Abstract: The present invention relates to a box, particularly a mailbox which includes a lid, detecting and indicating elements for detecting and indicating the presence of one or more objects, such as letters and newspapers. The detecting elements include a pivotally mounted member (30) which is coupled to the lid (7) of the box, via a transmission (60-67), for moving the pivotally mounted member (30) from an initial position in response to the opening of the lid (7). The pivotally mounted member (30) is arranged to automatically return to its initial position as the lid (7) is closed, if no object is present in the box. If an object is present in the box, the pivotally mounted member (30) is prevented from returning to its initial position, in which position the pivotally mounted member (30) is so arranged and positioned that it activates an indicating member.

Abstract: A rotatable mailbox arm having a rotatable indicator carried by its distal end. The indicator, such as a disk that carries information, a reflector, a decoration or advertising, is attached to the arm from an off center point on its rear surface so that it rotates in a direction counter to the rotation of the arm. Counter rotation of the indicator maintains the orientation of the indicator so that what is carried on it is in its normal orientation regardless of the position of the mailbox arm.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A system for alerting mail distributors to a potential message (such as that all the current mail has been forwarded) when attempting to deliver mail to a mail receptacle. A device is provided which may be entirely located within such mail receptacle, which device permits the positioning of both alerting means and message means in a position demanding attention by such mail distributor. Alerting is accomplished by an enhanced sort of "miniature stop sign" and messaging is provided by a slotted holder for holding a replaceable message viewable through a transparent face of the message holder. Appropriate positioning of the alerting system within the mail receptacle is accomplished by a pair of spring-loaded extendible rods which may be retracted by the user to place the whole alerting system within the mail receptacle and then releasing the rods for compression contact with the inner walls of the mail receptacle.

Abstract: A flag for visually indicating delivery of mail into an associated mail box. The inventive device includes a flag member pivotally mountable to a mail box by a spring loaded mounting assembly. A retaining assembly is coupled to the flag member for selectively securing the flag into a flat position relative to the mail box. The retaining assembly can be selectively released by mail delivery personnel to permit the spring loaded hinge to bias the flag into an upright position to indicate delivery of the mail.

Abstract: The invention is to a mail box flag that is constructed to lock the flag in place, and to allow the flag to be raised by moving a lever that holds the free end of the flag. The flag is stored out of sight in a flat rectangular housing that has an outside surface that is constructed, in one example, to resemble a brick.

Abstract: This invention concerns a combination mailbox structure including a mailbox, a rotatable flag a pivot pivotally mounting the flag on one side of the mailbox, and including an upwardly facing ledge, a decorative device attached to a mailbox flag, the decorative device being movable on a mailbox from a "down" position to an "up" position comprising a mail signaling figurine, the mail signaling figurine having an upright decorated front side and a back side, the mail signaling figurine having means attached to its backside for attaching and securing the mail signaling figurine to a mailbox flag and to maintain its attachment to the mailbox flag as it is manually moved back and forth on the pivot from a "down" position to an "up" position.

Abstract: A mailbox assembly consisting of a mailbox and telescopically assembled sectional post wherein all members are constructed of high impact resistant plastic and all members are tethered together so that disassembled components may be readily reassembled to form the serviceable mailbox assembly.

Abstract: A device for detecting and signalling the presence of an object in a closed container, comprising:a housing;one or more sensors each comprising an electronic circuit having a detector and an optical signal trigger, wherein the one or more sensors are coupled to the housing;a power source electrically connected to the one or more sensors; andan optical signal electrically connected to the optical signal trigger,and its use in providing an electronic mailbox which allows an observer to detect the presence of mail from a remote location.

Abstract: A durable plastic mailbox for receiving mail has a removable inner container thus permitting the container to be removed from the exterior casing to empty the mail at another location. The mailbox has attachment grooves on one side and top that can engage with attachment ribs on the other side and bottom thus permitting a plurality of mailboxes to be stacked together. The mailbox has an exterior casing, substantially oblong in shape with an open front, and an inner container that fits within the exterior casing and is pivotable about internal protrusions from end walls of the casing, and is removable from the casing. A locking system retains the inner container in an upright position within the exterior casing.

