US20110084124A1 - Mailbox delivery indicator assembly and method of use - Google Patents
Mailbox delivery indicator assembly and method of use Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110084124A1 US20110084124A1 US12/577,894 US57789409A US2011084124A1 US 20110084124 A1 US20110084124 A1 US 20110084124A1 US 57789409 A US57789409 A US 57789409A US 2011084124 A1 US2011084124 A1 US 2011084124A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- mailbox
- assembly
- indicator assembly
- retention
- rod member
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00
- A47G29/12—Mail or newspaper receptacles, e.g. letter-boxes; Openings in doors or the like for delivering mail or newspapers
- A47G29/1209—Rural letter-boxes
- A47G29/121—Signalling devices
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00
- A47G29/12—Mail or newspaper receptacles, e.g. letter-boxes; Openings in doors or the like for delivering mail or newspapers
- A47G29/1209—Rural letter-boxes
- A47G29/121—Signalling devices
- A47G2029/12105—Signalling devices activated by the inlet door
Definitions
- the present invention relates to mailboxes. More specifically, the present invention relates to an delivery indicator assembly which operates in conjunction with a mailbox.
- Mail receptacles for receiving incoming mail at a home, residence or business are known in the art.
- a mail receptacle may be positioned in a variety of places, including, but not limited to, placement of a mail slot in a door, direct attachment of a letterbox to a building for door-to-door mail delivery, or curbside placement of a mailbox enabling mail delivery from a vehicle.
- a curbside mailbox often includes features not present in a mail slot or building mounted letterbox.
- the Jorolemon mailbox which is a curbside mailbox design recognizable by its curved, tunnel-shape top, may include a semaphore arm and/or a latching door. These features are directed to streamlining vehicular mail delivery.
- the semaphore arm indicates the presence of outgoing mail to the letter carrier or postal service employee.
- the latching door provides a postal service employee fast and efficient access to an enclosed tunnel within the mailbox used for holding and protecting outgoing and incoming mail from adverse weather conditions.
- curbside mailboxes do not provide features enabling consistent notification or signaling of mail delivery to a mail recipient.
- a device signaling or notifying a mail recipient of mail delivery can be an important feature for individuals suffering with physical disabilities. For example, traveling to a curbside mailbox can be a difficult and time consuming task for a person who relies upon a wheelchair for mobility. The person must prepare to travel outdoors, which may involve acquisition and placement of additional garments. Further, additional time and preparation is necessary during adverse weather conditions, for example during heavy precipitation or icy conditions. Accordingly, a mail delivery notification device would avoid difficulty and waste of time by an individual preparing and traveling to a mailbox only to learn the mail has not been delivered.
- a mail delivery notification device can be a safety feature for individuals suffering from cognitive disorders. For example, a noticeable symptom of a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease or dementia is short term memory loss. This often arises as difficulty in remembering recently learned facts and the inability to acquire new information. As such, an individual afflicted with such a disorder may repeatedly travel to the curbside mailbox as the individual is unable to remember if the mail has been delivered or the result of the previous trip to the mailbox. With each trip, the afflicted individual may be at risk of injury, for example from oncoming traffic or from a fall. Accordingly, a mail delivery notification device would allow an individual receiving mail to avoid unnecessary exposure to potential injury by providing notification that mail has been delivered.
- the United States Postal Service may have regulations limiting what a letter carrier or postal service employee can do while on the job, effectively disallowing a letter carrier from performing non-dictated tasks. Further, due to job reductions, a letter carrier or postal service employee is being asked to carry additional job responsibilities which used to be covered by additional employees. These additional responsibilities result in additional demands on a letter carrier or postal service employee, resulting in a reduction in available time to perform nonessential or unnecessary job functions. Thus a letter carrier or postal service employee may be less likely to perform any task that is not required by their job responsibilities, such as operating a delivery indicator device. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a device which would automatically signal mail delivery or notify a mail recipient without any extra acts being performed by the letter carrier or postal service employee delivering mail. Further, it would be desirable to have a device which would automatically signal mail delivery or notify a mail recipient when a letter carrier or postal service employee opens a mailbox door.
- the other devices in the art do not have signals which are large in size and easy to see from a distance, can be attached to any type or style of mailbox and/or can be placed anywhere on a mailbox. Accordingly, an improved mail delivery indicator device and method of use is provided.
- a mailbox delivery indicator assembly for notifying a mail recipient of mail delivery.
- the assembly includes a flag connected to a rod member.
- the rod member is connected to a spring.
- the spring is connected to a mailbox connection member.
- a retention assembly is in communication with the rod member.
- the assembly in another embodiment, includes a signal having a channel and a rod member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rod member is received by the channel of the signal.
- a biasing member is in communication with the second end of the rod member.
- a connection member is in communication with the biasing member.
- a retention assembly in communication with the rod member.
- a method of using a mailbox delivery indicator assembly includes the steps of opening a mailbox door on a mailbox, applying a force on the mailbox delivery indicator assembly sufficient to place a bias on a biasing member, placing a retention assembly of the mailbox delivery indicator assembly between the mailbox and mailbox door, closing the mailbox door; and compressing the retention assembly between the mailbox door and the mailbox.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a mailbox having a delivery indicator assembly attached thereto in the undelivered mail position in an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the mailbox of FIG. 1 having the delivery indicator assembly attached thereto in the delivered mail position.
- FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the mailbox and delivery indicator assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the mailbox and delivery indicator assembly of FIG. 1 , taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mailbox and delivery indicator assembly of FIG. 1 , taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 3 .
- a mailbox delivery indicator assembly 100 for use with a mailbox 140 illustrated as a Jorolemon type mailbox. It should be appreciated that “mailbox” is provided for purposes of illustration, and the mailbox delivery indicator assembly 100 may be used with any type, style or arrangement of a mailbox approved for use by the United States Postal Service or any other postal service governing body.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a mailbox delivery indicator assembly 100 in accordance with one of more examples of embodiments of the present invention.
- the indicator assembly 100 may include a rod member 101 .
- the rod member 101 may include a first end 111 and a second end 112 .
- the rod member 101 may be formed of stainless steel having sufficient rigidity to sustain the application of force necessary to move the indicatory assembly 100 between an undelivered position and delivered position while maintaining structural integrity. Further, the rod member 101 may also be suitable for outdoor use, including, but not limited to, resistance to corrosion or wear caused by adverse weather conditions or the elements.
- the rod member 101 may be formed of die cast aluminum, injection molded plastic, composite material or by any other known and suitable materials, processes or methods of sufficient strength to support operation of the mailbox delivery indicator assembly 100 . Further, in one or more examples of embodiments, the rod member 101 may be pliable or flexible to allow for some distortion of the rod member 101 during operation and use of the indicator assembly 100 .
- the flag 102 may include a pocket or channel or sleeve 122 for removably receiving the rod member 101 .
- the sleeve 122 may have an inner diameter sized to correspond and operably mate with the rod member 101 , and specifically an outer diameter of the rod member 101 .
- the sleeve 122 may extend the entire height or only a portion of the height of the flag 101 .
- the flag 102 may be connected to the rod member 101 by alternate methods, including, but not limited to, adhesive, a ferrule or ring received by the flag 102 and adapted to receive the rod member 101 , or other permanent or semi-permanent attachment method with sufficient strength to allow operation of the indicator assembly 100 .
- the flag 102 may be formed of nylon, polyester, or any other natural or synthetic material.
- the flag 102 may be any single or combination of colors, including, but not limited to, orange, yellow, red or white. Further, the flag 102 may include reflective material to increase visibility in a low light environment.
- the flag 102 may be square, rectangular, polygonal or any shape or size sufficient for a mail recipient to see the flag 102 from a distance. Further, in one or more examples of embodiments, the flag 102 may have sufficient rigidity or stiffness to protrude or extend from the rod member 101 while in the delivered position.
- the spring 103 may be connected to the rod member 101 by weld.
- the spring 103 may be connected to the rod member 101 by alternative methods, which may include, but are not limited to, bolt and nut, rivet, adhesive, and integrally incorporating the spring 103 and rod member 101 as a unitary member.
- the spring 103 may be formed of stainless steel, die cast aluminum, injection molded plastic, composite material or by any other known and suitable materials, processes or methods of sufficient strength to support operation of the indicator assembly 100 .
- the indicator assembly 100 may not include the spring 103 , and instead may include rod member 101 having an amount of resiliency and able to sustain an amount of bias sufficient to operate the indicator assembly 100 as disclosed herein.
- connection member 104 Connected to the spring 103 may be a mailbox connection member 104 .
- the connection member 104 may be integrally formed with the spring 103 as a unitary member.
- the connection member 104 may be connected to the spring 103 by alternative methods, which may include, but are not limited to, weld, rivet, a threaded assembly and adhesive.
- the connection member 104 may be a bolt.
- the connection member or bolt 104 may have a head portion and a shaft portion.
- the spring 103 is adapted to receive a portion of the connection member or bolt 104 .
- the head portion may have an outer diameter greater than the shaft portion.
- a portion of the spring 103 may have an inner diameter which slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion of connection member or bolt 104 , yet smaller than the outer diameter of the head portion of connection member or bolt 104 . Accordingly, the spring 103 may receive and retain the shaft portion of connection member or bolt 104 .
- the connection member 104 may be formed of stainless steel, die cast aluminum, injection molded plastic, composite material or by any other known and suitable materials, processes or methods of sufficient strength to maintain a connection between a mailbox 140 and the indicator assembly 100 while supporting operation of the indicator assembly 100 . As discussed in greater detail below, the connection member 104 may connect to mailbox 140 .
- the indicator assembly 100 may include a retention assembly or string or cord or chain 105 for retaining the signal device 102 in position on the mailbox 140 .
- the retention assembly 105 may include a first end 106 and a second end 107 .
- the first end 106 of the retention assembly 105 may be attached to the rod member 101 by a connection member 108 .
- the connection member 108 may include two apertures, one for receiving a portion of the rod member 101 and one for receiving the first end 106 of the retention assembly 105 .
- the retention assembly 105 may be directly connected to the rod member 101 , for example, but not limited to, attachment by adhesive, weld, or by a ferrule or ring received by the retention assembly 105 and adapted to receive the rod member 101 .
