Repositionable Mailbox Drawer

Abstract

This present invention discloses a mailbox with a pull-out mailbox insert. The mailbox includes a housing, a post, a door, a flag and a pull-out mailbox insert. The pull-out mailbox insert is designed in such a way to offer easy retrieval of delivered post, even when it is pushed to the back of the mailbox. The insert features a series of tabs designed to prevent the insert from sliding too far back into the mailbox, and utilizes a rolling assembly on the bottom of the insert to conveniently slide it out from the mailbox interior when a small tab is pulled. In use, the device effectively enables easy retrieval of mail without having to reach far out of the window and create strain on the body.

Claims

1. A mailbox, comprising; a receptacle sized and configured to receive mail, packages and delivery parcels, the receptacle having a base, sidewalls, a back, a top and a door; a telescoping insert including a tray having a base, sidewalls, a roof and a back, the insert sized and configured to fit within the receptacle; and the telescoping insert having a plurality of rollers positioned under the base for repositioning of the telescoping insert within the receptacle, and a plurality of tabs designed to prevent the telescoping insert from being removed from the receptacle.

2. The mailbox as recited in claim 1, wherein the telescoping insert has a front lip opposite the back and extending partially up the sidewalls of the telescoping insert.

3. The mailbox as recited in claim 2, wherein the front lip has a handle to facilitate grasping of the telescoping insert.

4. The mailbox of claim 1, wherein the telescoping insert is sized and configured to receive mail, packages and delivery parcels and is of a size and configuration less than the receptacle.

5. The mailbox of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is formed of a rigid housing and is produced to meet the standards set forth at USPS STD 7B01.

6. The mailbox of claim 1, wherein the insert has the minimum capacity requirements of 18.50 long5.00 wide6.00 high.

7. The mailbox of claim 1, wherein the receptacle includes one of a sensor or reader to indicate use of the mailbox.

8. The mailbox of claim 7, wherein the reader is a RFID reader for reading mail, parcels or packages that have been tagged with RFID tags.

9. The mailbox of claim 7, wherein the sensor is one of a photoelectric, motion, or mechanical sensor.

10. The mailbox of claim 9, wherein the receptacle includes a reflective tape opposite the photoelectric sensor.

11. A mailbox having a slideable insert and comprising: a receptacle having a first interior dimension and the slideable insert having a second interior dimension that is less than the first dimension such that the slideable insert is wholly contained within the receptacle; wherein the slideable insert is movable in a longitudinal direction from a first closed position from within the receptacle to a second accessible position at least partially externally extending from the receptacle; and wherein the receptacle and slideable insert having one or more tabs or stops cooperatively engaging to prevent the slideable insert from being fully removed from the receptacle.

12. The mailbox of claim 11, wherein the slideable insert in the second accessible position extends outwardly less than the first interior dimension.

13. The mailbox of claim 11, wherein the receptacle includes a sensor and the sensor is mounted on a sidewall of the receptacle.

14. The mailbox of claim 13, wherein the sensor is one of a photoelectric, motion, or mechanical sensor.

15. The mailbox of claim 11, wherein the slideable insert is provided with a set of wheels at a forward edge of the slideable insert and a second set of wheels as a rear edge of the slideable insert.

16. The mailbox of claim 15, wherein the one of the set of wheels is provided with a locking mechanism.

17. A method of using a mailbox with a slideable insert comprising the steps of; providing a mailbox having a slidable insert, the mailbox having a first dimension and the slidable insert having a second dimension less than the first dimension and the slidable insert being wholly contained within the mailbox; sliding the insert outwardly in a longitudinal direction to a first position; depositing mail, packages or parcels on the insert; and sliding the insert inwardly in a longitudinal direction to a second position fully within the mailbox.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the mailbox is provided with a sensor for indicating activity in the mailbox.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the insert is provided with one of sliders or rollers to allow the insert to move in a longitudinal direction from an inward position to a position outwardly of the mailbox.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the sensor is one of photoelectric, motion, or mechanical sensor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of the mailbox device of the present invention and having a repositionable sliding or telescoping insert in closed condition of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the mailbox having a sliding or telescoping insert of the present invention in an open and extended condition in accordance with the disclosed invention;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective internal view of one embodiment of the mailbox having a sliding or telescoping insert of the present invention showing internal parts in accordance with the disclosed invention;

