Frame Construction Patents (Class 232/38)
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Patent number: 6929174Abstract: A mailbox includes a housing having a front portion and being formed from transparent material so that a user may view inside the housing from an exterior thereof. A front door is pivotally connected to the housing and preferably includes a transparent portion disposed substantially medially between a perimeter thereof. A cover plate is removably positionable in front of the transparent portion for preventing a person from seeing therethrough and into the housing. A locking mechanism releasably maintains the front door at a closed position. A plurality of members are pivotally connected to the housing and movable between up and down positions for covering the front transparent portion of the housing so that a person cannot see inside the housing when standing at an exterior thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Inventor: Tristan Ly
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Patent number: 6929173Abstract: A decorative cover for a mailbox door includes a sheet that is contoured to fit on the mailbox door. The sheet can include a cut-out to accommodate the mailbox latch. The front surface of the sheet carries a desired graphic, such as a decorative indicia or design. The cover sheet is formed of a material that allows substantially the entire back surface of the sheet to be attached directly to the mailbox cover by an affinity between the cover sheet material and the mailbox cover material. In one embodiment, this affinity is accomplished by magnetism through the use of a magnetic sheet. In an alternative embodiment, the affinity property is electrostatic or static cling.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: J. Carmody, Inc.Inventors: Eric L. Toussant, Jeanne Carmody
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Patent number: 6923367Abstract: A safety mailbox system including a mailbox container integrated with at least one decontaminating mechanism is disclosed. Contaminants may include chemical and biological agents.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Inventors: David Grossman, Robert Schumann
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Patent number: 6845904Abstract: A mailbox which incorporates at least one transparent panel so as to enable a mail carrier or owner to view the contents prior to opening the mailbox includes a main body which is shaped with opposite sides and a curved top portion. The construction of the mailbox also includes a base panel, a front door which is hinged to the base panel, and a rear panel which completes the closure of the mailbox. The rear panel may be configured as a second door, in which case it is hinged to the base panel. Assembled within the main body of the mailbox is a transparent panel which in one embodiment is positioned in the curved top portion of the main body. In alternate embodiments, a transparent panel is assembled into the front door of the mailbox and in yet a further variation, a transparent panel is assembled into the rear panel. A variety of embodiments is disclosed involving a plurality of transparent panels which are arranged in different locations and in different patterns across the main body of the mailbox.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Inventor: Paul J. South
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Patent number: 6827255Abstract: The present invention relates to a security mailbox. The mailbox includes an inner and an outer sleeve which are slidably engaged with one another. Each sleeve has an alternating pattern of an opaque portion and a transparent portion. When the transparent portions are aligned with one another, the user is able to view the contents of the mailbox. The mailbox additionally includes a remote control for activating the power source, which slides the inner sleeve underlying the outer sleeve. In combination with a latch mechanism, this remote control also enables the user to open the mailbox door from a considerable distance away.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Inventors: Mary E. Jenkins, Robert J. Jenkins, III
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Publication number: 20040238616Abstract: Arrangement at a letter- or mailbox (1), having a bottom portion (4), an upper portion (5), a rear side (6), a front side (7) as well as in applicable cases gable-ends (8). The box (1) is provided with a decorrative motive or text for information purposes, separately or in combination.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventor: Mats Cedermarker
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Patent number: 6817080Abstract: A method of fabricating a mailbox is disclosed comprising the steps of obtaining an extruded metal bar having a generally L-shaped cross section defining an elevation flange and a base flange, wherein the length of the elevation flange is selected to correspond to the desired height of the side walls of the mailbox and the length of the base flange is selected to correspond to one-half of the desired width of the mailbox floor. The outside face of the elevation flange has one or more areas shaped as a decorative molding detail to create the appearance of a case mailbox. The base flange has an inside face in a pattern of raised longitudinal ribs that define a grooved surface. The open channel of the mailbox is created by cutting two equal-length billets from the extruded bar, welding them together facing each other, attaching a back pate, a hinged door plate and an ornamental cast metal roof. The appearance of the finished box creates the illusion of a cast metal mailbox.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Spring City Electrical Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Charles Lanyon, James K. Madara, Jr., Richard J. Shreiner
