Abstract: A signaling device is mated with a conventional container to develop a change in state for indicating that the container has been accessed. The change in state can be developed manually, or automatically when the cover of the container is opened, to signal that the container has been accessed, and can be automatically returned to the initial state as part of the procedures used to empty the container. The signaling device is used in combination with a system for auditing a refuse collection process so that subscribers to the service can be charged for service according to usage. This then motivates the subscribers to call for collections of their refuse only from containers that are substantially full, or to compensate the refuse collection service for additional container pick-ups.

Abstract: An indicator flag for attachment to a mailbox for indicating the presence of mail therein uses a generally horizontally disposed flag member that is rotatably attached to the door of the mailbox and that rotates between a first position wherein the flag member is generally flush against the mailbox door, indicating an absence of mail for pickup, and a second position wherein the flag member extends generally horizontally outwardly from the door, indicating the presence of mail therein for pickup. A mail carrier can easily rotate the flag member back to the first position with the same motion used to open the mailbox door.

Abstract: A mailbox indicator for signaling a person that he has mail in his mailbox having a signal flag pivotally affixed to a mailbox at one side. A string mechanism works in conjunction with the mail box door and indicating flag to automatically open and raise the indicating flag when the door is opened.

Abstract: A mailbox includes a body and a door pivotally attached to the body. A signal device is attached to the mailbox by a connecting member. The signal device is secured in a number of positions between the door and body of the mailbox when the door is in a closed position and the signal device is unsupported and free to fall in a downward direction by gravity when the door is opened.

Abstract: This device relates generally to a mailbox with a first indicator for signaling the arrival of mail. A second indicator signals that there is outgoing mail to be picked up by a carrier. A first end of the first indicator and a first end of the second indicator are releasably connected to a control member. The control member is attached to a pivoting door of the mailbox.

Abstract: A mail delivery signal kit which includes a magnet which can be mounted on a side or face of a mailbox door, a tethering device which is anchored to a portion of the mailbox, a stopper constructed of a metallic material which will connect to the magnet and which can be attached to one end of the tether, and a visual indicator device which can be retained on the tethering device, and which is adapted to be stopped by the stopper attached to the tethering device. A delivered mail indicating system is formed when the mail delivery signal kit is installed on a rural-type streetside mailbox. The delivered mail indicating system is activated when the stopper is magnetically connected to the magnet on the mailbox door. Opening of the mailbox door pulls the magnet away from the stopper until the stopper disconnects from the magnet, causing the stopper to fall below the mailbox wherein the visual indicator device drops down the tether and is arrested at the end of the tether by the stopper.

Abstract: A mail delivery signal kit which includes a magnet which can be mounted on a side or face of a mailbox door, a tethering device which is anchored to a portion of the mailbox, a stopper constructed of a metallic material which will connect to the magnet and which can be attached to one end of the tether, and a visual indicator device which can be retained on the tethering device, and which is adapted to be stopped by the stopper attached to the tethering device. A delivered mail indicating system is formed when the mail delivery signal kit is installed on a rural-type streetside mailbox. The delivered mail indicating system is activated when the stopper is magnetically connected to the magnet on the mailbox door. Opening of the mailbox door pulls the magnet away from the stopper until the stopper disconnects from the magnet, causing the stopper to fall below the mailbox wherein the visual indicator device drops down the tether and is arrested at the end of the tether by the stopper.

Abstract: A pickup indicator arrangement for a collection receptacle for deposit of items for delivery is described in which an on-off light is turned on by operation of a switch when the pickup is made. A timer turns the display off after a predetermined delay to ready the display for the next pickup.

Abstract: A roadside mailbox mail delivered indicator is formed by a base flatly attachable to the horizontal top of the mailbox adjacent its door closed end opening, including a planar signal panel pivotly connected to one end of an upstanding portion of the base. A latch tip on the end portion of the signal panel opposite its hinged connection with the base, maintains the signal panel in a horizontal forward position by the mailbox door flange overriding the tip to hold the signal panel in a first cocked position. Opening the mailbox door releases the signal panel to a gravity pivoted upright second position for indicating mail delivery by the postman.

