Frame Construction Patents (Class 232/38)
  • Patent number: 11896150
    Abstract: A collapsible safe box that can be removably or permanently affixed to a structure. The collapsible safe box may include protractible and retractable side member, bottom member, and lid. The collapsible safe box may include one or more electronic devices to monitor and operate the functioning of the safe box. In examples, the collapsible safe box may include means to allow for remove operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventor: Anthony Chiappetta
  • Patent number: 11751708
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an article storage and retrieval apparatus, including a frame body, configured to be fixed on a vertical mounting surface; a cover body, the cover body hinged with the frame body at upper end, left end or right end to realize rotary opening and closing; and a container, an open end of the container being arranged on an inner side of the cover body and the container being located in a space formed between the frame body and the cover body, wherein the container has a variable volume and is configured to be unfolded to form a space for accommodating articles after the cover body is opened relative to the frame body and allow the cover body to be closed relative to the frame body after being folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: BEIJING JINGDONG ZHENSHI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mingfu Wu
  • Patent number: 11666169
    Abstract: A package receiving device mountable to an exterior wall of a home or business structure that is collapsible into a flat stored configuration and expandable into a lockable package receiving receptacle having a rectangular volume adapted to temporarily store packages therein. Pivotable panels are adapted to allow the package receiving device to be moved between a stored configuration and expand into an in-use configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Jeff Altmaier
  • Patent number: 11617465
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an article storage and retrieval apparatus, including a frame body, configured to be fixed on a vertical mounting surface; a cap body, the cap body, hinged with the frame body at upper end, left end or right end to rotate to open and close; and an accommodating box, arranged in a space formed between the frame body and the cap body, adopting a foldable structure and configured to be unfolded alter the cap body is opened relative to the frame body to form a space for accommodating articles and allow the cap body to be closed relative to the frame body after being folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: BEIJING JINGDONG ZHENSHI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yafang Zhang, Jun Xiao, Hui Wang, Zongjing Yu, Jian Zhang
  • Patent number: 10842305
    Abstract: The package-securing device comprises a housing, a plurality of straps, a plurality of latch retainers, a controller, a keypad, one or more batteries, a sound transducer, a camera, a recharger port, and one or more indicators. The housing may couple to a mounting surface at a residence or a business. A package may be securely delivered to the residence or the business by passing the plurality of straps around the package and then locking the latch plates on each of the plurality of straps into the plurality of latch retainers located on the housing. An attempt to remove the package without first entering a secret code may results in a theft response. In some embodiments, the package-securing device may comprise a dye dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: German Alcolea
  • Patent number: 9826853
    Abstract: A mailbox system includes a mailbox body for receiving and storing mail items. One or more receiver units are disposed along an outside facing surface of the mailbox body and function to receive at least one address indicator having a plurality of lighted elements along a front facing surface thereof. An internal controller having a power unit is positioned within the mailbox body. The power unit includes at least one battery and at least one solar cell for supplying the necessary electrical information to the receiver unit and the address indicators. Physical markings are disposed along the address indicator and form address information. When activated, the plurality of lighted elements display address information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventors: Efrain Fonseca, Bernice Fonseca
  • Patent number: 8939353
    Abstract: A personalized mailbox flag system for displaying a sports team logo or other design such as a seasonal symbol or religious symbol. A mailbox sleeve is mounted over an existing mailbox. A decorative component is disposed on the mailbox sleeve. A decorative component is also disposed on the flag, which can pivot about the mailbox sleeve. Disposed on the free end of the flag is a décor mount, which displays a decorative component. The décor mount can pivot so as to orient the decorative component such that onlookers can read it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Sanford A. Blocker
  • Patent number: 8875987
    Abstract: An extension mailbox which includes a main mailbox housing mounted onto a vertical support extending from the ground. A plurality of auxiliary mailbox housings, are nested concentrically within the main mailbox housing. A rail system allows the auxiliary mailbox housings to project outwardly away from the main mailbox housing in a telescopic horizontal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Stanley Supulski, Sarah Wesko
  • Patent number: 8757476
