Letter Boxes Patents (Class 232/17)
  • Patent number: 6234388
    Abstract: Security mailbox (10) comprises: enclosure (11) having incoming chamber (12) and secured chamber (13); rocker plate (90), pivotally mounted about pivot axis (99) within enclosure (11), separating incoming chamber (12) and secured chamber (13), and pivotable between receiving position (98R) and drop position (98D); and a stop (14), interacting between enclosure (11) and rocker plate (90), for stopping rocker plate (90) in receiving position (98R). Rocker plate (90) is biased toward receiving position (98R) and pivots to drop position (98D) either through increased moment on rear section (94) of rocker plate (90) exerted by received mail or through interaction between flair (101) in front end (91E) of rocker plate (90) and door (26). Rocker plate (90) is also manually pivotable by exerting upward moment on front section (91) of rocker plate (90) with user's hand or finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Gary L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6123257
    Abstract: A masonry mailbox assembly including a masonry shell, a mailbox liner encased within the shell and a mailbox insert disposed within the mailbox liner. The mailbox insert can be removably secured within the mailbox liner so that the mailbox can be replaced without dismantling the masonry shell. Also disclosed is a mailbox face for use as the mailbox insert in place of a complete mailbox. the mailbox face includes a mailbox door pivotally mounted to a flange and can be used to repair existing masonry mailboxes with a damaged mailbox insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Gregory J. Guidicy
  • Patent number: 6109519
    Abstract: A modular precast decorative security mailbox column has a base, a midsection, and a top section stacked on one another to define a completed column. The midsection of the column defines an interior compartment and mail deposited through the mail receptacle of the column falls into the interior compartment where it can be retrieved through a rear door in the midsection. The decorative mailbox column is thus economical to install, attractive in appearance, and provides security and privacy against thief and mail tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Dwight A. McClure
  • Patent number: 6053404
    Abstract: An automatic signaling device to be used in conjunction with a standard rural mailbox to indicate that the door has been opened when a mail carrier puts mail in the mailbox. The primary components of the device comprise a signal flag, including a helical spring and a signal plate for attachment to the top end of the spring, a mounting bracket for mounting the helical spring to the door of the mailbox, and a retaining bracket attached to the mailbox top. When in a set, or cocked, position, the spring is bent and the retaining bracket retains the signal plate in a horizontal position over the top of the mailbox. Upon opening the mailbox door to deposit mail, the spring unbends thus permitting the signal plate to be held in a vertical position above the mailbox top when the door is re-shut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventors: Stuart T. Jefferson, Roy F. Ewers
  • Patent number: 6032855
    Abstract: A message display apparatus for displaying messages and receiving mail includes a body which is attachable to a structure. A note pad is coupled to the front surface of the body. The front surface of the body also has a drawer slidably inserted into the interior of the body and a slot therein providing an opening into the drawer. A pair of spaced apart hooks downwardly extend from the lower end of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Brenda F. Douglas
  • Patent number: 6032808
    Abstract: An open framework is supported on a mailbox and, in turn, supports multiple flowerpots whose plants decorate the mailbox. The framework and the flowerpots are removable as a unit. The flowerpots are individually removable. The framework includes a plurality of rings for supportably engaging the flowerpots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: David W. Henson
  • Patent number: 5992736
    Abstract: An improved security mailbox having a combination mail receiving and outgoing mail portion, securely held within an opening formed in a wall of a rectangular housing. The combination mail receiving and outgoing mail portion includes a top chamber which holds outgoing mail, and a bottom slot which connects to an inner chamber formed in the rectangular housing. Mail collects on a shelf secured in the inner chamber, and is accessible from a lockable door either in the front or rear wall. The shelf may be bare or have tiles thereon for easy cleaning, and the top of the housing is securely capped, while the base of the housing may be secured to the ground in any desired manner, or to a concrete support base. A plurality of combination mail receiving and outgoing mail portions may be secured in the housing, and an equal number of shelves and lockable doors may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Robert E. Parker
  • Patent number: 5988495