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of the mailbox having a sliding or telescoping insert of the present invention showing rolling assembly in accordance with the disclosed invention; and

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of the mailbox having a sliding insert of the present invention showing easy access from a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0026] As noted above, existing mailboxes and delivery receptacles are well known in the art for providing an access to mail, post, parcels, packages and the like for the users, both delivery personnel and intended recipients. Such mailboxes or receptacles typically comprise a housing, a standing post, a door and a flag, but do not include a structure for extending a slidable tray from the housing. Without such a structure, the users have to leave their vehicle in order to access the contents of the delivery, thereby causing inconvenience to the users.

[0027] Accordingly, and as also noted above, there exists in the art a long felt need for a mailbox structure or device that improves the ability to access a mailbox positioned or disposed along the side of a roadway, walkway or at another acceptable location. The present invention disclosed includes the ability to extend a mailbox's position from its first attached location on a mailbox post to a second position extended therefrom utilizing a sliding or telescoping insert, such that the distance between the mailbox opening and a postal service vehicle along the roadway may be reduced for improved access thereinto. The sliding insert facilitates delivery personnel with easier access to a user's mailbox, during periods of snow accumulation, flooding which may occur during heavy rains along curbs, inclement weather and in other instances wherein ready access to one's mailbox is limited or otherwise impeded from the adjacent roadway.

[0028] The present invention, in one preferred embodiment, is a mailbox with a pull-out mailbox insert designed to offer easy retrieval of delivered post, parcels, mail, packages or the like, even when it is pushed to the back or innermost section of the mailbox. The pull-out mailbox insert utilizes a rolling assembly on the bottom of the insert to conveniently slide it out from a first position within the mailbox interior when a small tab is pulled to a second extended position. Further, a series of tabs are designed to prevent the insert from being fully pulled-out from the mailbox or from sliding too far back into the mailbox. In use, the device effectively enables vehicle drivers to easily deposit the mail or packages without having to reach far out of the window and create strain on the body or for the intended recipient from having to reach into the interior confines of the mailbox, and therefore, maximizing convenience when delivering or retrieving letters and small packages from the mailbox.

[0029] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the mailbox 100 having a sliding mailbox insert in a closed condition or first position of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. More specifically, the mailbox 100 is preferably comprised of a housing 110; a pull-out mailbox insert 120 (not shown); a standing post 130; a door 140 and a flag 150. The door 140 is used to close and open the mailbox 100 in order to insert or retrieve the mail or packages and allow the insert to slide between a first and second position. The flag 150 is used to indicate a postman that the mailbox 100 has outgoing mail. When the flag 150 is placed in the up or out position, the postman should stop to pick up any outgoing mail, and further return the flag 150 to the original or down position signaling there is no longer any outgoing mail for pickup.

[0030] The housing 110 for example may have a U-shaped or semi-circular body comprising housing back wall 111, a housing left wall 112, a housing right wall 113, a housing top portion or roof 114, a housing interior portion 115, a housing floor 116, and a rear wheel tab. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 110 with the access door 140 is secured in the closed position by any suitable latching mechanism, such as a magnet, mechanical fastening latches, hooks or the like. The housing 110 of the mailbox 100 in an exemplary embodiment is substantially U-shaped body having an internal portion 115, which contains the pull-out mailbox insert 120 (not shown). However, any other shape can also be used to construct and design the housing 110 and accordingly the shape of pull-out mailbox insert 120 likely would also change. Alternatively, the pull-out insert may also have a different shape, for example a rectangular tray insert without a roof portion may be used instead of a fully semi-circular shaped insert configuration. The insert is also sized and configured to receive mail, packages and delivery parcels with the size and configuration of the insert being slightly less than the mailbox housing 110. The pull-out must meet minimum capacity requirements which measures 18.50 long5.00 wide6.00 high. It is to be appreciated that the housing 110 of the present invention can be of any size and/or shape and is not limited to the depicted illustration. The housing 110 and the pull-out mailbox insert 120 both can be constructed of metal, plastic or any other known material and is preferably from a rigid material having other desired properties such as being waterproof.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates perspective view of one embodiment of the mailbox 100 having a pull-out mailbox insert 120 of the present invention in an open and extended condition in accordance with the disclosed invention. The open and extended condition is equal to a length of less than the length or depth of the housing 110 such that the insert fits fully within the housing 110 when not in use. More specifically, the pull-out mailbox insert 120 has a front portion of mailbox insert 121, a lip 122 in the front portion of mailbox insert 121 which extends a distance that is partially up the height of the lip, an insert handle 1220 present on the lip 122, an interior portion 123, an insert floor 124, a left wall 125, a tab on left side wall of insert 1250, a right wall 126, a tab on left right wall of insert 1260, an insert top surface 128, and a rolling assembly 129.