Abstract: A new and improved newspaper delivery box signalling apparatus includes a housing assembly for receiving and containing a delivered newspaper. The housing assembly includes a first opening for receiving the newspaper, and includes a second opening for permitting signalling of newspaper delivery. A delivery signal assembly is supported by the housing assembly and signals delivery of a newspaper. The delivery signal assembly includes a signal flag, a counterweight, and a lever/fulcrum assembly supporting the signal flag and the counterweight. When no newspaper is present in the housing assembly, the counterweight, through the lever/fulcrum assembly, positions the signal flag is the nondelivery position. However, when a newspaper has been delivered, the weight of the newspaper, through the lever/fulcrum assembly, overcomes the counterweight and moves the signal flag to the delivered position.

Abstract: A newspaper box has a newspaper delivery indicating device comprising a flag, flap and hinge which pass through a slot in a top wall of a newspaper container. At least two additional holes are provided through which a pair of wire loops extend for supporting the hinge. The hinge is either a shaft extending perpendicular to a pair of arms from which the flag and flap extend, or a pair of holes in the flap itself. In operation, a newspaper inserted within the box drives the flap inwardly and cause the flag to rise. Preferably, the device is produced as a unitary structure to allow utilizing the invention as a low cost kit for retro-fitting to existing newspaper boxes. Utilizing such a device provides ease in indicating when a newspaper has been delivered while minimizing the cost of retro-fitting existing newspaper boxes.

Abstract: A delivery box signal for use on mail and newspaper delivery boxes and the like. The spring urged pivoted platform within the box engages a control activation rod alternately displaying a signal bell within a directional viewing port extending below the delivery box.

Abstract: A mail box according to the teachings of the present invention is shown as including a rectangular box with a receiver's door side-hinged and locked by a combination lock, to and within the frame of a bottom-hinged delivery door. The bottom-hinged delivery door is locked at the top and side and opened only by a delivery person with a special release tool which is thrust into a side chamber of the unit and forces a latch gate sideways which draws a latch from the side of the door and simultaneously transmits the force of the entrance, through tangential movement of a release rod, to an L-shaped connector to a release cable which extends through rollers to the top latch of the delivery door. Spring action automatically closes both latches. Supplemental brace hinges are included to enable the delivery door to be held ridgidly horizontal when open.

Abstract: Improved mailbox signalling means comprising a mailbox having a door, a drive arm mounted for movement with the door upon opening and closing of the door, a toothed member mounted for rotation upon engagement by the drive arm, and indicia positionable upon rotation of the toothed wheel to indicate that the wheel has been rotated.

Abstract: A mailbox signal has a base with integral, spaced apart convex projections which cooperate with a spring biased lost motion pivotal connection with a lever to permit the lever to be rotated 360.degree. on the base but releasably hold the lever in any one of four different positions. A reflective plate on the signal indicates the status of the mailbox when the lever is manually rotated to any of its positions. A contoured handle on the lever permits easy rotation of the lever even by a postman in a delivery vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mailbox flag which is used to indicate to the owner of the mailbox when the mail has been delivered. The flag itself comprises an elongated arm of at least substantially uniform weight distribution from end to end of the arm. The arm has a mounting region for pivotally mounting it to a mailbox with the mounting region being located off-center and closer to one end than the other end of the arm thereby providing long and short ends and a weight imbalance in the arm when it is mounted to the mailbox. The short end of the arm is bent, preferably at 90.degree. to the remainder of the arm to provide an actual flag portion on the arm without affecting its weight distribution. The door of the mailbox is fitted with a catch which receives the longer end of the flag and supports it in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A signaling arrangement for a remotely located delivery box, such as one used for receiving newspapers, presenting a control plate assembly movable from a first position to a second signaling position upon placement of an article in the box. The control plate assembly includes a signal plate on a portion thereof and a free end cooperable with a latching element affixed to the box for maintaining the control plate assembly at an article awaiting condition. In other words, simple pivotal action signals the presence of a delivered article.