    Abstract: A nestable mailbox (10) having a tapered body (12) with an open first end (24) and a second end (30). The tapering of the body (12) is such that the first end (24) circumscribes a greater surface area than that circumscribed by the second end (30). A door (26) for the mailbox (10) is connected to the body (12) at the first end (24). The mailbox can then be nested with other like mailboxes by inserting the second end (30) of one mailbox into the first end (24) of another mailbox. The door of each mailbox in the nested arrangement can point downwardly frontwardly or downwardly rearwardly. The nestable mailbox may additionally, if desired, carry another door (76) at the second end (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: R.W.L. Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Lackey, Robert C. Beckman, Gregory A. Harris
  • Patent number: 5984172
    Abstract: An ornamental and protective cover for a freestanding mailbox is provided which includes a sheet presenting a pair of opposed sides, a front panel presenting a passage for mail to be inserted into the mailbox, and a rear panel, the front and rear panels being connected to and interconnecting the sides. The sides and front and rear panels preferably extend downwardly a common length to their respective bottom margins to enclose a region therein. The cover may be provided with decorative and informative indicia. Moreover, the cover, which is preferably of flexible synthetic resin material, may be opaque, transparent or translucent, with cut out openings and windows of transparent material provided over the openings. A light fixture or audio source may be provided within the enclosed region. The cover may be retained in position over the freestanding mailbox by weights attached adjacent the bottom margin or the use of a drawstring to pull the bottom margin of the sides of the cover together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Rodney T. Easterwood
  • Patent number: 5979751
    Abstract: A mailbox system is provided including a housing including a chamber with a door allowing access to the chamber; and a rotatable guide assembly including a shaft rotatably mounted in the housing and a plurality of plates extending radially from the shaft, wherein the guide assembly is adapted to rotate upon the movement of the door for transferring mail into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph Y. Maddox
  • Patent number: 5964401
    Abstract: A mail box indicator system includes a flag post having a flag attached to the post by a removable collar. The post is further attached to an elbow member by a coil. The elbow member is attachable to wall of a mail box. The coil urges the post into a substantially vertical position. A retention assembly is provided for holding the post in a substantially horizontal orientation when in a set position. The retention assembly is attached to the door of the mail box such that the post disengages the retention assembly when the mail box door is opened. In an alternate embodiment, the mail box indicating system includes a spacer to selectively position the post retention assembly in spaced relationship to the mail box door such that a mail box protrusion proximate the mail box door does not interfere with engagement of the post to the post retention assembly. The elbow member is attachable to the mail box using a bolt and nut holding a pair of rubber washers around a wall of the mail box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Gene R. Thill
  • Patent number: 5954264
    Abstract: A mailbox has a housing with an internal chamber for receiving mail and a mailbox door attached for movement with respect to the housing between a closed position for enclosing the internal chamber and an open position for exposing the internal chamber. A door actuating mechanism is attached to the mailbox and is operable to assist in remotely opening and closing the door by a mail carrier. The door actuating mechanism includes a transmitter; a door mounting section connected to the door; an electrical actuator having an actuator body fixed with respect to the mailbox housing; and an actuator shaft mounted for movement with respect to the actuator body. The shaft has a proximal end portion movably mounted in the actuator body and a distal end portion connected to the door mounting section for opening and closing the door upon movement of the shaft. A receiver is electrically coupled to the actuator for causing the actuator to open or close the mailbox door upon receipt of a signal from the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Louis D. Keller
  • Patent number: 5950919
    Abstract: A new remote mail delivery indicator system for signaling to the user when the mail is delivered by utilizing an led display or speaker producing a distinct intermittent sound. The remote mail delivery indicator system includes a pressure sensitive transmitter positioned on the cornice of the floor of a mailbox, whereby when mail is inserted the mailbox the pressure sensitive transmitter transmits a signal which is detected by an electronic receiver which signals the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Melvin Adams
  • Patent number: 5950918
    Abstract: A space shuttle mail box with nose cone delivery door, tail end delivery door, raisable tail flag and mail box post support. Each of the components structurally resembles a United States Space Shuttle and further includes perpendicular main sidewings, O.M.S. thruster pod protrusions, and dome shaped protrusions extending rearwardly from the tail end delivery door. Both the tail end and the front end nose cone can pivotally open relative to the main cargo bay section in order to put mail into the cargo bay interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Michael J. McDonough
  • Patent number: 5941455
