US20090057388A1

US20090057388A1 - Yieldable fixture assembly

Info

Publication number: US20090057388A1
Application number: US12/265,662
Authority: US
Inventors: Anthony J. Newbill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-07-17
Filing date: 2008-11-05
Publication date: 2009-03-05

Abstract

A fixture assembly includes a base post assembly and a support post assembly which includes opposed post members. The fixture assembly includes a yieldable assembly which allows the support post assembly to repeatably move between upright and tilted positions in response to an applied force. The opposed post members are positioned to restrict movement of the support post assembly from the upright position to the tilted position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/487,674, entitled “Yieldable Support for a Mailbox”, which was filed on Jul. 17, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a self-righting fixture for a mailbox.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are many different types of mailboxes in use, and they can be supported in many different ways. Mailboxes are often supported by a support structure which holds the mailbox at a location so it is easy to insert and retrieve mail. However, most mailboxes are supported by a rigid support structure which breaks in response to an applied force, such as being engaged by a car. More information regarding mailboxes, and their corresponding support structures can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,249,315, 1,266,152, 1,269,212, 1,679,623, 1,384,365, 1,402,465, 1,435,363, 1,435,379, 3,161,397, 3,658,284, 3,899,150, 4,172,579, 4,357,772, 4,546,944, 4,792,088, 5,029,783, 5,155,470, 5,215,283, 6,017,131, 6,513,284, 6,575,423 and the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Some of these mailboxes are supported by a self-righting support structure which yields in response to the applied force. Some self-righting support structures are designed to right themselves in response to the applied force being removed from the support structure. However, some of these self-righting support structures may undesirably yield without experiencing the applied force, and may not self-right in response to the applied force being removed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a fixture assembly, which includes a base post assembly and a support post assembly which includes opposed post members. The fixture assembly includes a yieldable assembly which allows the support post assembly to repeatably move between upright and tilted positions in response to an applied force. The opposed post members are positioned to restrict movement of the support post assembly from the upright position to the tilted position.
The fixture assembly can include many other features. For example, in some embodiments, the fixture assembly includes a mailbox carried by the support post assembly, wherein the opposed members balance the mailbox over the base post assembly. In some embodiments, the fixture assembly includes a light post carried by the support post assembly, wherein the opposed members balance the light post over the base post assembly.
The support post assembly can include many other features. For example, in some embodiments, the support post assembly includes a reinforcement member.
The base post assembly can include many other features. For example, in some embodiments, the base post assembly includes an upwardly facing opening and the yieldable assembly includes a downwardly facing opening.
The yieldable assembly can include many different features. For example, in some embodiments, the yieldable assembly includes a spring with a rigid fastener extending therethrough.
The present invention also provides a fixture assembly, which includes a base post assembly having an upwardly facing surface with an opening extending through it, and a support post assembly which includes opposed upright post members. The fixture assembly includes a yieldable assembly which includes a spring that allows the support post assembly to move between upright and tilted positions in response to a force applied thereto. The opposed upright post members are positioned to bias the support post assembly to the upright position.
In some embodiments, the fixture assembly includes an angled post member coupled to each upright post member. In some embodiments, the fixture assembly includes a horizontal post member extending between the opposed upright members. In some embodiments, the fixture assembly includes a reinforcement member which extends between the opposed upright members and horizontal post member. In some embodiments, the fixture assembly includes a mailbox carried by the horizontal post member.
In some embodiments, the support post assembly includes a lamp fixture assembly which includes a lamp. In some embodiments, the lamp is repeatably moveable between engaged and disengaged positions with the lamp fixture assembly. In some embodiments, the yieldable assembly includes inner and outer springs.
The present invention provides a fixture assembly, which includes a base post assembly and a support post assembly which includes opposed upright post members. The fixture assembly includes a yieldable assembly which includes a spring and a fastener, wherein the spring and fastener couple the base post assembly and support post assembly together. The opposed upright post members are positioned to restrict movement of the support post assembly from an upright position to a tilted position.
In some embodiments, the opposed upright post members are positioned to bias the support post assembly to the upright position. In some embodiments, the fastener is a rigid fastener which extends through the spring. In some embodiments, the fastener is an eyebolt which couples the spring to the base support assembly.
In some embodiments, the yieldable assembly includes a housing and the base support assembly includes an upwardly facing cup sized and shaped to receive the housing. In some embodiments, the fixture assembly includes a mailbox which is carried by the support post assembly so it is balanced over the base post assembly.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a fixture assembly, which includes a base post coupled with a support post through a yieldable assembly.

FIG. 2 a is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fixture assembly, in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 2 b, 2 c and 2 d are front, side and back views, respectively, of the fixture assembly of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fixture assembly, in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 3 b, 3 c and 3 d are front, side and back views, respectively, of the fixture assembly of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fixture assembly, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 a is a front view of the reinforcement display piece of FIG. 3 a.

FIGS. 5 b and 5 c are front views of the reinforcement display piece of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 5 d and 5 e are side views of wrought iron reinforcement display pieces which can be included with the fixture assembly of the invention.

FIGS. 5 f and 5 g are side views of wrought iron reinforcement display pieces, which can be included with the fixture assembly of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fixture assembly, in accordance with the invention, with a removeable lamp.

FIGS. 7 a, 7 b and 7 c are front, back and side views, respectively, of a fixture assembly, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 8 a is a perspective view of a fixture assembly 150 b, in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 8 b and 8 c are front and side views, respectively, of another embodiment of a fixture assembly, in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c are partial cut-away views of one embodiment, of a yieldable assembly, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 10 a is an exploded view of a fixture assembly, which includes a yieldable assembly, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 10 b is an exploded close-up view of the yieldable assembly of FIG. 10 a.

FIGS. 10 c, 10 d and 10 e are cut-away views of the yieldable assembly of FIG. 10 a.

FIG. 11 is a cut-away side view of a yieldable assembly.

FIG. 12 is a cut-away side view of another yieldable assembly.

FIGS. 13 a, 13 b and 13 c are flow diagrams of a method, in accordance with the invention, of manufacturing a fixture assembly.

FIGS. 14 a, 14 b and 14 c are flow diagrams of a method, in accordance with the invention, of installing a fixture assembly.