Abstract: A mailbox delivery signal apparatus includes a signal assembly coupled to a detection assembly. The signal assembly has a signal mast attached at one end to a wheel biased to an upright position by a torsion spring. The wheel is pivotally mounted on a hub attached to a housing attached to an outer surface of a sidewall of the mailbox. The housing includes a stop for engaging the signal mast and preventing further rotation past the upright "mail present" signalling position. The signal mast is maintained in the down "mailbox empty" signalling position by a spring biased pin which engages a detent recess formed in the periphery of the wheel. The detection assembly includes an arm pivotally mounted within the mailbox which arm rotates when an object is placed in the mailbox. The arm is coupled to the pin so that rotation of the arm moves the pin out of engagement with the detent recess in the wheel, permitting the torsion spring to rotate the signal mast to the upright signalling position.

Abstract: A mailbox signal device for use in combination with rural type mailboxes which are configured with a door having a rearwardly extending flange; or, a door protected by a forwardly protruding hood. The signal device consists of a piece of strong wire or light rod with an eye formed on the rear end and a signal flag of flexible material attached near the front end. The device is loosely attached through the eye of the rod utilizing an existing mounting bolt on and near the rear end of the mailbox. the signal device is free to fall by gravity into a vertical position when triggered by opening the mailbox door. The signal device is made in two configurations. The first has a straight front end. When cocked, it rest on the tab formed on the flange of a backwardly flanged mail door. The second configuration signal device has a hook formed on the front end. When cocked, the hook rest on the bottom edge of a small hole drilled in a lower corner of a hooded type mailbox door.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a newspaper delivery signaling apparatus consisting primarily of a hinge having a plate attached thereto and a signaling item which drops when the plate is moved by the insertion of a newspaper into a newspaper holder and which item hangs by a cord or like item to be viewed from a distance, thereby avoiding trips to the newspaper holder in inclement weather as well as repeated trips.

Abstract: A newspaper delivery indicating device combined with a closure to protect the newspaper from the elements.An indicator flag is held in an upright visible position prior to newspaper delivery. The front of the flag may be used for name and address indicia to assist in correct delivery.When the newspaper is placed in the newspaper box, the trigger elements disengage, the signal flag drops over the open end of the newspaper box, closing the open end and protecting the newspaper from the weather.Delivery of the newspaper is indicated by the absence of the signal flag.

Abstract: A mail box or similar container having a self cancelling signal indicator which is activated by the opening of the mail box door. The signal is a crankshaft which has on each end of the crankshaft a crank arm, each arm being perpendicular to said crankshaft and in an offset direction to the other crank arm, one of said crank arms having at the end opposite said crankshaft a combination weight and position indicator.

Abstract: The invention is to be used in combination with a mail box having an open-ended mail receiving compartment and a closure pivotally mounted at the open end of that compartment for opening and closing its open end. The invention is a signalling device comprising signalling means having an indicia bearing portion and an activating portion which overlies at least in part the closure of the mail box when the closure is in its normally closed position. The activating portion of the signalling means is adapted to be engaged by the closure when it is pivoted away from the open end of the mail receiving compartment of the mail box.

Abstract: An apartment mailbox signal device to indicate the presence of outgoing mail in an apartment mailbox is comprised of a detachable mounting base having means for engaging a rotatable arm, a generally L-shaped rotatable arm for supporting a signal means, and a signal means connected to the rotatable arm indicating the presence of outgoing mail in the mailbox. The mounting base includes means for selectively securing the mounting base to an interior wall of the apartment mailbox and means for receiving or supporting the rotatable arm. The generally L-shaped rotatable arm is comprised of a vertical pivot member and a horizontal support member. The vertical member is received within the mounting base such that it may pivot about an axis parallel with the interior wall of the mailbox to which the mounting base is secured.

