Adjustable insert for door mail slot

Abstract

An adjustable mail slot insert may include two top frame members connected to one another and two bottom frame members connected to one another. Each bottom frame member may include a side leg and a bottom leg. Each top frame member may include a side leg and a top leg. One top frame member may be connected to one bottom frame member and another top frame member may be connected to another bottom frame member. The insert may be adjustable in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction through movement of the frame members relative to one another.

Claims

1. An adjustable mail slot insert for insertion into a door or wall, comprising: two top mail slot insert frame members movably connected to one another, each top mail slot insert frame member comprising a side leg and a top leg; two bottom mail slot insert frame members movably connected to one another, each bottom mail slot insert frame member comprising a side leg and a bottom leg, wherein one top mail slot insert frame member is movably connected to one bottom mail slot insert frame member and another top mail slot insert frame member is movably connected to another bottom mail slot insert frame member, the door or wall defining an opening, and wherein, when inserted in the opening of the door or the wall, the insert is adjustable in a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, or the horizontal direction and the vertical direction through movement of the mail slot insert frame members relative to one another.

2. The adjustable mail slot insert as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a top adjusting member that extends between the top legs of the top frame members; a bottom adjusting member that extends between the bottom legs of the bottom frame members; a right side adjusting member that extends between the right side legs of the top frame member and the bottom frame member; and a left side adjusting member that extends between the left side legs of the top frame member and the bottom frame member.

3. The adjustable mail slot insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the side leg of one of the top mail slot insert frame members comprises a first protrusion extending therefrom; the side leg of the other top mail slot insert frame member defines a first channel therein; the side leg of one of the bottom mail slot insert frame members comprises a second protrusion extending therefrom; the side leg of the other bottom mail slot insert frame member defines a second channel therein; the first protrusion is inserted into the second channel; and the second protrusion is inserted into the first channel.

4. The adjustable mail slot insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the top leg of one of the top mail slot insert frame members defines a first channel therein; the top leg of the other top mail slot insert frame member comprises a first protrusion extending therefrom; the bottom leg of one of the bottom mail slot insert frame members comprises a second protrusion extending therefrom; the bottom leg of the other bottom mail slot insert frame member defines a second channel therein, the first protrusion is inserted into the first channel; and the second protrusion is inserted into the second channel.

5. The adjustable mail slot insert as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one brush attachment positioned on at least one of the top mail slot insert frame members and the bottom mail slot insert frame members.

6. The adjustable mail slot insert as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one brush attachment is positioned across the top mail slot insert frame members or the bottom mail slot insert frame members.

7. The adjustable mail slot insert as claimed in claim 5, wherein a brush attachment is positioned on each top mail slot insert frame member and each bottom mail slot insert frame member.

8. The adjustable mail slot insert as claimed in claim 7, wherein the brush attachments are offset relative to one another when positioned in the adjustable mail slot insert.

9. The adjustable mail slot insert as claimed in claim 5, further comprising at least one brush holder to hold the at least one brush attachment on at least one of the top mail slot insert frame members and the bottom mail slot insert frame members.

10. The adjustable mail slot insert as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one brush holder defines a channel to receive and retain the at least one brush attachment within the at least one brush holder.

11. The adjustable mail slot insert as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one brush attachment is removably positioned on at least one of the top mail slot insert frame members and the bottom mail slot insert frame members.

12. The adjustable mail slot insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable mail slot insert has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

13. The adjustable mail slot insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein a height corresponding to the vertical direction of the mail slot insert and a width corresponding to the horizontal direction of the mail slot insert of the adjustable mail slot insert are adjustable.

14. The adjustable mail slot insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top mail slot insert frame members and the bottom mail slot insert frame members are substantially L-shaped.