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Patent number: 6811076Abstract: A rural mailbox having a housing with a generally rectangular base member, a roof section positioned over the base member, and side sections depending downwardly from the roof section into engagement with the base member. A back panel is secured to one end of the base member and roof and side sections to close that end of the housing. A door is pivotally mounted on the other end of the housing for rotative movement between an open position exposing the interior of the housing and a closed position isolating the interior of the housing. The door is formed of a clear polycarbonate resin with smooth surfaces providing a transparent door through which any contents of the housing may be viewed from anywhere within a reasonable distance prior to opening the door for retrieval of any such contents while yet providing a door which is tough, strong, shatter resistant, resistant to distortion or other damage from environmental factors, and capable of many years of service.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Safety View, Inc.Inventor: Thomas James Engberg
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Publication number: 20040211827Abstract: An extendable and retractable mailbox tray, which is a sliding, guided tray that is mountable within into a standard, rural mailbox. The tray extends from the mailbox when the mailbox door is opened, and retracts back within the mailbox when the mailbox door is closed. The guided mailbox tray assembly includes a tray, which may be referred to as a “sled.” Preferably, the tray is cut out and bent into the form of a rectangular box from a single sheet of galvanized metal. The tray has a side panel and a runner slot cut within the side panel. A runner with a slot fastener end, and a bracket fastener end that is slidingly mountable into the runner slot. A bracket is mountable to the openable door of the mailbox. The bracket includes a runner fastener that is hingably attachable to the bracket fastener of the runner. The tray extends from the mailbox upon opening the door and the tray retracts back into the mailbox when the door is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventor: Gaylord M. Gunvaldson
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Patent number: 6772939Abstract: A safety mailbox includes a housing having a body portion with an opening therein. A door is attached to the body portion for selectively opening or closing the opening in the housing. The body portion has a plurality of louvers extending therethrough such that air may freely enter and leave the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Inventor: Steven T. Simpson
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Patent number: 6772938Abstract: A mailbox advertisement bonnet dimensioned to fit over and be secured to a conventional mailbox, wherein a durable, waterproof board having a printed public notice and a raised or popped-up region is provided, and wherein the raised or popped-up region gives the mailbox advertising bonnet a three-dimensional quality.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Inventors: Mike Martin, Juanita Martin
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Publication number: 20040089704Abstract: A mailbox cover featuring a three-dimensional object or structure secured thereto is disclosed. The use of three-dimension object being secured to a mailbox will provide for an overall product that adds to the aesthetic appeal of an ordinary product. The object includes a front portion that is secured to the lid of a mailbox and a rear portion that is secured to the back of a mailbox. Each portion is secured via a conventional attaching device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2002Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventor: Douglas Jones
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Patent number: 6729535Abstract: A mailbox having stackable component parts for efficient transport and storage of the parts. The mailbox is sold as a kit of component parts for quick and easy assembly onto a standard 4×4 inch or 6×12 inch post. The mailbox may be fit with a decorative cover and detachable ornamental flag.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: RWL CorporationInventors: Robert W. Lackey, Roy V. Nicholson
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Patent number: 6726089Abstract: A mailbox cover featuring a three-dimensional object or structure secured thereto is disclosed. The use of three-dimension object being secured to a mailbox will provide for an overall product that adds to the aesthetic appeal of an ordinary product. The object includes a front portion that is secured to the lid of a mailbox and a rear portion that is secured to the back of a mailbox. Each portion is secured via a conventional attaching device. Alternatively, a base can be used to secure the second portion to the mailbox. This will provide for the secure portion to be removably secured to the base and thus enable interchangeable objects to be placed on the base and ultimately on the mailbox.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventor: Douglas Jones
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Patent number: 6719193Abstract: A mailbox includes a box having a box wall with a panel opening, the panel opening being fitted with a translucent panel marked with indicia; an electric power source; a light source secured relative to the box and positioned to radiate light from within the box through the translucent panel to enhance visibility of the indicia; and a light source circuit electrically interconnecting the power source and the light source.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventor: Michael A. Katulka