Abstract: A letter box includes a housing having a pivotable door having a letter inlet and an inlet cover pivotably covering the inlet, and an indicating device coupled to the inlet cover in the manner that when a letter is inserted from the inlet into the box the device will be actuated to indicated that there is a letter in the box.

Abstract: A mailbox for receiving delivered mail includes a housing and a post for mounting the box to the ground. A door is connected to a shaft rotatably secured to the bottom edge of a door opening, and the door extends beyond the opening into a tail portion. A part of the housing floor is formed from a resilient material so that the door is normally stopped thereby upon opening. Should the door be forced further, the material will yield to allow the door to swing below the box to prevent damage. A security latch, hidden beneath the housing, includes a leaf spring normally positioned behind the door tail portion to prevent its opening. The spring may be moved into a slot in the door shaft, where the spring cooperates with a notch in the door to permit its opening. Upon closing of the door, the spring is released to its normal position, whereupon the door is again held shut. The flag target is carried at the end of a flag shaft that is rotatably and slidably secured to the housing interior.

Abstract: Mailbox signal device is comprised essentially of two plates, a support plate that mounts onto a postbox by integral plate tab elements that position beneath the postbox latch member and a signal plate that is (a) at one end pivotally fixed to the support plate, (b) biased to an upright position, (c) has an extending tab member at its other end that operatively associates with the postbox closure to be retained in a folded position and (d) automatically is biased to said upright position when the tab member is freed by opening of said closure.

Abstract: A mail delivery indicating device which attaches to the side of a standard rural mailbox and drops a signal flag when the front cover is opened upon mail delivery. The device is especially designed for ease of assembly, installation and operation having only three (3) separate parts, a base with support arm and flag, a metal clip for the front door and a screw for attaching the device to a mailbox. The device is simply installed by inserting the one (1) screw in the pre-drilled hole in the mailbox, sliding the clip on the front door and closing the cover upon the trip lever of the device. When the cover is opened, the trip lever is released, thereby allowing the flag to drop downward so the homeowner can see whether mail has been delivered without having to leave the house. An additional feature includes a flag portion on the end of the signal arm which consists of two (2) perpendicular flags so the device may be seen from all directions.

Abstract: A mailbox signalling apparatus (10) for use on both rural type (100) and residential type (200) mailboxes; wherein, the apparatus (10) includes a suspension unit (11) having a support arm (14) and at least one elongated slot (16); and, a signal unit (12) including a signal member (20) attached to the suspension unit (11) and provided with an attachment ring (25) that is dimensioned to be selectively received over the support arm (14) and within the slot (16).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rural mailbox indicator and security lock including an elongated rod designed to be moved between three positions, a first position indicating that the box is unlocked but no mail is there for pick-up, a second position wherein the box is open and mail is in the box to be picked up and a third position indicating that the box is securely locked against unauthorized entry. The elongated rod is rotatably mounted on a cam which is adjacent a locking mechanism, with the cam having a cut out portion designed to receive a latch of the locking mechanism in the third mentioned position of the elongated rod described above, with the cam further including an arcuate rim designed to interengage with a catch formed on the mail box door so that in the position of the elongated rod corresponding to locked condition, the door is prevented from being opened until the locking mechanism is released by a key.

Abstract: A gravity operated mailbox signaling device which is actuated by opening the mailbox door, is resettable by one hand of an operator, and comprises a minimum number of parts, namely, an elongated signal arm in the form of a U-shaped channel and a single, bar-shaped member of considerable mass and weight. The arm is pivotably attached intermediate its ends to the mailbox; and, the member is pivotably attached to the non-signaling end of the arm and is disposed substantially interiorly of the U-shaped channel. The member coacts with a bracket mounted on the mailbox door to hold the signal arm in its non-signaling condition and to reset the arm after the same has been operated to its signaling condition. The member also shifts its center of gravity as the arm swings to its signaling condition to help maintain the arm in that condition until it is reset.