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.

Abstract: The status of deposits or withdrawals of items in a receptacle is indicated to one or more users having access to the receptacle. A receptacle is accessible by at least one user and is capable of containing an item. A deposit/withdrawal sensor for sensing a deposit or withdrawal of an item in the receptacle is also provided. A user identifier for identifying a user having access to the receptacle during the deposit or withdrawal of the item sensed by the deposit/withdrawal sensor is employed by the system. One or more indicators that are responsive to the deposit/withdrawal sensor and the user identifier are provided to indicate a deposit or withdrawal of the item in the receptacle by the identified user. The indicators may be placed on the receptacle or may be located remote from the receptacle.

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.

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.

Abstract: A mail box indicator for noting the arrival of mail. The indicator includes a sliding member that has a latch for connection to the door of the mail box. The latch slides through the use of a resilient cord such as bungee and the cord and latch are contained within an enclosed compartment to avoid exposure to the elements. The latch of the sliding member is connected to the latch of the mail box door when the apparatus is set for use. Opening of the mail box will break this connection and cause the sliding member to travel upward and so indicate that mail has arrived.

Abstract: A mail delivered indicator apparatus and method is provided which includes a toggle bolt wing, a 90 degree stop element, and a relatively thin, planar stem or mast including a design element. One side of the toggle bolt wing is attached to the upper surface of a mailbox. The stem is attached to the other side of the toggle bolt wing. The 90 degree stop element is received by or attached to the toggle bolt wing to stop the stem from further movement when it reaches a substantially vertical position. An offset stem or mast includes a slight offset to allow the toggle bolt wing to be attached to the center of the upper surface of the mailbox and at the same time ensure that the free end of the stem bypasses the door latch attached to the upper forward surface of the mailbox. In a particular example, a stem having an offset and a design element integral therewith is reversible in order to accommodate the location of a standard outgoing mail signal flag mounted on either the right or left hand side of the mailbox.

Abstract: A combination of a mail box and visual indicator is disclosed. The combination includes a mailbox having front and rear ends and an elongated resilient member having first and second ends. The elongated member is mounted at its first end to the rear end of the mailbox and has a tip protector mounted at its second end. When the door to the mailbox is open, the elongated member swings from an engaged to an extended position so as to indicate the door has been opened and the mail has arrived. The tip protector prevents injury to persons in the vicinity of the box while the elongated member is in motion.

Abstract: A dual access mailbox 2 has front and rear closures 20 and 22 which actuate a signal member 28 from a non-signalling position to a signalling position and from a signalling position to a non-signalling position. A first arm 52 is pivotally mounted to the front closure and a second arm 54 is pivotally mounted to the second closure. Both arms are pivotally and slidably mounted to the signal member. As the front closure is moved to the open position, the first arm engages the signal member and pivots the signal member to the signalling position, and as the second closure is moved to the open position, the second arm engages the signal member and pivots the signal member to the non-signalling position.

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).

Abstract: A system added to a mailbox having a hinged door, said system exposing a visible signal when the mailbox door is opened for mail delivery and then closed. A receptacle (10), fixed in an elevated position to the side of the mailbox, or to its enclosure, holds a delivery indicator (14) which is connected to the mailbox door through a flexible connector (18), such as a monofilament plastic line, and then a fastener (22) that is fastened to the door. When the door is opened this action pulls the delivery indicator (14) free of the receptacle (10). When the door is closed the delivery indicator (14) hangs in a visible position below the mailbox.

Abstract: A mailbox accessory for indicating mail delivery frictionally grips the entry flap on a mail box of the type having a downwardly tilted entry flap for opening the box to receive mail. The accessory provides bistable positions for a mail delivery flag when the mail box flap is closed, one such position set by the box user when closing the flap after picking up mail cocks the flag into an uppermost position and the other such position pivots the flag into a lowermost position when the entry flap is opened to remove delivered mail.

Abstract: A delivery signal device for use on a variety of mailbox types is provided. When the mailbox door is opened, a sliding--pivoting mechanism is engaged which releases an indicating member, thereby signaling that mail has been delivered.