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Patent number: 6708876Abstract: A solar powered lighted mailbox for identifying more easily the addresses of houses or homes. The solar powered lighted mailbox includes a mail-receiving assembly including a box having walls and an open front end, and also including a door being hingedly attached to the box and being closable over the open front end; and also includes an address display assembly being mounted to the box and including racks being attached to the box; and further includes a light-emitting assembly being mounted to the box for emitting light.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Joseph C. Shirah
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Publication number: 20040020979Abstract: This improvement of the typical mailbox incorporates a transparent window into both the door and rear panel. This would be accomplished by removing opaque material used in the construction of the mailbox and substituting polymethyl metharcylate secured with rivets or rubber gasket.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2002Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventor: Gary Marc Roseman
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Publication number: 20040011863Abstract: A terrorist-resistant mailbox with at least certain components which are substantially transparent or translucent. Such components facilitate the visualization of contents of the mailbox without requiring that the mailbox actually be opened, and thereby risk injury to a postal customer or postal worker by opening a mailbox in which resides a harmful product or parcel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventor: Terry W. Brooks
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Publication number: 20030213837Abstract: A mailbox is constructed of a transparent material. The transparent material used in the mailbox construction allows for visual inspection of the interior of the mailbox. Thus dangerous objects that may be placed in the mailbox such as pipe bombs can be detected and injury avoided. The amount of transparent material, as opposed to non-transparent material used in construction may vary; thus the mailbox may only be partially constructed of transparent material provided the amount of transparent material still allows for visual inspection of the mailbox interior. In addition the mailbox may be provided with an inspection port or window that allows visual inspection of the interior.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventor: Ray H. Morgan
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Patent number: 6644543Abstract: A delivery receptacle has an upper compartment having a greater depth dimension than the lower compartment, with back walls of the upper and lower compartments being substantially aligned, such that the upper compartment has an extended front section with respect to a front wall of the lower compartment to permit a bricked-in installation of the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventors: Bobbie J. Cox, Charles W. Langley, David E. Rankin, David S. Wick, Oscar P. Roper, Dale R. Westerfield
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Publication number: 20030205614Abstract: A mailbox configured to allow visual inspection of the contents thereof prior to opening the mailbox device. The mailbox device can include one or more see-through portions and/or components thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Walter F. Klima, William L. Klima
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Patent number: 6619541Abstract: A mailbox advertisement bonnet, wherein a durable, waterproof advertising board carrying a printed public notice thereon is provided, and wherein the mailbox advertisement bonnet is dimensioned to fit over and be secured to a conventional mailbox.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Inventors: Mike Martin, Juanita Martin
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Publication number: 20030168506Abstract: A mailbox includes a box having a box wall with a panel opening, the panel opening being fitted with a translucent panel marked with indicia; an electric power source; a light source secured relative to the box and positioned to radiate light from within the box through the translucent panel to enhance visibility of the indicia; and a light source circuit electrically interconnecting the power source and the light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2002Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventor: Michael A. Katulka
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Publication number: 20030127504Abstract: A system for protecting cluster mailboxes such as neighborhood delivery and collection box units (NDCBU's) and Cluster Box Units (CBU's)from vandalism or theft of the mail. A custom-fit protective gate is built and installed around the mail carrier access doors of a cluster mailbox. The protective gate is built to aesthetically blend in with the neighborhood environment and may include decorative accoutrements such as decorative screening. Further, the system provides a means to install USPTO locks thereby providing uniform access by mail carriers. Even further, the system provides for double nesting doors to access a flat wall unit collection box, such that users may have secured access to individual mailboxes and a mail person may have secured master access to all mailboxes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2003Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventor: Richard D. Hill