    Abstract: A mailbox stand is provided including a vertical post with a bottom end mounted within a shoulder of a road. Also included is a horizontal rod mounted on the vertical post and adapted to rotate about a vertical axis. Next provided is a mail box mounted on an outboard end of the horizontal rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Johnny L. Cutugno
  • Patent number: 5938113
    Abstract: A mailbox includes a housing for receiving and storing mail, the housing having a first upper opening through which mail can be deposited and retrieved, and a second lower opening through which mail can be retrieved; a mailbox door mounted to the housing for movement between a first door position in covering relation to the first opening and a second door position out of the covering relation; and a lockable door movable between a first locked position in covering relation to the second opening and a second unlocked position out of the covering relation to permit access to the housing. A mail support is movably mounted within the housing for movement between a first mail support position for supporting mail adjacent the first opening and a second position for supplying mail to a lower portion of the housing adjacent the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Duk M. Kim
  • Patent number: 5927596
    Abstract: A mailbox including a visual deposit indicator for alerting a user that the mailbox has been opened. The mailbox includes a housing having a hollow inner side and an open face side and a door pivotally connected to the housing for selectively covering the open face side. A visual signaling device is pivotally connected to the housing on a side opposite the door. A device for releasably engaging the visual signaling device extends through the housing and is fastened to and movable with the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Jerome C Trenier
  • 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: 5915618
    Abstract: An anti-theft mailbox insert secured in a conventional mailbox for limiting access to delivered mail. The security box has an inclined front door that pivots open horizontally for retrieving delivered mail. When the door is closed, a gap between the door and the top panel of the insert allows mail to be delivered into the security box. The bottom portion of the door possesses a safety clasp that may be locked for securing the door closed. Outgoing mail is placed within the mailbox, resting above the top panel of the security box, for outgoing mail pickup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Gaudet Sheet Metal, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan P. Gaudet
  • Patent number: 5897053
    Abstract: A mail slot box includes a bottom, opposite sides, a semi-circular back, and an open top. A mounting flange extends along the front edges of the bottom and sides for mounting behind a mail slot and collecting mail delivered therethrough. The semi-circular back causes the mail to rotate and stack in an orderly fashion without binding or bunching up. When mounted behind a mail slot on a garage door, the semi-circular back provides a concave surface for holding the mail and preventing it from falling out when the garage door is lifted to a horizontal open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald Cirimele
  • Patent number: 5850967
    Abstract: A security mailbox includes a housing having a movable side wall hingedly attaches to the top wall. There is an insertion port in the movable side wall and a moisture barrier adjacent the insertion port. There is a security barrier adjacent the insertion port. A keypad lock port and a key lock port extends through the movable side wall. A lock member attached to the second surface includes a key actuated locking mechanism on the first surface extending through the key lock port. The key actuated locking mechanism selectively locks the movable side wall to the bottom wall. The lock member may have a keypad actuated locking mechanism, on the first surface, extending through the keypad lock port that locks the movable side wall to the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: J. La Nell White
  • Patent number: 5845843
    Abstract: A tray-like member extends horizontally outward from a vertically oriented panel and is hingedly attached to the panel to be swung upward to a closed position to form a box-like enclosure having an opening at the top. A lid is also hingedly attached to the panel for closing the top opening. A latch is provided interior of the enclosure for holding the tray member in the closed position until manually swung open and a releasable mechanism is provided on the underside of the lid to prevent the enclosure from being pulled open while the lid is closed. Further, a key-operated plunger lock can be attached to releasably lock the tray member in the closed position while the lid is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Merrill Kuller
  • Patent number: 5833132
    Abstract: A long term mail storage device is provided including a lower extent with an access door hingably coupled thereto. A lock is associated therewith for allowing access within an interior space to only privileged users. An opening is formed in a top face of the lower extent. Further included is an upper extent having a bottom opening in communication with the opening of the lower extent. The upper extent has a bottom trap door hingably coupled thereto. Next provided is a trap door control assembly situated within the lower extent. During use, the trap door may be maintained in an upright orientation for allowing mail to drop within the interior space of the lower extent and further maintained in a lowered orientation for precluding mail from dropping within the interior space of the lower extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Eugene N. Bachmeier