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a receptacle repair insert, which may have an insert body with at least an outer surface. The outer surface may have a first shape and be effective to attach to a receptacle body having at least an inner surface with a second shape. The inner surface may define at least one orifice and the insert body may be effective to fit into the at least one orifice. The receptacle repair insert may also have at least one extension movably connected to the insert body wherein the extension is effective to create a door. The extension may block at least a portion of the at least one orifice. Further disclosed is a method for replacing at least one mailbox door using at least one embodiment of the receptacle repair insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Todd Childress
  • Patent number: 8708219
    Abstract: A mailbox support attaching to a post includes an arm for supporting a mailbox at a given height, an opening for freely allowing the arm to slide over the post, and a tab flexibly extending into the opening and designed to limit movement of the arm relative to the post if the post is disposed within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Charles A. Patterson, Michael Reedy, Victor Hoernig
  • Patent number: 8490859
    Abstract: The rotating mailbox device is provided in varying degrees of complexity, with each embodiment thereof focused on as basic a design as is possible while still retaining the important features of the device. Even the most basic design provides illuminated address, illumination strips within the mailbox assembly, and exterior indicators for indicating mail received via sensing of door opening. Of importance is that the basic design of the device dictates that the dished tray is rotateably affixed directly atop the post and may also be affixed off-center regarding the tray. The direct post-to-tray attachment negates the need for further attachment devices such as horizontal arms, for example. Lateral attachment of the mailbox assembly to the platform elevated section provides for easiest disassembly of part of the device and also for the elevated section to be a floor for the mailbox assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Brett A. Master, Donald A. Bland, Theresa K. Master
  • Patent number: 8485424
    Abstract: A security mailbox secures mail deposited therein from theft and protects its contents from the elements by having a receiving section including a receiving chamber for receiving mail through a mail delivery opening in its front end, a securing section including a securing chamber for receiving mail from the receiving chamber, and a teeter baffle separating the receiving chamber from the securing chamber. The securing chamber has an access door for selectively accessing delivered mail items secured therein. A portion of the securing section pecincluding the access door is selectably attachable to the remainder of the mailbox such that the access door can be on the front or the back of the mailbox. Fasteners accessible only through the access door attach the top end of the securing section to the remainder of the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Gary L. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130098980
    Abstract: An extension mailbox which includes a main mailbox housing mounted onto a vertical support extending from the ground. A plurality of auxiliary mailbox housings, are nested concentrically within the main mailbox housing. A rail system allows the auxiliary mailbox housings to project outwardly away from the main mailbox housing in a telescopic horizontal manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: STANLEY SUPULSKI, Sarah Wesko
  • Patent number: 8388168
    Abstract: A mailbox with a slidable tray to withdraw the contents therein and a solar powered illuminable, configurable display to enhance visibility of the dwelling number after nightfall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen Li
  • Patent number: 7931189
    Abstract: A retrofit mailbox security kit includes a binding strap conformable to an interior surface of a mailbox and a hingeably attached security door. A security tab is rigidly attached to the binding strap. The security door in the closed position and the security tab form a mail insertion aperture extending substantially a width of the mailbox. A lock assembly coupled to the security door can restrain the security door in a closed position. The binding strap may be adhered to the interior surface of the mailbox with rivets or with two-sided adhesive tape. The two-sided adhesive tape may be covered with a removably adhered protective film accessible through a clearance aperture in the binding strap to enable the binding strap to be rigidly attached to the interior surface of the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: Harry Kalenburg
  • Patent number: 7810708
    Abstract: A combination mailbox housing, pedestal and planter is constructed of recycled materials to be all in one unit. The pedestal is constructed from four expended five-gallon buckets, which are screwed together and covered with wire lath and stucco, and artificial plastic rocks which rocks have in turn been constructed from expended plastic bottles. The mailbox housing is constructed from used cedar fence boards in a board and batten style to enclose a standard metal or plastic mailbox. When the mailbox housing and pedestal is assembled into one unit and installed, soil is put into the planter sections of the pedestal wherein plants and/or flowers can be planted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: John Paul Schofield, Janet Ellen Schofield
  • Patent number: 7694447
    Abstract: A storage device for storing rolled documents includes a tube pivotally mounted to a housing and advanceable between retracted and extended positions relative to a roof of the housing. The roof covers an open end of the tube in the retracted position. In the extended position, the open end of the tube is advanced away from the roof to permit rolled construction drawings to be inserted into and removed from the tube. A floor extends across at least a portion of the tube to prevent the rolled documents from falling out of the tube. Clamps mounted on the housing enable mounting of the storage device on a post, such as a T-post. The storage device may include a display panel having a pocket formed by a sheet of transparent flexible plastic into which a building permit may be positioned and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Pro-Vent, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay B. Rutler, Spencer B. Hawerlander, Tony Robert Plunkett