Abstract: A mailbox signal device positioned entirely on the interior surface of the cover of a rural mailbox through which a signal opening is provided wherein the signal device includes a spring mounted panel visible through the signal opening in its signal position and maintained is a non-signal position until the mailperson delivers mail to the box thereby providing a convenient way to determine whether or not mail has been delivered to the box.

Abstract: An improved outgoing mail signal device for use on rural mailboxes which are partially enclosed by decorative structures such as those composed of brick (or stone) and mortar. The device comprises a support bracket mounted to the door of the mailbox and a signal arm pivotably coupled to the bracket. In operation, the signal arm is rotated up to a stable, over-centered, raised position to indicate the presence of outgoing mail. Upon opening the door, the signal arm returns to the lowered position automatically under the action of gravity. The device has only two stable rest positions, fully raised and fully lowered, for unambiguous signaling. To a viewer located to the side of the mailbox, the signal arm is highly visible when in the raised position and hidden from view when in the lowered position.

Abstract: A mail box signaling indicating apparatus made of flexible material to indicate when mail has arrived. The attachment end of the apparatus is doubled back upon itself in order to form a portion that may be clipped around a portion of the wall or other part of the mail box. The other end has a flag shaped indicia and is placed between the door flange and the outer wall of the mail box at the ready position. The indicating end of the device is urged upward by the resiliency of the material when the mail box door is opened and thus indicating that the mail man has been by.

Abstract: A signaling device that is constructed and adapted for easy installation to residential street mailboxes is described. The unit is triggered by opening the mailbox door, yet there are no attachments, hardware, holes or connections to the mailbox door. The unit operates automatically when the mail box door is opened, yet there are no batteries, motors, springs, clips or power devices. The user sees only a plastic housing and a flag that operates as a signaling device.

Abstract: A system for remotely sensing the delivery of mail to a mailbox uses a transmitter mounted on the mailbox. The transmitter generates a prescribed signal when the door of the mailbox is opened. The system also uses a receiver adapted for placement at a location remote from the transmitter. The receiver has two receiving circuits. The first receiver circuit generates a mail arrival output in response to receipt of the prescribed signal from the transmitter. The first receiver circuit maintains the generation of the mail arrival output regardless of continued receipt of the prescribed signal, until receipt of a prescribed termination command entered by the user. This way, the user knows when the mailbox door has been opened. The second receiver circuit generates a receiver locator output separate from the mail arrival output in response to receipt of the prescribed signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: A signaling device that visibly indicates that the door of a mailbox has been opened. During operation, a signal flag is held in a generally vertical or elevated position by the door of the mailbox which remains closed. However, upon opening the door, restraint on the signal flag is released, thereby causing it to pivot downwardly and come to rest adjacent and atop the mailbox.

Abstract: The signal device, secured to the door of a rural mailbox, shows that mail has been received. The device operates by opening a shutter to display the message, "MAIL," when the mail carrier opens the mailbox door. It operates by gravity and latches magnetically. The shutter opens as a venetian blind when the weighted screen falls forward. The signal device is reset by pushing the reset tab. The device returns to the closed position by gravity. In the closed position the message, "NO MAIL," printed on the shutter, is displayed. Moving parts are contained in a weather-proof box with a transparent window. The messages, "MAIL," or "NO MAIL" are visible through the transparent window.

Abstract: A signalling device which is mountable on a rural route mailbox comprises a housing which encloses a light fluorescing material and an activating element which extends exteriorly of the housing. The activating element is triggered by opening the mailbox door, which moves the light fluorescing material to an exteriorly observable position within the housing where it emits a visual signal to residents that mail has been received.

Abstract: An alarm apparatus immediately alerts mail recipients of postal deliveries made through a mail slot opening. The device is mounted adjacent the mail slot and has an activation lever, the distal end of which is in contact with the hinged, swinging door of the mail slot, and the proximal end of which has a contact switch retention means. As the door is opened, the activation lever rotates causing the retention means to release the contact switch resulting in the completion of a circuit and the sounding of an alarm. The alarm may be a buzzer, beeper, radio or other suitable means of producing an audible alert which can be immediately detected. In another embodiment of the invention, completion of the circuit can activate a light for the hearing impaired. In still another embodiment of the invention, the subject device can be further adapted to trigger the activation of alarms at remote locations.