- the retention assembly 105 may be formed of wire, natural fiber, synthetic fiber, artificial fiber, stainless steel interlocking chain, or any other natural or synthetic material having sufficient strength to maintain the indicator assembly 100 in an undelivered or loaded position and is suitable for outdoor use, including, but not limited to, resistance to corrosion or wear caused by adverse weather conditions or the elements.
- the second end 107 of the retention assembly 105 may optionally include a retention device 109 .
- the retention device 109 may have an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the retention assembly 105 , which may assist in retention of the retention assembly 105 within the mailbox 140 .
- the retention device 109 may be connected to the retention assembly 105 by any other known and suitable process or method, including, but not limited to, weld or adhesive.
- the retention device 109 may include an aperture or passage for receiving and retaining a portion of the second end 107 of the retention assembly 105 .
- the aperture may have a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the retention assembly 105 , enabling the aperture to receive the retention assembly 105 .
- the second end 107 of the retention assembly 105 may then have an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the aperture, for example by attachment of a cap or placement of a knot, restricting removal of the retention device 109 from the retention assembly 105 .
- the retention device 109 may be spherical, triangular, polygonal or any other known shape. Further, in one or more examples of embodiments the retention device 109 may be formed of stainless steel, plastic, die cast aluminum, composite material or any other known and suitable material.
- the indicator assembly 100 may be attached to a mailbox 140 .
- the mailbox 140 may include an upper portion 141 , a lower portion 142 , a first side portion 143 , a second side portion 144 , a rear portion 145 and an outer portion 146 .
- the mailbox 140 may also include a substantially hollow inner portion 147 .
- upper portion 141 and lower portion 142 may extend generally parallel to one another along all or a portion of the mailbox 140 .
- the first side portion 143 and second side portion 144 may extend generally parallel to one another and extend generally longitudinally along all or a portion of the mailbox 140 .
- the first side portion 143 and second side portion 144 may be spaced apart from each other by the upper portion 141 and the lower portion 142 . Further, the first side portion 143 and second side portion 144 may be spaced apart from each other by the rear portion 145 .
- the mailbox 140 may be constructed of stainless steel, plastic, or any other material approved for use by the United States Postal Service or any other postal service governing body.
- the mailbox 140 may also include a semaphore arm 148 , which may be attached to the outer portion 146 of the second side portion 144 .
- the mailbox 140 may include a mailbox door 150 .
- the mailbox door 150 may be attached to the mailbox 140 by a hinge 151 , enabling pivotal movement of the mailbox door 150 in relation to the mailbox 140 .
- the mailbox door 150 may further include a latch assembly 152 which may act as a lever to assist a user in pivoting the mailbox door 150 to access the inner portion 147 .
- the latch assembly 152 may assist in maintaining the mailbox door 150 in communication with the mailbox 140 , otherwise known as the closed position.
- the mailbox door 150 may include a lip or flange 153 adapted to fit over the outer portion 146 of the mailbox 140 to prevent precipitation from entering the inner portion 147 .
- the mailbox door 150 may be adapted to fit within the inner portion 147 of the mailbox 140 .
- the mailbox 140 may include a flange extending a distance into the inner portion 147 and adapted to receive a portion of the mailbox door 150 .
- the indicator assembly 100 may be attached to the upper portion 141 of the mailbox 140 .
- the mailbox connection member 104 may include a threaded portion 123 .
- the threaded portion 123 may be received through an aperture or passage (not shown) in the upper portion 141 of the mailbox 140 .
- the threaded portion 123 may mate with a washer 124 and/or a threaded fastener or nut 126 , connecting the indicator assembly 100 to the mailbox 140 .
- the mailbox connection member 104 may include an aperture or channel having a threaded portion for receiving a threaded member, such as a bolt.
- the bolt may be placed in the inner portion 147 of mailbox 140 with the threaded portion of the bolt positioned through an aperture or passage in mailbox 140 toward the outer portion 146 of mailbox 140 .
- the threaded portion of the bolt may then be received by the corresponding threaded channel of the connection member 104 to connect the indicator assembly 100 to the mailbox 140 .
- the indicator assembly 100 may be attached or connected to the first side portion 143 , second side portion 144 , or rear portion 145 .
- the indicator assembly 100 may be positioned near, but not in direct contact with mailbox 140 , for example, but not limited to, anchoring the indicator assembly 100 into nearby ground or to a mailbox support or post.
- the indicator assembly 100 may be attached or connected to the mailbox 140 by weld, adhesive, or any other permanent or semi-permanent attachment method with sufficient strength to enable operation of the indicator assembly 100 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates the indicator assembly 100 in the delivered or extended or unloaded position.
- the indicator assembly 100 may be positioned generally orthogonal to the mailbox 140 .
- the spring 103 may be in an unbiased state. Accordingly, the flag 102 may be extended a distance away from the mailbox 140 , enabling a mail recipient to visually see the flag 102 from a distance.
- a user may apply force on the retention assembly 105 , resulting in the retention assembly 105 being moved toward the mailbox door 150 .
- the force applied to the retention assembly 105 translates to force against the bias of spring 103 .
- the spring 103 will flex to enable the connected rod member 101 and flag 102 to move toward the mailbox 140 .
- the user may place the second end 107 of the retention assembly 105 into the inner portion 147 while maintaining force upon the retention assembly 105 .
