Cooperative Closures Patents (Class 232/25)
  • Patent number: 11144873
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for delivering packages by a delivery person in a location with multiple recipients comprising a plurality of lockers, each locker having an interior space and a door that when opened allows access to the interior space, a locking portion associated with each door, a central control unit comprising an identifier to allow the delivery person to specify a recipient, an input device to allow the delivery person to specify the number of packages to be delivered to the recipient, and a controller configured to deactivate the locking portions on the individual lockers, wherein upon identification of a recipient and input of the number of packages to be delivered to the recipient, the controller deactivates the number of locking portions equal to the number of packages to be delivered to the recipient, and the delivery person places a package in each locker opened and closes the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Florence Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. Fee, Zachary A. Williams
  • Patent number: 10435937
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing system including a frame defining a plurality of compartments and a door assembly including a plurality of doors. Each door is sized to generally correspond to one of the compartments of the frame to selectively provide access thereto, and the door assembly is removably coupled to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: APEX INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Kent V. Savage, Benjamin V. Savage
  • Patent number: 8973812
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 8661862
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 8390850
    Abstract: A toy mailbox for children includes a storage unit and a media processing mechanism. The storage unit includes a door member for closeably opening the storage unit and an ejection slot configured on a portion of the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is coupled to the storage unit, such that the media processing mechanism is capable of dispensing a media sheet having data content printed thereon, into the storage unit through the ejection slot. Opening the storage unit enables children to access the media sheet from within the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is also capable of printing the data content on the media sheet prior to dispensing the media sheet into the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Thomas Writt
  • Patent number: 8246124
    Abstract: The present document describes a storage locker in which a main lock having a movable latch may be installed. The storage locker comprises a housing defining a storage area having an opening. The storage locker also comprises a main door for covering the opening. The main door comprises a lock edge. The storage locker further comprises a back plate extending from the housing and a lock door linked to the back plate. The lock door is for covering the lock edge. The main lock is attached to the lock door. The storage locker further comprises a stop member attached to the back plate for acting as a stop limit for the latch to keep the lock door in the lock door closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: P.Riopel (1993) Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Mackillop
  • Patent number: 8167195
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 7963436
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interlining elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 7857199
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: United Stated Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Publication number: 20100206945
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interlining elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 7748606
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 7604158
    Abstract: A multi-user mail box including a letter drop assembly which is susceptible to easy replacement by a delivery person without requiring substantial disassembly of the mail box. The letter drop assembly includes a slotted body held in inserted relation between cross-bars extending transverse to vertical frame members of an access door structure. The slotted body includes upper and lower open grooves oriented in opposing relation to the adjacent cross-bars. Retention pin elements are inserted axially into the grooves thereby holding the slotted body in place. The slotted body may be replaced by displacement of the retention pin elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Bommer Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James Bond
  • Patent number: 7337944
    Abstract: The invention relates to a universal delivery and collection box unit (UDCBU). In one implementation, a UDCBU includes a mail compartment (110/120) accessible by one door (210) and a storage compartment (130) accessible by a second door (220). The mail compartment allows the postal service to deliver and pickup mail. The storage compartment allows both the postal service and authorized delivery services to deliver larger parcels. In this implementation, information would be recorded regarding access to this storage compartment and transmitted electronically to a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventor: Rodney C. Devar
  • Patent number: 6889894
    Abstract: A multi-compartment facility having a master door which can be opened by use of a master key and, when opened, admits substantially unrestricted access to all of the mailbox compartments, the master door incorporating a plurality of pivotally-mounted, sub-doors arranged to register each with a different one of the compartments and the sub-doors being individually lockable and openable only by assigned key holders. A manually operable control determines the condition of the flaps and employs a gear and rack system which moves a cam to longitudinally displace hinge rods for the sub doors, flap locking members being carried by the hinge rods and either preventing opening of the flaps or permittting them to open depending on the displacement condition of the hinge rods. In a modified arrangement, the flaps can be selectively and individually rendered non-lockable whereby the users can opt to receive junk mail and other deliverables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Teng Long Yong
