Abstract: The combination of a mounting post base, a first accessory that is removably mountable in an operative position to the mounting post base to perform a first function, and a second accessory that is removably mountable in an operative position to the mounting post base in place of the first accessory to perform a second function. The first and second accessories can be selectively mounted to the mounting post base, one in place of the other, to perform a desired function.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A mailbox housing and support device and a method for forming. A sheet of acrylic is heated to make it formable and stretched over a male mold to create a housing and support for a stand alone mailbox. The high gloss finish and aesthetically pleasing side of the acrylic is external as a result of the thermoforming of the acrylic sheet over a male mold and the application of a vacuum within the male mold and to bring the heated sheet into tight engagement therewith. Slight angling of the upstanding walls of the male mold allows it to be easily extracted after cooling down of the acrylic sheet. Another embodiment of the present invention incorporates a bulbous upper portion that uses shaping forms that are easily detached from the male mold upon withdrawal of the mold.

Abstract: A newspaper delivery receptacle having a generally elongated tubular shape with a bottom wall, top wall and vertical side walls an open front end for receipt of newspapers, printer material and the like. The newspaper delivery receptacle is securable to a mounting post and has a plurality of space apart snaps which extend from an exterior surface of the receptacle and a mounting bracket having a plurality of openings which engage the snaps to fixedly secure the receptacle to the bracket.

Abstract: Mailbox construction where an integral sleeve mount allows for easy installation over a user-supplied support, creating an interference fit without use of fasteners. The sleeve mount can be expandable to provide a mechanical bias, and can include friction materials, adhesives, knife mounts, or stab mounts. Angular deviation of the mailbox about a vertical axis is reduced or eliminated relative to prior art mounting schemes.

Abstract: A one-piece upright hollow vending cabinet is formed by rotomolding a thermoplastics material and includes an upper portion supported by an integrally connected lower portion. The upper portion has internal walls defining a first chamber for receiving a stack of paper publications, and a pivotal front door provides access to the chamber and publications. The lower portion of the cabinet defines a second chamber for receiving a flowable ballast material such as sand or gravel, and includes a flared base portion having a bottom wall with an inverted funnel portion. The funnel portion has a top port for pouring the ballast material into the second chamber when the box is inverted, and a removable plug closes the port.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A security mailbox for preventing theft of mail from one's mailbox. The security mailbox includes a container having side walls, a top wall, front and back walls, and a bottom wall and including a compartment inside thereof, and a slot extending in the front wall near the top wall for depositing mail into the container, and an opening in a side wall thereof, and also includes a flag member pivotally mounted to the container, a door member lockingly attached over the opening, and further includes a door member being pivotally mounted inside the container proximate to the slot and having at least one door member which swingingly closes access to the compartment through the slot.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A mailbox post includes a movable joint, an elastic element connected to said post at two locations, one on each side of the joint, supportive against tension force between the two locations and connected to the post at a third location between the two locations, supportive against twisting force on the joint.

Abstract: A variable position mailbox comprising an automatically controlled mailbox support structure for translating a mailbox through a series of preset positions including a night storage position, a mail delivery position, and a mail pick-up position such that mail may be retrieved safely and conveniently by the homeowner away from the traffic bearing road, and the mailbox may be conveniently stored in a position away from the road during the nighttime to discourage vandalism.

Abstract: A adjustable mailbox extender for permitting adjustable extension of a mailbox from its support post. The adjustable mailbox extender includes an elongate bottom track designed for attachment to a support structure and a top track slidably mounted on the bottom track to permit sliding of the top track in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the bottom track. The top portion of the top track is designed for attaching a mailbox thereto adjacent a first end of the top track.

Abstract: A masonry mailbox assembly including a masonry shell, a mailbox liner encased within the shell and a mailbox insert disposed within the mailbox liner. The mailbox insert can be removably secured within the mailbox liner so that the mailbox can be replaced without dismantling the masonry shell. Also disclosed is a mailbox face for use as the mailbox insert in place of a complete mailbox. the mailbox face includes a mailbox door pivotally mounted to a flange and can be used to repair existing masonry mailboxes with a damaged mailbox insert.