- the user may then close the mailbox door 150 by pivoting the mailbox door 150 toward the mailbox 140 .
- the user may concurrently release the force applied to the retention assembly 105 , as a portion of the retention assembly 105 is compressed between the mailbox door 150 and mailbox 140 .
- the user may apply force on the retention device 109 to move the retention assembly 105 toward the mailbox door 150 .
- the indicator assembly 100 when the indicator assembly 100 is placed in the loaded position, the second end 107 of the retention assembly 105 is retained within the inner portion 147 of mailbox 140 .
- the indicator assembly 100 may be maintained in the loaded position as a portion of the retention assembly 105 is compressed between the mailbox door 150 and mailbox 140 .
- the indicator assembly 100 may further be maintained in the loaded position by the retention device 109 .
- the outer diameter of the retention device 109 may have an outer diameter which is larger than the outer diameter of the retention assembly 105 .
- the indicator assembly 100 will not release to the unloaded position unless the distance between the mailbox door 150 and mailbox 140 is larger than the outer diameter of the retention device 109 .
- the retention device 109 will contact a portion of the mailbox door 150 and inner portion 147 of mailbox 140 , applying a counter force to the bias of spring 103 .
- the mailbox delivery indicator assembly and associated features described herein consistently notifies a mail recipient of mail arrival by extending into a delivered position upon the opening of the mailbox door. This reduces wasted time from unnecessary or repeated trips to the mailbox to ascertain whether mail has been delivered, as the mail recipient may look at the indicator assembly from a distance to determine the status of mail delivery. Further, by signaling mail delivery and eliminating repeated trips to the mailbox by a mail recipient, the indicator assembly reduces the risk of various injury, including, but not limited to, fall, collision or impact from vehicles near a curbside mailbox, and/or exposure to adverse or hazardous weather conditions.
- the indicator assembly provides a reminder to a mail recipient suffering from cognitive disorders resulting in short term memory loss, including dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Accordingly, the suffering mail recipient is provided a visual reminder of the status of mail delivery based upon the positioning of the indicator assembly. This results in avoidance of repeated trips to the mailbox caused by failure to remember the mail delivery status from the prior trip. Additionally, actuating the indicator assembly into a delivered position requires no unusual or affirmative acts or steps by a letter carrier or postal service employee. The letter carrier need only open the mailbox door, a standard act or step during delivery of mail, to trigger the indicator assembly into a delivered position. Accordingly, operation of the indicator assembly does not create any additional work for the letter carrier.
- joinder references e.g., attached, coupled, connected
- Joinder references are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.
- steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
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- Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)
Abstract
A mailbox delivery indicator assembly is provided comprising a flag connected to a rod member, the rod member connected to a spring, the spring connected to a mailbox connection member, and a retention assembly in communication with the rod member. A method of using a mailbox delivery indicator assembly is also provided.
Description
- The present invention relates to mailboxes. More specifically, the present invention relates to an delivery indicator assembly which operates in conjunction with a mailbox.
- Mail receptacles for receiving incoming mail at a home, residence or business are known in the art. A mail receptacle may be positioned in a variety of places, including, but not limited to, placement of a mail slot in a door, direct attachment of a letterbox to a building for door-to-door mail delivery, or curbside placement of a mailbox enabling mail delivery from a vehicle.
- A curbside mailbox often includes features not present in a mail slot or building mounted letterbox. For example, the Jorolemon mailbox, which is a curbside mailbox design recognizable by its curved, tunnel-shape top, may include a semaphore arm and/or a latching door. These features are directed to streamlining vehicular mail delivery. Specifically, the semaphore arm indicates the presence of outgoing mail to the letter carrier or postal service employee. Further, the latching door provides a postal service employee fast and efficient access to an enclosed tunnel within the mailbox used for holding and protecting outgoing and incoming mail from adverse weather conditions. Unfortunately, curbside mailboxes do not provide features enabling consistent notification or signaling of mail delivery to a mail recipient. For example, while the lowering of the semaphore arm by the postal service employee when outgoing mail is collected may signal mail delivery, if no outgoing mail was placed in the mailbox, the semaphore arm will remain in the lowered position. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a device which would consistently signal or notify a mail recipient of mail delivery.
- A device signaling or notifying a mail recipient of mail delivery can be an important feature for individuals suffering with physical disabilities. For example, traveling to a curbside mailbox can be a difficult and time consuming task for a person who relies upon a wheelchair for mobility. The person must prepare to travel outdoors, which may involve acquisition and placement of additional garments. Further, additional time and preparation is necessary during adverse weather conditions, for example during heavy precipitation or icy conditions. Accordingly, a mail delivery notification device would avoid difficulty and waste of time by an individual preparing and traveling to a mailbox only to learn the mail has not been delivered.
- In addition, a mail delivery notification device can be a safety feature for individuals suffering from cognitive disorders. For example, a noticeable symptom of a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease or dementia is short term memory loss. This often arises as difficulty in remembering recently learned facts and the inability to acquire new information. As such, an individual afflicted with such a disorder may repeatedly travel to the curbside mailbox as the individual is unable to remember if the mail has been delivered or the result of the previous trip to the mailbox. With each trip, the afflicted individual may be at risk of injury, for example from oncoming traffic or from a fall. Accordingly, a mail delivery notification device would allow an individual receiving mail to avoid unnecessary exposure to potential injury by providing notification that mail has been delivered.
