Abstract: A mail box signal device article is adapted for ready installation to a street mail box. The article comprises a housing for holding the components of the device, with the housing itself attached to the mail box. Mounted on the housing is a hub assembly comprised of an axle which extends through a side wall of the housing, a first disc rotatably mounted on the axle within the housing and a second disc rotatably mounted on the axle outside of the housing. The two discs rotate together. An arm extends from the first disc and has a lateral pin extending at a right angle from one extremity. A slide link with an elongated slot is slidably connected with the lateral pin of the arm. A bracket pivotably attached to one extremity of the slide link is intended for permanent mounting to a door of the mail box. A signal is fixedly attached to the second disc of the hub assembly. The signal is moved to a vertical position when the door is opened and remains there until disengaged by the owner.

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 apparatus comprises a hook and a spring having an elongated arm portion. The spring is attached to the top of a conventional roadside mailbox with the arm parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the mailbox and with its end extending a short distance beyond the door at the end of the mailbox. The hook is attached to the door so that it can engage the end of the arm when the door is closed. The spring is such that when the door is opened and the hook is thereby moved to discharge from the end of the arm, the arm springs upward and comes to rest at a position up and away from the top of the mailbox, indicating that the door has been opened. The positions of the arm are made more clearly visible by tufts, tassels or the like attached to the arm near the end engaged by the hook. After the door is re-closed, the arm is manually reengaged with the hook.

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: A mailbox flag system having mail waiting flag 13 and mail delivered flag 12 connected by control arms 31 and 36 to mailbox door 11. Expansion slots 27 and 34 are provided for slidable engagement with flag pivot pins 33 and 38 of control arms 31 and 36 to pivotally rotate mail waiting flag 13 and mail delivered flag 12 around base pivot pins from horizontal down positions to extended vertical positions from where mailbox waiting flag and mail delivered 12 and 13 can each drop into channel frame assemblies 20 and 21. When mailbox door 11 is reshut, control arm flag pivot pin 38 slides up expansion slot 34 and mail delivered flag 12 remains vertical. Mail waiting flag 13 is further provided with an arcuate extension slot 29 attached to expansion slot 27, when door 11 is reshut, flag pivot pin 33 slides from expansion slot 27 to arcuate extension slot 29, engaging the end thereof, lifting mail waiting flag 13 from channel assembly 21 and rotating it back to the horizontal down position.

Abstract: A mailbox signalling apparatus for rural-type mailboxes to indicate when a mailbox has been serviced. The signalling apparatus comprises a base for supporting a mailbox, a first indicator member support means on the base for supporting an indicator member toward the front end of the mailbox, a second indicator member support means on the base for supporting an indicator member toward the back end of the mailbox, an indicator member selectively supported by one of the first or second indicator member support means for movement between a first, stand-by position and a second, signalling position, and actuating means on the base for actuating the indicator member for movement from the first, stand-by position to the second, signalling position when the mailbox is opened.

Abstract: A mailbox signaling arrangement cooperably responsive to pivotal movement of the entry lid of a common rural mailbox characterized by a pivotal signal plate member and, optionally, the selective energization of a light source. Operation of the signaling arrangement is occasioned by the release of the aforesaid signal plate member (which is continually urged to a signaling position) as a result of entry lid movement, with the signal plate member also initiating operation of the light source when at such signaling position.

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: 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 automatic signaling arm attachment for a standard rural mailbox with a beveled edge which can be wedged between the door and the sidewall of the mailbox to hold the signaling arm in a generally inconspicuous position alongside the mailbox when the door is closed, and which allows the arm to pivot by gravity to a highly visible position below the mailbox when the mailbox door is opened.

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: A service signaling device (10) for a mailbox (20) having a door (14) pivotally mounted proximate the bottom (18) of the mailbox. A signal indicating arm (40) is mounted proximate the lower edge (12) of the mailbox door and moves between set and triggered positions. When the arm is in the set position, and secured to the bottom of the mailbox door (14), it indicates a lack of service to the mailbox. When the mailbox door (14) is opened, the arm (40) moves to its triggered position to indicate that service to the mailbox has been completed. An attachment mechanism (26) serves to mount the signal arm (40) on the lower edge of the door. A catch (54) serves to hold the arm (40) in its set position until the door is opened.