15. An adjustable mail slot insert, comprising: two top frame members movably connected to one another, each top frame member comprising a side leg and a top leg; two bottom frame members movably connected to one another, each bottom frame member comprising a side leg and a bottom leg; and at least one attachment positioned on at least one of the top frame members and the bottom frame members to prevent air and dust particles from entering or exiting an opening defined by the frame members, wherein one top frame member is movably connected to one bottom frame member and another top frame member is movably connected to another bottom frame member, wherein the insert is adjustable in a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, or the horizontal direction and the vertical direction through movement of the frame members relative to one another, and wherein the at least one attachment comprises at least one brush attachment.

16. An adjustable mail slot insert, comprising: two top frame members movably connected to one another, each top frame member comprising a side leg and a top leg; two bottom frame members movably connected to one another, each bottom frame member comprising a side leg and a bottom leg, wherein one top frame member is movably connected to one bottom frame member and another top frame member is movably connected to another bottom frame member, wherein the insert is adjustable in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction through movement of the frame members relative to one another, wherein the side leg of one of the top frame members comprises a first protrusion extending therefrom, the first protrusion defining a first hole configured to receive a first retaining member, wherein the side leg of the other top frame member defines a first channel therein, the first channel defining a second hole configured to receive a second retaining member, wherein the side leg of one of the bottom frame members comprises a second protrusion extending therefrom, the second protrusion defining a third hole configured to receive the second retaining member, wherein the side leg of the other bottom frame member defines a second channel therein, the second channel defining a fourth hole configured to receive the first retaining member, wherein the first protrusion is inserted into the second channel; and wherein the second protrusion is inserted into the first channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an adjustable mail slot insert in accordance with one aspect of this disclosure;

(2) FIG. 2 is a front view of the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 3 is a top view of the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 4 is a side view of the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 5 is a top view of an adjusting member used in the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 6 is a top view of another adjusting member used in the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a frame member of the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 8 is a top view of the frame member of FIG. 7;

(9) FIG. 9 is a front view of the frame member of FIG. 7;

(10) FIG. 10 is a side view of the frame member of FIG. 7;

(11) FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 1 including a brush attachment;

(12) FIG. 12 is a front view of the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 11;

(13) FIG. 13 is a side view of the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 11;

(14) FIG. 14 is a top view of a brush holder in accordance with one aspect of this disclosure;

(15) FIG. 15 is a side view of the brush holder of FIG. 14;

(16) FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an adjustable mail slot insert in accordance with another aspect of this disclosure;

(17) FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 16;

(18) FIG. 18 is a top view of the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 16;

(19) FIG. 19 is a side view of the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 16;

(20) FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a frame member of the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 16;

(21) FIG. 21 is a top view of the frame member of FIG. 20;

(22) FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of another frame member of the adjustable mail slot insert of FIG. 16;

(23) FIG. 23 is a top view of the frame member of FIG. 22; and

(24) FIG. 24 is a side view of the frame member of FIG. 22.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

(25) For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms upper, lower, right, left, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, lateral, longitudinal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary aspects of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

(26) The present disclosure is directed to, in general, a mail slot insert and, in particular, to an adjustable mail slot insert for a door. Certain preferred and non-limiting aspects of the components of the adjustable mail slot insert are illustrated in FIGS. 1-24.

(27) With reference to FIGS. 1-4, an adjustable mail slot insert 2 (hereinafter referred to as insert 2) is shown. The insert 2 is desirably adapted for use in a door of a residential home, office building, or post office. However, it is to be understood that the insert 2 may be used in various other environments, such as a window or an opening defined in a wall. The insert 2 is formed from four separate frame members, 4a-4d. In one aspect, the insert 2 may be made of plastic or a plastic-like material. It is also contemplated that the insert 2 may be made from alternative types of materials, such as metal. Although the insert 2 is shown with four frame members 4a-4d, it is to be understood that the insert 2 may be made with only two frame members. In one aspect, the four frame members 4a-4d may be substantially L-shaped so as to form a substantially rectangular insert 2. It is also contemplated that the frame members 4a-4d may form a substantially square insert. Each frame member 4a-4d may include a side leg 6a-6d, respectively. The first and second frame members 4a, 4b may also include a top leg 8a, 8b that extends substantially perpendicular to the side legs 6a, 6b. In one aspect, the side legs 6a, 6b may be shorter than the top legs 8a, 8b. The third and fourth frame members 4c, 4d may also include a bottom leg 8c, 8d that extends substantially perpendicular to the side legs 6c, 6d. In one aspect, the side legs 6c, 6d may be shorter than the bottom legs 8c, 8d.