  • Patent number: 5823425
    Abstract: A mailbox whose construction is chiefly made up of a used rubber motor vehicle tire provides self protection from impact damage by utilizing the rubber tire's shock absorption qualities and also provides an environmentally responsible use for post consumer vehicle tires; thereby possibly reducing the number of tires sent to landfills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Russell Albert Jones
  • Patent number: 5775578
    Abstract: A rural mailbox hooded retractable tray insert molded from a plastic material having flexural ability. The mailbox hooded tray insert having a finger grip for in and out movement of the tray and a slider groove along the hood length that guides and limits the in and out movement. The tray insert hood prevents mail from falling out during tray movement and contains storage space for bee and insect repellant. The tray insert back wall has a vertical member having a flexible hinge for moving the tray insert partially out of the mailbox to expose the finger grip when the mailbox is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Rupen P. Baxi, Peter J. Backer
  • Patent number: 5765749
    Abstract: A mailbox insert structure positionable within a mailbox for aiding in the removal of mail from the mailbox, having a floor portion, a back wall portion, a pair of opposite side wall portions, generally open front and top portions, a finger engagement portion positioned near the front of the floor portion and which is engagable for pulling the insert structure outwardly through the mailbox door opening so that mail can be removed from the insert structure through the open front and top portions of the insert, retainers positioned proximate the rear portion of the insert structure. A forwardly extending portion of the floor portion extends forwardly from the side walls, and includes angled side portions which abut the edges of the mailbox door for directing the insert structure outwardly through the mailbox door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: American Way Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Harper
  • Patent number: 5762264
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mail indicator (10) which comprises a flag (12) which comprises a flag indicator (12A) securely attached at a top distal end of a flag return means (12C) which is securely attached at a bottom distal end to a flag base (12B). The flag indicator (12A) is three dimensional functioning as omnidirectional viewable. The mail indicator (10) further comprises a flag anchor (16) securely attached at a proximal end to the flag base (12B) by a flag base fastener (12BA). The lag anchor (16) further comprises a flag anchor notch (16A) positioned in a open outwardly facing direction at a distal end. The flag anchor (16) is securely fastened to a top front end in a perpendicular position of a mail box receptacle (18B) of a mail box (18), after an user removes mail from the mail box (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Guenter A. Ginsberg
  • Patent number: 5713514
    Abstract: A mailbox stand comprising a vertical support sleeve; a vertical extension shaft rotatably and vertically adjustably mounted within and extending vertically from the upper opening of the bore of the vertical support sleeve; a support arm pivotally attached to the upper end of the vertical extension shaft; a mailbox attachment bracket fixedly attached to the support arm; a first breakaway plate fixedly attached to the lower end of the vertical support sleeve; a second breakaway plate fixedly attached to the lower surface of the first breakaway plate by means of threaded bolts; and a breakaway plate support shaft fixedly attached to and extending downward from the lower surface of the second breakaway plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Wayne Eck
  • Patent number: 5695113
    Abstract: A mail indicator including a weight reactive mechanism that is positionable within a conventional rural mail box and that includes a weight receiving plate that is mechanically linked to a pair of electrical contacts in a manner such that the electrical contacts change contact state when a weight of greater than one-quarter (1/4 Oz.) ounce is supported by the weight receiving plate; an electrically powered light emitting device wired in series with the pair of electrical contacts; and a power source connection bracket having a first and second terminal, the first and second terminals being connected in series with the pair of electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventors: Nelson E. Rau, Keith P. Rau
  • Patent number: 5692674
    Abstract: A self-locking receptacle, such as a rural mailbox, includes a housing having an open end and a closure movably mounted on the housing for closing and opening the end. A latching member is fixedly and immovably attached to and is located within the housing adjacent to the open end. A locking assembly is attached to the closure for contacting and selectively interlocking with the latching member when the closure is closed for enabling the closure to be opened and then closed only once without requiring unlocking and disengaging of the locking assembly from interlocking relationship with the latching member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald L. Wicker