FIGS. 15 a, 15 b and 15 c are flow diagrams of a method, in accordance with the invention, of balancing a fixture assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a side view of a fixture assembly 100, which includes a base post 101 coupled with a support post 103 through a yieldable assembly 102. Yieldable assembly 102 can be of many different types, such as the yieldable assembly shown in FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c. In this embodiment, base post 101 extends through the ground, and yieldable assembly 102 and support post 103 extend above the ground. Base post 101 is typically driven into the ground to provide support for support post 103. Fixture assembly 100 includes a mailbox support plate 131 coupled with support post 103, and a mailbox 104 carried by mailbox support plate 131.
Yieldable assembly 102 allows support post 103 to tilt relative to base post 101 in response to a force applied to it or mailbox 104. In this way, support post 103 and mailbox 104 are less likely to be damaged in response to a force applied to them. Support post 103 is shown in an upright position in FIG. 1, wherein a reference line 106 is parallel to a reference line 105. Reference lines 105 and 106 extend through base post 101 and support post 103, respectively. Support post 103 is in a tilted position when reference line 106 is not parallel to reference line 105. Reference line 106 is at an angle relative to reference line 105 when reference line 106 is not parallel to reference line 105. It should be noted that yieldable assembly 102 allows support post 103 to be repeatably moveable between the upright and tilted positions.
In this embodiment, reference lines 105 and 106 are aligned with each other because support post 103 extends upwardly from, and is aligned with, base post 101. However, a reference line 107, which extends through mailbox 104, is spaced apart from reference lines 105 and 106 because mailbox 104 is offset from base post 101 and support post 103. Mailbox 104 can undesirably tilt support post 103 in a direction 109 because it is offset from base post 101 and support post 103. Further, mailbox 104 can undesirably rotate and torque support post 103 in direction 109 because it is offset from base post 101 and support post 103. Hence, mailbox 104 can undesirably move support post 103 from the upright to the tilted position because mailbox 104 can rotate and torque support post 103 in direction 109. In this way, support post 103 can undesirably move from the upright to the tilted position in the absence of an applied force because mailbox 104 is offset from base post 101 and support post 103. It should be noted that, in some situations, support post 103 can tilt side-to-side, which is in a direction perpendicular to that shown in FIG. 1. The side-to-side direction is shown in FIGS. 2 b and 2 d.
FIG. 2 a is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fixture assembly 110 a, in accordance with the invention. FIGS. 2 b, 2 c and 2 d are front, side and back views, respectively, of fixture assembly 110 a. More information regarding fixture assembly 110 a can be found in U.S. Pat. No. D549,924, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment, fixture assembly 110 a includes a base post assembly 111 coupled with a support post assembly 120 through a yieldable assembly 170. Yieldable assembly 170 can be of many different types, such as those discussed in more detail below with FIGS. 9 a, 10 a, 11 and 12. Base post assembly 111 can include many different components, but here it includes base post 101. Base post 101 is typically driven into the ground to provide support for support post assembly 120. Support post assembly 120 carries mailbox 104, which is coupled to mailbox support plate 131.
In accordance with the invention, yieldable assembly 170 allows support post assembly 120 to repeatably move between upright and tilted positions in response to an applied force. The upright and tilted positions are discussed in more detail above with FIG. 1. Further, more information regarding the upright and tilted positions is provided in the above referenced U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/487,674.
Support post assembly 120 generally moves from the upright to the tilted positions in response to the applied force. The force can be applied in many different ways, such as by engaging mailbox 104 or support post assembly 120 with a vehicle. In these situations, it is desirable for support post assembly 120 to move from the upright to the tilted positions in response to being engaged by the vehicle to reduce the amount of damage to fixture assembly 110 a. It should be noted that support post assembly 120 is typically capable of rotating, in a direction 127, about reference line 106 relative to base support structure 111. In this way, support post assembly 120 can also rotate in response to the applied force.
It is generally desirable, however, to have support post assembly 120 remain in the upright position in the absence of the applied force. Hence, it is desirable to balance support post assembly 120, as well as the components carried by it, such as mailbox 104, so that support post assembly 120 is less likely to undesirably move from the upright position to the tilted position in the absence of the applied force. Support post assembly 120 can be balanced in many different ways, one of which will be discussed in more detail presently.
In this embodiment, support post assembly 120 includes opposed angled post members 121 a and 121 b extending upwardly from yieldable assembly 170. Post members 121 a and 121 b are angled post members because they extend at a non-zero angle relative to base post 101. In this way, post members 121 a and 121 b to not extend parallel with base post 101. In accordance with the invention, opposed angled post members 121 a and 121 b are chosen to restrict the movement of support post assembly 120 from the upright position to the tilted position. In this way, mailbox 104 is carried by support post assembly 120 so it is balanced over base post assembly 111. Opposed angled post members 121 a and 121 b can be chosen to restrict the movement of support post assembly 120 from the upright position to the tilted position in many different ways.
In some embodiments, opposed angled post members 121 a and 121 b are chosen so that the center of mass of support post assembly 120 is driven to be aligned with reference line 105. In one example, the weights of angled post members 121 a and 121 b are chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 120 to be aligned with reference line 105 (FIG. 2 c). The center of mass of support post assembly 120 is moved towards angled post member 122 a in response to increasing the weight of angled post member 122 a. Further, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 is moved towards angled post member 122 b in response to increasing the weight of angled post member 122 b. In this way, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 can be adjusted relative to reference line 105 in response to adjusting the weights of angled post members 121 a and 121 b. Further, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 can be adjusted relative to base post assembly 111 in response to adjusting the weights of angled post members 121 a and 121 b.
In this embodiment, support post assembly 120 includes opposed upright post members 122 a and 122 b extending upwardly from angled post members 121 a and 121 b, respectively. In some embodiments, post members 122 a and 122 b extend at an angle to base post 101. However, in this embodiment, post members 122 a and 122 b extend parallel with base post 101. In accordance with the invention, opposed upright post members 122 a and 122 b are chosen to restrict the movement of support post assembly 120 from the upright position to the tilted position. In this way, mailbox 104 is carried by support post assembly 120 so it is balanced over base post assembly 111. Opposed upright post members 122 a and 122 b can be chosen to restrict the movement of support post assembly 120 from the upright position to the tilted position in many different ways.
For example, opposed upright post members 122 a and 122 b are positioned to restrict movement of support post assembly 120 from the upright position to the tilted position. Opposed upright post members 122 a and 122 b are chosen so that the center of mass of support post assembly 120 is driven to be aligned with reference line 105. In one example, the weights of upright post members 122 a and 122 b are chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 120 to be aligned with reference line 105. The center of mass of support post assembly 120 is moved towards upright post member 122 a in response to increasing the weight of upright post member 122 a. Further, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 is moved towards upright post member 122 b in response to increasing the weight of upright post member 122 b. In this way, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 can be adjusted relative to reference line 105 in response to adjusting the weights of upright post members 122 a and 122 b. The center of mass of support post assembly 120 can be adjusted relative to base post assembly 111 in response to adjusting the weights of upright post members 122 a and 122 b.