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Publication number: 20030057268Abstract: A mailbox advertisement bonnet dimensioned to fit over and be secured to a conventional mailbox, wherein a durable, waterproof board having a printed public notice and a raised or popped-up region is provided, and wherein the raised or popped-up region gives the mailbox advertising bonnet a three-dimensional quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Mike Martin, Juanita Martin
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Publication number: 20030057267Abstract: A mailbox advertisement bonnet, wherein a durable, waterproof advertising board carrying a printed public notice thereon is provided, and wherein the mailbox advertisement bonnet is dimensioned to fit over and be secured to a conventional mailbox.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Mike Martin, Juanita Martin
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Patent number: 6474543Abstract: A mailbox assembly includes a mailbox housing having a base plate with exterior side walls connected to an exterior roof panel and interior side walls connected to an interior roof panel. The interior roof panel and side walls are inwardly spaced from corresponding exterior structures for defining a chamber therebetween. The front end of the chamber is closed whereas a rear end thereof is open. A sealing plate may be removably positioned so as to seal the open rear end such that the chamber may be filled with a liquid or other articles. The base plate includes rails slidable along guide channels of a bracket mountable to a mailbox support post such that the housing may be slidably removed therefrom. A locking plate is dimensioned to cover the open back of the mailbox housing and to be releasably coupled to the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventor: Athina Grell
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Publication number: 20020092901Abstract: A mailbox cover apparatus consisting of a sheet having at least two opposing edges that a are adapted to removably yet securely maintain the sheet intimately over the mailbox. The opposing edges are adapted to engage the mailbox at a bottom thereof such that the engaging means does not interfere with the aesthetics of the cover. In addition, the mailbox cover may also be adapted to display both surfaces thereof interchangeably as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventor: Victoria Paschal
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Patent number: 6308884Abstract: A system and method of attaching a flag display to a mailbox in a manner that enables the flag display to hang below the mailbox. The system includes a flag display that has a length equivalent to the sum of the combined lengths of the two sides of the mailbox and the front of the mailbox. The top edge of the flag display attaches to the exterior of the mailbox, near its base. The flag display attaches to the mailbox using hook and loop material or some other equivalent fastening means. The flag display hangs down from the base of the mailbox while maintaining the generally rectangular configuration of the mailbox base. At the bottom of the flag display, the flag display is either weighted or anchored to the mailbox post.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Inventor: Robert Hamburger
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Patent number: 6296180Abstract: A postal box covering for protecting a postal box from the elements of weather. The postal box covering includes a plurality of elongate members. Each of the elongate members has a longitudinal axis. Each of the elongate members has a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a first end and a second end. The elongate members are generally oriented parallel to each other. The elongate members are between a first and a second elongate member. A plurality of straps bind the elongate members together. Each of the straps is adjacent to each of the second sides of the elongate members. A plurality of fastening devices fasten the straps to the elongate members. A plurality of mountings are fixedly coupled to the first and second elongate members. A plurality of brackets have a base portion and two arm members extending therefrom. The arm members are oriented generally parallel to each other and are spaced. One of the arm members is releasably coupled to each of the mountings.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Clarence E. Blizzard
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Patent number: 6234387Abstract: A mail box insert that includes a decorative facade plate and that is insertable into an existing mail receiving compartment of an existing mail box housing and secured in place to refurbish the appearance of the existing mail box. The mail box insert is held in place with opposed securing screw assemblies that generate a compressional force against the inner surfaces of the existing mail box sidewalls.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventors: Julius Cuthbert, Gilda V. Cuthbert
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Patent number: 5984172Abstract: An ornamental and protective cover for a freestanding mailbox is provided which includes a sheet presenting a pair of opposed sides, a front panel presenting a passage for mail to be inserted into the mailbox, and a rear panel, the front and rear panels being connected to and interconnecting the sides. The sides and front and rear panels preferably extend downwardly a common length to their respective bottom margins to enclose a region therein. The cover may be provided with decorative and informative indicia. Moreover, the cover, which is preferably of flexible synthetic resin material, may be opaque, transparent or translucent, with cut out openings and windows of transparent material provided over the openings. A light fixture or audio source may be provided within the enclosed region. The cover may be retained in position over the freestanding mailbox by weights attached adjacent the bottom margin or the use of a drawstring to pull the bottom margin of the sides of the cover together.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Inventor: Rodney T. Easterwood