  • Patent number: 7611043
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure impact damage to a mail box and an associated support column can be prevented or at least minimized. In addition, adverse weather related affects can be minimized by the provision of a device comprising a shield having an arcuate form in a mounted position for shielding the mail box and at least a portion of the associated supporting column extending therefrom. The device includes a first leg extending along one side of the supporting column and the mail box and a second leg extending along another opposing side of the column and the mail box. A connecting member is provided and includes an arcuate portion connecting the first leg and the second leg for absorbing and deflecting the impact of collisional objects. The arcuate portion extends over and above at least a top side of the mail box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Black
  • Patent number: 7611044
    Abstract: A mailbox has four sides generally forming a triangular enclosure to deflect snow thrown by the snowplow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Walter T. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7587846
    Abstract: A mailbox cover comprising a flexible sheet having a composite of a plurality of layers. The layers having a first layer decorated with graphics and an underlying second layer magnetically polarized in a first direction so that the second layer is magnetically attracted to a metal mailbox. The plurality of layers further comprising an underlying third layer magnetically polarized in an opposing second direction to the second magnetically polarized layer so that the third layer is magnetically attracted to a metal mailbox. An underlying fourth layer is decorated with graphics. The sheet further comprising a perforated cuts parallel to preselected edges of the sheet so that the perforated cuts allow strips of the sheet to be removed to reduce the length and width of the sheet to adapt to different sizes of mailboxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Farhan Khan
  • Publication number: 20090145956
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Ryszard K. MIKOLAJCZYK, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 7527190
    Abstract: Moisture resistant barrier mailbox apparatus, device and methods for inhibiting water intrusion into mailboxes where the doors can be positioned into open ends of the mailbox and/or when the doors have outer edges which wrap about open ends of the mailbox. Channel grooves and inwardly bent edges block and control water intrusion when the doors are in closed positions. The mailboxes can include drainage holes in the mailbox floors to allow for water to drain out of and not puddle inside of the mailboxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Euroasia Products Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Bowers, Yun Tim Li, Zhongqin Zhen, Craig W. Walker
  • Publication number: 20080257947
    Abstract: A mailbox including a box having a box door, a first box door, a photocell circuit, and a cartridge. The box door is pivotally connected to a first wall of the box. The cartridge includes a light source and an electric power source. The light source illuminates an interior surface of the box. The photocell circuit includes a photocell panel. The photocell circuit charges the electric power source using energy acquired by the photocell panel. The electric power source powers the light source. The cartridge is removably mounted to a second wall of the box to electrically connect and disconnect the cartridge to the photocell circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Wenkwei Guo, Chieh-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 7427012
    Abstract: A mailbox comprises a mailbox body, a door and a see-through window. The mailbox body has an interior space therein and an access opening through which the interior space is accessible. The interior space includes a cavity extending below a bottom edge of the access opening. The door is movably attached to the mailbox body adjacent the access opening and has a window opening extending therethrough. The door is movable between a first respective position covering effectively an entire portion of the access opening and a second respective position enabling access to the interior space through the access opening. The see-through window is attached to the door and at least partially covering a window opening in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventors: Jasen Jay Saffel, Jack B. Crider
  • Patent number: 7380704
    Abstract: A curbside mailbox kit, compliant with 39 U.S.C. 111 (Feb. 8, 2001), comprising: a base, two sides, an optional signaling flag, a roof, a rear side, and a front door, wherein the mailbox kit is provided in an unassembled form having a void cross section substantially less than 30 square inches, and having a void cross section when assembled of at least 30 square inches. A mailbox, comprising a base, hinged front panel, rear panel, two side panels, and a top, each of the two side panels being attached to the base by a hinge. A mailbox kit, comprising two planar sides, a planar base, a planar rear panel, a hinged planar front door, and a top, the sides, base, rear panel and front being provided in a package with their respective planes parallel, the kit being adapted to be assembled into a box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Ran Nizan, Efrat Nizan
  • Publication number: 20080116253