Hence, opposed angled post members 121 a and 121 b, as well as opposed upright members 122 a and 122 b, are used to balance mailbox 104 over base post assembly 111. Opposed angled post members 121 a and 121 b, as well as opposed upright members 122 a and 122 b, are positioned to bias support post assembly 120 to the upright position. Further, opposed angled post members 121 a and 121 b, as well as opposed upright members 122 a and 122 b, are used to balance mailbox 104 over base post assembly 111. Opposed angled post members 121 a and 121 b, as well as opposed upright members 122 a and 122 b, are positioned to restrict movement of support post assembly 120 from an upright position to a tilted position. Further, opposed angled post members 121 a and 121 b, as well as opposed upright members 122 a and 122 b, are positioned to bias support post assembly 120 to the upright position. In this way, support post assembly 120 is balanced so that mailbox 104 is balanced over base post assembly 111.
In this embodiment, support post assembly 120 includes a horizontal post member 123 which extends between upright post members 122 a and 122 b. Horizontal post member 123 is connected to ends of upright post members 122 a and 122 b opposed to angled post members 121 a and 121 b. Further, mailbox support plate 131 is carried by horizontal post member 123, wherein mailbox 104 is carried by mailbox support plate 131.
In accordance with the invention, horizontal post member 123 is positioned to restrict movement of support post assembly 120 from the upright position to the tilted position. In this way, mailbox 104 is carried by support post assembly 120 so it is balanced over base post assembly 111. Horizontal post member 123 is chosen so that the center of mass of support post assembly 120 is driven to be aligned with reference line 105. In one example, the weight distribution of horizontal post member 123 is chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 120 to be aligned with reference line 105 (FIG. 2 c). The center of mass of support post assembly 120 is moved towards upright post member 122 a in response to increasing the weight of horizontal post member 123 proximate to upright post member 122 a. Further, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 is moved towards upright post member 122 b in response to increasing the weight of horizontal post member 123 proximate to upright post member 122 b. In this way, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 can be adjusted relative to reference line 105 in response to adjusting the weight distribution of horizontal post member 123. Further, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 can be adjusted relative to base post assembly 111 in response to adjusting the weight distribution of horizontal post member 123.
In some embodiments, support post assembly 120 carries a reinforcement member 125 (FIG. 2 c). Reinforcement member 125 can be of many different types, such as a reinforcement display piece, but here it is embodied as a reinforcement plate 125 a. In this embodiment, reinforcement member 125 extends between upright post members 122 a and 122 b and horizontal post member 123. Reinforcement member 125 provides many different functions. For example, reinforcement member 125 provides reinforcement for support post assembly 120 to make it sturdier. Reinforcement member 125 reinforces support post assembly 120 to make it sturdier because it restricts the ability of upright post members 122 a and 122 b to move towards and away from each other, such as when a force is applied thereto.
Reinforcement member 125 also provides additional balancing to balance support post assembly 120 over base post assembly 111. For example, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 is moved towards upright post member 122 a in response to increasing the weight of reinforcement member 125 proximate to upright post member 122 a. Further, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 is moved towards upright post member 122 b in response to increasing the weight of reinforcement member 125 proximate to upright post member 122 b. In this way, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 can be adjusted relative to reference line 105 in response to adjusting the weight of reinforcement member 125. Further, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 can be adjusted relative to base post assembly 111 in response to adjusting the weight of reinforcement member 125. More information regarding adjusting the weight of reinforcement member 125 is provided in more detail below with FIGS. 5 a-5 g.
Support post assembly 120 can carry reinforcement member 125 in many different ways. In this embodiment, fixture assembly 110 a includes brackets 126 a and 126 b which hold reinforcement member 125 to opposed upright members 122 a and 122 b, respectively. Brackets 126 a and 126 b allow reinforcement member 125 to be repeatably coupled to and decoupled from support post assembly 120 in a repeatable manner. It should be noted that reinforcement member 125 can be held to support post assembly 120 in many other ways, such as by using bolts or other types of fasteners. More information regarding different ways in which reinforcement member 125 can be coupled to support post assembly 120 is provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,940,900, 4,059,923, 4,634,157, 5,283,975, 6,578,664, 7,152,368, as well as in U.S. Design Pat. Nos. D288,854 and D288,367.
In general, however, reinforcement member 125 is held to support post assembly 120 in a repeatably removeable manner. In this way, reinforcement member 125 can be removed and replaced with another reinforcement member. Hence, the reinforcement members carried by support post assembly 120 are interchangeable. This is useful so that the balance of support post assembly 120 can be adjusted in response to removing one reinforcement member 125 and replacing it with another reinforcement member having a different weight. This is also useful so that the balance of support post assembly 120 can be adjusted in response to removing one reinforcement member 125 and replacing it with another reinforcement member having a different weight distribution. In this way, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 can be adjusted in response to interchanging reinforcement members.
FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fixture assembly 110 b, in accordance with the invention. FIGS. 3 b, 3 c and 3 d are front, side and back views, respectively, of fixture assembly 110 b. More information regarding fixture assembly 110 b can be found in U.S. Pat. No. D549,923, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment, fixture assembly 110 b includes fixture assembly 110 a. Further, fixture assembly 110 b includes a lamp fixture assembly 140 carried by support post assembly 120. Lamp fixture assembly 140 can be carried by support post assembly 120 in many different ways. In this embodiment, lamp fixture assembly 140 extends upwardly from upright post member 122 b. In particular, lamp fixture assembly 140 includes a lamp post 141 which extends through an upwardly facing opening 124 a (FIG. 10 a) of upright post member 122 b. Upwardly facing opening 124 a of upright post member 122 b is covered by a cap 124 in FIG. 2 a. Lamp fixture assembly 140 includes a lamp 142 carried by lamp post 141, wherein lamp 142 emits light in response to being powered. Lamp 142 can be powered in many different ways. For example, in some embodiments, lamp 142 is powered by electrical energy provided by the power grid (not shown) and, in other embodiments, lamp 142 is solar powered. Examples of lamps and lamp posts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,131.
Lamp fixture assembly 140 provides many different functions. For example, lamp fixture assembly 140 provides light, which is emitted by lamp 142. Lamp fixture assembly 140 also provides additional balancing to balance support post assembly 120 over base post assembly 111. The center of mass of support post assembly 120 is moved towards upright post member 122 a in response to decreasing the weight of lamp fixture assembly 140. Further, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 is moved towards upright post member 122 b in response to increasing the weight of lamp fixture assembly 140. Hence, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 can be adjusted relative to reference line 105 in response to adjusting the weight of lamp fixture assembly 140. In this way, support post assembly 120 is balanced so that mailbox 104 is balanced over base post assembly 111.