Abstract: A mailbox signal having two adhesively mounted brackets, one a ferrule support lineally and rotationally journalling a flag on a flag supporting element, and the other bracket providing a door mounted rest releasing the flag on the flange supporting element by disengaging an extension of the flag supporting element upon opening the mailbox door. The construction utilizes a durable weather resistant material installable without the requirement of tools or mailbox modification. The signal is easily and neatly packageable for sale and usage.

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: The mailbox indicator is a device intended for attachment on a mailbox. It includes a support arm for side of mailbox and a signal arm with flag for front of mailbox. The signal arm rests horizontally on support arm providing visual indication that mail has not been delivered. When the mailbox door is opened, the signal arm drops to vertical position with flag end down and provides visual indication that mail has been delivered.

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: A delivery signal for a mailbox comprising a bracket extending from the back of the mailbox and a signal flag mounted on the bracket and biased to a signal position. A cord attached to the signal flag extends through the bracket and toward the front of the door of the mailbox. An end member is attached to the cord. A plate having a lip releasably secures the free end of the cord, holding the flag out of the signal position, and releasing the cord when the door is opened allowing the signal flag to move under the bias to the signal position.

Abstract: A mailbox open at one end with a door sized and configured for closing the open end hingedly attached at its lower edge to the lower edge of the open end. An elongate signal arm is pivotally attached at its lower end to one side of the mailbox to permit frictionless pivotal movement of the signal arm in a plane parallel to the one side of the mailbox. A pivot stop pin is attached to the one side of the mailbox to engage and stop the signal arm at first and second orientations, in the first of which the signal arm is reclined away from the open end of the mailbox, and in the second of which the signal arm is oriented upwardly and disposed in an over-center condition with respect to the pivot.

Abstract: A transposable dual mode mailbox signaling device for mounting on either side of a rural mailbox is disclosed. A housing attachable to either side of a mailbox proximate the mailbox door has a front face, back face, a proximal end, including a centered elongated aperture to receive a flagstaff flange, and an open distal end, an open top edge and an open bottom edge. A longitudinally symmetrical flagstaff is mounted within the housing for pivotal movement about its horizontal axis. The flagstaff has an opposing pair of horizontal flanges at the lower end as well as a downward projecting flange at the flagstaff's lower edge. Each flange is sized to fit through the proximal edge's aperture. A longitudinally symmetrical flag is attached to the flagstaff's other end. A reversible rod attachable to a mailbox door includes a detent to retain a corresponding horizontal flange when the flag is up.

Abstract: The disclosed signal device has a base plate and a signal plate, each plate having a threaded member secured relative thereto. A helical coil spring is threaded onto the respective threaded members, to become fixed between said base and signal plates. The signal plate has adjacent an edge remote from the spring, a tab portion angled about an axis disposed transverse to the threaded member. A double sided adhesive tape, bonded on one side to the face of the base plate remote from said spring, has the other side on the base plate, but it is yet covered by a removable facing. After removing the tape facing, the base plate may be positioned with the adhesive side against the exterior wall structure of a roadside mailbox, at a suitable spacing from the adjacent open end and door of the mailbox.

Abstract: A mail-call signal device secured to the exterior of a typical rural or curbside mailbox door to indicate the presence of mail. When the mail carrier opens the mailbox door the face plate and signal plate rotate downward permitting the bright orange signal plate to be thrust outward and downward by spring means to a fully extended position visible from all directions. The signal device is reset with one finger applying pressure to the bottom of the signal plate in the upward position.

Abstract: A rural mailbox structure including a "mails-in" signaling element that is operable to protrude laterally sideways and be visually apparent from the front and or rear when the mailbox is opened by rotation of the front door. Apparatus is included to maintain the signal element in the cocked unobservable position by a trigger rod engaged in an aperture in the signal element, which is disengaged when the front door is opened.