Abstract: A mailbox having a door and a signal device to indicate that the door has been opened when a mail carrier puts mail in the mailbox. The signal is urged to and held in an erect position by a helical spring fixed to a side of the mailbox at one end and having a rigid staff inserted in the other end of the helical spring. The door is hinged to the mailbox at its bottom to swing from a vertical to a horizontal position. Cotter pins are provided to support the signal on the box and on the door. Each cotter pin has legs that extend through a hole in the mailbox and in the door. Each cotter pin has a ring on it that receives the signal. One of the cotter pins is attached to the door. When the door is opened the ring moves with the door and off the end of the staff thereby releasing the staff and allowing the helical spring to swing the staff to an erect position. A rectangular template is provided for forming holes in the mailbox and door for the cotter pins. A flag may be attached to the staff.

Abstract: A mailbox delivery signal device comprises a signal ball of aerodynamic configuration tethered to a support bracket mounted to the door of the mailbox. The support bracket includes a planar support member which extends perpendicular to the mailbox door and includes a circular hole formed therethrough having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the signal ball. The signal ball is tethered to the support bracket and is seated thereon in the circular hole to set the device. Upon opening the door, the ball falls from the bracket and is suspended by the tether below the mailbox housing for clear viewing by a person located remotely therefrom.

Abstract: Delivered mail indicator system for indicating when a mailbox door has been opened for the deposit of mail by the mailperson. A fluorescent or reflective lip is engaged in between the two latches of a mailbox, and when the mailbox door is opened, the lip springs upwardly and outwardly. When the mailbox door is closed, the lip or flag of the indicator engages against an upper latch handle, indicating that mail has been delivered. The delivered mail indicator is made of a suitable polymer with a flag appropriately colored for ease of visualization for indicating that mail has been delivered.

Abstract: An alarm housing mounted to an exterior side wall surface of an associated rural or house mounted mailbox includes a switch arm having a roller cylinder mounted at a distal end thereof in engagement with the door portion of a rural mailbox, whereupon pivoting of the rural mailbox door to an opened orientation displaces the roller effecting closure of a switch within the alarm housing to activate visual and audible alarm structure.

Abstract: A delivery signal and appliance control system generates audible or visual signal within a dwelling to indicate that a delivery, such as a newspaper or piece of mail has been deposited in a remote delivery container, such as a mailbox, and also controls current through electrical wall receptacles inside the dwelling to operate appliances responsive to the delivery. The system has a delivery notification switch at the remote delivery container which is connected to a control box in the dwelling. The control box is connected to dedicated electrical wall receptacles into which electrical appliances may be plugged. The control box has a DC circuit activated by the delivery notification switch upon receipt of an article being deposited in the delivery container to generate an audible or visual signal and to control an AC circuit which allows electrical current through the dedicated electrical receptacles to provide electrical power to electrical appliances plugged into the receptacles.

Abstract: A system for indicating the deposit of mailing mailbox comprises a two channel transmitter positioned within a mailbox and a two channel receiver positioned within a household. The first channel of the system provides a means for indicating at the receiver the opening of the mailbox door (deposit of mail) and the second channel of the system provides a means for resetting the indication of a deposit of mail. The transmitter and receiver both have means for resetting the indication of a deposit of mail. The transmitter has a spring clip for attachment to the mailbox.

Abstract: A mailbox signaling device which indicates that a door to a mailbox has been opened for the placement of mail within the mailbox. The action of the mailbox door causes a movement of a lever which actuates a trigger to release a signal rod. A signal rod is displaced from its housing by means of spring biasing, to indicate the opening of the mailbox door.

Abstract: A mail delivery indicator which may be readily and easily mounted on the standard rural or cluster mailbox to signal when the mail has been delivered by the mail carrier. The mail delivery indicator comprises an elongated rod forming a flag staff with one of its ends connected to a coiled spring attached by a bracket to the right side of the mailbox. The other end of the flag staff is provided with a flag member and a latch element. The latch element serves the dual purpose of securing the flag to the flag staff and engaging a catch element on the mailbox door to set the flag staff in its horizontal nonsignaling position when the door is closed. When the door is opened by the mail carrier, the latch element releases from the catch element and the coiled spring causes flag staff to automatically swing to its vertical signaling position.