[0032] The interior portion 123 of the pull-out mailbox insert 120 contains the mail 160 resting or deposited on the insert floor 124. The rolling assembly 129 allows the pull-out mailbox insert 120 to slide or roll generally in the longitudinal direction, on the housing floor 116 when pulled forward or pushed backwards using the insert handle 1220 present on the lip 122. The insert handle 1220 present on the lip 122 of pull-out mailbox insert 120 can be attached at any suitable position on the lip 122 and other handling mechanisms can also be adapted such as finger openings or other pull structure. Further, the left wall 125 and the right wall 126 contain tabs 1250 and 1260 to prevent the pull-out mailbox insert 120 from sliding too far inside the housing 110. When the pull-out mailbox insert 120 slides back into the housing 110, the tabs 1250 and 1260 should catch the front edges of the side walls 112 and 113 of the mailbox 110 to prevent the pull-out mailbox insert 120 from being pushed too far back in the mailbox. Alternatively, the side walls of the mailbox 120 may have spaces to catch tabs 1250 and 1260 at predetermined positions to prevent the pull-out mailbox insert 120 from being pushed too far back in the mailbox. Further, the tabs 1250 and 1260 may be made up of metal, plastic, magnet or any other material and can be of any suitable shape and size. Based on the size of the mailbox insert and the user requirements, the tabs 1250 and 1260 can be positioned on the top surface or back wall of the insert 120.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates perspective internal view of one embodiment of the mailbox 100 having a pull-out mailbox insert 120 of the present invention showing internal parts in accordance with the disclosed invention. The pull-out mailbox insert 120 comprises of the rolling assembly 129 including a set of two front wheels 1291 and a set of two rear wheels 1292, which enables the sliding of the insert 120 on the housing floor 116 and within the interior of the receptacle. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 110 further comprises of a detachable rear wheel tab 117 present on the housing floor 116. The detachable rear wheel tab 117 is designed to prevent the pull-out mailbox insert 120 from falling outside the mailbox housing 110 by providing hinderence to the motion of rear wheels 1292. The rear wheel tab 117 is placed on the housing 110, behind the position of two front wheels 1291, which facilitates the pull-out mailbox insert 120 to completely extend out of the housing 110, and therefore, maximizing the convenience of the users. Further, other suitable wheel locking mechanisms can also be used to enable the advantages of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of the mailbox 100 having a pull-out mailbox insert 120 of the present invention showing rolling assembly 129 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the pull-out mailbox insert 120 further comprises of a rolling assembly 129 designed using four wheels; two front wheels 1291 and two rear wheels 1292 which are located at the bottom portion of the insert floor 124, and which provides a rolling contact between the insert floor 124 and the housing floor. The coefficient of rolling friction is much less than the coefficient of sliding friction, and a smooth insert movement is achieved. Further, the movable mailbox insert can be in a form of a trolley or cart that rides on a plurality of rollers, and the movable trolley moves easily into and out of a mailbox. If needed, a biasing element or other stop (not shown) can be added to prevent the overextension of the trolley or cart and to facilitate the positioning of the insert back within the mailbox. The rolling assembly 129 slide on the housing floor when pulled forward or pushed backwards by a user. In an embodiment, the insert floor 124 is provided with a series of parallel ribs (not shown) thereon to prevent mail from adhering to the bottom wall as a result of rain or snow entering through the opening and with an optional pair of water drainage apertures therein for preventing water buildup thereon.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, caster wheels can be used in rolling assembly 129 as front wheels 1291 and rear wheels 1292. A caster (or castor) is an undriven, single, double, or compound wheel that is designed to be attached to the bottom of an object to enable the movement of that object. Front wheels 1291 and rear wheels 1292 can be used in various suitable sizes, and can be constructed using rubber, plastic, nylon, aluminum, or stainless steel. In an alternative embodiment, a pair of sliding assemblies or tracks may be positioned on the sides of the pull-out mailbox insert 120, and/or the housing and attached to the mailbox insert 120, to enable the mailbox insert 120 to slide partially out of the housing similar to a drawer in a cabinet.