Abstract: A signaling apparatus for use with a mailbox having a housing and a door which is movable between open and closed positions includes a mounting plate attachable to the exterior of the housing and a signaling member hingedly attached to the mounting plate and being movable between signaling and nonsignaling positions by a spring which interconnects the mounting plate and the signaling member. The signaling member is normally retained in nonsignaling condition by the door of the mailbox against the force of the spring and is automatically movable to its signaling position upon opening of the door.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention concerns a plate having a coil spring indicator positioned thereon and a retaining means for retaining the indicator from its normal vertical position to a horizontal position. A pair of such plates are adapted to be mounted upon the side of a mailbox. In another embodiment of the present invention, a conventional rural mailbox is initially manufactured with a pair of spring loaded indicators positioned on the side of the mailbox and having a pair of retainer means being positioned between the spring loaded indicator and the door of the mailbox. By using a pair of spring loaded indicators, the present device indicates when mail has been deposited by the resident in the mailbox for pickup by the mailman, and when mail has been deposited by the mailman for pickup by the resident.

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 mailbox signaling device comprises a pivotal plate on the base of a mailbox which is raised from a prominently exposed position below the box to a substantially invisible position flush with the base of the mailbox when mail is delivered into the box. Accordingly, the plate may give the impression when it is exposed that it is in a signaling position, although the box is actually empty, and when mail is delivered, the plate is invisible and no signal is therefore evident, except to persons familiar with the workings of the device, that mail has been delivered into the 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 mailbox characterized by a box provided with a hinged door, and a pair of indicator flags pivotally attached to opposing sides of the box. The indicator flags are spring loaded such that one of the flags is biased towards an upright position, and the other flag is biased towards a horizontal position. Spring loaded links are attached to each of the flags to engage a pair of studs provided on opposing sides of the mailbox door. The links are adapted to hold the flags until the door is opened, at which time the flags will rotate to their biased positions.

Abstract: A signal device for attachment to standard, front-opening, outside mail boxes. The device comprises a clip member, a coil spring attached at one end to the clip, and a small flag or other visual indicating means mounted on the opposite end of the spring. The device is installed by inserting the clip over an upper edge of the open end of the mail box, without screws, rivets, or other permanent attachment means and without modifying or piercing the mail box in any way. The coil spring has a normal, unflexed position extending essentially vertically upward from the front, upper edge of the mail box and the device is "set" by flexing the spring downwardly from the end with the box door open to place the flag inside the box. The door is then closed to hold the spring in the flexed position. Upon opening the door, e.g., to insert mail, the spring returns to its upright position and the flag may be observed from a remote location, thereby automatically indicating that the box has been opened.

Abstract: A mailbox receptacle is combined with a supporting post, on which it forms an upper portion characterized by a floor extending transversally across the interior of the tubular post at a level spaced somewhat below the upper end. A lateral opening is provided into the interior space above the floor, and a tubular sleeve is coaxially rotatably mounted on the upper end region of the structure. The tubular sleeve has a lateral opening which registers with the receptacle opening in one orientation of the sleeve. And the tubular sleeve may be rotated to fully close the receptacle opening. Stops are provided to define the angular extremes of rotary movement of the tubular sleeve, and the sleeve or a cap structure provided on the post over the sleeve may include a signal flag which, particularly in the latter case, may be caused to operate in conjunction with rotation of the sleeve in the course of opening or closing the receptacle.

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 device for signaling the presence or absence of mail in mailboxes and the like. The device may be either furnished as a kit for retrofit of present mailboxes or in combination with a new mailbox. A signal member generally comprising a plate having reflector buttons mounted on opposite sides thereof is pivotally supported from a bracket in turn adapted for mounting upon the upper surface of the mailbox. The upper portion of the plate includes a forwardly downwardly extending arm terminating in a finger adapted for frictional engagement with a finger which forms the terminal portion of an arm rearwardly extending from the front door of the mailbox. When the fingers are in frictional engagement with each other, the plate is maintained in a generally horizontal attitude parallel to the top of the mailbox such that the reflectors are not generally visible.

Abstract: An auxiliary signal device for a mailbox includes a signal flag pivotally supported on a bracket mounted near the rear of the mailbox. An operating rod connected to another bracket mounted on the mailbox door cams the signal flag and catapults it to a raised position when the door is opened. A detent retains the signal flag in its raised position until it is lowered by manually operating a lowering rod. The signal device is attached to a mailbox by bending mounting tabs on the brackets into engagement with associated surfaces of the mailbox.

