivate any other suitable portion of the invention. An antennae 152 may be included to receive a signal to selectively control or direct one or more components of the invention. The antennae 152 may be any suitable antennae, such as for example flexible, wire, hard steel, or the like.

FIG. 9 shows a slanted two-plate embodiment. The two-plate embodiment uses components and features similar to other embodiments of the invention as otherwise described or made clear by the context. The housing 220 of includes a first bracket 268 and a second bracket 272. The first bracket 268 and the second bracket 272 are positioned on opposing sides of the housing 220. The first bracket 268 includes a top arm 268a and a bottom arm 268b. The second bracket 272 includes a top arm 272a and a bottom arm 272b.

The first bracket 268 is adapted to receive a first outer plate 276a and a first inner plate 277a. The second bracket 272 is adapted to receive a second outer plate 276b and a second inner plate 277b. The first outer plate 276a and the second outer plate 276b may include a written message or content for display. The first outer plate 276a and the second outer plate 276b may include color or decorative content. The first inner plate 277a and the second inner plate 277b may likewise include a written message or content, and/or color or decorative content. The first inner plate 277a and the second inner plate 277b may display a message, such as for example a preferred text or preferred illustration. The plates may be positioned on an angle as shown or may also be positioned generally along a suitable vertical axis.

The first outer plate 276a and the second outer plate 276b may be message delivery means. The first inner plate 277a and the second inner plate 277b may also be message delivery means. The first outer plate 276a, the second outer plate 276b, the first inner plate 277a and the second inner plate 277b are removeably connected to their respective brackets. The first outer plate 276a, the second outer plate 276b, the first inner plate 277a and the second inner plate 277b are operatively connected to the housing 220. The first outer plate 276a, the second outer plate 276b, the first inner plate 277a and the second inner plate 277b are slidably connected to the housing 220. The first outer plate 276a, the second outer plate 276b, the first inner plate 277a and the second inner plate 277b are display panels and may display a message, such as for example a preferred text, content or preferred illustration.

The first bracket 268 defines a first slot 280. The second bracket 272 defines a second slot 284. It will be appreciated that the second inner plate 277b and the second outer plate 276b are provided in the second slot 284. It will be appreciated that the first plate 276a is provided in the first slot 280. The first plate 276a and the second plate 276b may display a message, such as for example a preferred text or preferred illustration.

The first bracket 268 defines a first display area 288. The second bracket 272 defines a second display area 292. It will be noted that the first display area 288 is adapted to accommodate the first inner plate 277a and the first outer plate 276a. It will be noted that the second display area 292 is adapted to accommodate the second inner plate 277b and the second outer plate 276b. The first display area 288 is provided along a first side 296 of the housing 220. The second display area 292 is provided along a second side 300 of the housing 220.

The first display area 288 and the second display area 292 may be generally transparent. For example, if the first display area 288 and the second display area 292 include a message or other content or decoration thereon, the message or other content or decoration would be visible. Likewise, if the first outer plate 276a, the second outer plate 276b, the first inner plate 277a and the second inner plate 277b include a message or other content or decoration thereon, the message or other content or decoration would also be visible.

A first light source 304 and a second light source 308 may also be provided as shown. The first light source 304 and the second light source 308 may be any suitable light source, including but not limited a suitable incandescent light bulb, liquid crystal display, light-emitting diode, or other suitable photo-electronic component. The first light source 304 and the second light source 308 are provided to illuminate the first display area 288 and the second display area 292, respectively. The first light source 304 and the second light source 308 may be employed together or separately. Any suitable number of light sources may be employed.

A first reflector 312 and a second reflector 316 may also be provided as shown. The first reflector 312 and the second reflector 316 are provided to magnify the effect of the first light source 304 and the second light source 308, respectively. It will be noted that the first reflector 312 and the second reflector 316 are generally parabolic members. A bearing 320 may be provided to support part or all of the weight of the first reflector 112 and the second reflector 116. The illustrated bearing 320 is secured to the bottom wall 244 of the housing 220.