It should be noted that the weight distribution of reinforcement member 125 can be adjusted, as described above, to compensate for the weight of lamp fixture assembly 140 so that support post assembly 120 is balanced over base post assembly 111. For example, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 is moved away from lamp fixture assembly 140 in response to increasing the weight of reinforcement member 125 proximate to upright post member 122 a. Further, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 is moved towards lamp fixture assembly 140 in response to increasing the weight of reinforcement member 125 proximate to upright post member 122 b. Hence, the center of mass of support post assembly 120 can be adjusted relative to reference line 105 and lamp fixture assembly 140 in response to adjusting the weight distribution of reinforcement member 125.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of fixture assembly 110 c, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, fixture assembly 110 c includes reinforcement member 125 which is embodied as a reinforcement display piece 125 b. Reinforcement display piece 125 b can be manufactured in many different ways. In general, reinforcement display piece 125 b is manufactured by cutting it from a larger piece of material, such as a sheet of steel or a sheet of another rigid material. Reinforcement display piece 125 b can be cut from the larger piece of material in many different ways, such as by using a laser or plasma beam. Machines that are capable of cutting pieces of material include Computer Numerical Control (CNC) cutting machines, laser cutters and plasma cutters, among others. Reinforcement display piece 125 b are provided by many different manufacturers, such as Texas Metal Industries of Mesquite, Tex. The larger piece of material can be provided with a desired weight and thickness distribution so that reinforcement display piece 125 b is cut with the desired weight distribution to balance support post assembly 120 with base post assembly 111. Reinforcement member 125 can also be manufactured using the technology as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,667,935, 6,701,608 and 7,121,004, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Reinforcement display piece 125 b can be coated with a material after it is cut from the larger piece of material. It is desirable to coat reinforcement display piece 125 b for many different reasons, such as to protect it from the weather and to provide it with a desired finish. It may also be desirable to coat reinforcement display piece 125 b to adjust its center of mass so that it drives the center of mass of support post assembly 120 to a desired location relative to reference line 105.
Reinforcement display piece 125 b is positioned to provide support to support post assembly 120. Further, reinforcement display piece 125 b is positioned to balance support post assembly 120 over base post assembly 111. Reinforcement display piece 125 b is shaped to adjust the center of mass of support post assembly 120 by a desired amount, as will be discussed in more detail presently.
FIG. 5 a is a front view of reinforcement plate 125 a, which has regions 116 and 117 positioned on opposed sides of reference line 105. Also shown in FIG. 5 a are center of masses 128, 129 and 130, which are represented by arrows. Center of masses 128 and 130 are on opposed sides of reference line 105, wherein center of mass 128 is on the same side of reference line 105 as region 116 and center of mass 130 is on the same side of reference line as region 117. Center of mass 129 is aligned with reference line 105 so that center of mass 129 corresponds with a center of mass between center of masses 128 and 130.
In one example, the mass distribution of reinforcement plate 125 a in regions 116 and 117 is chosen to be equal so that the center of mass of reinforcement plate 125 a corresponds with center of mass 129. In another example, the mass distribution of reinforcement plate 125 a in region 116 is greater than in region 117 so that the center of mass of reinforcement plate 125 a corresponds with center of mass 128. In another example, the mass distribution of reinforcement plate 125 a in region 117 is greater than in region 116 so that the center of mass of reinforcement plate 125 a corresponds with center of mass 130. Hence, the mass distribution of reinforcement plate 125 a in its different regions is chosen to provide a desired center of mass. In this way, support post assembly 120 is provided with the desired center of mass when it carries reinforcement plate 125 a.
FIGS. 5 b and 5 c are front views of reinforcement display piece 125 b and support post assembly 120. In FIG. 5 b, reinforcement display piece 125 b is carried by support post assembly 120 and oriented so that the center of mass of support post assembly 120 corresponds with center of mass 130 (FIG. 5 a). In FIG. 5 c, reinforcement display piece 125 b is carried by support post assembly 120 and oriented so that the center of mass of support post assembly 120 corresponds with center of mass 128 (FIG. 5 a). Hence, the orientation of reinforcement plate 125 a is chosen to provide support post assembly 120 with a desired center of mass. In this way, support post assembly 120 is provided with the desired center of mass when it carries reinforcement display piece 125 b in a chosen orientation.
FIGS. 5 d and 5 e are side views of wrought iron reinforcement display pieces 125 c and 125 d, respectively. Further, FIGS. 5 f and 5 g are side views of wrought iron reinforcement display pieces 125 e and 125 f, respectively. More information regarding wrought iron reinforcement display pieces can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,955,800, 4,138,094, 4,214,734, 5,149,060, 5,645,271, 5,890,702, 6,560,941, 6,598,649, 6,848,677, 7,090,202, 7,121,004, 7,207,551 and 7,246,792, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. More information is also provided in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20030132426 and 20070272910, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Reinforcement member 125 can also be in the form of lattice tiles, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,333,287, as well as U.S. Design Pat. No. D371,447.
In the embodiments of FIGS. 5 f and 5 g, wrought iron reinforcement display pieces 125 c, 125 d, 125 e and 125 f include a number of horizontal bars 118 and vertical bars 119 connected together to form a single integral piece. In particular, wrought iron reinforcement display pieces 125 c, 125 d, 125 e and 125 f include a number of horizontal bars 118 and vertical bars 119 connected together to form a fence. Horizontal bars 118 and vertical bars 119 can be connected together in many different ways, such as the way disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,022,435, 4,667,935, 5,557,889 and 7,121,004, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The number of bars included with wrought iron reinforcement display pieces 125 c, 125 d, 125 e and 125 f, as well as their weights are chosen to provide support post assembly 120 with a desired center of mass. In this way, support post assembly 120 is provided with the desired center of mass when it carries one of wrought iron reinforcement display pieces 125 c, 125 d, 125 e and 125 f. It should be noted that wrought iron reinforcement display pieces 125 c, 125 d, 125 e and 125 f can be replaced with other reinforcement display pieces which include a number of horizontal and vertical bars connected together to form a single integral piece. Further, the horizontal and vertical bars can include many different materials other than iron, such as wood. It should also be noted that the bars can be curved in some embodiments. However, the bars of reinforcement display pieces 125 c, 125 d, 125 e and 125 f are shown as being straight for illustrative purposes.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fixture assembly 11 d, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, fixture assembly 110 d includes fixture assembly 110 a, which is discussed above with FIG. 2 a. Further, fixture assembly 110 b includes a lamp fixture assembly 140 a coupled to support post assembly 120. In this embodiment, lamp fixture assembly 140 a includes lower and upper lamp posts 141 a and 141 b which are coupled together through a lamp post bracket assembly 143, wherein lamp 142 is carried by upper lamp post 141 b. Lamp post bracket assembly 143 allows upper lamp post 141 b to be repeatably coupled to and decoupled from lower lamp post 141 a. In this way, upper lamp post 141 b and lamp 142 can be decoupled from lamp fixture assembly 140 a and replaced with another upper lamp post and lamp.