  • Patent number: 6749109
    Abstract: A system for protecting cluster mailboxes such as neighborhood delivery and collection box units (NDCBU's) and Cluster Box Units (CBU's)from vandalism or theft of the mail. A custom-fit protective gate is built and installed around the mail carrier access doors of a cluster mailbox. The protective gate is built to aesthetically blend in with the neighborhood environment and may include decorative accoutrements such as decorative screening. Further, the system provides a means to install USPTO locks thereby providing uniform access by mail carriers. Even further, the system provides for double nesting doors to access a flat wall unit collection box, such that users may have secured access to individual mailboxes and a mail person may have secured master access to all mailboxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Richard D. Hill
  • Publication number: 20030150906
    Abstract: A multi-compartment mailbox has a master door which a mailman can open, using a first master key, to enable large packages to be delivered, and the master door has a plurality of sub-doors each enabling access to a specific one of the compartments and openable by use of a key different from the master key and different from the keys used to open the other sub-doors. Each sub-door has a mail delivery flap and all the flaps of all the sub-doors can be collectively locked and unlocked to prevent delivery of junk mail. A second master key controls the condition, locked or unlocked, of the flaps and persons, such as building management or town council officials, may also have copies of the second master key, but not the first.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Yong Teng Long
  • Patent number: 6328205
    Abstract: An interlocking door seam provides a stronger seam for double doors, making them less subject to attack by prybars and the like. Particularly for central mail stations (CMS) and central box units CBU, double doors present there are subject to attack by prybars and the like that force the locks and allow thieves to rifle the contents of the enclosed mail boxes. Attachment of interlocking door seam to the first edge of the first double doors protects that first edge from prybar attacks. The adjoining edge of the second double door then releasably fits into a convex strip that protects the adjoining edge of the second double door, thereby protecting it from prybar attack. The interlocking door seam allows normal operation of the double doors while decreasing the risk to the central mail station of prybar attack at the seam between the double doors. Flanges present along the free edge of the convex strip provide easy engagement of that free edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: CanAm Marketing Corp.
    Inventors: C. Dale Noblet, Stephen R. Packer
  • Patent number: 6296181
    Abstract: An interlocking door seam provides a stronger seam for double doors, making them less subject to attack by prybars and the like. Particularly for central mail stations (CMS) and central box units (CBU), double doors present there are subject to attack by prybars and the like that force the locks and allow thieves to rifle the contents of the enclosed mail boxes. Attachment of interlocking door seam [of the present invention] to the first edge of the first double doors protects that first edge from prybar attacks. The adjoining edge of the second double door then releasably fits into a convex strip that protects the adjoining edge of the second double door, thereby protecting it from prybar attack. The interlocking door seam allows normal operation of the double doors while decreasing the risk to the central mail station of prybar attack at the seam between the double doors. Flanges present along the free edge of the convex strip provide easy engagement of that free edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Can-Am Marketing Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Dale Noblet, Stephen R. Packer
  • Patent number: 6247641
    Abstract: An interlocking door seam provides a stronger seam for double doors, making them less subject to attack by prybars and the like. Particularly for central mail stations (CMS) and central box units CBU, double doors present there are subject to attack by prybars and the like that force the locks and allow thieves to rifle the contents of the enclosed mail boxes. Attachment of interlocking door seam to the first edge of the first double doors protects that first edge from prybar attacks. The adjoining edge of the second double door then releasably fits into a convex strip that protects the adjoining edge of the second double door, thereby protecting it from prybar attack. The interlocking door seam allows normal operation of the double doors while decreasing the risk to the central mail station of prybar attack at the seam between the double doors. Flanges present along the free edge of the convex strip provide easy engagement of that free edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventors: C. Dale Noblet, Stephen R. Packer
  • Patent number: 5820019
    Abstract: A cluster mailbox device that allows the box user to notify the mail carrier that the user's box contains outgoing mail or mail delivery instructions. The device has a fixed portion fastened to a box wall. A rotatable portion is pivotally attached to the fixed portion with a lever extending the length of the box so that the user may activate the device by applying a force to the lever, which raises the rotatable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Innovative Creations, Incorporation