    Abstract: A security mailbox includes a generally upright and enclosed housing having a rearwardly positioned mail retrieving opening selectively covered and uncovered by a lockable first door and a mail receiving opening formed in a front end of the housing selectively covered and uncovered by a second door. A mail guide is positioned within the front end of the housing. A hinge secures a first end of the mail guide to an interior surface of the second door adjacent to and spaced from a top edge thereof, whereby the guide moves between a first position for receiving delivered mail when the second door is opened uncovering the mail receiving opening and a second position for transferring such delivered mail into rear portion of the housing when the second door is closed. A clip is attached to the mail guide for detachably securing outgoing mail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Gantt
  • Patent number: 7350692
    Abstract: The interior of a mailbox is illuminated with a highly efficient LED lamp powered by a rechargeable battery. The LED lamp is turned on when the mailbox door is opened. A solar panel is mounted under a light-transmitting cover located on the roof of the mailbox for recharging the battery. The illumination system is for the most part composed of a pair of compact modular assemblies which are carried by the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventors: Glenn Bushee, Glenn M. Opendo, Hak Kee Chu
  • Patent number: 7350691
    Abstract: The preferred mailbox of the invention includes a body and a first door. The body preferably defines a first opening adapted to receive a mail item, and a cavity adapted to contain the mail item. The body also includes a primary section that substantially prevents light from entering into the cavity, and a secondary section that substantially allows light to enter into the cavity. The first door is preferably coupled to the body and adapted for movement between an open position that allows access through the first opening into the cavity and a closed position that prevents access through the first opening. In the closed position, the first door substantially allows viewing of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventors: Albert A Monette, Janice I Monette
  • Patent number: 7328835
    Abstract: A mailbox accessory structure used to decorate a freestanding mailbox is disclosed. The structure includes left and right surfaces with substantially connected front and back sides that substantially enclose the mailbox. The surfaces permit the display of indicia, such as holiday images, logos, slogans, and initials, and allow the mailbox to be decorated with a selected shape, such as a shape appropriate for a holiday or event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Carol Menghini
  • Patent number: 7316346
    Abstract: A seasonally decorative cover for a mailbox has a three dimensional one-piece arched cover body decorated with seasonal symbols and messages and an underside formed with an arcuate recess for snugly receiving the top and opposite sides of the mailbox, so that the cover body can be mounted straddling the mailbox. One version is made of foamed polyurethane and another version is inflatable, having a skin of P.V.C. An anchoring eye for tethering a balloon is formed from the skin material at the top of the body and further anchoring eyes are formed at the bottom of each side for receiving cover securing ties passing under the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventors: Mark E. Hartelius, Laura C. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 7293696
    Abstract: A mailbox has a housing having a plurality of walls, and a light source arranged so as to emit light into an interior of the housing, wherein the housing has at least one transparent wall through which the light emitted by the light source into the interior of the housing passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Carpenter Laborde
  • Patent number: 7261234
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stop device for a mailbox. The stop device includes a body having a front surface, a back surface and an orifice for hanging the device from a mailbox. The stop device is able to restrict the movement of items hanging from a mailbox when the device is suspended from the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Shekhar G. Mahajan
  • Patent number: 7261233
    Abstract: A mailbox accessory structure used to decorate a freestanding mailbox is made of left and right surfaces with substantially connected front and back sides forming a top opening and is connected to the mailbox at the front end of a horizontal beam of the mailbox post and near the top end of the vertical beam of the mailbox post and permits decorative objects to be displayed around the box. The two surfaces permit the display of indicia such as holiday images, logos, and initials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Carol Menghini
  • Patent number: 7246738
    Abstract: A package receptacle system including a container having an interior storage compartment, a lower floor within the container for supporting a package placed in the compartment, and sidewalls extending upward from the floor to define an access to the compartment. An upper lid is pivotally attached to the container for closing the access when in a closed position. A feature hangs from the lid for inhibiting rain from entering the compartment when the lid is in a non-closed position. Raised features are present on the floor of the container for supporting a package placed within the compartment above any moisture that might be present on the floor. A feature is included for indicating a recipient's address, and/or a package within the compartment ready for pickup, and/or receipt of a package within the compartment from a delivery service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Wiliam Phillip Jonas
  • Patent number: 7216798