Lamp post bracket assembly 143 can be of many different types. In this embodiment, lamp post bracket assembly 143 includes clamps 147 a and 147 b coupled together with an arm 146. Clamps 147 a and 147 b can be of many different types, such as hose clamps. Examples of hose clamps are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,638,531, 5,185,907 and 5,177,836, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In some embodiments, such as the embodiment indicated by an indication arrow 148 a, lamp post bracket assembly 143 can be repeatably coupled to and decoupled from lower and upper lamp posts 141 a and 141 b. In particular, clamps 147 a and 147 b can be repeatably coupled to and decoupled from lower and upper lamp posts 141 a and 141 b, respectively. In the embodiment indicated by an indication arrow 148 b, lamp post bracket assembly 143 can be repeatably coupled to and decoupled from upper lamp post 141 b. However, lamp post bracket assembly 143 is fixedly attached to lower lamp post 141 a. Lamp post bracket assembly 143 can be fixedly attached to lower lamp post 141 a in many different ways. In this embodiment, clamp 147 a is welded to lower lamp post 141 a with a weldment 149.
FIGS. 7 a, 7 b and 7 c are front, back and side views, respectively, of a fixture assembly 150 a, in accordance with the invention. More information regarding fixture assembly 150 a can be found in U.S. Pat. No. D566,778, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment, fixture assembly 150 a includes a support post assembly 151 a coupled with a base post assembly (not shown) through yieldable assembly 170. Support post assembly 151 a includes a lower sign post 152 extending upwardly from yieldable assembly 170, and opposed upright members 153 a and 153 b extending upwardly from lower sign post 152. Support post assembly 151 a includes an upper sign post 154 extending upwardly from opposed upright members 153 a and 153 b. A traffic sign 156 is coupled to upper sign post 154, and a traffic sign 155 is positioned so it extends between opposed upright members 153 a and 153 b. Traffic signs 155 and 156 can display many different types of information, such as traffic commands like “STOP”, “YIELD” or “SLOW”, among others.
In accordance with the invention, upright members 153 a and 153 b are chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 151 a so it is aligned with reference line 105. There are many different ways in which upright members 153 a and 153 b can be chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 151 a so it is aligned with reference line 105. For example, in one embodiment, the weight of upright member 153 a is chosen to be greater than the weight of upright member 153 b so that the center of mass of support post assembly 151 a is driven towards upright member 153 a. In another embodiment, the weight of upright member 153 b is chosen to be greater than the weight of upright member 153 a so that the center of mass of support post assembly 151 a is driven towards upright member 153 b. In this way, the center of mass of support post assembly 151 a can be adjusted by adjusting the weights of upright members 153 a and 153 b.
FIG. 8 a is a perspective view of a fixture assembly 150 b, in accordance with the invention. More information regarding fixture assembly 150 b can be found in U.S. patent application No. 29/286,032 filed on Apr. 23, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment, fixture assembly 150 b includes a support post assembly 151 b coupled with base post assembly 101 through yieldable assembly 170. Support post assembly 151 b includes opposed angled post members 160 a and 160 b which extend from yieldable assembly 170, and opposed upright post members 161 a and 161 b which extend upwardly from angled post members 160 a and 160 b, respectively. Support post assembly 151 b includes a horizontal post member 162 which extends between opposed upright post members 161 a and 161 b at ends thereof opposed to the ends connected to angled post members 160 a and 160 b. Traffic sign 156 extends upwardly from horizontal post member 162. Support post assembly 151 b includes cross-post members 163 a, 163 b and 163 c which extends between opposed upright post members 161 a and 161 b, wherein cross-post members 163 a, 163 b and 163 c are spaced apart from each other along the length of upright post members 161 a and 161 b.
In this embodiment, fixture assembly 150 b includes a plurality of reinforcement members 125, which are embodied as display pieces 125 a, 125 b and 125 c. Display piece 125 a is positioned between cross-post members 163 a and 163 b, as well as opposed upright members 161 a and 161 b. Display piece 125 b is positioned between cross-post members 163 b and 163 c, as well as opposed upright members 161 a and 161 b. Display piece 125 c is positioned between cross-post member 163 c and horizontal post member 162, as well as opposed upright members 161 a and 161 b.
In accordance with the invention, angled post members 160 a and 160 b are chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b so it is aligned with reference line 105. There are many different ways in which angled post members 160 a and 160 b can be chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b so it is aligned with reference line 105. For example, in one embodiment, the weight of angled post member 160 a is chosen to be greater than the weight of angled post member 160 b so that the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b is driven towards angled post member 160 a. In another embodiment, the weight of angled post member 160 b is chosen to be greater than the weight of angled post member 160 a so that the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b is driven towards angled post member 160 b. In this way, the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b can be adjusted by adjusting the weights of angled post members 160 a and 160 b.
In accordance with the invention, upright post members 161 a and 161 b are chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b so it is aligned with reference line 105. There are many different ways in which upright post members 161 a and 161 b can be chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b so it is aligned with reference line 105. For example, in one embodiment, the weight of upright post member 161 a is chosen to be greater than the weight of upright post member 161 b so that the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b is driven towards upright post member 161 a. In another embodiment, the weight of upright post member 161 b is chosen to be greater than the weight of upright post member 161 a so that the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b is driven towards upright post member 161 b. In this way, the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b can be adjusted by adjusting the weights of upright post members 161 a and 161 b.
In accordance with the invention, display pieces 125 a, 125 b and 125 c are chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b so it is aligned with reference line 105. There are many different ways in which display pieces 125 a, 125 b and 125 c can be chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b so it is aligned with reference line 105. For example, in one embodiment, the weight of display pieces 125 a, 125 b and 125 c are chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b so it is aligned with reference line 105. In some embodiments, the orientation of display pieces 125 a, 125 b and 125 c are chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b so it is aligned with reference line 105. More information about choosing the weight and orientation of a display piece to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 151 b so it is aligned with reference line 105 is provided in more detail above.
FIGS. 8 b and 8 c are front and side views, respectively, of another embodiment of a fixture assembly 150 c, in accordance with the invention. More information regarding fixture assembly 150 c can be found in above referenced U.S. patent application No. 29/286,032.
In this embodiment, fixture assembly 150 c includes support post assembly 151 b, which carries reinforcement display piece 125 h and traffic sign 156. Traffic sign 156 is coupled to horizontal post member 162 using a bracket 158. Support post assembly 151 b carries reinforcement display piece 125 h so that display piece 125 h is repeatably moveable between positioned coupled to and decoupled from support post assembly 151 b. In this way, one reinforcement display piece can be decoupled from support post assembly 151 b and replaced with another one to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 151 c so it is aligned with reference line 105.
FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c are partial cut-away views of one embodiment of a yieldable assembly 170 a, in accordance with the invention, wherein yieldable assembly 170 a couples base post assembly 111 and support post assembly 120 together. In this embodiment, support post assembly 120 includes a housing 171, and angled post members 121 a and 121 b extend upwardly from housing 171. Yieldable assembly 170 a includes a spring 173 with a rigid fastener 172 extending therethrough. Rigid fastener 172 extends through spring 173 so it extends through opposed ends of spring 173. Rigid fastener 172 extends through an upwardly facing opening 114 of base post 101, as well as through a downwardly facing opening 114 of housing 171. Spring 173 is positioned proximate to downwardly facing opening 114 and receives rigid fastener 172. Hence, fastener 172 extends through opening 114 and spring 173. A washer 174 and nut 175 are coupled to rigid fastener 172 so that spring 173 extends between downwardly facing opening 114 and washer 174. In this way, spring 173 and rigid fastener 172 couple base post assembly 111 and support post assembly 120 together. Spring 173 and rigid fastener 172 allow support post assembly 120 to move between upright and tilted positions in response to a force applied thereto. The upright position is shown in FIGS. 9 b and 9 c in solid lines, and the tilted position is shown in FIGS. 9 b and 9 c in broken lines.
FIG. 10 a is an exploded view of a fixture assembly 110 e, which includes a yieldable assembly 170 b, in accordance with the invention, wherein yieldable assembly 170 b couples base post assembly 111 and support post assembly 120 together. FIG. 10 b is an exploded close-up view of yieldable assembly 170 b, and FIGS. 10 c, 10 d and 10 e are cut-away views of yieldable assembly 170 b. In this embodiment, base post assembly 111 includes base post 101, and a cup 113 extending upwardly from base post 101, wherein cup 113 extends around upwardly facing opening 114 (FIG. 10 e).
In this embodiment, support post assembly 120 includes housing 171 (FIG. 10 b) and angled post members 121 a and 121 b which extend upwardly from housing 171. Support post assembly 120 includes upright post members 122 a and 122 b which extend upwardly from angled post members 121 a and 121 b, respectively. Support post assembly 120 includes horizontal post member 123 which extends between upright post members 122 a and 122 b. It should be noted that cup 113 is sized and shaped to receive housing 171, as shown in FIG. 10 d.
In this embodiment, fixture assembly 110 e includes a mailbox support bar 133 which is carried by horizontal post member 123, and mailbox 104 which is carried by mailbox support bar 133. Further, fixture assembly 110 e includes lamp fixture assembly 140 which is carried by support post assembly 120. In this embodiment, lamp fixture assembly 140 includes lamp post 141 which extends upwardly from an opening 124 a of support post assembly 120. It should be noted that opening 124 a is covered by cap 124 in FIG. 2 a. Lamp fixture assembly 140 includes lamp 142 which is carried by lamp post 141. Lamp fixture assembly 140 includes a personal sign 157 which is carried by lamp post 141. Personal sign 157 can display many different types of personal information, such as a name and/or address. It should be noted that personal sign 157 can be removed from lamp post 141 and replaced with another personal sign. This is useful when it is desired to change the personal information displayed by the sign carried by lamp post 141, such as when moving to another address or when it is desirable to display a different name.
Fixture assembly 110 e includes a reinforcement display piece 125 g which is carried by support post assembly 120 in a manner described in more detail above. In this embodiment, fixture assembly 110 e includes brackets 126 a and 126 b which couple reinforcement display piece 125 g to upright post members 122 a and 122 b, respectively. Reinforcement display piece 125 g is embodied as a wrought iron fence. Reinforcement display piece 125 g can be removed from support post assembly 120 and replaced with another display piece.
It should be noted that reinforcement display piece 125 g is generally configured to counterbalance the weight of lamp fixture assembly 140 so that the center of mass of support post assembly 120 is driven towards reference line 105 (FIG. 10 c). The adjustment of the center of mass of support post assembly 120 in response to carrying a display piece is discussed in more detail above with FIGS. 5 a-5 g. Further, reinforcement display piece 125 g is generally configured to counterbalance the weight of mailbox 104 so that the center of mass of support post assembly 120 is driven towards reference line 105 (FIG. 10 c). In general, the weights of mailbox 104, reinforcement display piece 125 g and lamp fixture assembly 140 are chosen to drive the center of mass of support post assembly 120 towards reference line 105.
In this embodiment, yieldable assembly 170 b includes spring 173 with a rigid fastener 172 extending therethrough, as described above. Rigid fastener 172 extends through upwardly facing opening 114 of base post 101, as well as through downwardly facing opening 114 of housing 171. Spring 173 is positioned proximate to downwardly facing opening 114 and receives rigid fastener 172. Washer 174 and nut 175 are coupled to rigid fastener 172 so that spring 173 extends between downwardly facing opening 114 and washer 174. In this way, spring 173 and rigid fastener 172 couple base post assembly 111 and support post assembly 120 together. Spring 173 and rigid fastener 172 allow support post assembly 120 to move between upright and tilted positions in response to a force applied thereto.
FIG. 11 is a partial cut-away view of one embodiment of a yieldable assembly 170 d, wherein yieldable assembly 170 d couples base post assembly 111 and support post assembly 120 together, in accordance with the invention. More information regarding yieldable assembly 170 d can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 2,949,324, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment, yieldable assembly 170 d includes inner and outer springs 173 a and 173 b positioned between upper and lower flanges 181 and 180. Yieldable assembly 170 d is coupled with base post 101 by a split sleeve clamp 115. Housing 171 is coupled with upper flange 181 and angled post members 121 a and 121 b. Angled post members 121 a and 121 b extend from opposed sides of housing 171. Upper flange 181 includes an upwardly facing opening and housing 171 includes a downwardly facing opening, wherein the upwardly and downwardly facing openings face each other. Lower flange 180 includes a downwardly facing opening which faces an upper surface of base post 101.
Yieldable assembly 170 d includes an eyebolt 182 which is coupled to one end of inner spring 173 a and is fastened with the downwardly facing opening of lower flange 180. Yieldable assembly 170 d includes an eyebolt 183 which is coupled to an opposed end of inner spring 173 a and is fastened with the openings of housing 171 and upper flange 181. Eyebolt 183 is coupled with housing 171 by using nut 174.
Housing 171 is repeatably moveable between positions towards and away from base post 101 in response to compressing and decompressing, respectively, inner and outer springs 173 a and 173 b. Further, housing 171 is repeatably moveable between tilted and upright positions in response to bending inner and outer springs 173 a and 173 b. In accordance with the invention, support post assembly 120 has a center of mass that is directed along reference line 105.
FIG. 12 is a partial cut-away view of one embodiment of a yieldable assembly 170 e, wherein yieldable assembly 170 e couples base post assembly 111 and support post assembly 120 together, in accordance with the invention. More information regarding yieldable assembly 170 e can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 1,679,623, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment, yieldable assembly 170 e includes upper and lower flanges 191 and 190 which are coupled together with fasteners. Lower flange 190 is coupled to base post 101 and upper flange 191 is coupled with housing 171. Angled post members 121 a and 121 b extend from housing 171, as described in more detail above.
In this embodiment, yieldable assembly 170 e includes a moveable flange 192 housed by housing 171 and engaged with upper flange 191. A flexible fastener 193, extends through openings of moveable flange 192, upper flange 191 and lower flange 190, wherein the openings of moveable flange 192, upper flange 191 and lower flange 190 are aligned with each other. In this way, flexible fastener 193 extends between housing 171 and base post 101 through the openings of moveable flange 192, upper flange 191 and lower flange 190. Yieldable assembly 170 e includes spring 173 which extends through base post 101. Flexible fastener 193 extends through spring 173.
FIG. 13 a is a flow diagram of a method 200, in accordance with the invention, of installing a fixture assembly. In this embodiment, method 200 includes a step 201 of providing a base post assembly and support post assembly. Method 200 includes a step 202 of providing a yieldable assembly and coupling the base post assembly and support post assembly together with the yieldable assembly. Method 200 includes a step 203 of adjusting the center of mass of the support post assembly so that the support post assembly is balanced with the base post assembly. The support post assembly is repeatably moveable between upright and tilted positions with the base post assembly.