    Inventor: Peter M. Spitale
  • Patent number: 5820018
    Abstract: A mailbox system (10) for the delivery and retrieval of mail, is described. The mailbox system has a rack ladder system (12) within which is mounted mailboxes and parcel lockers (30). The back of the mailbox system is closed by back doors (46 and 48). The doors are mounted by hinges (50) to the rear face plates (42) of the rack ladder system. The doors have a locking system (52) which prevents the doors from being opened from the inside of the boxes or lockers and allows quick and easy access to all the boxes or lockers at the same time. The locking system has a top and bottom lock rod (54 and 56) and a handle assembly (60). When the handle (66) of the handle assembly is rotated, the rods move into and out of top and bottom lock brackets (78 and 80) to allow for locking and unlocking the doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: HSS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George F. Stacy
  • Patent number: 5794844
    Abstract: The invention comprises a multiple point latching system for use with postal box clusters. In particular, the multiple point latching system comprises a latch bar, a track member, a plunger assembly and a plurality of latch plates. The latch bar is slidably coupled relative to a center partition in the postal box and includes a plurality of latches thereon. The latch bar slides in a vertical movement within a track member which is coupled to the center partition of the postal box. The plurality of latches on the latch bar present a plurality of latch points which aggregate to achieve the securement of the postal box cluster. The multiple point latching system further comprises a plunger assembly which is coupled to the center partition and which supplies a force that acts upon at least one master door to thereby force at least one master door open upon an unlatching of the latches. Hence, a single lock having multiple latch points is used to access and subsequently secure the entire postal box cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Cutler Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5267688
    Abstract: A gang mail box for an apartment building comprising an outer frame and an inner frame. The inner frame is pivotally connected to the outer frame which is secured to a wall of the building. A number of individual mail boxes corresponding to the number of apartments are mounted on and pivotal with the inner frame. These individual mail boxes are shaped so when the inner frame is pivoted, the tops of the individual mail boxes are exposed so the mail carrier can insert mail in them. Each mail box is provided with a hinged door having an individual mail box lock. A tempered steel security bar is provided to cover and conceal the tenants' locks on the individual mail boxes to prevent theft. This bar is hinged to the inner frame and is provided with a padlock for securing the bar in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: James Benefield
  • Patent number: 5103659
    Abstract: A mail box for an apartment building comprising a number of individual mail boxes corresponding to the number of tenants. Each mail box has an individual mail box lock. Releasable locking means are connected to the mail boxy for covering the individual mail box locks until mail is to be removed to prevent theft. Unlocking means are provided for unlocking the releasable locking means to expose the individual tenants lock so they can get their mail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: James Benefield, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4651921
    Abstract: A postal service facility including a housing, access areas for supporting postal service equipment installed on or within the housing surface, and a rotatable assemblage of postal boxes disposed between mounts within the accessible housing interior. A lockable outer door provides access to the assemblage in the housing interior. Electric switches controlling a motor and a brake provide the preferred means of rotating the assemblage. The assemblage contains a plurality of individually lockable postal boxes. Locking strips or lockable panels allow concurrent access to a plurality of boxes to facilitate delivery of posted items to the boxes. The assemblage can be generally cylindrical in shape for most efficient use of space. Alternatively, the assemblage can be rectangular in cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Inventor: Mark B. McKellar
  • Patent number: 4648550
    Abstract: A multi-family mailbox assembly wherein each individual box is disposed in a modular frame. Each module can be secured in side to side relationship to another to give the appearance of a horizontal and vertical rectangular array of boxes. Each box is inserted into and recessed backward from the front edge of each modular frame to preclude and prevent any efforts to pry open one of the doors of the box, as by the insertion of a screwdriver, crowbar, or other sharp-pointed tool between the door and module frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Cynthia A. Cleary
    Inventor: Vincent J. Cleary, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4161274
    Abstract: A door panel for covering the open side of a mail box having a series of individual mail receiving compartments, comprising: a peripheral frame and a grid structure consisting of interlocked horizontal and vertical channel members; a first interlocked channel member has an opening and slots defining a pair of oppositely disposed wall projecting portions while a second interlocked channel member has a pair of slots extending from the free edge of its walls to define oppositely disposed tongues; during assembly of the door panel, the tongues are deformingly bent inwardly in the channel of the first channel members to provide a positive interlock between both channel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1979
    Assignee: Accessories Manufacturers, Ltd.
    Inventors: Allan T. Bishop, Maurice Wytruk