Abstract: A mailbox assembly is disclosed comprising a mailbox body having a roof, parallel sidewalls (6), and a front door (4). The assembly further includes a flag housing assembly (8) for outgoing mail indication, attachable to one side of the mailbox body, and a second housing assembly (10) attachable to one side of the mailbox body for incoming mail indication. The flag assembly (10) is pivotally attachable to either of the mailbox body sidewalls, at the election and preference of the user, and comprises actuation means (40) responsive to pivotal opening of the mailbox door, and a pivot post member (42) for insertion through co-aligned apertures in the mailbox body and door, whereby pivotally attaching the flag housing assembly to one of the mailbox sides and pivotally attaching the door to the mailbox body.

Abstract: A signal flag apparatus is disclosed for use on a mailbox wherein a door operably connected to the mailbox is selectively closed and opened to permit and block access through a doorway to the interior of the mailbox. The apparatus includes a flag section having a pair of spaced-apart support post portions and a flag element that extends between the post portions. There are a pair of spaced-apart clip portions that detachably engage the mailbox proximate the doorway. There are also a pair of spring portions, each of which integrally interconnects a respective post portion and clip portion. The spring portions permit the flag section to be retracted within the mailbox and held therein by the door while the door is closed and urge the flag section to extend out of the mailbox when the door is subsequently opened to indicate that the door has been opened.

Abstract: A signalling device for attachment to a rural type mailbox mounted on the side of a road for alerting the owner of the mailbox that mail has been deposited therein by the mail carrier. The signalling device includes a flag plate pivotally secured to either the mailbox or a support post which is actuated by the opening of the door of the mailbox to cause the flag plate to fall, due to gravity, from a raised, non-signalling, position to a lowered, signalling, position. After the mail is removed from the mailbox, the flag plate is easily raised to reset the signalling device in its raised, non-signalling, position to be reactuated by the mail carrier when he next delivers the mail.

Abstract: A conduit member includes a forward first, second, and rear second section connected by a "U" shaped central section to transport a vehicle member between the forward and rear sections about a track utilizing a pulley system to effect reciprocation of the vehicle member within the conduit member. The vehicle member includes a bottom cavity for receiving newspapers therewithin aligned with a lower slot within a forward wall of the forward section. An upper mail cavity is mounted within the vehicle aligned with an upper door for receiving mail therewithin. A cam track mounted upon the vehicle effects reciprocation of an indicator flag within the forward section to provide visual indication of mail to be picked up by an associated mail carrier.

Abstract: A device is provided for automatically signalling the opening of the door of a conventional mailbox. The device consists of a stationary member that pivotably interacts with a signal member. The stationary member attaches to the mailbox using existing holes intended to accommodate a conventional manually operated mailbox signal flag. A torsion spring housed within the device causes the signal member to be urged to a vertical position when the door of the mailbox is opened.

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: 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 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 self-contained signalling device for attachment to a rural type mailbox mounted along the side of a road for alerting the owner of the mailbox that mail has been deposited therein by the mail carrier. The signalling device includes a brightly colored flag carried by a pivotally mounted flag support assembly which is actuated upon the opening of the door of the mailbox to cause the flag to lower itself from a folded non-signalling position to an extended signalling position. After removing mail from the mail box, the signalling device is easily raised by the owner of the box to reset the signalling device to its folded non-signalling, position to be reactuated by the mail carrier when the next delivers mail to the box.

Abstract: A signalling system is used in conjunction with a mailbox, a newpaper tube or the like to signal the arrival of mail, a newpaper or the like. The system is highly visible in bright sunlight and is also visible at night and includes a ball that is held in an upper location adjacent to the mailbox and is released as soon as the door is opened to drop downwardly. Two serially connected switches couple a light bulb to a power source, with one of the switches being manually operated and the other switch being operated when the ball drops into its lower 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.