  • Patent number: 5678757
    Abstract: A mailbox unit comprising a hollow housing member mounted on a support member affixed to a base. Hinges are connected to the housing member and support member for allowing the mailbox to tilt upon being struck by a damaging lateral force. The base has a bottom that comprises a beveled outer portion that converges downward defining a generally conical shape with a flat center portion which permits the mailbox unit to rock after being subjected to a damaging lateral force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Harry W. Martin
  • Patent number: 5664851
    Abstract: A weather resistant case for displaying construction permits and the like. The case has a base member and a door hinged to the base member. A tack board mounted to the rear wall of the base member supports documents being displayed. The door has a transparent window for viewing the documents. Novel features include a cylindrical internal cavity cooperatively formed between the cover and base members for holding rolled up drawings, a slot for insertion of mail or written messages, pull down latches for securing the cover, a lock for the cover, a document holder located on the inside of the cover, an external rear recess configured to steady the display case against and mount the display case on a four inch by four inch post, and a frontal area protected by being recessed, for posting notes or writing messages with ink markers. The cover hinge is a piano hinge embedded in both the cover and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Gary D. Dunn
  • Patent number: 5645215
    Abstract: A security mailbox in which the conventional single door, rural mailbox is provided with a high strength enclosure and a latching lock so that when engaged the door of the mailbox may only be opened by a key. The door may also be held in a closed but unlocked position by a sliding magnetic catch that holds the door closed without engaging the latch but allows the door to be manually urged into the fully locked position. In the closed but unlocked position the door may be manually opened by the postal carrier. The postal carrier may manually close the door so that it moves past the closed but unlocked position and engages the latching lock in the fully locked position. A dual function mounting bracket is provided which has both a set of aligned holes for mounting the mailbox to a metal post with bolts and a set of offset holes for mounting the mailbox to a wooden post with screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Judy Marendt
    Inventors: Judy Marendt, Kevin Brannon
  • Patent number: 5639021
    Abstract: A delivery container with a signaling system to indicate delivery of materials. The delivery container signaling system is comprised of a push mechanism within the container attached to a signal plate within a transparent base extending across the bottom of the delivery container and upward over the rear of the delivery container. The movement of the push mechanism rearward within the delivery container causes the enclosed signal plate rearward and upward across the container rear when delivered materials are pushed into the container against the push mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Timothy K. Jasinski
  • Patent number: 5632441
    Abstract: An elevating mailbox consisting of a housing that is open therethrough and is closed across a top end by a cap, with the housing to telescope into and out of a ground sleeve that is seated in a hole in the ground adjacent to a road way, and providing a sealing arrangement for discouraging water entry into the ground sleeve. The housing includes a mail receiving cavity that is exposed when the housing is in an elevated attitude. A screw jack is maintained to a bottom of the ground sleeve to extend and retract a screw from a nut arranged across a cylinder when the screw is turned, with a screw top end journaled to the housing to lift and lower the housing, with the screw arranged to be turned by operation of an electric motor that is operated by a remote control connected through wires to operate at set times and on demand, and including limit switches for turning off motor operation at upper and lower limits of housing travel into and out of the ground sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Ferdinand A. Toval
  • Patent number: 5624071
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving packages in absentia using a receptacle which is temporarily attached to the door of an apartment or house. A second embodiment uses a bracket for securing a sack or chain to a door, which in combination with a lock can be used to receive packages. Both the receptacle and the bracket can only be removed from the door when it is first unlocked and opened. A combination lock permits the mail carrier to open and deposit packages in the receptacle or attach them to the bracket. The combination is provided to the mail carrier on the address label of the package, and is provided to the sender of the package by telephone or written correspondence. A sack or chain can also be used with the receptacle to receive packages which are larger than the receptacle. The method provides equal access to both U.S. mail carriers and private carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Folarin O. Sosan