- The use of signaling devices on mailboxes is known in the art. However, each has substantial limitations. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,064 to Shively discloses a mail box delivery indicator flag. However, in operation and use, the device disclosed by Shively requires an affirmative act by the postal service employee delivering mail. Specifically, the postal service employee must physically adjust and raise the disclosed flag signaling mail delivery. However, a postal service employee or letter carrier has no duty to take any extra affirmative steps to operate a signaling device, as the letter carrier is only required to deliver mail. This may lead to nonuse of a device similar to the one disclosed in the '064 patent. In addition, it is not practical to place additional burdens or work upon a letter carrier or postal service employee. The United States Postal Service may have regulations limiting what a letter carrier or postal service employee can do while on the job, effectively disallowing a letter carrier from performing non-dictated tasks. Further, due to job reductions, a letter carrier or postal service employee is being asked to carry additional job responsibilities which used to be covered by additional employees. These additional responsibilities result in additional demands on a letter carrier or postal service employee, resulting in a reduction in available time to perform nonessential or unnecessary job functions. Thus a letter carrier or postal service employee may be less likely to perform any task that is not required by their job responsibilities, such as operating a delivery indicator device. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a device which would automatically signal mail delivery or notify a mail recipient without any extra acts being performed by the letter carrier or postal service employee delivering mail. Further, it would be desirable to have a device which would automatically signal mail delivery or notify a mail recipient when a letter carrier or postal service employee opens a mailbox door.
- Further, the other devices in the art do not have signals which are large in size and easy to see from a distance, can be attached to any type or style of mailbox and/or can be placed anywhere on a mailbox. Accordingly, an improved mail delivery indicator device and method of use is provided.
- A mailbox delivery indicator assembly is provided for notifying a mail recipient of mail delivery. The assembly includes a flag connected to a rod member. The rod member is connected to a spring. The spring is connected to a mailbox connection member. Further, a retention assembly is in communication with the rod member.
- In another embodiment of a mailbox delivery indicator assembly, the assembly includes a signal having a channel and a rod member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rod member is received by the channel of the signal. A biasing member is in communication with the second end of the rod member. A connection member is in communication with the biasing member. In addition, a retention assembly in communication with the rod member.
- A method of using a mailbox delivery indicator assembly is also provided. The method includes the steps of opening a mailbox door on a mailbox, applying a force on the mailbox delivery indicator assembly sufficient to place a bias on a biasing member, placing a retention assembly of the mailbox delivery indicator assembly between the mailbox and mailbox door, closing the mailbox door; and compressing the retention assembly between the mailbox door and the mailbox.
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FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a mailbox having a delivery indicator assembly attached thereto in the undelivered mail position in an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the mailbox ofFIG. 1 having the delivery indicator assembly attached thereto in the delivered mail position. -
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the mailbox and delivery indicator assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the mailbox and delivery indicator assembly ofFIG. 1 , taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mailbox and delivery indicator assembly ofFIG. 1 , taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 3 . - The following presents one or more examples of embodiments of a mailbox
delivery indicator assembly 100. For ease of discussion and understanding, the following detailed description and illustrations refer to the mailboxdelivery indicator assembly 100 for use with amailbox 140 illustrated as a Jorolemon type mailbox. It should be appreciated that “mailbox” is provided for purposes of illustration, and the mailboxdelivery indicator assembly 100 may be used with any type, style or arrangement of a mailbox approved for use by the United States Postal Service or any other postal service governing body. -
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a mailboxdelivery indicator assembly 100 in accordance with one of more examples of embodiments of the present invention. Theindicator assembly 100 may include arod member 101. Therod member 101 may include afirst end 111 and asecond end 112. Therod member 101 may be formed of stainless steel having sufficient rigidity to sustain the application of force necessary to move theindicatory assembly 100 between an undelivered position and delivered position while maintaining structural integrity. Further, therod member 101 may also be suitable for outdoor use, including, but not limited to, resistance to corrosion or wear caused by adverse weather conditions or the elements. In one or more examples of embodiments, therod member 101 may be formed of die cast aluminum, injection molded plastic, composite material or by any other known and suitable materials, processes or methods of sufficient strength to support operation of the mailboxdelivery indicator assembly 100. Further, in one or more examples of embodiments, therod member 101 may be pliable or flexible to allow for some distortion of therod member 101 during operation and use of theindicator assembly 100. - Connected to the