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of the mailbox 100 having a pull-out mailbox insert 120 of the present invention showing easy access from a vehicle 170 in accordance with the disclosed structure. The mailbox 100 of the present invention enables a user to conveniently and safely retrieve mail 160 from a mailbox 100 from a vehicle 170 without having to exit the vehicle 170 or unsafely extend oneself outside the vehicle 170 window. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a vehicle driver 172 can easily retrieve or deliver mail 160 while being seated in the vehicle 170.

[0037] The pull-out mailbox insert 120 is preferably a one-piece unit integrally molded from a plastic resin such as high density polyethylene or a polypropylene and homopolymer mixture but it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it may be manufactured from other suitable materials which exhibit weather resistant qualities and the desired resiliency to permit the flexing movement. The pull-out mailbox insert 120 of the present invention can be made in a variety of sizes to conform to the various standard U.S. mailbox sizes.

[0038] The present invention discloses a mailbox 100 having a pull-out mailbox insert 120 with minimal features to reduce complexity, including no spring-loaded, and a rolling assembly 129 that is simple and slides with lower friction. The desired material for each member is a sturdy, weatherproof polymer, composite, metal, such as aluminum or steel, or plastic material that is readily useable outdoors throughout its lifetime and provides an inexpensive assembly for the user. Pre-drilled fastener locations allow the mailbox 100 to be easily installed on a mailbox post 130 or to be supported from a hook or other acceptable installation options.

[0039] Further, the mailbox insert 120 may have a set of sensors (not shown) associated therewith for detecting the presence of envelopes, parcels and the like therein. The sensors may comprise a photoelectric, motion, or mechanical sensor. Alternatively, the mailbox may be equipped with a radio frequency reader or other radio frequency functionality so that a smart phone could be scanned to gain access to the mailbox or alternatively to determine when the mailbox has received a package or mail which may be provided with a radio frequency identification tag. The mailbox insert 120 may be configured to activate an alarm when articles are detected in the mailbox insert. The alarm may take the form of an e-mail, voice mail, text message, LED or beeper alert. The sensors or reader determine whether mailbox insert 120 has been added to or is present within the mailbox insert 120. For example, such sensors can be miniature photo-electric devices that transmit a beam to a reflective tape on an opposing surface of the mailbox unit to show that something has been inserted into or removed from the mailbox.

[0040] The present invention is therefore submitted as an inexpensive means of improving access to residential mailboxes, having a slider mechanism of the present invention provides a simply constructed and readily manufacturable mailbox 100 that proves low cost, durable, convenient and of simple complexity for the user to install and maintain.

[0041] The mailbox 100 of the present invention may be installed by rural and suburban homeowners and others desiring such a product. The mailbox 100 assembly may be beneficial for the people inside vehicle, specially elderly or for those people with physical disabilities. Commercial businesses with roadside mailboxes may utilize the mailbox 100 of present invention as well. While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the mailbox 100 illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

[0042] As described throughout this specification the term mailbox is used to mean a mailbox, newspaper box, receptacle or any other similar device. Also, the terms insert, pull-out mailbox insert, extendable insert, tray, drawer, sliding tray, telescoping, or sliding insert will hold the same meaning throughout the invention as denoted by numeral 120 in Figures. The moveable pull-out mailbox insert 120 of the present invention can be incorporated into new mailbox 100 or can be sold as a kit and easily installed onto an existing mailbox 100. Finally, the moveable mailbox tray of the present invention is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and safe and easy to install and use.

[0043] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the mailbox 100 of the present invention and its various structural components can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the mailbox 100 and its various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the mailbox 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the mailbox 100 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the mailbox 100 and its components may be of any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.

[0044] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.