  • Patent number: 5622343
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mail box mounting device comprising a lower body having mounting means such that the lower body can be mounted on a support structure and an upper body rotatably engaged to the lower body, such that the upper body can be rotated without rotating the lower body, and having fastening means such that a mail box can be fastened thereto. The present invention also has positioning means such that the upper body automatically returns to certain positions with respect to the lower body when the upper body is not being rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Arthur D. Morton
  • Patent number: 5607103
    Abstract: A mailbox having a dual access mechanism is provided. The mailbox includes a housing having a pair of opposing doors pivotally mounted at each end. The opposing doors are interconnected by a flexible cable that extends along and adjacent to each side of the housing. At each door, the cable is received within a U-shaped tubular member pivotally mounted to each door. The mailbox can also include tubular elements mounted to the sides of the housing for further guiding the cable within the mailbox. The cable is provided with a predetermined length such that when one of the doors of the mailbox is opened, the cable causes the opposing door to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Wideman E. Boling, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5595341
    Abstract: A mailbox assembly and associated methods are disclosed whereby a mailbox housing and a mailbox door are assembled as a unit and the remaining auxiliary components, such as the flag bracket, the latch members, the latch clips, and a push-pin for securing a flag in the flag bracket and to the mailbox housing are unitarily molded and integrally formed on a runner member for ease in manufacturing, and in packaging with the flag and the assembled housing and door unit. The runner member may also have integrally formed and unitarily molded pins located at strategic locations for wedging a flag therebetween to resist damage such as scratching and/or bending, to the flag during shipping and handling of the mailbox assembly. The several auxiliary components with the runner member may be manufactured of a plastic material through an injection molding process. Methods for assembling the mailbox with the auxiliary components and for packaging the mailbox assembly with the flag are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Artcraft Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Robinson, James A. Riley
  • 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: 5575422
    Abstract: The invention is an aluminum or plastic extruded vandal proof mailbox. In one embodiment mailboxes produced by the process of extruding aluminum or plastic through a mold that produces the body of the mailbox. Then attaching the back and the front door to the mailbox. In another embodiment the body is made in two pieces, the bottom piece and the top piece. The bottom and top are then attached together to form the body. Then the front and the back are attached to form the mailbox. In the preferred embodiment the bodies inter wall is reinforced by several reinforcement ribbons. This mailbox is made by the process of extruding aluminum or plastic through a mold that is designed to make the rib reinforcement in the body of the mailbox. Then reinforcement ribs on the end of the back and the front of the mailbox are router out a short distance and then the back and front of the mailbox are attached to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Glenn Peterman
  • Patent number: 5564624
    Abstract: A mail organizer including a cabinet having a bottom wall, a pair of opposed side walls coupled to and extended upwards from the bottom wall, a curved top wall integral with an upper extent of each side wall, and a back wall connected between the side walls, the top wall, and the bottom wall to define a hollow compartment; a sequential arrangement of mail bins disposed within a central extent of the compartment and secured to the cabinet and with each bin used for holding a selected individual's mail; and a first drawer, a second drawer, and a third drawer positioned in a stacked arrangement that fills an upper portion of the compartment above the mail bins, and a fourth drawer and a fifth drawer positioned in a stacked arrangement that fills a lower portion of the compartment below the mail bins, each drawer further having a slot formed thereon sized to allow deposition of mail and papers within the associated drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Amos Davis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5562332
    Abstract: A lobby table (10) for use in a post office lobby is described. The lobby table has lockable boxes (14) which are mounted together and spaced apart by front and back horizontal spacers (64 and 66). A counter top (12) is mounted on the uppermost horizontal row of lockable boxes and is supported by the underlying lockable boxes. The lockable boxes have a top wall (14A), a bottom wall (14B) and two sidewalls (14C) which form a front opening (14D) which allows access to the interior of the lockable box. The perimeter of the front opening is surrounded by a frame (30) formed by a top frame member (32), a bottom frame member (34), a right frame member (36) and a left frame member (38). The lockable box can also be provided with a central wall and a center frame member (42) in order to provide right and left small boxes (24 and 26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: HSS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George F. Stacy