(28) The top legs 8a, 8b may each define a channel 10a, 10b that extends from one end of the top leg 8a, 8b to an opposing end of the top leg 8a, 8b. In one aspect, one end of the channel 10a, 10b is rounded. Likewise, the bottom legs 8c, 8d may each define a channel 10c, 10d that extends from one end of the bottom leg 8c, 8d to an opposing end of the bottom leg 8c, 8d. In a similar fashion, the side legs 6a-6d may each define a channel 12a-12d.

(29) The first top leg 8a may define at least one aperture 14 configured to receive a retaining member (not shown), such as a pin, screw, or bolt. The second top leg 8b may define at least one aperture 16 configured to receive a retaining member (not shown), such as a pin, screw, or bolt. The first bottom leg 8c may define at least one aperture 18 configured to receive a retaining member (not shown), such as a pin, screw, or bolt. The second bottom leg 8d may define at least one aperture 20 configured to receive a retaining member (not shown), such as a pin, screw, or bolt. Each of the side legs 6a-6d may define at least one aperture 22a-22d, respectively, configured to receive a retaining member (not shown), such as a pin, screw, or bolt. It is to be understood, however, that more than two apertures may be defined in each of the frame members 4a-4d. It is to be understood that the apertures may also be considered or formed as elongated slots.

(30) The insert 2 may also include an upper adjusting member 24a and a lower adjusting member 24b. As shown in FIG. 5, the upper and lower adjusting members 24a, 24b may be substantially rectangular. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper adjusting member 24a may extend from the first channel 10a to the second channel 10b defined on the top legs 8a, 8b. Likewise, the lower adjusting member 24b may extend from the third channel 10c to the fourth channel 10d defined on the bottom legs 8c, 8d. The upper adjusting member 24a may define at least two apertures 26a, 26b. One aperture 26a may be positioned over the first top leg 8a. Another aperture 26b may be positioned over the second top leg 8b. The lower adjusting member 24b may also define at least two apertures 26c, 26d. One aperture 26c may be positioned over the first bottom leg 8c. Another aperture 26d may be positioned over the second bottom leg 8d. It is also contemplated that more than two apertures may be defined in each of the upper and lower adjusting members 24a, 24b.

(31) During operation of the insert 2, the aperture 26a of the upper adjusting member 24a may be positioned in line with the aperture 14 defined in the first top leg 8a. A retaining member (not shown) may be inserted through the apertures 14, 26a to hold the first top leg 8a and upper adjusting member 24a together. The retaining member may be freely slidable within the aperture 14 so as to permit the lateral or horizontal movement of the upper adjusting member 24a relative to the first top leg 8a. In a similar manner, the aperture 26b of the upper adjusting member 24a may be positioned in line with the aperture 16 defined in the second top leg 8b. A retaining member (not shown) may be inserted through the apertures 16, 26b to hold the second top leg 8b and upper adjusting member 24a together. The retaining member may be freely slidable within the aperture 16 so as to permit the lateral or horizontal movement of the upper adjusting member 24a relative to the second top leg 8b.