    Abstract: A mailbox system that is sturdy and durable, easy to manufacture, assemble and customize, and is aesthetically pleasing to look at. The mailbox system preferably includes a pair of vertical posts and horizontal rails, a decorative component such as a flag or flower box, a mailbox and a newspaper receptacle. When assembled, the horizontal rails and the decorative component span between and are supported by the vertical posts, while the mailbox and newspaper receptacle are mounted to a single post. Assembly of the mailbox system is made quick and easy through the use of a series of snap-fit assembly features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Exclusive Products, LLC
    Inventors: LaVerna Marie Stephens, Randy Scott Stephens
  • Patent number: 7182244
    Abstract: A mailbox includes opposing side pieces, a bottom piece, a rear piece, and a door, all made from die-cast aluminum. The side pieces include abutting top flanges and the mailbox further includes a channel engaging the top flanges to hold the top flanges together. Screws extend through the channel into threaded engagement with the top flanges, and also extend through apertures into apertured bosses to secure all components together. Address signage (sand-cast) is provided for selective attachment to the sides, door or top of the mailbox. The door is pivotally mounted to the mailbox by a pivot pin that telescopingly extends into holes in the side pieces to facilitate assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Whitehall Products, LLC
    Inventor: Lee S. Brown
  • Patent number: 7178715
    Abstract: A mailbox includes a body having an interior cavity and an opening, a lid connected to the body and covering the opening, a first viewing window in one of the body and the lid and a light dispersion element for dispersing light through the interior cavity of the body so as to allow one to see the contents of the mailbox without opening the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: George Kevin Dean
  • Patent number: 7168611
    Abstract: A postal receptacle assembly (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) comprises a postal receptacle component (22) which is spatially framed by other components of the postal receptacle assembly. The other components include a horizontally-oriented stoop (24); two columns (26) mounted on the stoop and extending essentially vertically parallel in spaced apart relationship; and, a pediment (28) supported by the two columns. The postal receptacle component (22) is situated in a space (30) framed in two dimensions by the stoop (24), the pediment (28), and the two columns (26). In certain embodiments the postal receptacle assembly is configured to visually emulate the appearance of a building or portion of a building (e.g., a porch). One or more of the assembly components (known as “stylistic” components) may be formed with (or structurally and/or visually convey) selected architectural features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: David C. Thompson, Rayanne S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7163140
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated lightweight roadside mailbox structure having an inner core made of a rigid foam material, a capital joined to the inner core, a reinforcing cloth adhesively joined to the inner core and a decorative outer coating for simulating the appearance of an immovable massive roadside mailbox. A first horizontal aperture extends into the mailbox for receiving a mail enclosure, a second horizontal aperture extends into the mailbox for receiving a newspaper and a vertical aperture upwardly from a bottom of the mailbox for mounting the mailbox on a square post. The inner core is comprised of a rigid foam base and a rigid foam mailbox housing adhesively joined to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Patrick G. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 7159762
    Abstract: A publicly accessible drop box for isolating items deposited therein, includes a securable enclosure, a depository port, a closeable container having an opening and located within the securable enclosure, and a closure device for closing the opening prior to removal of the container. The depository port may include a housing forming a reception chamber having an entrance, wherein the housing is rotatably mounted within the drop box. The drop box may include a view port to allow viewing of the opening of the closeable container. The drop box may include a manipulation device extending into the securable enclosure to enable manipulation of the closure device or to enable movement of any items in proximity to the opening of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Felice, Michael W. Finney, Patrick J. Fitzgibbons, Eugene C. Stradley, John T. Swider, Louis B. Taylor, Michael A. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 7111772
    Abstract: The decorative mailbox is of two-piece design, having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is a box-like receptacle adapted to receive and contain mail items therein. The upper portion is designed in the shape of a motor vehicle. The vehicle may be of any make and/or model. NASCAR vehicles, trucks and sports cars would probably be desirable. The upper portion is hinged to the lower portion at their respective rear ends in a manner that allows the upper portion to be pivoted upward. A ratchet mechanism allows the upper portion to remain stationary in at least two raised positions. A snap mechanism is disposed at the front ends of the two portions to retain the upper portion in a closed position when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Stuart J. MacNeill
  • Patent number: 7093747
    Abstract: A mail box access replacement cover assembly for use on existing and new masonry mounted mail boxes having a mail box and newspaper insert. A two-part adjustable assembly is secured on the masonry support surface aligned to overlie the mail box and newspaper tube openings respectively. A decorative replacement access door for the mail box and paper receiving tube are respectively secured to the assembly by decorative cover fill plate selectively positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Raymond Marchese