first end 111 of therod member 101 may be a flag orsignal device 102. Theflag 102 may include a pocket or channel orsleeve 122 for removably receiving therod member 101. Thesleeve 122 may have an inner diameter sized to correspond and operably mate with therod member 101, and specifically an outer diameter of therod member 101. Thesleeve 122 may extend the entire height or only a portion of the height of theflag 101. In one or more examples of embodiments, theflag 102 may be connected to therod member 101 by alternate methods, including, but not limited to, adhesive, a ferrule or ring received by theflag 102 and adapted to receive therod member 101, or other permanent or semi-permanent attachment method with sufficient strength to allow operation of theindicator assembly 100. Theflag 102 may be formed of nylon, polyester, or any other natural or synthetic material. Theflag 102 may be any single or combination of colors, including, but not limited to, orange, yellow, red or white. Further, theflag 102 may include reflective material to increase visibility in a low light environment. In one or more examples of embodiments, theflag 102 may be square, rectangular, polygonal or any shape or size sufficient for a mail recipient to see theflag 102 from a distance. Further, in one or more examples of embodiments, theflag 102 may have sufficient rigidity or stiffness to protrude or extend from therod member 101 while in the delivered position. - Connected to or receiving the
second end 112 of therod member 101 may be a biasing member orspring 103. Thespring 103 may be connected to therod member 101 by weld. In one or more examples of embodiments, thespring 103 may be connected to therod member 101 by alternative methods, which may include, but are not limited to, bolt and nut, rivet, adhesive, and integrally incorporating thespring 103 androd member 101 as a unitary member. In one or more examples of embodiments, thespring 103 may be formed of stainless steel, die cast aluminum, injection molded plastic, composite material or by any other known and suitable materials, processes or methods of sufficient strength to support operation of theindicator assembly 100. Further, in one or more examples of embodiments, theindicator assembly 100 may not include thespring 103, and instead may includerod member 101 having an amount of resiliency and able to sustain an amount of bias sufficient to operate theindicator assembly 100 as disclosed herein. - Connected to the
spring 103 may be amailbox connection member 104. Theconnection member 104 may be integrally formed with thespring 103 as a unitary member. In one or more examples of embodiments, theconnection member 104 may be connected to thespring 103 by alternative methods, which may include, but are not limited to, weld, rivet, a threaded assembly and adhesive. In one or more examples of embodiments, theconnection member 104 may be a bolt. Further, in one or more examples of embodiments, the connection member or bolt 104 may have a head portion and a shaft portion. In one or more examples of embodiments, thespring 103 is adapted to receive a portion of the connection member orbolt 104. The head portion may have an outer diameter greater than the shaft portion. In turn, a portion of thespring 103 may have an inner diameter which slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion of connection member orbolt 104, yet smaller than the outer diameter of the head portion of connection member orbolt 104. Accordingly, thespring 103 may receive and retain the shaft portion of connection member orbolt 104. In one or more examples of embodiments, theconnection member 104 may be formed of stainless steel, die cast aluminum, injection molded plastic, composite material or by any other known and suitable materials, processes or methods of sufficient strength to maintain a connection between amailbox 140 and theindicator assembly 100 while supporting operation of theindicator assembly 100. As discussed in greater detail below, theconnection member 104 may connect tomailbox 140. - Referring to
FIGS. 1-3 , theindicator assembly 100 may include a retention assembly or string or cord orchain 105 for retaining thesignal device 102 in position on themailbox 140. Theretention assembly 105 may include afirst end 106 and asecond end 107. As illustrated, thefirst end 106 of theretention assembly 105 may be attached to therod member 101 by aconnection member 108. Theconnection member 108 may include two apertures, one for receiving a portion of therod member 101 and one for receiving thefirst end 106 of theretention assembly 105. In one or more examples of embodiments, theretention assembly 105 may be directly connected to therod member 101, for example, but not limited to, attachment by adhesive, weld, or by a ferrule or ring received by theretention assembly 105 and adapted to receive therod member 101. Further, in one or more examples of embodiments, theretention assembly 105 may be formed of wire, natural fiber, synthetic fiber, artificial fiber, stainless steel interlocking chain, or any other natural or synthetic material having sufficient strength to maintain theindicator assembly 100 in an undelivered or loaded position and is suitable for outdoor use, including, but not limited to, resistance to corrosion or wear caused by adverse weather conditions or the elements. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 5 , thesecond end 107 of theretention assembly 105 may optionally include aretention device 109. Generally, theretention device 109 may have an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of theretention assembly 105, which may assist in retention of theretention assembly 105 within themailbox 140. Theretention device 109 may be connected to theretention assembly 105 by any other known and suitable process or method, including, but not limited to, weld or adhesive. In one or more examples of embodiments, and illustrated inFIG. 2 , theretention device 109 may include an aperture or passage for receiving and retaining a portion of thesecond end 107 of theretention assembly 105. For example, the aperture may have a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of theretention assembly 105, enabling the aperture to receive theretention assembly 105. Thesecond end 107 of theretention assembly 105 may then have an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the aperture, for example by attachment of a cap or placement of a knot, restricting removal of theretention device 109 from theretention assembly 105. In one or more examples of embodiments theretention device 109 may be spherical, triangular, polygonal or any other known shape. Further, in one or more examples of embodiments theretention device 109 may be formed of stainless steel, plastic, die cast aluminum, composite material or any other known and suitable material. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3 , theindicator assembly 100 may be attached to amailbox 140. Themailbox 140 may include anupper portion 141, alower portion 142, afirst side portion 143, asecond side portion 144, arear portion 145 and anouter portion 146. As best illustrated inFIG. 