Abstract: A modular precast decorative security mailbox column has a base, a midsection, and a top section stacked on one another to define a completed column. The midsection of the column defines an interior compartment and mail deposited through the mail receptacle of the column falls into the interior compartment where it can be retrieved through a rear door in the midsection. The decorative mailbox column is thus economical to install, attractive in appearance, and provides security and privacy against thief and mail tampering.

Abstract: A mailbox stand comprising a post having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end capable of ground insertion; a shelf slidably mounted onto the post, the shelf comprising a proximal end, two exterior sides, a bottom side, a top side, a cover and an aperture extending therethrough, the aperture complementary to a shape of the post for engaging the post; and a support structure coupled to the bottom side of the shelf and in communication with the grooved exterior of the post.

Abstract: A mailbox stand is provided including a vertical post with a bottom end mounted within a shoulder of a road. Also included is a horizontal rod mounted on the vertical post and adapted to rotate about a vertical axis. Next provided is a mail box mounted on an outboard end of the horizontal rod.

Abstract: A chimney is constructed from a plurality of precast chimney blocks. Each of the chimney blocks is of unitary construction and contains one or more decorative surfaces having the appearance of a simulated brick or stone pattern. The chimney blocks are made of a hardenable construction material that is poured into a mold containing a plurality of cavities and projections which form the decorative pattern that is projected onto the surfaces of the formed chimney block. The chimney blocks are stackable so that they may be used to construct chimneys of varying heights. Multiple chimney blocks are stacked upon one another and secured together using mortar or other material capable of holding the blocks firmly in place.

Abstract: A mailbox support post for supporting a mailbox a predetermined distance above the ground, and including a ground engaging portion, an upright portion, a mailbox support shelf extending outward from the upright portion, and a brace between the mailbox support shelf and the upright portion. The mailbox support post is fabricated of an expanded foam core within a solid plastic shell.

Abstract: A mailbox assembly is provided which includes a resiliently deflectable support structure and an upper mailbox portion. The resiliently deflectable support structure is preferably unitarily formed to include an generally vertical support member and a generally horizontal support member. The generally vertical support member and the generally horizontal support member are similarly constructed to include a rubber outer skin and a longitudinally extending coil spring.

Abstract: A pivoting mailbx post is provided having a mailbox support arm that can be pivoted 360 degrees and easily returned to its normal resting position. It has an adjustment nut that allows increased tension on mailbox support arm for various weather conditions. At all times the support arm is maintained in a horizontal position and does not tilt. The homeowner can swing support arm completely around to empty contents without venturing into the street and traffic. This invention can be easily assembled and transported by the majority of homeowners. The pivoting mailbox will also have the ability to have damaged parts replaced.

Abstract: A mailbox stand comprising a vertical support sleeve; a vertical extension shaft rotatably and vertically adjustably mounted within and extending vertically from the upper opening of the bore of the vertical support sleeve; a support arm pivotally attached to the upper end of the vertical extension shaft; a mailbox attachment bracket fixedly attached to the support arm; a first breakaway plate fixedly attached to the lower end of the vertical support sleeve; a second breakaway plate fixedly attached to the lower surface of the first breakaway plate by means of threaded bolts; and a breakaway plate support shaft fixedly attached to and extending downward from the lower surface of the second breakaway plate.

Abstract: A mailbox mounting device which returns to its original position after side impact being comprised substantially of a horizontal mounting member, a base plate, a cylindrical cap, a spacer mounting plate, and resilient means for retarding the said cylindrical cap from rotating out of place. The cylindrical cap is affixed to the horizontal mounting member by a pin which fits through a hole in the cylindrical cap and through a hole contained in the cylindrical pivot shaft portion of the horizontal mounting member. This locks these two items in place and permits the base plate and the spacer mounting plate which are attached together to rotate about the horizontal mounting member. The base plate and spacer mounting plate are prevented from rotating more than 90 degrees after side impact by the use of two pivot stopping pins which impact the cap pivot stopping pin as the base plate is rotated.

Abstract: A mailbox unit comprising a hollow housing member mounted on a support member affixed to a base. Hinges are connected to the housing member and support member for allowing the mailbox to tilt upon being struck by a damaging lateral force. The base has a bottom that comprises a beveled outer portion that converges downward defining a generally conical shape with a flat center portion which permits the mailbox unit to rock after being subjected to a damaging lateral force.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A molded plastic mailbox is comprised of a series of component parts which are snap fitted and screwed together, including a hollow, vertical post with a first, upper end designed to be maintained above ground level and a second, lower end which is designed to support the post and mailbox below ground level. The upper end of the post includes a lug, which supports and receives a molded plastic platform upon which a molded plastic mailbox cover and doors are mounted. An optional newspaper chute may be attached to the lower side of the platform.