Abstract: A signal device for attachment to a rural-type mailbox provides a visual indication to a remotely located observer that the box has been opened for insertion of mail. The signal device comprises an elongated, flat, flexible arm including means at one end for adhesively attaching the art to the inner surface of the hinged door of the mailbox, and a brightly colored signal flag at its free end. The configuration of the adhesive juncture of the arm with the lid is such as to facilitate flexing of the arm with minimum stress upon the adhesive layers, whereby the arm can be manually bent over and inserted into the mailbox upon closing of the lid. When the lid is subsequently opened and closed for mail delivery, the arm assumes its normal, erect position with the signal flag displayed outside the box.

Abstract: A delivery signaling device having a resilient member capable of bending in a plane tranverse to the mailbox from a signal position in which the member is upright, to a set position, in which the member is bent into a curved shape conforming to the curved top of the mailbox. A clip member is used to attach the resilient member to the side wall of the mailbox. The clip member is formed of resilient material and has inner and outer portions that grip the side wall of the mailbox. A display region visible from a distance is provided at the free end of the resilient member. The resilient member is locked in the set position by a tab member that extends beneath the flange of the mailbox door and downwardly over the edge of the mailbox wall. The resilient member is a sheet material.

Abstract: A signalling device for attachment to a mailbox to visually indicate service to the mailbox. This signalling device is installed without any alterations to the mailbox by fastening its mounting plate to the top friction latch member with a pair of encircling straps. There is a transverse cylindrical body member at the front end of the mounting plate, with a pivot member extending through the body member. The pivot member is substantially parallel with the front of the mailbox and thus with the door. A signal flag member is pivoted on the pivot member such that it can be moved from a "tripped" position against the mounting plate to an upright "set" position. The signal flag member has a pair of leg members that substantially touch the mailbox door when the signal flag member is "set"; the door moving against these legs to trip the signal flag member when the door is opened. Various friction-engaging embodiments are disclosed to reduce the chance of false "trip" due to wind, rain, vibration, etc.

Abstract: An auxillary mailbox signal device designed to indicate when mail has been in a mail receptacle and which is adapted to be selectively mounted to a standard mailbox without the need for ancillary connecting or mounting means integral with the mailbox structure is provided. The signal device includes a base portion having two spaced transverse slots therein positioned and sized to frictionally engage two downwardly extending bottom flanges of the mail receptacle. A signal arm is pivotally secured to one end of the elongated base portion so as to be rotatable between a lowered, substantially horizontal position and a raised, substantially vertical position.

Abstract: The specification discloses a mail delivery signaling flag for use on a rural mailbox including an elongate indicator arm. The indicator arm has a weighted end and a flagged end and is rotatably mounted to the side of the mailbox. A trigger means holds the indicator arm in a generally horizontal position until the mailbox door is opened, at which time the indicator arm assumes a generally vertical position with the flagged end raised to indicate that a mail carrier has opened the box.

Abstract: A Signal Flag for use on Rural Mail Boxes having means for securing said flag to a panel, and securing said panel to the mail box adjacent the bottom of the door of the box, the means for mounting the flag to the panel being a pivot pin, and the signal flag being of a novel coutour, and conformed to present an imbalance at said pivot point, and to present a tab adapted to contact the door of the box, when in one position, and to move by gravity to an extended position, there being another tab on the other end of the flag to contact the bottom of the box when in extended position.