4 , themailbox 140 may also include a substantially hollowinner portion 147. As shown inFIG. 3 ,upper portion 141 andlower portion 142 may extend generally parallel to one another along all or a portion of themailbox 140. Similarly, thefirst side portion 143 andsecond side portion 144 may extend generally parallel to one another and extend generally longitudinally along all or a portion of themailbox 140. Thefirst side portion 143 andsecond side portion 144 may be spaced apart from each other by theupper portion 141 and thelower portion 142. Further, thefirst side portion 143 andsecond side portion 144 may be spaced apart from each other by therear portion 145. Themailbox 140 may be constructed of stainless steel, plastic, or any other material approved for use by the United States Postal Service or any other postal service governing body. Themailbox 140 may also include asemaphore arm 148, which may be attached to theouter portion 146 of thesecond side portion 144. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 1-3 and 5, themailbox 140 may include amailbox door 150. Themailbox door 150 may be attached to themailbox 140 by ahinge 151, enabling pivotal movement of themailbox door 150 in relation to themailbox 140. Themailbox door 150 may further include alatch assembly 152 which may act as a lever to assist a user in pivoting themailbox door 150 to access theinner portion 147. In one or more examples of embodiments, thelatch assembly 152 may assist in maintaining themailbox door 150 in communication with themailbox 140, otherwise known as the closed position. Themailbox door 150 may include a lip orflange 153 adapted to fit over theouter portion 146 of themailbox 140 to prevent precipitation from entering theinner portion 147. In one or more examples of embodiments, themailbox door 150 may be adapted to fit within theinner portion 147 of themailbox 140. Accordingly, themailbox 140 may include a flange extending a distance into theinner portion 147 and adapted to receive a portion of themailbox door 150. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-3 , theindicator assembly 100 may be attached to theupper portion 141 of themailbox 140. As illustrated inFIG. 4 , themailbox connection member 104 may include a threadedportion 123. The threadedportion 123 may be received through an aperture or passage (not shown) in theupper portion 141 of themailbox 140. Once received into theinner portion 147 ofmailbox 140, the threadedportion 123 may mate with awasher 124 and/or a threaded fastener ornut 126, connecting theindicator assembly 100 to themailbox 140. In one or more example of embodiments, themailbox connection member 104 may include an aperture or channel having a threaded portion for receiving a threaded member, such as a bolt. Accordingly, the bolt may be placed in theinner portion 147 ofmailbox 140 with the threaded portion of the bolt positioned through an aperture or passage inmailbox 140 toward theouter portion 146 ofmailbox 140. The threaded portion of the bolt may then be received by the corresponding threaded channel of theconnection member 104 to connect theindicator assembly 100 to themailbox 140. Further, in one or more example of embodiments, theindicator assembly 100 may be attached or connected to thefirst side portion 143,second side portion 144, orrear portion 145. In one or more examples of embodiments, theindicator assembly 100 may be positioned near, but not in direct contact withmailbox 140, for example, but not limited to, anchoring theindicator assembly 100 into nearby ground or to a mailbox support or post. In one or more examples of embodiments, theindicator assembly 100 may be attached or connected to themailbox 140 by weld, adhesive, or any other permanent or semi-permanent attachment method with sufficient strength to enable operation of theindicator assembly 100. - In operation and use, engagement and disengagement of the
indicator assembly 100 from themailbox 140 may be accomplished by manual actuation of theretention assembly 105.FIG. 2 illustrates theindicator assembly 100 in the delivered or extended or unloaded position. Preferably, in the unloaded position, theindicator assembly 100 may be positioned generally orthogonal to themailbox 140. Further, thespring 103 may be in an unbiased state. Accordingly, theflag 102 may be extended a distance away from themailbox 140, enabling a mail recipient to visually see theflag 102 from a distance. - To place the
indicator assembly 100 into an undelivered or unextended or loaded position, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3 , a user may apply force on theretention assembly 105, resulting in theretention assembly 105 being moved toward themailbox door 150. The force applied to theretention assembly 105 translates to force against the bias ofspring 103. Accordingly, as theretention assembly 105 moves toward themailbox door 150, thespring 103 will flex to enable theconnected rod member 101 andflag 102 to move toward themailbox 140. With themailbox door 150 open and providing access to theinner portion 147 of themailbox 140, the user may place thesecond end 107 of theretention assembly 105 into theinner portion 147 while maintaining force upon theretention assembly 105. The user may then close themailbox door 150 by pivoting themailbox door 150 toward themailbox 140. The user may concurrently release the force applied to theretention assembly 105, as a portion of theretention assembly 105 is compressed between themailbox door 150 andmailbox 140. In one or more examples of embodiments, the user may apply force on theretention device 109 to move theretention assembly 105 toward themailbox door 150. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3 , when theindicator assembly 100 is placed in the loaded position, thesecond end 107 of theretention assembly 105 is retained within theinner portion 147 ofmailbox 140. Theindicator assembly 100 may be maintained in the loaded position as a portion of theretention assembly 105 is compressed between themailbox door 150 andmailbox 140. In one or more examples of embodiments, and as illustrated inFIG. 5 , theindicator assembly 100 may further be maintained in the loaded position by theretention device 109. As described above, the outer diameter of theretention device 109 may have an outer diameter which is larger than the outer diameter of theretention assembly 105. Accordingly, if themailbox door 150 unintentionally opens or separates from the mailbox 140 a distance sufficient to release the compression placed upon a portion of theretention assembly 105, theindicator assembly 100 will not release to the unloaded position unless the distance between themailbox door 150 andmailbox 140 is larger than the outer diameter of theretention device 109. To maintain theindicator assembly 100 in the unloaded position upon loss of compression upon a portion of theretention assembly 105, theretention device 109 will contact a portion of themailbox door 150 andinner portion 147 ofmailbox 140, applying a counter force to the bias ofspring 103. - Upon mail delivery, a letter carrier or postal service employee will open the