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Patent number: 5845843Abstract: A tray-like member extends horizontally outward from a vertically oriented panel and is hingedly attached to the panel to be swung upward to a closed position to form a box-like enclosure having an opening at the top. A lid is also hingedly attached to the panel for closing the top opening. A latch is provided interior of the enclosure for holding the tray member in the closed position until manually swung open and a releasable mechanism is provided on the underside of the lid to prevent the enclosure from being pulled open while the lid is closed. Further, a key-operated plunger lock can be attached to releasably lock the tray member in the closed position while the lid is closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Inventor: Merrill Kuller
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Patent number: 5664748Abstract: A mail box mounting bracket for securing multiple size mail boxes to a variety of post mounting configurations. The mounting bracket has a plurality of removable elements that are used to adapt the bracket to different size mail boxes. The mounting bracket has depending post engagement flanges and multiple apertured mounting lugs for alternate mounting configurations to different post engagement alignments required.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1995Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: Steel City CorporationInventors: Stephen Speece, Charles Richard Nestor
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Patent number: 5575422Abstract: The invention is an aluminum or plastic extruded vandal proof mailbox. In one embodiment mailboxes produced by the process of extruding aluminum or plastic through a mold that produces the body of the mailbox. Then attaching the back and the front door to the mailbox. In another embodiment the body is made in two pieces, the bottom piece and the top piece. The bottom and top are then attached together to form the body. Then the front and the back are attached to form the mailbox. In the preferred embodiment the bodies inter wall is reinforced by several reinforcement ribbons. This mailbox is made by the process of extruding aluminum or plastic through a mold that is designed to make the rib reinforcement in the body of the mailbox. Then reinforcement ribs on the end of the back and the front of the mailbox are router out a short distance and then the back and front of the mailbox are attached to the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1994Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Inventor: Glenn Peterman
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Patent number: 5562332Abstract: A lobby table (10) for use in a post office lobby is described. The lobby table has lockable boxes (14) which are mounted together and spaced apart by front and back horizontal spacers (64 and 66). A counter top (12) is mounted on the uppermost horizontal row of lockable boxes and is supported by the underlying lockable boxes. The lockable boxes have a top wall (14A), a bottom wall (14B) and two sidewalls (14C) which form a front opening (14D) which allows access to the interior of the lockable box. The perimeter of the front opening is surrounded by a frame (30) formed by a top frame member (32), a bottom frame member (34), a right frame member (36) and a left frame member (38). The lockable box can also be provided with a central wall and a center frame member (42) in order to provide right and left small boxes (24 and 26).Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1994Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: HSS Industries, Inc.Inventor: George F. Stacy
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Patent number: 5435483Abstract: A mail box jacket is fabricated of rubber and comprises a cover formed in a generally planar rectangular configuration with parallel long side edges and parallel front and rear edges. The cover includes coupling devices which are positioned upon the long side edges of the cover. In the inoperative orientation the cover lies in a flat planar configuration. In the operative orientation the cover is contoured to fit snugly around the exterior of a mailbox.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1994Date of Patent: July 25, 1995Inventor: Catherine M. Cox
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Patent number: 5346125Abstract: A designer mailbox with removable decorative side plates comprising a lower base plate in a generally rectangular configuration with parallel side edges and parallel front and rear edges; a semi-cylindrical roof panel having parallel lower edges located above the side edges of the base plate and extending from the front edge to the rear edge of the base plate; a pair of parallel planar interior side walls parallel with the side edges of the base plate and extending upwardly from the base plate at locations spaced inwardly from the side edges, the interior side walls having upper edges formed integrally with the roof panel interiorly of its lower edges; a pair of parallel exterior side walls extending upwardly from the side edges of the base plate to the lower edges of the roof panel and spaced a distance outwardly from the interior wall to thereby form generally rectangular spaces between the interior and exterior side walls; an opening in each exterior side wall extending from a horizontal lower edge paralleType: GrantFiled: February 18, 1994Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Inventor: Randolph T. Critzer, Sr.