(32) During operation of the insert 2, the aperture 26c of the lower adjusting member 24b may be positioned in line with the aperture 18 defined in the first bottom leg 8c. A retaining member (not shown) may be inserted through the apertures 18, 26c to hold the first bottom leg 8c and the lower adjusting member 24b together. The retaining member may be freely slidable within the aperture 18 so as to permit the lateral or horizontal movement of the lower adjusting member 24b relative to the first bottom leg 8c. In a similar manner, the aperture 26d of the lower adjusting member 24b may be positioned in line with the aperture 20 of the second bottom leg 8d. A retaining member (not shown) may be inserted through the apertures 20, 26d to hold the second bottom leg 8d and the lower adjusting member 24b together. The retaining member may be freely slidable within the aperture 20 so as to permit the lateral or horizontal movement of the lower adjusting member 24b relative to the second bottom leg 8d.

(33) The insert 2 may also include at least two side adjusting members 28a, 28b. As shown in FIG. 6, the side adjusting members 28a, 28b may be substantially rectangular with rounded ends. As shown in FIG. 1, a right side adjusting member 28a may extend from one side leg 6b to an opposing side leg 6c. A left side adjusting member 28b may extend from one side leg 6a to an opposing side leg 6d. Each side adjusting member 28a, 28b may define at least two apertures 30a-30d. It is also contemplated, however, that additional apertures may be defined in the right and left side adjusting members 28a, 28b.

(34) During operation of the insert 2, the apertures 30a, 30b on the right side adjusting member 28a may be positioned above the apertures 22b, 22c, respectively, of the right side legs 6b, 6c. A retaining member (not shown) may be inserted through the apertures 30a, 30b and the apertures 22b, 22c, respectively, to retain or hold the right side adjusting member 28a in channels 12b, 12c. The apertures 30c, 30d of the left side adjusting member 28b may be positioned above the apertures 22d, 22a, respectively, of the left side legs 6a, 6d. A retaining member (not shown) may be inserted through the apertures 30c, 30d and the apertures 22d, 22a, respectively, to retain or hold the left side adjusting member 28b in channels 12a, 12d. The retaining member may be a pin, screw, bolt, or any other similar member configured to hold two objects together.

(35) As explained with reference to FIGS. 11-15, the insert 2 may also include at least two brush attachments 32a, 32b. It is also contemplated that additional or fewer brush attachments may be used with the insert 2. In one aspect, the brush attachments 32a, 32b may be attachments consisting of bristles, hair, or wire held in a body, which permit objects to be cleaned or dusted or prevent air and dust particles from entering or exiting a building. The brush attachments 32a, 32b are held in the insert 2 using brush holders 34a, 34b that are attached to the insert 2. In particular, a first brush holder 34a may be attached to the top legs 8a, 8b of the insert 2. As shown in FIG. 14, the first brush holder 34a may include apertures 40a, 40b that line up with the apertures 14, 16 of the top legs 8a, 8b of the insert 2 and the apertures 26a, 26b of the top adjusting member 24a. In this configuration, a retaining member (not shown) may be inserted through the apertures to hold all of the components together. A second brush holder 34b may be attached to the bottom legs 8c, 8d of the insert 2. The second brush holder 34b may also include apertures that line up with the apertures 18, 20 of the bottom legs 8c, 8d of the insert 2 and the apertures 26c, 26d of the bottom adjusting member 24b. A retaining member (not shown) may be inserted through the apertures to hold all of the components together.

(36) The brush attachments 32a, 32b may be removably inserted into a channel 38 on the brush holders 34a, 34b. By removably inserting the brush attachments 32a, 32b into the channel 38, the brush attachments 32a, 32b may be later removed for cleaning, repair, or replacement. When the brush attachments 32a, 32b are inserted into the brush holders 34a, 34b and properly positioned in the insert 2, the brush attachments 32a, 32b extend into a cavity 36 defined by the insert 2 that passes through the insert 2. The cavity 36 enables objects to be passed through the insert 2.