mailbox door 150. Consequently, the postal service employee will release the compression upon a portion of theretention assembly 105 applied by themailbox door 150 andmailbox 140. Further, the postal service employee may open the mailbox door 150 a distance from themailbox 140 greater than the outer diameter of theretention device 109. In effect, no force will be applied to theretention assembly 105 and thespring 103 will release any bias and return to an unbiased state. Concurrently the attachedrod member 101 andflag 102 will move away from themailbox 140 to the unloaded position, as illustrated inFIG. 2 . Theindicator assembly 100 now signals delivery of mail by the postal service. - The foregoing embodiments provide advantages over currently available devices. In particular the mailbox delivery indicator assembly and associated features described herein consistently notifies a mail recipient of mail arrival by extending into a delivered position upon the opening of the mailbox door. This reduces wasted time from unnecessary or repeated trips to the mailbox to ascertain whether mail has been delivered, as the mail recipient may look at the indicator assembly from a distance to determine the status of mail delivery. Further, by signaling mail delivery and eliminating repeated trips to the mailbox by a mail recipient, the indicator assembly reduces the risk of various injury, including, but not limited to, fall, collision or impact from vehicles near a curbside mailbox, and/or exposure to adverse or hazardous weather conditions. In addition, the indicator assembly provides a reminder to a mail recipient suffering from cognitive disorders resulting in short term memory loss, including dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Accordingly, the suffering mail recipient is provided a visual reminder of the status of mail delivery based upon the positioning of the indicator assembly. This results in avoidance of repeated trips to the mailbox caused by failure to remember the mail delivery status from the prior trip. Additionally, actuating the indicator assembly into a delivered position requires no unusual or affirmative acts or steps by a letter carrier or postal service employee. The letter carrier need only open the mailbox door, a standard act or step during delivery of mail, to trigger the indicator assembly into a delivered position. Accordingly, operation of the indicator assembly does not create any additional work for the letter carrier.
- Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. In some instances, in methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
- Although the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (10)
1. A mailbox delivery indicator assembly comprising:
a flag connected to a rod member;
the rod member connected to a spring;
the spring connected to a mailbox connection member; and
a retention assembly in communication with the rod member, such that the indicator assembly signals delivery of mail.
2. The mailbox delivery indicator assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mailbox connection member is in communication with a mailbox.
3. The mailbox delivery indicator assembly of claim 2 , wherein the mailbox connection member is a bolt connected to the mailbox by a nut.
4. The mailbox delivery indicator assembly of claim 1 , wherein the retention assembly includes a retention device.
5. A mailbox delivery indicator assembly comprising:
a signal device having a channel;
a rod member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rod member received by the channel of the signal device;
a biasing member in communication with the second end of the rod member;
a connection member in communication with the biasing member; and
a retention assembly in communication with the rod member.
6. The mailbox delivery indicator assembly of claim 5 , further comprising a mailbox in communication with the connection member.
7. The mailbox delivery indicator assembly of claim 6 , further comprising:
the connection member includes a threaded portion;
the mailbox includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a first side portion, a second side portion, a rear portion, an outer portion and an inner portion, the upper portion having an aperture to receive the threaded portion of the connection member from the outer portion into the inner portion; and
a threaded fastener to mate with the threaded portion of the connection member in the inner portion of the mailbox.
8. The mailbox delivery indicator assembly of claim 5 , wherein the retention assembly comprises a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the rod member and the second end in communication with a retention device.
9. A method of using a mailbox delivery indicator assembly comprising:
opening a mailbox door on a mailbox;
applying a force on the mailbox delivery indicator assembly sufficient to place a bias on a biasing member;
placing a retention assembly of the mailbox delivery indicator assembly between the mailbox and mailbox door;
closing the mailbox door; and
compressing the retention assembly between the mailbox door and the mailbox.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising:
opening the mailbox door; and
releasing the bias on the biasing member.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/577,894 US20110084124A1 (en) | 2009-10-13 | 2009-10-13 | Mailbox delivery indicator assembly and method of use |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/577,894 US20110084124A1 (en) | 2009-10-13 | 2009-10-13 | Mailbox delivery indicator assembly and method of use |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20110084124A1 true US20110084124A1 (en) | 2011-04-14 |
Family
ID=43854044
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/577,894 Abandoned US20110084124A1 (en) | 2009-10-13 | 2009-10-13 | Mailbox delivery indicator assembly and method of use |
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US (1) | US20110084124A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10297133B2 (en) * | 2017-06-22 | 2019-05-21 | Bart Waclawik | Mail delivery wireless notification system |
US11793341B2 (en) | 2021-03-25 | 2023-10-24 | Larry Eugene Olson | Mailbox delivery alert system and methods |
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