  • Patent number: 5560693
    Abstract: A wall mounted filing cabinet comprised of a cabinet having a plurality of openings formed through a front surface thereof. The cabinet is securable to a wall. The device contains a plurality of bins. The number of bins corresponds to the number of openings formed in the cabinet. Each of the bins is configured to be received within a corresponding opening. Each bin has a U-shaped handle secured to a front surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventors: Curtis D. Musser, Theodore C. Musser
  • Patent number: 5522540
    Abstract: A solar powered illuminated address number and mailbox structure comprising a tray structure, a mailbox, a solar energy collector structure exteriorly mounted on the mailbox, a circuit operatively connected to the solar energy collector structure mounted in the tray structure including a battery, and an address number light display mounted on an exterior surface of the mailbox, the solar energy collector providing a power source and connected through the circuit to charge the battery, the address number light display comprising a lighting means, an address display frame, a transparent display device, and reflective address numerals, the lighting means being attached to an exterior surface of the mailbox and being electrically connected with the circuit means and powered by the battery, the address display frame having a fastening means for securing the address display frame to an exterior surface of the mailbox, the reflective address numerals being attached to a back side of the transparent display device ad
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Robert L. Surman
  • 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: 5460325
    Abstract: This invention concerns a solar lit illuminated address number and mailbox structure comprising an open topped tray structure, a mailbox, a pivot pivotally connecting the mailbox to the open topped tray structure, solar energy collector structure exteriorly mounted on the mailbox, a circuit operatively connected to the solar energy collector structure mounted in the tray structure including a battery, and an address number light display mounted on an exterior surface of the mailbox electrically connected with the circuit and powered by the battery, the solar energy collector providing a power source and connected through the circuit to charge the battery, the mailbox structure being pivotal on the pivot to expose the circuit stored in the open topped tray structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Robert L. Surman
  • Patent number: 5460326
    Abstract: Protective device for a mail box for protection against snow plow debris and vandalism which is made of a strong sheet-like material having a horizontal shelf with preformed apertures for supporting and engaging the mail box and also engaging the ground anchoring member for the mail box. Contiguous to the shelf on one side is a vertically upward shroud facing oncoming traffic and on the other side of a shelf a contiguous downwardly extending skirt is provided. The outer surfaces of the shroud and skirt may have indicia thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Glenn S. Albanesius
  • Patent number: 5449111
    Abstract: A mailbox with front and back doors and floor with angled surfaces comprising: a floor panel adapted to be supported in a horizontal plane by a post, the panel having long side edges and short front and back edges; an upper portion formed with parallel side walls extending upwardly from the side edges of the floor panel and curved in a semi-cylindrical configuration along the length of the floor panel, a forward extension and a rearward extension constructed as extensions of the front and rear edges of the upper portion at the front and back portion of the upper portion, the extension portions being formed of a curve slightly reduced with respect to the upper portion and having an upwardly extending projection on the upper surface thereof; and a front door and a back door, each door being formed of a planar section with parallel sides and a semi-circular upper curve corresponding in shape to the upper portion, the door including an inwardly extending lip positionable between an opened position wherein the doo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventors: Rene J. Sauzedde, Jerry Doe
  • Patent number: 5435484
    Abstract: A mailbox formed by an upright hollow housing closed by a top door and having a trap door intermediate its height separating the hollow housing into an upper compartment and a lower compartment. The trap door forms a bottom for the upper compartment for supporting mail deposited therein. The top access door is gang connected with the trap door for opening and closing the hollow housing and moving the trap door from a closed position to a downward open position in sequence with the vertical movement of the access door. The housing wall is provided with an outlet door communicating with the lower compartment which is normally closed by a lockable door permitting authorized persons to remove mail or other articles falling by gravity into the lower compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald G. Carlson