(37) A method of using the insert 2 is now described with reference to FIG. 1. The insert 2 is configured for use in any type of door, wall, or window, regardless of the dimensions of the mail slot (not shown) that is defined in the door, wall, or window. The insert 2 may be adjusted to fit the size of the mail slot defined in the door, wall, or window. During use of the insert 2, the insert 2 is placed in the mail slot before adjustment of the insert 2. The insert 2 is configured to be adjustable in a vertical and/or a horizontal direction so that the height and width of the insert 2 may be adjusted to the height and width of the mail slot. After the insert 2 has been provided in the mail slot, an individual may move the top legs 8a, 8b relative to one another and the bottom legs 8c, 8d relative to one another. The top and bottoms legs 8a-8d may be moved in a horizontal or lateral direction so as to shorten or lengthen the width of the insert 2. In this manner, the width of the insert 2 may be adjusted to match the width of the mail slot. During this operation, the top adjusting member 24a may slide within the channels 10a, 10b of the top legs 8a, 8b. Likewise, the bottom adjusting member 24b may slide within the channels 10c, 10d of the bottom legs 8c, 8d. After the top and bottom legs 8a-8d have been adjusted to the desired width and position, retaining members may be inserted through the apertures 14 and 26a and the apertures 16 and 26b to lock or hold the adjusting member 24a in place. Likewise, retaining members may be inserted through the apertures 18 and 26c and the apertures 20 and 26d to lock or hold the adjusting member 24b in place.

(38) In a similar manner, the height of the insert 2 may be adjusted according to the height of the mail slot. The right side legs 6b, 6c may be moved relative to one another in a vertical direction so as to shorten or lengthen the height of the insert 2. Likewise, the left side legs 6a, 6d may be moved relative to one another in a vertical direction so as to shorten or lengthen the height of the insert 2. During this operation, the right side adjusting member 28a may slide within the channels 12b, 12c of the right side legs 6b, 6c. In a similar manner, the left side adjusting member 28b may slide within the channels 12a, 12d of the left side legs 6a, 6d. After the side legs 6a-6d have been adjusted to the desired height and position, retaining members may be inserted through the apertures 22b and 30a and the apertures 22c and 30b to hold or retain the right side adjusting member 28a in place. Likewise, retaining members may be inserted through the apertures 22a and 30d and the apertures 22d and 30c to hold or retain the left side adjusting member 28b in place.

(39) By adjusting the height and width of the insert 2, the insert 2 may be used in any type of door, wall, or window. Regardless of the size of the mail slot, the insert 2 may be adjusted to fit within the mail slot. Therefore, the dimensions of the insert 2 may be enlarged or shortened to fit within the mail slot. By adjusting the insert 2 to fit in the mail slot, any air gaps formed between the insert 2 and the mail slot are eliminated. Therefore, cold and/or hot air is prevented from entering the building through any air gaps between the insert 2 and the mail slot, which air gaps may be formed when the insert 2 is not properly dimensioned to the size of the mail slot. It is also contemplated that the insert 2 may include a hinged door or lid that would block either the front side of the insert 2, the rear side of the insert 2, or both the front and rear sides of the insert 2 so that air is prevented from passing through the cavity 36 of the insert 2 unless the hinged door or lid is opened.

(40) With reference to FIGS. 16-24, another aspect of an adjustable mail slot insert 100 (hereinafter referred to as the insert 100) is described. The insert 100 shown in FIGS. 16-24 is similar to the insert 2 shown in FIGS. 1-15 but includes several differences that are described below. The method of use of the insert 100 is also similar to the method of use of the insert 2, with a few differences that are described below. The insert 100 is desirably adapted for use in a door of a residential home, office building, or post office. However, it is to be understood that the insert 100 may be used in various other environments, such as a window or an opening defined in a wall. The insert 100 is formed from four separate frame members, 102a-102d. In one aspect, the insert 100 may be made of plastic or a plastic-like material. It is also contemplated that the insert 100 may be made from alternative types of materials, such as metal.