Abstract: A mailbox support post for supporting a mailbox a predetermined distance above the ground, and including a ground engaging portion, an upright portion, a mailbox support shelf extending outward from the upright portion, and a brace between the mailbox support shelf and the upright portion. The mailbox support post is fabricated of an expanded foam core within a solid plastic shell.

Abstract: A mail, newspaper and parcel delivery system (10) for receiving postal service mail delivered, and to be delivered, by a governmental postal authority and for receiving direct delivery items and packages. The delivery system (10) includes a postal service mail receptacle (26) for receiving postal service mail, and a housing (12) defining a mail receptacle compartment (24) for receiving and housing the postal service mail receptacle (26). The housing (12) also defines a direct delivery compartment (58) for receiving direct delivery items and a package delivery compartment (76) for receiving large packages. In one embodiment the delivery system (10') includes an incoming mail receptacle (26') and an outgoing mail receptacle (98), both housed in the mail receptacle compartment (24').

Abstract: A swinging mailbox support including a vertical post having a horizontal arm and brace disposed thereon wherein a mailbox is affixed to an end portion of the horizontal arm and furthermore the vertical post comprises two portions pivotably interconnected and tending to maintain a neutral initial state by the action of two opposing springs anchored to the ground on either die of the post. A pair of shields are provided to protect the mailbox from direct impact and additionally provide a surface for application of street numbers or other information. In operation the post supporting the mailbox is free to rotate about a central axis in the event of a collision with a vehicle or other object wherein springs restore the mailbox to an initial disposition thereafter.

Abstract: A support arrangement for supporting an object above ground level is designed to reduce hazards for passing motorists. The support arrangement includes an above-ground portion rigidly connected to an in-ground portion by a frangible connector assembly. The above-ground portion can include a generally horizontally extending portion for supporting an object in a cantilevered manner. The horizontally extending portion is formed as part of a moveable portion connected to a generally vertically extending fixed portion by a rotatable connector assembly. The support arrangement is designed to bend and break away in a predetermined manner when impacted and, if it does not break, the rotatable connector is designed to permit the moveable portion to be pulled free and thrown clear of the vehicle. If only the cantilevered object is impacted, the object and moveable portion can rotate out of the path of the impacting force. Once the impacting force has passed, the moveable portion will return to an at-rest position.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a mailbox to a supporting structure. The inventive device includes a coupling assembly securable to a bottom of a mailbox to be mounted. A mounting assembly depends for the coupling assembly for securing the mailbox to a supporting structure, such as a post, a piercable surface, or poured concrete.

Abstract: A multi-functional mailbox having a mail housing. The mail housing has a recessed flat bottom and an arched top. A mail housing lid is hingedly secured to the open first end of the mail housing. The device has a newspaper housing dimensioned to be received within a recessed bottom of the mail housing. A newspaper housing lid is hingedly secured to the newspaper housing. A sliding indicator means is secured within the newspaper housing lid. The sliding indicator means has a first position indicating the presence of mail and a second position indicating the absence of mail.

Abstract: Protective device for a mail box for protection against snow plow debris and vandalism which is made of a strong sheet-like material having a horizontal shelf with preformed apertures for supporting and engaging the mail box and also engaging the ground anchoring member for the mail box. Contiguous to the shelf on one side is a vertically upward shroud facing oncoming traffic and on the other side of a shelf a contiguous downwardly extending skirt is provided. The outer surfaces of the shroud and skirt may have indicia thereon.

Abstract: A rotatable mailbox mounting assembly which when permanently mounted on an existing round or square support post or extended arm, with a mailbox mounted thereupon, will allow the mailbox to be rotated 360 degrees in either direction. The mailbox is held in a firm mail receiving position by a ball detent mechanism. The mechanism consists of one spring and two balls opposite one another The spring forces the balls into two detent grooves, thus holding the mailbox firmly in a mail receiving position. When a predetermined force is exerted on the front or rear of the mailbox, the spring-loaded balls are forced out of their "home" or detent position, thus allowing the mailbox to be rotated so that the mail can be retrieved from the rear, thereby avoiding the need to walk onto a roadway to retrieve mail. The unit is compact, fitting neatly into the recess in the bottom of all commercially manufactured mailboxes. The materials used and design make it durable and low-maintenance.