Abstract: A mailbox provided with a first signal flag mounted for rotation between a first position indicating the presence of mail in the box to be picked up by the mail carrier and a second, neutral position is disclosed. A flange depending from the first signal flag is adapted to frictionally engage a portion of the mailbox door when the first signal flag is in the first position thereby retaining the first signal flag in the first position. When the mailbox door is opened, for example, by a mail carrier, the frictional engagement is broken and gravity causes the first signal flag to rotate to the second, neutral position. The mailbox is provided with a second signal flag mounted for rotation between a first position indicating that a mail carrier has opened the mailbox door to insert mail and a second, neutral position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for signaling the delivery of mail, newspapers, or parcels in an enclosed receptacle that is open on at least one end, that end being the receiving opening for such deliveries, there being no closure for said opening. The principal application is for the commonly-used roadside newspaper delivery tube, the opening of which generally faces away from the residence so the presence of the newspaper is obscured from view by the resident for whom the newspaper is intended. The invention comprises a trigger element that blocks a portion of the delivery opening of the receptacle and a flag element that signals the delivery, these elements operatively slidably engaging one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rural mailbox which has a staff in the solid flag of the conventional type, which flag is rotatably located on the side of the mailbox and can be set in a horizontal or vertical position. The present invention improvement involves an extension signal device which is attached directly to the solid flag. This signal extension device includes a rod which has an upper section and a lower section, with the lower section being threaded, a signal attached to the upper section of the rod, and, a first clamping member and a second clamping member. Both the first clamping member and the second clamping member are located at the lower section of the rod with the first clamping member extended from the rod and clamping over the top edge of the solid flag and with the second clamping member being removably attached to the rod and extending from the rod and clamping over the bottom edge of the solid flag.

Abstract: A signal device for use on rural mailboxes comprises a substantially flat base and a lower flap. The flat base has a roof extending outwardly from the upper front surface and a protrusion, both of which aid in preventing the lower flap from freezing to the flat base under adverse weather conditions. The device is operational by gravity and is automatic. An adhesive is provided on the back surface of the flat base for ready installation of the device to existing mailboxes.

Abstract: A mail detector is provided and consists of a mail box having a hinged door to provide access to the mail box for inserting mail, means for detecting mail within the mail box, a remote power source, a remote switch for connecting the power source through the means for detecting mail within the mail box when the switch is closed, a remote indicator lamp connected between the power source and the switch, the remote indicator lamp energized when the switch is closed and by the means for detecting mail within the mail box so that a person can look at the energized remote indicator lamp and know that mail is in the mail box and a mail box indicator lamp connected between the means for detecting mail within the mail box and the switch, the mail box indicator lamp energized when the switch is closed and by the means for detecting mail within the mail box so that a person can look at the energized mail box indicator lamp and know that mail is in the mail box.

Abstract: A housing mounted to the side of a conventional rural mailbox by means of strap extending circumferentially around the mailbox. The housing has a signal flag movable between a down non-signalling position and an up signalling position. There is an elongate actuating rod extending between the front door of the mailbox and the pivot location of the signalling member. Opening of the mailbox door causes the actuating rod to move to a release position to permit the signal member to move upwardly to its signalling position.

Abstract: A signaling device is shown for signaling the delivery by the mailman of mail into the mailbox. A flat signal member is provided having a large area visible from a considerable distance and from any angle of where the signal member is hanging below the box in signaling position. The signal member is mounted for pivotal movement on the mailbox between signaling and nonsignaling positions independently of opening and closing movement of the mailbox door. The mailman, if delivering mail, releases the signal member from a latched position on the door to drop to signaling position before opening the door to deliver mail. If not released, the signal member performs no signaling function and is not affected by opening and closing the door merely for mail pickup. Two forms of the signaling device are shown, one for original box manufacture and the other for attaching the signaling device to an existing mailbox.

Abstract: A rural mailbox signaling device actuated by opening of the mailbox door. A brightly colored signal rod is pivotally mounted along the top surface of the mailbox and biased in an upright position by a spring. A locking pin is pivoted at the distal end of the signal rod and is swung to a right angle position when setting the device. The door is closed and the signal rod forced against the spring to a horizontal position. The locking pin is swung to a coaxial extended position engaging a hook member attached to the door latch which holds the signal rod horizontal. When the mailman opens the door to deposit mail, the signal rod is released and flips to the upright position.

Abstract: A mailbox with a hinged access door includes a door-operating handle having an indicator plate or flag which can be moved between alternative positions when opening and closing the door to indicate respectively that mail is to be collected from the box or the mail has been collected and/or delivered. The handle is positioned to rest on the lower portion of the mail delivery vehicle window opening to support the mailbox door when in open position. Also, the interior of the mailbox includes a mail holder to retain outgoing mail in a conveniently accessible position so that the mail delivery person may make a quick and easy pickup of the mail.