  • Patent number: 7090119
    Abstract: A mailbox is provided with a rain intercepting structure which includes a groove in a shoulder formed on the laterally opposite sides and the top of the mailbox door and a ridge on the inside of the mailbox doorway in juxtaposed registration with the groove. Moisture impacting the ridge is diverted to the groove and drains out its bottom ends, thus protecting the mail against rain damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: RWL Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Lackey, Robert C. Beckmann
  • Patent number: 7086581
    Abstract: A plastic mailbox has a postal compartment mounted on top of a newspaper compartment which in turn is mounted on the top of a two piece upright plastic support. The laterally opposite side wall structures and arched top structure of the postal compartment and the laterally opposite side wall structures and the bottom structure of the newspaper compartment have inner and outer walls for strength. The postal compartment is strengthened by a pair of longitudinally extending rows of upward bulges or pockets in the arched ceiling segment of the inner wall of its arched top structure. The postal compartment and newspaper compartment are further strengthened by a forward projecting lip encircling forward end of the mailbox. A partial wall at the rear of the newspaper compartment serves as a newspaper stop and as a reinforcing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: RWL Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Lackey, Robert C. Beckmann
  • Patent number: 7014098
    Abstract: Mailbox vandalism is deterred by depositing a noxious material on a tool or weapon used by a vandal to smash a mailbox. The noxious material may be provided in a capsule fastened to a traffic-facing side of the mailbox so that a vandal's blow directed at the mailbox succeeds in fracturing the capsule and coating the vandal's tool or weapon with a noxious material. The capsule or capsules may contain any of a variety of malodorants, colorants, irritants and adhesives. The overall container may be configured as a composite capsule in which the noxious material is held within an inner glass capsule protected from environmental and accidental damage by a surrounding, relatively easily broken, outer capsule directly fastened to the protected mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Ray L Hauser
  • Patent number: 6983876
    Abstract: A bat trap provides for capturing a bat, club, or other tool or weapon used by a vandal to damage a mailbox adjacent a roadway. The trap may comprise an elongated support member; a plurality of spikes protruding through the support member from a back side of the support member so that a respective point of each spike extends outwardly from the support member by some selected minimum distance; a cover extending far enough from the support so as to cover all of the spikes; and an adhesive or mechanical fastener for attaching the support member to the mailbox so that the back side of the support abuts a traffic-facing side of the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Ray L. Hauser
  • Patent number: 6974073
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a durable mailbox which has an aerodynamic design that protects the mailbox from destructive elements such as weather and flying projectiles. The present mailbox has an aerodynamic design that slopes down from the left to the right. The descending slope design reduces the surface impact caused by projectile matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Harry Snyder
  • Patent number: 6968993
    Abstract: A mailbox assembly includes a housing including a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a back wall. A front wall is hingedly coupled to the housing and defines a first door for selectively opening or closing the housing. A top wall is attached to the first and second side walls. The top wall is substantially transparent. A window is positioned in the first side wall and comprises a substantially transparent material. The window has a pair of apertures extending therethrough. Each of a pair of gloves has a wrist portion and a hand portion. Each of the wrist portions is attached to and extending along a perimeter edge of one of the apertures such that each of the gloves extends into housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: John Russell
  • Patent number: 6964366
    Abstract: A mailbox with lighting decorative structure, on an upper face or side face of the mailbox is installed with a lighting fixing structure of a different shape. The lighting fixing structure of different shape is installed with a specified number of lighting boards with different letter fonts or patterns. The lighting board is a combination of plastic optical fibers with letter fonts or patterns or different structures. The lighting fixing structure is connected with a circuit board, a solar energy board and a battery, producing lighting effects to the letter fonts or patterns on the mailbox at nighttime or on cloudy days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Baycom-Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Tsung Peng, Sheng-Te Liu
  • Patent number: 6962284
    Abstract: A seasonally decorative cover for a mailbox has a three dimensional one-piece arched cover body decorated with seasonal symbols and messages and an underside formed with an arcuate recess for snugly receiving the top and opposite sides of the mailbox, so that the cover body can be mounted straddling the mailbox. One version is made of foamed polyurethane and another version is inflatable, having a skin of P.V.C. An anchoring eye for tethering a balloon is formed from the skin material at the top of the body and further anchoring eyes are formed at the bottom of each side for receiving cover securing ties passing under the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventors: Mark E. Hartelius, Laura C. Pacheco