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Patent number: 5337954Abstract: A bracket (10) is utilized to mount a mailbox (11) to a wide variety of stanchion configurations (39, 41, 42). The bracket (10) includes opposed side walls (18), opposed end walls (20) and a bottom surface which includes rib members (25). Spaced flanges (35) depend from the bottom of the rib members (25) and have aligned bores (37) therein permitting the bracket (10) to be mounted to a stanchion (42) of one configuration. Apertures (38) in the flanges (35) permit the bracket (10) to be mounted to stanchions (39, 41) of other configurations. Lug members (22) on the side walls (18) are received in apertures (55) in flanges (48) depending from the bottom wall (47) of the mailbox (11) to attach the mailbox (11) to the bracket (10). Holes (56) formed in the flanges (48) and holes (57) formed in additional flanges (52) depending from the bottom wall (47) of the mailbox (11) allow the mailbox (11) to be directly affixed to various stanchion configurations.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1992Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: Rubbermaid IncorporatedInventors: Albert T. Kobilarcik, William T. Stephens
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Patent number: 5207378Abstract: A mailbox decorative attachment being a flat sheet which is cut out to form a pictorial or silouetted representation and which is adhered to the curved outer surface of the mailbox and in which a portion of the pictorial representation projects outside, and may be under, above or around the mailbox configuration to form a substantial three-dimensional part of the picture.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1991Date of Patent: May 4, 1993Inventor: Susan L. M. Detchon
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Patent number: 5106016Abstract: A decorative mailbox cover adapted to fit a standard street mounted postal box wherein the decorative cover is formed of a flexible sheet, and wherein the cover provides for a cut out guide on its inner left side for the proper positioning of a slot to be fitted over the mailbox flag and adhesive strips positioned in a longitudinal direction along its inner edges for securing the cover to the mailbox.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1991Date of Patent: April 21, 1992Assignee: McCalla/Lackey CorporationInventor: Robert C. Beckmann
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Patent number: 5067650Abstract: A mailbox protector comprising a deformable cover adapted to be attached to at least the upwardly facing surface of a mailbox; a reservoir inside the cover adapted to confine a liquid, non-toxic dye; and ports adapted for expelling dye from the reservoir upon the application of a crushing blow to the cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1990Date of Patent: November 26, 1991Inventors: Mark G. Jones, Tommy T. Wright
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Patent number: 5054685Abstract: A clad mailbox includes a main housing and at least one side panel, a bottom panel and an end panel. The side panel forms an arcuate roof over the bottom panel and, together, the side panel, bottom panel, and end panel form the mailbox enclosure. A lid may be pivotably mounted to the side panel or bottom panel for opening and closing the mailbox. A track is mounted on the outer face of one of the panels of the housing. Cladding is received on and positively retained to that panel. More particularly, the cladding includes a guide groove cooperatively shaped to be received over and engaged by the track so as to hold the cladding in proper alignment and position on the panel.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1990Date of Patent: October 8, 1991Inventor: Dan V. Roach
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Patent number: 5035356Abstract: A decorative natural wood covering structure overlying an out of doors exposed mailbox.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1990Date of Patent: July 30, 1991Inventor: Ray L. Granger
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Patent number: 5000379Abstract: A rectangular paper or plastic film sheet has a pressure sensitive backing for sticking onto the curved top and sides of a regulation mailbox. The front face is imprinted with decorative graphics arranged to be seen from both sides. Below each graphic is imprinted an elongate address bar for receiving stick-on letters and numbers supplied in a color contrasting with the address bar for enhanced visibility. Partially cut through portions of the cover may be torn away to admit the indicating flag. The system is adapted for application without tools or special skills and enough letters and numbers are provided for identification of the mailbox as recommended by postal authorities.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1990Date of Patent: March 19, 1991Inventor: Benjamin R. LaRue