The schematic representations in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are prior art schematics that may be employed with the invention. The directional nature of the arrows are not limitations on the invention. Referring now to FIG. 10, a prior art circuit schematic is shown for use with the present invention. The circuit schematic may be employed for a blinking lamp to be powered be either house current, batteries, or solar charged batteries. The circuit schematic may include a timer to turn blinking light off after a period of time to preserve batteries where the blinking light would fulfill its functionality after a relatively short period of time. A control circuit 40 may be provided with the base, lamp and lamp housing arrangement for automatic and/or remote control of the system. First, the lamp 13 can receive power from a household or a building power supply 42 as is conventionally available. The lamp 13 may include the first light sources 104, 304 and the second light sources 108, 308 or any other suitable light source. Alternatively, the power source 42 may comprise solar cells or rechargeable batteries which are removable for recharging by a remote recharger or rechargeable in place by conventional or solar means. The power source 42 may include the first power storage 132 and the second power storage 136 (see FIG. 8) or any other suitable power storage.

The lamps 13 may be controlled by a control means 41 which can operate one or more electrical components for different types of control. The control means 41 may include the remote control 150 or any other suitable controller. A conventional flasher may be provided to cause the lamps 13 to flash for signaling emergency vehicles, deliveries, or nighttime visitors. The flasher 43 may be operated directly through the control means 41 or via a remote control system 46 comprising a transmitter 45 located remotely from the control means and a receiver 47 connected thereto. The flasher 43 may include the alert light 40 or any other suitable flasher or alert light.

Remote operation of the transmitter 45 can then signal the control means and flasher to flash the lamps 13 when desired. The transmitter 45 may include the remote control 150 or any other suitable transmitter or controller. The circuit can also include a photocell 49 such that the lamps 13 operate during nighttime hours. Alternatively, a timer 51 can be provided to turn the lamps 13 on and off at desired intervals.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a prior art circuit schematic is shown for use with the present invention. The circuit schematic is a battery charging circuit that may be employed for use with a version that uses solar power. In the daylight hours, the solar panels 30 receive sunlight so that output 37 increases in voltage. The solar panels 30 may include the two solar panels 32 a,b on a top wall 36 of the housing 20 (see FIG. 2). When the output 37 increases above a desired level, the output sensing logic 34 electrically activates the solenoid driver 35. The solenoid driver 35 then triggers the solenoid 36, which electrically uncouples the rechargeable battery 32 from the light display 27, and electrically connects the output 37 of the solar panels 30 to the rechargeable battery 32. The rechargeable battery 32 may include the first power storage 132 and the second power storage 136 (see FIG. 8). As a result, the output 37 from the solar panels 30 charges the rechargeable battery 32 in stored capacity for future illumination or other functionality.

After sunset, when the output 37 of the solar panels 30 decreases in voltage below a desired level, the output sensing logic 34 electrically deactivates the solenoid driver 35. In addition, the solenoid driver 35 deactivates the solenoid 36. After being deactivated the solenoid 36 electrically disconnects the output 37 of the solar panels 30 from the rechargeable battery 32 and electrically connects the rechargeable battery 32 to the light display 27. As a result, the rechargeable battery 32 illuminates the light display 27 for viewing of my improved solar powered mailbox illuminating system on opposite sides of the mailbox. The circuits shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 may be used alone, not at all, or in conjunction with each other.

In use, the remote control 150 may be employed to activate the first light source 104 and the second light source 108 to signal a passerby looking for the residence which employs the display system 16. Likewise, the remote control 150 may be employed to activate the alert light 40. For example, if the user in the residence using the display system 16 is aware that a passerby is coming to the residence or is lost on the roadway, the alert light 40, the first light source 104, and/or the second light source 108 may be turned on or turned to a blinking mode to alert the passerby that the desired residence is close by. This blinking or activation feature would improve the chances of a driver finding a rural location at night delivering a pizza if the driver was informed to look for a blinking light. The display panel is adapted to cooperate with the display area.