Abstract: A mailbox having a mail carrier door and an owner's door with a signal flag moveably mounted thereatop to indicate the presence or absence of mail therein. A mechanism within the mailbox has a pair of slidable members mounted to a downwardly extending bracket with a flag rod extending through each member and moveable thereby. A pair of springs urge the first member toward the mail carrier door and the second member against the owner's door. A pivotable extension mounted to the mail carrier door is engaged by the mechanism to prevent opening thereof until the owner's door is open allowing the second member to slide therethrough releasing the extension.

Abstract: A signal for a conventionally constructed mail box is provided having a distinctive visual effect wherein coaction between a stationary and movable member shows a totally black field indicating no mail received, but shows a series of distinct white bars when a mechanism is automatically operated upon opening the door of the mail box to insert mail. The construction is substantially enclosed and very compact to be attached by a consumer on the back wall of a mail box with a signal control mechanism within the mail box extending from the back wall to the hinged door of the mail box. The invention is readily attachable to existing mail boxes with simple tools and sheet metal screws.

Abstract: A signaling device for mounting on the front of a newspaper tube will pivot from a position perpendicular to the axis of the tube to one parallel with the axis of the tube upon the insertion of the newspaper or mail by virtue of the inserted material engaging one end of a pivoting arm which serves as the signaling device.

Abstract: An automatic signal attachment for a mailbox which automatically raises a signal flag to indicate that the mailbox door has been opened. The attachment comprises a lever and pivot assembly for the existing signal flag and a trigger clip and spring assembly to activate the signal flag to a vertical position. The attachment can be used on any standard mailbox now in use.

Abstract: A mail box indicating device which permits a visual determination from a distance whether the mail box door has been opened. The mail box indicating device consists of a mail box with an upper and lower section separated by the mail box floor. A metallic strip is connected to the mail box floor in the lower section. The indicator means is attached at one end and has a magnet disposed at the other end which contacts the metallic strip until that end of the indicator means is released by opening the door of the mail box.

Abstract: A signal flap (22) is mounted on the exterior face of a mailbox door using a pair of hinges (24 and 26). The signal flap (22) rotates between first and second positions, and in the second position, indicia (42) is exposed to view indicating the presence of mail. A latch (28) secures the signal flap in the first position, and releases the signal flap to rotate to the second position in response to the opening of the mailbox door.

Abstract: A mailbox comprises a hollow, closed body having an open end with a door pivotally mounted therein. A rigid mounting sleeve, formed integrally and in one piece with the body, depends from the base of the mailbox and is shaped to telescopingly receive a support post therein to securely mount the mailbox and its contents at a desired location. The door preferably has a recessed handle and a recessed signal flag pivotally mounted in the exterior face of the door.

Abstract: The present case discloses a signal or flag assembly for use with a mailbox having a front door hinged at the lower portion thereof and comprising a body portion having sidewalls, said signal assembly comprising a flag or signal having a signal standard or support bent intermediate its ends to provide a signal carrying portion or arm and an attaching arm portion extending at an angle thereto, and pivot means for securing the attaching arm portion to one side of the mailbox. The attaching arm portion of the standard includes a pawl portion at its outer end for releasable latching connection with a signal latching member carried by said mailbox door.

Abstract: A mail delivery signal device for detached, rural-type mailboxes wherein an elongated signal arm member, swingably secured along its lower end to a lower front portion of the mailbox so as to lean abuttingly thereagainst at its upper end, falls arcuately downwardly to project beyond the bottom or either side of the mailbox, selectively, upon the door being opened for the delivery of mail, thereby automatically notifying the recipient that mail has been delivered.

Abstract: Mailbox has a hinged front gate with a casing receiving a flag with lateral play for movement into raised and lowered positions to indicate "no mail" and "mail delivery", respectively. Provided on the flag and box are two ferromagnetic strips, respectively, of which at least one is a permanent magnet, with these strips being coordinated to be in the raised flag position in magnetic engagement for supporting the flag, and the strip on the flag will on opening of the gate turn with the latter and thereby disengage from the strip on the box for release of the flag for its gravitational drop to its lowered position.