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Patent number: 4991769Abstract: A removable rural or suburban mailbox cover is characterized by a flexible covering having messages or images imprinted on one side. The cover is constructed with cut outs so as not to interfere with the delivery flag, hinges and latching device of the mailbox. The cover is affixed to the mailbox through magnetic strips or by fastening devices inserted through holes in the cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1989Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Mailwraps, Inc.Inventor: Curtis L. Todd
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Patent number: 4932587Abstract: Apparatus that enables easy retrieval of mail from a rural mailbox is disclosed. A horizontally disposed mail-supporting member, which may be the bottom of the box itself or an insertable tray, is arranged to be tilted by pivoting around a transverse axis so that the rear of the member may be placed in an elevated position with respect to the front, thus allowing mail located on the member to slide downward and outward. Mail-catching means in the form of a wall around the periphery of and on the inside of the door holds the mail in position for grasping and keeps it from falling to the ground. A stop means such as a limited-motion hinge is provided to limit downward movement of the door. For the tilting mailbox embodiment, the mailbox is pivotally mounted on a platform so as to allow the entire box to be tilted downward and forward.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1989Date of Patent: June 12, 1990Inventor: E. Stanley Robbins
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Patent number: 4905892Abstract: A mailbox for receiving delivered mail includes a housing and a post for mounting the box to the ground. A door is connected to a shaft rotatably secured to the bottom edge of a door opening, and the door extends beyond the opening into a tail portion. A part of the housing floor is formed from a resilient material so that the door is normally stopped thereby upon opening. Should the door be forced further, the material will yield to allow the door to swing below the box to prevent damage. A security latch, hidden beneath the housing, includes a leaf spring normally positioned behind the door tail portion to prevent its opening. The spring may be moved into a slot in the door shaft, where the spring cooperates with a notch in the door to permit its opening. Upon closing of the door, the spring is released to its normal position, whereupon the door is again held shut. The flag target is carried at the end of a flag shaft that is rotatably and slidably secured to the housing interior.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1989Date of Patent: March 6, 1990Inventor: Glenn N. Fischer
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Patent number: 4901913Abstract: A mailbox for receiving delivered mail includes a housing and a post for mounting the box to the ground. A door is connected to a shaft rotatably secured to the bottom edge of a door opening, and the door extends beyond the opening into a tail portion. A part of the housing floor is formed from a resilient material so that the door is normally stopped thereby upon opening. Should the door be forced further, the material will yield to allow the door to swing below the box to prevent damage. A security latch, hidden beneath the housing, includes a leaf spring normally positioned behind the door tail portion to prevent its opening. The spring may be moved into a slot in the door shaft, where the spring cooperates with a notch in the door to permit its opening. Upon closing of the door, the spring is released to its normal position, whereupon the door is again held shut. The flag target is carried at the end of a flag shaft that is rotatably and slidably secured to the housing interior.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1989Date of Patent: February 20, 1990Inventor: Glenn N. Fischer
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Patent number: D338765Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1991Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Inventor: Gregory J. Hohlbein