The solar panels 32 a,b serve to charge the first power storage 132 and the second power storage 136. Any suitable number of solar panels or power storage units may be employed. The solar panels 32 a,b and/or first power storage 132 and the second power storage 136 serve to power the first light source 104 and the second light source 108, thereby allowing for illumination of the first display area 88 and the second display area 92. The solar panels 32 a,b and/or first power storage 132 and the second power storage 136 serve to enhance viewing of the first plate 76a and the second plate 76b. The solar panels 32 a,b and/or first power storage 132 and the second power storage 136 serve to power the alert light 40. The embodiments as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 operate similarly.

The invention may be adapted to a wide variety of transparent plates to display various messages. An electronic message board may be used in addition to or instead of the plates. The display areas, lights, messages, and plates may be controlled remotely or manually as desired. The display areas, lights, messages, and plates may be adapted to display various messages and designs to signify events such as holidays, seasons, special occasions, and the like. A timer may be employed to selectively turn on or off the light sources or alert light at an adjustable time interval. The timer will relieve the user from having to operate, such as for example turn on or turn off, one or more parts of the invention based upon the location and/or view of the passerby. One or more suitable generally watertight seals may be placed around exposed portions of the display areas to prevent water wear or other aging of the structures employed with the invention.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 include the first outer plate 276a and the first inner plate 277a oriented on an acute angle. The second inner plate 277b and the second outer plate 276b are likewise oriented on an acute angle. It should be understood that the plates disclosed with the present invention may be oriented on any suitable and or may be positioned in a generally vertical orientation. The plates may also be slidably engaged with the housing in a horizontal, vertical, or slanted fashion.

In use, the mailbox 24 may be positioned so the display system 16 on the mailbox 24 is readily observable from one or more roadways adjacent to the mailbox 24. The first plate 76a and the second plate 76b are preferably of sufficient size to allow the content on the first plate 76a and the second plate 76b to be readily observable by persons on the roadways.

The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been described in its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.

Claims

1. A display system for use with a mailbox comprising:

a housing having a display area;

a display panel operatively connected to the display area; and

a light source to illuminate the display area,

wherein the housing is operatively connected to the mailbox.

2. The display system of claim 1 further comprising a power storage operatively connected to the light source.

3. The display system of claim 2 further comprising a solar panel operatively connected to the power storage.

4. The display system of claim 1 wherein the display panel is a plate operatively connected to the housing.

5. The display system of claim 4 wherein the display panel is slidably connected to the housing

6. The display system of claim 1 further comprising a reflector.

7. The display system of claim 1 further comprising an alert light.

8. The display system of claim 1 further comprising a remote control operatively connected to the light source.

9. The display system of claim 8 further comprising an alert light, wherein the alert light is operated by the remote control.

10. The display system of claim 1 wherein the display panel is oriented on a slant.

11. A method of displaying a message comprising:

providing a display system on a housing secured to a mailbox; and

providing a display panel operatively connected to the display system, wherein the display panel displays the message.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising positioning the display system adjacent to a roadway.

13. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing a remote control operatively connected to the display system.

14. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing a solar panel to provide power to facilitate illumination to the display panel.

15. The method of claim 111 further comprising providing a light source to illuminate to the display panel.

16. A display system for use with a mailbox comprising:

a housing having a display area;

a first display panel operatively connected to the display area;

a second display panel operatively connected to the display area; and

a light source to illuminate the display area,

wherein the housing is operatively connected to the mailbox.

17. The display system of claim 16 wherein the first display panel and the second display panel are positioned on a slant.

18. The display system of claim 16 further comprising a bracket adapted to receive the first display panel.

19. The display system of claim 16 further comprising a reflector to magnify the effect of the light source.

20. The display system of claim 16 further comprising a solar panel operatively connected to the light source.