(41) In one aspect, the four frame members 102a-102d may be substantially L-shaped so as to form a substantially rectangular insert 100. It is also contemplated that the frame members 102a-102d may form a substantially square insert. Each frame member 102a-102d may include a side leg 104a-104d, respectively. The first and second frame members 102a, 102b may also include a top leg 106a, 106b that extends substantially perpendicular to the side legs 104a, 104b. In one aspect, the side legs 104a, 104b may be shorter than the top legs 106a, 106b. The third and fourth frame members 102c, 102d may also include a bottom leg 106c, 106d that extends substantially perpendicular to the side legs 104c, 104d. In one aspect, the side legs 104c, 104d may be shorter than the bottom legs 106c, 106d.

(42) As shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 22-24, the top leg 106a and the bottom leg 106c may each include a protrusion 108a, 108c that defines a channel 110a, 110c. As shown in FIGS. 17, 18, 20, and 21, the top leg 106b and the bottom leg 106d may each include a corresponding protrusion 108b, 108d that may be received within the channels 110a, 110c defined by the top leg 106a and the bottom leg 106c, respectively. In a similar fashion, the side legs 104b, 104d of the frame members 102b, 102d may each define a channel 112b, 112d. The side legs 104a, 104c of the frame members 102a, 102c may include a protrusion 114a, 114c that is received within the channels 112b, 112d.

(43) The frame members 102a-102d may be adjusted in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction to adjust the size and dimensions of the insert 100. The top frame members 102a, 102b and the bottom frame members 102c, 102d may be moved towards or away from one another in a horizontal direction to adjust the width of the insert 100. As the frame members 102a-102d are moved relative to one another, the protrusions 108b, 108d on the frame members 102b, 102d are moved within the channels 110a, 110c of the frame members 102a, 102c. Once the desired width has been obtained, a securing member (not shown), such as a bolt, screw, or rod, may be inserted through holes 116b, 116d defined in the protrusions 108b, 108d and into holes 116a, 116c defined in the channels 110a, 110c. In a similar fashion, the top frame members 102a, 102b and the bottom frame members 102c, 102d may be moved towards or away from one another in a vertical direction to adjust the height of the insert 100. As the frame members 102a-102d are moved relative to one another, the protrusions 114a, 1114c on the frame members 102a, 102c may be moved within the channels 112b, 112d of the frame members 102b, 102d. Once the desired height has been obtained, a securing member (not shown), such as a bolt, screw, or rod, may be inserted through holes 118a, 118c defined in the protrusions 114a, 114c and into holes 118b, 118d defined in the channels 112b, 112d. This aspect of the insert 100 does not require adjusting members to adjust the dimensions of the insert 100.

(44) According to this aspect of the insert 100, a plurality of brush attachments 120a-120d may be provided within the insert 100. A brush attachment 120a-120d may be provided on each frame member 102a-102d. Each brush attachment 120a-120d may be held by a brush holder 122a-122d that are connected to each respective frame member 102a-102d. The brush holders 122a-122d are similar to the brush holders 34a, 34b used in the insert 2. In one aspect, the brush attachments 120a-120d may be positioned in the insert 100 so as to be offset from one another to create a staggered arrangement of brush attachments 120a-120d in the insert 100. The brush attachments 120a-120d may be removably inserted into the brush holders 122a-122d. By removably inserting the brush attachments 120a-120d into the brush holders 122a-122d, the brush attachments 120a-120d may be later removed for cleaning, repair, or replacement. When the brush attachments 120a-120d are inserted into the brush holders 122a-122d and properly positioned in the insert 100, the brush attachments 120a-120d extend into a cavity defined by the insert 100 that passes through the insert 100. The cavity enables objects to be passed through the insert 100.

(45) While various aspects of the adjustable mail slot insert were provided in the foregoing description, those skilled in the art may make modifications and alterations to these aspects without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, it is to be understood that this disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any aspect can be combined with one or more features of the any other aspect. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention described hereinabove is defined by the appended claims and all changes to the invention that fall within the meaning and the range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.