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

Abstract: A mailbox assembly, includes an upstanding post, installable alongside a roadway, and a mailbox support structure swingably supported on the post, for rotation in a horizontal plane, is described. In the event that a vehicle should leave the roadway and crash into the mailbox, the support structure will swing out of the vehicle path to prevent destruction of the mailbox or support structure. The support structure includes a vertical shaft that is releasably retained in a normal operating position in which the mailbox is accessible to the driver of a vehicle. The support structure can be deflected rotationally by a vehicle crash force, but is resistant to smaller forces, e.g. wind forces or manual forces.

Abstract: A decorative pivoting mailbox assembly for road-side use which is less susceptible to damage from snow plows or automobiles. The assembly is attached to any standard vertical mailbox post and forms a platform for attaching the mailbox. Once the mailbox is attached, the invention acts as a self-centering hinge which allows the mailbox to swing in excess of 90 degrees from its original position to either side. It then returns via a spring, gravity and inherent hinge design to its original position. At all times, the mailbox is kept in a horizontal attitude and does not tilt. This invention allows the mailbox to be cantilevered out over the street to assist in mail insertion yet allows the homeowner to swing it sideways and empty the contents without venturing into the street and traffic.

Abstract: A retractable and extendable mail box comprising a vertical support disposed adjacent and spaced from the side of a road, a horizontal support member mounted on the vertical support and extending toward the road, a platform hingedly connected to the horizontal support member, a mail box mounted on the platform, a spring and shock absorber to extend and retract the platform and associated mail box, and a semi-rigid pull member attached to the mail box and having a free end extending in a arc such that, in a retracted position of the mail box, the free end of the pull member is disposed at a position in the road or on the road's edge to which a snowbank or other physical barrier extends and blocks access to the retracted mail box, whereby, when the pull member is pulled downwardly, the platform and associated mail box are extended to an access position across the snowbank or other barrier.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotatable post-arm assembly in combination with a rotatable protective cladding-rural mailbox assembly, wherein the post-arm assembly is movable axially and the arm serves as a mounting device and axle for the protective cladding-rural mailbox assembly, the latter of which is movable radially, upon the application of an outside force, and the combination is self-righting to its original position upon the removal of such outside force, whereby the combination protects the mailbox from damage by vandals, weather, snowplows, errant drivers and the like, and provides a measure of safety for the user upon retrieval of mail therefrom.

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

Abstract: A mailbox rotatable to any one of a plurality of orientations comprising, a top plate having an upper surface and a lower surface and with apertures therethrough and with supplemental apertures; a bottom plate in a generally configuration having an upper surface and a lower surface and with apertures therethrough and with supplemental apertures; a upper disk having an upper surface and a lower surface and with apertures extending therethrough for coupling the upper surface of the upper disk to the lower surface of the top plate through the supplemental apertures, the lower surface of the disk being provided with a downwardly extending projection at a predetermined distance from the axis of the upper disk; a lower disk having a thickness greater than that of the upper disk and with a central bore therethrough, the bore being of a greater diameter in its lower extent to create a shoulder intermediate the upper and lower surfaces; apertures formed adjacent to the periphery of the lower disk for securing the lowe

Abstract: The top door of the letter locker mailbox covers both the incoming mail chute, and the outgoing mail tray. This configuration provides the mail carrier with one or two less significant arm movements in servicing the mailbox. The door, chute and tray are weather protected by a solid, two inch weather shield. The top door is secured by a full length one inch magnetic strip. The bottom mail receiving and storage compartment is secured by a locking door, secured at the top center by a mail handling utility lock. The door is protected from theft by prying, by the weather security shield above, and weather security shields on both sides. The bottom door stainless steel rod hinge is permanent, secured in the assembly at the time of manufacturing, and cannot be pried. The construction and design of the entire mailbox is a unique, superior improvement. The entire compartment of the mailbox is constructed of Electro-galvanzied steel, 4 to 6 gauges heavier than comparable mailboxes.