FIG. 13 b is a flow diagram of a method 210, in accordance with the invention, of installing a fixture assembly. In this embodiment, method 210 includes a step 211 of providing a base post assembly and yieldable assembly and coupling them together. Method 210 includes a step 212 of providing a support post assembly and coupling it to the yieldable assembly so it is balanced with the base post assembly. The support post assembly is repeatably moveable between upright and tilted positions with the base post assembly.
FIG. 13 c is a flow diagram of a method 220, in accordance with the invention, of installing a fixture assembly. In this embodiment, method 220 includes a step 221 of providing a support post assembly which includes a yieldable assembly. Method 220 includes a step 222 of providing a base post assembly and coupling it to the yieldable assembly so that the support post assembly is balanced with the base post assembly. The support post assembly is repeatably moveable between upright and tilted positions with the base post assembly.
The yieldable assemblies of methods 200, 210 and 220 can be of many different types. In some embodiments, the yieldable assembly includes a spring with a rigid fastener extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the yieldable assembly includes inner and outer springs.
The support post assemblies of methods 200, 210 and 220 can be of many different types. In some embodiments, the yieldable assemblies include opposed upright post members which are positioned to balance the support post assembly with the base post assembly. In some embodiments, the yieldable assemblies include opposed angled post members which are positioned to balance the support post assembly with the base post assembly. In accordance with the invention, the opposed post members and opposed angled members are positioned to restrict movement of the support post assembly from the upright position to the tilted position.
In some embodiments, the yieldable assemblies include a horizontal member which extends between the opposed upright members. In some embodiments, a mailbox is positioned so it is carried by the support post assembly, wherein the support post assembly balances the mailbox over the base post assembly.
In some embodiments, the support post assembly includes an upwardly facing opening and the yieldable assembly includes a downwardly facing opening. The upwardly facing opening and downwardly facing opening face each other so that a fastener can extend between them. In some embodiments, the fastener extends through a spring.
It should be noted that methods 200, 210 and 220 can include many other steps. For example, in some embodiments, methods 200, 210 and 220 include a step of adjusting the center of mass of the support post assembly. The center of mass of the support post assembly can be adjusted in many different ways, such as by providing a reinforcement member and coupling it to the support post assembly. In some situations, the center of mass of the support post assembly is adjusted by decoupling a reinforcement member from the support post assembly and replacing it with another one. In some embodiments, the center of mass of the support post assembly is adjusted in response to adjusting the weight of the components (i.e. angled post members, upright post members, horizontal post member) of the support post assembly.
In some embodiments, the center of mass of the support post assembly is adjusted in response to carrying a lamp fixture assembly with the support post assembly. The lamp fixture assembly typically includes a lamp carried by a lamp post. The lamp fixture assembly can be carried by the support post assembly in many different ways. For example, in some embodiments, the support post assembly includes an upwardly facing opening for receiving the lamp post.
In these embodiments, the weight of the lamp fixture assembly can be adjusted by decoupling a lamp from the lamp post and replacing it with another one. A lamp can be repeatably coupled to and decoupled from the lamp post in many different ways. For example, the lamp can be repeatably coupled to and decoupled from the lamp post using a lamp post bracket assembly.
FIG. 14 a is a flow diagram of a method 230, in accordance with the invention, of manufacturing a fixture assembly. In this embodiment, method 230 includes a step 231 of providing a support post assembly which includes opposed upright post members. Method 230 includes a step 232 of providing a reinforcement member and positioning the reinforcement member so it is carried by the opposed upright post members. Method 230 includes a step 233 of coupling the support post assembly to a yieldable assembly so the support post assembly is repeatably moveable between upright and tilted positions.
In some embodiments, step 232 of providing the reinforcement member includes a step of cutting through a piece of flat stock material. The flat stock material can be cut in many different ways, such as by using a CNC machine which utilizes laser or plasma cutting.
FIG. 14 b is a flow diagram of a method 240, in accordance with the invention, of manufacturing a fixture assembly. In this embodiment, method 240 includes a step 241 of providing a support post assembly which includes opposed angled post members and opposed upright post members. Method 240 includes a step 242 of providing a base post assembly and coupling it to the support post assembly with a yieldable assembly. Method 240 includes a step 243 of adjusting the center of mass of the support post assembly so it is balanced with the base post assembly.
FIG. 14 c is a flow diagram of a method 250, in accordance with the invention, of manufacturing a fixture assembly. In this embodiment, method 250 includes a step 251 of providing a support post assembly. Method 250 includes a step 252 of providing a base post assembly and coupling it to the support post assembly with a yieldable assembly. Method 250 includes a step 253 of providing a lamp fixture assembly and coupling it to the support post assembly. Method 250 includes a step 254 of adjusting the center of mass of the support post assembly so it is balanced with the base post assembly.
FIG. 15 a is a flow diagram of a method 260, in accordance with the invention, of balancing a fixture assembly. In this embodiment, method 260 includes a step 261 of providing a fixture assembly which includes a support post assembly and base post assembly coupled together with a yieldable assembly. Method 260 includes a step 262 of adjusting the center of mass of the support post assembly so that the support post assembly is balanced over the base post assembly.
FIG. 15 b is a flow diagram of a method 270, in accordance with the invention, of balancing a fixture assembly. In this embodiment, method 270 includes a step 271 of providing a fixture assembly which includes a support post assembly and base post assembly coupled together with a yieldable assembly. In accordance with the invention, the support post assembly includes a reinforcement member. Method 270 includes a step 272 of adjusting the center of mass of the reinforcement member so that the support post assembly is balanced over the base post assembly.
FIG. 15 c is a flow diagram of a method 280, in accordance with the invention, of balancing a fixture assembly. In this embodiment, method 280 includes a step 281 of providing a base post assembly and a step 282 of providing a support post assembly with a desired center of mass. Method 280 includes a step 283 of coupling the support post assembly with the base post assembly using the yieldable assembly so that the support post assembly is balanced over the base post assembly.
The center of mass of the support post assembly can be chosen in many different ways. For example, in one embodiment, the support post assembly includes opposed upright post members and the center of mass of the support post assembly is chosen by choosing the weight of the opposed upright post members. In one embodiment, the support post assembly includes opposed angled post members and the center of mass of the support post assembly is chosen by choosing the weight of the opposed angled post members. In one embodiment, the support post assembly includes a reinforcement member and the center of mass of the support post assembly is chosen by choosing the weight distribution of the reinforcement member.
In some embodiments, the fixture assembly includes a lamp fixture assembly carried by the support post assembly. In these embodiments, the center of mass of the support post assembly is chosen to counterbalance the weight of the lamp fixture assembly. In some embodiments, the lamp fixture assembly includes a lamp carried by a lamp post. If desired, the lamp can be coupled to and decoupled from the lamp post in a repeatable manner. Hence, a lamp can be decoupled from the lamp post and replaced with another one. In this way, the weight of the lamp fixture assembly is adjustable.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fixture assembly, comprising:

a base post assembly;

a support post assembly which includes opposed post members; and

a yieldable assembly which allows the support post assembly to repeatably move between upright and tilted positions in response to an applied force;

wherein the opposed post members are positioned to restrict movement of the support post assembly from the upright position to the tilted position.

2. The fixture assembly of claim 1, further including a mailbox carried by the support post assembly, wherein the opposed members balance the mailbox over the base post assembly.

3. The fixture assembly of claim 1, wherein the support post assembly carries a reinforcement member.

4. The fixture assembly of claim 3, wherein the reinforcement member is repeatably moveable between positions coupled to and decoupled from the support post assembly.

5. The fixture assembly of claim 1, wherein the yieldable assembly includes a spring with a rigid fastener extending therethrough.

6. The fixture assembly of claim 1, further including a light post carried by the support post assembly, wherein the opposed members balance the light post over the base post assembly.

7. The fixture assembly of claim 1, wherein the base post assembly includes an upwardly facing opening and the yieldable assembly includes a downwardly facing opening.

8. A fixture assembly, comprising:

a base post assembly having an upwardly facing surface with an opening extending through it;

a support post assembly which includes opposed upright post members; and

a yieldable assembly which includes a spring that allows the support post assembly to move between upright and tilted positions in response to a force applied thereto;

wherein the opposed upright post members are positioned to bias the support post assembly to the upright position.

9. The fixture assembly of claim 8, further including an angled post member coupled to each upright post member.

10. The fixture assembly of claim 8, further including a horizontal post member extending between the opposed upright members.

11. The fixture assembly of claim 10, further including a reinforcement member which extends between the opposed upright members and horizontal post member.

12. The fixture assembly of claim 10, further including a mailbox carried by the horizontal post member.

13. The fixture assembly of claim 8, further including a lamp fixture assembly carried by the support post assembly.

14. The fixture assembly of claim 13, wherein the lamp fixture assembly includes a lamp, the lamp being repeatably moveable between engaged and disengaged positions with the lamp fixture assembly.

15. The fixture assembly of claim 8, wherein the yieldable assembly includes inner and outer springs.

16. A fixture assembly, comprising:

a base post assembly;

a support post assembly which includes opposed upright post members; and

a yieldable assembly which includes a spring and a fastener, wherein the spring and fastener couple the base post assembly and support post assembly together;

wherein the opposed upright post members are positioned to restrict movement of the support post assembly from an upright position to a tilted position.

17. The fixture assembly of claim 16, wherein the fastener is a rigid fastener which extends through the spring.

18. The fixture assembly of claim 16, wherein the fastener is an eyebolt which couples the spring to the base support assembly.

19. The fixture assembly of claim 16, wherein the yieldable assembly includes a housing and the base support assembly includes an upwardly facing cup sized and shaped to receive the housing.

20. The fixture assembly of claim 16, further including a mailbox which is carried by the support post assembly so it is balanced over the base post assembly.

21. The fixture assembly of claim 16, wherein the opposed upright post members are positioned to bias the support post assembly to the upright position.