Abstract: A mail box post mount that is a frame for mounting a mail box onto a top of an upright square or rectangular post having a top surface that includes a pair of parallel brackets that each receive ends of a pair of spaced bars that are mounted at right angles thereto forming a rectangular frame. The parallel brackets each include a web member with parallel flanges that each extend from the bracket edges, to receive the bar ends fitted and mounted therebetween with each bar including hole or holes formed therethrough for passing fastener therethrough and into the post top end. One of which bars is preferably movable along the parallel brackets to provide for adjusting of the spacing distance between which for mounting to different dimensions of pole ends, with the parallel brackets each including a hole or holes formed therethrough for receiving a fastener fitted therein that has passed through a side or a mail box, for mounting the mail box thereto.

Abstract: A mounting pedestal for different postal boxes comprises a base member, a vertical support column and a top member, the top member having two sets of bolt receiving apertures and a rectangular receiving pocket with side walls containing pairs of bolt receiving apertures. The device is connectable to multiple types of postal boxes whether such boxes have planar bottoms or depending male mating structures.

Abstract: A modular mailbox housing assembly includes at least one hollow unitary base module for being positioned on a supporting surface. A hollow unitary mailbox-holding module is positioned on top of the at least one base module. The mailbox-holding module has an opening formed in a sidewall thereof of a size and shape to receive and enclose into the hollow area of the mailbox-holding module the top, bottom and closed end of a standard roadside mailbox with the door of the mailbox exposed on a sidewall of the mailbox-holding module for access by users. A cap is positioned on top of the mailbox-holding module for enclosing the top of the mailbox housing assembly. A locking flange locks the at least one base module and the mailbox-holding module in vertical registration with each other.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing mailbox mounting assembly. The device includes an anchor with a head and a hollow shank, a locking nut, a nail, and a coiled spring. The mailbox is centered on a support beam with its opposing side flanges spaced apart from each side of the beam. The anchor is inserted through one of the side flanges and the locking nut is secured to the anchor, holding the anchor in fixed position against the flange. The spring is placed around the shank of the anchor, between the locking nut and the beam. The nail is driven through the anchor into the beam. The mailbox is attached to the beam by a plurality of such devices, preferably two on each side. When struck, the mailbox slides laterally on the nails but is returned to its nominal position by the restoring action of the springs.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mail access section sufficiently dimensioned for receiving and supporting letters and packages for pickup and delivery by a mail carrier. A mail containment section supports the access section above the ground and receives the mail which is inserted through the access section. The combined length of the access section and containment section are selected so that someone cannot reach through the access section down into the mail containment section. However, the access section is appropriately dimensioned so that mail can be easily placed or tossed into the containment portion. In a alternative embodiment of the invention, a slidable table is located within the access section to provide additional storage space for outgoing packages allowing the structure to operate as a normal, non-security mailbox. In addition, a multi-user security mailbox is described that can be used for multiple residences.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A post system having a capability for aligning and maintaining a post thereof to a vertical attitude during installation that consists of a post adjustable mounting which, in one embodiment, is a pair of interactive tapered washers for arrangement as a stack, and in a second embodiment is a ball segment and seat, with both of which embodiments for clamping together utilizing a single bolt fastener for arrangement between a ground stake top surface and a post bottom end or post insert base. The relative positioning of which tapered washers to one another or the positioning of the ball segment in the seat to provide an off-set from a straight line through which post adjustable mounting, allowing the post itself or the post insert to be angled relative to the top of the ground stake.

Abstract: An improved mailbox support (10) includes a sectional post (12) interconnected by a resilient coupling (20).

Abstract: A ground-mounted upright mailbox is provided for receiving and storing therein postal material such as letters and variously-sized packages. The mailbox includes a lower mailbox portion which further defines an inner storage compartment, an upper mailbox portion attached to the lower mailbox portion, and a mounting pipe for securing the mailbox into the ground. A laterally deformable lower bellows member is integrally attached to the mailbox subjacent the lower mailbox portion, the lower bellows member allows the mailbox to laterally deflect from its normal upright position when the mailbox is struck by a physical object. Furthermore, the lower bellows member maintains the mailbox in its deflected position until the mailbox is manually righted. In an alternate embodiment, the upright mailbox is secured to the ground by a plurality of mounting pipes. Each mounting pipe includes a flexible, deformable bellows member protruding from one end and which is adapted for attachment to the lower mailbox portion.